Waiting
This morning I read an article regarding one mans treatment for restless leg syndrome.
A disease I do not have, yet there are many times I have felt a restlessness in my soul.
As I read the article I instantly realized that, for the past month, I have been restless of soul. Why?
Waiting.
Waiting for change?
Waiting for a passing of life.
Currently in the life of ministry, our church is in a season of change.
Good changes.
For the past year we have been renovating a building we purchased. A common phrase that my husband had been saying, "When we get the certificate of occupancy then we....." will do this or that."
Waiting is over. We hold the certificate. Praise God!
Yet, the restlessness still seems to be lingering. I find myself wondering what changes are coming.
In our small church family we have lost people to job change moves, a family left due to theological differences, and some stopped coming due to the church changing locations. All listed are common in the life of a church.
Waiting, still, to see what God will do. Who He will bring.
Waiting to see God move in our church and in our community.
Excitement.
Waiting ....on God to move is good.
Waiting for spiritual and populous growth, at times, presents itself in restlessness.
Yet I put my trust in Him!
Jesus gives peace and quiets my restless soul.
Waiting .....so many times in the past.
Waiting for 12 days from the time my stepdad had a massive heart attack, to pass from this life to heaven.
Waiting for 21 days in ICU, as I stood by the bedside of an alone elderly woman who attended our church, to pass from this life to heaven.
Waiting and watching my beloved father-in-law suffer through his disease, for a month, before he passed from earth to heaven.
Waiting and watching my precious sweet 4 1/2 month old grandson thrive after life threatening birth defect, only to pass away from a complications from a common cold.
Waiting now...and watching my mom wait and watch her 80 year old husband , as he is soon passing on from this life to heaven.
Each one different.
Each one personal.
Each one.
Waiting for someone to pass from this life to the eternal, is never comfortable.
Restlessness of soul.
Yet, I put my trust in Him.
Jesus gives peace and quiets my restless soul.
"Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give you;
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Monday, July 17, 2017
Monday, June 20, 2016
Father's Day 2016
Yesterday, June 19, 2016 was Father's Day....yup.
My natural dad passed away when I was 7 yrs old. I am thankful that God chose Eldon Irvin Poverud to bear me.
God then gave us a a step dad, Guido Schinigoi.
I miss my step-dad the most.
Most days I think of him. It seems like forever since he passed away.
I also deeply miss my father-in-law,Jurjen(Jerry) Rypstra. He too has passed away.
He was funny, loving, generous, and I loved him so.
I thank God for Jim Keller, my foster dad. Whom when I was a young, confused, and lost teenager, he and his wife brought me into their home and shared the love of Jesus with me.
I also have realized that as our kids have grown, married, and have families of their own, Don and I seem to spend more holidays alone. Not that the families wouldn't or don't , (as schedules permit), but I am realizing that we are in a time of life when our kids have their own lives to live.
Oh, they love us and we do spend time together, happily.
I am so glad that I (we) , Don and I, have taken these past 34 years to cultivate our marriage, because we knew that one day all the kids would be gone and raising their own families.
Happy Father's Day to the father of my children and to my best friend and bantering buddy!
Don Rypstra
My natural dad passed away when I was 7 yrs old. I am thankful that God chose Eldon Irvin Poverud to bear me.
God then gave us a a step dad, Guido Schinigoi.
I miss my step-dad the most.
Most days I think of him. It seems like forever since he passed away.
I also deeply miss my father-in-law,Jurjen(Jerry) Rypstra. He too has passed away.
He was funny, loving, generous, and I loved him so.
I thank God for Jim Keller, my foster dad. Whom when I was a young, confused, and lost teenager, he and his wife brought me into their home and shared the love of Jesus with me.
I also have realized that as our kids have grown, married, and have families of their own, Don and I seem to spend more holidays alone. Not that the families wouldn't or don't , (as schedules permit), but I am realizing that we are in a time of life when our kids have their own lives to live.
Oh, they love us and we do spend time together, happily.
I am so glad that I (we) , Don and I, have taken these past 34 years to cultivate our marriage, because we knew that one day all the kids would be gone and raising their own families.
Happy Father's Day to the father of my children and to my best friend and bantering buddy!
Don Rypstra
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Watchmen in the Night
Watchmen in the Night
Below are my notes from the middle of the night. I had to write them down, so that I would remember.
"At 11 pm my brother Irv went in hospital with chest pains and coughing. He is in er waiting for cardiologist. I prayed and started sleeping. Only after s few minutes of sleep, I hear a loud voice saying"Theresa", spoken firm and curtly. My eyes sprang open and I felt an urgency to pray for Irv.
I prayed for a few minutes more. I was awake! I then felt fear of my brothers death and that my sister might die. ( she too has heart problems. ) Oh how I hate those fears.?my mind started reeling. So, I put my mind at ease by listening to my audio Bible. I started listening to Ezra and Nehemiah.
I again dozed off. A few minutes into it, I again hear loudly, "Theresa". I again prayed.
I am almost afraid to fall asleep again!
As I was praying, the second time, I placed my hand on Don's shoulder. I did not feel his body moving up and down as eh breathed. He had briefly stopped breathing. He has issues with sleep apnea. He also has a bulging disc in his back and is being treated with nerve blockers and physical therapy. The nerve blockers are making him act weird.
Oh , more fears that have crept up.
I recognized the call to prayer. Some may say it was spiritual warfare, but for me, the urgency to pray overtook the rationality. I just gave all my loved ones to the Lord. Oh, it took hours , but I surrendered to Him all my fears and worries."
I am studying the Book of Nehemiah. I was reading in Nehemiah 4 , as the workers were to stand watch over the walls, gates, and towers that were being rebuilt and repaired. They were to watch for the enemy's attacks and to sound the alarms. Nehemiah 4:9 says, "But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night."
I am not sure why I heard a clear voice call my name, so that I would wake and pray. But I felt the urgency to be alert.
My brother survived the night and I woke without the fears and pending death. Don statred breathing right away. My sister is fine today.
I have not had this happen to me before. In the night hours. I was not sure what to think of things. Praise God that we can turn to His word for comfort and that the Holy Spirit is promised to be our comforter!
Below are my notes from the middle of the night. I had to write them down, so that I would remember.
"At 11 pm my brother Irv went in hospital with chest pains and coughing. He is in er waiting for cardiologist. I prayed and started sleeping. Only after s few minutes of sleep, I hear a loud voice saying"Theresa", spoken firm and curtly. My eyes sprang open and I felt an urgency to pray for Irv.
I prayed for a few minutes more. I was awake! I then felt fear of my brothers death and that my sister might die. ( she too has heart problems. ) Oh how I hate those fears.?my mind started reeling. So, I put my mind at ease by listening to my audio Bible. I started listening to Ezra and Nehemiah.
I again dozed off. A few minutes into it, I again hear loudly, "Theresa". I again prayed.
I am almost afraid to fall asleep again!
As I was praying, the second time, I placed my hand on Don's shoulder. I did not feel his body moving up and down as eh breathed. He had briefly stopped breathing. He has issues with sleep apnea. He also has a bulging disc in his back and is being treated with nerve blockers and physical therapy. The nerve blockers are making him act weird.
Oh , more fears that have crept up.
I recognized the call to prayer. Some may say it was spiritual warfare, but for me, the urgency to pray overtook the rationality. I just gave all my loved ones to the Lord. Oh, it took hours , but I surrendered to Him all my fears and worries."
I am studying the Book of Nehemiah. I was reading in Nehemiah 4 , as the workers were to stand watch over the walls, gates, and towers that were being rebuilt and repaired. They were to watch for the enemy's attacks and to sound the alarms. Nehemiah 4:9 says, "But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night."
I am not sure why I heard a clear voice call my name, so that I would wake and pray. But I felt the urgency to be alert.
My brother survived the night and I woke without the fears and pending death. Don statred breathing right away. My sister is fine today.
I have not had this happen to me before. In the night hours. I was not sure what to think of things. Praise God that we can turn to His word for comfort and that the Holy Spirit is promised to be our comforter!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The ONE Who Sees.
Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” (Genesis 16:13 NKJV)
I received this devotional in my email.
It completely spoke to my heart.
Over the past year or so I have had several very difficult trials.
Sometimes I sit in wonder of the ability to persevere.
Then I remember:
God is the ONE who sees!
El Roi is His name!
I received this devotional in my email.
It completely spoke to my heart.
Over the past year or so I have had several very difficult trials.
Sometimes I sit in wonder of the ability to persevere.
Then I remember:
God is the ONE who sees!
El Roi is His name!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Accceptance always longed for.
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may
be with you for ever." John 14:16
The Holy Spirit, my Comforter so sweetly spoke to my heart today.
Because of my upbringing, spending years in foster homes or with extended family members, losing my father when I was 7 years old, being physically and sexually abused, and experiencing neglect : "I always felt the deep sense of lack of acceptance."
When I would go to live with a family, I had always hoped to be accepted "as part of the family". But that never happened. When I would do something to upset the family, I was quickly asked to leave. Mind you, none that I did was outrageous-just crying out for attention. But instead of helping , I was discarded. Each time it hurt, as if it was the first time.
What is "acceptance" mean to me?
Acceptance is : an abiding love
a sense of belonging
an identification
not forsaken
value placed
a welcoming heart
a forever kind of love
Acceptance, most definitely is an action that is engulfed with true love.
The Holy Spirit sweetly reminded me this morning that He, the Comforter....MY Comforter has engulfed me with His Acceptance the very day I gave my heart to Him on March 5, 1977. His love is abiding and forever!
What was so transforming for me this morning was this realization of His engulfing love toward me. I lave always longed for a love from my earthly parents that only could come from an eternal God.
I am now 50 years old with the deepness in my heart for that family love.
I saw today that that love and acceptance has been given to me 10 times over.
They are in the form of my most precious grandchildren.
James 1:17 says, "Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down
from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency
or shifting shadow."
These beautiful grandchildren love their "Oma".
they identify with me as I am their "Oma".
They open their hearts to me.
They want to be around me
This kind of love can only be from my Comforter!
I am eternally grateful and full of His love!
Josiah, Jaelle, Enoch, and Elias(dob-12/29/2011- passed on 5/18/2012) Ivy
Aurora-Jane and Lucy Rypstra
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Regarding my mom.
An update regarding my mom.
Praise God that she DOES NOT have breast cancer!
She was diagnoised with "Fibrocystic changes." Her tissue has changed enough to cause cancer-like symptoms.
We all feared that she had cancer, and are all grateful that she does not.
Cancer runs strong on my mom's side of the family , so the doctors will be watching her closely.
My hope and prayer, from a daughter's perspective, is that she will choose to live her life "as unto the Lord." Life is too short to live for ourselves.
I too am daily learning that lesson!
I don't want to live for my own pleasures, but I desire to live each day as a reflection of God living in me and flowing out of me!
Praise God that she DOES NOT have breast cancer!
She was diagnoised with "Fibrocystic changes." Her tissue has changed enough to cause cancer-like symptoms.
We all feared that she had cancer, and are all grateful that she does not.
Cancer runs strong on my mom's side of the family , so the doctors will be watching her closely.
My hope and prayer, from a daughter's perspective, is that she will choose to live her life "as unto the Lord." Life is too short to live for ourselves.
I too am daily learning that lesson!
I don't want to live for my own pleasures, but I desire to live each day as a reflection of God living in me and flowing out of me!
My mom on the day of her biopsy. She is 72 years old.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Today is Sept. 6,2012
I am sitting at Brighton beach on the shore of Lake Superior, in Duluth.
This beach is one of my favorite spots to come and hang out.
I am here in Duluth because my mom is having a breast biopsy tomorrow.
As I sit at the beach, longing for peace and quite...time to mourn Elias, and time to pray for my mom. Well, this older gentleman comes along, lays on a rock at the water's edge(the rock in the picture above.) to cool his face off with the cold lake water. I found myself irritated at his presence. Then the Lord reminded me of a time when I was a child, that I washed my face off at that very same spot while laying across that very same rock!
I looked at the man, greeted him, then and told him my rememberance.. He proceeded to share his memories of playing here as a child as well. Then he told me his mom passed away a month ago. He read her journals she left for him. In those journals she shared on how lonely she was iin her grieving after her husband died. How she had allot of friends, but at night and alone the grief overwhelmed her.
The gentelman then asked why I was here. I told him of my mom. I was not able to mention my anguished heart over the loss of Elias and the fear that the end may be near for my mom. I was afraid that the tears would be as deep as the Lake was.
Thank you for using that man to know that our grieving is universal and that You Lord, know my thoughts. I was surprised that the gentleman shared his heart so openly and in just a moments time, he was remembering his dear mom. I know I was there for that moment for that man, and that he was there for me. God knew we both needed to share our grief. I didn't even ask his name, nor did he ask me mine. I pray for this man...Lord make yourself know to him and please comfort him in his grief.
I am reminded of the scripture that says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Emotions today are pushing me through the valley of sufferings that I am walking through.
Although I have two little cahrges to care for today(Elle and Nora), I am finding the the tears in my soul are very near the surface.
The trials I am walking through seem overtake me some days....other days I find that my faith in God's ability to get me out of this valley is much stronger than the pain in my heart.
Several years Don painted this water color....
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Although I have two little cahrges to care for today(Elle and Nora), I am finding the the tears in my soul are very near the surface.
The trials I am walking through seem overtake me some days....other days I find that my faith in God's ability to get me out of this valley is much stronger than the pain in my heart.
Several years Don painted this water color....
I see this painting every time I walk into my bedroom. I am reminded of Psalm 23, which speaks so beautifully to my soul. Especially because of the death of our grandson Elias and the divorce my son is going through.
The valley seems so long....yet God is with me!
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
My blog postings have been scattered. I have so much going on in my life, that I have decided that it is time to be more consistent in writing things down.
I also tweaked another blog site I started a few years ago. It is a blog that I will dedicate to being a Pastor's Wife. http://seasonedwisdom.blogspot.com/
These two blog sites will cross paths from time to time.
But this one(Theresa's musings) is more my personal reflections regarding my family life, and such.
I also tweaked another blog site I started a few years ago. It is a blog that I will dedicate to being a Pastor's Wife. http://seasonedwisdom.blogspot.com/
These two blog sites will cross paths from time to time.
But this one(Theresa's musings) is more my personal reflections regarding my family life, and such.
Friday, July 20, 2012
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1QcMWTFsyauOA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET
here is a link to the Rypstra Family artwork album that I will bring to the first Jelle Rypstra family reunion, in Canada. I compiled this from my photos. This is just a small collection from all of the artistic family members.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
http://www.raystedman.org/power/0318.html
This Devotional has encouraged me and is helpful in spurring me on in my Christian walk.
This Devotional has encouraged me and is helpful in spurring me on in my Christian walk.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Stress...why?
Stress…..why?
Today is Monday. It seems that Mondays are my day to reflect on the past week and plan for the coming week.
Today I woke up exhausted and feeling like I need a week to just rest and spend time alone in a quiet house! God has other plans!
This is where I tell myself things like;
“God is my strength”,
“In my weakness, He is made strong”,
“The joy of the Lord is my strength”
Here is “some” of what was going on in my life this past week.
Monday-Wednesday we had company from Bemidji, MN. They came to stay with us as one of the them had appointments at Mayo Clinic.
On Tuesday, Don went to the Neurologist for the pain in his neck (which, hopefully, isn’t me!)and down his arm. Then on Wednesday he went in for nerve testing. We will find out today if he needs surgery.
Friday-Saturday Don went and met with a man who was here visiting Mayo Clinic for a condition that the doctors in his hometown, in Illinois, have been unable to diagnose. Then when he got to Mayo he found out that Mayo Clinic would not treat him because his insurance would not cover the cost of the cares. He needed a place to stay until he could fly home.
On Friday, I also found out that my mom is having continued health problems. She is had a biopsy on her uterus and is waiting to find out if it may be cancer. At the same time, she is having problems with her heart and goes this week for a full heart work up.
Then on Friday-Sunday I was responsible for planning and preparing the food for our “Valentine’s Dinner and a Movie”. We planned for 16 couples. It turned out to be a success. I love to do stuff like that, but this time, Don was going to help me out allot, but because of his shoulder injury and the additional company we had, he wasn’t able to. That is why the majority of it fell on my shoulders. I had asked another person to help, but she had stuff come up as well and became unavailable. So I pressed through and enjoyed the cooking and planning. And like I said, it was a successful dinner and everyone had a great time.
On top of all that, I still was responsible all week for watching three of my granddaughters.
I am also in the middle of a “self-imposed” weight loss challenge to lose 10 pounds in the month of February! I wrote my trainer last week asking if she could help me figure out why I have not been able to lose any weight. I think I just figured out why!!! I had been eating well, exercising, and drinking all the water I should. But to no avail.
Oh, I almost forgot…we had two major snow storms in which I had to shovel snow and drive our guest and Don, back and forth to clinic appointments-with dressing and packing up our three toddler grand daughters. Driving in the stuff is stress enough!
Today, we are awaiting information as if we are going to be hosting two other people whom are coming because of Mayo treatment.
WOW…is about all I can say. I really didn’t realize how much has been going on until I have written it down. No wonder I feel like I got run over by a train.
Hopefully this week won’t be as crazy as the last.
I am thankful for the opportunities to serve others. It really does bring me great joy, but some weeks it requires allot from me.
Today’s plan is to clean house, get the guest room ready, play with my grand kids, and get my exercise done!
Today is Monday. It seems that Mondays are my day to reflect on the past week and plan for the coming week.
Today I woke up exhausted and feeling like I need a week to just rest and spend time alone in a quiet house! God has other plans!
This is where I tell myself things like;
“God is my strength”,
“In my weakness, He is made strong”,
“The joy of the Lord is my strength”
Here is “some” of what was going on in my life this past week.
Monday-Wednesday we had company from Bemidji, MN. They came to stay with us as one of the them had appointments at Mayo Clinic.
On Tuesday, Don went to the Neurologist for the pain in his neck (which, hopefully, isn’t me!)and down his arm. Then on Wednesday he went in for nerve testing. We will find out today if he needs surgery.
Friday-Saturday Don went and met with a man who was here visiting Mayo Clinic for a condition that the doctors in his hometown, in Illinois, have been unable to diagnose. Then when he got to Mayo he found out that Mayo Clinic would not treat him because his insurance would not cover the cost of the cares. He needed a place to stay until he could fly home.
On Friday, I also found out that my mom is having continued health problems. She is had a biopsy on her uterus and is waiting to find out if it may be cancer. At the same time, she is having problems with her heart and goes this week for a full heart work up.
Then on Friday-Sunday I was responsible for planning and preparing the food for our “Valentine’s Dinner and a Movie”. We planned for 16 couples. It turned out to be a success. I love to do stuff like that, but this time, Don was going to help me out allot, but because of his shoulder injury and the additional company we had, he wasn’t able to. That is why the majority of it fell on my shoulders. I had asked another person to help, but she had stuff come up as well and became unavailable. So I pressed through and enjoyed the cooking and planning. And like I said, it was a successful dinner and everyone had a great time.
On top of all that, I still was responsible all week for watching three of my granddaughters.
I am also in the middle of a “self-imposed” weight loss challenge to lose 10 pounds in the month of February! I wrote my trainer last week asking if she could help me figure out why I have not been able to lose any weight. I think I just figured out why!!! I had been eating well, exercising, and drinking all the water I should. But to no avail.
Oh, I almost forgot…we had two major snow storms in which I had to shovel snow and drive our guest and Don, back and forth to clinic appointments-with dressing and packing up our three toddler grand daughters. Driving in the stuff is stress enough!
Today, we are awaiting information as if we are going to be hosting two other people whom are coming because of Mayo treatment.
WOW…is about all I can say. I really didn’t realize how much has been going on until I have written it down. No wonder I feel like I got run over by a train.
Hopefully this week won’t be as crazy as the last.
I am thankful for the opportunities to serve others. It really does bring me great joy, but some weeks it requires allot from me.
Today’s plan is to clean house, get the guest room ready, play with my grand kids, and get my exercise done!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Unexpected Igredient!
Unexpected ingredient!
Tonight as I was making a dinner that I was so looking forward to. A nice piece of lean black angus steak, string beans and fresh carrot logs with dill. The fresh carrots were cooked, the steak just about done and the string beans ready to go into the microwave to warm up.
As I was lifting up the string beans(that I had placed into my favorite brown glass casserole dish that I received as a wedding gift 27 years ago)into the over-the-stove microwave, my foot slipped out from under me and I went flying into the air as well as the lid to my casserole dish.
My foot went into the air and hit the lip on the bottom drawer of my oven, stopping my leg from flying higher. The lid SHATTERED everywhere! It hit the stove top first, then pieces of the 1/4 inch glass hit my foot. I am very thankful for no cuts! Just a few bruises and few sore muscles.
BUT....glass went into the steak and carrots!
I was so sad, not that my body now ached from flying though the air and my big toe is pounding, but because our wonderful dinner was ruined!
My brilliant husband came to my rescue! He helped me up off the floor and then proclaimed, "Dinner's not ruined. I'll rinse everything!" I think he was desperately hungry!
And so he did.
He proceeded to rinse everything, bring me some tylenol, and then warm up the cold carrots and steak. We sat down to eat dinner, gave thanks that it wasn't worse than it was, and then ate.
The string beans were good, the steak over cooked, and the carrots had and unexpected ingredient! I guess the rinsing didn't take out the glass out.
We only ate one shard of glass each...not too bad!
Never a dull moment in our home!
Tonight as I was making a dinner that I was so looking forward to. A nice piece of lean black angus steak, string beans and fresh carrot logs with dill. The fresh carrots were cooked, the steak just about done and the string beans ready to go into the microwave to warm up.
As I was lifting up the string beans(that I had placed into my favorite brown glass casserole dish that I received as a wedding gift 27 years ago)into the over-the-stove microwave, my foot slipped out from under me and I went flying into the air as well as the lid to my casserole dish.
My foot went into the air and hit the lip on the bottom drawer of my oven, stopping my leg from flying higher. The lid SHATTERED everywhere! It hit the stove top first, then pieces of the 1/4 inch glass hit my foot. I am very thankful for no cuts! Just a few bruises and few sore muscles.
BUT....glass went into the steak and carrots!
I was so sad, not that my body now ached from flying though the air and my big toe is pounding, but because our wonderful dinner was ruined!
My brilliant husband came to my rescue! He helped me up off the floor and then proclaimed, "Dinner's not ruined. I'll rinse everything!" I think he was desperately hungry!
And so he did.
He proceeded to rinse everything, bring me some tylenol, and then warm up the cold carrots and steak. We sat down to eat dinner, gave thanks that it wasn't worse than it was, and then ate.
The string beans were good, the steak over cooked, and the carrots had and unexpected ingredient! I guess the rinsing didn't take out the glass out.
We only ate one shard of glass each...not too bad!
Never a dull moment in our home!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Another day....
Today is a day that I have felt like crying all day. I am sure part of it is my age...ya know, peri-menopause. Oh, I hate to use that term. I have felt emotional all day! I have forced myself to "think happy thoughts", I have forced myself to "get up and get going", I have even forced my self to do some housework! Don even offered to go to the store to buy "crab" for dinner! that made me feel worse....crab for a crab for dinner didn't sound too appitizing!
Nothing has seemed to change my mood!
It has to be hormones!
I have nothing to complain about and everything to be thankful for!
Nothing has seemed to change my mood!
It has to be hormones!
I have nothing to complain about and everything to be thankful for!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Life and death on the same day
June 17,2009- Job 1:21b "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord."
Yesterday, in the morning, we received wonderful news that a friend had just delivered a baby girl.
What joyous occasion to celebrate life!
Yesterday, in the evening, we received sad news that our dear friend passed away.
What a sad thing, but yet joyous... because Victor is now celebrating eternal life!
Here is how we know Victor and Stacy.
Victor was in the hospital about a year and a half ago, Jan 2008, at Mayo. His fiancee(now wife), and her family stayed with us during that time. Our fellowship spent time at mayo getting to know Victor by praying and fellowshipping with them at the hospital Victor and Stacy got married last May. Then 6 weeks ago, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. On the 5th of June, Victor and Stacy came down and we spent a few hours visiting and praying. It was a beautiful time. The Holy Spirit moved as we prayed. I felt like it was a true old fashion prayer meeting. He went into the hospital on Sunday. Don and I went to go visit on Sunday. When we saw him on Sunday he was already on the BiPap, but he was still awake, alert, and talkative. We laughed and prayed with him. After we left, he continued to deteriorate and ended up on a ventilator. His last words to us were," pray that I can sleep.". I prayed, "May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace" . Victor smiled real big while shaking his head, and said, "Amen, Amen". God is shining upon him now and he is living peace in heaven!This poem speaks of what Victor had said to us when he shared that,"all he wants is that people see Jesus in him".
September 4, 1998
As I near the "finish line"
in this body
I feel more and more
that I am to glorify him.
Whoever comes to visit me
will know
that I belong to Jesus
for he has redeemed me by
and through the cross.
When Jesus was in the
Garden of Gethsemane
Luke says,
"An angel from heaven
appeared to him
and strengthened him."
God continues to send
his angels
to strengthen me.
Marney Wilson Mathers , from "Walk On" copyright xulon press 2004.
With joy and sorrow I write this post.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Reason for celebrating my 31 st Second Birth!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 8:58am
Tomorrow, March 5,2008, I will be celebrating my 31st second birth. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior on March 5th, 1977. I am eternally grateful for God's rich mercy and grace that he has faithfully shown to me all these years.
Tomorrow, March 5,2008, I will be celebrating my 31st second birth. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior on March 5th, 1977. I am eternally grateful for God's rich mercy and grace that he has faithfully shown to me all these years.
I pray that all who read this poem will thank God for His most precious gift that He has freely and lovingly given to all who are willing to receive it.
JOHN 3:16the gospel
FOR GOD,
the Lord of earth and heaven,
SO LOVED,
an longed to see forgiven,
THE WORLD
in sin and pleasure mad,
THAT HE GAVE
the greatest gift He had-
HIS ONLY SON-
to take our place,
THAT WHOSOEVER-
O, what grace!-
BELIEVETH,
placing simple trust
IN HIM,
the righteous and the just,
SHOULD NOT PERISH,
lost in sin,
BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE
in Him.
Poem by Barbara C. Ryberg, "A Place of Springs", 1946
I was sitting here doing my Bible study, and today's topic was on contentment.
This passage of scripture jumped out at me,
"Blessed be the Lord,
who daily loads us with benefits,
the God of our salvation.
Selah" Psalm 68:19
As I was pondering this, the phrase "who daily loads us with benefits",made me think of what does it mean.
I compared it to:
loading a washing machine-putting in dirty laundry then it comes out clean.
loading my mouth with food-you gotta chew it to get the nutrients in to your system-yum, yum
loading my jeep with car seats-means I have "benefits' that sit in those seats!
loading my arms with groceries-means God is daily meeting my need.
loading my hubby with kisses-means he has to wash his face! ;)
loading other's comments on facebook-means I care enough to bug them.
loading my arm's with a bouquet of flowers- God's creation is to enjoy. Oh, the sweet smells!
Blessed be the Lord God Almighty!
His benfits come daily.
He is the God of our Salvation!
Praise His Name forever and ever.
Selah!
This passage of scripture jumped out at me,
"Blessed be the Lord,
who daily loads us with benefits,
the God of our salvation.
Selah" Psalm 68:19
As I was pondering this, the phrase "who daily loads us with benefits",made me think of what does it mean.
I compared it to:
loading a washing machine-putting in dirty laundry then it comes out clean.
loading my mouth with food-you gotta chew it to get the nutrients in to your system-yum, yum
loading my jeep with car seats-means I have "benefits' that sit in those seats!
loading my arms with groceries-means God is daily meeting my need.
loading my hubby with kisses-means he has to wash his face! ;)
loading other's comments on facebook-means I care enough to bug them.
loading my arm's with a bouquet of flowers- God's creation is to enjoy. Oh, the sweet smells!
Blessed be the Lord God Almighty!
His benfits come daily.
He is the God of our Salvation!
Praise His Name forever and ever.
Selah!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Twitter and such...
I was just musing about how our English language has evolved, or should I say how our language has changed based on media influences.
Love- used to be about people. Now it is about anything. How I love my house, my car, my clothes, my books.
Gay-used to be about happiness or laughter or joy. Now days you have to be very careful on how and when you use that word.
Twitter- even twitter,in which I am sure that it will be inducted into the latest addition of the World Dictionary, no longer means to be "Twitterpated" as Bambi had to learn.
But then again..
Bambi is fictious
World Dictionary is online and needs no "latest addition"
Twitter...well, I won't be Twitter-ing . But then again, not too long ago I wasn't a "MySpacer" or a "facebook-er" either.
As for "LOVE"- that will never change.
God is LOVE
God does love you
God will love forever
God's will will never fail
God's love cover's a multitude of sins
I John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but the He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is , so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this is the commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also."
Friday, June 5, 2009
Quote from Corrie Ten Boom
I am reading "Not Good if Detached" by Corrie Ten Boom.
In her chapter on Lonliness, she writes after she finds out that a women kills herself and her daughter shortly after Corrie had gone to visit the depressed woman. corries heart is grieved over the situationa nd wonders if there was anything else she could have done.
Here is what she writes.
"Is the devil victor? Poor woman, poor family.
A great darkness enters my heart. What sufering there is in the world. This is only a drop in the ocean of misery on this earth. Have I failed? Have I done wrong? I do not often weep, but now I cannot restrain the tears. Then I take the Book that gives comfort. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord. "Yes, I need not carry it myself. He has carried our sorrows. I unpack my mental suitcase in prayer, and pray for grace to travel further with it empty, and to leave my sorrows with Him. Then I read further, "Behold, I make all things new," says Jesus (Rev. 2:15). "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" (Isa. 11:9). "God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes" (Rev. 21:4)"
I believe that Corrie's response is godly and encouraging. When sorrows have filled your mental suitcase, unpack it and allow God's Word to fill it with His grace to travel on.
In her chapter on Lonliness, she writes after she finds out that a women kills herself and her daughter shortly after Corrie had gone to visit the depressed woman. corries heart is grieved over the situationa nd wonders if there was anything else she could have done.
Here is what she writes.
"Is the devil victor? Poor woman, poor family.
A great darkness enters my heart. What sufering there is in the world. This is only a drop in the ocean of misery on this earth. Have I failed? Have I done wrong? I do not often weep, but now I cannot restrain the tears. Then I take the Book that gives comfort. "Cast thy burden upon the Lord. "Yes, I need not carry it myself. He has carried our sorrows. I unpack my mental suitcase in prayer, and pray for grace to travel further with it empty, and to leave my sorrows with Him. Then I read further, "Behold, I make all things new," says Jesus (Rev. 2:15). "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" (Isa. 11:9). "God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes" (Rev. 21:4)"
I believe that Corrie's response is godly and encouraging. When sorrows have filled your mental suitcase, unpack it and allow God's Word to fill it with His grace to travel on.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Blogging, blogger, blogs, blog....
This morning is a great morning for catching up on my reading and reading blogs. I just found some friends blogs and more importantly some blogs from family members. I didn't know they had one and they didn't know that I do as well, especially since mine is very new.
I coold probablly read all day. It is such a new way of life. I recieve a newspaper, yes and actual physical newspaper each Wednesday. I find that it is far more inconvient to read. It takes up alot of space to even open it up, my fingers are covered in ink when I am done reading, it fills up my recycle bin, and half the stuff I don't really care to fill my mind with!
So....on with blogging, blogger, blogs, blog...
facebooking, facebooker, facebook, fb...
I coold probablly read all day. It is such a new way of life. I recieve a newspaper, yes and actual physical newspaper each Wednesday. I find that it is far more inconvient to read. It takes up alot of space to even open it up, my fingers are covered in ink when I am done reading, it fills up my recycle bin, and half the stuff I don't really care to fill my mind with!
So....on with blogging, blogger, blogs, blog...
facebooking, facebooker, facebook, fb...
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