Hey All,
I almost forgot to blog about the news we received before coming to TX. Our family is growing. We will soon receive into our family another daughter. No, I am not pregnant ... smile but I am excited to share with you that our son Adam is engaged to a beautiful young women, who then becomes our daughter ( I don't really think in terms of in-laws). This is how to grow a family when you are 57 years young.
I am so excited to see this relationship between Adam and Renee grow to where they are so in love with the Lord and each other.
You see this is the way I have prayed for my children for years. That God would allow them to meet just the right person He has intended for them. I have seen amazing growth in my son Adam and my future daughter Renee in the last year! They have been wholeheartedly dependent on God through the many hardships their lives have taken through treatment at Teen Challenge. I have never seen a partner so committed to someone quite like Renee and I am happy to see, no matter how hard the last year has been for them that God has carried them through together and I look forward to all God has in store for them in the future.
Continuing to rejoice in the fact that "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John verse 4
In His Arms again and again, B.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Monday, April 06, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
evening pages
On Sunday of last week I asked the children's prayer team to pray for me because as my Pastor said that morning I had a desire for "the real gospel to provide transformational change in the believer" me of course, being the believer he was speaking of.
I then e-mailed a friend to let her know that I was turning off the TV from Monday-Friday. I told her about my decision to turn off the TV and about how I had asked my kids to pray for me ... then I told my friend I was going on vacation and was looking for some books to read in addition to the Word, as this friend believes in reading, living, and applying the gospel first before extra circular reading. I also knew that I wanted to be in the word more and wanted to grow in the word more .... so might I just add that I wholeheartedly agree with this position to prioritize the reading of the Word of God first!
When I met up with her after work last Tuesday she asked what type of reading I was looking for ... "something good for my heart, my mind, or my hands?" I said I was not sure so ... she recommended one book saying she might be using it this summer to pour into her leaders. (something she does very well by the way). The book Humility by C.J. Mahaney. Then she handed me another book Crazy Love by Fancis Chan and said she had not read it but had heard it was good ... she said I could borrow it but not mark it up ... she knows me every so well!
So then I am about to walk out of her office door when she stops me to say," Oh I have this book too ... I've read most of it she says" ... I took one look at the title and said I'll take it too ... the title Worldliness, Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World, edited by C. J. Mahaney.
Just to give you a glimpse into this last book which is the one I choose to read first ... The entire book is based on one Bible verse that is indeed in your Bible too
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:13
Can I just prompt you to pick up the book and read it too ... it has become an answer to the children's prayer for God to allow transformational change in my life. I am so excited at what the Lord has done this past week both through the word and the reading of this book and others provided to me from my friend ...
In His Arms reading His Word and books written by and for His people ... B.
evening pages
On Sunday of last week I asked the children's prayer team to pray for me because as my Pastor said that morning I had a desire for "the real gospel to provide transformational change in the believer" me of course, being the believer he was speaking of.
I then e-mailed a friend to let her know that I was turning off the TV from Monday-Friday. I told her about my decision to turn off the TV and about how I had asked my kids to pray for me ... then I told my friend I was going on vacation and was looking for some books to read in addition to the Word, as this friend believes in reading, living, and applying the gospel first before extra circular reading. I also knew that I wanted to be in the word more and wanted to grow in the word more .... so might I just add that I wholeheartedly agree with this position to prioritize the reading of the Word of God first!
When I met up with her after work last Tuesday she asked what type of reading I was looking for ... "something good for my heart, my mind, or my hands?" I said I was not sure so ... she recommended one book saying she might be using it this summer to pour into her leaders. (something she does very well by the way). The book Humility by C.J. Mahaney. Then she handed me another book Crazy Love by Fancis Chan and said she had not read it but had heard it was good ... she said I could borrow it but not mark it up ... she knows me every so well!
So then I am about to walk out of her office door when she stops me to say," Oh I have this book too ... I've read most of it she says" ... I took one look at the title and said I'll take it too ... the title Worldliness, Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World, edited by C. J. Mahaney.
Just to give you a glimpse into this last book which is the one I choose to read first ... The entire book is based on one Bible verse that is indeed in your Bible too
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:13
Can I just prompt you to pick up the book and read it too ... it has become an answer to the children's prayer for God to allow transformational change in my life. I am so excited at what the Lord has done this past week both through the word and the reading of this book and others provided to me from my friend ...
In His Arms reading His Word and books written by and for His people ... B.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday Morning Pages
One early spring day I went to visit Corrie ten Boom, survivor of the Nazi Holocaust who shared her story in The Hiding Place. In her latter years, she lived in Southern California. My friends and I were able to help Pam, her companion, learn basic things about Corrie's disability and her wheelchair. after our short training session, we sat in Corrie's backyard, admiring her early spring flowers and enjoying the warm sun on our backs.
The day was filled with activity, yet relaxed and slow paced. After we enjoyed the flowers, we went into the kitchen for tea and chocolates. After tea we read the Bible and prayed. Then we retired to the parlor and talked. I was amazed how quickly the day flew by, yet how peaceful and stress free it seemed. Pam explained. "Tante Corrie and I never do lots of things at once. We don't sit outside, read, and enjoy tea and chocolates. We space everything out so we can truly appreciate the individual pleasures of each activity." That day I witnessed the glory of God in watching spring flowers bob in the breeze ... in savoring the taste of dark chocolate ... in smelling the fragrance of Earl Grey tea ... in listening to an elderly saint pray ... and of discovering new insights in God's Word. All because I lived the day at Corrie's pace.
Someone has pushed the fast-forward button on our days. As the microwave heats our morning danish, we pay bills online, listen for the chime on the dryer, all the while eavesdropping on Dr. Dobson on Christian radio. Little wonder we feel stressed out. Galatians 5:25 says, "Let us keep in step with the Spirit." Often the Spirit takes very slow steps. Push the pause button, and find a way you can slow down today. Enjoy God's glory in every small thing.
Spirit of Christ, help me to keep in step with you today and not run ahead.
taken from Pearls of Great Price by Joni Eareckson Tada
Hope this blesses you as much as it did me this morning ... In His Arms, B.
One early spring day I went to visit Corrie ten Boom, survivor of the Nazi Holocaust who shared her story in The Hiding Place. In her latter years, she lived in Southern California. My friends and I were able to help Pam, her companion, learn basic things about Corrie's disability and her wheelchair. after our short training session, we sat in Corrie's backyard, admiring her early spring flowers and enjoying the warm sun on our backs.
The day was filled with activity, yet relaxed and slow paced. After we enjoyed the flowers, we went into the kitchen for tea and chocolates. After tea we read the Bible and prayed. Then we retired to the parlor and talked. I was amazed how quickly the day flew by, yet how peaceful and stress free it seemed. Pam explained. "Tante Corrie and I never do lots of things at once. We don't sit outside, read, and enjoy tea and chocolates. We space everything out so we can truly appreciate the individual pleasures of each activity." That day I witnessed the glory of God in watching spring flowers bob in the breeze ... in savoring the taste of dark chocolate ... in smelling the fragrance of Earl Grey tea ... in listening to an elderly saint pray ... and of discovering new insights in God's Word. All because I lived the day at Corrie's pace.
Someone has pushed the fast-forward button on our days. As the microwave heats our morning danish, we pay bills online, listen for the chime on the dryer, all the while eavesdropping on Dr. Dobson on Christian radio. Little wonder we feel stressed out. Galatians 5:25 says, "Let us keep in step with the Spirit." Often the Spirit takes very slow steps. Push the pause button, and find a way you can slow down today. Enjoy God's glory in every small thing.
Spirit of Christ, help me to keep in step with you today and not run ahead.
taken from Pearls of Great Price by Joni Eareckson Tada
Hope this blesses you as much as it did me this morning ... In His Arms, B.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Love Sunday
Sunday Afternoon
March 15, 2009
I am well overdue for a Love Sunday post so .... having said this I will just begin with the fact that I do indeed Love Sundays! This past week I was given an amazing challenge to think about Sunday, the Sabbath, a day of rest. What does that look like for me? What about for you? Is it the day it is truly meant to be. Has God not commanded in His Word to "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy"? (Exodus 20.8) What does it mean to keep this day Holy? Is it just like any other day when I can lay around and read the Sunday newspaper, shop at the mall, go to a movie or sit for hours on end and watch TV? I read on today in Exodus 20 and God says that "Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy".
It seems as I read more about this I found myself further missing the mark of "Keeping the day Holy." What does it mean to have a day of rest dedicated to the Lord? And what about "set it apart"? How does my Sabbath look any different than the other six days? Oh and how about yours?
Then as I was writing this today as I work (serve) at the desk of New Hope Church on a Sunday I asked a co-worker hey you work on Sunday what does the Sabbath mean to you and what is your Sabbath like? He proceeded to share with me that since Sunday is his work day he takes Monday as his Sabbath. He said that he loves to sleep a bit later on Mondays (his Sabbath day) and catch up on some rest that he has missed out on in the previous six days. He states he wakes up and grabs his Bible and his Journal along with a couple of books he is working his way through right now, Death by Love and a Piper book. He likes to just spend extra time in the word and currently he is reading through Romans 12. (this happens to be one of my favorite passages of scripture as it is a powerful personal prayer).
I loved that even in thinking about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy has spurred on a deeper conversation with others about what it means.
March 15, 2009
I am well overdue for a Love Sunday post so .... having said this I will just begin with the fact that I do indeed Love Sundays! This past week I was given an amazing challenge to think about Sunday, the Sabbath, a day of rest. What does that look like for me? What about for you? Is it the day it is truly meant to be. Has God not commanded in His Word to "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy"? (Exodus 20.8) What does it mean to keep this day Holy? Is it just like any other day when I can lay around and read the Sunday newspaper, shop at the mall, go to a movie or sit for hours on end and watch TV? I read on today in Exodus 20 and God says that "Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy".
It seems as I read more about this I found myself further missing the mark of "Keeping the day Holy." What does it mean to have a day of rest dedicated to the Lord? And what about "set it apart"? How does my Sabbath look any different than the other six days? Oh and how about yours?
Then as I was writing this today as I work (serve) at the desk of New Hope Church on a Sunday I asked a co-worker hey you work on Sunday what does the Sabbath mean to you and what is your Sabbath like? He proceeded to share with me that since Sunday is his work day he takes Monday as his Sabbath. He said that he loves to sleep a bit later on Mondays (his Sabbath day) and catch up on some rest that he has missed out on in the previous six days. He states he wakes up and grabs his Bible and his Journal along with a couple of books he is working his way through right now, Death by Love and a Piper book. He likes to just spend extra time in the word and currently he is reading through Romans 12. (this happens to be one of my favorite passages of scripture as it is a powerful personal prayer).
I loved that even in thinking about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy has spurred on a deeper conversation with others about what it means.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
evening pages
Wow! Tonight I am a grandmother for the 3rd time and this time for the first time I saw the birth. As Kelley went through labor and delivery she was amazingly strong. Thank you Lord for this miracle of new life! Thank you that You have made all In Your Image. Prudence Catherine , weighing in at 8lbs, 4oz and 20 and 1/2 inches long born at 6:17 pm you are truly beautiful! I will have no greater Joy than to see you one day walking in the truth! I praise God from whom all blessings flow!
evening pages
Wow! Tonight I am a grandmother for the 3rd time and this time for the first time I saw the birth. As Kelley went through labor and delivery she was amazingly strong. Thank you Lord for this miracle of new life! Thank you that You have made all In Your Image. Prudence Catherine , weighing in at 8lbs, 4oz and 20 and 1/2 inches long born at 6:17 pm you are truly beautiful! I will have no greater Joy than to see you one day walking in the truth! I praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 28, 2008
morning pages
Thank you Father for the verses of focus for 2009. Thank you for confirming these in my heart!
"Teach, me, O Lord to follow every one of Your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your decrees; Do not inflict me with love for money (selfishness)! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your word. Reassure me of Your promise, which is for those who honor you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; Your laws are all I want in life. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness."
Psalm 119:33-40
The greatest intention I have found myself to practice so far this year is that I now have a
Time, Place, and a Plan
for both the reading of the word and prayer and it shall not be moved. And although I have not blogged regularly I have journaled daily!
Constantly remaining In His Arms, B.
morning pages
Thank you Father for the verses of focus for 2009. Thank you for confirming these in my heart!
"Teach, me, O Lord to follow every one of Your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your decrees; Do not inflict me with love for money (selfishness)! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your word. Reassure me of Your promise, which is for those who honor you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; Your laws are all I want in life. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness."
Psalm 119:33-40
The greatest intention I have found myself to practice so far this year is that I now have a
Time, Place, and a Plan
for both the reading of the word and prayer and it shall not be moved. And although I have not blogged regularly I have journaled daily!
Constantly remaining In His Arms, B.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Thursday January 1, 2009
I am not up for resolutions but I do like to have intentions ... so
I intend on being in the Word daily!
I intend on praying often!
I intend on writing more!
I intend on communicating well and often with friends here and in Peru!
I intend on reading what I want to read not what I have to read daily!
I intend on walking on the treadmill at least 3 times per week!
I intend on learning to cook gluten-free!
I intend on learning Spanish! (thanks to a gift from Lisa)
I intend on selecting some verses of focus from God's word for the new year! (more on this soon)
I intend on spending time in special devotionals and books that I have selected and have put aside in the kitchen where I have my quiet time!
Finding myself In His Arms again and again! B.
I am not up for resolutions but I do like to have intentions ... so
I intend on being in the Word daily!
I intend on praying often!
I intend on writing more!
I intend on communicating well and often with friends here and in Peru!
I intend on reading what I want to read not what I have to read daily!
I intend on walking on the treadmill at least 3 times per week!
I intend on learning to cook gluten-free!
I intend on learning Spanish! (thanks to a gift from Lisa)
I intend on selecting some verses of focus from God's word for the new year! (more on this soon)
I intend on spending time in special devotionals and books that I have selected and have put aside in the kitchen where I have my quiet time!
Finding myself In His Arms again and again! B.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Day Personal Devotional Thoughts
Christmas Day
December 25, 2008
morning pages
ponder; to weigh in the mind; to consider carefully
treasure; to keep as precious; something of great value
As I have focused my study these past 25 days on the Christmas Story in Luke Chapter 2 I have thought deeply about the word "ponder" as it states in the NIV and the ESV and the word "treasure" in the NLT. What does it mean to ponder and do I take the time to ponder? And what about treasure ... what do I treasure, keep at precious and think of as great value. Well after time, thought and deliberation, I have found that I do indeed love to be able to take the time to ponder God's words. I like to study, and come up with questions regarding the scriptures. I often can not answer the questions myself, but I love that I can go to Terry and Andrea who usually have an explanation for what I am unsure of. Recently, while reading the story in Luke 2:9b I began to think, what does the radiance of the Lord's glory look like? For this question, I had some thoughts that others, who are fully and totally in love with Jesus, display this radiance. But I believe it is more than this, yet I am just not sure. Because of my uncertainty, I will ask. Yesterday, when I read through the story the word that struck me was "ran" in Luke 2:16 NLT.
I like to think, that I too, am like the shepherds, and that I "run" to Jesus, not just on the day of his birth, but daily and often during the day. My prayer today is that you, the reader and I the writer, will daily and often during each day run to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good day and night!~ In His Arms, beth
December 25, 2008
morning pages
ponder; to weigh in the mind; to consider carefully
treasure; to keep as precious; something of great value
As I have focused my study these past 25 days on the Christmas Story in Luke Chapter 2 I have thought deeply about the word "ponder" as it states in the NIV and the ESV and the word "treasure" in the NLT. What does it mean to ponder and do I take the time to ponder? And what about treasure ... what do I treasure, keep at precious and think of as great value. Well after time, thought and deliberation, I have found that I do indeed love to be able to take the time to ponder God's words. I like to study, and come up with questions regarding the scriptures. I often can not answer the questions myself, but I love that I can go to Terry and Andrea who usually have an explanation for what I am unsure of. Recently, while reading the story in Luke 2:9b I began to think, what does the radiance of the Lord's glory look like? For this question, I had some thoughts that others, who are fully and totally in love with Jesus, display this radiance. But I believe it is more than this, yet I am just not sure. Because of my uncertainty, I will ask. Yesterday, when I read through the story the word that struck me was "ran" in Luke 2:16 NLT.
I like to think, that I too, am like the shepherds, and that I "run" to Jesus, not just on the day of his birth, but daily and often during the day. My prayer today is that you, the reader and I the writer, will daily and often during each day run to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good day and night!~ In His Arms, beth
Christmas Day 2008
Even though this photo display took some time to enter into the blog I know it is well worth it for Carrie and Jacob and of course our sweet Annika to see ....
We miss you more this Christmas and we love you more this Christmas ... Wishing you were here.
"How does one photoshop those cousins who were not with us into this photo anyway?""It always begins with Luke Chapter Two."
"Leg Warmers, Yeah ... I love them!"
"Voted, Best Gift ESV Bible to Adam from Ashley"
"Do you really have to wake me up just to open gifts?"
"OK so I'm not in the PGA but I will be dry on my way to and from work!"
"How does this work anyway?"
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