(In my best soap opera announcer's voice) And now..it's time for another episode of "Viewer Phone Calls"......
Caller # 1:
Hi Barbie. I've been watching you for the last few weeks and I had a question. Are you having:
A. Twins
B. Triplets
C. Quadruplets, or
D. One big 20 pound baby?
Please tells us on TV and I'll be watching.
Caller # 2:
Hey Barbie. My sister and I have a bet going on and we need you to settle it. We were wondering how far along you are? I said you are due in April, but my sister said you are due any day now. I told her when you have as many kids as you have, you just get fat alot quicker. I keep trying to tell her that you're going to get much fatter before it's over, but hopefully you won't stay fat after the baby is born. So if you can, please call me back and settle this!
(Can I roll my eyes here?)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Seeing Things at Eye Level
I traveled to Osyka Saturday to be in their Christmas parade. While I was gone, my husband and children put up the Christmas tree we bought earlier in the day. When I got home that night, Gracie insisted she and Will help put on the ornaments. Of course I was hesitant because I have beautiful glass and glittered Christmas balls as ornaments and I didn't want any to break. But I conceded and let them "help" put on the ornaments. When we finished the tree, we noticed all of the ornaments they put on were 2 feet up the tree or lower, hanging all along the bottom of the tree. I guess when you're not very tall, you put everything at eye-level! They helped alright...they just put ornaments where they could reach them.
It is hard for us to see the big picture in life sometimes. We see only what is in front of us at the time. Psalm 94:9 says, "Does He who formed the eye not see? Does He who formed the eye not see?" The writer of this chapter is reminding himself that although he may not see and hear the future, God does and the writer is trying to muster up some faith through his circumstances.
Although we may not see the big picture now and not understand where God is leading and going with our situation, God does. He sees it all, He hears it all; He is in control.
When the kids became distracted and started playing with the nativity scene, my husband and I quickly grabbed the "low" ornaments and gave them a new home on the Christmas tree. Isn't that what God does? He takes the things we see and spreads His plan out to make a full picture of the type of person He is making us to be.
It is hard for us to see the big picture in life sometimes. We see only what is in front of us at the time. Psalm 94:9 says, "Does He who formed the eye not see? Does He who formed the eye not see?" The writer of this chapter is reminding himself that although he may not see and hear the future, God does and the writer is trying to muster up some faith through his circumstances.
Although we may not see the big picture now and not understand where God is leading and going with our situation, God does. He sees it all, He hears it all; He is in control.
When the kids became distracted and started playing with the nativity scene, my husband and I quickly grabbed the "low" ornaments and gave them a new home on the Christmas tree. Isn't that what God does? He takes the things we see and spreads His plan out to make a full picture of the type of person He is making us to be.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Jehoshaphat's Story
For the last couple of months, I've been reading 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles. Talk about mind blowing! These books in the Bible are all about genealogy, the various kings that ruled and their reputations, and the numerous battles that took place. Even muddling through the different accounts of it all and wondering "where is this going?", I found a chapter I could identify with. It is the story of Jehoshaphat and his rule as king of Judah.
Someone breaks the news to Jehoshaphat that the Moabites and Ammonites are heading his way to go to war with him. He is alarmed and declares a fast for all of Judah. Everyone came together and prayed to ask God for help. They all gathered in the temple courtyard and Jehoshaphat prayed in front of all of them so they could all hear his plea with God. His prayer starts in 2 Chronicles 20:6. In verse 12, he prays, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." If you read the rest of the chapter, you'll see where the battle ensues and the Moabites and Ammonites were defeated. But the interesting part is, they were not defeated by Jehoshaphat's army--another group of people from Mount Seir (who had initially joined in the battle to invade Judah along with the Moabites and Ammonites) rose up against them and defeated them. In fact, the Bible says in verse 23, "they helped to destroy one another."
Sometimes we find ourselves in Jehoshaphat's shoes--we have a battle before us and we don't know what to do. But if we keep our eyes fixed on God, God provides another way for the battle to be won--and sometimes, it is won through a most unlikely means.
In the middle of this whole chapter, a man named Jahaziel stood up after Jehoshaphat's public prayer and says (verse 17), "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." Notice Jahaziel encouraged them to be ready, and they would get the opportunity to watch God fight for them.
Whatever battle rages in your life right now, grab your supplies, take up your position and stand firm. Then watch God do the fighting for you.
Someone breaks the news to Jehoshaphat that the Moabites and Ammonites are heading his way to go to war with him. He is alarmed and declares a fast for all of Judah. Everyone came together and prayed to ask God for help. They all gathered in the temple courtyard and Jehoshaphat prayed in front of all of them so they could all hear his plea with God. His prayer starts in 2 Chronicles 20:6. In verse 12, he prays, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." If you read the rest of the chapter, you'll see where the battle ensues and the Moabites and Ammonites were defeated. But the interesting part is, they were not defeated by Jehoshaphat's army--another group of people from Mount Seir (who had initially joined in the battle to invade Judah along with the Moabites and Ammonites) rose up against them and defeated them. In fact, the Bible says in verse 23, "they helped to destroy one another."
Sometimes we find ourselves in Jehoshaphat's shoes--we have a battle before us and we don't know what to do. But if we keep our eyes fixed on God, God provides another way for the battle to be won--and sometimes, it is won through a most unlikely means.
In the middle of this whole chapter, a man named Jahaziel stood up after Jehoshaphat's public prayer and says (verse 17), "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." Notice Jahaziel encouraged them to be ready, and they would get the opportunity to watch God fight for them.
Whatever battle rages in your life right now, grab your supplies, take up your position and stand firm. Then watch God do the fighting for you.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Love Him Alot
Time to pull the nativity scene out once again. Our nativity set is nothing spectacular. It is wooden and cheap--just right for little hands to hold and drop on the floor countless times. I use the nativity scene every year to teach the children about Jesus. We role play and take turns at telling the story. Pulling the scene out today, I was reminded of Gracie's rendition of it last year. I wrote this on one of my blog entries from last December, but thought I'd share it again.
At our house, we have a wooden nativity set my daughter Gracie plays with. Its cheap enough that it would not be too expensive to replace should one piece get broken or should baby Will chew the angel's halo off. Gracie is a loving 3 1/2 year old, but she has a tendency to squeeze baby Will too hard when she hugs him. We've had several conversations with her lately on the importance of being gentle---it's ok to love baby Will, but don't squeeze him too hard--he's not Charmin! While I was playing with Gracie, she said she wanted to tell me the "Baby Jesus" story. I obliged. She grabbed the angel and baby Jesus and said "Hello everybody! My name is angel and I'm here to tell you that baby Jesus has been born today." She handed baby Jesus over to Mary and Joseph and instructed them both, "Here is your baby Jesus. Love him alot, but don't squeeze him too hard!" I bit my lip and tried my best not to laugh. Then I realized Gracie had gotten the whole Christmas story perfect---"love him alot". That's what Christmas is all about.
At our house, we have a wooden nativity set my daughter Gracie plays with. Its cheap enough that it would not be too expensive to replace should one piece get broken or should baby Will chew the angel's halo off. Gracie is a loving 3 1/2 year old, but she has a tendency to squeeze baby Will too hard when she hugs him. We've had several conversations with her lately on the importance of being gentle---it's ok to love baby Will, but don't squeeze him too hard--he's not Charmin! While I was playing with Gracie, she said she wanted to tell me the "Baby Jesus" story. I obliged. She grabbed the angel and baby Jesus and said "Hello everybody! My name is angel and I'm here to tell you that baby Jesus has been born today." She handed baby Jesus over to Mary and Joseph and instructed them both, "Here is your baby Jesus. Love him alot, but don't squeeze him too hard!" I bit my lip and tried my best not to laugh. Then I realized Gracie had gotten the whole Christmas story perfect---"love him alot". That's what Christmas is all about.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
God Chose You
God chose you. You didn't choose Him. In fact, He chose you before He made the world. Nothing you did before you believed in Christ changed His mind. He adopted you as His very own child and redeemed you through the the blood of Jesus so that we could become His own. Realizing all of this, do you really think God would ever turn his back on you?
Hebrews 13:5-6 says, "He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'"
When Satan parades our guilt in front of us, reminds us of our shortcomings and failures, and tells us no one cares about us or wants us, remind him that God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die in your place. When we feel all alone, let's remember the nail prints in Jesus' hands; they are for eternity and so are we. Isaiah 49:15-16 says, "I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
Hebrews 13:5-6 says, "He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'"
When Satan parades our guilt in front of us, reminds us of our shortcomings and failures, and tells us no one cares about us or wants us, remind him that God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die in your place. When we feel all alone, let's remember the nail prints in Jesus' hands; they are for eternity and so are we. Isaiah 49:15-16 says, "I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Words--A Powerful Witness
Sometimes, you just need alittle good news. I got this email last week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barbie, I know your brother Doug. I deliver his propane gas to the farm. He told me today what happened to him. When I left him today, I was going down Highway 6, and I started praying and cried. I asked Jesus to come into my life. I needed that talk. God has left him for a good reason. PRAISE GOD. Signed, Gene
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who are readers of this blog, you are aware of what Gene is referring to--my brother's heart attack and his heavenly experience (read the August 10 blog entry). Because my brother was willing to witness to Gene, Gene will now have eternal life and a life worth living.
Matthew 12:36-37 says, "On the day of judgement, I will have to give an account for every idle word I speak. For by my words I will be justified and acquitted, and by my words I will be condemned and sentenced." Proverbs 18:21 says, "The power of life and death are in the tongue and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it (for death or life)."
How many times a day do you and I let pass when we should be witnessing to others? Sure, most of us haven't had a near death experience, but we have something to boast about--how our life has changed since Christ came into our lives.
Being in the "Bible Belt" in Mississippi, we assume everyone around us knows the hope by which we are called, but that isn't necessarily the case. If that were true, Gene would've had someone share Christ with him before last week. What an awesome responsibility we have in giving life to others just by the words we share and knowing that when we get to heaven, we will be justified and acquitted because we were willing to testify to the changes in our life since Jesus came into our heart!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barbie, I know your brother Doug. I deliver his propane gas to the farm. He told me today what happened to him. When I left him today, I was going down Highway 6, and I started praying and cried. I asked Jesus to come into my life. I needed that talk. God has left him for a good reason. PRAISE GOD. Signed, Gene
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who are readers of this blog, you are aware of what Gene is referring to--my brother's heart attack and his heavenly experience (read the August 10 blog entry). Because my brother was willing to witness to Gene, Gene will now have eternal life and a life worth living.
Matthew 12:36-37 says, "On the day of judgement, I will have to give an account for every idle word I speak. For by my words I will be justified and acquitted, and by my words I will be condemned and sentenced." Proverbs 18:21 says, "The power of life and death are in the tongue and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it (for death or life)."
How many times a day do you and I let pass when we should be witnessing to others? Sure, most of us haven't had a near death experience, but we have something to boast about--how our life has changed since Christ came into our lives.
Being in the "Bible Belt" in Mississippi, we assume everyone around us knows the hope by which we are called, but that isn't necessarily the case. If that were true, Gene would've had someone share Christ with him before last week. What an awesome responsibility we have in giving life to others just by the words we share and knowing that when we get to heaven, we will be justified and acquitted because we were willing to testify to the changes in our life since Jesus came into our heart!
Monday, December 3, 2007
If You Quit, Satan Wins
What a wonderful time I had with the ladies (and few men!) in Kosciusko last Saturday at the First Baptist Church's ladies brunch. The crowd was so encouraging and uplifting. I hope I was able to leave them with some of the same.
One of the many things I shared with the group is how important it is to persevere at things you feel God has led you to do. It is so easy to give up, especially when times get difficult. Some of you know how torn I was at coming back to work after having Will. Not only was I dealing with the adjustment of another baby, but I was sleep deprived and having some post-pardum issues and couldn't stop crying. When I came back to work after 3 months, the viewer emails and phone calls were hateful--everyone wanted to know when was I going to lose my baby weight? I called my mother and told her I thought I was having a nervous breakdown and couldn't take it anymore. The only option I could see was giving up my meteorology career and staying at home, thinking that would fix my problem. My mother reminded me how I felt called to do what I was doing and ended the conversation by saying, "If you quit, if you give up, Satan wins."
I Corinthians 15:58 says, "I am standing firm, letting nothing move me. I give myself fully to the work of the Lord, because I know that my labor in the Lord is not in vain." In the hard times when your world has fallen to pieces, we must learn how to pick up the one piece that matters most. However, there's no other place to know the strength of your faith, but in the hard times.
One of the many things I shared with the group is how important it is to persevere at things you feel God has led you to do. It is so easy to give up, especially when times get difficult. Some of you know how torn I was at coming back to work after having Will. Not only was I dealing with the adjustment of another baby, but I was sleep deprived and having some post-pardum issues and couldn't stop crying. When I came back to work after 3 months, the viewer emails and phone calls were hateful--everyone wanted to know when was I going to lose my baby weight? I called my mother and told her I thought I was having a nervous breakdown and couldn't take it anymore. The only option I could see was giving up my meteorology career and staying at home, thinking that would fix my problem. My mother reminded me how I felt called to do what I was doing and ended the conversation by saying, "If you quit, if you give up, Satan wins."
I Corinthians 15:58 says, "I am standing firm, letting nothing move me. I give myself fully to the work of the Lord, because I know that my labor in the Lord is not in vain." In the hard times when your world has fallen to pieces, we must learn how to pick up the one piece that matters most. However, there's no other place to know the strength of your faith, but in the hard times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)