“From all that I had read of history and government of human life and manners, I had drawn this conclusion, that the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue of a nation. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, and Dutch, all lost their public spirit and their republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.”
-President John Adams
I came across this quote and it stopped me in my tracks. I wondered what John Adams would say if he could see through time and view America today. From his conclusions above, I know that he would probably not be surprised at the state of our nation after he saw the way that the women of today behave and dress. I am saddened to say that he would probably not be surprised even if he were to look at my own life.
Thus, I was inspired to write this note to my friends and acquaintances. To those of you are daughters of the King of Kings, who profess Christ as your Savior, and thus are part of the family of God, to my sisters.
Why do we act the way that we do? Why we do let this world dictate how we dress and act?
Ladies, this world tempts us to be immodest and to discount domestic virtues, but what John Adams said really stood out to me, and it also reminded me about what the Bible teaches about modesty. I hate that I am easily tempted by this world...and often succumb to temptation...but, I am thankful that we have Christ, who has set us free from bondage to sin, and who reminds us by His word what is true. Honoring Christ is what really matters. Not what this world thinks of you, your clothes, your hair, or anything else. I wish I could remind myself of this all of the time, so I thought I would write this little note to encourage myself, and maybe encourage you as well. Let's help each other out! =)
(Especially during summer and the temptation to be like the world in our dress is even greater.)
To hear some excellent sermons by my pastor on Worldliness, visit: www.Owassobible.org and listen to sermon archives from last August. You’ll see them.
7.07.2010
Elated...
I left the house for work yesterday and never thought that when I came home I would have a vacation booked! Yes, my wonderful husband surprised me with a week in Northern California!
We are staying in San Francisco,
but, we have a rental car so we can go visit....
Napa Valley,
The Red Wood Forrest,
and maybe a drive to Lake Tahoe!!
This is a dream vacation to me, and I am so thankful and thrilled! Todd said that the reason he decided to book a trip that I would love was because of the sacrifices I have made as his wife. Going through the health struggles he has had, traveling to support him in the Soldier of the Year competition, and dealing with some of the mental and physical side effects from his two deployments in the OIF/OEF wars. But, the truth is, that is what I promised to do a year and half ago. It has been an honor to be married to someone who has served our country. Through our trials, we have grown closer and our love has grown. Any so-called "sacrifices" I have made have been minimal. We might go through tough times, I might need an attitude adjustment every now and then (we both might need that), but it truly is a joy to be married to Todd.
But, all of that said...I am not gonna turn down a trip like this!!
We are staying in San Francisco,
but, we have a rental car so we can go visit....
Napa Valley,
The Red Wood Forrest,
and maybe a drive to Lake Tahoe!!
This is a dream vacation to me, and I am so thankful and thrilled! Todd said that the reason he decided to book a trip that I would love was because of the sacrifices I have made as his wife. Going through the health struggles he has had, traveling to support him in the Soldier of the Year competition, and dealing with some of the mental and physical side effects from his two deployments in the OIF/OEF wars. But, the truth is, that is what I promised to do a year and half ago. It has been an honor to be married to someone who has served our country. Through our trials, we have grown closer and our love has grown. Any so-called "sacrifices" I have made have been minimal. We might go through tough times, I might need an attitude adjustment every now and then (we both might need that), but it truly is a joy to be married to Todd.
But, all of that said...I am not gonna turn down a trip like this!!
7.06.2010
Excel Help!
Can anyone tell me if these formulas are accurate??
Total time In/Out: =IF(C4< B4, C4+1, C4)-B4
Total time @ end of pay period: =SUM(D4:D18)*24
Here is a sample of my spreadsheet to calculate employee hours:
Total time In/Out: =IF(C4< B4, C4+1, C4)-B4
Total time @ end of pay period: =SUM(D4:D18)*24
Here is a sample of my spreadsheet to calculate employee hours:
8.11.2009
Built Upon the Rock
Recently our pastor preached a sermon on a parable that Jesus taught about the wise man who built his house upon the rock, and the foolish man who built his house upon the sand. I am sure you all know the story…The wise man built his house upon the rock, and when the rains came down, his house was firmly established. The opposite was true for the foolish man whose house was built upon the sand. His house was obliterated when the storms came.
A few nights ago I wasn’t able to sleep and while I was lying there, I started to think about the relationships in my life. I have had friendships of all kinds…new and old, short and long, deep and shallow. And of course, there are a lot of factors that go into building a friendship…personalities, chemistry, likes/dislikes, timing, need…etc. After all those things have been sifted through and friendships have been formed, I’ve come to realize one thing: the friendships that are based on trust and reliance upon our Savior seem to be the ones that weather the storms of life well. Like the wise man in the Lord’s parable, they are friendships that are built upon the rock.
It is a fact that the house built on the sand could use many of the same materials as the house built on the rock. The floor plan, decorations and even the exterior could be identical, but eventually, the structure built upon the sand will be revealed. And, as the rains come down, the unsure foundation will wash away and the struggling house will be weakened, until finally, it is either destroyed or rescued. It can be rescued if a better builder chooses to come in, restore the house and put in a new, secure foundation, but only then. How exciting to know that the love of Christ can and does restore the most dilapidated of structures!
An interesting side note: When things start to come unraveled, I tend to look at my friend and suggest that it is their fault that the foundation is not sure. Many times, in the storms of life, I forget that my foundation is securely built upon Christ and I look more at the billowing clouds and do my best to hide from the ensuing tragedy. My own forgetfulness has caused many stormy seasons in life. Misplaced trust in my own abilities and my own reasoning has resulted in loss and disaster.
It is raining outside my window and I am reminded of the promises of new life and restoration. I am looking forward to the rainbow after the rain. More than that, I am looking forward to the day when all relationships will be without blemish. The day when we will love perfectly and selflessly! I anxiously await the return of our King and His Kingdom!
A few nights ago I wasn’t able to sleep and while I was lying there, I started to think about the relationships in my life. I have had friendships of all kinds…new and old, short and long, deep and shallow. And of course, there are a lot of factors that go into building a friendship…personalities, chemistry, likes/dislikes, timing, need…etc. After all those things have been sifted through and friendships have been formed, I’ve come to realize one thing: the friendships that are based on trust and reliance upon our Savior seem to be the ones that weather the storms of life well. Like the wise man in the Lord’s parable, they are friendships that are built upon the rock.
It is a fact that the house built on the sand could use many of the same materials as the house built on the rock. The floor plan, decorations and even the exterior could be identical, but eventually, the structure built upon the sand will be revealed. And, as the rains come down, the unsure foundation will wash away and the struggling house will be weakened, until finally, it is either destroyed or rescued. It can be rescued if a better builder chooses to come in, restore the house and put in a new, secure foundation, but only then. How exciting to know that the love of Christ can and does restore the most dilapidated of structures!
An interesting side note: When things start to come unraveled, I tend to look at my friend and suggest that it is their fault that the foundation is not sure. Many times, in the storms of life, I forget that my foundation is securely built upon Christ and I look more at the billowing clouds and do my best to hide from the ensuing tragedy. My own forgetfulness has caused many stormy seasons in life. Misplaced trust in my own abilities and my own reasoning has resulted in loss and disaster.
It is raining outside my window and I am reminded of the promises of new life and restoration. I am looking forward to the rainbow after the rain. More than that, I am looking forward to the day when all relationships will be without blemish. The day when we will love perfectly and selflessly! I anxiously await the return of our King and His Kingdom!
6.24.2009
2008 Reflections
Last year was so crazy, which is really nothing new,
It started off with friends most of whom I no longer talk to.
February and March were the worst months of my life as of yet.
I confronted an elder about some sin and the pain I still cannot forget.
The months April through June are frustrating still,
I learned what I am capable of when given up to my own will.
I lived my life as if it was my own life to waste
And regret is a flavor that I still can taste.
In July I met the man who would hold the key to my heart.
He was a gift from God and I needed him more than I thought.
Our friendship blossomed and more hard times came;
He lost, I lost, and we helped each other see through the rain.
In December we made a pledge of faithfulness and love,
And I am certain that our union was formed above.
God is so gracious in giving me my wonderful husband;
To submit to and love as a life long companion.
Days before the wedding my mom had a hemorrhage and scared us quite a bit,
Christmas Eve was spent in the hospital, which itself was quite different.
January brought a new diagnosis that threatened her life,
An anneurism was found and she had to go under the knife.
Many of His children gathered to pray as they performed surgery,
Successful in that with exciting news, but a very long recovery.
It was so scary to think that I thought I might lose my mom, my dearest friend.
But, the Lord brought her through that trial and was faithful once again.
Now Summer has come and has opened my eyes.
For God, last year came as no surprise.
He planned it all to bring me closer to Him.
He loves his own and He will always win!
Those times when I strayed; He used those too;
I am ever so thankful that every morning his mercies are new.
It started off with friends most of whom I no longer talk to.
February and March were the worst months of my life as of yet.
I confronted an elder about some sin and the pain I still cannot forget.
The months April through June are frustrating still,
I learned what I am capable of when given up to my own will.
I lived my life as if it was my own life to waste
And regret is a flavor that I still can taste.
In July I met the man who would hold the key to my heart.
He was a gift from God and I needed him more than I thought.
Our friendship blossomed and more hard times came;
He lost, I lost, and we helped each other see through the rain.
In December we made a pledge of faithfulness and love,
And I am certain that our union was formed above.
God is so gracious in giving me my wonderful husband;
To submit to and love as a life long companion.
Days before the wedding my mom had a hemorrhage and scared us quite a bit,
Christmas Eve was spent in the hospital, which itself was quite different.
January brought a new diagnosis that threatened her life,
An anneurism was found and she had to go under the knife.
Many of His children gathered to pray as they performed surgery,
Successful in that with exciting news, but a very long recovery.
It was so scary to think that I thought I might lose my mom, my dearest friend.
But, the Lord brought her through that trial and was faithful once again.
Now Summer has come and has opened my eyes.
For God, last year came as no surprise.
He planned it all to bring me closer to Him.
He loves his own and He will always win!
Those times when I strayed; He used those too;
I am ever so thankful that every morning his mercies are new.
6.09.2009
5.29.2009
Timber!
Two nights ago, while my husband was at a Bible study, I decided to cut down the magnolia tree in from of our condo. We have been talking about it for awhile, and so I thought I would get a start and trim the lower branches to make it easier when we actually cut it down. I knew that Todd had a hatchet in his Army gear that he mentioned we could use if we decided to go after it before we could borrow my dad’s chain saw. So, while still in my work clothes, I started whacking.
I quickly realized that this wasn’t something I was going to be able to just ‘quit’ on after a little while, so I set my mind to chopping down the tree. I was really nervous about which direction it would fall, but I remembered watching my dad and brother cut down some trees and decided the best angles to use. And that was that. I cut down the tree!
It took me about an hour and half to get the whole thing down and to haul off the top and remaining branches. While I was cutting, I was thinking about how difficult it was to cut down that little tree. Not to mention getting the roots up! (Which Todd and I did last night) It was only about 6 inches in diameter. I couldn’t help but think about the passage in Psalm 1.
1:1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
How easy it is for us to be blown to and fro like the chaff!
I want to delight in the Lord and have strength of even the smallest tree! I want to glorify my King. Only He can give me that strength, through His Word and through His Spirit working in me.
I just finished reading “The Silver Chair”, the second to last book in the Chronicles of Narnia. Jane is one of the children in that book, and her primary objective is to remember Aslan’s instructions and carry them out. In the beginning she repeats his instructions to her over and over again, but throughout the book, she is distracted by things of this world and soon forgets his simple instructions. I love the illustrations in both the Silver Chair and in the strength of the tree. I don’t claim to be a Theologian. There is much to talk about with both, but for now, I just want to encourage you as I have been encouraged.
Delight in the Lord, He is our strength!
I quickly realized that this wasn’t something I was going to be able to just ‘quit’ on after a little while, so I set my mind to chopping down the tree. I was really nervous about which direction it would fall, but I remembered watching my dad and brother cut down some trees and decided the best angles to use. And that was that. I cut down the tree!
It took me about an hour and half to get the whole thing down and to haul off the top and remaining branches. While I was cutting, I was thinking about how difficult it was to cut down that little tree. Not to mention getting the roots up! (Which Todd and I did last night) It was only about 6 inches in diameter. I couldn’t help but think about the passage in Psalm 1.
1:1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
How easy it is for us to be blown to and fro like the chaff!
I want to delight in the Lord and have strength of even the smallest tree! I want to glorify my King. Only He can give me that strength, through His Word and through His Spirit working in me.
I just finished reading “The Silver Chair”, the second to last book in the Chronicles of Narnia. Jane is one of the children in that book, and her primary objective is to remember Aslan’s instructions and carry them out. In the beginning she repeats his instructions to her over and over again, but throughout the book, she is distracted by things of this world and soon forgets his simple instructions. I love the illustrations in both the Silver Chair and in the strength of the tree. I don’t claim to be a Theologian. There is much to talk about with both, but for now, I just want to encourage you as I have been encouraged.
Delight in the Lord, He is our strength!
4.18.2009
Mid-April...and it's raining
I listened to "God Be Merciful to Me" at least 3 times today. Have you heard it? It's a hymn that was written from Psalm 51 I think. It is about our sin and God's grace. I was feeling very guilty today for a sin that I have already confessed and that has been forgiven by all parties.
I remembered something a friend told me as I listend to that song and my thoughts whirled around in my head...If I don't forgive myself for things that Christ has paid for, then I am robbing the Lord of His glory. Because I am trusting more in myself than on the Lord and His faithfulness.
It's so easy to say that we believe, but when it comes to things that we don't think He should forgive us for, because we can't forgive ourselves, it is so easy to fall back on our own ideas of things and forget how truly amazing His grace is.
Lyrics to God Be Merciful to Me
God be merciful to me, on Thy grace I rest my plea
Plenteous in compassion Thou, Blot out my transgressions now
Wash me, make me pure within, Cleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sin
My transgressions I confess, Grief and guilt my soul oppress
I have sinned against Thy grace, And provoked Thee to Thy face
I confess Thy judgment just, Speechless, I, Thy mercy trust
I am evil born in sin, Thou desirest truth within
Thou alone my Savior art, Teach Thy wisdom to my heart
Make me pure, Thy grace bestow, Wash me whiter than the snow
Gracious God, my heart renew, Make my spirit right and true
Thy salvation's joy impart, Steadfast make my willing heart
Broken, humbled to the dust, By Thy wrath and judgment just
Let my contrite heart rejoice, And in gladness hear Thy voice
From my sins, oh, hide Thy face, Blot them out in boundless grace
I remembered something a friend told me as I listend to that song and my thoughts whirled around in my head...If I don't forgive myself for things that Christ has paid for, then I am robbing the Lord of His glory. Because I am trusting more in myself than on the Lord and His faithfulness.
It's so easy to say that we believe, but when it comes to things that we don't think He should forgive us for, because we can't forgive ourselves, it is so easy to fall back on our own ideas of things and forget how truly amazing His grace is.
Lyrics to God Be Merciful to Me
God be merciful to me, on Thy grace I rest my plea
Plenteous in compassion Thou, Blot out my transgressions now
Wash me, make me pure within, Cleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sin
My transgressions I confess, Grief and guilt my soul oppress
I have sinned against Thy grace, And provoked Thee to Thy face
I confess Thy judgment just, Speechless, I, Thy mercy trust
I am evil born in sin, Thou desirest truth within
Thou alone my Savior art, Teach Thy wisdom to my heart
Make me pure, Thy grace bestow, Wash me whiter than the snow
Gracious God, my heart renew, Make my spirit right and true
Thy salvation's joy impart, Steadfast make my willing heart
Broken, humbled to the dust, By Thy wrath and judgment just
Let my contrite heart rejoice, And in gladness hear Thy voice
From my sins, oh, hide Thy face, Blot them out in boundless grace
4.07.2009
Warrior of the Year Update #2
Well, Saturday morning got off to an early start at the Grenade Assault Course. Todd went first and did really well. It was an awesome course, with barricades and different challenges. I actually wanted to get out there myself!
We got to talk for a few minutes and he told me about the Land Nav courses. He said that he tied for first in the day time and won the night Land Nav course.
After everyone finished the Grenade Course, we walked over to a HUGE Confidence Course. This thing was at least three football fields in length and breadth. There were a lot of challenges they had to tackle. Several of them were very high in the air; all of them looked very difficult. I was a little queasy as I watched Todd on some of these, just because I was nervous for him. The goal for this was just to finish all the obstacles successfully. Which Todd did; however, on one of them he took a pretty bad fall and hit his shoulder really hard. He caught himself and finished everything. This was towards the beginning of the course…he did finish it, but after the adrenaline wore off, he realized that his fall was worse than he thought.
The Medics took a look at him and sent him to the Emergency Room at the hospital. I went with him and after a few hours, we emerged with his arm in a sling, some STRONG pain medications, and the verdict of torn shoulder muscles. They recommended that he didn’t complete the competition for medical reasons, and he was in so much pain, that I don’t think he cared at the time.
We found out on Sunday morning that he was ahead by a very wide margin. He could’ve missed an entire competition and still been able to win. This was disappointing, but Todd says that he has no regrets. It was an amazing experience and we plan to go back and win it all next year.
The comradory that I witnessed in the soldiers was very moving. Hearing them cheer each other on and help each other through these grueling tasks was really something. The purpose was to push the soldiers to their limits, physically and mentally, and even in these harsh conditions, those soldiers shined. I was so proud that Todd was a part of this competition and was competing against such impressive soldiers. It was a bonus that he was winning!
Todd is feeling a little better today. He still doesn’t have full use of his arm, and the doctor recommended physical therapy after they do an MRI, but overall, he is doing well and is back to school.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. It means so much to us both!
Love, Danielle
(I'll add more photos soon!)
We got to talk for a few minutes and he told me about the Land Nav courses. He said that he tied for first in the day time and won the night Land Nav course.
After everyone finished the Grenade Course, we walked over to a HUGE Confidence Course. This thing was at least three football fields in length and breadth. There were a lot of challenges they had to tackle. Several of them were very high in the air; all of them looked very difficult. I was a little queasy as I watched Todd on some of these, just because I was nervous for him. The goal for this was just to finish all the obstacles successfully. Which Todd did; however, on one of them he took a pretty bad fall and hit his shoulder really hard. He caught himself and finished everything. This was towards the beginning of the course…he did finish it, but after the adrenaline wore off, he realized that his fall was worse than he thought.
The Medics took a look at him and sent him to the Emergency Room at the hospital. I went with him and after a few hours, we emerged with his arm in a sling, some STRONG pain medications, and the verdict of torn shoulder muscles. They recommended that he didn’t complete the competition for medical reasons, and he was in so much pain, that I don’t think he cared at the time.
We found out on Sunday morning that he was ahead by a very wide margin. He could’ve missed an entire competition and still been able to win. This was disappointing, but Todd says that he has no regrets. It was an amazing experience and we plan to go back and win it all next year.
The comradory that I witnessed in the soldiers was very moving. Hearing them cheer each other on and help each other through these grueling tasks was really something. The purpose was to push the soldiers to their limits, physically and mentally, and even in these harsh conditions, those soldiers shined. I was so proud that Todd was a part of this competition and was competing against such impressive soldiers. It was a bonus that he was winning!
Todd is feeling a little better today. He still doesn’t have full use of his arm, and the doctor recommended physical therapy after they do an MRI, but overall, he is doing well and is back to school.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. It means so much to us both!
Love, Danielle
(I'll add more photos soon!)
4.03.2009
Warrior of the Year Update #1
Being an army wife is a new experience for me!
Todd and I are in Des Moines, IA for the Warrior of the Year competition. Todd has already won for our region, but now he is competing against soldiers from Nebraska, Kansas, and Minnesota. He is one of four sergeants competing. There are others here as well, but the only ones he is being judged against are those three.
We got here yesterday afternoon and checked in. Met the soldiers and commanding officers. Ate some Iowa Chops (they made a big deal of those pork chops, but I didn't think they tasted any different than Oklahoma Chops), and then Todd had to take a 25 question test and write an essay. He felt like he did really well.
I am the only family member that came! We didn't find out until we arrived that Todd has to stay in the barracks with the other soldiers. We had a reservation for a apartment on base, but they asked if I wanted to stay with the female soldiers in the barracks because it was free!! Yikes! I have NEVER liked community showers...and I can guarantee that I NEVER will. NO BARRACKS FOR ME!
When we found that I didn't get to stay with Todd, I felt a little tear well up, but I told myself that I had to be tough because I was surrounded by soldiers. And I was tough. I felt proud of my secret victory.
This morning began at 0430 for the soldiers. I met them at the area for PT training at 0530. They did the push up and sit up physical fitness test and Todd won both of them I think. I know he for sure won the push ups. He had to do as many as he could in 2 minutes. He did 87 push ups and 79 sit-ups.
After that they had a 2 mile run. He has been training for this and has run that in less than 12 minutes, but today it was 31 degrees and he ran it in about 13 minutes. He came in third for that. He was a little disappointed, but it was FREEZING and he has a pretty bad chest cold on top of that. So, I was still proud!
At 1030 we went out to the rifle range where they had to qualify with M16s. He told me he did okay, but I showed his paper to some of the people out there and they said that he did GREAT. He's so modest.
After that, the boys went to chow and I had to say goodbye for the day. They were going to do a DAY/NIGHT Land Nav course and I couldn't go watch that part. =( It sounded like fun though!
I probably won't see Todd again until tomorrow. At first I thought that I shouldn't have come, but I have had so many soldiers tell me how much it means to them to have family members there and Todd has thanked me time and time again for coming...I just told him that someday, when he is a CRNA he's just going to get to make it up by taking me on a great vacation to Hawaii or Europe. ;)
Tomorrow begins at 0700 at the Confidence Course where they will be tested mentally and physically. If you think of it, please pray for Todd this weekend. Primarily for his safety and health!
Thanks!!
3.30.2009
How Do I Love Him?
Spring is so refreshing. I love the sounds of birds chirping outside my window. I love driving with the windows down and feeling the breeze on my face while listening to my favorite Caedmon’s Call songs.
It is so hard to believe that it is Spring! I got married in December, a little over 3 months ago.
It is a short amount of time to be married, much less than anything else I have experienced, but being married is my favorite! I love going home every night with my best friend. I love him so much. But, much less than I should. I know I still love myself more, even if I wish that wasn’t the case. There is a Steven Curtis Chapman song about loving your spouse. It is about his wife, but I think it could apply to both wives and husbands. The title is: How do I love Her? He is asking the Lord to show him how to love his wife. The verses below from that song are sweet:
Out of all the gifts You've given
Besides the very gift of life
There is none as precious to me
As the treasure of my wife
And still all the love in my heart
Is like a raindrop to the sea
When compared to Your love for her
And thats why I ask You please
Will You teach me what she needs
I'm a earnest man
When it comes
To learning how to love this woman
It is so neat that no matter how much we love our spouse, God loves them SO much more. Remembering that God loves Todd that much is so amazing to me and it encourages me in my efforts to love him. It drives me to trust in God for my love for Todd to grow, rather than on myself or my works.
The same is true in our salvation. When we rely on ourselves to grow and we try to do things to love God more, we won’t succeed. But, when we trust in Christ and look only to Him, He will strengthen us and produce love and fruit. Proverbs 3:5-6 has been on my mind a lot lately: “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths”.
Sometimes things with my church, work, family, relationships, etc can be so confusing, but keeping that verse in mind is always a comfort. I hope it can be a comfort to you as well. And if you haven’t heard the song that I referenced, it is on Steven Curtis Chapman’s album, All About Love. It’s a fun collection of songs…great for cleaning house! =)
8.27.2008
Peter's Prayer
"I need Thee, O Lord, for a curb on my tongue; when I am tempted to making carping criticisms and cruel judgments, keep me from speaking barbed words that hurt, and in which I find perverted satisfaction. Keep me from unkind words and from unkind silences. Restrain my judgments. Make my criticisms kind, generous, and constructive. Make me sweet inside, that I may be gentle with other people, gentle in the things I say, kind in what I do. Create in me that warmth of mercy that shall enable others to find Thy strength for their weakness, Thy peace for their strife, Thy joy for their sorrow, Thy love for their hatred, Thy compassion for their weakness. In thine own strong name, I pray. Amen."~Peter Marshall
"A Man Called Peter" is my favorite novel. It is based on the life story of Peter Marshall, written by his wife, Catherine.
Most people are familiar with Catherine Marshall's books, "Christy" and "Julie" but I hope that more people will read "A Man Called Peter". Peter Marshall was a Scottish immigrant who traveled to America because he felt the Lord wanted him to spread his message there. It took him awhile, but eventually, he saved enough money and he earned his Seminary degree. He preached at a few churches in Georgia before receiving a call to preach at "The Church of the Presidents" or better known as "New York Avenue Presbyterian Church". His influence in Washington was phenomenal and he went on to become the chaplain for the US Senate. The prayer above is one that is taken out of a book of prayers that Catherine compiled after his untimely death.
If you don't want to read the book, I would suggest watching the movie at least. It is a very inspirational story that will give you another view of how great the Lord's work is in the lives of His people.
8.20.2008
My Backyard
One thing I love about living near Lake Hefner are the beautiful sunsets that I get to enjoy. I took this on August 10 while I was on a walk. Occasionally I go for walks with my camera and I am so glad that this particular evening that was my agenda. Sunsets are one my favorite things. They remind me of God's faithfulness, majesty, beauty, grace, mercy, power, sovereignty, love, etc.
I'm amazed that people in every part of the world see the same sun setting that I see and it reminds me that His love extends much further than my own little world. I love so many other things about sunsets. I love sharing my love of sunsets with others. I hope that the next time that great ball of fire in yonder west is cascading its light upon you that you will see a bit of the Creator and your love for Him will grow even more.
8.18.2008
Our "Thorn"
The following is from Grace Gems, a daily devotional I receive.
Our "Thorn"
(J. R. Miller, "The Building of Character" 1894)
"Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7
Paul tells us that his "thorn" was given to him--to keep him humble, and save him from spiritual peril. Without it, he would have been exalted above measure and would have lost his spirituality. We do not know how much of his deep insight into the things of God, and his power in service for his Master--Paul owed to this torturing "thorn". It seemed to hinder him, and it caused him incessant suffering--but it detained him in the low valley of humility, made him ever conscious of his own weakness and insufficiency, and thus kept him near to Christ whose home is with the humble.
There are few people who have not
some "thorn" rankling in their flesh--
In one it is an infirmity of speech;
in another an infirmity of sight;
in another an infirmity of hearing.
Or it may be lameness;
or a slow but incurable disease;
or constitutional timidity,
or excessive nervousness;
or a disfiguring bodily deformity;
or an infirmity of temper.
Or it may be in one's home--which
is cold, unloving, and uncongenial;
or it may be some moral failure;
or it may be a bitter personal disappointment
through untrue friendship or unrequited love.
Who has not his "thorn"?
We should never forget that in one sense, our "thorn" is a "messenger of Satan," who desires by it--to hurt our life, to mar our peace, to spoil the divine beauty in us, and to break our communion with Christ.
On the other hand, however, Christ Himself has a loving design in our "thorn." He wants it to be a blessing to us. He would have it keep us humble--and save us from becoming vain. Or He means it to soften our hearts--and make us more gentle. He would have the uncongenial things in our environment to discipline us into heavenly-mindedness, give us greater self-control, and help us to keep our hearts loving and sweet--amid harshness and unlovingness. He would have our pain teach us endurance and patience; and our sorrow and loss teach us faith.
Thus, our "thorn" may either be a choice blessing to us--or it may do us irreparable harm. If we allow it to fret us; if we chafe, resist, and complain; if we lose faith and lose heart--it will spoil our life! But if we accept it in the faith that in its ugly burden--it has a blessing for us; if we endure it patiently, submissively, unmurmuringly; if we seek grace to keep our heart gentle and true amid all the trial, temptation, and suffering it causes--it will work good for us, and out of its bitterness--will come sweet fruit!
Our "Thorn"
(J. R. Miller, "The Building of Character" 1894)
"Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7
Paul tells us that his "thorn" was given to him--to keep him humble, and save him from spiritual peril. Without it, he would have been exalted above measure and would have lost his spirituality. We do not know how much of his deep insight into the things of God, and his power in service for his Master--Paul owed to this torturing "thorn". It seemed to hinder him, and it caused him incessant suffering--but it detained him in the low valley of humility, made him ever conscious of his own weakness and insufficiency, and thus kept him near to Christ whose home is with the humble.
There are few people who have not
some "thorn" rankling in their flesh--
In one it is an infirmity of speech;
in another an infirmity of sight;
in another an infirmity of hearing.
Or it may be lameness;
or a slow but incurable disease;
or constitutional timidity,
or excessive nervousness;
or a disfiguring bodily deformity;
or an infirmity of temper.
Or it may be in one's home--which
is cold, unloving, and uncongenial;
or it may be some moral failure;
or it may be a bitter personal disappointment
through untrue friendship or unrequited love.
Who has not his "thorn"?
We should never forget that in one sense, our "thorn" is a "messenger of Satan," who desires by it--to hurt our life, to mar our peace, to spoil the divine beauty in us, and to break our communion with Christ.
On the other hand, however, Christ Himself has a loving design in our "thorn." He wants it to be a blessing to us. He would have it keep us humble--and save us from becoming vain. Or He means it to soften our hearts--and make us more gentle. He would have the uncongenial things in our environment to discipline us into heavenly-mindedness, give us greater self-control, and help us to keep our hearts loving and sweet--amid harshness and unlovingness. He would have our pain teach us endurance and patience; and our sorrow and loss teach us faith.
Thus, our "thorn" may either be a choice blessing to us--or it may do us irreparable harm. If we allow it to fret us; if we chafe, resist, and complain; if we lose faith and lose heart--it will spoil our life! But if we accept it in the faith that in its ugly burden--it has a blessing for us; if we endure it patiently, submissively, unmurmuringly; if we seek grace to keep our heart gentle and true amid all the trial, temptation, and suffering it causes--it will work good for us, and out of its bitterness--will come sweet fruit!
7.29.2008
My Guy
I was washing dishes last night singing that old familiar Mary Wells song, My guy. "Nothing you could say could tear me away from my guy..."
As I was blissfully enjoying this moment I was struck with how blessed I am to have a guy in my life as wonderful as Todd.
Last night he surprised with the most wonderful date. We had planned on going on a scooter date, and that was exciting enough for me...but oh, I had no idea of the excitement that would come. =)
I went home at lunch and got clothes to change into so that I could leave as soon as I got off of work and get to his apartment...I was a little excited about seeing him, just a little. ;) When I got there he was waiting on me and already ready to go out for a ride. I was a little surprised that we were leaving so quickly, but I didn't think anything of it. He did, however, make me go up to his apartment and take a look around. (the reason would be found out later) We went to WalMart to see what time their nail salon closed, and then we drove around for a little while. It was a little strange that while we were out, Nate (Todd's best friend) called and was "called into work" so he couldn't get pedicures with us (another fun thing about Todd is that he gets pedicures). According to Todd, "occasionally they will call you in on your night off, and you just have to go." All of this should have clued me in, but I was just so excited to be with him with no time restraints, that I didn't think much of it.
After driving around for a few minutes, and another call from Nate, we started to head back to Todd's place. I was thinking, "wow, that was fast", but I didn't really care. When we pulled up I noticed that his car was gone and I mentioned it to him...still clueless...but I was worried that someone had stolen it. He said that there was a car just like his and sometimes they park there and that his car was down the way. He wasn't worried, so I figured I shouldn't be. We went upstairs and I heard music coming out of the door, and I said, "hey, did you leave your music on?" still totally clueless...and then I walked all the way in, turned around and saw a candlelit dinner, some flowers, a card on his kitchen table.
Todd, being the amazing actor that he is, (or shall we say, cheese-ball?)began to play the part. "Oh my goodness! Someone must've broken into my apartment! They must want us to have a candlelit dinner! Oh my goodness. This is crazy! How did they know that we would be coming back? Wow, someone has really got some explaining to do. Cray! (with his hands in the air)" He went on and on...All I could do was smile and laugh. It was so sweet and wonderful.
I won't go into detail on how delicious and AMAZING the food was (thanks Nate!), because that would take up three pages, but it was incredible.
When I went to get my silverware, wrapped in a cloth napkin, there was a piece of paper that was a cine-ticket that he had printed off of the internet for a movie that we were going to watch. Todd again, "What?! Someone wants us to watch a movie that is already in my dvd player? I'm starting to get a little freaked out here." He continued in his role throughout dinner and so I just played along.
It was so cute. He was so cute. I felt so special.
The entire evening was amazing. We had a wonderful time and I think this is the first time in my life when I have felt this way. I have to go because I am meeting someone at 5:15, but I will probably share more about "my guy" later. :)
Love,
D.
Continuing the story...After we ate dinner, we went to get Nate and celebrate their victorious surprise with pedicures. Yes, we all three got pedicures! We then watched Everyone's Hero (an animated baseball movie-awesome!) and ate Dove ice cream. They pulled it off and I think they were as excited about doing this for me as I was about receiving it. Maybe even more, "for it is far better to give than to receive".
I was telling my dad this story and I could tell in his voice that he was beaming. "Finally," he said, "someone who is treating you the way that I want you to be treated, and the way that you deserve." I don't really know about that, but it means a lot to me to know that my dad approves. :) I'm excited to see where the Lord leads us!
As I was blissfully enjoying this moment I was struck with how blessed I am to have a guy in my life as wonderful as Todd.
Last night he surprised with the most wonderful date. We had planned on going on a scooter date, and that was exciting enough for me...but oh, I had no idea of the excitement that would come. =)
I went home at lunch and got clothes to change into so that I could leave as soon as I got off of work and get to his apartment...I was a little excited about seeing him, just a little. ;) When I got there he was waiting on me and already ready to go out for a ride. I was a little surprised that we were leaving so quickly, but I didn't think anything of it. He did, however, make me go up to his apartment and take a look around. (the reason would be found out later) We went to WalMart to see what time their nail salon closed, and then we drove around for a little while. It was a little strange that while we were out, Nate (Todd's best friend) called and was "called into work" so he couldn't get pedicures with us (another fun thing about Todd is that he gets pedicures). According to Todd, "occasionally they will call you in on your night off, and you just have to go." All of this should have clued me in, but I was just so excited to be with him with no time restraints, that I didn't think much of it.
After driving around for a few minutes, and another call from Nate, we started to head back to Todd's place. I was thinking, "wow, that was fast", but I didn't really care. When we pulled up I noticed that his car was gone and I mentioned it to him...still clueless...but I was worried that someone had stolen it. He said that there was a car just like his and sometimes they park there and that his car was down the way. He wasn't worried, so I figured I shouldn't be. We went upstairs and I heard music coming out of the door, and I said, "hey, did you leave your music on?" still totally clueless...and then I walked all the way in, turned around and saw a candlelit dinner, some flowers, a card on his kitchen table.
Todd, being the amazing actor that he is, (or shall we say, cheese-ball?)began to play the part. "Oh my goodness! Someone must've broken into my apartment! They must want us to have a candlelit dinner! Oh my goodness. This is crazy! How did they know that we would be coming back? Wow, someone has really got some explaining to do. Cray! (with his hands in the air)" He went on and on...All I could do was smile and laugh. It was so sweet and wonderful.
I won't go into detail on how delicious and AMAZING the food was (thanks Nate!), because that would take up three pages, but it was incredible.
When I went to get my silverware, wrapped in a cloth napkin, there was a piece of paper that was a cine-ticket that he had printed off of the internet for a movie that we were going to watch. Todd again, "What?! Someone wants us to watch a movie that is already in my dvd player? I'm starting to get a little freaked out here." He continued in his role throughout dinner and so I just played along.
It was so cute. He was so cute. I felt so special.
The entire evening was amazing. We had a wonderful time and I think this is the first time in my life when I have felt this way. I have to go because I am meeting someone at 5:15, but I will probably share more about "my guy" later. :)
Love,
D.
Continuing the story...After we ate dinner, we went to get Nate and celebrate their victorious surprise with pedicures. Yes, we all three got pedicures! We then watched Everyone's Hero (an animated baseball movie-awesome!) and ate Dove ice cream. They pulled it off and I think they were as excited about doing this for me as I was about receiving it. Maybe even more, "for it is far better to give than to receive".
I was telling my dad this story and I could tell in his voice that he was beaming. "Finally," he said, "someone who is treating you the way that I want you to be treated, and the way that you deserve." I don't really know about that, but it means a lot to me to know that my dad approves. :) I'm excited to see where the Lord leads us!
7.22.2008
I'm Back!
For the longest time I couldn't remember my login ID for this blog...funny thing was, it was the most basic thing it could've been, the same that I use for everything else, but I just knew that I did something different for this and never even tried the norm.
As I was thinking about this it made me wonder how many other things in life I try and try to find an answer to when I know the right answer all along. And after some consideration, I decided that there are about 12 million.
The reason why is because in most every situation in life that I try to 'figure out' the answer to, the answer is usually as simple as "Trust in the Lord". If I trusted in Him with all of my worries and stopped trying to figure things out on my own, I would sure save a lot of worry. It is so easy to try to take things into my own hands, when I should just let it go.
My resolution for today is to simply do that. Let it go. Trust in the Lord with all My heart. My heart is His anyway...why wouldn't I want him to handle it?
Not only does he already know the results, He has ordained them!
How can something so simple be so difficult? Foolish foolish girl that I am!
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Psalm 25:2
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28:7
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5
Trust in him at all times,
O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8
As I was thinking about this it made me wonder how many other things in life I try and try to find an answer to when I know the right answer all along. And after some consideration, I decided that there are about 12 million.
The reason why is because in most every situation in life that I try to 'figure out' the answer to, the answer is usually as simple as "Trust in the Lord". If I trusted in Him with all of my worries and stopped trying to figure things out on my own, I would sure save a lot of worry. It is so easy to try to take things into my own hands, when I should just let it go.
My resolution for today is to simply do that. Let it go. Trust in the Lord with all My heart. My heart is His anyway...why wouldn't I want him to handle it?
Not only does he already know the results, He has ordained them!
How can something so simple be so difficult? Foolish foolish girl that I am!
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Psalm 25:2
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28:7
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5
Trust in him at all times,
O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8
1.29.2008
Thoughts from Jeremiah
"My identity does not begin when I begin to understand myself. There is something previous to what I think about myself, and it is what God thinks of me. That means that everything I think and feel is by nature a response, and the one to whom I respond is God. I never speak the first word. I never make the first move."
Eugene Peterson
I'm reading a book about Jeremiah and this was my favorite quote of the night, so I thought I would share it.
Another section I liked:
Once there was a man who understood the danger of the prophet's(Jeremiah's) commission and the comfort of God's presence. He was an evangelist God used to bring renewal to the Columbian church during the 1980s and 1990s. Since he was an enemy of the drug cartels, his life was in constant danger, until he was finally gunned down by assassins. Yet shortly before he died, he said, "I know that I am absolutely immortal until I have finished the work that God intends for me to do". God's servants are indeed immortal until they have completed their service.
Philip Ryken
Here Ryken was referring to the struggle that Jeremiah faced that was similar to Moses', which was doubt and fear that he could accomplish the job that the Lord had chosen for him. The book goes on to tell of how the Lord placed his words in Jeremiah's mouth. I higly reccommend this commentary if you're interested in reading the Old Testament. It's called: Jeremiah and Lamentations, From Sorrow to Hope. It's excellent reading, I assure you.
Eugene Peterson
I'm reading a book about Jeremiah and this was my favorite quote of the night, so I thought I would share it.
Another section I liked:
Once there was a man who understood the danger of the prophet's(Jeremiah's) commission and the comfort of God's presence. He was an evangelist God used to bring renewal to the Columbian church during the 1980s and 1990s. Since he was an enemy of the drug cartels, his life was in constant danger, until he was finally gunned down by assassins. Yet shortly before he died, he said, "I know that I am absolutely immortal until I have finished the work that God intends for me to do". God's servants are indeed immortal until they have completed their service.
Philip Ryken
Here Ryken was referring to the struggle that Jeremiah faced that was similar to Moses', which was doubt and fear that he could accomplish the job that the Lord had chosen for him. The book goes on to tell of how the Lord placed his words in Jeremiah's mouth. I higly reccommend this commentary if you're interested in reading the Old Testament. It's called: Jeremiah and Lamentations, From Sorrow to Hope. It's excellent reading, I assure you.
1.15.2008
My Inner European is Italian
Your Inner European is Italian! |
 Passionate and colorful. You show the world what culture really is. |
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