As a bride prepares for her wedding day, we are to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Anyone who has ever planned a wedding knows the preparation involved for that special day. It takes planning, time and commitment. Weddings take preparation such as setting a date, finding a reception hall, a wedding dress, a florist, a photographer, the cake, setting up the gift registry, etc. - the list goes on. Our daughter's wedding has really run smooth, she is a planner just like her mom. The weeks before the wedding may be overwhelming but it is well worth it in the very end. We spent yesterday decoration the church, so much fun. Today is our pampering day (relax and get manicures and pedicures)! Tomorrow my daughter will join her groom and become one. Tomorrow she will take on a new last name. I am very thankful to God that he chose me to be her mom and helped me along the way to raise her up in his ways.
Early this morning at 4:00 (normally not awake at that time), God gave me a scripture which I wanted to share with you. It is from Matthew 25:1-13 "The Parable of the Ten Virgins." Five of the bridesmaids were wise, carrying with them oil in jars and their lamps. Five of the bridesmaids were foolish, carrying with them their lamps but no oil. At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out and meet him!" Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones did not have enough oil and had to leave to go buy some more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. When the others returned, they said "Open the door for us." But he replied, "I tell you the truth, I didn't know you." Matthew 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do no know the day or the hour."The parable is referring to each of us being ready for the coming of the Lord. We are to be prepared for our bridegroom. Just as it takes preparation for a wedding, we must be prepared spiritually. We do not know the day or hour the Lord will return.
The wise virgins were ready at any time whereas the foolish were not ready, they had prepared only enough for their wait. God makes it clear that Christ will come unexpectedly. All the virgins (both faithful and unfaithful) were taken by surprise at the bridegroom's coming. Following Christ takes spiritual preparation and a daily commitment. It is being faithful and persistent to the very end. If we are spiritually prepared, we will be at peace and ready to meet our Lord and Savior when He returns. As the day draws very close for our daughter, she will be joined with her earthly bridegroom. It is a joy to know that all who are ready will be joined with our bridegroom, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be prepared and ready at any given moment, let us be wise as the five virgins were wise. Thank you Lord for giving me this word during this joyous time and reminding me to be ready for your glorious return.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Mothers Day Blessing
Mothers are truly a blessing from God. I would like to say a "Happy Mother Day" to all the mothers. May God Bless you and your family this very special day. This blog is a dedication to all the moms and to my daughter, Krista. In this blog I will be sharing the qualities and responsibilities of a mom and also share a little about my daughter. As mothers we have many qualities and responsibilities. Mothers qualities may include gentleness, kindness, caring and nurturing, patience, understanding, compassionate, faithfulness and wisdom. These are just some of the qualities a mother possess. The qualities and responsibilities seem to come natural to each of us.
Proverbs 31: 26-31
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
The Bible gives us some instructions as a mother. As mothers we are to be Women of Faith in God (2 Timothy 1:5), Love our children (Proverbs 4:3), Teach and Train our children in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 1:8), Discipline our children (Deuteronomy 8:5) and Comfort our children (Isaiah 66:12-13). We are to be thankful for the many gifts and blessings from above. God has blessed us with children.
I consider my 2 children a blessing and a miracle from God. I still remember their birth, how much they weighed, how long they were and the time they were born. God had their birth and their life planned. My son Will is 23 years old and my daughter Krista is 20 years old. They are the joy of my life. My husband and I have truly been blessed. I am learning over the years, the hardest thing to do is let your child go, whether it be your child leaving for college, moving into an apartment or getting married. We have a daughter getting married in 2 weeks, May 23. I am excited and sad at the same time. I know that she will not be coming home after work to talk or watch a TV show with us for she will have her own home to go to soon. Letting go is definitely hard but I know God has her in his hands. She will soon start her life together with her fiance, Nick. I consider it a blessing to have her as a daughter and I am also gaining a wonderful godly son-in-law. He is already considered family. I will always be there for her, she is the joy of my life. This scripture has made it easier for me during this joyous time.
Mark 10:7-8
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.
I consider this to be a very special Mothers Day. I know it may be the last one with our daughter Krista at home but she will be near and have her own family someday in God's wonderful timing.
On this special day, may we take in our own experiences, maybe you are going through the "letting go" stage or maybe a hardship, give it to God and trust him. We have enough on our plate, it is time we start trusting God and letting God take control and not trying to take control of it our self. As moms, we somehow can sense when things are wrong or something is bothering our children. God has given us a special gift. He has equipped each of us. It is our goal to be the best we can be for God and for our family. Let us be the example of Jesus Christ and be the mom that we hope our child will become one day. My prayer on this very special Mothers Day is for all the women who are mothers and soon to be mothers, may God Bless you and keep his hand upon you. May he give you the wisdom and guidance needed to raise up your child in the Lord. May he help you to be an example of His great love with your children. May we keep the faith, trusting you always. Blessings to each mom and soon to be mom. Blessings to each of you. Relax and enjoy this very special day!
Proverbs 31: 26-31
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
The Bible gives us some instructions as a mother. As mothers we are to be Women of Faith in God (2 Timothy 1:5), Love our children (Proverbs 4:3), Teach and Train our children in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 1:8), Discipline our children (Deuteronomy 8:5) and Comfort our children (Isaiah 66:12-13). We are to be thankful for the many gifts and blessings from above. God has blessed us with children.
I consider my 2 children a blessing and a miracle from God. I still remember their birth, how much they weighed, how long they were and the time they were born. God had their birth and their life planned. My son Will is 23 years old and my daughter Krista is 20 years old. They are the joy of my life. My husband and I have truly been blessed. I am learning over the years, the hardest thing to do is let your child go, whether it be your child leaving for college, moving into an apartment or getting married. We have a daughter getting married in 2 weeks, May 23. I am excited and sad at the same time. I know that she will not be coming home after work to talk or watch a TV show with us for she will have her own home to go to soon. Letting go is definitely hard but I know God has her in his hands. She will soon start her life together with her fiance, Nick. I consider it a blessing to have her as a daughter and I am also gaining a wonderful godly son-in-law. He is already considered family. I will always be there for her, she is the joy of my life. This scripture has made it easier for me during this joyous time.
Mark 10:7-8
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.
I consider this to be a very special Mothers Day. I know it may be the last one with our daughter Krista at home but she will be near and have her own family someday in God's wonderful timing.
On this special day, may we take in our own experiences, maybe you are going through the "letting go" stage or maybe a hardship, give it to God and trust him. We have enough on our plate, it is time we start trusting God and letting God take control and not trying to take control of it our self. As moms, we somehow can sense when things are wrong or something is bothering our children. God has given us a special gift. He has equipped each of us. It is our goal to be the best we can be for God and for our family. Let us be the example of Jesus Christ and be the mom that we hope our child will become one day. My prayer on this very special Mothers Day is for all the women who are mothers and soon to be mothers, may God Bless you and keep his hand upon you. May he give you the wisdom and guidance needed to raise up your child in the Lord. May he help you to be an example of His great love with your children. May we keep the faith, trusting you always. Blessings to each mom and soon to be mom. Blessings to each of you. Relax and enjoy this very special day!
Following Jesus
I have been reading and studying Luke. I came across the story "The Cost of Following Jesus" and this question kept coming to my mind, "Are we willing to follow Christ no matter what the cost?"
Luke 9:57-62
Jesus said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
It is a daily choice to take up our cross daily. We must make time to be with God, to spend time in prayer and reading His Word. It requires a daily commitment in order to grow in Christ and develop that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we really giving him our very best? Are we committed? To follow Christ takes commitment on our part.
Back in the Old Testament, the people of God left everything to follow Him. They slept outside using stones as pillows. I am not much of a camper when it comes to sleeping outside. I have to admit I like the cabins or a camper, I guess a tent would do. Back in the early days if someone welcomed you in their home, you would sleep there but if not you would sleep outdoors. It goes back to our faithfulness and commitment to Christ. Can you imagine leaving everything (your family, your friends, your job) just like that to follow Christ? The choice is up to each one of us. The disciples were willing to follow Jesus and leave everything no matter the cost. In Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:1-11 recalls the story of the calling of the first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John).
Matthew 4:18-22 says, As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11 says, Then Jesus said to Simon (Peter), "Don't be afraid, from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
Following Jesus Christ means living for Him and boldly sharing Christ with others. Jesus is the reason why we are here. We have been called and chosen for a purpose. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't give up when storms come your way, trust God and lean on Him, He will see you through the storm. Jesus Christ is worth following no matter what the cost. The cost of following Jesus is great and well worth the reward we will receive - eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 9:57-62
Jesus said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
It is a daily choice to take up our cross daily. We must make time to be with God, to spend time in prayer and reading His Word. It requires a daily commitment in order to grow in Christ and develop that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we really giving him our very best? Are we committed? To follow Christ takes commitment on our part.
Back in the Old Testament, the people of God left everything to follow Him. They slept outside using stones as pillows. I am not much of a camper when it comes to sleeping outside. I have to admit I like the cabins or a camper, I guess a tent would do. Back in the early days if someone welcomed you in their home, you would sleep there but if not you would sleep outdoors. It goes back to our faithfulness and commitment to Christ. Can you imagine leaving everything (your family, your friends, your job) just like that to follow Christ? The choice is up to each one of us. The disciples were willing to follow Jesus and leave everything no matter the cost. In Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:1-11 recalls the story of the calling of the first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John).
Matthew 4:18-22 says, As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11 says, Then Jesus said to Simon (Peter), "Don't be afraid, from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
Following Jesus Christ means living for Him and boldly sharing Christ with others. Jesus is the reason why we are here. We have been called and chosen for a purpose. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't give up when storms come your way, trust God and lean on Him, He will see you through the storm. Jesus Christ is worth following no matter what the cost. The cost of following Jesus is great and well worth the reward we will receive - eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, May 1, 2009
To All My Readers
Please check out my dear friend's blog site: www.womentakingastand.blogspot.com. She has featured me in her "Circle of Love" blog, please check it out. Thank you Laurie for your inspiration throughout the years and allowing God to use you as a mentor to others. God bless you and your ministry!
Cindy
Cindy
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Do Not Be Afraid
Our main purpose here on earth is to be a witness and share God's Word with others. Why are we afraid to step out of our comfort zone? Why are we afraid to listen to God? Why are we afraid to be obedient to what God has called us to do? Why are we afraid to take the next step, that leap of faith?
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Ezekiel 2:6-7
"Do not be afraid of them or their words... You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious."
Each summer our youth group takes a Missions Trip. I have learned that witnessing can be easy if you just allow God to use you. This past summer, we took our group to Milpitas, CA where we ministered to the surrounding communities. We went out into the streets of San Francisco during the night and witnessed to many different people, lost people, those who had lost hope and fell into drugs and prostitution and now homeless. It was sad to see such a sight, what you would see in movies was happening right in front of us and all you could do was pray for them. We shared Christ with them and that was the most amazing feeling. We were each surrounded by the peace of God. We felt safe in a very dark and dangerous place, one corner a shooting had taken place the night before, but we kept ministering for the peace and grace of God was with us. I will admit that at first I was very nervous and didn't really want to talk but then the pastor we were with picked me to speak with a lady on the street, (talk about being put on the spot), I knew it was of God and so I spoke with her. God gave me the words to speak and it was truly amazing how the lady opened up and shared her story with us and then we shared the love of God with her. It was simple,God gave me the words to speak and I was obedient. I realized, how are they going to know about Christ if we don't speak? Nothing happens until you speak! You will face rejections but take it in stride, say a silent prayer for the person and then move on. Rejections are a part of life. I am a person who doesn't like rejections or any type of failure. It is all about being used by God and allowing God to use you. Trust God and he will get you through it. Be willing to be used! Be willing to take action!
There is a song titled "Anyway" by Point of Grace. It has a very true and powerful meaning. It simply talks about being willing to let God use you however he chooses anyway and anywhere. In other words, be willing to share God's word anyway and anywhere. You can witness to anyone if you allow God to use you. Be willing to be used! Trust God and he will help you through it. God gave me these scriptures as I was praying. Hope you find these scriptures encouraging and helpful along your journey. For them to hear, you must share it!
Romans 10:13-15
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"
Jeremiah 1:7-8
"...You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord."
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Ezekiel 2:6-7
"Do not be afraid of them or their words... You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious."
Each summer our youth group takes a Missions Trip. I have learned that witnessing can be easy if you just allow God to use you. This past summer, we took our group to Milpitas, CA where we ministered to the surrounding communities. We went out into the streets of San Francisco during the night and witnessed to many different people, lost people, those who had lost hope and fell into drugs and prostitution and now homeless. It was sad to see such a sight, what you would see in movies was happening right in front of us and all you could do was pray for them. We shared Christ with them and that was the most amazing feeling. We were each surrounded by the peace of God. We felt safe in a very dark and dangerous place, one corner a shooting had taken place the night before, but we kept ministering for the peace and grace of God was with us. I will admit that at first I was very nervous and didn't really want to talk but then the pastor we were with picked me to speak with a lady on the street, (talk about being put on the spot), I knew it was of God and so I spoke with her. God gave me the words to speak and it was truly amazing how the lady opened up and shared her story with us and then we shared the love of God with her. It was simple,God gave me the words to speak and I was obedient. I realized, how are they going to know about Christ if we don't speak? Nothing happens until you speak! You will face rejections but take it in stride, say a silent prayer for the person and then move on. Rejections are a part of life. I am a person who doesn't like rejections or any type of failure. It is all about being used by God and allowing God to use you. Trust God and he will get you through it. Be willing to be used! Be willing to take action!
There is a song titled "Anyway" by Point of Grace. It has a very true and powerful meaning. It simply talks about being willing to let God use you however he chooses anyway and anywhere. In other words, be willing to share God's word anyway and anywhere. You can witness to anyone if you allow God to use you. Be willing to be used! Trust God and he will help you through it. God gave me these scriptures as I was praying. Hope you find these scriptures encouraging and helpful along your journey. For them to hear, you must share it!
Romans 10:13-15
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"
Jeremiah 1:7-8
"...You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord."
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
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