While life has been pretty busy recently - we are also so much at peace.
Moving to a new church and a new ministry is good. Pastor Don yesterday challenged us to step out. How often as fully devoted followers of Jesus do we accept mediocrity rather being willing to be bold and step out?
I love the statement - There are no regrets when we step out for Jesus. Jesus will never, ever fail us. He wants us to step out of our comfort zone. So, here we are - taking risks.
The really cool thing - we are headed the right direction because we are under attack of the evil one. Our comfort lies in the fact that we know who wins - God.
God is so good.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Violated
Friday evening Kara called - she was bubbly and happy. She had a great review at work. I encouraged her things were looking up. About two hours later she phoned, their home had been burglarized.
We jumped in the car (Brian, myself, David and Jay) and went over there. No - there was absolutely nothing we could do but be there. Their home was trashed. It looked like something out of a movie - the mattress was off the bed, things were thrown around....
At this point over $25,000 in jewelry, guns, electronics, money is gone. More importantly - their sense of security is gone. Our homes are supposed to be safe haven. But some bad guys took that away from them (and from us).
I wonder what type of person could break in a home, seeing pictures all around then trash it, taking what they wanted and moving on. Gone are the pictures - all their pictures, courtship, wedding, starting life together. Gone are the pieces of jewelry given to her by Brian, myself, Tom. Gone are Tom's guns.
As I watched Brian holding Kara my heart was touched. She wanted the security of her Dad. But even Dad's can't protect us from bad guys.
So now I pray - pray Kara and Tom will regain their sense of home; pray blessings on the officers who were so professional yet kind; pray the bad guys not only will be caught, but that they will feel remorse for the actions, pray too they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Even in this darkness, God is good.
We jumped in the car (Brian, myself, David and Jay) and went over there. No - there was absolutely nothing we could do but be there. Their home was trashed. It looked like something out of a movie - the mattress was off the bed, things were thrown around....
At this point over $25,000 in jewelry, guns, electronics, money is gone. More importantly - their sense of security is gone. Our homes are supposed to be safe haven. But some bad guys took that away from them (and from us).
I wonder what type of person could break in a home, seeing pictures all around then trash it, taking what they wanted and moving on. Gone are the pictures - all their pictures, courtship, wedding, starting life together. Gone are the pieces of jewelry given to her by Brian, myself, Tom. Gone are Tom's guns.
As I watched Brian holding Kara my heart was touched. She wanted the security of her Dad. But even Dad's can't protect us from bad guys.
So now I pray - pray Kara and Tom will regain their sense of home; pray blessings on the officers who were so professional yet kind; pray the bad guys not only will be caught, but that they will feel remorse for the actions, pray too they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Even in this darkness, God is good.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Following God
We are changing churches. It has been a tough decision, but it comes down to following where God is leading.
Palm Valley (PV) was a great place for us but now God is calling us to Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). Here we will be able to take what we learned over the last two years and share it, reach people, offer hope. God is good.
As we said good bye to our PV Small Group there were tears. These are the folks that walked through the absolute worst time of our lives with us - they loved on us, prayed for us, held us accountable. There was never judgment from this group of friends. We know we always have a place with them.
It is excited to start out on a new season. God is broadening our perspective and our ministry. Too often, we as fully devoted followers of Christ, settle for mediocrity. We don't trust God to do the really BIG stuff. That is what we are doing - expecting God to show up BIG. He will.
We are so thankful for old friends and for the new ones we will be meeting. God is so good.
Palm Valley (PV) was a great place for us but now God is calling us to Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). Here we will be able to take what we learned over the last two years and share it, reach people, offer hope. God is good.
As we said good bye to our PV Small Group there were tears. These are the folks that walked through the absolute worst time of our lives with us - they loved on us, prayed for us, held us accountable. There was never judgment from this group of friends. We know we always have a place with them.
It is excited to start out on a new season. God is broadening our perspective and our ministry. Too often, we as fully devoted followers of Christ, settle for mediocrity. We don't trust God to do the really BIG stuff. That is what we are doing - expecting God to show up BIG. He will.
We are so thankful for old friends and for the new ones we will be meeting. God is so good.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Signs
God is so amazing. For the past few months we have been struggling with a major decision.
Yesterday I (Vicki) asked God for a sign. While I know this is Scripturally based - I seldom ask, perhaps I don't want to annoy God!!! Within two hours - God had given me, not one, but two very clear signs about the direction we are headed.
I love the fact that my Lord and Savior loves me SO much that asking for a sign is no big deal to Him. And, in this case, He wanted be to be clear.
Soon, we will share the decision with our friends, but for now we are simply savoring our time with Abba Father. He is preparing us for some pretty BIG stuff and we need to have His strength. Resting in His arms, growing in His love. What a great way to start the new year.
God is good.
Yesterday I (Vicki) asked God for a sign. While I know this is Scripturally based - I seldom ask, perhaps I don't want to annoy God!!! Within two hours - God had given me, not one, but two very clear signs about the direction we are headed.
I love the fact that my Lord and Savior loves me SO much that asking for a sign is no big deal to Him. And, in this case, He wanted be to be clear.
Soon, we will share the decision with our friends, but for now we are simply savoring our time with Abba Father. He is preparing us for some pretty BIG stuff and we need to have His strength. Resting in His arms, growing in His love. What a great way to start the new year.
God is good.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Peace
So 2010 is about over. It has been a good year. This is probably the most peaceful I have ever been in my entire life. These are some of the things I am learning:
- to rest in Abba's arms
- to trust He is in control no matter what the storm is around me
- to release my children - we raised them to love the Lord, not it is in their hands - God does NOT have grandchildren
- to claim the promises in Psalm 139 - I AM beautifully and wonderfully made
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Busy, Busy December
What an amazing month this has been. God is so good to us.
On the 11th of December we had the privilege of serving in south Phoenix - bringing Christmas to folks who have so very little. With David's friend Carlos we were able to share with so many families the love of Jesus. We were so proud of David. He brought about a dozen of his friends to help out. God's hand is on David.
The following week we were faced with a major decision. Jay phoned us - he and his girlfriend broke up - he had no where to live..... After some deep prayer and discussion David put is best - how can we help others and not help our own family? Of course God confirmed our decision one evening when Brian and I read 1 Timothy 5:8 - "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Thank you Jesus.
Christmas has been a series of get togethers with family and friends. We are so blessed, having our children together and all of them are doing good.
Christmas Eve Brian, David and I served two services at church. David in his normal spot - kindergarden to third grade. Brian and I were in the preschool - so much fun. Little Addie who was there for both services has the biggest crush on Brian. He will make a great grandpa in God's time!
Today was sad though. David and I went to Tasha and Sprae's home to clean the backyard. They are moving to Tennessee. We are going to miss them something fierce, especially Zeke. Our love and prayers are with them.
We are so excited to see where God takes us in 2011. God is good to us.
On the 11th of December we had the privilege of serving in south Phoenix - bringing Christmas to folks who have so very little. With David's friend Carlos we were able to share with so many families the love of Jesus. We were so proud of David. He brought about a dozen of his friends to help out. God's hand is on David.
The following week we were faced with a major decision. Jay phoned us - he and his girlfriend broke up - he had no where to live..... After some deep prayer and discussion David put is best - how can we help others and not help our own family? Of course God confirmed our decision one evening when Brian and I read 1 Timothy 5:8 - "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Thank you Jesus.
Christmas has been a series of get togethers with family and friends. We are so blessed, having our children together and all of them are doing good.
Christmas Eve Brian, David and I served two services at church. David in his normal spot - kindergarden to third grade. Brian and I were in the preschool - so much fun. Little Addie who was there for both services has the biggest crush on Brian. He will make a great grandpa in God's time!
Today was sad though. David and I went to Tasha and Sprae's home to clean the backyard. They are moving to Tennessee. We are going to miss them something fierce, especially Zeke. Our love and prayers are with them.
We are so excited to see where God takes us in 2011. God is good to us.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Stocking Stuffing
For about eight or ten years we have had the pleasure of being involved with Americans for a Better Tomorrow. This Christian organization gives families a hand up - not a hand out.
Today was the stocking stuffing. We stuffed 1,200 stockings with candy, coloring books, crayons, popcorn, a stuffed animal and a book about Jesus. For some children - this is the only Christmas they will have. They will be given out next Saturday at the Family Fun Fest.
My friends Cutter (7) and Tanner (5) went with me today. This two guys worked their behinds off. To get there we drove through some pretty run down areas - I had the opportunity to explain some of the stockings may go to children who live in these houses. What a privilege to share this experience with my young friends.
At times like this - sitting in my beautiful home, listening to Christian music and children playing, our tree lit, our bills paid - I am most blessed. My heart aches for my brothers and sisters who have less - but in reality, their joy comes from Jesus - the peace in their eyes....perhaps we are the ones who are missing out.
God is very good.
Today was the stocking stuffing. We stuffed 1,200 stockings with candy, coloring books, crayons, popcorn, a stuffed animal and a book about Jesus. For some children - this is the only Christmas they will have. They will be given out next Saturday at the Family Fun Fest.
My friends Cutter (7) and Tanner (5) went with me today. This two guys worked their behinds off. To get there we drove through some pretty run down areas - I had the opportunity to explain some of the stockings may go to children who live in these houses. What a privilege to share this experience with my young friends.
At times like this - sitting in my beautiful home, listening to Christian music and children playing, our tree lit, our bills paid - I am most blessed. My heart aches for my brothers and sisters who have less - but in reality, their joy comes from Jesus - the peace in their eyes....perhaps we are the ones who are missing out.
God is very good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
