Friday, September 27, 2013

Looking for the "Good"

This past week seems like I have been in a whirlwind of life.  We usually are on the "other side" of praying and comforting those in need.  But, things happened and for whatever reason, here we are....receiving the blessings of encouragement and prayers from those we hold dear to our heart. 

Last night, a friend visited us and asked the question, "Have you thanked God for the motorcycle wreck?" Yes, he was serious, because the next thing out of his mouth was, "Wonder what 'good' God is going to get out of this?"  Well, today as my husband was praying with his swollen, purple, still full of stitches mouth, he thanked God for the wreck that almost took his life. 

Then, we started to ponder and think of all that has happened this past week, looking for the good.  Nurses had come into the room and stood as prayer had been offered up, we were told it certainly made people pray a lot this week (including us!), neighbors have called, sent cards, brought food....on and on.  But, the 'good' that really came to me, was when people just stopped by, briefly, to say they cared and wanted to let us know.  It reminded me of old times, when people took time out of their days to 'stop by' to check on someone or just visit for a spell.  There was no phone calls and planning, just the caring hearts. 

We have a friend that says: Men will say "hey, you want to go to get something to eat?"  "Sure let's go!" and they are off.  Women will say: "Hey, you want to go to get something to eat?"  "Sure, what time and what are you going to wear?  Are we going for Italian or Mexican?"  Yes, he is being funny, but it is so true.  We are so full of details, we don't pay attention to what really counts. 

People that we have met at church, but didn't have 'time' to get to know them, have sat in our living room this week and prayed.  What a blessing to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ!  Wouldn't it be awful to get to heaven and someone walks up to you and say, "I have seen you before, you went to the same church I did on earth".  Sad! 

Let me stop here to say 'Thank you' to all who have cared, whether it be a note on Facebook, mail, email and text, phone call or visit.  We have been overwhelmed with kindness and love.  We have not had to look far to see 'the good', for you all are it!! God is glorified through each word.....we are so touched. 

If the wreck had not happened, yes we would have known we were loved, but you all have blessed us beyond measure!! We are not used to being on the receiving side of this, so we are greatly humbled. 

We do thank you and Praise Him for being the Healer, The Great Physician, and The Great I Am that heard and answered prayers before they were even out of all our mouths.  We thank Him for the motorcycle wreck....and being with Denny, but most of all....for the 'good', that He may be glorified even more.
Romans 8:28 (HCSB)
28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Hugging you all in my heart......
gs

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Time is Now.....

Time.....
   
Time is one of our most valuable resources of life.  It is the moment we have right now...or what is in the future.  And only He knows how long our future will be....today, tomorrow, next week...years?   

The saying is "like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives."  This is truth.  The mystery of time cannot be figured out.  But, we can be sure, we all have a choice of how to use our time.  

With all the electronics, computers and smart phones, time seems to fly by.  We have all the 'fast', 'high speed' resources, but we have less time.  What is wrong with us?  

I remember as a little girl, the long Sunday afternoons when we either went to visit family or friends, or some folks 'dropped' by our house.  The sitting on the porch and making homemade ice cream or enjoying watermelon was good, but the time spent together was wonderful.  Time seemed to be slower and the joy of a being together was well spent. 

I long for those times again.  When people visit each other without checking their computers or phones.  I must admit, I am guilty as well!  But, whose time in life are we missing out on?  Ours? Theirs?

Paul wrote to the Ephesians " see that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but rather understand what the will of the Lord is. "  (Ehp 5:15-17)

Let us be mindful of the devil and how he uses technology to tempt us.  How he steals time from us. How he takes those precious moments with loved ones from us.  

Let us celebrate time by sharing the love for one another!  Live, laugh and enjoy each one of those moments that is given to you.  Be wise....take the time God has given you to listen to the children, listen to the elderly, hold hands, enjoy the blessing of friends and family He has given you.   

I hope you think about this blog, put down the tech machine, and in the coming days and weeks you enjoy your family, friends, and neighbors.  Visit, let them know you care.  Tell someone you love them, give a hug, smile, life is good......and time is short...  

Love you all and feel free to share my blog...let you friends online know you care..
gs

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Yesterday's Tomorrow........??



Time has a beginning, but God operates outside of time. On the other hand, humans are confined to time.
  • Psalm 139 "Where can I go from your Spirit?... All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
God knew yesterday what your tomorrow would be like.  Therefore, pause and think, what are you doing for His glory today?  Have you been too busy to think on Him and seek His face?  Some of you have contacted me today for prayers...you had your hearts set on Him...seeking His answers.  Then, we have peace and remember..He is in control..but He does not want us to sit idle.  He wants us to pray, read His word...look for Him.  
  •  Ephesians 5:15-16
    Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

    Matthew 6:33
    But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well

     
Sometime there may be someone put into your path to encourage, as others encourage you.  


  • Colossians 4:5-6
    Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

    Proverbs 16:3
    Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
     


    Sometime, we rush around so much...we forget where and why we are going.  The older we get, we realize time is fleeting.  Make your life worth someone's memories!! 

    1 Corinthians 9:26-27
    Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

    Psalm 39:4-5
    "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. 


    Live life to the fullest...so when your life is over, you will hear Him say, "Well, done my good and faithful servant."  

    God bless each of you and I love seeing your comments on here of how you saw God this week!! Continue to post and share my blogs and posts!
    ginger