Marriage in the Park :)

"See! the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of the doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms it's early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Songs 2:11-13 (NIV)

I know just how Solomon's lover felt! The winter is finally over, and it's beautiful outside. Let's go enjoy it together! Mark and I took a long walk, probably a little over seven miles today through an awesome park. The Mountain Laurels and Honeysuckle were so beautiful. Certain sights and smells still spark romance in this old lady's bones! :)

In fact as we walked I began fantasizing about how wonderful it would be to have a wedding in God's awesome outdoors instead of a stuffy building. You can't imagine the detail He puts into the flowers beauty and fragrance, unless you take the time to admire His creation for yourself. Why spend fortunes on pomp and circumstance while this natural beauty of Springtime cries out, "Bring your lover, enjoy God's perfect romance outside! Our Awesome God provides sights, smells and sounds that no human can even remotely create."

I wish I had realized this 28 years ago. Mark and I would have been married in a park, and honey mooned in the same setting under the starry, starry skies. :) Why do people waste so much time and money on a ceremony? Shouldn't we be in awe of our creator who loves us, and focus more on the happily ever after, that should last a lifetime according to the vows we took?

Keep Christ in the center of your life as a captain. Keep Him in the center of your marriage for a unity that will last a life time. When Christ leads your family, the journey will be much sweeter.

As you're blessed with the pitter- patter of little feet, remember they're taking everything they see and hear at home to heart. The first glimpses of Jesus will be reflected through your actions. In other words is there a difference between Mom and Dad who believe in God, and the family up the street who never go to God's house? I hope so, because if they can't see the difference, all your trips to church will be in vain. Jesus belongs at the core of our lives. Maybe the best place is to start is with a wedding geared around Him, instead of all the bling and things. :)

"A deacon must be the husband of one wife and must manage his children and his household well. those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy3:12 (NIV)

"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

(You and I were made in God's image we have a body, soul and mind, which will either go to heaven or hell when we die. You must really believe and accept Christ as your Savior in order for His Holy Spirit to dwell in you. Christ in you is the hope of glory which will make the positive difference in you.)

Are you chasing the Wind?

Have you ever really read the book of Ecclesiastes? Solomon sums up life in a nut shell. You can work until your fingers bleed, or party til the end; either way, you will die.

Simply put its like chasing the wind. Chase until your hearts content, but you'll never catch it! Even wisdom is useless without remembering why we are here, to glorify God in all we do. Without God life comes to an abrupt end with no meaning. Regardless of who you know, what you've accomplished, or things you've gained, it is all in vain without a personal relationship with God.

(A relationship with God begins through Jesus His Son. He died as the ultimate sacrifice for your sin. You must ask God for the forgiveness of your sins. Then ask Jesus to be your Savior and the Lord of your life. After accepting Jesus as your Lord you will begin understanding why you were created. Basically your life has a purpose, to please God.)

Once life has meaning, your main focus is obtaining the imperishable goals and treasures instead of the perishable. In other words you realize "life on earth" is simply the testing ground preparing your soul for eternity. You will strive to please God in every situation.

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God."

I know that everything God does will endure forever, nothing can be added to it and nothing can be taken away from it. God does it so men will revere Him.

Ecc 3:12 -14 (NIV)

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." Ecc 7:1 (NIV)

Think about that... you were in your mothers womb all nice and toasty, all of a sudden the contractions began. Wholly Cow, everything sweet and subtle suddenly came to an abrupt end. You were shoved out into a whole new world, naked and cold.

But when you die... yes most of us will feel the pain of sickness, but as you pass into eternity, if you have accepted Jesus as Lord of our life you immediately enter heaven. No more tears, no more pain and you will see Jesus, Yeah hey!

" As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly out weighs wisdom and honor." Ecc. 10:1 (NIV)

We're all gonna sin. I mess up daily, but it's important to understand sin makes us stink from the inside out. There's no good in it, for any of us or the people around us.

"Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say I find no pleasure in them- Ecc. 12:1 (NIV)

The sooner you come to know Christ Jesus as your savior and Lord the more sense this life will make: without Him life is meaningless. As you age, the difficult times will come, but you will have a friend, and God who will see you through. Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He holds His child close and lets the storm rage. But you will soon learn that your faith and relationship with Christ will grow and going through these rough spots. Sunny easy days are sweet, but could we grow without the sorrow?

"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecc. 12:13 & 14 (NIV)

Take time to study the book of Ecclesiastes it's full of wisdom for a believers life! :)

Happy Mother's Day

They seem like such simple words to say to the lady who housed your tiny body until you were born. Some of you like my children nursed off that same body after they were born. Yet that was just the beginning of a life long commitment to nourish, love and cherish.

Then I look at my own mother and know she has sacrificed herself to the point of loosing simple basic dreams to motherhood. She's given and taken things no woman should have to endure to keep her family together. There's no way I could ever repay, or love her enough.

Mark took me to the botanical gardens in Athens this afternoon. It was so interesting to watch the young and older mothers out with their children of all ages. Mothers never stop loving or giving.

It makes me sad to think how some people treat their mothers. They don't think twice about the fact that God joined their bodies, with the parents they were given for a reason. God had a purpose in placing you in the family you are in.

I hope you love and Cherish the family you have. On given days it is wise to honor and share your love with those family members. If you can't find love in your heart for someone in your family, I pray you will. All to soon you will or they will look at you in a casket, only to regret the I love yous and thank yous that were not shared.

"Listen, my son to your fathers instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Proverbs 1:8 & 9 (NIV)

If you're one of those Mom's dreading Mother's Day. I understand Your pain. Keep doing your best. Maybe one day they will wise up, and learn how important it is to say, and show their love.

Mom check out Proverbs chapter 31:10-31 if you're doing all these things then there is probably not much more you can do. Please let your family know, and feel your love. Maybe we should express those feelings on paper, or in person even if it is uncomfortable. Change can not always take place without confrontation.

Yes, I fall short

A friend, reminded me that I sometimes use words, or phrases that can be shocking. I never mean to offend people, but you need to know I am very human. Sometimes I'm not even aware of my offenses. I appreciate the people who love me enough to point things out, yet they still love and accept me.

I would encourage all of you to never raise me, or any "human being" higher we should be. The only good living in me is Jesus Christ. I still have a sin nature that acts out. Christ Jesus is sinless and needs to be lifted high in all we say and do.

Paul said it best: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

He goes on to say put on the whole armour of God, see Ephesians 6:13-18.

Do this so you will be prepared to battle the evil forces and temptations you will struggle with in this life. He adds to pray in the spirit on all occasions. We need to pray for each other as well.

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should." Ephesians 6:19 and 20 (NIV)

God's Promises Never Fail

Do you like to hear it rain? I love to hear it pour, especially when I go to bed. We have a covered porch on the back of our house. It was so nice to listen and smell the rain, as I fell asleep last night. This morning everything looks clean and renewed.

The flowers, and our little garden always perk up after they are sprayed. When I water them, it's kind of like being very thirsty, but only getting a sip of water. When God waters them it's like pouring a 16 ounce glass of your favorite drink over a large glass filled with ice, simply refreshing and satisfying!

That is a good example of a God inspired message, or a just a given message to fill time and space. Does that make sense? Personally, I'd rather wait on the ones from God. :)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run with perseverance the race marked out before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

You and I may live through some crazy days before we are raptured out of here. Most of us may even taste a physical death, But the same God who began a great work in you will perfect it as you keep the faith.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, because God has said,

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and it's inhabitants die like flies.

But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail." Isaiah 51:6 (NIV)

"The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 51:11 (NIV)

"Therefore hear this, you afflicted one, made drunk, but not with wine. This is what your Sovereign Lord says, your God, who defends his people: "See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again. I will put it into the hands of my tormentors, who said to you, Fall prostrate that we may walk over you.

And made your back like the ground, like a street to be walked over." Isaiah 51:21-23 (NIV)

Sometimes God allows us to get thirsty, grow weary, or physically be defeated to restore our souls, and sometimes our bodies. That's when we really know how awesomely sustaining and good our God is in every circumstance of life. There is a purpose in suffering, let God work through it. Even if we die in these bodies because of sickness, or disease we know that God will restore our souls to a never ending peace with Gladness in heaven. Salvation in Jesus Christ promises you that. :)

An Insiders Tip: Buy the purest Gold, and insight giving salve for your eyes!

The pastor spoke about Paul's "thorn in the flesh" on Sunday. If you take the time to read Second Corinthians chapter 12 you'll get a lot out of it. I was thinking about Paul asking God to take his pain away.

You know Paul was taken to heaven prior to this affliction, (the first few verses of chapter 12 talk about this.) I set there thinking about that. The Bible doesn't say what he specifically ask for. While we were living in LA I became very sick. After my fever climbed above 106 degrees, I went into a semi comma state. For three days, they said I just slept. While I slept, my soul went to heaven. It was awesome, more than mere words, or pictures can describe.

Do you suppose Paul asked God to take him permanently out of this world to heaven? Did he beg God to remove the pain or take his Earthly life? Have you ever been there, and done that? I have, more than once.

Before you think the worst of me, put yourself in my shoes. Imagine just for a minute, pure ecstasy visiting heaven. You do not miss your life on earth at all. Jesus is almost close enough to touch, and you see all the awesome colors deep in the river that flows from the thrown of God like I did. (If you want confirmation of what I'm talking about :) see Revelation chapter 22:1-7. Just wait and see it's awesome!

If you had been there; would you want to come back to sickness and worldly flaws? If you think you would, your a much tougher person than I am. In fact, sometimes I still cry because I'd rather be there, present with my Lord and absent from this body. Yet, I am comforted in knowing that His grace is sufficient for what I need in every situation. What He lets me go through, He personally sees me through.

"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power will rest on me." Second Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Like Paul, I can relate, there have been so-so many times I fail in this flesh, but I can rise victoriously in Christ! Paul was far from the only person who felt and knew this. See Hebrews chapter 11 and 12, especially chapter 12 verses 1-3.

It has been said we are living in the end days. :) I believe we may be. Hang on, it's gonna be a fast and furious ride! Until then endure whatever is laid before you in every circumstance, with joy and peace. Jesus will see you through it, if he brings you to it! Let him hold you, because when you can't do anymore He can do awesome things through and with you. Finally, there are some awesome words of encouragement in Revelation 3:14-21.

Real wealth is not found in materials or money, true wealth is when God opens your eyes and heart to see the treasures you need to lay up in heaven. Remember you are living in a temporary world, preparing you for a permanent eternity.

"I counsel you to buy from me gold, refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline, so be earnest and repent. Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:18-20 (NIV)

I knew you before you were ever born.

I woke up this morning thinking about how God has really controlled my life all the way through. Before I was ever born He knew my name and had the wheels in motion for my life. None of us were, "by chance conceived."

The summer after I was saved I went to church camp. Ironically the church camp I went to was Lincoln Lake in Greenville Michigan. Some of you may have been there. I met some of my best friends there. People like Darcy and Doug Hutson. Doug was so cute, he was the first Michigan boy I ever kissed, in a wild strawberry patch.

Darcy and I wrote to each other and once in a while we talked on the phone. A few years latter we rode a church bus to Lake Ann, somewhere up near the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. We were little boogers in some ways. We stayed up late giggling and talking; we had to clean the bathrooms for all the giggling and keeping people awake. After cleaning we decided to short sheet the counselor's bed. Another night we put cornflakes in her bed. The list goes on and on.

But then, there was a big bomb fire and a very serious talk about our lives. Particularly, not just were we saved, but did Christ really have control of our lives? Darcy and I both threw our sticks in the fire, representing that God's Will was more important than our individual will. We both committed our wills to Christ for rest of our days how ever long or short that may be. His will would be completed, before our own desire or will.

Darcy grew up in First Baptist Church in Stanton MI. I went to Lincoln Avenue Baptist in Ionia MI. Darcy married Bob Goodenough, who became a pastor of Nevins Lake Baptist Church. Mark and I took our kids to church there.

Mark's Uncle Leo persuaded me to go on a blind date with Mark. I had never been on a blind date, and really didn't want to go, but agreed to just to appease Leo. Ironically, Mark grew up at First Baptist in Stanton too. He never went to camp, but we still ended up married with two kids. Isn't it something how God pieces all of us all together?

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord and I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)

Not all days are bright and sunny when we yield to God, but He knows what's best. The happiest and the fullest our lives can be are in His will.

Look at the book of Haggai it's such a short little book, only 2 chapters. Our earthly efforts are in vain without seeking Him first.

"Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but never are warm. You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

Haggai 1:5&6 (NIV)

"If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?

"Yes" the priest replied, It becomes defiled."

"Then Haggai said, "So it is with this people and this nation in my sight declares the Lord. Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled." Haggai 2:12-14

"From this day on, from the twenty fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the temple foundation of the Lord was laid. Give careful thought: Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit.

"From this day on I will bless you." Haggai 2:18-28

The final verse of this chapter God says, "for I have chosen you, declares the Lord Almighty." that's the end of Haggai 2:23. If God has chosen you as one of His own, the rules still apply today; serve God with all your heart. Do things in His timing, not your own. This is the only way He will bless you.