1/18/10
So, I have just about 8 minutes before my noodles are done. The kids (total 5 including 2 that do not permanently belong to us but are here for the afternoon!) are running wild outside with Rick so I have a few free minutes to share a thought that has been with me all day.
It has been a challenging week in our house. Rick and I are still struggling with our "role reversal" and this week seemed particularly rough in that respect. But as I was praying last night, thinking back to the horrific argument we (my husband and I) had on Saturday morning, I realized that now is not the time to give up. As we walk closer to God and increase our spiritual growth, the enemy also increases his attacks.
Not only is this a reminder that we should not give into these feelings of anger and frustration because they are not of God, but we should consider this a sign that we are doing the right thing. Clearly, we have given Satan something to sit up and notice, so much that he is doing everything he can to get us off track and back on his path, not God's. So perhaps we should not look at these challenges as something to "survive", but we should look forward to them, seek them out. Because the closer we walk to God's will, the more these attacks will increase, and the more wisdom and knowledge of God we will obtain.
James 1:2-3 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
So I look forward to my next round with the enemy, and the resulting patience that I know will surely follow!
Love & Prayers...
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Atonement
January 10, 2010
My husband was baptized today. It was a wonderful event...albeit one that six months ago neither of us considered necessary. We have both been Christians for over 3 years now. We came to Christ through Christ's Sanctified Holy Church in Chesapeake, VA in October 2006. At the time, our church did not practice water baptism, rather a process of forgiveness and sanctification. I still feel this practice is very valid and quite real.
However, when we desired to become members at Edgefield Baptist, one of the requirements was that you had to have been baptized in water. For me, this was not a problem. I was raised Southern Baptist and baptized when I was 10 years old. For Rick, being raised Catholic however, this presented an issue. Although our pastor did not doubt Rick's sanctification and salvation, it is a requirement of Edgefield Baptist Church that all members be baptized, that is to say dunked, in water.
At first, we both looked upon his baptism as simply a physical symbol of the work that had already taken place in my husband several years ago. But after experiencing the physical act of baptism today he remarked to me that he felt he had taken "the cleanest shower of his life." What an amazing blessing that God can turn a simple act of dunking one's head under water into a beautiful cleansing symbol of His love for us!
Something else happened to me today as well. I found out that I hurt a dear friend. I won't get into the details...for they are far to personal, but I feel I should share how much it sorrowed me to know that my thoughtless "blogging" had hurt this friend. Often we type messages via e-mail, text, Facebook, or blogs and because we are not physically confronted with the person or people we are addressing, we fail to consider the impact our words, or lack thereof, may have. Sometimes it is better to put down the keyboard or text-pad and just call the person you want to talk to....or better yet, visit them in person. Our society has become so technologically connected via electronic devices that we are all becoming socially isolated.
So my missive to you tonight, my dear friends, is to call someone, visit someone. Tell them you love them in person or at least on the phone. Send them a card, with a personal message. Connect without the use of your computer or cell phone text message!
Love & Prayers....Meridath
My husband was baptized today. It was a wonderful event...albeit one that six months ago neither of us considered necessary. We have both been Christians for over 3 years now. We came to Christ through Christ's Sanctified Holy Church in Chesapeake, VA in October 2006. At the time, our church did not practice water baptism, rather a process of forgiveness and sanctification. I still feel this practice is very valid and quite real.
However, when we desired to become members at Edgefield Baptist, one of the requirements was that you had to have been baptized in water. For me, this was not a problem. I was raised Southern Baptist and baptized when I was 10 years old. For Rick, being raised Catholic however, this presented an issue. Although our pastor did not doubt Rick's sanctification and salvation, it is a requirement of Edgefield Baptist Church that all members be baptized, that is to say dunked, in water.
At first, we both looked upon his baptism as simply a physical symbol of the work that had already taken place in my husband several years ago. But after experiencing the physical act of baptism today he remarked to me that he felt he had taken "the cleanest shower of his life." What an amazing blessing that God can turn a simple act of dunking one's head under water into a beautiful cleansing symbol of His love for us!
Something else happened to me today as well. I found out that I hurt a dear friend. I won't get into the details...for they are far to personal, but I feel I should share how much it sorrowed me to know that my thoughtless "blogging" had hurt this friend. Often we type messages via e-mail, text, Facebook, or blogs and because we are not physically confronted with the person or people we are addressing, we fail to consider the impact our words, or lack thereof, may have. Sometimes it is better to put down the keyboard or text-pad and just call the person you want to talk to....or better yet, visit them in person. Our society has become so technologically connected via electronic devices that we are all becoming socially isolated.
So my missive to you tonight, my dear friends, is to call someone, visit someone. Tell them you love them in person or at least on the phone. Send them a card, with a personal message. Connect without the use of your computer or cell phone text message!
Love & Prayers....Meridath
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Blown Away
December 13, 2009
We had a Christmas Party at our home last night. Once everyone left and the children were in bed, Rick and I laid in bed (completely exhausted!) and talked for over an hour about the wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon us this past year.
It was just shy of 1 year ago that we moved to Greensboro, NC. We didn't know many people, and although we had a church to attend, we did not have a church "home". I have never had a lot of close friends, in fact, in the past 7 years, I have had only 1 girlfriend that I would consider a close friend...and she is more like a sister. Rick and I have often talked about how nice it would be for us to have friends where we were as comfortable one-on-one as when we did things as couples.
So here is my point....finally, I was blown away last night when I realized how God has blessed us so very much in the past year. We have wonderful friends and neighbors to share our holiday with this year and we have a new church home where we feel as though we have always been there (or at least should have been!). Our family has grown closer to God and closer to one another. In a situation wrought with challenges (financial, health, and the emotional stress of moving), God has not only seen us through the storm, but blessed us beyond our wildest imagination.
I am again drawn to the verses in Ephesians (3:20-21) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever Amen."
How often do we think we know what we need (or want), and we ask for what we need (or want). But God knows what we need, better than we know ourselves. Not only does He provide for our needs, but the truth is that even when He does not give us what we ask for, He blesses us. How often do we ask for something and we don't get that specific thing, but we get something better along with the realization that we did not need what we asked for to begin with! Again....BLOWN AWAY!
I am so thankful for my God who loves me and my husband and children and all of the many blessings in my life. But I am also grateful for those "unanswered prayers"...which weren't really unanswered at all!
God bless you all!
We had a Christmas Party at our home last night. Once everyone left and the children were in bed, Rick and I laid in bed (completely exhausted!) and talked for over an hour about the wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon us this past year.
It was just shy of 1 year ago that we moved to Greensboro, NC. We didn't know many people, and although we had a church to attend, we did not have a church "home". I have never had a lot of close friends, in fact, in the past 7 years, I have had only 1 girlfriend that I would consider a close friend...and she is more like a sister. Rick and I have often talked about how nice it would be for us to have friends where we were as comfortable one-on-one as when we did things as couples.
So here is my point....finally, I was blown away last night when I realized how God has blessed us so very much in the past year. We have wonderful friends and neighbors to share our holiday with this year and we have a new church home where we feel as though we have always been there (or at least should have been!). Our family has grown closer to God and closer to one another. In a situation wrought with challenges (financial, health, and the emotional stress of moving), God has not only seen us through the storm, but blessed us beyond our wildest imagination.
I am again drawn to the verses in Ephesians (3:20-21) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever Amen."
How often do we think we know what we need (or want), and we ask for what we need (or want). But God knows what we need, better than we know ourselves. Not only does He provide for our needs, but the truth is that even when He does not give us what we ask for, He blesses us. How often do we ask for something and we don't get that specific thing, but we get something better along with the realization that we did not need what we asked for to begin with! Again....BLOWN AWAY!
I am so thankful for my God who loves me and my husband and children and all of the many blessings in my life. But I am also grateful for those "unanswered prayers"...which weren't really unanswered at all!
God bless you all!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Back on Track
12/7/09
After 4 days off the Wii Fit, I am back on track. Walked 1.3 miles this morning in 10 minutes burning 130 calories....whoo hoo! It's only 10 am so my plan is to do this again 2 more times today. My goal is to be exercising 50 minutes per day 5 days per week, but this week I am shooting for 3o minutes per day, 3 days per week.
I have also started on another project. I am committing myself to spend time alone with God each day. Studying His word and talking to him in prayer. I am keeping a journal (sorry readers...most of these thoughts are between me and the Lord). I have started in Matthew chapter 5 with the Beatitudes. They are a wonderful guideline on the characteristics of a Christian and what God expects of us as His children. Today I was reading in Matthew 5:13-16 about being the "salt of the earth" and a "light to the world". What wonderful guidance from our Lord on our duties as His children here on earth.
Many blessings, more updates to come. Thank you for all the prayers!
After 4 days off the Wii Fit, I am back on track. Walked 1.3 miles this morning in 10 minutes burning 130 calories....whoo hoo! It's only 10 am so my plan is to do this again 2 more times today. My goal is to be exercising 50 minutes per day 5 days per week, but this week I am shooting for 3o minutes per day, 3 days per week.
I have also started on another project. I am committing myself to spend time alone with God each day. Studying His word and talking to him in prayer. I am keeping a journal (sorry readers...most of these thoughts are between me and the Lord). I have started in Matthew chapter 5 with the Beatitudes. They are a wonderful guideline on the characteristics of a Christian and what God expects of us as His children. Today I was reading in Matthew 5:13-16 about being the "salt of the earth" and a "light to the world". What wonderful guidance from our Lord on our duties as His children here on earth.
Many blessings, more updates to come. Thank you for all the prayers!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Progress
December 2, 2009
So, recently I have taken on a more serious attitude about my health. My parents bought us a Wii Fit for an early Christmas present and it is AWESOME! I have worked out every day for the last 3 days....not a lot, but at least a little each day. I have also been tracking my diet on a great website, www.fitday.com. It is a completely free fitness tracking site. So my goal is to lose 2.5 lbs every 2 weeks. I started on 11/29/09 and will weigh in every 2 weeks...and will keep everyone posted on my progress, good or bad!
I have been reading in the Old Testament some this week. Isaiah 41:13 says "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." What an encouraging verse. This Christmas it means so much to me to know that God is with me, holding my hand and helping me. With Rick unemployed most of the year and now only working part time, the Christmas budget is a bit lean this year. But God is using this time to remind our family of the true meaning of Christmas. We have been focusing on His blessings and His gift of Baby Jesus this year, rather than toys and gifts and all of the commercial trappings of the holidays. He has given us this trial to teach us a lesson and in that lesson, the trial becomes insignificant!
I know that my God will provide for my family this Christmas and every day thereafter. He is right there, holding my hand and encouraging me that everything will work out to the glory of God!
Love & Prayers and Happy Holidays!
So, recently I have taken on a more serious attitude about my health. My parents bought us a Wii Fit for an early Christmas present and it is AWESOME! I have worked out every day for the last 3 days....not a lot, but at least a little each day. I have also been tracking my diet on a great website, www.fitday.com. It is a completely free fitness tracking site. So my goal is to lose 2.5 lbs every 2 weeks. I started on 11/29/09 and will weigh in every 2 weeks...and will keep everyone posted on my progress, good or bad!
I have been reading in the Old Testament some this week. Isaiah 41:13 says "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." What an encouraging verse. This Christmas it means so much to me to know that God is with me, holding my hand and helping me. With Rick unemployed most of the year and now only working part time, the Christmas budget is a bit lean this year. But God is using this time to remind our family of the true meaning of Christmas. We have been focusing on His blessings and His gift of Baby Jesus this year, rather than toys and gifts and all of the commercial trappings of the holidays. He has given us this trial to teach us a lesson and in that lesson, the trial becomes insignificant!
I know that my God will provide for my family this Christmas and every day thereafter. He is right there, holding my hand and encouraging me that everything will work out to the glory of God!
Love & Prayers and Happy Holidays!
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Step in the Right Direction
11/20/09
So I just got back from a walk. The first I have taken in a LONG time....I don't care to mention how long. It felt great! It's a beautiful autumn day here in North Carolina. The sun is shining, the smell of burning leaves is in the air and it is not too cold and not too warm, just right for a walk. I didn't go far, but I surpassed the goal I set for myself. My new goal is to be active every day. Take a walk, clean the house, work in the yard, just do something that gets me up and moving.
My friend Gary posted on FB today about procrastination. "Often a huge goal seems impossible to attain. We stand, immobilized, as we stare at it. However, a mighty mountain can be moved one shovel at a time." Today, I moved my first shovel-full of my mountain.
Thanks for all the support and love. Keep praying for me!
So I just got back from a walk. The first I have taken in a LONG time....I don't care to mention how long. It felt great! It's a beautiful autumn day here in North Carolina. The sun is shining, the smell of burning leaves is in the air and it is not too cold and not too warm, just right for a walk. I didn't go far, but I surpassed the goal I set for myself. My new goal is to be active every day. Take a walk, clean the house, work in the yard, just do something that gets me up and moving.
My friend Gary posted on FB today about procrastination. "Often a huge goal seems impossible to attain. We stand, immobilized, as we stare at it. However, a mighty mountain can be moved one shovel at a time." Today, I moved my first shovel-full of my mountain.
Thanks for all the support and love. Keep praying for me!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thanksgiving
November 14, 2009
So, Halloween is over...and suddenly, all the stores have their Christmas displays in full array. Trees, lights, wreaths, inflatable snowmen, and so much more abound. I must admit, I have started listening to Christmas music (yes, already) and switched out my "harvest" scented candles for "evergreen" and "mulberry" scents. I am even considering putting out a few Christmas decorations this weekend.
It seems, that in the midst of recovering from the sugar overload of Halloween and preparing for Christmas, we overlook Thanksgiving. I often feel that Thanksgiving is the "warm-up" for Christmas. We get together, eat, watch some football, complain we are full, take a nap, and then eat some more. But what about the true meaning of Thanksgiving? Christians everywhere fight to "keep the 'Christ' in Christmas". We spend time and effort trying to teach our children that Christmas is not all Santa Claus and presents, that we are to be celebrating the birth of our Savior. But how often to we reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving?
Most of us will come together with family and friends and I am sure many prayers of thanks will be said, at least to bless the food, on Thanksgiving day. Children will make turkeys and pilgrim hats out of construction paper, but do we consider our blessings this Thanksgiving season?
Philippians 4:6 says "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." What a beautiful promise. Perhaps, the Pilgrims were thinking of this very scripture hundreds of years ago when they first gathered together with the Indians to celebrate. They had plenty to be anxious about...a new land, disease, a cold winter ahead, and much more. They had sacrificed much to be able to worship in a manner they felt would please God. And yet, in this anxious and terrifying time, they took a moment to thank God for His blessings.
So here we sit this holiday season, worried about money, gifts, time off from work, health, and so on, and we seem to forget this promise of God. The promise of answered prayer. The promise of peace. The next verse in Philippians (4:7) goes on to say "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." What a wonderful gift! Anything you want or need, just go to God (with thanksgiving) and He will give you peace.
So this Thanksgiving season I pray that each of you will take the time to "make your requests be known unto God" and thank Him, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day, for the many blessings he bestows on us.
God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!
So, Halloween is over...and suddenly, all the stores have their Christmas displays in full array. Trees, lights, wreaths, inflatable snowmen, and so much more abound. I must admit, I have started listening to Christmas music (yes, already) and switched out my "harvest" scented candles for "evergreen" and "mulberry" scents. I am even considering putting out a few Christmas decorations this weekend.
It seems, that in the midst of recovering from the sugar overload of Halloween and preparing for Christmas, we overlook Thanksgiving. I often feel that Thanksgiving is the "warm-up" for Christmas. We get together, eat, watch some football, complain we are full, take a nap, and then eat some more. But what about the true meaning of Thanksgiving? Christians everywhere fight to "keep the 'Christ' in Christmas". We spend time and effort trying to teach our children that Christmas is not all Santa Claus and presents, that we are to be celebrating the birth of our Savior. But how often to we reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving?
Most of us will come together with family and friends and I am sure many prayers of thanks will be said, at least to bless the food, on Thanksgiving day. Children will make turkeys and pilgrim hats out of construction paper, but do we consider our blessings this Thanksgiving season?
Philippians 4:6 says "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." What a beautiful promise. Perhaps, the Pilgrims were thinking of this very scripture hundreds of years ago when they first gathered together with the Indians to celebrate. They had plenty to be anxious about...a new land, disease, a cold winter ahead, and much more. They had sacrificed much to be able to worship in a manner they felt would please God. And yet, in this anxious and terrifying time, they took a moment to thank God for His blessings.
So here we sit this holiday season, worried about money, gifts, time off from work, health, and so on, and we seem to forget this promise of God. The promise of answered prayer. The promise of peace. The next verse in Philippians (4:7) goes on to say "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." What a wonderful gift! Anything you want or need, just go to God (with thanksgiving) and He will give you peace.
So this Thanksgiving season I pray that each of you will take the time to "make your requests be known unto God" and thank Him, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day, for the many blessings he bestows on us.
God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!
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