I had to take my car for the 30,000 mile maintenance yesterday. I don't mind giving up my car all day, but I always shudder when I have to pay for it. Its never fun writing a check for several hundred dollars. But, I love my car.
I always knew I wanted wanted my car. After we got married, I immediately started saving my money every month so I could pay for my car with cash, or at least a large chunk of it. It took me 5 years to save the money. It drives smooth, it is quiet, and the heated leather seats are a joy in the winter. Maybe I love my car so much because it is paid for. To keep it running in tip top shape, I don't mind spending hundreds of dollars every few months to keep it safely running for me and the kids.
I John 4:19 says, "My love for Him comes as a result of His loving me first." When you put your blood, sweat and tears into something you want to buy, it is much more special. You treat it differently than you would if someone just gave it to you. When you have a vested interest in something, it has a special place in your heart. Ever thought that is why we are so special to Jesus? He bought us with a price--the price of his life when he died on the cross.
So look at yourself today as a valuable prize bought with the ultimate price. See yourself as extra special because God chose to buy YOU!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Looks Can Be Deceiving
This past Sunday, I was asked to speak and sing for the congregation at Wynndale Baptist Church in Terry. The pastor specifically asked that I prepare my speech based on 1 Peter 3:1-7. The pastor wanted me to concentrate on the importance of inner beauty which is outlined in that scripture.
Afterwards, an older gentleman came up to me to thank me for coming and speaking to his church. "After meeting you, hearing you speech and hearing your heart, I'm not gonna believe all those things I've heard about you," he said. Surprised, I asked him what had he heard about me? He proceeded to say, "I've heard you control everything down there at WLBT--you control the news, the weather, the sports, the commercials, you even hire and fire folks!" I had to laugh and assured him I was there to only be the chief meteorologist and we have many other people in place to direct the other aspects of the television station (after all, if I was going to be the boss, shouldn't I get the boss's salary?!).
Yesterday, I received this email from someone in the church:
I am not good at words, but I just want to say THANKS for coming to Wynndale Baptist Church yesterday. I really enjoyed what you had to say and it really made me think about my life. Plus I have to confess I have been guilty about saying things about how you look sometimes on the TV. I am sorry and I hope that what you said yesterday I will try really hard to apply it to my life. THANKS AGAIN!!!! Signed D.T.
Isn't it funny how we can have preconceived ideas about people? When you see someone dressed sloppily or someone who doesn't have the best hygiene, we immediately think "homeless". When the prophet Samuel was sent to find a king, God chastised him for not looking at the whole person. 2 Samuel 16:7 says, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." The chapter ends with Samuel anointing the boy David to be the next king.
Judging people on their outer appearance or believing what we're told about someone before we know the truth is human nature. Next time you're tempted to do so, remember "The Lord looks at the heart."
Afterwards, an older gentleman came up to me to thank me for coming and speaking to his church. "After meeting you, hearing you speech and hearing your heart, I'm not gonna believe all those things I've heard about you," he said. Surprised, I asked him what had he heard about me? He proceeded to say, "I've heard you control everything down there at WLBT--you control the news, the weather, the sports, the commercials, you even hire and fire folks!" I had to laugh and assured him I was there to only be the chief meteorologist and we have many other people in place to direct the other aspects of the television station (after all, if I was going to be the boss, shouldn't I get the boss's salary?!).
Yesterday, I received this email from someone in the church:
I am not good at words, but I just want to say THANKS for coming to Wynndale Baptist Church yesterday. I really enjoyed what you had to say and it really made me think about my life. Plus I have to confess I have been guilty about saying things about how you look sometimes on the TV. I am sorry and I hope that what you said yesterday I will try really hard to apply it to my life. THANKS AGAIN!!!! Signed D.T.
Isn't it funny how we can have preconceived ideas about people? When you see someone dressed sloppily or someone who doesn't have the best hygiene, we immediately think "homeless". When the prophet Samuel was sent to find a king, God chastised him for not looking at the whole person. 2 Samuel 16:7 says, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." The chapter ends with Samuel anointing the boy David to be the next king.
Judging people on their outer appearance or believing what we're told about someone before we know the truth is human nature. Next time you're tempted to do so, remember "The Lord looks at the heart."
Monday, September 24, 2007
Ministry Through Hurt
The weekend was busy! Saturday I had the honor of being the guest speaker at Zion Hill Baptist Church's ladies tea in Wesson. The sold out crowd wore hats of all different shapes and sizes, sang songs of worship and we all ate in the fellowship hall after I spoke. I had a fabulous time (thanks, ladies!).
While sitting at the table eating lunch, Janet (one of the organizers and frequent blog reader) asked me a question: do I think the negative, critical emails I receive are so hurtful because I grew up as an unattractive, overweight child? My answer was simple--yes! Most of the negative emails I receive are based on superficial things--my hair, makeup, clothes, etc. As a child, I was always made fun of because of the way I looked. However, I believe God allowed me to go through those years of mockery so I could possibly deal with it alittle easier as an adult in the vocation He has called me to do.
Even more important, I don't think God ever wastes a hurt. I've learned over the years that our greatest ministry will sometimes come from our greatest hurt, if we let God lead us. Look at the story of Paul in the Bible. The man was beaten, abandoned on an island and imprisoned and even given a "thorn in the flesh" to contend with for the rest of his life. He pressed on to minister to thousands in other countries and helped them through their trials in life.
What has God allowed you to experience in you past, or present, that you could use to minister to others? Psalm 30:7 says it best, "By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain." Be the one who encourages others in their time of need. Don't allow Satan to waste your hurt!
While sitting at the table eating lunch, Janet (one of the organizers and frequent blog reader) asked me a question: do I think the negative, critical emails I receive are so hurtful because I grew up as an unattractive, overweight child? My answer was simple--yes! Most of the negative emails I receive are based on superficial things--my hair, makeup, clothes, etc. As a child, I was always made fun of because of the way I looked. However, I believe God allowed me to go through those years of mockery so I could possibly deal with it alittle easier as an adult in the vocation He has called me to do.
Even more important, I don't think God ever wastes a hurt. I've learned over the years that our greatest ministry will sometimes come from our greatest hurt, if we let God lead us. Look at the story of Paul in the Bible. The man was beaten, abandoned on an island and imprisoned and even given a "thorn in the flesh" to contend with for the rest of his life. He pressed on to minister to thousands in other countries and helped them through their trials in life.
What has God allowed you to experience in you past, or present, that you could use to minister to others? Psalm 30:7 says it best, "By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain." Be the one who encourages others in their time of need. Don't allow Satan to waste your hurt!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Snapshot in Time
A viewer sent me an email this week: "Better have the doctor check you out again. When you turn to the side, looks like you've got twins in that belly!" Signed Peg
Interestingly enough, I had a sonogram done this week. He/she was doing gymnastics, but slowed
down enough for the tech to snap a picture. Double check with me---nope, only one in there (boy, was my husband relieved!).
To be honest, this is the point at which I become anxious. At 11 weeks, I lost a baby in 2004. I find worry creep in until the next appointment and sonogram to be sure the baby is still alive. If you've been there before, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Yes, even though there is only 1 in there, I just look a bit bigger. And remember, the cameras add 10-15 pounds. Let's hope I only cover up Texas and Louisiana and not the whole eastern seaboard...
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you." Ephesians 1:16-18
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Eternity
Every comment that is posted on this blog, I read. "Judy" posted a comment yesterday on my August 10 entry entitled "Address in Heaven" which entails my brother's after death experience and I don't think she would mind me posting it here.
Barbie, I know I have a home in Heaven with all my loved ones already there because of Jesus telling us he was going to prepare a place for us. Still, your brother's words are so comforting to me. You see, I have stage 4 cancer in both lungs and don't know how much longer I have. I am in a win/win situation, either I'll be with my loved ones here or my loved ones there. I don't want to go and leave my son though as he started college in August and he needs me, even though he thinks he doesn't. I'd also love to see and play with my grandchildren some day. It is all in God's hands and His will be done. Thank your brother for sharing this beautiful experience as it has brought me great comfort and joy.
Revelation 7:11 says, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." My brother's experience answered many questions for me: when we die, we are immediately in the presence of God (there is no "waiting room"), there is complete peace and tranquility, we are reunited with loved ones and we immediately know who is in heaven waiting on us, and we won't be sad to be away from our loved ones here on earth. Granted, there is still more to heaven than this as the Bible says we will worship and praise God and heaven will offer rewards for those who have overcome in this life.
I have dreams just like Judy. I want to see my children grow up, I want to see them have children of their own and live fulfilled lives, I want to continue in my career and calling, I want to build my dream house, I want to enjoy retirement...and the list goes on and on. But knowing there is so much more to eternal life is much more comforting to me now than it ever was. I know everything and everyone I leave behind will be in God's hands. And I look forward to seeing them in heaven and sharing my heavenly address with them.
Barbie, I know I have a home in Heaven with all my loved ones already there because of Jesus telling us he was going to prepare a place for us. Still, your brother's words are so comforting to me. You see, I have stage 4 cancer in both lungs and don't know how much longer I have. I am in a win/win situation, either I'll be with my loved ones here or my loved ones there. I don't want to go and leave my son though as he started college in August and he needs me, even though he thinks he doesn't. I'd also love to see and play with my grandchildren some day. It is all in God's hands and His will be done. Thank your brother for sharing this beautiful experience as it has brought me great comfort and joy.
Revelation 7:11 says, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." My brother's experience answered many questions for me: when we die, we are immediately in the presence of God (there is no "waiting room"), there is complete peace and tranquility, we are reunited with loved ones and we immediately know who is in heaven waiting on us, and we won't be sad to be away from our loved ones here on earth. Granted, there is still more to heaven than this as the Bible says we will worship and praise God and heaven will offer rewards for those who have overcome in this life.
I have dreams just like Judy. I want to see my children grow up, I want to see them have children of their own and live fulfilled lives, I want to continue in my career and calling, I want to build my dream house, I want to enjoy retirement...and the list goes on and on. But knowing there is so much more to eternal life is much more comforting to me now than it ever was. I know everything and everyone I leave behind will be in God's hands. And I look forward to seeing them in heaven and sharing my heavenly address with them.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
God's Voice
Some questions are just hard to answer. Last night at the dinner table, Gracie asked, "What does God's voice sound like?" Trying to swallow my food, I wondered how I would answer this one. "I thought you said you hear God talking to your heart sometimes?" I asked. "I do, but what does His voice sound like?" Gracie questioned. For a four year old, she can sure come up with some spiritually probing questions!
Psalm 95:7-8 says, "Today I will hear His voice and harden not my heart." I believe we hear God's voice first by wanting to hear His voice. The most likely way we'll hear God speak is through His written Word. But He can communicate with us in other ways, too--circumstances, the counsel of trusted Christians or by His Holy Spirit prompting our spirit. If we question whether or not we hear God's voice or our own thoughts, we can check the message against scripture because God never contradicts Himself.
So what does God's voice sound like? Perhaps a newborn baby's cry, the wind whistling through the trees or the thunder in a quiet storm. How sweet it is to hear His voice...
Psalm 95:7-8 says, "Today I will hear His voice and harden not my heart." I believe we hear God's voice first by wanting to hear His voice. The most likely way we'll hear God speak is through His written Word. But He can communicate with us in other ways, too--circumstances, the counsel of trusted Christians or by His Holy Spirit prompting our spirit. If we question whether or not we hear God's voice or our own thoughts, we can check the message against scripture because God never contradicts Himself.
So what does God's voice sound like? Perhaps a newborn baby's cry, the wind whistling through the trees or the thunder in a quiet storm. How sweet it is to hear His voice...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Objects May Appear Larger Than They Are
Yesterday as I was sitting in the weather lab preparing my forecast, something on our downtown skycam caught my eye. I noticed what looked to be a gigantic bug of dinosauric proportions. From the view I had, it looked as if the downtown Jackson skyline was about to be swallowed by this monstrous bug. When I looked again, I could finally make it out--the bug was on the camera lens which made it look tremendous in size. In reality, the bug was small. Then I had a flashback to when I was a kid and would watch those old Japanese monster movies on Saturday mornings. You know, the ones where the lizards were magnified times 10,000 and made to look like they roamed the earth? When I was a child, those movies could scare the beegeebees out of me!
Sometimes our problems look much bigger than they really are only because we are looking at them with human eyes. Elisha's servant had that problem, too. In 2 Kings, the king of Aram was at war with Israel and decided to attack Israel. The king summoned his officers to find out where Elisha was hiding out and was told Elisha was in the city of Dothan. The king sent horses, chariots and a strong force there to surround the city. Elisha's servant woke up and saw an army of horses and chariots had encamped them. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked Elisha. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha tells his servant, "'Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, 'O, Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
In our life, our circumstances may seem much bigger than they really are at the moment. Isn't it good to know they are but dust to God and He puts a hedge of protection around us while He fights for us?
Sometimes our problems look much bigger than they really are only because we are looking at them with human eyes. Elisha's servant had that problem, too. In 2 Kings, the king of Aram was at war with Israel and decided to attack Israel. The king summoned his officers to find out where Elisha was hiding out and was told Elisha was in the city of Dothan. The king sent horses, chariots and a strong force there to surround the city. Elisha's servant woke up and saw an army of horses and chariots had encamped them. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked Elisha. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha tells his servant, "'Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, 'O, Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
In our life, our circumstances may seem much bigger than they really are at the moment. Isn't it good to know they are but dust to God and He puts a hedge of protection around us while He fights for us?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)