Its not what you think. Im okay. But last night at small group we got into a discussion and as I think back as to how I responded, I really dont know where it came from.
We are working on a Andy Stanley series which is so relevant today and the past few weeks we have been talking finances. I'm not one for taking notes, but I am glad I did.
One of our couples talked about fear. She fears suffering. She watches people who live the faithful life and still lose their jobs, homes and experience bad things..
Here is what I told her. What I am hopeful for is that the suffering is not the end. God uses suffering for good. The suffering just plain "sucks" (excuse my language) but God does use all things for good. Sometimes other people see the good before we do, but we do have the promise that God has our best intentions for us.
I know that we hear that things will get worse before they get better. I hope that my happiness is not circumstantial but that I maintain a sense of joy
on another note, last week I was watching my favorite movie and one of the lines has been running through me head. Mandy Moores character says " Without suffering, there would be no compassion"
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Song lyrics
Someone told me to check out this song by country artist Josh Turner a few weeks ago and I just recently got it on ITUNES!!
I like the lyrics, what do you think??
He always wore those worn out flip-flops
Spent hours in his Daddy's workshop
He loved being on the water
Fishing with His friends
He always listened to the old folks
When they'd tell stories and crack jokes
Didn't talk back to his Mama
When she got onto Him
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
Had to finish all His chores 'fore He could go outside and play
They always went to church that's were he learned how to pray
And that's just the way He was raised
He grew His hair out when He got older
Grew it clear down to His shoulders
Started hanging with the outcasts
When He went off to town
Some called Him a troublemaker
Even some said a lawbreaker
No matter how they talked about Him
He never put nobody down
'Cause that's just the way He was raised
When people start to gossip, He'd just walk away
He always loved his neighbor no matter what they'd say
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
On a cross, on a hill
That longhaired boy was killed
All our sins washed away
When He walked out of that grave
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
There's no way we can measure
The sacrifice He made
He knew He had to die
For our debt to be paid
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
It took the hand of God to roll the stone away
And that's just the way He was raised
Yeah, that's just the way He was raised
I like the lyrics, what do you think??
He always wore those worn out flip-flops
Spent hours in his Daddy's workshop
He loved being on the water
Fishing with His friends
He always listened to the old folks
When they'd tell stories and crack jokes
Didn't talk back to his Mama
When she got onto Him
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
Had to finish all His chores 'fore He could go outside and play
They always went to church that's were he learned how to pray
And that's just the way He was raised
He grew His hair out when He got older
Grew it clear down to His shoulders
Started hanging with the outcasts
When He went off to town
Some called Him a troublemaker
Even some said a lawbreaker
No matter how they talked about Him
He never put nobody down
'Cause that's just the way He was raised
When people start to gossip, He'd just walk away
He always loved his neighbor no matter what they'd say
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
On a cross, on a hill
That longhaired boy was killed
All our sins washed away
When He walked out of that grave
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
There's no way we can measure
The sacrifice He made
He knew He had to die
For our debt to be paid
Oh, that's just the way He was raised
It took the hand of God to roll the stone away
And that's just the way He was raised
Yeah, that's just the way He was raised
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
You would think I would be more motivating
I have so much to do and in so little time. I do believe we will get it done and LynnMarie will be home in just a few weeks. Can you believe that???
My mind is going o fast that I cant get any of my thoughts out, go figure!!!!
God is good!
My mind is going o fast that I cant get any of my thoughts out, go figure!!!!
God is good!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Reading
So I have 8 more shifts at until China or possible just 6 if I think I need the extra days to get ready that week. Scary isn't it?
We have lots to do but we will get it done.
Remember whey I went to see Beth Moore and Kay Arthur last summer? Something that Kay said has stuck in my head. Now, you have to understand that I love Christian fiction walls and I love love Contemporary Christian music. She warned us not to make that our quiet time with God. She said if I had time to read all the fiction and nonfiction Christian books, then I have time to spend in God's word so this week I have tried that. I am just about finished the Old Testament in my women's Bible Study but I have tried to do more that that.
I looked in the back of my Bible for things relating to peace and mind since that's what i have been struggling with and I quickly went to 1 Peter 4, particularly verses 1-7. I am not going to post the words but I hope you will go and read it!!!
What about you? Is there any scripture that's been on your heart lately?
To anonymous, hear ya go
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
We have lots to do but we will get it done.
Remember whey I went to see Beth Moore and Kay Arthur last summer? Something that Kay said has stuck in my head. Now, you have to understand that I love Christian fiction walls and I love love Contemporary Christian music. She warned us not to make that our quiet time with God. She said if I had time to read all the fiction and nonfiction Christian books, then I have time to spend in God's word so this week I have tried that. I am just about finished the Old Testament in my women's Bible Study but I have tried to do more that that.
I looked in the back of my Bible for things relating to peace and mind since that's what i have been struggling with and I quickly went to 1 Peter 4, particularly verses 1-7. I am not going to post the words but I hope you will go and read it!!!
What about you? Is there any scripture that's been on your heart lately?
To anonymous, hear ya go
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
We are going to China in less than a month. My mind is going crazy. God has been busy as he has opened door after door since November..
10 more shifts until China. How much does that rock???
Got to the gym early, it was quiet and I only turned some of the lights on. My goal was 4 miles on the treadmill but dang my legs starting hurting so I stopped and did the elliptical. Hopefully 4 miles again on Monday!!!
Ok, what are you guys reading?? Anything good?? More book reviews coming up by the way!!
Amy
10 more shifts until China. How much does that rock???
Got to the gym early, it was quiet and I only turned some of the lights on. My goal was 4 miles on the treadmill but dang my legs starting hurting so I stopped and did the elliptical. Hopefully 4 miles again on Monday!!!
Ok, what are you guys reading?? Anything good?? More book reviews coming up by the way!!
Amy
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
craziness
I called work to tell them the tentative date of when we would be going to China. They wanted to know how long I wanted off..Maternity leave...crazy!! haha!!
For more info on our travel, visit www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com
For more info on our travel, visit www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com
Monday, February 16, 2009
missing God
I have to be honest. I have been fighting Satan for a while. I do think he is trying to rob me from my joy and steal my peace. I have just been worrying lately ALL of the time. I have been worrying about things I can not control and its consuming my thoughts.
The adoption-not worried at all. Beyond thrilled to get LynnMarie in my arms.
I guess I feel inadequate. I am not giving 100% again and I am not glorifying God in all I do, and yes that is my goal. I have not been good at eating, I could be exercising more, I could focus on cleaning on home and getting more organized. These are the things I need and want to do but instead I do whats comfortable. I want to be a better friend. I have been blessed by many friends who have just been so generous lately.
I miss my quiet time with God. I have not been having it and I really miss it. I miss moments where He just speaks to me. I am just not quiet anymore. I miss that intimate relationship that He desires so much. I miss spending time in His word because I always learn when I am studying.
I fear. I fear a lot of things and that takes away peace. I fear the world we live in. I fear some of the decisions the President has already made. I fear sharing my opinion. I fear what others can do to our country. I fear those of us who are believers not taking a stand for what we believe in. I fear not being satisfied with what I have. I fear not having these feelings. I fear not giving. I fear making decisions based on what is comfortable and not what God desires of me, even when it is heavy on my mind.
Nope. I am not depressed. Just sorting out some feelings and emotions.
Anyone else feel like this?Because apparently admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.
The adoption-not worried at all. Beyond thrilled to get LynnMarie in my arms.
I guess I feel inadequate. I am not giving 100% again and I am not glorifying God in all I do, and yes that is my goal. I have not been good at eating, I could be exercising more, I could focus on cleaning on home and getting more organized. These are the things I need and want to do but instead I do whats comfortable. I want to be a better friend. I have been blessed by many friends who have just been so generous lately.
I miss my quiet time with God. I have not been having it and I really miss it. I miss moments where He just speaks to me. I am just not quiet anymore. I miss that intimate relationship that He desires so much. I miss spending time in His word because I always learn when I am studying.
I fear. I fear a lot of things and that takes away peace. I fear the world we live in. I fear some of the decisions the President has already made. I fear sharing my opinion. I fear what others can do to our country. I fear those of us who are believers not taking a stand for what we believe in. I fear not being satisfied with what I have. I fear not having these feelings. I fear not giving. I fear making decisions based on what is comfortable and not what God desires of me, even when it is heavy on my mind.
Nope. I am not depressed. Just sorting out some feelings and emotions.
Anyone else feel like this?Because apparently admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
How do you give
We had a great small group last night as we are working on an Andy Stanley video series. One of the questions that came up was tithing and giving?
What are your thoughts?? Do you give the 10% that is mentioned in the Bible? Do you give more so that you are able to be stretched by God. Do you give as a form of worship or because its a requirement?
I want to give more. Not just money to the church, to others in need, whether its time or money to others. Do you think God is concerned more about the actual amount of money or what your heart is doing?
It was a great conversation and I heard several points of views.. I just want to give. There will always be people in need who have less than me. As much as I love to be comfortable with "things", I'm ready to be different.
How are you giving???
What are your thoughts?? Do you give the 10% that is mentioned in the Bible? Do you give more so that you are able to be stretched by God. Do you give as a form of worship or because its a requirement?
I want to give more. Not just money to the church, to others in need, whether its time or money to others. Do you think God is concerned more about the actual amount of money or what your heart is doing?
It was a great conversation and I heard several points of views.. I just want to give. There will always be people in need who have less than me. As much as I love to be comfortable with "things", I'm ready to be different.
How are you giving???
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hello, my name is Amy
Hello my name is Amy and I come here to confess. You see i have a problem. I like to read blogs. Ok, please do not judge me on the following information. I use bloglines to keep me up to date with my blogs. My bloglines currently has 903 blogs on there. I keep adding blogs so that I won't miss anything. That's my personality. Now, its time to clean up the bloglines. I read all types of blogs, adoption ones, ones on weight loss, people who work in the Christian music industry and most are just regular personal blogs. I will be deleting a large amount of blogs..
So, if you read my blog, comment a lot and have not received a comment from me, let me know. I do want to return the favor. My goal is to cut the amount of blogs by half tonight and by the rest of the weekend, another half..
I did not realize I had a problem but seriously 900 blogs is just a little too much, dont ya think???
So, if you read my blog, comment a lot and have not received a comment from me, let me know. I do want to return the favor. My goal is to cut the amount of blogs by half tonight and by the rest of the weekend, another half..
I did not realize I had a problem but seriously 900 blogs is just a little too much, dont ya think???
Monday, February 09, 2009
Emotions
I'm about to post on the adoption blog but thought I would update here.
Nothing new. I'm still me. Still trying to get up to 5 miles on the treadmill before China.
I think God's working in my head and heart right now because I have the craziest thoughts going on.
Emotionally I am experiencing fear,joy,hope, excitement,anticipation and other things.
perhaps its my age, but I am questioning a lot of things. Maybe I am not questioning, just sorting out things. So if you could, please pray for a sense of peace to take over me.
Those of you who have read this blog for a while or know me, I hope know that I am a Christian, a God follower. I have known God my life and have trusted him for as long I have know. I know that his plans are much bigger than mine will ever be and I prefer his plans over mine, no matter how long it takes.
Recently, I have been wondering if I have got it all wrong. Not the God thing, I fully believe He is the creator of the Universe and knows me inside out. I do know that judgement will come when I experience earthly death. I know that God has promised some great things and I know that I am not worthy of it. But I am not sure I am living the way I need to be. Maybe I am praying the wrong way, I don't know. I hope this is just a phase. I truly hope to become the woman God created me to be. I am not giving as much as I do. I have not made the best decisions regarding money. Here is my problem. Those are commandments in the Bible. Its a simple one, not hard to understand. God also asks us to help orphans, widows, the poor and the needy. I am not doing that. I am frustrated, do you ever get that way??
Ugh....I have some changing to do
Nothing new. I'm still me. Still trying to get up to 5 miles on the treadmill before China.
I think God's working in my head and heart right now because I have the craziest thoughts going on.
Emotionally I am experiencing fear,joy,hope, excitement,anticipation and other things.
perhaps its my age, but I am questioning a lot of things. Maybe I am not questioning, just sorting out things. So if you could, please pray for a sense of peace to take over me.
Those of you who have read this blog for a while or know me, I hope know that I am a Christian, a God follower. I have known God my life and have trusted him for as long I have know. I know that his plans are much bigger than mine will ever be and I prefer his plans over mine, no matter how long it takes.
Recently, I have been wondering if I have got it all wrong. Not the God thing, I fully believe He is the creator of the Universe and knows me inside out. I do know that judgement will come when I experience earthly death. I know that God has promised some great things and I know that I am not worthy of it. But I am not sure I am living the way I need to be. Maybe I am praying the wrong way, I don't know. I hope this is just a phase. I truly hope to become the woman God created me to be. I am not giving as much as I do. I have not made the best decisions regarding money. Here is my problem. Those are commandments in the Bible. Its a simple one, not hard to understand. God also asks us to help orphans, widows, the poor and the needy. I am not doing that. I am frustrated, do you ever get that way??
Ugh....I have some changing to do
Sunday, February 08, 2009
my brother the grammy nominee
Back to a normal post tomorrow but just in case you watch the Grammy's tonight and the song Paperplanes by M.I.A wins record of the year, look for my little brother on stage. he produced it so he is also nominated...Woo Hoo, my parents and brother are at the Grammy's now getting ready!!!!
Friday, February 06, 2009
some more random thoughts
Impending parenthood-totally rocking my world in ways I could not imagine. I can not believe we are weeks away from meeting our daughter
The world has been scaring me lately. Not in a bad way but as a reminder not to put my hope in one man or others around the world. The only One who can give me the peace I need is my Heavenly Father and I need to constantly remind myself. I am surprise and disappointed in the behavior and decisions of Washington. Not necessarily the President, but just things I am reading and listening. Life is so precious and we really need to protect those who can not protect themselves.
Orphans- I do not like that word. When I hear how other children are living around the world, I remind myself of how blessed we are are and how we need to be giving more, even now, when money is tight. There are little children who don't have clothes, don't have clean water and sometimes only get one meal a day, if thatThey have never seen a toy. Some moms can't even breastfeed because they themselves do not have the nutrients. I don't know why this is on my heart tonight. We have it soooo good here. We forget what we have. I hope we have the opportunity to serve in some way while in China. As I read on a friends blog, we will soon have little eyes watching us and I really want her tosee us giving. I want that to be a natural part of our lives..
back to pondering
The world has been scaring me lately. Not in a bad way but as a reminder not to put my hope in one man or others around the world. The only One who can give me the peace I need is my Heavenly Father and I need to constantly remind myself. I am surprise and disappointed in the behavior and decisions of Washington. Not necessarily the President, but just things I am reading and listening. Life is so precious and we really need to protect those who can not protect themselves.
Orphans- I do not like that word. When I hear how other children are living around the world, I remind myself of how blessed we are are and how we need to be giving more, even now, when money is tight. There are little children who don't have clothes, don't have clean water and sometimes only get one meal a day, if thatThey have never seen a toy. Some moms can't even breastfeed because they themselves do not have the nutrients. I don't know why this is on my heart tonight. We have it soooo good here. We forget what we have. I hope we have the opportunity to serve in some way while in China. As I read on a friends blog, we will soon have little eyes watching us and I really want her tosee us giving. I want that to be a natural part of our lives..
back to pondering
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
PICS UP
Ok, I finally got the pics up from our birthday trip to Disney and the baby shower. Unfortunately We cant get Michaels pics off his memory card, so we will make due with mine. Go visit www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com to see them!!!!
Monday, February 02, 2009
So, I am home, playing online and watching My Best Friends Wedding..
I did do 3 miles on the treadmill and yes, my legs are still wobbly. Church was awesome yesterday and the sermon will probably stick with me for a while. They will have it up online so head over to www.northmetro.org to listen later on.
We watched the Superbowl with some friends from our Community Group and even though I really don't get football, that last quarter was really good. The commercials were ok, there were some that were not very family friendly and one really offended me. I think it was the flower commercial..Whatever.!! I also spent a lot of time with a friend talking about weight watchers, and she is such a great motivator.
Still getting ready for China. Saturday Michael and I cleaned up the master room and hopefully the nursery will get painted and new carpet this week!!! So life is busy but fun and I am learning how to finally organize things! haha!!!!
Just posted over at the adoption blog and if you want to be on Lynnmarie's email list just drop me a line at lovinglynnmarie@hotmail.com
I did do 3 miles on the treadmill and yes, my legs are still wobbly. Church was awesome yesterday and the sermon will probably stick with me for a while. They will have it up online so head over to www.northmetro.org to listen later on.
We watched the Superbowl with some friends from our Community Group and even though I really don't get football, that last quarter was really good. The commercials were ok, there were some that were not very family friendly and one really offended me. I think it was the flower commercial..Whatever.!! I also spent a lot of time with a friend talking about weight watchers, and she is such a great motivator.
Still getting ready for China. Saturday Michael and I cleaned up the master room and hopefully the nursery will get painted and new carpet this week!!! So life is busy but fun and I am learning how to finally organize things! haha!!!!
Just posted over at the adoption blog and if you want to be on Lynnmarie's email list just drop me a line at lovinglynnmarie@hotmail.com
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