Some of my favorite family pics of the week…
Today’s snippets don’t begin to do Jason’s sermon justice. It was superb teaching on true freedom in Christ—so much so that I often found myself listening more and writing less. I encourage you to visit the link above and listen to it in its entirety.
Additional reference: Mere C.S. Lewis
I recently experienced this frustration first-hand while trying to prepare a care package for a friend in the midst of the battle. I wanted to include helpful items but came up a little empty in the idea department.
Thanks to Susan Stilwell’s post this morning, we can toss frustration out the door and make way for meaningful ministry. Kim Vander Poel, Susan’s guest blogger, briefly shares her own journey with breast cancer, along with practical tips on how to encourage others through both words and actions.
Click here to read this enlightening post. (Thanks Susan and Kim!)
Encouragement. It’s a wonderful gift from the Lord. Let’s use it for His glory!
As awkward as this feels, here goes.
I am…Cathy. Wife. Mom. Mom-in-law. Grammy. Writer. Blogger. Office supply junkie.
I want…McDonald’s Frappes to register as a big fat “O” on the Weight Watchers point system. If I can’t have that, I’d like this perched on the side of a mountain.
I have…Barnabas (son of encouragement) for a hubby. He supports my staying home to pursue writing opps, encouraging me at every turn. Add two amazing sons, beautiful daughter-in-law’s (inside & out), and an adorable granddaughter (with a grandson on the way!) Thank You , Jesus!
I wish…home organization came easier for me.
I hate… how fear doesn’t stay put. Give it an inch, it takes a mile, invading more space than you ever desired or thought possible.
I fear… being misunderstood, a world without coffee, snakes, highway travel.
I hear…the humming of our A/C (thankful alert!), a snoring Lhasa Apso, and the sweet rhythm of silence.
I search…for vintage poetry books, sea glass, ideas, ways to spend time with family and friends.
I wonder…what plans God has for Piper, our granddaughter, and if our future grandson is born, or waiting for Brandon and Megan’s arrival in Uganda. They should find out more details soon.
I regret…past decisions, but refuse to dwell on them. Jesus paid too high of a price for me to wallow in the sea of regret. He has cleansed me, therefore, I am clean.
I’d not passed it in months.
Now I pass it every Sunday morning.
“It” is the church we left under difficult circumstances in 2008.
It was a church we loved.
When we drove away that April morning, our Christ-knit “family” wasn’t the only thing left behind. The dust cloud also included my dream job and creative ministries I loved, so to say the departure was difficult would be a vast understatement.
And yet…I’m reminded every time I pass the church that, although we now differ theologically, there’s no doubt that it’s full of people who know, love, and pursue Christ— and for that, I rejoice.
I believe it was Charles Stanley who said you know you’ve completely forgiven someone when you can pray God’s blessings for them, and I believe this to be true. Don’t believe me? Try it.
Now, when I pass by each Sunday morning, I pray wisdom, discernment, and blessings for their staff and the body. I desire God’s best for them.
Does a twinge of disappointment remain? Absolutely. But I’ll take that twinge over the lasting sting of bitterness any day.
Am I alone here? Perhaps there’s a family member, friend, co-worker, pastor, or church body that needs you to trade in your bitterness for blessings. You’ll both be blessed and God will be glorified through your obedience. Go for it!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and
anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
