January 29, 2010 Finding the Fun

I saw something...that was senseless. I saw a person...He always worked hard. But he was never satisfied with what he had. He never asked himself, "For whom am I working so hard? Why don't I let myself enjoy life?" Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 NCV

"I gotta go,"said a college student whom I mentored. "If I don't get it all done, I'll be toast!"
"What's up?" I asked.
"I needed to read five chapters, finish a report, research job openings online, write a letter to my fiance and call my grandmother. It's her birthday."
"How much is left to do?" I asked.
"Well, I'm done with all that. But I really need to be further along. I gave up last night's waitressing job, tips and all, so I could get ahead."
Some of us feel like we're always on the brink of disaster even though we experience obvious success. Rather than congratulate ourselves for reaching our goals, we change the rules. Rather than be satisfied with our progress, we demand better. More! Harder! Faster!
We're accustomed to cracking the whip, but tired of continually missing the celebration. Altering the way we think and work feels strange-and scary. Yet with patience and practice, we can learn to stop mistreating ourselves, value our accomplishments and enjoy life. It really is acceptable to God.
Prayer....
Lord, temper my striving to work harder, faster, longer and MORE! I want to learn to take pleasure in my daily tasks and achievements. Help me find the fun.

Make it personal: Since your are going to live this day (week) anyway, how can you make it fun?

taken from It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life by Joan C. Webb

Friday, January 15, 2010

"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one. Romans 3:10
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. Isaiah 52:6

Please read my comment below and then comment on the following question:

What does this tell us about the importance of our relationship with Christ?

from Kathy on Sunday

When I first read this verse, I read Jesus being the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from the consequences of sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. And that sin has a way of enslaving, controlling, and dominating us. And after prayer,
I realize how many times I have rejected the truth so that I can "do it my way", or I want to have my personal freedoms, or I don't feel like doing the right thing because then I have to work on it and ask God for help. But I need God's truth, because it guides and protects me. I have to
remember that on a daily basis when I get pulled into or toward sin and some days it is really hard. Admitting my wrongs, asking for His forgiveness and handing it over is a release because it is a great feeling of freedom. It's way too easy to go the way of sin. The hard thing is to follow God's truth...but it gets easier every day with practice.
Praises...for a new year, good health, Benjamin, great success in the school education programs,
good snow for skiing, and more time to do the stuff I love!
Prayer...my mother as she struggles with anxiety and memory issues, the people of Haiti and their situation...that this crisis would lead to more accepting Jesus and all the peace He offers.

January 15, 2010

"Then you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32

What have you sought that turned out
to be unsatisfying?

Welcome to Strong Family Faith!

Dear Rebecca, Christin, Mindy, Megan, Amanda, and Melissa:

I just love that we are all back together and praying for one another again.
There is so much power in family prayer and I look forward to us all connecting
again. I thought we could keep things simple by:

*memorizing and meditating on a verse for the week
*sharing with one another how that verse spoke to you
*share God sightings in your life during the week
*and of course, prayers and praises

Don't hesitate to add your favorite, or needed, verses any week.

I love you and please know that you are never far from my heart or mind.

Kathy

January 10, 2010

Test blog