Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"IT'S TIME"

As I was finishing up my morning prayers yesterday, I said, “Lord, I’ve been doing all the talking, what do You want to say to me today?” The Grandfather Clock in the entry hall was chiming and the Lord spoke two words… “It’s time”. I asked Him, “What is it time for?” “What are You saying?”…
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

What is it time for in your life? What does God want to say to you today?

I received an email this morning saying my brother is going to have surgery to remove a cyst on his spine. I don't really know what his relationship is with the Lord because last time I tried to talk to him about it, he was very combative. My brother Mark has a good heart, but somewhere along the way something happened to him and he has built walls around his emotions and he has "no entry" posted all over them. Please pray for Mark's walk with the Lord today, and for a miracle in his body so he doesn't have to have surgery on March 3rd.

No matter what happens in your life, in the life of your family or in our country, no matter if it’s a time of trouble, a time of love, an evil time… God is a stabilizing force in the midst of uncertain times.
Isaiah 33:6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure.

I found comfort and rest in His Word and my faith has grown by hearing the Word… God says that faith comes alive by hearing the Word, so read it out-loud to yourself and let your faith grow. Remember the power of God and the miracles He has done. Remember the things God has done for you personally, and increase your faith. He is good.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand… v13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Feeding The Hungry

Good morning,

I was checking out the Food Bank web site to download some forms and discovered a video with me on it! Check it out, it’s kind of cool. Plus viewing this video will give you a good appreciation of what we do at the Food Panty as we serve God’s people.

The site is http://www.fbcenla.org/ . The video is on the opening page and if you don’t have time to watch the entire 8 minutes, you can view my part at 6:42 seconds and again at 7:45 seconds.

Isaiah 58:10
If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.

Friday, February 13, 2009

"You're not undeserving"

It was the last leg of our vacation and we were driving home from Florida. It was after dark and we’d been traveling all day. We wanted to find a place on the water, but because we are on a fixed budget we prayed, “Lord, help us find the right hotel, at the right price, and please let us see some of Your beauty and wild life.”

The morning sun was shining on the water in the bay… it looked like millions of diamonds sparkling and glistening on the water. Our room overlooked the marina and the bay, with a small strip of white beach below us. We fixed a cup of tea and sat on the balcony enjoying the wild life. There were several ducks swimming, pelicans sailing on top of the water with their wing tips skimming the water as they moved to the right and left. And in the distance a dorsal fin and then another! Dolphins out about 500 yards from our room, blowing the water from their spout, dorsal fin up and showing us their tail as they dove under the water. It was a special treat for us and we were like children in our excitement as we watched them play for 20 to 30 minutes.

My heart became warmed with gratitude towards our Lord and my eyes became moist as I thanked Him. “Thank You Lord for blessing us, for allowing us to see Your beautiful creation. Thank You for being so gracious to us when we’re so undeserving.”

As kind and as gentle as He’s ever been to me, He spoke deep into my soul… “You’re not undeserving”. My emotions swelled as I sat in His presence and enjoyed His goodness.

Jeremiah 31:3 … “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Opportunity Quilt

Check out my friends blog,
http://fancystitchingnews.blogspot.com/
and see the beautiful quilt you could own as your own. The quilt is wonderful, and she does such incredible work on her fancy stitching machine! My friend Kathy has made several show quilts and been awarded for her creativity and detail. I have seen her work and you would really own a show piece if you were to be awarded one of her quilts! And it would help our church with our fund raiser for a church bus.


"Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with Him and to be His holy, and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children."
Ephesians 1:4-5


Love you guys,
Paula

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Loving My Husband

My husband John and I were married 31 years ago last month. From the first day I saw him I was in love! He was so handsome, and when we spoke he was kind of elusive, which made me want to get to know him all the more. We would occasionally run into each other at social functions, or at the market, or restaurants. We got to know each other and he was as handsome on the inside as the outside. What a heart! Things worked out for us 5 years after we met and we've been happily married ever since.
We are going to escape this week for a vacation... just the two of us. I'm praying we will grow closer together and closer to God in the upcoming days. Can't wait!

God's Purpose For Us

Queen Esther...

Esther is a story of the hand of God's protection and preservation of His people. In the story of Esther, the wicked Haman conspired to destroy the Jews, just as Satan's hateful efforts try to oppose God's purposes for us. The book of Esther shows how God destroys those who try to harm His people and God's sovereign purposes always prevail.

What is your purpose in life? Has there been a Haman in your life trying to take you out or keep you from your divine destiny and purpose?

Esther was a woman of submission, dependence, and obedience to her God given authorities. Because of her humility, she made a way for God's highest purposes in her life and the life of her people.

Speaking of submission, dependence and obedience... I'm learning as the days go on.