Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries has written Made to Crave: Satisfying your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food. You can read about it here or go to her blog www.lysaterkeurst.com.
With God speaking to my heart this year on Psalm 63:5 "You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.", this book sounds like it will speak straight to my heart.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
In over my head
"When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end -- Because I am God, your personal God." (Isaiah 43:2-3a THE MESSAGE)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Dad and Christmas
I really have a difficult time separating my dad and Christmas. He loved Christmastime. It was truly the time of year he designated for family and he made the most of it. While many will not understand most of these memories, this poem that my mom wrote brought me to tears.
Memories of Father
In our home it seemed "father" made Christmas!
He purchased our huge Christmas tree.
Our decorations went up once his turkey went down!
Holiday videos would take two months to see!
Gifts were given for his Christmas Village.
Three Brittanys were gifts on his part.
He was Santa with candy for grandkids
Cedar Point and "The Farm" showed his heart.
Shiny garland he changed to look natural.
Chi-Chis and Shakeys made eating-out great!
But putting cash into new Christmas wallets?
Now... that was more than "Santa" could take!
He made our wooden stable so the grandkids
Could use the manger to do the Christmas play.
And "Come On Ring Those Bells" was the music
We'd hear first thing on Christmas Day.
Our dad knew the "True Father" of Christmas.
He trusted God's One and Only Son
As Forgiver, Comforter, Listener, Friend
Then his walk through this valley was done.
It's God our Father who truly made Christmas.
He made heaven and earth and each One.
God sent forgiveness and love in a manger
And one day... again, He will come!
"Wherefore, Comfort one another with these words..."
We enjoy reminiscing about how "Santa" gave us wallets one Christmas and mom came around telling each of us that we would find cash in the wallets and we were not able to keep the cash. Dad was about to have a heart attack about the amount of money spent by "Santa" that Christmas and he didn’t even know about the cash that was put in the wallets.
While I struggle with separating dad from Christmas, I truly treasure how special he made the holiday. After 3 years, I still miss my dad so much that my heart twists. And yet, I know there is so much more to live for. Hoping you have a very Merry Christmas!
Memories of Father
In our home it seemed "father" made Christmas!
He purchased our huge Christmas tree.
Our decorations went up once his turkey went down!
Holiday videos would take two months to see!
Gifts were given for his Christmas Village.
Three Brittanys were gifts on his part.
He was Santa with candy for grandkids
Cedar Point and "The Farm" showed his heart.
Shiny garland he changed to look natural.
Chi-Chis and Shakeys made eating-out great!
But putting cash into new Christmas wallets?
Now... that was more than "Santa" could take!
He made our wooden stable so the grandkids
Could use the manger to do the Christmas play.
And "Come On Ring Those Bells" was the music
We'd hear first thing on Christmas Day.
Our dad knew the "True Father" of Christmas.
He trusted God's One and Only Son
As Forgiver, Comforter, Listener, Friend
Then his walk through this valley was done.
It's God our Father who truly made Christmas.
He made heaven and earth and each One.
God sent forgiveness and love in a manger
And one day... again, He will come!
"Wherefore, Comfort one another with these words..."
We enjoy reminiscing about how "Santa" gave us wallets one Christmas and mom came around telling each of us that we would find cash in the wallets and we were not able to keep the cash. Dad was about to have a heart attack about the amount of money spent by "Santa" that Christmas and he didn’t even know about the cash that was put in the wallets.
While I struggle with separating dad from Christmas, I truly treasure how special he made the holiday. After 3 years, I still miss my dad so much that my heart twists. And yet, I know there is so much more to live for. Hoping you have a very Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A Social Network Christmas
This was played at church this morning. I loved the way it was told in today's Facebook fashion. The Christmas story has really grabbed a hold of my heart this year once again. Mainly, the way Mary and Joseph were judged and shunned and the fact that if I were there in that day, I probably would have been in the group judging and shunning them. Which is sad. God does not always work the way we believe he should. As my Pastor stated this morning, "The God whose mind and hands created the earth came to earth with the mind and hands of a human baby." Truly amazing. And He did it out of His love for you and me. Take a minute to hear the Christmas story in a new way.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Be Encouraged
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to view the newest of the Narnia movies, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. While there was much to enjoy about the movie, one part of the storyline, in particular, stood out to me. Lucy desires to be beautiful. As most females in the human race, Lucy does not see herself for who she is but longs to be someone else. I can totally relate to this feeling. I am always wishing and hoping for something. I cannot tell you the amount of times I look at someone else’s life and feel like less than my best because I find myself desiring part of their life. Whether it is something about their appearance I wish I could change about my own or I dream about having the talents God has given them or even find myself coveting one of the characteristics they portray, I find myself not so content with who I am.
When it comes to our self-worth, I think all women could use a bit of encouragement. The truth is that we all have our secret pains and feelings of loneliness and unacceptance. We all have those moments where we feel lost and alone in this great big world and our hearts cry out for just one friend who can make us feel important and desired and needed.
We all know Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. Christmas is our constant reminder that we always have at least one person who is on our side. It’s a good reminder that Christ came into the world for me. Christ came into the world for you. The whole reason for Christmas was God’s love for us.
But do you really have any idea just how often God thinks about you? And not just thinks about you but loves you and cares for you, knows you and desires you? I found over 60 verses that shout our value in God. This Christmas, my desire is that you will know your worth to God. Every time you hear the Christmas story of how God came to earth as a baby, remember that He did that for you.
Another phrase from the Narnia movie was "extraordinary things happen to extraordinary people". You are extraordinary to God.
BE ENCOURAGED
by Tristi N. Carlson 12/11/2010
God knew all about you
before you were even born
It was in His very image
that you were molded and formed
Wonderfully complex you were knit
and woven together with His care
And on your very head he knows
the number of each and every little hair
He loved you first; He wants you;
you are chosen precious in His sight
You are His masterpiece; His heir;
His dear child in whom He delights
He knows the secrets of your heart
Has good plans for you and sets you apart
He knows your every thought
and you bring Him great pleasure still
God bought you with a price at Calvary;
He sees you as valuable
United with Christ we’ve been made righteous;
God places His hand of blessing on your head
We’ve been set free; made right with God;
when for our benefit Christ was raised from the dead
You are now a new creation;
no longer slave but friend
God’s love for you is amazing;
inseparable and without end
In Christ, you’ve been made pure and holy;
blameless and complete
He’s given you a spirit of power and love
to help you live without defeat
You were adopted into His family
and He made your heart His home
You are a citizen of His kingdom
and He’ll never leave you alone
As a bridegroom rejoices over His bride
your God rejoices over you
You are God’s holy temple; His residence;
He is with you in all that you do
God understands you fully;
He offers unfailing love and faithfulness
He hears your every little sigh
and wants to give you comfort, peace and rest
When life gets overwhelming,
remember Christ pleads for us at God’s right hand
Be encouraged in knowing God’s thoughts about you
outnumber all the grains of sand
(Psalm 139:17; Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 139:13-16; Psalm 147:11; Romans 5:19; Romans 6:6-7, 14, 22; Romans 8:2; Romans 8:16; Romans 8:17; Romans 8:31,34-35, 38-39; Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 1:2,30; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalm 33:15; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Psalm 44:21; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:11; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:21; Ephesians 3:17; Isaiah 46:3-4; Isaiah 51:12; Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 1:22; Colossians 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 2:10; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 5:4; John 15:15; John 15:12-13; Isaiah 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 22:9-10; Jeremiah 29:11; Genesis 1:27; Matthew 6:25-27; Matthew 12:9-12; Luke 12:6-7; Matthew 6:28-30; Luke 12:22-28; Proverbs 3:12; Matthew 10:29-31; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:27-28; Psalm 38:9; John 3:16-17; John 10:11; John 10:14, 27-28; Psalm 117:2; John 14:1-4; John 15:16; Colossians 2:10)
When it comes to our self-worth, I think all women could use a bit of encouragement. The truth is that we all have our secret pains and feelings of loneliness and unacceptance. We all have those moments where we feel lost and alone in this great big world and our hearts cry out for just one friend who can make us feel important and desired and needed.
We all know Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. Christmas is our constant reminder that we always have at least one person who is on our side. It’s a good reminder that Christ came into the world for me. Christ came into the world for you. The whole reason for Christmas was God’s love for us.
But do you really have any idea just how often God thinks about you? And not just thinks about you but loves you and cares for you, knows you and desires you? I found over 60 verses that shout our value in God. This Christmas, my desire is that you will know your worth to God. Every time you hear the Christmas story of how God came to earth as a baby, remember that He did that for you.
Another phrase from the Narnia movie was "extraordinary things happen to extraordinary people". You are extraordinary to God.
BE ENCOURAGED
by Tristi N. Carlson 12/11/2010
God knew all about you
before you were even born
It was in His very image
that you were molded and formed
Wonderfully complex you were knit
and woven together with His care
And on your very head he knows
the number of each and every little hair
He loved you first; He wants you;
you are chosen precious in His sight
You are His masterpiece; His heir;
His dear child in whom He delights
He knows the secrets of your heart
Has good plans for you and sets you apart
He knows your every thought
and you bring Him great pleasure still
God bought you with a price at Calvary;
He sees you as valuable
United with Christ we’ve been made righteous;
God places His hand of blessing on your head
We’ve been set free; made right with God;
when for our benefit Christ was raised from the dead
You are now a new creation;
no longer slave but friend
God’s love for you is amazing;
inseparable and without end
In Christ, you’ve been made pure and holy;
blameless and complete
He’s given you a spirit of power and love
to help you live without defeat
You were adopted into His family
and He made your heart His home
You are a citizen of His kingdom
and He’ll never leave you alone
As a bridegroom rejoices over His bride
your God rejoices over you
You are God’s holy temple; His residence;
He is with you in all that you do
God understands you fully;
He offers unfailing love and faithfulness
He hears your every little sigh
and wants to give you comfort, peace and rest
When life gets overwhelming,
remember Christ pleads for us at God’s right hand
Be encouraged in knowing God’s thoughts about you
outnumber all the grains of sand
(Psalm 139:17; Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 139:13-16; Psalm 147:11; Romans 5:19; Romans 6:6-7, 14, 22; Romans 8:2; Romans 8:16; Romans 8:17; Romans 8:31,34-35, 38-39; Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 1:2,30; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalm 33:15; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Psalm 44:21; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:11; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:21; Ephesians 3:17; Isaiah 46:3-4; Isaiah 51:12; Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 1:22; Colossians 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 2:10; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 5:4; John 15:15; John 15:12-13; Isaiah 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 22:9-10; Jeremiah 29:11; Genesis 1:27; Matthew 6:25-27; Matthew 12:9-12; Luke 12:6-7; Matthew 6:28-30; Luke 12:22-28; Proverbs 3:12; Matthew 10:29-31; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:27-28; Psalm 38:9; John 3:16-17; John 10:11; John 10:14, 27-28; Psalm 117:2; John 14:1-4; John 15:16; Colossians 2:10)
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