Do you have funny memories that you can look back on and they still make you laugh? if so do they lighten your mood and lift your spirits? I'll be talking more about this on friday. until then, post a funny memory:....
Showing posts with label Barefoot Child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barefoot Child. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
BFF code laughter
To this day only a select very few know what the code name BHA means.. VERY FEW. It was created by my two good friends Diane and Sarah...it was offically started in the 5th grade. It became a tope secret file and we added really funny things to it... over the years, we remind eacher other of the code and all the things involved with it (i.e. the funny memories)... and we have a real good time laughing about it.
Do you have funny memories that you can look back on and they still make you laugh? if so do they lighten your mood and lift your spirits? I'll be talking more about this on friday. until then, post a funny memory:....
Do you have funny memories that you can look back on and they still make you laugh? if so do they lighten your mood and lift your spirits? I'll be talking more about this on friday. until then, post a funny memory:....
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
biannual church: EASTER ADVENTURE
As a small child, I didn't go to church much.. here and there. But there is one year I remember going on an Easter Sunday.
I brought my stuffed Easter bunny that the Easter bunny brought himself to my basket in my living room. It came with me to church. I think I was in preschool or kindergarten and I didn't know anybody. I started crying... A LOT! I remember the teacher asking if I put my bunny aside and I cried harder... I ended up staying really quiet due to the agreement that the teacher let me keep my bunny in my lap. I don't remember too much, but what I DO remember was coloring a picture of Jesus coming out of the grave and I made it really colorful.
I thought this Jesus was a little different than what I had ever heard, and the picture was interesting to me... of course I didn't think much more about it at that age, but it did stick with me.
So those who go to as many functions as possible with a church three times a week, more power to ya. But even those who visit on holidays like Easter and Christmas: you are stepping into an adventure that will stick with you. It did for me... it got me intrigued.
I brought my stuffed Easter bunny that the Easter bunny brought himself to my basket in my living room. It came with me to church. I think I was in preschool or kindergarten and I didn't know anybody. I started crying... A LOT! I remember the teacher asking if I put my bunny aside and I cried harder... I ended up staying really quiet due to the agreement that the teacher let me keep my bunny in my lap. I don't remember too much, but what I DO remember was coloring a picture of Jesus coming out of the grave and I made it really colorful.
I thought this Jesus was a little different than what I had ever heard, and the picture was interesting to me... of course I didn't think much more about it at that age, but it did stick with me.
So those who go to as many functions as possible with a church three times a week, more power to ya. But even those who visit on holidays like Easter and Christmas: you are stepping into an adventure that will stick with you. It did for me... it got me intrigued.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
the ceiling fan
A lot of times and pretty much 99% of the time growing up I would sleep with my older sister. I got scared easy.
One of her favorite things was to have the ceiling fan going in her room whether it was winter or summer. I asked her one time why she would have it on while it is 30 degrees outside and she told me that it was lulling and comforting to her when she was sleeping at night. This memory has popped into my head because I'm sitting here in my livingroom with a floor fan going ... and I'm realizing the soothing sounds of the fan.
It brings back so many memories.. good ones
Do you have a sent, or sound, or texture, that makes you go back in time?
Memory is the way of saying thank for what you have now...
One of her favorite things was to have the ceiling fan going in her room whether it was winter or summer. I asked her one time why she would have it on while it is 30 degrees outside and she told me that it was lulling and comforting to her when she was sleeping at night. This memory has popped into my head because I'm sitting here in my livingroom with a floor fan going ... and I'm realizing the soothing sounds of the fan.
It brings back so many memories.. good ones
Do you have a sent, or sound, or texture, that makes you go back in time?
Memory is the way of saying thank for what you have now...
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Children's Easter...well and Grown ups too :D
To start out this time of Lent and leading up to Christ's Ressurrection, here are some of my personal recommendations for children's and adult easter books to read along with some books that I've heard can be of use.
Kids books/dvds
Kids books/dvds
Books/dvds for Grown ups
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Memory to share
A memory to share... we love sharing about our past, or cool adventures we've been on. As I sat here thinking of what this BAREFOOT CHILD would share, I thought of nothing... but earlier this evening I was talking with a girl in my church that's about 7 or 8.
She started telling me cool stories of her times on vacation, and randomly jumped into exciting details about what happened at school last week. She mentioned something about P.E. and I asked if she would participate in "field days" (where classes are teams and there are fun games all day long during the school day.). she said yes and with that I told her I used to also. She got excited and we started sharing the games that we would participate along with other great memories.
We had a great conversation! And what was fun about it is that we both got to share our memories and got excited talking about it.
Share a MEMORY with someone! Don't just tell a memory, but share, ask what their similar memory was.
She started telling me cool stories of her times on vacation, and randomly jumped into exciting details about what happened at school last week. She mentioned something about P.E. and I asked if she would participate in "field days" (where classes are teams and there are fun games all day long during the school day.). she said yes and with that I told her I used to also. She got excited and we started sharing the games that we would participate along with other great memories.
We had a great conversation! And what was fun about it is that we both got to share our memories and got excited talking about it.
Share a MEMORY with someone! Don't just tell a memory, but share, ask what their similar memory was.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
1,000 piece Puzzles
Growing up, it was me, my sister, and my grandmother at home. When my grandmother was at work, my sister and I would play "queen and servant" or pass notes from underneath the door to each other like it was a secret or something (don't ask). But when it was all three of us, we would have time mostly on the weekends if possible and take time to put together a 1,000 piece puzzle, it was more like a billion piece puzzle to me... maybe because I was young.
We would group the colors together, and then we would group the edges together. My favorite thing abou this time is that we would just sit in quietness working together on a project with the same end set goals. Another thing I loved was that we could interact with each other and not have to wait until commercials to talk.
Maybe we incorporate something "unplugged" with our families.....
We would group the colors together, and then we would group the edges together. My favorite thing abou this time is that we would just sit in quietness working together on a project with the same end set goals. Another thing I loved was that we could interact with each other and not have to wait until commercials to talk.
Maybe we incorporate something "unplugged" with our families.....
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
"Mommy Look!"
"Thomas! Thomas! Tomas the train!!... Mommy Mommy look!"
"Where sugar?.... oh! its right in front of me!"
When My sister and I would go to Wally world, or even just the grocery store, our mission was to make it to the "pink aisle". You know what I'm talking about? Barbies, baby dolls, etc. we were on a mission, and we could spot it from a mile away.
Well yesterday at my work, this toddler boy kept spotting Thomas the Train everywhere, and she didn't believe him because she couldn't spot it out.
I thought to myself, maybe its because he is tuned into what he's after so he is aware of anything blue and grey and train shaped. Apply it however you prefer, but what if we are zoned in our goal of Christ and pleasing Him that opportunities are going to come up all around us, or His blessings are going to be more OBVIOUS, right in front of us like Thomas the Train.
"Where sugar?.... oh! its right in front of me!"
When My sister and I would go to Wally world, or even just the grocery store, our mission was to make it to the "pink aisle". You know what I'm talking about? Barbies, baby dolls, etc. we were on a mission, and we could spot it from a mile away.
Well yesterday at my work, this toddler boy kept spotting Thomas the Train everywhere, and she didn't believe him because she couldn't spot it out.
I thought to myself, maybe its because he is tuned into what he's after so he is aware of anything blue and grey and train shaped. Apply it however you prefer, but what if we are zoned in our goal of Christ and pleasing Him that opportunities are going to come up all around us, or His blessings are going to be more OBVIOUS, right in front of us like Thomas the Train.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Grow up!
have you ever had someone tell you to "grow up!"
In some cases that's appropriate, because grown ups have to make grown up decisions, and live in the grown up world.
But the Lord says to have faith like a child. (Matthew 18:3-4)
Have you ever walked through a store where you see to your right the "toy section", and you want so badly to see the toys, but another part of you says, "no, you're too old for that". With a giggle in my sentence, some of you might be old enough to have kids, so you can get away with the justification of looking at the toy section for your "kids". I end up going down the aisles anyway, not really concerned of how "grown up" I am or should be... toys are FUN!
Take that concept with your "faith". You want to live it out with such joy and excitement, and energy, and love, but sometimes we "grow up" in our faith and forget to keep the essence of a childlike faith, not questioning God so much, not trying so much to take matters into our own hands...etc...
So YES, continue to "GROW UP"
But also continue to "grow in your childlike faith also. GO THROUGH THE TOY DEPARTMENT! Push the shape buttons on the preschool steering wheel, flip through the coloring books, even maybe purchase one and color pictures and put them on your fridge or mail to a friend. why not?
In some cases that's appropriate, because grown ups have to make grown up decisions, and live in the grown up world.
But the Lord says to have faith like a child. (Matthew 18:3-4)
Have you ever walked through a store where you see to your right the "toy section", and you want so badly to see the toys, but another part of you says, "no, you're too old for that". With a giggle in my sentence, some of you might be old enough to have kids, so you can get away with the justification of looking at the toy section for your "kids". I end up going down the aisles anyway, not really concerned of how "grown up" I am or should be... toys are FUN!
Take that concept with your "faith". You want to live it out with such joy and excitement, and energy, and love, but sometimes we "grow up" in our faith and forget to keep the essence of a childlike faith, not questioning God so much, not trying so much to take matters into our own hands...etc...
So YES, continue to "GROW UP"
But also continue to "grow in your childlike faith also. GO THROUGH THE TOY DEPARTMENT! Push the shape buttons on the preschool steering wheel, flip through the coloring books, even maybe purchase one and color pictures and put them on your fridge or mail to a friend. why not?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Temptation: the Butter Bowl
When Nanny (my grandmother) said "girls, set the table", my sister and I would start setting out the plates, silverware, ..... condiments, such as ketchup, A1 sauce....and my favorite BUTTER.
That's right! I was known to stick my finger in the BUTTER BOWL! Every time we set the table, I was tempted to stick my finger in and scoop out a delightful cloud of butter goodness and eat it. I got away with it a few times. Here and there, my sister would tell on me. Sometimes my grandmother just KNEW and would shout out from the other room, "Jamie, you better not be putting your finger in the butter bowl!" I was tempted... I loved it!
TEMPTATION: its a nasty business, and it starts when we're little, like butter bowls, video games, putting down others in order to be cool.
Later as grown ups we deal with it in the form of laziness (someone else will get it for me), food, overspending, pornography, lying...etc.
The best way to explain it is through this video. Its a song from the VeggieTales Video: "LarryBoy and the Bad Apple" There is a villain that is a BAD apple named Temptation, and she out to take over the town and eventually the world. She fights with tempting individuals with their weak spots, easy to trap them. This song puts it into perspective. ENJOY!
That's right! I was known to stick my finger in the BUTTER BOWL! Every time we set the table, I was tempted to stick my finger in and scoop out a delightful cloud of butter goodness and eat it. I got away with it a few times. Here and there, my sister would tell on me. Sometimes my grandmother just KNEW and would shout out from the other room, "Jamie, you better not be putting your finger in the butter bowl!" I was tempted... I loved it!
TEMPTATION: its a nasty business, and it starts when we're little, like butter bowls, video games, putting down others in order to be cool.
Later as grown ups we deal with it in the form of laziness (someone else will get it for me), food, overspending, pornography, lying...etc.
The best way to explain it is through this video. Its a song from the VeggieTales Video: "LarryBoy and the Bad Apple" There is a villain that is a BAD apple named Temptation, and she out to take over the town and eventually the world. She fights with tempting individuals with their weak spots, easy to trap them. This song puts it into perspective. ENJOY!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Coolest Interview EVER!
It was 6th or 7th grade, in our history class, and we were assigned to interview someone that went through the Great Depression. I got to visit with a lady in her mid 70's .
It was the Coolest Interview EVER! I remember sitting at her kitchen table, eating cookies, and a glass of ice tea. Her wrinkled hands folded over, breathing calmly with each questions I asked. Me being just a kid, I could relate to a lot of things she said, because SHE was just a kid when she remembered going throught the great depression. She would tell me about how it seemed "different", and their food they ate had to change. And that people were sad. She also told me some good memories that she and her brothers and sister would play fun games even though times were tough. Even as a kid, I was amazed to hear her story. NOW as an adult I think I would have appriciated it more hearing her stories!
But growing up through the years I have heard great stories from my own kitchen table. My grandmother at times would tell awesome stories, and she still does!! One of my favorite stories is about her step brother having a pet monkey, and that it would eat her mother's lipstick all the time.
She would tell me stories about living around farm life, about the pros-and-cons of then and now. She will tell stories of when my mother was a baby. She even tells stories of her tough times she went through.
OVERALL these stories bring together HISTORY : where we came from, why we are here now, and what will we do next.
Don't neglect listening to the older generation's stories... you will gain, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and RESPECT... you'll start to see the BIG PICTURE.
Who are you going to interview?
It was the Coolest Interview EVER! I remember sitting at her kitchen table, eating cookies, and a glass of ice tea. Her wrinkled hands folded over, breathing calmly with each questions I asked. Me being just a kid, I could relate to a lot of things she said, because SHE was just a kid when she remembered going throught the great depression. She would tell me about how it seemed "different", and their food they ate had to change. And that people were sad. She also told me some good memories that she and her brothers and sister would play fun games even though times were tough. Even as a kid, I was amazed to hear her story. NOW as an adult I think I would have appriciated it more hearing her stories!
But growing up through the years I have heard great stories from my own kitchen table. My grandmother at times would tell awesome stories, and she still does!! One of my favorite stories is about her step brother having a pet monkey, and that it would eat her mother's lipstick all the time.
She would tell me stories about living around farm life, about the pros-and-cons of then and now. She will tell stories of when my mother was a baby. She even tells stories of her tough times she went through.
OVERALL these stories bring together HISTORY : where we came from, why we are here now, and what will we do next.
Don't neglect listening to the older generation's stories... you will gain, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and RESPECT... you'll start to see the BIG PICTURE.
Who are you going to interview?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Smell of Christmas
sniff
sniff
hmm..
"is that?..... fudge you're making Nanny?"
"Yes, its time to start making it" she says as she stirs constantly with a wooden spoon, making sure the chocolate is nice and smooth
mmm..
Growing up, I remember, smelling certain smells that would trigger the "holiday spirit"
The Hot Apple Cider would remind me of a cold hayride I took once
The hot coco in the freezing air reminded me of Christmas Caroling with my youth group
Fudge brewing in the kitchen reminded me of "Nanny's" giving heart (making treats for EVERYONE)
If I were to imagine these smells right now, it would take me back to remembrance of Christmas.
...to remember it
...to celebrate it
...to not forget about the spirit of giving
...to not forget about my Emmanuel- God with us
Do you have specific smells that remind you of a particular Christmas memory or essence?
Please share:
sniff
hmm..
"is that?..... fudge you're making Nanny?"
"Yes, its time to start making it" she says as she stirs constantly with a wooden spoon, making sure the chocolate is nice and smooth
mmm..
Growing up, I remember, smelling certain smells that would trigger the "holiday spirit"
The Hot Apple Cider would remind me of a cold hayride I took once
The hot coco in the freezing air reminded me of Christmas Caroling with my youth group
Fudge brewing in the kitchen reminded me of "Nanny's" giving heart (making treats for EVERYONE)
If I were to imagine these smells right now, it would take me back to remembrance of Christmas.
...to remember it
...to celebrate it
...to not forget about the spirit of giving
...to not forget about my Emmanuel- God with us
Do you have specific smells that remind you of a particular Christmas memory or essence?
Please share:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
childlike setting for Christmas
The Lord has always encouraged us to have faith like a child... Trust and Obey
He also tells us to grow with a discerning heart and a strong faith.
Before I would know the Saviour, I put a lot of effort and excitement towards Christmas, leaving out the oatmeal cookies and coffee for Santa, waking up early the next morning to see what he brought. As I started a new life in Christ, some things at Christmas weren't lining up.
I had to grow into a discerning heart very quickly... I challenge you to set your traditions and faith before you, and establish them into your family to the best you can to Glorify Christ....
But as a grown up now, I still get excited, and wake up EXTREMELY EARLY, and feel like a kid at heard during this time.
Here are a few recommendations for you and/or your children to help explain Christmas and where it all started. :D
He also tells us to grow with a discerning heart and a strong faith.
Before I would know the Saviour, I put a lot of effort and excitement towards Christmas, leaving out the oatmeal cookies and coffee for Santa, waking up early the next morning to see what he brought. As I started a new life in Christ, some things at Christmas weren't lining up.
I had to grow into a discerning heart very quickly... I challenge you to set your traditions and faith before you, and establish them into your family to the best you can to Glorify Christ....
But as a grown up now, I still get excited, and wake up EXTREMELY EARLY, and feel like a kid at heard during this time.
Here are a few recommendations for you and/or your children to help explain Christmas and where it all started. :D
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Under The Christmas Tree
As a kid I loved spending my time gazing at the Christmas tree and occasionally laying under the tree looking up into it with all the twinkling lights.
Time disappeared
Cares disappeared
Space around disappeared
All there was was me and those lights
Some would stay their same strength of glow, while others dances to "Angels We Have Heard on High", and some just twinkled like stars in the wintry night.
And my imagination would have me travel through different worlds of thought.
At one point I would imagine what it would be like in a sleigh ride through the countryside with snowmen waving at me and passing by carolers...
Then I would imagine being at the North Pole in Santa's workshop with all the elves and the laughter and the magical reindeer
And I remembered the little figurine manger we would set up and imagined myself there in the barn with the baby... and with the wise men traveling...and the angels singing in the sky...and I have to catch my breathe ..because this is a mystery and a wonder I know not of ..yet... but it seems so beautiful.
And as a child I continued to imagine all these things each year, until one year I started going to church and hear about this story that was REAL.. the birth of a Savior,...and my focal point became more and more clear when I would gaze upon the lights of the tree. And my heart for imagination would take me soaring with the lights.. really trying to picture the glory that the shepherds saw that AWESOME NIGHT!
Time disappeared
Cares disappeared
Space around disappeared
All there was was me and those lights
Some would stay their same strength of glow, while others dances to "Angels We Have Heard on High", and some just twinkled like stars in the wintry night.
And my imagination would have me travel through different worlds of thought.
At one point I would imagine what it would be like in a sleigh ride through the countryside with snowmen waving at me and passing by carolers...
Then I would imagine being at the North Pole in Santa's workshop with all the elves and the laughter and the magical reindeer
And I remembered the little figurine manger we would set up and imagined myself there in the barn with the baby... and with the wise men traveling...and the angels singing in the sky...and I have to catch my breathe ..because this is a mystery and a wonder I know not of ..yet... but it seems so beautiful.
And as a child I continued to imagine all these things each year, until one year I started going to church and hear about this story that was REAL.. the birth of a Savior,...and my focal point became more and more clear when I would gaze upon the lights of the tree. And my heart for imagination would take me soaring with the lights.. really trying to picture the glory that the shepherds saw that AWESOME NIGHT!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
simple
 |
| "Searching the Soul" by: Jamie Cook |
I just wanna run away
find a place were I can pray
To flee from the peoples
and their scruples
I just wanna hide
with you beside
and dig in your word
study Your ways
clean my heart out
give you praise
I just wanna get back to the basics
to a little girl that I was
asking a simple question
who are you God?
why am I here?
and God answers me
"I am that I am"
"You were designed for me"
simple: I understand
I love You my Beloved Saviour
and I desire to live for You.
and I want to share this great love with others
SIMPLE
Saturday, July 2, 2011
...singing with the radio...
I love those moments when I'm in my car on my way to work and I'm at a stoplight and I look over to the left of me. There is a mom belting out the words to a song, probably a love song or some country song... something mid-tempo to the looks of it, and a meaningful song frong the looks of her expression.
I look to the left of me and there is this young man maybe 16 or 17, and He reclined back some in his seat, cap to the side, and nodding his head to the beat of his heavy base music.
I look in my rearview mirror and see a car full of college kids, dancing and singing to what looks like some rock n' roll.
This made me think of all the things we sing to on the radio. Its fun... it passes the time... its entertainment... here is the challenge... have you ever sang a song directly to someone with the words ment actually for them, or a song where when you sang it, you meant what you said? This hit me one day when I was cleaning my house and playing some 80's music, and Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" started playing, as I was cleaning I started singing the words to it and yes...sure enough I came across a mirror (perfect timing I know :D ) and realized the realness of this song...and I thought twice about the words I was singing. I ment what I was singing.
Now here is another challenge: If you have ever attended a church, or go regularly, or have sang a song in your car where it is about God, have you ever focused on singing that straight to the VERY CREATOR HIMSELF...the God of the universe and the One Who shaped your very being? Its gets personal really quick.
I haven't alway gone to church my whole life... but when I started going, and I understood what it was to have a personal relationship with the Lord, my understanding of "HYMNS" and other "church songs" gained a whole other meaning. One song that is old but very special to my heart is the song "I EXALT THEE".. you should look up those words and sing that personally to HIM... its beautiful.
So the ultimate challenge is: when you sing a song... think about the audience its directed towards and then sing it in a whole new light. I leave you with the "Man in the Mirror"
I look to the left of me and there is this young man maybe 16 or 17, and He reclined back some in his seat, cap to the side, and nodding his head to the beat of his heavy base music.
I look in my rearview mirror and see a car full of college kids, dancing and singing to what looks like some rock n' roll.
This made me think of all the things we sing to on the radio. Its fun... it passes the time... its entertainment... here is the challenge... have you ever sang a song directly to someone with the words ment actually for them, or a song where when you sang it, you meant what you said? This hit me one day when I was cleaning my house and playing some 80's music, and Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror" started playing, as I was cleaning I started singing the words to it and yes...sure enough I came across a mirror (perfect timing I know :D ) and realized the realness of this song...and I thought twice about the words I was singing. I ment what I was singing.
Now here is another challenge: If you have ever attended a church, or go regularly, or have sang a song in your car where it is about God, have you ever focused on singing that straight to the VERY CREATOR HIMSELF...the God of the universe and the One Who shaped your very being? Its gets personal really quick.
I haven't alway gone to church my whole life... but when I started going, and I understood what it was to have a personal relationship with the Lord, my understanding of "HYMNS" and other "church songs" gained a whole other meaning. One song that is old but very special to my heart is the song "I EXALT THEE".. you should look up those words and sing that personally to HIM... its beautiful.
So the ultimate challenge is: when you sing a song... think about the audience its directed towards and then sing it in a whole new light. I leave you with the "Man in the Mirror"
Monday, June 27, 2011
Beat the Crowd
The other day I went through the McDonald's drive thru to get some breakfast at 6:00am. As I was waiting at the window to receive my bag of food, I looked and in the distancne there were a couple of guys having some coffee at a table just chatting away... and that made me think back on the days when I would get somewhere where the crowds had not come yet or the rush hour was hours away..and that feeling of being ahead to have a peaceful moment ...it was a nice feeling.
I get that feeling when the retail store or grocery store has just opened and I'm the first to walk in and they greet me with a fresh, crisp, new "hello" along with a morning smile. I love that feeling.
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Usually I like to sleep in just a little... but when I was at youth camp, I would love to wake up at 6:00am and take a walk on the trail before the camp was loud with teenagers...and where the dew was shimmering all over the path and the leaves..and the sun was just starting to tease its rays over the mountians and the only noise you could hear are the tree frogs and forest birds of various types. - it was refreshing.
And this reminds me that my Lord and Master loves that very thing. He loves to meet with me first in the morning before the "crowds"...before the "rush hour" of the day comes my way. That way we get that FRESH, CRISP, NEW communion with God each day...along with that genuine "SMILE OF THE HEART"
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3: 22-23
I get that feeling when the retail store or grocery store has just opened and I'm the first to walk in and they greet me with a fresh, crisp, new "hello" along with a morning smile. I love that feeling.
And this reminds me that my Lord and Master loves that very thing. He loves to meet with me first in the morning before the "crowds"...before the "rush hour" of the day comes my way. That way we get that FRESH, CRISP, NEW communion with God each day...along with that genuine "SMILE OF THE HEART"
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3: 22-23
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Child's Glow
Many of you have heard before about having the faith like a child. Look closer again at how a child reacts to things in their life, and compare it to your own grown up lives.
I was talking with a mother the other day who said she just had her daughter watch the passion play, showing the story of the Christ all the way up to the Cross and ending with the Empty Tomb. She said her daughter was shocked when it came to the crucifixion scene.
"How could they do that to my Jesus!?"
"Why would they want to hurt him so much?"
From the mouth of babes.
I will be the FIRST to confess that I get so caught up with the Easter story, that I forget to think of "my Jesus" and to think about Him as "my beloved".
How beautiful is that child's thinking! Simple and to the Point!
And have you ever watched a kid playing with trains on the floor beside daddy's feet while he's paying the bills at the kitchen table worrying about the to do's in life... this scenario is strange in a way but picture it. We are a lot like the daddy, worrying TOO MUCH about the things in life, when we should have that simple glow of joy like the child at daddy's feet, happy with what's in front of him, know that daddy is in control.
A child's Glow is so simple, so beautiful, so loving,
they are easy to trust God, quick to respond to His desires for them, and therefore they glow.
We, (meaning first and foremost, me), get caught up with the grown up life that we forget to think like a child, to have faith like a child, to obtain a child's glow about us.
Yes we have bills,
yes we are grown ups
yes we can get bogged down with responsibilities
yes we can doubt many things, everything in life
... but we can drive it back home to what Jesus says in Mark 10: 14-16
"...Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child, shall not enter it."
And this goes out to those who rely mainly on facts: have you ever seen a child receive something, a gift, a card, a piece of chocolate cake... do they pick at it with a fork and ho-hum at it and say ..I don't know about this?... no they receive it with joy and partake of it right away!
partake of this thought: we should receive the kingdom of God like a child would... think again of how they would respond to a rich slice of chocolate cake..
I was talking with a mother the other day who said she just had her daughter watch the passion play, showing the story of the Christ all the way up to the Cross and ending with the Empty Tomb. She said her daughter was shocked when it came to the crucifixion scene.
"How could they do that to my Jesus!?"
"Why would they want to hurt him so much?"
From the mouth of babes.
I will be the FIRST to confess that I get so caught up with the Easter story, that I forget to think of "my Jesus" and to think about Him as "my beloved".
How beautiful is that child's thinking! Simple and to the Point!
And have you ever watched a kid playing with trains on the floor beside daddy's feet while he's paying the bills at the kitchen table worrying about the to do's in life... this scenario is strange in a way but picture it. We are a lot like the daddy, worrying TOO MUCH about the things in life, when we should have that simple glow of joy like the child at daddy's feet, happy with what's in front of him, know that daddy is in control.
A child's Glow is so simple, so beautiful, so loving,
they are easy to trust God, quick to respond to His desires for them, and therefore they glow.
We, (meaning first and foremost, me), get caught up with the grown up life that we forget to think like a child, to have faith like a child, to obtain a child's glow about us.
Yes we have bills,
yes we are grown ups
yes we can get bogged down with responsibilities
yes we can doubt many things, everything in life
... but we can drive it back home to what Jesus says in Mark 10: 14-16
"...Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child, shall not enter it."
And this goes out to those who rely mainly on facts: have you ever seen a child receive something, a gift, a card, a piece of chocolate cake... do they pick at it with a fork and ho-hum at it and say ..I don't know about this?... no they receive it with joy and partake of it right away!
partake of this thought: we should receive the kingdom of God like a child would... think again of how they would respond to a rich slice of chocolate cake..
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
You are INVITED!
during one of the children's church lessons, I was trying to explain to the kids that it is important and should be exciting to share the WONERFUL GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and what He did for the whole world.
We layed it out like a really AWESOME COOL PARTY that everyone is invited to, where they can have cake and icecream, and balloons, and petting zoos and rollarcoaster rides and everything you could EVER imagine (One of them said would it even have the TITAN ride there? of course I said..anything and everything!) So this awesome cool party with everything there is extending the invitation for everyone. But I said what if Sue came into the room with everyone else and didn't say a word to them about the party? Are they goingto know about this really way awesome cool party? NO. But weren't all of them invited? YES. So those who already know about the awesome cool party should tell everyone they know and then the individuals can reject or rejoice in the invitation.
Jesus Shares a similar story,... a parable we have heard before... The Wedding Feast in Matthew 22
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
I don't know about you, but if I had the opportunity to go to an awesome cool party, one I've been invited to, I hope someone tells me so I don't miss out! And because Jesus freely gives us a gift of eternal life, I hope that someone tells me about it so I can recieve it.
That is why it is important to Go and Tell.
Guess what you are invited!!! ... Do you accept?
 |
| orphanage, Russia- BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY Celebrating 3 months worth |
We layed it out like a really AWESOME COOL PARTY that everyone is invited to, where they can have cake and icecream, and balloons, and petting zoos and rollarcoaster rides and everything you could EVER imagine (One of them said would it even have the TITAN ride there? of course I said..anything and everything!) So this awesome cool party with everything there is extending the invitation for everyone. But I said what if Sue came into the room with everyone else and didn't say a word to them about the party? Are they goingto know about this really way awesome cool party? NO. But weren't all of them invited? YES. So those who already know about the awesome cool party should tell everyone they know and then the individuals can reject or rejoice in the invitation.
Jesus Shares a similar story,... a parable we have heard before... The Wedding Feast in Matthew 22
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
I don't know about you, but if I had the opportunity to go to an awesome cool party, one I've been invited to, I hope someone tells me so I don't miss out! And because Jesus freely gives us a gift of eternal life, I hope that someone tells me about it so I can recieve it.
That is why it is important to Go and Tell.
Guess what you are invited!!! ... Do you accept?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Good Memories
AND AS I SNAP BACK INTO REALITY standing in front of my open window, I think about other Good Memories that remind me of what the Lord has done and how AMAZING He is!
I THINK OF THOSE SPRING BREAKS when all my family was home in the morning (no work or school) and we would actually be bored and say "what do you want to do today" and we would spend our days putting together a 1,000 piece puzzle together, and cook together (well at the time I only was helpful by licking the beaters after my grandmother mixed the cake ingredients).
THE SUMMER WHEN my uncle Johnny came to visit, and him and his buddies would all hang out in the front yard playing their guitar and harmonica and drinking coffee and laughing while my sister and I would go catch "crunchies" (cicada shells) and stick them on our shirts...
THOSE NIGHTS I got a ride from my best friend Diane to church and her dad would be in a meeting afterwards and me and Diane would sit on the back of her dads car and look at the stars...
Those memories
I could go on
they are good to ponder on
they let us not forget what has happened and to give thanks and to count our blessings.
And so today... good weather
a blessing
and a reminder of what He did for my life when I was at youth camp
He gave me a new beginning...a new start and I will never forget that!
My pastor said at one time that memory plays a big role in our worship, in our daily walk. If we forget what the Lord has done...we are soon to stray.
So start reminiscing and count your blessings.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Revisiting the story of my FIRST LOVE
Love is such an interesting and intriguing thing... for it is not a thing at all...it is an action. God is love. God is not dead, He lives and continues to live; therefore if Love is an action, and God is Love, that God lives and continues to act and pursue us, ... but this post is not about a theological study of God, but a love story of where it all began for me... a story I like to revisit, and a story we must all revisit ..so that we may REMEMBER...and that we may worship God for what He has done.
Age 8-ish to 10-ish: I started wondering who God was, was he a cloud in the sky, was He sitting on a cloud? was He flying above them somewhere? I heard once that he listens...kind of like wishing on a star at night ...talking into the void pretending someone is there... So I would talk up at the sky and say hello to God, the creator whom I did not know personally but was intrigued by. more and more questions came to my heart..
Age 10: My best friend invites me to Wednesday night bible studies, called: GA's (Girls in Action), where they learn about missionaries, read the bible and even memorize bible verses...and play games why learning about this Jesus...I was having so much fun and everyone seemed so nice that I asked if I could come on a Sunday. With that, my best friend brought me on a Sunday. I loved these people! They seemed so joyful, so full of love and compassion, so happy, and they help each other out. I wish I could be a part of that. With curiosity already there and wanting this fellowship, I heard the preacher saying: ...if you want to be a part of the family of God come and I will pray with you"... of course a note to say that is the part I heard...and that's what I wanted...so I walked down the isle... took the preacher by the hand and we prayed. Before the church and God they announced the decision I made...but right a way I thought...I"m not really sure I've done that...become a "christian" or a "sinner saved by grace" ...what was sinner..and what did grace mean?
3 years went by.....
Age 13: three years of wearing a mask can get tiring! 3 years I faked it! I said the right things, make choices like those church people would make, I even memorized some scripture, and I always smiled... ALL FAKE...and it was a battle that went on for not 1 night, not 1 year...but 3 years! I started learning what it means to have a REAL personal RELATIONSHIP with the CREATOR, through the LORD JESUS, the puzzle pieces coming together, understanding my need of redemption...real redemption.
SUMMER 1996: Age 13: for 3 years bottled up of knowing what I was, a fake, it was about to boil over.
Monday: at youth camp, day one: my convictions were stronger than ever: "Lord, just forget about me, I have mocked you, made myself a fake, claiming to have you as the ruler of my heart, ...Lord... just forget about me, I'm dirt, you do not want a liar like me being a part of your kingdom... there is no hope... .I do not deserve you..."
Tuesday: went by with continued battling, "but Lord what about all the lies I told to all the people at church at home? and what about my family who don't go to church and know about you...what a mess I'm in... why are you calling my name, why do you still want me?"
Wednesday was D-day: (June 5, 1996): Throughout the whole service I was battling within...and I mean a BATTLE, "Lord why are you giving me this opportunity, why would you love someone like me?..Lord I have mocked You and acted like I'm part of a circus, and my family already think this whole church thing is not really a big deal?..." and when there was an open alter prayer time, this is the climax of the battle scene. "I'm a sinner with no way to be connected with you accept through your son Jesus who died for me, defeated death for me, and is there to intercede. I have nothing to offer accept ask for forgiveness, and an opportunity to a new life, where my old me is thrown away....but wait lord, what will the the others at home think? They will judge me, my family will say I told you so, ...what shall I do." **"Jamie, be still... and know that I AM GOD, I love you... I want to dwell in your heart and change your life forever, turn away from your old self...let ME transform you to a new creation"**
I can smell the pine trees around me, hearing the song "I EXALT THEE" playing in the background, noticing the teens around me seeming to fade out and all the world around me soon fades to the background, no time even seems to exist, and it is just me and my BELOVED LORD whom, ...yes...I welcome in to rule my heart and my life. And in that moment its like a burden was lifted off of my chest, and I had a joy I couldn't contain, and it was as if angels were singing joy with me... and I was changed FOREVER. how lovely my BELOVED SAVIOUR is to have kept on pursuing me, after all I did to HIM.
Age 8-ish to 10-ish: I started wondering who God was, was he a cloud in the sky, was He sitting on a cloud? was He flying above them somewhere? I heard once that he listens...kind of like wishing on a star at night ...talking into the void pretending someone is there... So I would talk up at the sky and say hello to God, the creator whom I did not know personally but was intrigued by. more and more questions came to my heart..
Age 10: My best friend invites me to Wednesday night bible studies, called: GA's (Girls in Action), where they learn about missionaries, read the bible and even memorize bible verses...and play games why learning about this Jesus...I was having so much fun and everyone seemed so nice that I asked if I could come on a Sunday. With that, my best friend brought me on a Sunday. I loved these people! They seemed so joyful, so full of love and compassion, so happy, and they help each other out. I wish I could be a part of that. With curiosity already there and wanting this fellowship, I heard the preacher saying: ...if you want to be a part of the family of God come and I will pray with you"... of course a note to say that is the part I heard...and that's what I wanted...so I walked down the isle... took the preacher by the hand and we prayed. Before the church and God they announced the decision I made...but right a way I thought...I"m not really sure I've done that...become a "christian" or a "sinner saved by grace" ...what was sinner..and what did grace mean?
3 years went by.....
Age 13: three years of wearing a mask can get tiring! 3 years I faked it! I said the right things, make choices like those church people would make, I even memorized some scripture, and I always smiled... ALL FAKE...and it was a battle that went on for not 1 night, not 1 year...but 3 years! I started learning what it means to have a REAL personal RELATIONSHIP with the CREATOR, through the LORD JESUS, the puzzle pieces coming together, understanding my need of redemption...real redemption.
SUMMER 1996: Age 13: for 3 years bottled up of knowing what I was, a fake, it was about to boil over.
Monday: at youth camp, day one: my convictions were stronger than ever: "Lord, just forget about me, I have mocked you, made myself a fake, claiming to have you as the ruler of my heart, ...Lord... just forget about me, I'm dirt, you do not want a liar like me being a part of your kingdom... there is no hope... .I do not deserve you..."
Tuesday: went by with continued battling, "but Lord what about all the lies I told to all the people at church at home? and what about my family who don't go to church and know about you...what a mess I'm in... why are you calling my name, why do you still want me?"
Wednesday was D-day: (June 5, 1996): Throughout the whole service I was battling within...and I mean a BATTLE, "Lord why are you giving me this opportunity, why would you love someone like me?..Lord I have mocked You and acted like I'm part of a circus, and my family already think this whole church thing is not really a big deal?..." and when there was an open alter prayer time, this is the climax of the battle scene. "I'm a sinner with no way to be connected with you accept through your son Jesus who died for me, defeated death for me, and is there to intercede. I have nothing to offer accept ask for forgiveness, and an opportunity to a new life, where my old me is thrown away....but wait lord, what will the the others at home think? They will judge me, my family will say I told you so, ...what shall I do." **"Jamie, be still... and know that I AM GOD, I love you... I want to dwell in your heart and change your life forever, turn away from your old self...let ME transform you to a new creation"**
I can smell the pine trees around me, hearing the song "I EXALT THEE" playing in the background, noticing the teens around me seeming to fade out and all the world around me soon fades to the background, no time even seems to exist, and it is just me and my BELOVED LORD whom, ...yes...I welcome in to rule my heart and my life. And in that moment its like a burden was lifted off of my chest, and I had a joy I couldn't contain, and it was as if angels were singing joy with me... and I was changed FOREVER. how lovely my BELOVED SAVIOUR is to have kept on pursuing me, after all I did to HIM.
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