Oh my goodness! My list of things to be thankful for is so very long. Of course I'm thankful for being alive, my family, my Christian sisters and brothers. Mostly I'm thankful for God's grace. 2 Corinthians 9:15 reads "Thanks be to God for his indiscriable gift", that gift is His Grace. It's amazing how God loves us and rewards us, in spite of ourselves.
Eph. 2:5 "It is by grace that you have been saved." Grace is complex yet simple. It is GOD'S RICHES AT CHRIST'S EXPENSE. For this I am truly thankful. Although I tell Him how thankful I am throughout each and every day, believe me, I welcome the oppotunity to tell Him one day face to face.
I think my Central family should fervently be praying for those that don't know the Lord. We all have personal issues within the Body. Seasoned Christians have come to know and appreciate our avenue of communication with the Lord, i.e.prayer. However, there are those that don't have a clue. It still amazes me when I run into people that don't attend church, never attended and don't think it's important. They don't understand that He and only He can pardon sin. I think we need to pray for them, that they may come to know and love the God we serve.
For years I'd been praying that God would allow my cousin to want to really know His goodness, to seek His love and to allow her children to do the same. She lives in St. Louis, MO. and was reared in the Catholic faith. When she reached adulthood she left her church and hasn't attended any for a few years.
About twenty years ago, while visiting my home town she attended Sunday service with my family. Although somewhat impressed she didn't understand a great deal.
Lo and behold! She's moving to Huntsville with her two boys this weekend. Her youngest will be attending Happy Times and she has committed to coming to Central with me. She says she wants to learn more about The Church of Christ!
It's been a long time coming, but my prayers have been answered.
Adrienne
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Week 4 Questions - Praying
1. What do you need to tell God “thank you” for?
2. Is there something the family at Central needs to be praying about? Please share.
3. Has God ever answered your prayers in an unexpected way? How?
2. Is there something the family at Central needs to be praying about? Please share.
3. Has God ever answered your prayers in an unexpected way? How?
Friday, September 22, 2006
A Trio of Women
I could choose to tell of many people who have influenced my Christian walk, but I’ll narrow it down to a trio of women from Central. I was so blessed to be “stuck” in a van with all 3 of them (yes, at the same time!) this past spring for 8+ hours. Only God could arrange a gift like that for me! :-)
I admire Sandra Brown for her honesty and humility. She tells it like it is, yet in a manner befitting a believer in Christ (as well as a Southern lady). She praises others at her own expense, and she doesn’t try to hide her weaknesses. She loves people, and shows them so through actions and encouraging words.
Delois Smith inspired me by her example years ago with her love for God’s word. I remember sitting in Sunday morning class and being amazed at her depth of knowledge always on the tip of her tongue. Her passion spurred me on to follow her lead because I had no excuse but laziness for not knowing the Word better myself. Delois shows by her words and her actions that she wants to please the Lord.
I look up to Sharon Ditto as a mentor of sorts. She’s so gracious to share her life experiences (the good and the bad) with many of us “younger” ladies so we can learn from her successes and mistakes. She also thoughtfully shares newspaper and magazine articles that she runs across that would be helpful to someone else. And I love how she shares her love for her husband. She always speaks of him with respect and sets a great example for all of us in our marriages.
Lisa
I admire Sandra Brown for her honesty and humility. She tells it like it is, yet in a manner befitting a believer in Christ (as well as a Southern lady). She praises others at her own expense, and she doesn’t try to hide her weaknesses. She loves people, and shows them so through actions and encouraging words.
Delois Smith inspired me by her example years ago with her love for God’s word. I remember sitting in Sunday morning class and being amazed at her depth of knowledge always on the tip of her tongue. Her passion spurred me on to follow her lead because I had no excuse but laziness for not knowing the Word better myself. Delois shows by her words and her actions that she wants to please the Lord.
I look up to Sharon Ditto as a mentor of sorts. She’s so gracious to share her life experiences (the good and the bad) with many of us “younger” ladies so we can learn from her successes and mistakes. She also thoughtfully shares newspaper and magazine articles that she runs across that would be helpful to someone else. And I love how she shares her love for her husband. She always speaks of him with respect and sets a great example for all of us in our marriages.
Lisa
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The person that influenced.....
The person that influenced my Christian walk is Inez Jamison-Slack. She's over eighty years old and seems to have the energy of someone half her age. She begins and ends each day with prayer and Bible study. I've never heard her say a harsh word about anyone or anything. She's always positive and upbeat. Most importantly, she seeks God's love daily. Her light shines always. I feel closer to God when I'm near her or hear her voice. We have shared a daily ongoing devotional via email for many years. She became a widow early in her marriage and managed to raise four beautiful God fearing children. They too, put God first in their lives. I thank God for my relationship with Inez Jamison,a/k/a: Mom2
My favorite name of God is "The Creator". For me, the word creator has all the elements of an ambitious talented entity. It brings together both nature as well as the arts. Just look around. God's creativity is everywhere all the time.
Blessed Be the Name: His name above all names shall stand Exalted more and more, Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
Adrienne
My favorite name of God is "The Creator". For me, the word creator has all the elements of an ambitious talented entity. It brings together both nature as well as the arts. Just look around. God's creativity is everywhere all the time.
Blessed Be the Name: His name above all names shall stand Exalted more and more, Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
Adrienne
God Is Sovereign
We were asked last week to think of a quality of God. I thought a lot that week about the soverignty of God and shared some thoughts & scripture with the class. I read this article today and wanted to share it with others. It's a great picture of Christians recognizing, acknowledging, and living with the fact that God is sovereign. It really encouraged me, not so much the "political" outcome of the experience but the example they gave other Christians, and the world, of a complete trust in our God, El Shaddai (God Almighty)!
Selwyn
Corruption, Anguish, God
By Marvin Olasky
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Former Illinois governor George Ryan received this month a sentence of 6 1/2 years in prison for racketeering, lying to the FBI and mail fraud. But there's much more to that story, which begins with incredible anguish.
On a November day 12 years ago, Baptist pastor Scott Willis, his wife Janet and their six young children -- they also had three older ones -- rode in a minivan on Interstate 94. A scrap of metal fell off a truck just ahead of them. Their minivan ran over the steel piece. It punctured the gas tank, which exploded. All six of the children died. The parents survived.
The Willises could have spent the rest of their lives looping the "what if" tape. They fought deep depression and thoughts of suicide, but they could also have hated God. "The depth of pain is indescribable," Scott later said. "We're ordinary people. But what's the point of learning all the things about living the Christian life if when the need arises we don't live it?"
So Scott told Janet as their grieving began, "This is what God has prepared us for." Their congregation had been memorizing Psalm 34. Janet, as she saw her children's charred bodies moved to an ambulance, recited part of it: that even though the righteous face many afflictions, "I will bless the Lord at all times."
Scott told journalists attracted by anguish that "God knows all of history and time from its beginning to its end. What happened to us wasn't an accident. God is never taken by surprise. God had a purpose for it, probably many purposes."
The question of God's sovereignty gripped Scott. He thought about the "what ifs," but "refused to dwell there." He refused to limit either God's authority or God's goodness. He and his wife consoled themselves with thoughts of their children in heaven, but they had no expectation of any earthly good resulting from their horror. Then a series of strange events unfolded.
It turned out that the driver of the truck should never have received his commercial driving license -- and that he only did so because Illinois state employees gave such licenses to unqualified applicants in return for bribes and campaign contributions. The recipient of those contributions, Secretary of State George Ryan, became governor in 1999.
Just before leaving office Ryan won a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by commuting the sentences of all 156 death row inmates in Illinois prisons. But the truth of his own sin came out. Last week Ryan was sentenced, and although 6 1/2 years doesn't seem enough for actions that led to the death of at least six children, maybe other officials will think twice about lies that could cost lives.
But there's more to the story. Since the offense was governmental and the damage monumental, years of court battles finally resulted in the Willises and their lawyers receiving $100 million from the state of Illinois. The Willises used their share to fund a family philanthropy they started, the Khesed Foundation -- "khesed" is the Hebrew word for mercy. Their charity will save or transform lives.
There's more. Janet Willis wrote and illustrated a lovely book, "A Dad's Delight," that movingly tells of an episode involving baseball, mercy and one son who died, Hank. His name and those of his other brothers and sisters, living and dead, are on a scorecard-like dedication page. The three surviving, older children have fruitfully multiplied, giving Scott and Janet Willis 25 grandchildren.
These recent chapters of the story, like the last chapter of the biblical book of Job, do not compensate for the death of children and the anguish that will never fully depart. But there's a lesson about mankind: In the Willises' words, "corruption has consequences; in this case they were severe." And a lesson about God: "We live with a God-promised hope in Jesus Christ."
Selwyn
Corruption, Anguish, God
By Marvin Olasky
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Former Illinois governor George Ryan received this month a sentence of 6 1/2 years in prison for racketeering, lying to the FBI and mail fraud. But there's much more to that story, which begins with incredible anguish.
On a November day 12 years ago, Baptist pastor Scott Willis, his wife Janet and their six young children -- they also had three older ones -- rode in a minivan on Interstate 94. A scrap of metal fell off a truck just ahead of them. Their minivan ran over the steel piece. It punctured the gas tank, which exploded. All six of the children died. The parents survived.
The Willises could have spent the rest of their lives looping the "what if" tape. They fought deep depression and thoughts of suicide, but they could also have hated God. "The depth of pain is indescribable," Scott later said. "We're ordinary people. But what's the point of learning all the things about living the Christian life if when the need arises we don't live it?"
So Scott told Janet as their grieving began, "This is what God has prepared us for." Their congregation had been memorizing Psalm 34. Janet, as she saw her children's charred bodies moved to an ambulance, recited part of it: that even though the righteous face many afflictions, "I will bless the Lord at all times."
Scott told journalists attracted by anguish that "God knows all of history and time from its beginning to its end. What happened to us wasn't an accident. God is never taken by surprise. God had a purpose for it, probably many purposes."
The question of God's sovereignty gripped Scott. He thought about the "what ifs," but "refused to dwell there." He refused to limit either God's authority or God's goodness. He and his wife consoled themselves with thoughts of their children in heaven, but they had no expectation of any earthly good resulting from their horror. Then a series of strange events unfolded.
It turned out that the driver of the truck should never have received his commercial driving license -- and that he only did so because Illinois state employees gave such licenses to unqualified applicants in return for bribes and campaign contributions. The recipient of those contributions, Secretary of State George Ryan, became governor in 1999.
Just before leaving office Ryan won a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by commuting the sentences of all 156 death row inmates in Illinois prisons. But the truth of his own sin came out. Last week Ryan was sentenced, and although 6 1/2 years doesn't seem enough for actions that led to the death of at least six children, maybe other officials will think twice about lies that could cost lives.
But there's more to the story. Since the offense was governmental and the damage monumental, years of court battles finally resulted in the Willises and their lawyers receiving $100 million from the state of Illinois. The Willises used their share to fund a family philanthropy they started, the Khesed Foundation -- "khesed" is the Hebrew word for mercy. Their charity will save or transform lives.
There's more. Janet Willis wrote and illustrated a lovely book, "A Dad's Delight," that movingly tells of an episode involving baseball, mercy and one son who died, Hank. His name and those of his other brothers and sisters, living and dead, are on a scorecard-like dedication page. The three surviving, older children have fruitfully multiplied, giving Scott and Janet Willis 25 grandchildren.
These recent chapters of the story, like the last chapter of the biblical book of Job, do not compensate for the death of children and the anguish that will never fully depart. But there's a lesson about mankind: In the Willises' words, "corruption has consequences; in this case they were severe." And a lesson about God: "We live with a God-promised hope in Jesus Christ."
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Names of God? I remember when it dawned on me that this song is from Solomon and his Father, YHWH. Now that's a name to remember.
Turn Turn Turn
The Byrds
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
(Words adapted by Pete Seeger)
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I’m sure it's not too late!
~ Posted by Ed Ditto
Turn Turn Turn
The Byrds
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
(Words adapted by Pete Seeger)
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I’m sure it's not too late!
~ Posted by Ed Ditto
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Week 3 Questions - Name of God
1. Tell about a person BY NAME who has influenced your Christian walk.
2. Do you have a favorite name of God? If so, what and why?
3. What is a song you enjoy about the name of the Lord?
2. Do you have a favorite name of God? If so, what and why?
3. What is a song you enjoy about the name of the Lord?
Monday, September 18, 2006
"For All You've Done"
This is one of my current favorite songs. The words chosen by the composer paint such a vivid picture of my need for Christ.
"For All You've Done"
O cleanser of the mess I've made, upon the hill our places trade.
Stretched on a cross, your body crushed,
By human hands you formed from dust.
How wonderful your mercy is!
How awesome are your ways!
I come, I come, to worship you for all you've done.
O cleanser of the mess I've made, your boundless love for me portrayed,
With patience for my learning curve by holding back what I deserve.
O cleanser of the mess I've made, with everything at your feet laid,
I watch as all my cares erode as from my soul these words explode.
How wonderful your mercy is!
How awesome are your ways!
I come, I come, to worship you for all you've done.
Lisa
"For All You've Done"
O cleanser of the mess I've made, upon the hill our places trade.
Stretched on a cross, your body crushed,
By human hands you formed from dust.
How wonderful your mercy is!
How awesome are your ways!
I come, I come, to worship you for all you've done.
O cleanser of the mess I've made, your boundless love for me portrayed,
With patience for my learning curve by holding back what I deserve.
O cleanser of the mess I've made, with everything at your feet laid,
I watch as all my cares erode as from my soul these words explode.
How wonderful your mercy is!
How awesome are your ways!
I come, I come, to worship you for all you've done.
Lisa
"Flee as a Bird"
When my sons were babies, I would rock them in the middle of the night and sing/hum Flee As A Bird. It is a soft melancholy song with a nice rhythm for rocking gently in the nigh. A strange but soothing lullaby.
Flee as a Bird
Flee as a bird to your mountain, thou who art weary of sin;
Go to the clear flowing fountain where you may wash and be clean.
Haste, then, th’Avenger is near thee; call, and the Savior will hear thee;
He on His bosom will bear thee; O thou who art weary of sin,
O thou who art weary of sin.
He will protect thee forever, wipe every falling tear;
He will forsake thee, O never, sheltered so tenderly there.
Haste, then, the hours are flying, spend not the moments in sighing,
Cease from your sorrow and crying: The Savior will wipe every tear,
The Savior will wipe every tear.
Many years later, I learned that Mike had also sung the same song to them while rocking in the night.
Kathleen
Flee as a Bird
Flee as a bird to your mountain, thou who art weary of sin;
Go to the clear flowing fountain where you may wash and be clean.
Haste, then, th’Avenger is near thee; call, and the Savior will hear thee;
He on His bosom will bear thee; O thou who art weary of sin,
O thou who art weary of sin.
He will protect thee forever, wipe every falling tear;
He will forsake thee, O never, sheltered so tenderly there.
Haste, then, the hours are flying, spend not the moments in sighing,
Cease from your sorrow and crying: The Savior will wipe every tear,
The Savior will wipe every tear.
Many years later, I learned that Mike had also sung the same song to them while rocking in the night.
Kathleen
Thursday, September 14, 2006
"American Dream" by Casting Crowns
All work no play may have made Jack a dull boy, But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul. But he's moving on full steam; He's chasing the American dream. And he's gonna give his family finer things.
“Not this time, son. I've no time to waste. Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play.” And then he slips into his new BMW And drives farther and farther and farther away. 'Cause he works all day and tries to sleep at night. He says things will get better; Better in time.
[Chorus] So he works and he builds with his own two hands, And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand, But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in; Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands, his kingdom stands.
Well his American Dream is beginning to seem more and more like a nightmare with every passing day. "Daddy, can you come to my game?" "Oh Baby, please don't work late." Another wasted weekend, And they are slipping away. 'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night. He tells them things will get better, It'll just take a little more time.
[Chorus]
He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins," But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end. I'll take a shack on the rock over a castle in the sand.
Now he works all day and cries alone at night. He's not getting any better; Looks like he's running out of time.
[Chorus]
All they really wanted was you. All they really wanted was you. All they really wanted was you.
Jeff
“Not this time, son. I've no time to waste. Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play.” And then he slips into his new BMW And drives farther and farther and farther away. 'Cause he works all day and tries to sleep at night. He says things will get better; Better in time.
[Chorus] So he works and he builds with his own two hands, And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand, But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in; Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands, his kingdom stands.
Well his American Dream is beginning to seem more and more like a nightmare with every passing day. "Daddy, can you come to my game?" "Oh Baby, please don't work late." Another wasted weekend, And they are slipping away. 'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night. He tells them things will get better, It'll just take a little more time.
[Chorus]
He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins," But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end. I'll take a shack on the rock over a castle in the sand.
Now he works all day and cries alone at night. He's not getting any better; Looks like he's running out of time.
[Chorus]
All they really wanted was you. All they really wanted was you. All they really wanted was you.
Jeff
"Jesus Is Coming Soon"
Whenever I'm in my hometown, Gary, IN I attend Northlake Church of Chirst. Many years ago the congregation was introduced to the song, "Jesus Is Coming Soon". I became part of the teen choir, a few yeas later the young adult choir and there after, the adult choir. We did a bit of traveling to congregations in Indiana, Michigan, Illionis and even Tennessee. Throughout the years most of us "choir" members have remained faithful in our spititual quest. From time to time we see one another while visiting family in Gary. Five years ago we had a reunion in Chicago at Avalon Church of Christ during a Gospel meeting they were hosting. Near the end of the meeting, members of the "old" teen choirs from over twenty churches were congragated and asked to sing "Jesus Is Coming Soon". It was an experience, I shall never forget. A bunch of us are planning to meet in Aug. 07 in Birmingham or Indianaplois for another reunion. I can hardly wait!
Jesus Is Coming Soon By: R. E. Winsett, Dayton, TN
Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear, Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake, Humbling your heart to God, saves from the chastning rod, seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians, awake....
Jesus is coming soon morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom Trumpets will sound, All of the dead shall rise, Righteous meet in the skies, going where no one dies, Heavenly bound. (Church Gospel Songs and Hymns, pg 433)
Now as far as my current favoite inspiration song, well, I'll have to get back to you on that one. (smile)
Adrienne
Jesus Is Coming Soon By: R. E. Winsett, Dayton, TN
Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear, Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake, Humbling your heart to God, saves from the chastning rod, seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians, awake....
Jesus is coming soon morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom Trumpets will sound, All of the dead shall rise, Righteous meet in the skies, going where no one dies, Heavenly bound. (Church Gospel Songs and Hymns, pg 433)
Now as far as my current favoite inspiration song, well, I'll have to get back to you on that one. (smile)
Adrienne
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
... in Christ
alive Rom 6:11
approved Rom 16:10
baptized Rom 6:3
believe I Pet 1:8
blessings Eph 1:8
built up Col 2:7
called Phil 3:14
chosen Eph 1:11
comfort II Cor 1:5
confidence II Cor 3:4
conquerors Rom 8:37
eternal glory I Pet 5:10
eternal life Rom 6:23
fallen asleep I Thess 4:14
forgiveness Eph 4:32
freedom Gal 2:4
fullness Col 2:10
God’s children Gal 3:26
Godly life II Tim 3:12
good works Eph 2:10
grace I Cor 1:4
heavenly seat Eph 2:6
heart cleansed Col 2:11
hope I Cor 15:18
joy Phil 1:1
justified Gal 2:16
life II Tim 1:1
love Rom 8:39
marked Eph 1:13
new creation II Cor 5:17
no darkness I John 1:5
no guilt Rom 8:1
made whole I John 2:5
one Body Rom 12:5
persecuted II Tim 3:12
perfected Col 1:28
promises II Cor 1:20
purpose Eph 3:11
raised Rom 6:4
reality found Col 2:17
reconciled II Cor 5:19
redemption Eph 1:7
riches Eph 2:7
rooted Col 2:7
salvation II Tim 2:10
sanctified I Cor 1:2
standing firm II Cor 1:21
triumph II Cor 2:2
trust I Pet 2:6
truth Rom 9:1
Stuart
approved Rom 16:10
baptized Rom 6:3
believe I Pet 1:8
blessings Eph 1:8
built up Col 2:7
called Phil 3:14
chosen Eph 1:11
comfort II Cor 1:5
confidence II Cor 3:4
conquerors Rom 8:37
eternal glory I Pet 5:10
eternal life Rom 6:23
fallen asleep I Thess 4:14
forgiveness Eph 4:32
freedom Gal 2:4
fullness Col 2:10
God’s children Gal 3:26
Godly life II Tim 3:12
good works Eph 2:10
grace I Cor 1:4
heavenly seat Eph 2:6
heart cleansed Col 2:11
hope I Cor 15:18
joy Phil 1:1
justified Gal 2:16
life II Tim 1:1
love Rom 8:39
marked Eph 1:13
new creation II Cor 5:17
no darkness I John 1:5
no guilt Rom 8:1
made whole I John 2:5
one Body Rom 12:5
persecuted II Tim 3:12
perfected Col 1:28
promises II Cor 1:20
purpose Eph 3:11
raised Rom 6:4
reality found Col 2:17
reconciled II Cor 5:19
redemption Eph 1:7
riches Eph 2:7
rooted Col 2:7
salvation II Tim 2:10
sanctified I Cor 1:2
standing firm II Cor 1:21
triumph II Cor 2:2
trust I Pet 2:6
truth Rom 9:1
Stuart
"Be With Me, Lord"
"Be with me, Lord,
I cannot live without Thee,
I dare not try to take one step alone,
I cannot bear the loads of life unaided,
I need Thy strength to lean myself upon."
This one runs through my heart all the time.
It seems to encompass the inescapable truth behind humility.
To humble ourselves before God without reservation, this is the goal
and struggle of worship.
Mike Lowery
I cannot live without Thee,
I dare not try to take one step alone,
I cannot bear the loads of life unaided,
I need Thy strength to lean myself upon."
This one runs through my heart all the time.
It seems to encompass the inescapable truth behind humility.
To humble ourselves before God without reservation, this is the goal
and struggle of worship.
Mike Lowery
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Week 2 Questions - Singing
1. Which hymn invokes a special memory from your past?
2. Post the lyrics to a song that moves you.
3. What is your current favorite inspirational song and why?
2. Post the lyrics to a song that moves you.
3. What is your current favorite inspirational song and why?
Saturday, September 09, 2006
The Lord's Supper
Ideally, the Lord’s Supper should always be a time of worship. At times, though, I confess that my mind wanders around the world of trivial things.
But one particular communion a few years ago stands out exceptionally in my mind. It had been exactly one week since one of my best friends had been in a horrible car accident. She had been lingering in a coma in Huntsville Hospital for 7 days.
With each day that passed, we thought, “This will be the day that Kathy wakes up, and has to discover that her 10-yr-old daughter did not wake up from the wreck.” So we only left the hospital periodically to take care of pressing needs, then returned to the Neurological Intensive Care Unit to….wait. To wait for that moment that we could be with Kathy when she heard the worst news of her life. And to wait for reports about her own damaged body.
So on day 7, after a long Saturday night sleeping on the floors and uncomfortable furniture of the 8th floor waiting room, we woke up Sunday morning to another special friend coming to sit vigil with us. She held in her hands a small box. As she opened up the sacraments representing body and blood, we sat together in the waiting room, along with Kathy’s mother, and prayed to our shared God with words of desperation and recognition of our total dependence on His mercy.
We broke the bread; we drank the juice, like we had done hundreds of times together before. But this time we communed deeper with each other and deeper with God than we had in a long time.
We worshiped.
Sometimes, that’s all we have left to do. And at all times, it’s the best thing to do.
Lisa
But one particular communion a few years ago stands out exceptionally in my mind. It had been exactly one week since one of my best friends had been in a horrible car accident. She had been lingering in a coma in Huntsville Hospital for 7 days.
With each day that passed, we thought, “This will be the day that Kathy wakes up, and has to discover that her 10-yr-old daughter did not wake up from the wreck.” So we only left the hospital periodically to take care of pressing needs, then returned to the Neurological Intensive Care Unit to….wait. To wait for that moment that we could be with Kathy when she heard the worst news of her life. And to wait for reports about her own damaged body.
So on day 7, after a long Saturday night sleeping on the floors and uncomfortable furniture of the 8th floor waiting room, we woke up Sunday morning to another special friend coming to sit vigil with us. She held in her hands a small box. As she opened up the sacraments representing body and blood, we sat together in the waiting room, along with Kathy’s mother, and prayed to our shared God with words of desperation and recognition of our total dependence on His mercy.
We broke the bread; we drank the juice, like we had done hundreds of times together before. But this time we communed deeper with each other and deeper with God than we had in a long time.
We worshiped.
Sometimes, that’s all we have left to do. And at all times, it’s the best thing to do.
Lisa
1-Week CD Swap
Wednesday Worship Class:
Remember to bring an inspirational CD or tape THIS Wednesday, Sept. 13, for our 1-week CD Swap after class.
"Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!" Psalm 98:1
Remember to bring an inspirational CD or tape THIS Wednesday, Sept. 13, for our 1-week CD Swap after class.
"Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!" Psalm 98:1
Friday, September 08, 2006
From Adrienne
These days I find my self engaging in spontaneous worship almost everywhere I go. However, my very special place for spontaneous worship is looking out of my bedroom window. I'm surrounded by glorious hills. I love to watch the sun rise over them and as it does, I find myself praising God for all His wonderful works. It makes me feel close to our Heavenly Father, as if I can truly feel his loving arms around me.
When I hear the word "worship" I think about the word "freedom". I'm thankful that I live in a country that affords me the opportunity to worship freely. Not everybody can say that and I pray for those that can not.
My favorite verse in the Bible is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son. He that believeth on Him shall not parrish but have everlasting life. Wow, how awesome our God is! As a mother I've often asked myself if I could give up one of my children to save the world. To date, I'm sorry to say, I haven't been able to answer that question. God fixed it so I don't have to.
Adrienne
When I hear the word "worship" I think about the word "freedom". I'm thankful that I live in a country that affords me the opportunity to worship freely. Not everybody can say that and I pray for those that can not.
My favorite verse in the Bible is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son. He that believeth on Him shall not parrish but have everlasting life. Wow, how awesome our God is! As a mother I've often asked myself if I could give up one of my children to save the world. To date, I'm sorry to say, I haven't been able to answer that question. God fixed it so I don't have to.
Adrienne
From Kathleen
At the corner of Zierdt Road and Martin Road, there are two trees growing in the middle of a field. Each morning as I drive to work, it presents a new view. Foggy grays, bright sun yellows and violet shadow, spring greens, fall tans, misty blues. This wonderful creation is so beautiful. And yet, I am often brought to tears when I consider what heaven will be like.
Kathleen
Kathleen
From Misty
The occasion of spontaneous worship that comes to my mind happened while I was in college. We were on a retreat at Mt. Cheaha. I don't even know how many college students were there, but it was around two to three hundred. We were all gathered together and had just listened to "Sounds of the Crucifixion" performed by our drama group. When it was over, we sat there just singing and praising God. I still get chills thinking about how beautiful it was!!
As for my favorite verse, I recently used Psalm 62: 5-8 to encourage a friend and have found myself being encouraged instead (funny how that works). It says:
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
I love these verses because they remind me that no matter what is going on in my life and no matter how bad things seem, there is only one answer --GOD!!!!
~ Posted by Misty
As for my favorite verse, I recently used Psalm 62: 5-8 to encourage a friend and have found myself being encouraged instead (funny how that works). It says:
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
I love these verses because they remind me that no matter what is going on in my life and no matter how bad things seem, there is only one answer --GOD!!!!
~ Posted by Misty
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Worship in the Grandpa Swing
It’s called the “Grandpa Swing.” The gently swinging tire is for Granddaughter. “Jesus loves me, this I know…” It is Grandpa’s time of worship and thanks to Abba.
Sitting alone in the swing, Grandpa’s old hands open a tattered shape note songbook. “When I look down from lofty mountain’s grandeur… Then sings my soul, my Savoir, God to Thee…” It is his time of worship and thanks to Abba.
~ Posted by Ed Ditto
Monday, September 04, 2006
From g
I shared this a few years ago in the Summer series we did on worship. It's still my favorite story. So for those who haven't heard it . . . and hopefully those who have will enjoy hearing it again.
Walter Franklin and I were workout partners back about 5 or 6 years ago. There were lots of improvements in strength and stamina and overall health and well-being during that time -- the main reasons you work out -- but there were also points of sharing and spiritual growth that come from spending time together on a consistent basis.
That this was going to be a special time was obvious from the very first workout. Moreso, as it ended. We were back in the showers getting cleaned up and ready for a workday, when I simply said to Walter, "Sing something." Without hesitation Walter broke into "Said I wasn't gonna tell anybody . . ." which started a morning ritual we carried on for the next two years until work schedules changed our workout plans and we moved on to different gyms / different routines. No matter who else might be back there getting cleaned up at the same time, we just kept singing.
Paul and Silas singing in prison and David dancing in his underwear are often discussed when speaking of worship. I'm glad I've got my own story now of me and Walter singing in the showers at the old PowerHouse Gym that used to be in Madison. Our bodies were getting cleansed from an intense workout, but moreso we made sure our souls were being prepared for the day as well.
g
Walter Franklin and I were workout partners back about 5 or 6 years ago. There were lots of improvements in strength and stamina and overall health and well-being during that time -- the main reasons you work out -- but there were also points of sharing and spiritual growth that come from spending time together on a consistent basis.
That this was going to be a special time was obvious from the very first workout. Moreso, as it ended. We were back in the showers getting cleaned up and ready for a workday, when I simply said to Walter, "Sing something." Without hesitation Walter broke into "Said I wasn't gonna tell anybody . . ." which started a morning ritual we carried on for the next two years until work schedules changed our workout plans and we moved on to different gyms / different routines. No matter who else might be back there getting cleaned up at the same time, we just kept singing.
Paul and Silas singing in prison and David dancing in his underwear are often discussed when speaking of worship. I'm glad I've got my own story now of me and Walter singing in the showers at the old PowerHouse Gym that used to be in Madison. Our bodies were getting cleansed from an intense workout, but moreso we made sure our souls were being prepared for the day as well.
g
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Week 1 Questions
1. What are some special places or occasions that have prompted spontaneous worship from you?
2. What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word "worship"?
3. What is one of your favorite verses about God? Why?
2. What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word "worship"?
3. What is one of your favorite verses about God? Why?
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