"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19
This verse has been going over in my mind these last few days. I started asking myself some questions. First of all what exactly were "all these thing" and what exactly does the scripture mean when it says that Mary "pondered them in her heart"?
I'm guessing that maybe the "all these things" had to do with a sort of spiritual scrapbooking that started that chilly night in Bethlehem. I believe that young 14 or 15 year old teen age mother started right then tucking away little smells, smiles and sentiments that would weave the fabric of her mother's memory book for her firstborn son.
Pondering, according to the dictionary, means to "carefully consider for a period of time". I think I may have a handle on that one, too. My children range in age from 17 to 27. I have a pretty hefty supply of memories to "ponder"; grins and giggles, sandals and sneakers, band-aids and boyfriends, boxing gloves and skateboards, they're all in there tucked away safely in my mother's heart. One thing that I have recently been pondering is the distinctive smell of each of my babies' heads. To this day, no fragrance that I have ever smelled compares to the beautful scent of my children's little heads. Perhaps one of the things that Mary "pondered" the most was the smell of her boy.
I think I need to spend alot more time pondering--not just about my children although I do plenty of that. I need to do some serious pondering about my Savior.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Confession
"If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Confession. To be perfectly honest, confession is not at the top of my 10 most favorite words list. My flesh prefers words like blessing, power, victory, strength, etc... When I meditate on the word confession my thoughts are forced toward humility, brokenness, and selflessness. My sinful nature doesn't like to go there. But guess what I've discovered? The Holy Spirit that dwells in me--He loves to go there! In fact, He wants me to live there!
Because I know I can rarely trust my own thoughts and perceptions, I am constantly asking the Lord to give me "His" perspective on what is going on in my life. When I do that, EVERYTHING changes! And do you know what else I've discovered? When I ask for His perspective then confession is a very powerful and necessary word in my life. At that point I realize something very mysterious happens. Confession leads to humility, brokenness and selflessness which in turn leads to blessing, power, victory and strength.
Confession. Maybe it should be at the top of my word list after all.
Confession. To be perfectly honest, confession is not at the top of my 10 most favorite words list. My flesh prefers words like blessing, power, victory, strength, etc... When I meditate on the word confession my thoughts are forced toward humility, brokenness, and selflessness. My sinful nature doesn't like to go there. But guess what I've discovered? The Holy Spirit that dwells in me--He loves to go there! In fact, He wants me to live there!
Because I know I can rarely trust my own thoughts and perceptions, I am constantly asking the Lord to give me "His" perspective on what is going on in my life. When I do that, EVERYTHING changes! And do you know what else I've discovered? When I ask for His perspective then confession is a very powerful and necessary word in my life. At that point I realize something very mysterious happens. Confession leads to humility, brokenness and selflessness which in turn leads to blessing, power, victory and strength.
Confession. Maybe it should be at the top of my word list after all.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Eternity In Our Hearts
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11
Ever felt like you just didn't really belong somewhere? Like all but one of the puzzle pieces fit--something just didn't feel completely right? Maybe that's how we as believers are supposed to feel about our brief journey through this life. Maybe it will never feel totally like home.
Back in the 70's BJ Thomas had a beautiful song called "Home Where I Belong"--
They say that heaven's pretty, and livin' here is too
But if they'd say that I would have to choose between the two
I'd go home. I'd go home where I belong
Sometimes when I'm dreamin' it comes as no suprise
That if you look and see that homesick feelin' in my eyes
I'm goin' home--goin' home where I belong.
And while I'm here I'll serve Him gladly
And sing Him all these songs
I'm here--but not for long
When I'm feelin' lonely and when I'm feelin' blue
It's such a joy to know that I am only passin' through
I'm going home, going home where I belong
One day I'll be sleepin' when death knocks on my door
And I'll awake to find that I'm not homesick anymore
'Cause I'll be home, I'll be home where I belong.
Yeah. See you at home!
Ever felt like you just didn't really belong somewhere? Like all but one of the puzzle pieces fit--something just didn't feel completely right? Maybe that's how we as believers are supposed to feel about our brief journey through this life. Maybe it will never feel totally like home.
Back in the 70's BJ Thomas had a beautiful song called "Home Where I Belong"--
They say that heaven's pretty, and livin' here is too
But if they'd say that I would have to choose between the two
I'd go home. I'd go home where I belong
Sometimes when I'm dreamin' it comes as no suprise
That if you look and see that homesick feelin' in my eyes
I'm goin' home--goin' home where I belong.
And while I'm here I'll serve Him gladly
And sing Him all these songs
I'm here--but not for long
When I'm feelin' lonely and when I'm feelin' blue
It's such a joy to know that I am only passin' through
I'm going home, going home where I belong
One day I'll be sleepin' when death knocks on my door
And I'll awake to find that I'm not homesick anymore
'Cause I'll be home, I'll be home where I belong.
Yeah. See you at home!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Give Thanks
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:1
G. K. Chesterton once remarked that"...the worst moment for the atheist is when he feels thankful and has no one to thank". As believers we should be constantly aware of who we can thank for all that we are blessed with. I have a little ceramic pumpkin on my front door that says, "Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart".
God can do amazing things through those that are humble and grateful.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
G. K. Chesterton once remarked that"...the worst moment for the atheist is when he feels thankful and has no one to thank". As believers we should be constantly aware of who we can thank for all that we are blessed with. I have a little ceramic pumpkin on my front door that says, "Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart".
God can do amazing things through those that are humble and grateful.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Words and Thoughts
"May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
This verse was the last one in my devotion this morning. I needed to be reminded of how I am supposed to start my day--by surrendering my words and my thoughts to the Lord. How much pain and frustration could be avoided in my life on a daily basis if I would meditate on this verse in the morning and make it my prayer.
I confess that so often my words and my thoughts are simply reactions to a situation rather than a determined response based on what God says about my life and His plan and desire for me.
If God is really my Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, then why wouldn't I want Him to have control over my words and my thoughts? I am so thankful for His grace that continues to forgive and cover my sin. He is faithful!
This verse was the last one in my devotion this morning. I needed to be reminded of how I am supposed to start my day--by surrendering my words and my thoughts to the Lord. How much pain and frustration could be avoided in my life on a daily basis if I would meditate on this verse in the morning and make it my prayer.
I confess that so often my words and my thoughts are simply reactions to a situation rather than a determined response based on what God says about my life and His plan and desire for me.
If God is really my Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, then why wouldn't I want Him to have control over my words and my thoughts? I am so thankful for His grace that continues to forgive and cover my sin. He is faithful!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Way That I Take
"He knows the way that I take. And when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10
I like the "gold" part, don't you. If there's a line for that--sign me up! I wish it were that easy, don't you? Job spoke these words not in the middle of some mountaintop experience with God or on cloud nine in his personal life. He was in the depths of despair. Everything had totally fallen apart. He had lost everything and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why!
This declaration was made in response to his "so called" friend Eliphaz's attempt at analyzing Job's walk with God and pointing out his shortcomings to explain the devastating situation. Some friend, huh? I prefer the kind that just listen and cry along with me when I need them to. No finger pointing. Just an arm around my weak shoulders. Don't get me wrong. We all need christian friends who love us enough to confront us with the truth when we need to hear it. But the best kind of friends are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and know when to speak and when to pray and cry.
My very best friend knows"..the way that I take." And I know I can trust Him with the gold part, too.
I like the "gold" part, don't you. If there's a line for that--sign me up! I wish it were that easy, don't you? Job spoke these words not in the middle of some mountaintop experience with God or on cloud nine in his personal life. He was in the depths of despair. Everything had totally fallen apart. He had lost everything and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why!
This declaration was made in response to his "so called" friend Eliphaz's attempt at analyzing Job's walk with God and pointing out his shortcomings to explain the devastating situation. Some friend, huh? I prefer the kind that just listen and cry along with me when I need them to. No finger pointing. Just an arm around my weak shoulders. Don't get me wrong. We all need christian friends who love us enough to confront us with the truth when we need to hear it. But the best kind of friends are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and know when to speak and when to pray and cry.
My very best friend knows"..the way that I take." And I know I can trust Him with the gold part, too.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
On The Palms of His Hands
"...I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...."
Isaiah 49:15-16
My husband has a funny way of remembering important appointments or names of people. He actually writes them on top of his hand as a reminder. It may be an initial or two or perhaps a particular time of day. That way whenever he looks at his hand he is reminded of what or whom he needs to remember that day.
Ever been forgotten? Maybe someone you care about forgot your birthday or your anniversary? Maybe someone you were counting on pretty much "left you in the dust"? Been disappointed so often that you hesistate to trust anymore? Hold on--don't turn away just yet. The Lord understands. And more importantly, He cares. In fact, He cares so much that the scripture says that He has engraved us on the palms of his hands! That's even better than writing a reminder in ink on the top. Ink washes off pretty easily. The last time I checked, engraving is pretty permanent! And this engraving is done on the palms of His hands. That's a pretty safe place--nothing (and no one) is going to pry His hands open and scratch your name off. It's there to stay.
Imagine that--your name on the palms of His hands! I needed to hear that, didn't you?
Isaiah 49:15-16
My husband has a funny way of remembering important appointments or names of people. He actually writes them on top of his hand as a reminder. It may be an initial or two or perhaps a particular time of day. That way whenever he looks at his hand he is reminded of what or whom he needs to remember that day.
Ever been forgotten? Maybe someone you care about forgot your birthday or your anniversary? Maybe someone you were counting on pretty much "left you in the dust"? Been disappointed so often that you hesistate to trust anymore? Hold on--don't turn away just yet. The Lord understands. And more importantly, He cares. In fact, He cares so much that the scripture says that He has engraved us on the palms of his hands! That's even better than writing a reminder in ink on the top. Ink washes off pretty easily. The last time I checked, engraving is pretty permanent! And this engraving is done on the palms of His hands. That's a pretty safe place--nothing (and no one) is going to pry His hands open and scratch your name off. It's there to stay.
Imagine that--your name on the palms of His hands! I needed to hear that, didn't you?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Human Plans
"Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand against the Lord." Proverbs 21:30
How does that grab you? I guess it depends on who you are. If you're the one making the plans then you've just been reminded that you are human. If so, then don't bother to make plans that try to stand against the Lord, right? You'll basically be wasting your time.
If you love the Lord and happen to be the one having "not so good" plans formulated against you--don't worry. He's got you covered. Just stay under His umbrella, watch and pray. Pray for yourself and for the "plan maker".
Whew! That's a relief.
How does that grab you? I guess it depends on who you are. If you're the one making the plans then you've just been reminded that you are human. If so, then don't bother to make plans that try to stand against the Lord, right? You'll basically be wasting your time.
If you love the Lord and happen to be the one having "not so good" plans formulated against you--don't worry. He's got you covered. Just stay under His umbrella, watch and pray. Pray for yourself and for the "plan maker".
Whew! That's a relief.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Where's Your Treasure?
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
The stock market is climbing and falling like that monster of a roller coaster you were terrified of when you were a kid (if you were a "chicken" like me!). If our treasure is in the markets, investments, 401k's or even our bank accounts, we're on pretty shakey ground about now.
On my walk this morning I ran into a little guy about 6 years old. He had the biggest grin across his face as he unashamedly showed me his shoebox rock collection. One rock in particular brought a special gleam to his eye, "This one", he said, "This one has sparkles in it--I'm going to sell it!" "Wow", I said, "You're one lucky guy. That's pretty neat!" As I walked away I remembered my "rock collecting" days. I, too thought that the ones with sparkles were going to make me rich. As I got older I guess I moved on from rocks, to other treasures. None of them were bad but none of them ever gave me the satisfaction that I thought they would. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."
Jesus knew just the right way to say things. In so many words he was saying in Matthew 6 that if you feel like you've misplaced your heart, you might want to check what your treasuring--you're heart is probably somewhere nearby.
Time for a heart check up?
Matthew 6:19-21
The stock market is climbing and falling like that monster of a roller coaster you were terrified of when you were a kid (if you were a "chicken" like me!). If our treasure is in the markets, investments, 401k's or even our bank accounts, we're on pretty shakey ground about now.
On my walk this morning I ran into a little guy about 6 years old. He had the biggest grin across his face as he unashamedly showed me his shoebox rock collection. One rock in particular brought a special gleam to his eye, "This one", he said, "This one has sparkles in it--I'm going to sell it!" "Wow", I said, "You're one lucky guy. That's pretty neat!" As I walked away I remembered my "rock collecting" days. I, too thought that the ones with sparkles were going to make me rich. As I got older I guess I moved on from rocks, to other treasures. None of them were bad but none of them ever gave me the satisfaction that I thought they would. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."
Jesus knew just the right way to say things. In so many words he was saying in Matthew 6 that if you feel like you've misplaced your heart, you might want to check what your treasuring--you're heart is probably somewhere nearby.
Time for a heart check up?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Guard Your Heart!
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23
Thought about guarding your heart lately? I know I don't think about it nearly as often as I should. Maybe we should as the Lord for a "spiritual filter" to sift out what is allowed to enter our hearts. Wait a minute--we already have one of those don't we? Isn't He called the Holy Spirit?
Let's make it a daily discipline to ask the Holy Spirit to filter what goes into and comes out of our hearts.
"Lord, please forgive us for not being more conscious and sensitive to the things that are flowing into and out of our hearts. Give us hearts that have a passion for the things that please you and hearts that break when your heart is broken" --Amen
Thought about guarding your heart lately? I know I don't think about it nearly as often as I should. Maybe we should as the Lord for a "spiritual filter" to sift out what is allowed to enter our hearts. Wait a minute--we already have one of those don't we? Isn't He called the Holy Spirit?
Let's make it a daily discipline to ask the Holy Spirit to filter what goes into and comes out of our hearts.
"Lord, please forgive us for not being more conscious and sensitive to the things that are flowing into and out of our hearts. Give us hearts that have a passion for the things that please you and hearts that break when your heart is broken" --Amen
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Rescuer
"For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son." Colossians 1:13
Sounds like a good movie doesn't it--"The Rescuer"?
We all like to think of being rescued don't we? It always makes us feel good to know that the good guy snatched the victim out of the clutches of the bad guy. But this verse is even better! It says that if we know Christ we already have been rescued! If you read on it just keeps getting better--not only has he rescued us, he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son! Sounds pretty good to me.
I have to ask myself though, am I living like one who has been rescued and brought into the Kingdom or am I still allowing the enemy to lie to me and treat me like his victim?
How about you? It's your choice you know. I'm choosing the rescuer who takes me from "strength to strength".
Sounds like a good movie doesn't it--"The Rescuer"?
We all like to think of being rescued don't we? It always makes us feel good to know that the good guy snatched the victim out of the clutches of the bad guy. But this verse is even better! It says that if we know Christ we already have been rescued! If you read on it just keeps getting better--not only has he rescued us, he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son! Sounds pretty good to me.
I have to ask myself though, am I living like one who has been rescued and brought into the Kingdom or am I still allowing the enemy to lie to me and treat me like his victim?
How about you? It's your choice you know. I'm choosing the rescuer who takes me from "strength to strength".
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I Live on Hope Street!
"Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." Psalm 33:22
Wall Street. Main Street. Is your head swimming with all the anxiety and predictions for your financial future? None of that for me. Philippians 4:19 tells me that ..."my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." I can live with that.
Where do you live? I live on Hope Street.
Wall Street. Main Street. Is your head swimming with all the anxiety and predictions for your financial future? None of that for me. Philippians 4:19 tells me that ..."my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." I can live with that.
Where do you live? I live on Hope Street.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
He is Awesome!!
Wow! What an awesome week-end! What an awesome God!!!
Thank you Lord Jesus for showing up at our Women's Retreat this week-end. You grace keeps on amazing us! Thank you for rest, peace, laughter, tears, food, more laughter, more tears. And yes, we all surpassed our allowance of 25, 000 words easily!
We so needed this and more importantly we so need YOU, Lord.
Thank you,
Your girls @ HCF
Thank you Lord Jesus for showing up at our Women's Retreat this week-end. You grace keeps on amazing us! Thank you for rest, peace, laughter, tears, food, more laughter, more tears. And yes, we all surpassed our allowance of 25, 000 words easily!
We so needed this and more importantly we so need YOU, Lord.
Thank you,
Your girls @ HCF
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Take Heart!
John 16:33 in the NIV says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world".
Read today's headlines? Don't look there for encouragement. To paraphrase, Jesus basically said, "Calm down. Stuff is going to happen. But don't let it get to you. I'm bigger than all of it!" Ask the Lord to help you see things the way He does--perspective is everything!
Read today's headlines? Don't look there for encouragement. To paraphrase, Jesus basically said, "Calm down. Stuff is going to happen. But don't let it get to you. I'm bigger than all of it!" Ask the Lord to help you see things the way He does--perspective is everything!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Welcome to Women of the Harvest
Welcome to Women of the Harvest!!!!
This blog was created with YOU in mind! Feel free to check it periodically to find out what is going in our Women's Group here at HCF. It was also created as a place of encouragement and refreshment for you in your daily walk with the Lord.
This week is our annual Women's Retreat at Camp Wightman in North Stonington, CT - September 18-20. We are asking the Lord to come in a powerful way. Our theme for this year is from "...Strength to Strength" from Psalm 84. Ask the Lord to prepare your hearts to receive all that He has for us!
This blog was created with YOU in mind! Feel free to check it periodically to find out what is going in our Women's Group here at HCF. It was also created as a place of encouragement and refreshment for you in your daily walk with the Lord.
This week is our annual Women's Retreat at Camp Wightman in North Stonington, CT - September 18-20. We are asking the Lord to come in a powerful way. Our theme for this year is from "...Strength to Strength" from Psalm 84. Ask the Lord to prepare your hearts to receive all that He has for us!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)