Today's sermon was about being thankful all the time... remembering that there are many who are not as fortunate. Often times we forget and believe that we are entitled to the things we have... when clearly everything is a GIFT from God.
In the storms of our life, God is taking us through the desert, asking us to grow. Often we are shaped during the storm to be more patient, compassionate and thoughtful. It is in these times that God transforms us and softens our hearts. When I look at the things that God has given me, I know that I am truly loved. As humans, we do compare. We always think the grass is greener on the other side... we always hunger for more... but what we have to recognize is that we have enough. God, himself, is enough.
It has been in recent years that I have realized that I really am not ready to be a parent. I know that God has a plan for me and being a parent doesn't mean that I have to be pregnant. God has put many people in my path and I know that God is building me up so that I can be the parent my child deserves. I know that I am selfish and materialistic. It is very apparent that God is fixing this flaw in me.
I know that parenting requires teamwork and my husband and I are sometimes not on the "same" page. So I do see God at work, building us to be stronger and more united. My husband believes that we need a new start and feels that selling our current home will satisfy this tear in his heart. I pray that God will hear our prayer and lead us in the right direction.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Weekend Away... Changes in Renewing My Mind
This has truly been an eventful weekend... connecting with God and with other Christians was definitely pinnacle. I had felt God coaxing me to register us and I am glad that I listened.
Although I did not meet any new "pew buddies" for 1st service at this retreat, I definitely felt that God had a purpose for us, not just to receive, but to also share and to give. I was reminded that God loves me and that even though Tenth is a huge church, my senior pastor, who I have only had a conversation with no more than 3 times in person over the past 5-6 years, actually knew my name! Wow! I'm actually not really invisible at all..
I knew David Collins would deliver a mind blowing and riveting message. His premise is that we really don't know much of anything. We operate on at most 1% of what God knows and 2% of what we know we don't know. Our behaviours and actions are a result of that 1% knowledge we have... What about the 97% of things we don't know that we don't know? To get to know God fully, we must seek him out and be throw into trusting and having faith in Him... I had heard this part before, but I knew that this was new information to my significant other. The gist of David's message was that to really know God, we must endure hardship. We must suffer. He will take us places where we don't want to go or put us in situations where we don't want to be... yet it is in these very moments that we get to see and learn about the 97% of what God knows, for these are things we could never fathom of on our own.
I was pleasantly surprised that my husband was excited to go on this retreat. I was also comforted that he was moved by David's message and was able to hear God calling out to him. God has been whispering, talking and even yelling at times to remind me that there is a change coming. I don't know if it will be necessarily good or bad, but I do that that the unknown is where He wants us to be. Trust. Faith. Being humble and sincere. Being generous. God asks us to be Christlike... to change from the inside out... to change our attitude, for this is the root of our problems. We are to radiate God's love, not so that others will praise us with "stars", but so that we have a chance for them to see first hand the characteristics of God.
God's first message to me was addressing and confirming all the changes in my life. It was evident to me that God has put changes in place at my school, telling me that I am to stay... I am to drop this "star". I am to stop this perception of me being "drained" of my energy and talents, but rather to open arms and welcome them and ask the God fill me up. I was becoming selfish... for I wanted to leave and strip someone else so that I could be "filled up"... at least that's what I am hearing now...Within the past year, I have gone to Cambodia without my husband on a mission trip allowing both of us to draw closer to God in ways we wouldn't be able to do together. I have connected with more Christians through a small group and my husband's desire for a new change in employment and our financial rut were addressed and now we potentially have an opportunity to move homes... change is eminent...
My husband for the first time was sincere in his desire to pursue adopting a child overseas. Hallelujah! He felt God leading him to be more trusting and admitting that God knows best...
Furthermore I was reminded how lucky I am to have a very compassionate and loving husband. Christlike people attract others... it is very evident that he possesses these Christlike qualities. My husband is really a man who is fairly humble in his walk with Christ. But this weekend, he was bold. He prayed aloud and proud. He shared a part of his dark path and anger and bitterness towards God for denying him a child of his own. This was message that God wanted him to share - not only to soothe his own pain, but to use it to strengthen another couple going through the same reality we are. We are not being denied, we only say this because we only judge from the 1% of God's plan we see. We don't see God's whole picture... we don't see the value and role we are to play.
Nothing that we know is really for certain. We are all (Christians and non-Christians) pearls of great price. We are all loved by our maker and He knows us for He created us out of love and purpose. The question becomes, "Will we seek out our value and use it to honour God?"
In coming home this weekend, we were reminded about how fragile life is and that our time on Earth is finite. My husband's mom had signs of an oncoming heart attack while we were out of town, which she admitted and for which I believe is a result of her being overstressed and anxious. I cannot help but believe Satan had a hand in this. Satan has been revelling on his grip on him until recently and I don't believe in coincidences. My husband's desire to walk along side Christ is a threat... for when push comes to shove, my man is loyal and devoted, who would not want a servant like that?
My husband was distraught when he realized what went "down" while we were connecting with God. He became so emotional at the hospital during his visit with Mom that he started crying, something he rarely does. He began to envision his life without Mom and was thankful that God had preserved her and that she is currently in no serious condition.
But now I am reminded that we need to show and tell others about God's goodness before it really becomes too late. We are to share God's desire for us to be in Heaven with Him and that we are to obey His teachings... especially sharing the Good News with the ones we say we love the most!
Father, I pray that you will continue to work in me to be more generous, loving, sincere, faithful and trusting in you. Help me to remember that when You are with me, Satan doesn't stand a chance...
Although I did not meet any new "pew buddies" for 1st service at this retreat, I definitely felt that God had a purpose for us, not just to receive, but to also share and to give. I was reminded that God loves me and that even though Tenth is a huge church, my senior pastor, who I have only had a conversation with no more than 3 times in person over the past 5-6 years, actually knew my name! Wow! I'm actually not really invisible at all..
I knew David Collins would deliver a mind blowing and riveting message. His premise is that we really don't know much of anything. We operate on at most 1% of what God knows and 2% of what we know we don't know. Our behaviours and actions are a result of that 1% knowledge we have... What about the 97% of things we don't know that we don't know? To get to know God fully, we must seek him out and be throw into trusting and having faith in Him... I had heard this part before, but I knew that this was new information to my significant other. The gist of David's message was that to really know God, we must endure hardship. We must suffer. He will take us places where we don't want to go or put us in situations where we don't want to be... yet it is in these very moments that we get to see and learn about the 97% of what God knows, for these are things we could never fathom of on our own.
I was pleasantly surprised that my husband was excited to go on this retreat. I was also comforted that he was moved by David's message and was able to hear God calling out to him. God has been whispering, talking and even yelling at times to remind me that there is a change coming. I don't know if it will be necessarily good or bad, but I do that that the unknown is where He wants us to be. Trust. Faith. Being humble and sincere. Being generous. God asks us to be Christlike... to change from the inside out... to change our attitude, for this is the root of our problems. We are to radiate God's love, not so that others will praise us with "stars", but so that we have a chance for them to see first hand the characteristics of God.
God's first message to me was addressing and confirming all the changes in my life. It was evident to me that God has put changes in place at my school, telling me that I am to stay... I am to drop this "star". I am to stop this perception of me being "drained" of my energy and talents, but rather to open arms and welcome them and ask the God fill me up. I was becoming selfish... for I wanted to leave and strip someone else so that I could be "filled up"... at least that's what I am hearing now...Within the past year, I have gone to Cambodia without my husband on a mission trip allowing both of us to draw closer to God in ways we wouldn't be able to do together. I have connected with more Christians through a small group and my husband's desire for a new change in employment and our financial rut were addressed and now we potentially have an opportunity to move homes... change is eminent...
My husband for the first time was sincere in his desire to pursue adopting a child overseas. Hallelujah! He felt God leading him to be more trusting and admitting that God knows best...
Furthermore I was reminded how lucky I am to have a very compassionate and loving husband. Christlike people attract others... it is very evident that he possesses these Christlike qualities. My husband is really a man who is fairly humble in his walk with Christ. But this weekend, he was bold. He prayed aloud and proud. He shared a part of his dark path and anger and bitterness towards God for denying him a child of his own. This was message that God wanted him to share - not only to soothe his own pain, but to use it to strengthen another couple going through the same reality we are. We are not being denied, we only say this because we only judge from the 1% of God's plan we see. We don't see God's whole picture... we don't see the value and role we are to play.
Nothing that we know is really for certain. We are all (Christians and non-Christians) pearls of great price. We are all loved by our maker and He knows us for He created us out of love and purpose. The question becomes, "Will we seek out our value and use it to honour God?"
In coming home this weekend, we were reminded about how fragile life is and that our time on Earth is finite. My husband's mom had signs of an oncoming heart attack while we were out of town, which she admitted and for which I believe is a result of her being overstressed and anxious. I cannot help but believe Satan had a hand in this. Satan has been revelling on his grip on him until recently and I don't believe in coincidences. My husband's desire to walk along side Christ is a threat... for when push comes to shove, my man is loyal and devoted, who would not want a servant like that?
My husband was distraught when he realized what went "down" while we were connecting with God. He became so emotional at the hospital during his visit with Mom that he started crying, something he rarely does. He began to envision his life without Mom and was thankful that God had preserved her and that she is currently in no serious condition.
But now I am reminded that we need to show and tell others about God's goodness before it really becomes too late. We are to share God's desire for us to be in Heaven with Him and that we are to obey His teachings... especially sharing the Good News with the ones we say we love the most!
Father, I pray that you will continue to work in me to be more generous, loving, sincere, faithful and trusting in you. Help me to remember that when You are with me, Satan doesn't stand a chance...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Remembering God
Today's sermon really got to me. My last post was 2 months ago. I slipped back into my "old coat"... leaving God to the wayside, when he should be at the forefront. I haven't been praying as regularly. I know God is calling me. It's time to get back...Thank you for the reminder of how unworthy I am, but despite all my flaws, you love me just the same. All you ask, is that I let you show through my actions...
I love you, God!
I love you, God!
Monday, March 19, 2012
My New Submersion in the Word
Today's passage is from Luke 7:37-38. It's about how Jesus could forgive and associate himself with a prostitute. This prostitute had so much faith that she washed Jesus' feet with her tears and a bottle of expensive perfume. She even kissed his feet. She did all this because she loved Christ.
the Pharisees claimed that Jesus couldn't be the Son of God, as God would never love a sinner, especially a prostititute. Christ says, " Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven- for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.." (Luke 7:47).
I am attending the "Becoming a Contagious Christian" course and am in the process of creating my story to share with others to make them understand how God is working in my life and changing me, making me a far better person...
the Pharisees claimed that Jesus couldn't be the Son of God, as God would never love a sinner, especially a prostititute. Christ says, " Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven- for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.." (Luke 7:47).
I am attending the "Becoming a Contagious Christian" course and am in the process of creating my story to share with others to make them understand how God is working in my life and changing me, making me a far better person...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Taking a Stand for Public Education
I'm sorry, but this won't be a scripture reflection today... for I need prayer for a calmer heart...
I'm feeling rather remissed by the whole strike action teachers have to take... I have seen first hand what the government's cost saving measures have turned our education system into... a mess. Over the course of the 10 years I have been teaching, I have moved from being a proud professional to one who is overworked and at times overwhelmed and discouraged by the types of children I have to teach on a daily basis. I am a perfectionist and spend countless hours outside of class time thinking of ways to make things work - to make lessons come alive and to engage all my learners in one single lesson.
But every year, I am faced with a new challenge... more special needs kids... more kids who can't get a ministry designation because we don't have staff to perform the necessary tests in a timely fashion. It doesn't matter that I have 4 identified kids, plus 1 more that will be given a designation before the end of the year - one that I have been pushing to get identified nearly 1.5 years ago, not to mention the 2 others that I have who are slow learners with written output issues that I know will not be identified any time soon. It doesn't make a difference to the government that I have a class of 10 out of 30 students who have learning needs... this figure doesn't seem far fetched as I can easily have 10 out of 30 fail and 10 out 30 ace the same math test. Please tell me, how does this make teaching easy?
I look back to my class just 5 years ago... I covered so much more curricular material at a more in depth level... I can't do that anymore... for if I did, nearly half of my class would fail. Because of the needs in the class, with no extra support, I have had to cover material at a much slower pace. 5 years ago I "only" had 3 kids with learning disabilities...
People are under the impression that it is not only the children with special needs that are affected, but the whole class is affected... As a result these children, as a group, have been "dumbed" down. They pass on each year, "dumbed" down a little more each time. By the time they reach middle school and secondary school, the damage has been done... As classroom teachers spend more time working with the students with learning needs, we neglect the rest of the others. How is this equitable? It is not... the system has failed and teachers are left picking up the pieces making it work.
I have analogy for the state our education system. The public can't see how bad things are because teachers have done such a great cover up job...I think of it as ER doctors who have to take on more and more high risk and high needs patients to a point where it is impossible to see all the patients they need to. In fact they would have to give up their lunch hour, work through their break and even stay later without pay... why would they do this? Because the system is broken and if they didn't do this, they wouldn't be able to live with their decision to turn their back on someone in need... Not only do they give up what ever time they have, but they are asked to take on additional challenges, like taking on tasks that require specialists... That's what our government has done... they have taken away our specialists and asked the remaining generalists to carry the load... what is their plan? To throw in a few eduation assistants... wow...
Some people argue, telling us to stop doing all the extras, let the system crumble. But who will suffer? The children, who never asked to be victims of this cost saving measure. As someone who preaches doing the right thing, how can I stand back and not save whoever I can?
The government talks about teaching to the future... individualized learning plans for every student... wow... don't you think that's what most teacher do anyways... but now the government wants to coind this phrase and add a paperwork component to it with out giving us support and provisions to make this work... we can't even keep up as it is, how can they expect anymore. I have nothing more to give... what do they want? My first born child? My life? I find it hurtful when people complain about teachers, when they haven't even walked into our classrooms... when they can't even remember their child's teacher's name... that's sad... it's disrespectful... That's right, I'm not a day care provider for your child while you at work. I'm attempting to mould your child so he or she can have a brighter future...
So I pray that the public and our government officials can open their eyes to see we have a system that needs saving. Money needs to go into fund education. All that you have taken out this past decade needs to be fixed.
I'm feeling rather remissed by the whole strike action teachers have to take... I have seen first hand what the government's cost saving measures have turned our education system into... a mess. Over the course of the 10 years I have been teaching, I have moved from being a proud professional to one who is overworked and at times overwhelmed and discouraged by the types of children I have to teach on a daily basis. I am a perfectionist and spend countless hours outside of class time thinking of ways to make things work - to make lessons come alive and to engage all my learners in one single lesson.
But every year, I am faced with a new challenge... more special needs kids... more kids who can't get a ministry designation because we don't have staff to perform the necessary tests in a timely fashion. It doesn't matter that I have 4 identified kids, plus 1 more that will be given a designation before the end of the year - one that I have been pushing to get identified nearly 1.5 years ago, not to mention the 2 others that I have who are slow learners with written output issues that I know will not be identified any time soon. It doesn't make a difference to the government that I have a class of 10 out of 30 students who have learning needs... this figure doesn't seem far fetched as I can easily have 10 out of 30 fail and 10 out 30 ace the same math test. Please tell me, how does this make teaching easy?
I look back to my class just 5 years ago... I covered so much more curricular material at a more in depth level... I can't do that anymore... for if I did, nearly half of my class would fail. Because of the needs in the class, with no extra support, I have had to cover material at a much slower pace. 5 years ago I "only" had 3 kids with learning disabilities...
People are under the impression that it is not only the children with special needs that are affected, but the whole class is affected... As a result these children, as a group, have been "dumbed" down. They pass on each year, "dumbed" down a little more each time. By the time they reach middle school and secondary school, the damage has been done... As classroom teachers spend more time working with the students with learning needs, we neglect the rest of the others. How is this equitable? It is not... the system has failed and teachers are left picking up the pieces making it work.
I have analogy for the state our education system. The public can't see how bad things are because teachers have done such a great cover up job...I think of it as ER doctors who have to take on more and more high risk and high needs patients to a point where it is impossible to see all the patients they need to. In fact they would have to give up their lunch hour, work through their break and even stay later without pay... why would they do this? Because the system is broken and if they didn't do this, they wouldn't be able to live with their decision to turn their back on someone in need... Not only do they give up what ever time they have, but they are asked to take on additional challenges, like taking on tasks that require specialists... That's what our government has done... they have taken away our specialists and asked the remaining generalists to carry the load... what is their plan? To throw in a few eduation assistants... wow...
Some people argue, telling us to stop doing all the extras, let the system crumble. But who will suffer? The children, who never asked to be victims of this cost saving measure. As someone who preaches doing the right thing, how can I stand back and not save whoever I can?
The government talks about teaching to the future... individualized learning plans for every student... wow... don't you think that's what most teacher do anyways... but now the government wants to coind this phrase and add a paperwork component to it with out giving us support and provisions to make this work... we can't even keep up as it is, how can they expect anymore. I have nothing more to give... what do they want? My first born child? My life? I find it hurtful when people complain about teachers, when they haven't even walked into our classrooms... when they can't even remember their child's teacher's name... that's sad... it's disrespectful... That's right, I'm not a day care provider for your child while you at work. I'm attempting to mould your child so he or she can have a brighter future...
So I pray that the public and our government officials can open their eyes to see we have a system that needs saving. Money needs to go into fund education. All that you have taken out this past decade needs to be fixed.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Getting Back...
It's been rather odd since it has been nearly 2 weeks since my last post. I feel a little disconnected, especially with all the things happening at work.
Matthew 24:32-51
Jesus Fortells the Future
The Son of Man will come without warning and take us with him to live with God. I do wonder when this day will come.
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Paul and the Corinthians
All we have is from God, so why boast about it.
The kingdom of God is not just fancy talk, it is living by God's power.
Matthew 24:32-51
Jesus Fortells the Future
The Son of Man will come without warning and take us with him to live with God. I do wonder when this day will come.
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Paul and the Corinthians
All we have is from God, so why boast about it.
The kingdom of God is not just fancy talk, it is living by God's power.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
How can I stop my materialistic desires....
I'm still trying to figure out my "groove" and rhythm. I am slowly gaining more energy to last through the work weak. Lately, it has been difficult to stay focussed and energized. I have to pray and ask you, Father for more strength and wisdom and remember that you are at the heart of my teachings. I pray Father, that you will allow me to follow in Christ's foot steps and teach with the same passion, heart and soul. We started to looking at some open houses this weekend just so we had an idea of what we could "afford" if we wanted to move. I'm a little torn... what we have now is great and more than what we need, but there is always this desire of mine to "upgrade"... yes... my materialist nature...
Matthew 19:16-30
The Young Rich Man
This is the perfect passage for me... Thanks God. In this passage a rich man asks Jesus how he can enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells him to follow and obey all 10 commandments. The rich man told Jesus he has followed and obeyed all commandments, how else could he please God. To this Jesus told him to sell all his materialistic possessions, give the money to the poor and follow him, become one of Jesus' disciples. To this, the rich man bowed his head in shame, for this was something he was unable to give up... I can see myself reacting the same way as this rich man. I could see myself selling off some of my possessions, but to sell all and take up the cross, leaving everything behind... that's scary... but that would be living entirely on God's will...
Romans 16:17-27
Paul's Final Instructions
Paul asks us to steer clear of those who cause divisions and upset people's faiths. From our sermon today, our Pastor tells us that is our duty, to bring our lost brothers and sisters home, home to God through the love of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 19:16-30
The Young Rich Man
This is the perfect passage for me... Thanks God. In this passage a rich man asks Jesus how he can enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells him to follow and obey all 10 commandments. The rich man told Jesus he has followed and obeyed all commandments, how else could he please God. To this Jesus told him to sell all his materialistic possessions, give the money to the poor and follow him, become one of Jesus' disciples. To this, the rich man bowed his head in shame, for this was something he was unable to give up... I can see myself reacting the same way as this rich man. I could see myself selling off some of my possessions, but to sell all and take up the cross, leaving everything behind... that's scary... but that would be living entirely on God's will...
Romans 16:17-27
Paul's Final Instructions
Paul asks us to steer clear of those who cause divisions and upset people's faiths. From our sermon today, our Pastor tells us that is our duty, to bring our lost brothers and sisters home, home to God through the love of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Moving on...
Just got off the phone with the nurse. My original thought was to have my husband's sperm concentrated if were to reconsider trying IUI again. However, the techs and doctors are not encouraging this procedure. With that being said, it's God telling us that this door is closed. I will be reconnecting with an international adoption agency within the next month to continue where I left off with the paper work last year. I know this is the direction God is moving me towards.
Matthew 17: 1- 13
The Transfiguration
In this passage, it is revealed that Elijah came but was not recognized and badly treated. He came as John the Baptist... interesting...
Romans 14:10-16
The Danger of Criticism (con't)
"Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian's path." 13
Is this only for Christians or for all others?
Matthew 17: 1- 13
The Transfiguration
In this passage, it is revealed that Elijah came but was not recognized and badly treated. He came as John the Baptist... interesting...
Romans 14:10-16
The Danger of Criticism (con't)
"Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian's path." 13
Is this only for Christians or for all others?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Living for God...
Matthew 16:13-28
Peter's Declaration About Jesus & Jesus Predicts His Death
"Upon this rock, I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (19)
This is Christ's promise to us... He is here behind us and even Satan cannot unroot him.
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." (24-26)
Here I am reminded again of my selfish desires... my materialist wants. It's so hard when it's all around me...
And God says, " And how do you benefit, if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" (27)
God is right, nothing is more important than my soul. For all I am is yours...
Romans 14:5-9
The Danger of Criticism (cont'd)
"While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be the Lord." (8)
What a beautiful passage of scripture. I want my life to show that I live to please God, not to disappoint him.
Father, I ask that your light can continue to shine upon the path you wish me to take. I pray for your sense of wisdom and guidance toward you. Help me to rid myself of selfish ways and help me be more like you - full of patience and grace. Open my mind and heart to hear your voice...
Peter's Declaration About Jesus & Jesus Predicts His Death
"Upon this rock, I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (19)
This is Christ's promise to us... He is here behind us and even Satan cannot unroot him.
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." (24-26)
Here I am reminded again of my selfish desires... my materialist wants. It's so hard when it's all around me...
And God says, " And how do you benefit, if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" (27)
God is right, nothing is more important than my soul. For all I am is yours...
Romans 14:5-9
The Danger of Criticism (cont'd)
"While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be the Lord." (8)
What a beautiful passage of scripture. I want my life to show that I live to please God, not to disappoint him.
Father, I ask that your light can continue to shine upon the path you wish me to take. I pray for your sense of wisdom and guidance toward you. Help me to rid myself of selfish ways and help me be more like you - full of patience and grace. Open my mind and heart to hear your voice...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Turning a new leaf...
Internet was down for a few days, so I couldn't post...I must admit though that this has been quite the exhausting week. I have tons of marking to do and we are hosting a BBQ... I only found this out as I walked in the door at 5pm tonight.
This weekend will also seal our fate for IUI. My husband commented that he would call our son Emmanuel and our daughter Isabella. I didn't say anything, but instead re-affirmed that we would go through with adoption after this IUI cycle. I am looking forward to turning over a new leaf. This is my year to move forward and not look back.
Matthew 16:1-12
Leaders Demand a Miraculous Sign
"Beware of the yeast of the Sadducees and Pharisees". Jesus is telling us not to listen to false prophets and their teachings. Lean on Jesus.
Romans 14:1-4
The Danger of Criticism
We are not to judge others. That is God's job. We are to support and respect each other.
This weekend will also seal our fate for IUI. My husband commented that he would call our son Emmanuel and our daughter Isabella. I didn't say anything, but instead re-affirmed that we would go through with adoption after this IUI cycle. I am looking forward to turning over a new leaf. This is my year to move forward and not look back.
Matthew 16:1-12
Leaders Demand a Miraculous Sign
"Beware of the yeast of the Sadducees and Pharisees". Jesus is telling us not to listen to false prophets and their teachings. Lean on Jesus.
Romans 14:1-4
The Danger of Criticism
We are not to judge others. That is God's job. We are to support and respect each other.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Doing the Right Thing
This weekend was a great one. You were speaking to me, calling me and answering my prayers. It was my first time attending Mission Fest and I loved it. Next year, I will make it a full day affair. I only attended 2 sessions on Saturday and I was hungry for more... I met up with Marie Ens who told me Cambodian adoptions would be delayed at least another year and then I heard an uplifting message about Christianity spreading like wide fire through China and Ethiopia. Praise you Lord. Shaine Claireborne spoke at our service on Sunday and he was amazing. When I came home and to share some highlights of the seminar with my husband, I choked up telling him about Mother Theresa. I couldn't get over how selfish I am compared to God's selflessness through Mother Theresa. She always ensured she had the "worse" so that no one would be worse off than her. She did not bitch or complain, so just took it. In fact she always took the worst pair of shoes - shoes that didn't fit. She did that for so long that her feet became deformed, yet she did not say a word... wow and what have I to share.
People always ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there starvation? Why is there war? If there is a god, why does God let this happen?" God's answer, " I created a solution... you. The question becomes, why do we let these things happen? There is enough food and medicine to heal all in the world... but greed gets in the way... our selfishness gets in the way... our morality gets in the way..." Father, I get it now... my role as a teacher is share this message, to teach our next generation about morality... about doing the right thing all the time, and not for an award, but because the reward is far greater than money...
Matthew 13:1-23
Story of the Farmer Scattering Seed
This is a parable I've heard many times and I ask myself, what kind of a plant will I become. However, the new message is this: You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them... People see what I do, but they don't really see. People hear what I say, but they don't really hear, and they don't understand (11-13)
At first, I believed that I was the crop that landed on rocky soil. I received God's message with joy, but as life through curve balls at me, I lost my faith in God because I was not "grounded" in the word and lacked trust. However as years passed I began to feel that I was the crop that landed in the thorny ground. I hear and accept the good news, yet I let the materialist desires of this world crowd my mind and harden my heart, moving me away from God... I must admit I still hold these tendancies. For a while, I actually believed that I was a crop that landed in good fertile soil, representing a heart that truly accepts God's message... but then I realized how far removed I was as tears rolled down my face when I spoke about Mother Theresa and her selflessness.
I can never be a Mother Theresa. I accept that, but can I be more like Christ? When Judgement Day comes, God will not ask if I believe in Him, but "When I was a stranger, how did you treat me?"
Romans 11: 1-6
God's Mercy on Israel
For this passage, I feel God is telling me, 'you are not the only alone. God will save us not by our good works but because of his kindness and love which is free and undeserving.'
People always ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there starvation? Why is there war? If there is a god, why does God let this happen?" God's answer, " I created a solution... you. The question becomes, why do we let these things happen? There is enough food and medicine to heal all in the world... but greed gets in the way... our selfishness gets in the way... our morality gets in the way..." Father, I get it now... my role as a teacher is share this message, to teach our next generation about morality... about doing the right thing all the time, and not for an award, but because the reward is far greater than money...
Matthew 13:1-23
Story of the Farmer Scattering Seed
This is a parable I've heard many times and I ask myself, what kind of a plant will I become. However, the new message is this: You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them... People see what I do, but they don't really see. People hear what I say, but they don't really hear, and they don't understand (11-13)
At first, I believed that I was the crop that landed on rocky soil. I received God's message with joy, but as life through curve balls at me, I lost my faith in God because I was not "grounded" in the word and lacked trust. However as years passed I began to feel that I was the crop that landed in the thorny ground. I hear and accept the good news, yet I let the materialist desires of this world crowd my mind and harden my heart, moving me away from God... I must admit I still hold these tendancies. For a while, I actually believed that I was a crop that landed in good fertile soil, representing a heart that truly accepts God's message... but then I realized how far removed I was as tears rolled down my face when I spoke about Mother Theresa and her selflessness.
I can never be a Mother Theresa. I accept that, but can I be more like Christ? When Judgement Day comes, God will not ask if I believe in Him, but "When I was a stranger, how did you treat me?"
Romans 11: 1-6
God's Mercy on Israel
For this passage, I feel God is telling me, 'you are not the only alone. God will save us not by our good works but because of his kindness and love which is free and undeserving.'
Sunday, January 22, 2012
What's Your Story?
Thank you for today's sermon message. My husband attended and enjoyed Dave Toycen's (President of World Vision) message about being God's hands and feet and asking ourselves, "What is our story?" and does it include God.
I asked myself this question today and heard God telling me that my story does include Him and that change and discomfort are here. Being a Christian is not meant to be easy... it's a task and a challenge that God has given us.
Matthew 9:18-26
Jesus Heals in Response to Faith
God is capable of anything, we just have to believe... There are more Christians in China than there are Christians in Canada. This alone makes me laugh. God is a symbol of hope. Does that mean, Canadian have no hope or feel they don't need hope...
My classroom is a mission field... I see it now. I saw it then, but now God has asked me to share my story with them...
So Father, use me, my hands, my feet, my voice to share your love and hope for all who are ready to hear your words...
Romans 8:9-17
Life in the Spirit
This passage tells us that the Holy Spirit lives in all Christians. It helps guide us to live a live that is pleasing to God. However, we fall into the temptatations of sin and refuse to listen the Holy Spirit, death is inevitable. We are all God's children and accepted into His family when we choose to live a Godly life. However, be aware that although we may share in God's treasures, we will also share in His suffering. Thus, being a Christian is not all glorious and merciful. It can be painful and discouraging.
My husband told me that the song we sang in service today, "I will offer up my life, in spirit and truth " is one that resonates with him. All we have is from God... thus, this life I have is also His.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPf7qUZrHlc&feature=related
I asked myself this question today and heard God telling me that my story does include Him and that change and discomfort are here. Being a Christian is not meant to be easy... it's a task and a challenge that God has given us.
Matthew 9:18-26
Jesus Heals in Response to Faith
God is capable of anything, we just have to believe... There are more Christians in China than there are Christians in Canada. This alone makes me laugh. God is a symbol of hope. Does that mean, Canadian have no hope or feel they don't need hope...
My classroom is a mission field... I see it now. I saw it then, but now God has asked me to share my story with them...
So Father, use me, my hands, my feet, my voice to share your love and hope for all who are ready to hear your words...
Romans 8:9-17
Life in the Spirit
This passage tells us that the Holy Spirit lives in all Christians. It helps guide us to live a live that is pleasing to God. However, we fall into the temptatations of sin and refuse to listen the Holy Spirit, death is inevitable. We are all God's children and accepted into His family when we choose to live a Godly life. However, be aware that although we may share in God's treasures, we will also share in His suffering. Thus, being a Christian is not all glorious and merciful. It can be painful and discouraging.
My husband told me that the song we sang in service today, "I will offer up my life, in spirit and truth " is one that resonates with him. All we have is from God... thus, this life I have is also His.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPf7qUZrHlc&feature=related
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Due Diligence
Diligence... I seem to have run out of steam... my energy level is petering rather quickly. I'm on my last Clomid cycle and I can't wait for this to be over. My husband is toying with the idea of another IVF cycle. I don't think I can do it... not mentally, not physically. I believe that if a child is in our future, you will provide us with one... the one that you will want us to raise as our own for your sake.
Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus Heals a Paralysed Man
Jesus asks what is harder, to forgive a man for all his sins or to heal a paralysed man? A teacher had called Jesus asking him what authority did he have to forgive a man of sin, for only God can do that. Jesus says that he is the son of God...
Romans 7: 7-13
God's Law Reveals Our Sin
I found this passage difficult to interpret. It states that because of the 10 Commandments, we realize what is wrong and what is right, and thus the meaning of sin. Because of these laws and the thought of "loss of freedom", many of us may feel condemned and doomed. But that is not why God gave us these laws. He gave it to us so that we could lead a meaningful life, a God honouring life.
Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus Heals a Paralysed Man
Jesus asks what is harder, to forgive a man for all his sins or to heal a paralysed man? A teacher had called Jesus asking him what authority did he have to forgive a man of sin, for only God can do that. Jesus says that he is the son of God...
Romans 7: 7-13
God's Law Reveals Our Sin
I found this passage difficult to interpret. It states that because of the 10 Commandments, we realize what is wrong and what is right, and thus the meaning of sin. Because of these laws and the thought of "loss of freedom", many of us may feel condemned and doomed. But that is not why God gave us these laws. He gave it to us so that we could lead a meaningful life, a God honouring life.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Last Chance at This Old Life... New Beginnings Await
Yes, I came up with a rather dismal title as this is our last attempt at reproductive medicine. This is our last Clomid/IUI cycle. To tell you the truth, I am rather relieved that this ride will soon come to an end. I know that as this door closes, God has opened a window for us. I have felt the draft from this window of opportunity for some years, it's just a matter of venturing out this window together...
Matthew 8:1-17
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
Jesus can take our away our sickness and remove our diseases. We just have to believe in Him, provided this is in God's plan. There are times when I wish I could fast forward 5 years from now or look into the future somehow to see where I will be. To see if I will have children and to see how my faith has grown in you... to see where my husband will be in his walk with you...
Romans 6:1-14
Sin's Power is Broken
When we choose to follow Christ, our baptism is a symbol of cleansing ourselves, getting rid our old sinful ways and choosing instead to follow the ways of Jesus, leading a pure and simple life where we are not slaves of sin... We are freed by God's grace.
What a beautiful image... being cleaned and reborn to God.
Matthew 8:1-17
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
Jesus can take our away our sickness and remove our diseases. We just have to believe in Him, provided this is in God's plan. There are times when I wish I could fast forward 5 years from now or look into the future somehow to see where I will be. To see if I will have children and to see how my faith has grown in you... to see where my husband will be in his walk with you...
Romans 6:1-14
Sin's Power is Broken
When we choose to follow Christ, our baptism is a symbol of cleansing ourselves, getting rid our old sinful ways and choosing instead to follow the ways of Jesus, leading a pure and simple life where we are not slaves of sin... We are freed by God's grace.
What a beautiful image... being cleaned and reborn to God.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Ingredients to Prayer
What a great day back at work. Other teachers commented on how well behaved and respectful my kids are... =) Makes me want to hug them all and makes all this extra work I do for them very worthwhile.
Matthew 6:1-18
Teaching about Giving to the Needy, Prayer and Fasting
Our good deeds need not be "publicized" as that defeats the true purpose of what we are trying to do. We are not trying to draw others into focussing on how "good we are", but rather to help others who are truly in need.
I find this part about praying in secrecy rather interesting... I thought it would be honourable to him if we prayed in public and share our faith with others... I also find this next part rather comforting: When you pray, don't babble on and on... (7)
God can only forgive us, when we have learned to forgive others.What right do we have to hold a grudge against someone else?
When we choose to fast, we must also do so secretly, or at least in a way that doesn't draw attention to ourselves. Our fast is between God and you, not you and others...
Side Bar Commentary from Bible
Things to include when we pray:
1. We need to praise God and ask that His will be done, so that His Kingdom may come.
2. Thank God for what we have and confess any sins.
3. Ask for God's wisdom and strength to resist temptation.
Romans 4:13-17
The Faith of Abraham (con't)
Faith is the the key since God's promise of the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life is a free gift. This gift cannot be earned through good deeds, but only through Jesus.
Matthew 6:1-18
Teaching about Giving to the Needy, Prayer and Fasting
Our good deeds need not be "publicized" as that defeats the true purpose of what we are trying to do. We are not trying to draw others into focussing on how "good we are", but rather to help others who are truly in need.
I find this part about praying in secrecy rather interesting... I thought it would be honourable to him if we prayed in public and share our faith with others... I also find this next part rather comforting: When you pray, don't babble on and on... (7)
God can only forgive us, when we have learned to forgive others.What right do we have to hold a grudge against someone else?
When we choose to fast, we must also do so secretly, or at least in a way that doesn't draw attention to ourselves. Our fast is between God and you, not you and others...
Side Bar Commentary from Bible
Things to include when we pray:
1. We need to praise God and ask that His will be done, so that His Kingdom may come.
2. Thank God for what we have and confess any sins.
3. Ask for God's wisdom and strength to resist temptation.
Romans 4:13-17
The Faith of Abraham (con't)
Faith is the the key since God's promise of the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life is a free gift. This gift cannot be earned through good deeds, but only through Jesus.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Going Above and Beyond for Jesus
Still not feeling well... I finished reading the Kite Runner last night. The plot did alarm me and made me feel horrible. It reminds me of how ugly this world can be when we don't follow Christ and God.
We are hoping to get new members to join our small group next week... our group is now left with 3 members... need at least 3 more...
Matthew 5:17-48
Christ's Teachings
The only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is to obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees (20)
We are not to curse or be angry at another. Choose to forgive them. (21)
To have lust for another is a sin for you have committed adultery with your heart. (28)
Anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (32)
Give to those who ask and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. (42)
Love your enemies, not just your neighbours. (44)
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In this passage, Matthew tells us to live out Moses law, but take it to a higher level... go above and beyond to please God.
Romans 4:1-12
The Faith of Abraham
This passage proclaims that Abraham was the founder of the Jewish nation and how God accepted him before his act of circumcision.
We are hoping to get new members to join our small group next week... our group is now left with 3 members... need at least 3 more...
Matthew 5:17-48
Christ's Teachings
The only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is to obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees (20)
We are not to curse or be angry at another. Choose to forgive them. (21)
To have lust for another is a sin for you have committed adultery with your heart. (28)
Anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (32)
Give to those who ask and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. (42)
Love your enemies, not just your neighbours. (44)
\
In this passage, Matthew tells us to live out Moses law, but take it to a higher level... go above and beyond to please God.
Romans 4:1-12
The Faith of Abraham
This passage proclaims that Abraham was the founder of the Jewish nation and how God accepted him before his act of circumcision.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Inspiration through God...
The weekend has been jam packed with activity. I basically didn't get much done. I had a disturbing sleep, not only from the Clomid and my husband's constant snoring, but also from reading The Kite Runner. The novel takes place in Afghanstan, in the 1970's. There is a hierarchy societal system; it sounds similar to the cast system... anyhow there is a loyal servant boy who gets raped for refusing to give a kite ( a symbol of honour for his boy master) to another boy (the town bully). His boy master had actually run to find his servant and in his cowardliness, he witnessed the ordeal and ran away from the situation, rather than stand up for his friend. You see, this boy master had no real friends, he considered this servant boy his "true" friend, but only one that he would declare a friend in "private".
We had a guest speaker for our sermon today. It was about a woman who in taking up the cross, was disowned by her muslim family. In fact, her family can be traced back to Mohammed. Her father was a diplomat and they were realatively wealthy. She went to a Christian college for 1 year to get credits to be admitted into university. It was at the college that she met someone who shared with her the words of the Bible and who Jesus was. It was later revealed that this friend was one of our pastors and when she was able to escape from her family, she came back to the US and married him. She was very passionate and I cannot even imagine how hard it must have been for her.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. We may not see it now, but He sees it.
We had a guest speaker for our sermon today. It was about a woman who in taking up the cross, was disowned by her muslim family. In fact, her family can be traced back to Mohammed. Her father was a diplomat and they were realatively wealthy. She went to a Christian college for 1 year to get credits to be admitted into university. It was at the college that she met someone who shared with her the words of the Bible and who Jesus was. It was later revealed that this friend was one of our pastors and when she was able to escape from her family, she came back to the US and married him. She was very passionate and I cannot even imagine how hard it must have been for her.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. We may not see it now, but He sees it.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sin and Shame... Judgement Awaits...
I forgot how exhausting work is... prepping for science labs and projects...ahhhh...
Definitely looking forward to this weekend... =)
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
John foreshadows the coming of Christ. I am actually quite alarmed that John primarily ate locusts with honey. John baptised all who wanted a new life through the confession of sins. He became so famous that Pharisees and Seduces were coming to get baptized. However, John did not baptize them, instead he called them a brood of snakes! Because they did not "practice" what they preached. They did not turn from their sin. They were only giving God lip service.
Romans 2: 1-16
God's Judgement of Sin
God does not show favouritism (11)... This resonates with me because there are times when I wonder if God loves me less and if I am dealt "harsher" cards in life. I know it is wrong to think this way, but it's my "humanity" that I'm fighting against.
God's law is written within us, many a time, we don't have to know the Word, to know what is right in God's eyes. Judgement Day will come... This was interesting as I do inherinently believe God will judge us all and it doesn't take a literate person to figure out how to live a life that is righteous.
Definitely looking forward to this weekend... =)
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
John foreshadows the coming of Christ. I am actually quite alarmed that John primarily ate locusts with honey. John baptised all who wanted a new life through the confession of sins. He became so famous that Pharisees and Seduces were coming to get baptized. However, John did not baptize them, instead he called them a brood of snakes! Because they did not "practice" what they preached. They did not turn from their sin. They were only giving God lip service.
Romans 2: 1-16
God's Judgement of Sin
God does not show favouritism (11)... This resonates with me because there are times when I wonder if God loves me less and if I am dealt "harsher" cards in life. I know it is wrong to think this way, but it's my "humanity" that I'm fighting against.
God's law is written within us, many a time, we don't have to know the Word, to know what is right in God's eyes. Judgement Day will come... This was interesting as I do inherinently believe God will judge us all and it doesn't take a literate person to figure out how to live a life that is righteous.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
We Truly Are a Creation Not Worth Saving
Being back in the classroom has reminded me how everything is a delicate balancing act. I believe I have no choice, but to intervene tomorrow. I usually love girls, but the drama and the mind games for cruelty really do blow my mind...
Matthew 2: 13-23
The Escape to Egypt & Return to Nazareth
It was through Joseph's faith towards God that Jesus was able to survive and fulfil his purpose on earth. I am reminded that God has a plan for all of us; however, God gave us "choice". This path of choice, often leads us astray. We are tempted to fall off God's path and as such our destiny changes. However, God's grace leads us back to him. For it is only through Him that true comfort can be found.
Romans 1: 18-32
God's Anger at Sin
Wow! This was a painful passage to read. God describes how callous we are. What a disappointment we are. He states that same-sex relationships are wrong. Idol worship is like slapping God's face. How can we bow down and worship statues or symbols that clearly did not create this world? We are so desperate to deny God's existence that we absorb and act out in feats of evil. We exhibit greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behaviour and gossip. Not onlu do we choose to practice these things, we encourage others to follow in our footsteps... wow... do we not sound like horrible creatures... a creation, not worth saving...
So it is with great gratitude that I see God as a VERY forgiving and loving father.
Matthew 2: 13-23
The Escape to Egypt & Return to Nazareth
It was through Joseph's faith towards God that Jesus was able to survive and fulfil his purpose on earth. I am reminded that God has a plan for all of us; however, God gave us "choice". This path of choice, often leads us astray. We are tempted to fall off God's path and as such our destiny changes. However, God's grace leads us back to him. For it is only through Him that true comfort can be found.
Romans 1: 18-32
God's Anger at Sin
Wow! This was a painful passage to read. God describes how callous we are. What a disappointment we are. He states that same-sex relationships are wrong. Idol worship is like slapping God's face. How can we bow down and worship statues or symbols that clearly did not create this world? We are so desperate to deny God's existence that we absorb and act out in feats of evil. We exhibit greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behaviour and gossip. Not onlu do we choose to practice these things, we encourage others to follow in our footsteps... wow... do we not sound like horrible creatures... a creation, not worth saving...
So it is with great gratitude that I see God as a VERY forgiving and loving father.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Your Perfect Plan
First day back at work and I'm already starting to get sick... The kids are glad to be back, but there was a wrench thrown into the classroom dynamics. I am hoping that my proactive nature will be able to prevent things from getting too hairy and out of hand.
Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Wise Men
For this is what the prophet wrote: "O'Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Isreal." (6)
King Herod was like any other king. He would not tolerate being "dethroned". As such he set out to have this baby killed. The wisemen followed the star until it stopped over a manger. The wisemen gave three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. They did not return to tell King Herod about meeting baby Jesus because they were warned against it by God's angels.
Romans 1:16-17
God's Good News
It is the power of God that saves everyone who believes. God makes us right, it is through faith that a righteous person has life.
We don't deserve God's love or his forgiveness. It is by his grace that he tolerates our sinful nature - our attraction towards greed and selfishness. It's wonder why He has obliterated us...
So Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Although I know baring a child this month is statically against us, I know to not ask for what I can't have. I pray for peace of mind and your continued strength to help me go onwards. I know that as this door closes, another will open. Your perfect plan will be apparent when I can look back in time... just as most assumed baby Jesus to be just another "baby", he turned out to be so much greater... and that was because it was YOUR plan.
Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Wise Men
For this is what the prophet wrote: "O'Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Isreal." (6)
King Herod was like any other king. He would not tolerate being "dethroned". As such he set out to have this baby killed. The wisemen followed the star until it stopped over a manger. The wisemen gave three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. They did not return to tell King Herod about meeting baby Jesus because they were warned against it by God's angels.
Romans 1:16-17
God's Good News
It is the power of God that saves everyone who believes. God makes us right, it is through faith that a righteous person has life.
We don't deserve God's love or his forgiveness. It is by his grace that he tolerates our sinful nature - our attraction towards greed and selfishness. It's wonder why He has obliterated us...
So Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Although I know baring a child this month is statically against us, I know to not ask for what I can't have. I pray for peace of mind and your continued strength to help me go onwards. I know that as this door closes, another will open. Your perfect plan will be apparent when I can look back in time... just as most assumed baby Jesus to be just another "baby", he turned out to be so much greater... and that was because it was YOUR plan.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Human Desire, Christ's Birth and God's Good News
I've been getting myself ready to go back to work. Don't get me wrong. I love my job. God made sure I ended up in this profession, no joke... whenever I tried to deviate from His will, he made sure I got back on course.
I must confess that I am not immune to materialist desires. I am currently putting into motion my 5 year plan... building my dream home... I am no longer certain if I will have children in my future, that's for God to fill in the blanks. There are days when I wonder if I am fit to be a mother...
Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus, the Messiah
This passage is about the miraculous conception of Jesus. Mary became pregnant, via the Holy Spirit. She was a virgin until Jesus was born. Because of the cultural disgrace of marrying a pregnant women, especially a woman who was not carrying her man's child, Joseph had every intention of terminating the marriage. But an angel appeared to Joseph and explained to him that this had to be to ensure that prophecy came true. Joseph did as he was told and married Mary.
Romans 1:8-15
God's Good News
In this passage, Paul explains his desire to spread God's good news about Jesus to all. We are to be a blessing to each other.
I must confess that I am not immune to materialist desires. I am currently putting into motion my 5 year plan... building my dream home... I am no longer certain if I will have children in my future, that's for God to fill in the blanks. There are days when I wonder if I am fit to be a mother...
Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus, the Messiah
This passage is about the miraculous conception of Jesus. Mary became pregnant, via the Holy Spirit. She was a virgin until Jesus was born. Because of the cultural disgrace of marrying a pregnant women, especially a woman who was not carrying her man's child, Joseph had every intention of terminating the marriage. But an angel appeared to Joseph and explained to him that this had to be to ensure that prophecy came true. Joseph did as he was told and married Mary.
Romans 1:8-15
God's Good News
In this passage, Paul explains his desire to spread God's good news about Jesus to all. We are to be a blessing to each other.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Start - January 1, 2012
I've been slacking off this past month. I fell off the wagon, but now I'm back. I believe my sudden stop to blogging began when my latest endeavour into reproductive medicine started again. I am currently in my 2nd IUI cycle. Based on sheer probability, I do not believe I will be pregnant this month. It would be a true act of God. My husband now believes God is telling him to give up...
We had a great sermon by Dr. Ross Hastings today. We are no longer a nation that should be sending out missionaries to Africa and China for there are more Christians per capita there than there are Christians in Canada. We need missionaries here. More and more people are turning away from God, leaving the Church, in search of their own independent freedom and materialistic desires. We are fighting a new war... we asking people to be selfless, when all they know how to do is be SELFISH. We are living in a "post-Christian" era.
People no longer go to Church to see Jesus and feel God. They go to Church and evaluate them, essentially shopping for the "best" Church... I am not stranger to this as this is what I did... As Christians we acknowledge God's forgiveness of our sins through salvation. God enters into us as the Holy Spirit and will transform us. We will harbour a new identity which will lead to suffering when we go and represent God. But this is the righteous path, one that has confirmed what I have been doing as a teacher these past few years.
We are to fulfill God's mandate, not just to love our neighbour and make new disciples, but more importantly to follow up with God's mandate to Adam, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE, God's creation... we need to bring people back to God and away from the selfish modern thinking ways of the "Western" world.
Matthew 1:1-17
A Record of Jesus' Ancestors
This is a passage listing the lineage of Jesus, from Abraham to Kind David to him. This is to validate the prophecy that our Messiah was a decedent of King David.
Romans 1:1-7
Greetings from Paul
"Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere, what God has done for them, so they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name." (5)
This is my reminder to treat my class as my mission field. Some go to Church, but many don't. Many do not know of the real love of Jesus. They just know of him as a religious figure that was born on Christmas day. There are a few who do not celebrate Christmas because they are of a different faith. My task is to bring them the good news of Christ in a non-threatening way and to have them follow God's mandate to save our planet from ourselves...
We had a great sermon by Dr. Ross Hastings today. We are no longer a nation that should be sending out missionaries to Africa and China for there are more Christians per capita there than there are Christians in Canada. We need missionaries here. More and more people are turning away from God, leaving the Church, in search of their own independent freedom and materialistic desires. We are fighting a new war... we asking people to be selfless, when all they know how to do is be SELFISH. We are living in a "post-Christian" era.
People no longer go to Church to see Jesus and feel God. They go to Church and evaluate them, essentially shopping for the "best" Church... I am not stranger to this as this is what I did... As Christians we acknowledge God's forgiveness of our sins through salvation. God enters into us as the Holy Spirit and will transform us. We will harbour a new identity which will lead to suffering when we go and represent God. But this is the righteous path, one that has confirmed what I have been doing as a teacher these past few years.We are to fulfill God's mandate, not just to love our neighbour and make new disciples, but more importantly to follow up with God's mandate to Adam, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE, God's creation... we need to bring people back to God and away from the selfish modern thinking ways of the "Western" world.
Matthew 1:1-17
A Record of Jesus' Ancestors
This is a passage listing the lineage of Jesus, from Abraham to Kind David to him. This is to validate the prophecy that our Messiah was a decedent of King David.
Romans 1:1-7
Greetings from Paul
"Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere, what God has done for them, so they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name." (5)
This is my reminder to treat my class as my mission field. Some go to Church, but many don't. Many do not know of the real love of Jesus. They just know of him as a religious figure that was born on Christmas day. There are a few who do not celebrate Christmas because they are of a different faith. My task is to bring them the good news of Christ in a non-threatening way and to have them follow God's mandate to save our planet from ourselves...
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