One blessing from vacation was finishing a book called Forever in Love with Jesus by Dee Breestin and Kathy Troccoli. It was especially challenging and God's timing is perfect. Just when I was processing some very specific truths, this book was dealing with the same topics. It provided so many wonderful reminders of God presence.
The following are two passages that have brought a lot of challenge this week-
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34 The Message
Sometimes it is helpful to re-read familiar passages in alternative versions. I love this verse! My brain runs a mile a minute- always thinking, rehashing, processing. It can be a blessing and a curse (great when you're planning an event- not so good when you're trying to move past something). I love the phrase- "Give attention to what God is doing RIGHT NOW". If I'm so caught up in the past or in what may or may come in the future, I miss out on what God is doing right now. My full attention needs to be placed on what is happening around me. The people, the youth, the circumstances, the opportunities, the task at hand. The last two months have been filled with such blessing as I have seen God at work- I'm thankful I haven't missed that. I am able to speak of His faithfulness!
Then- the last phrase says, "God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Because of fear or uncertainty, I could choose not to do something -to not be available. But, "in the moment of my weakness, He gives the grace to do His will." This last week has created some opportunities that were out of my comfort zone- things that I'd rather not do. Whether they were social gatherings that I didn't really want to attend- God used those evenings to bless my heart and remind me that He is at work in lives. One situation this week, could have been incredibly uncomfortable, having to face rejection head on- but the Lord used the situation to encourage and be a testament of His Power. Instead of sitting on the sidelines or getting worked up- put your hand to the plow and do it. He will give you what you need to accomplish what He has asked you to do. He gives grace.
I won't go into a detailed commentary on the second passage- but what encouragement is given here! God frees us from our fears, He hears our cries and surrounds us! We lack no good thing! He rescues those who are crushed!
No matter what your circumstances- worship Him! Revel in His glory, in His awesome might, in Who He Is! He is unchanging! Cry out to Him- be honest before God- what release! He will come to you- He will bring comfort- He will satisfy you.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good!"
Psalm 34
1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Christmas Vacation is coming to a close- bitter sweet (well, a lot more bitter than sweet!). I know there are things coming, past Christmas, that I'm really looking forward to (Spa Day, Snow Camp, Missions Rally, New Orleans Trip, Teens Involved)- but vacation always reminds me of how much I enjoy just being- just spending my day however I choose, having the freedom to do and go where I want.
The to-do list is always greater than my actual production- but slowly I'm knocking things off. I've enjoyed some great movies, spent time catching up on the "to-read" pile, spent time with my family, slept late (okay, slept VERY late!), stayed up late (I LOVE staying up late), a little shopping, some gatherings, worshipped.
Vacation weeks always allow me to catch up with friends- and this week was no exception. We had a youth movie night where I was able to spend the evening with teens that I LOVE. It was fun and I enjoy hearing them laugh in unison! How thankful I am for friends that help in this ministry. Visiting area churches for their Christmas programs and taking a few minutes to catch up with friends I don't see as often anymore. As I was relaying some of my week's activities and was ticking off names, a friends said, "Wow, you have a lot of friends!". And I stepped back and thought about that and yes, indeed I do. How blessed I am!
Matt and Alicia were up visiting and it was a blessing to visit with them- even though far to short. I love hearing their stories of being transplanted to Virginia and the adventures they have had. I was able to spend time with Kim and Maria this week- and I just love them. They are a true example of godliness to me. So giving, sacrificing and wise. God has blessed me with wonderful examples. I was able to catch up with friends who are home from school too which is always lovely. Christmas Evening was spent with Bek, Sarah and Diana. I love laughing with these girls- that is what we do best!
The best though, was getting a phone call Saturday and seeing that it was my dear college roommate Carrie from Maine. Ahhh- I love this girl! We had some wonderful adventures during our first year at college and she was one of the first people who helped me see myself as a beautiful creation. I've loved hearing from her and what God has done in her life over the year- in June, I went to her wedding to a wonderful, godly man Steve (check out the June 07 post). As we talked, my heart was so full to hear how God has richly blessed them and their obedience. We spent hours talking (over two days because we couldn't finish our conversation the first day). She listened intently as I relayed the events of the last six months and she offered wise counsel and encouragement. When I think of Carrie, I think of someone who believes in me and sees things in me that I can't or won't. She is honest and forthright, qualities that I love! What a blessing she was to me!
Sunday evening, hours before our most recent snow storm hit, I was able to visit with my friend Katie for a bit. It's funny, I saw her last Sunday, but there wasn't a silent moment as we worked very hard to fill each other in on the events of the last week. Katie is a huge blessing to me- an encourager and someone who challenges me. She says the things I need to hear even if it is uncomfortable. She has a beautiful heart and I love that we share a common passion for ministry.
I am so blessed! Friendships that have spanned decades- and new friendships that have developed in the more recent years. Friends who I see daily (or what seems like it) and ones that our contact is less regular- but both as rich and real. Friends that span the ages- some of my closest friends are 15-20 years older than me and others are much closer to 21 than I'll ever be again. Beautiful picture of Titus 2! Women investing in women.
Thank you God for Friendship. It is work- I have to risk myself, give my time and energy- but the blessings I reap are immeasurable. Thank you for the Godly women you have put in my life- who disciple me and challenge me to be holy. Thank you for the relationships were their is mutual investment! In a week where I was feeling lonely, you reminded me of how much you have given me and how much I am truly loved! You supply our every need! Amen
The to-do list is always greater than my actual production- but slowly I'm knocking things off. I've enjoyed some great movies, spent time catching up on the "to-read" pile, spent time with my family, slept late (okay, slept VERY late!), stayed up late (I LOVE staying up late), a little shopping, some gatherings, worshipped.
Vacation weeks always allow me to catch up with friends- and this week was no exception. We had a youth movie night where I was able to spend the evening with teens that I LOVE. It was fun and I enjoy hearing them laugh in unison! How thankful I am for friends that help in this ministry. Visiting area churches for their Christmas programs and taking a few minutes to catch up with friends I don't see as often anymore. As I was relaying some of my week's activities and was ticking off names, a friends said, "Wow, you have a lot of friends!". And I stepped back and thought about that and yes, indeed I do. How blessed I am!
Matt and Alicia were up visiting and it was a blessing to visit with them- even though far to short. I love hearing their stories of being transplanted to Virginia and the adventures they have had. I was able to spend time with Kim and Maria this week- and I just love them. They are a true example of godliness to me. So giving, sacrificing and wise. God has blessed me with wonderful examples. I was able to catch up with friends who are home from school too which is always lovely. Christmas Evening was spent with Bek, Sarah and Diana. I love laughing with these girls- that is what we do best!
The best though, was getting a phone call Saturday and seeing that it was my dear college roommate Carrie from Maine. Ahhh- I love this girl! We had some wonderful adventures during our first year at college and she was one of the first people who helped me see myself as a beautiful creation. I've loved hearing from her and what God has done in her life over the year- in June, I went to her wedding to a wonderful, godly man Steve (check out the June 07 post). As we talked, my heart was so full to hear how God has richly blessed them and their obedience. We spent hours talking (over two days because we couldn't finish our conversation the first day). She listened intently as I relayed the events of the last six months and she offered wise counsel and encouragement. When I think of Carrie, I think of someone who believes in me and sees things in me that I can't or won't. She is honest and forthright, qualities that I love! What a blessing she was to me!
Sunday evening, hours before our most recent snow storm hit, I was able to visit with my friend Katie for a bit. It's funny, I saw her last Sunday, but there wasn't a silent moment as we worked very hard to fill each other in on the events of the last week. Katie is a huge blessing to me- an encourager and someone who challenges me. She says the things I need to hear even if it is uncomfortable. She has a beautiful heart and I love that we share a common passion for ministry.
I am so blessed! Friendships that have spanned decades- and new friendships that have developed in the more recent years. Friends who I see daily (or what seems like it) and ones that our contact is less regular- but both as rich and real. Friends that span the ages- some of my closest friends are 15-20 years older than me and others are much closer to 21 than I'll ever be again. Beautiful picture of Titus 2! Women investing in women.
Thank you God for Friendship. It is work- I have to risk myself, give my time and energy- but the blessings I reap are immeasurable. Thank you for the Godly women you have put in my life- who disciple me and challenge me to be holy. Thank you for the relationships were their is mutual investment! In a week where I was feeling lonely, you reminded me of how much you have given me and how much I am truly loved! You supply our every need! Amen
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
I'm not sure why- but I really have not been in the holiday spirit this year. I think I could count on one hand the number of times I've listened to Christmas music this season. I've done all the usual things- sent out a Christmas letter, bought token gifts for co-workers, goodies for my students, participated in Secret Santa, done all my Christmas shopping, wished many a "Merry Christmas", gone Christmas caroling, attended Christmas parties and pageants, eaten Christmas cookies, watched children open gifts, marveled at the lights-sights-sounds....
It's bothered me that the "Christmas spark" has been absent this year- and as I survey those around me, it seems that they too are sharing the feelings I have. Is it because we are so overwhelmed with life? Is it due to the great losses we have suffered this year? Do we feel guilty for rejoicing when we know others are quietly suffering? Are we just stodgy adults who have lost the childlike wonder?
I'm still sorting the questions- trying to figure it out. What I can say is that I am so thankful for vacation! Beyond the myriad of to-do's I have set before me this week, I look forward to catching up on some reading and seeking refreshment- in the Word, in prayer, in good books (along with my new fleece blanket- Thanks Katie!), and with friends.
This morning, I pulled out one of the books on my "to read" pile. The Path of Loneliness by Elisabeth Elliot. I read this book back in 1999, while working at WOL Inn for the summer. It actually makes me laugh, to think that at 21, I thought I was lonely.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't feel immensely lonely. I'm blessed to be a single with a very full life. I made the decision a number of years ago that I would not sit around waiting to do something big- or thinking that I had to be married to start serving God. No, I've made a point to live life on purpose. Ministry and adventure is not something to put off- because if you do, you miss it. My life is so rich (example- I just got a phone call from one of our youth that accepted the LORD last year and he wanted to share something he wrote about how God has changed his life in the last year- the most wonderful Christmas present I could receive- what a humbling gift).
But sometimes, when it gets real quiet, the feeling of loneliness creeps in. I've been learning that God uses our emotions to spur us closer to Him; to reveal a need that only He can fill. While loneliness is a valid emotion and state- if it doesn't drive me closer to the Lord, it is not beneficial. When those feelings arise, while I need to acknowledge them, the reaction I should have is to remember the truth of scripture (another post on this coming soon.....).
There were some passages from The Path of Loneliness that I wanted to share:
"From graduation from college at twenty-one until I was twenty-six I waited for Jim Elliot, wishing I wouldn't want him so much ... Instead of taking away my appetite, the Lord showed me the indispensable lesson of Deuteronomy 8, a review of Israel's wilderness experience. While they craved for the food they had had in Egypt, God gave them manna. Manna was supernatural food, miraculously provided, and it was all they needed. But even a miracle did not stop the wanting of leeks, onions, garlic, watermelons and fish. If He had given them what they naturally craved, they would never have learned to eat manna, they would never have acquired a taste for the bread which came down from heaven.
God made them hungry on purpose- in order to humble and test them, to discover whether it was in their hearts to obey Him, and to teach them what was far more important than leeks and onions, that man does not live by those things alone, but by the Word of the Lord. "The Lord your God was disciplining you as a father disciplines his sons."
So He disciplines us. He pays us that "intolerable compliment" of loving us inexorably. He harrows our souls, making us long for something we cannot have, in order to reveal to us what He wants us to have, which in the long run is far better."
(An amazing story is the one of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot- I highly recommend Passion and Purity which details the development of their relationship as well as Shadow of the Almighty.)
Another quote:
"Our loneliness cannot always be fixed, but it can always be accepted as the very will of God for now, and that turns it into something beautiful. Perhaps it is like the field wherein lies the valuable treasure. We must buy the field. It is no sun-drenched meadow embroidered with wild flowers. It is a bleak and empty place, but once we know it contains a jewel the whole picture changes. The empty scrap of forgotten land suddenly teems with possibilities. Here is something we cannot only accept, but something worth selling everything to buy. In my case, "selling everything" meant giving up the self-pity and the bitter questions. I do not mean we are to go out looking for chances to be as lonely as possible. I am talking about acceptance of the inevitable. And when, through a willed act we receive the thing we did not want, then Loneliness, the name of the field nobody wants, is transformed into a place of hidden treasure."
Tonight, at our Christmas Eve Service, the pastor talked about Emmanuel~ God With Us~ Christmas reminds us how Christ stepped onto the stage of humanity, at just the right moment, when all the players and events were in place. He willingly left the throne and glory of Heaven to take the form of a lowly babe. He exposed Himself to the depravity of the world in order to make a way of salvation. Christ bore the sin of the world so that our relationship with God could be restored. Christ with us. God with us. The veil has been torn- the eternal gap has been bridged and now we can cry out "Abba Father". His final words to us were, "Lo, I am with you always even until the end of the age." He is our Ever Present Father, our Comforter, Eternal Peace, Strong tower, Mighty Warrior, Gentle Shepherd, Righteous Judge, Faithful Forgiver, the One who Calms the Storms, the Gentle Whisperer, our Lover, Master, Savior, and Friend.
It's bothered me that the "Christmas spark" has been absent this year- and as I survey those around me, it seems that they too are sharing the feelings I have. Is it because we are so overwhelmed with life? Is it due to the great losses we have suffered this year? Do we feel guilty for rejoicing when we know others are quietly suffering? Are we just stodgy adults who have lost the childlike wonder?
I'm still sorting the questions- trying to figure it out. What I can say is that I am so thankful for vacation! Beyond the myriad of to-do's I have set before me this week, I look forward to catching up on some reading and seeking refreshment- in the Word, in prayer, in good books (along with my new fleece blanket- Thanks Katie!), and with friends.
This morning, I pulled out one of the books on my "to read" pile. The Path of Loneliness by Elisabeth Elliot. I read this book back in 1999, while working at WOL Inn for the summer. It actually makes me laugh, to think that at 21, I thought I was lonely.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't feel immensely lonely. I'm blessed to be a single with a very full life. I made the decision a number of years ago that I would not sit around waiting to do something big- or thinking that I had to be married to start serving God. No, I've made a point to live life on purpose. Ministry and adventure is not something to put off- because if you do, you miss it. My life is so rich (example- I just got a phone call from one of our youth that accepted the LORD last year and he wanted to share something he wrote about how God has changed his life in the last year- the most wonderful Christmas present I could receive- what a humbling gift).
But sometimes, when it gets real quiet, the feeling of loneliness creeps in. I've been learning that God uses our emotions to spur us closer to Him; to reveal a need that only He can fill. While loneliness is a valid emotion and state- if it doesn't drive me closer to the Lord, it is not beneficial. When those feelings arise, while I need to acknowledge them, the reaction I should have is to remember the truth of scripture (another post on this coming soon.....).
There were some passages from The Path of Loneliness that I wanted to share:
"From graduation from college at twenty-one until I was twenty-six I waited for Jim Elliot, wishing I wouldn't want him so much ... Instead of taking away my appetite, the Lord showed me the indispensable lesson of Deuteronomy 8, a review of Israel's wilderness experience. While they craved for the food they had had in Egypt, God gave them manna. Manna was supernatural food, miraculously provided, and it was all they needed. But even a miracle did not stop the wanting of leeks, onions, garlic, watermelons and fish. If He had given them what they naturally craved, they would never have learned to eat manna, they would never have acquired a taste for the bread which came down from heaven.
God made them hungry on purpose- in order to humble and test them, to discover whether it was in their hearts to obey Him, and to teach them what was far more important than leeks and onions, that man does not live by those things alone, but by the Word of the Lord. "The Lord your God was disciplining you as a father disciplines his sons."
So He disciplines us. He pays us that "intolerable compliment" of loving us inexorably. He harrows our souls, making us long for something we cannot have, in order to reveal to us what He wants us to have, which in the long run is far better."
(An amazing story is the one of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot- I highly recommend Passion and Purity which details the development of their relationship as well as Shadow of the Almighty.)
Another quote:
"Our loneliness cannot always be fixed, but it can always be accepted as the very will of God for now, and that turns it into something beautiful. Perhaps it is like the field wherein lies the valuable treasure. We must buy the field. It is no sun-drenched meadow embroidered with wild flowers. It is a bleak and empty place, but once we know it contains a jewel the whole picture changes. The empty scrap of forgotten land suddenly teems with possibilities. Here is something we cannot only accept, but something worth selling everything to buy. In my case, "selling everything" meant giving up the self-pity and the bitter questions. I do not mean we are to go out looking for chances to be as lonely as possible. I am talking about acceptance of the inevitable. And when, through a willed act we receive the thing we did not want, then Loneliness, the name of the field nobody wants, is transformed into a place of hidden treasure."
Tonight, at our Christmas Eve Service, the pastor talked about Emmanuel~ God With Us~ Christmas reminds us how Christ stepped onto the stage of humanity, at just the right moment, when all the players and events were in place. He willingly left the throne and glory of Heaven to take the form of a lowly babe. He exposed Himself to the depravity of the world in order to make a way of salvation. Christ bore the sin of the world so that our relationship with God could be restored. Christ with us. God with us. The veil has been torn- the eternal gap has been bridged and now we can cry out "Abba Father". His final words to us were, "Lo, I am with you always even until the end of the age." He is our Ever Present Father, our Comforter, Eternal Peace, Strong tower, Mighty Warrior, Gentle Shepherd, Righteous Judge, Faithful Forgiver, the One who Calms the Storms, the Gentle Whisperer, our Lover, Master, Savior, and Friend.~ Christmas ~
~ God with us ~
~ God with me~ Present in the dark, lonely moments- beside me when I'm fearful and uncertain- enveloping me when I'm sad and disillusioned- paving the way when I take risks and tread on unfamiliar territory- praying on my behalf before the Throne of God - sympathetic with my suffering - reminding me of my value,worth, purpose -proving His faithfulness, His care, His love - displaying who He is.
LORD, may I see the possibilities that this season of my life offers. Enable me to take advantage of the opportunities you bring- the people, experiences and lessons. You are using all these things to reveal Yourself- help me not to miss You. Thank you for "showing up" and displaying Your power, Your presence, Your glory. May my natural reaction be to worship YOU- for You ARE good- You ARE faithful- You ARE trustworthy and You ARE With ME~ Immanuel. This season is Your best for me- help me to claim Your truth moment by moment. Amen
Thursday, December 13, 2007
I was scheduled to attend a conference today- which meant that I could sleep in a few extra hours- which I was REALLY looking forward to (the sleep NOT the conference). At 5:45am, my cell rang and a voice told me that we had a snow day. Groggily, I went to the TV to doublecheck because I had just had a bizarre dream and wasn't sure if the phone call was part of it or not. Sure enough, we had no school. Woohoo!
Then, I remembered that I had planned to go shopping after school today to get a number of items for tomorrow's Christmas party and for the HOPE newsletter. Junk! So, at 6am- I was making my way to Walmart to get those items. Seems like everyone else had the same idea! At 8am, when I emerged from Walmart, the snow had not begun, so I decided to finish my Christmas Shopping. I pulled in our driveway at 11:30am with all my shopping completed- and the first snowflakes were just beginning to fall.
What a great snow day!
Then, I remembered that I had planned to go shopping after school today to get a number of items for tomorrow's Christmas party and for the HOPE newsletter. Junk! So, at 6am- I was making my way to Walmart to get those items. Seems like everyone else had the same idea! At 8am, when I emerged from Walmart, the snow had not begun, so I decided to finish my Christmas Shopping. I pulled in our driveway at 11:30am with all my shopping completed- and the first snowflakes were just beginning to fall.
What a great snow day!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Found out this week that I work at one of the Top 20 schools in Connecticut (Stafford)- according to US News and World Report. Exciting!!
http://www.wfsb.com/news/14801900/detail.html
Enjoy this clip of my family- we know how to have a good time!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1229276694
We are in the frezny of busy this weekend- I'll update soon!
~Always
Elisabeth
http://www.wfsb.com/news/14801900/detail.html
Enjoy this clip of my family- we know how to have a good time!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1229276694
We are in the frezny of busy this weekend- I'll update soon!
~Always
Elisabeth
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