I find myself struggling with singleness this week. Most of the time I can accept this chapter of my life, but not this week!
There are many contributing factors to the week but even knowing that doesn't seem to help. The two people that call me, with any consistency, have both stopped. My daughter's phone broke and so she hasn't been able to make the every day or every other day phone call. You wouldn't think that would make much difference but I miss hearing about what my 4 year old grandson is doing. I miss hearing her voice and I miss the cheerleading that she tends to do for me.
My other phone caller is a guy that I have seen off and on for over 3 years. Knowing that this is a good thing and turning loose are totally different things.He called pretty much every night and it was something to look forward to.
I really think that is the big problem right now. I just need something to look forward to. Life all in all is going pretty smoothly. Blane had an awesome Pirate Party for his 4th birthday. Macy is having her first birthday party this weekend. I made a trip to Wylie (north of Dallas) to see Coyne and Sara's new home. So over all LIFE is GOOD!
So why has it been so hard to come home to the empty house? Why is the cat not enough company? I think I will try counting my blessings and see if my outlook improves.
What makes singleness easier for you? When is singleness the hardest? Let me hear from you.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Showing Christ to Unbelievers
I was reading the newsletter, from Aldersgate UMC in Abilene, a couple of weeks ago and it raised an interesting question. Derrell was speaking of a devotional that was in the UPPER ROOM. Ester Bailey from Arizona had written about a Bible study discussion on how we can show Christ to unbelievers through our daily living. One man said that he used to have a fish on his car until he thought about how he drove.
When others look at our lives, what do they see? Do they see someone who has a joyfulness about them. We will not always be happy but we can always have joy. When others look at you, do they see faith, or do you live in fear and panic. When others look at you do they see enthusiasm for your faith or do they see you going through the motions because it is on the calendar?
The questions asked in the devotional were these: 1. If people judged Christianity by me, would they want an experience like mine?; 2. How does my life stack up in showing love to others?; 3. Do I extend my love to strangers and those who are different?
When we pattern our life after Christ, we face the need to show unconditional love. Showing love to someone who frustrates us may be hard but the result may be that an enemy turns into a friend.
How would you answer the three questions above? Have you ever loved a frustrating person into a friend? Let me hear from you!
When others look at our lives, what do they see? Do they see someone who has a joyfulness about them. We will not always be happy but we can always have joy. When others look at you, do they see faith, or do you live in fear and panic. When others look at you do they see enthusiasm for your faith or do they see you going through the motions because it is on the calendar?
The questions asked in the devotional were these: 1. If people judged Christianity by me, would they want an experience like mine?; 2. How does my life stack up in showing love to others?; 3. Do I extend my love to strangers and those who are different?
When we pattern our life after Christ, we face the need to show unconditional love. Showing love to someone who frustrates us may be hard but the result may be that an enemy turns into a friend.
How would you answer the three questions above? Have you ever loved a frustrating person into a friend? Let me hear from you!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Life at Warp Speed
I always think that after Christmas, things will slow down. And then I think, after Easter, things slow down. Now I am just hoping that after July, things will slow down. Working the two jobs and teaching Sunday School, there are often weeks that go by without a day off. It is then that I get discouraged and quite frankly, a bit cranky. I start looking at "how easy" everyone has it. I get frustrated with the kids in my Sunday School class for not reacting to lesson like I had hoped. I mean really - I took the time to prepare the lesson and all they have to do is listen and react the way I want them to - is that really asking too much :).
I wonder why we allow out lives to get so busy. Over and over Christ would take time to spend with just God. The scriptures will talk about how he would preach and teach all day and then he would go off alone. I wonder if my life would be less complicated if I took more time alone with God.
I wonder why we allow out lives to get so busy. Over and over Christ would take time to spend with just God. The scriptures will talk about how he would preach and teach all day and then he would go off alone. I wonder if my life would be less complicated if I took more time alone with God.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The New and Improved Paul
We meet up with Saul at the home of Judas on Straight Street. This is the third day and I am sure he is wondering if he will ever get his directions from God. In the door walks Ananias.
We need to look at Ananias' role. Charles Swindoll has suggested that it would be comparable to asking someone on the outskirts of Vienna, Austria in 1940, being sent to the home of Franz Kaiser. There you will find a man named Adolf Hitler, he is praying. He is blind and I have revealed myself to him. Go and touch him, and he will regain his eyesight and he will save your people.
This is a very tough assignment but after a few questions and with much reluctance, Ananias does as God commands and goes to the house of Judas on Straight Street where he finds Saul praying. He laid hands on Saul and told him that - Jesus who appeared to you on the road had sent him so that Saul could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. This was Saul's first taste of Christian grace.
Some have suggested a symbolism between Saul's three days of blindness and Christ's three days in the tomb. What do you think?
An ultimate turnaround happened with Saul's genuine repentence. Acts 9 says that he spent several days with the disciples and at once started preaching in the synagogues. It is suggested in Galatians chapter 1 that Saul went immediately into Arabia. It is unknown where in Arabia, but it is possible that he went just over the border which was about 100 miles away. What is know is that it was a dessert region. He later returned to Damascus. After three years he went and stayed with Peter, in Jerusalem, for fifteen days. He did not meet any of the other apostles, only James, the Lord's brother. He moved on from there to he went on to Syria and Cilicia. It was not uncommon for Paul to change locations because he was in danger of persecution.
Fourteen years later Paul returns to Jerusalem. Paul takes along with him Barnabas and Titus. Barnabas helps to smooth the introductions between Paul and the other apostles. Just like now it is hard for us to believe when someone changes so radically. When he left Antioch he is called Saul, previous to this his ministry had been for the Jewish people. When he returns to Antioch he is called Paul. The change of name marks the change in his outlook. Paul's mission has also changed to be one for the Gentiles, so he uses his Roman name of Paul from now on. This duality is characteristic of Paul: the Jew who was also Roman, the Pharisee who became Christian.
So that brings us up to the beginning of our study of Romans. We don't know who founded the Church in Rome but we do know that it wasn't Paul. The Epistle of Romans was written around the year 57 or 58. Paul was probably in Corinth (there are references in the letter to people living there) after his third missionary journey. He was getting ready to head off to Jerusalem.
He doesn't say much about the Roman church, probably because he doesn't know much about it. The letter to the church seems to be more of a letter of introduction of himself, his beliefs and his plans.
Next week we will start with the study of the Epistles of Saint Paul: A Bible Study by Claude McKiddy. If you have any questions on the life of Paul please feel free to post them. I will do my best to find the answers in a timely manner.
We need to look at Ananias' role. Charles Swindoll has suggested that it would be comparable to asking someone on the outskirts of Vienna, Austria in 1940, being sent to the home of Franz Kaiser. There you will find a man named Adolf Hitler, he is praying. He is blind and I have revealed myself to him. Go and touch him, and he will regain his eyesight and he will save your people.
This is a very tough assignment but after a few questions and with much reluctance, Ananias does as God commands and goes to the house of Judas on Straight Street where he finds Saul praying. He laid hands on Saul and told him that - Jesus who appeared to you on the road had sent him so that Saul could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. This was Saul's first taste of Christian grace.
Some have suggested a symbolism between Saul's three days of blindness and Christ's three days in the tomb. What do you think?
An ultimate turnaround happened with Saul's genuine repentence. Acts 9 says that he spent several days with the disciples and at once started preaching in the synagogues. It is suggested in Galatians chapter 1 that Saul went immediately into Arabia. It is unknown where in Arabia, but it is possible that he went just over the border which was about 100 miles away. What is know is that it was a dessert region. He later returned to Damascus. After three years he went and stayed with Peter, in Jerusalem, for fifteen days. He did not meet any of the other apostles, only James, the Lord's brother. He moved on from there to he went on to Syria and Cilicia. It was not uncommon for Paul to change locations because he was in danger of persecution.
Fourteen years later Paul returns to Jerusalem. Paul takes along with him Barnabas and Titus. Barnabas helps to smooth the introductions between Paul and the other apostles. Just like now it is hard for us to believe when someone changes so radically. When he left Antioch he is called Saul, previous to this his ministry had been for the Jewish people. When he returns to Antioch he is called Paul. The change of name marks the change in his outlook. Paul's mission has also changed to be one for the Gentiles, so he uses his Roman name of Paul from now on. This duality is characteristic of Paul: the Jew who was also Roman, the Pharisee who became Christian.
So that brings us up to the beginning of our study of Romans. We don't know who founded the Church in Rome but we do know that it wasn't Paul. The Epistle of Romans was written around the year 57 or 58. Paul was probably in Corinth (there are references in the letter to people living there) after his third missionary journey. He was getting ready to head off to Jerusalem.
He doesn't say much about the Roman church, probably because he doesn't know much about it. The letter to the church seems to be more of a letter of introduction of himself, his beliefs and his plans.
Next week we will start with the study of the Epistles of Saint Paul: A Bible Study by Claude McKiddy. If you have any questions on the life of Paul please feel free to post them. I will do my best to find the answers in a timely manner.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Let's take a look at Paul (Saul)
Before we can start our study on Romans, lets get to know the author. When we first meet him he is called Saul. From the Scriptures, we find a young man who was born to the family of a prominent tent maker. We know that he was motherless by the age of nine and that his hometown is Tarsus.
He was born a Roman citizen of the people of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin. He had a background in Jewish, Greek and Roman. He was a Pharisee, a Hebrew of Hebrews. His family are members of the party most fervent in Jewish nationalism and strict obedience to the laws of Moses. He had an equally rich religious and intellectual heritage.
He was raised as a child of privilege. As was true with all the Pharisee children, friendships with the Gentile children was greatly discouraged. He went to the best schools and by the age of 13 had mastered Jewish history, poetry from the Psalms and Literature of the Prophets. He could speak Greek, he had a working knowledge of Latin and at home they spoke Aramaic, which was a derivative of Hebrew and the language of Judea.
At about this time he was sent to Palestine and Jerusalem, to receive his higher education. At the feet of Gamaliel (only the best for Saul) he learned to dissect text, to expose the possible meanings according to the "considered opinion" of generations of rabbis. He also learned to debate in "diatribe" - question and answer style and to expound on the debate. He learned to be part preacher and part lawyer. He was head of his class and very retentive which led to a quick climb to be part of the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin was the Jewish Supreme Court. It was made up of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. The crucifixion of Christ backfired on the Sanhedrin, instead of silencing Christianity, it spread and with more passion. And this is where we meet up with Saul. We first see him in Acts chapter 9 at the stoning of Stephen. While it doesn't show that Saul was part of the actual stoning, it says that he held the coats of those who were involved. You can only imagine the encouragement that he was offering along with the rest of the mob. You have to wonder how the peace and tranquility, of Stephen while he was being stoned, affected Saul in his later ministry. At the trial of Stephen, Gamaliel (Saul's teacher) warned against the persecution of Christians. Saul on the other hand enjoyed his role in the Sanhedrin of traveling around the country arresting Christians. Christians were seen as a serious threat to Judaism and Saul worked hard to put an end to the work of the Christian Church in Jerusalem and all of Judah. He was diligent in his effort to crush and scatter the Jerusalem Church.
We next meet up with Saul as he is petitioning the High Priest (probably Caiaphas) for letters and permission to go to Damascus and arrest the Christians who were speaking in the Synagogues. After arresting them he would bring them back to Jerusalem to stand trial before the Sanhedrin. Little did Saul know that the 4 to 6 day journey (about 150 miles) would change his life in ways that he could not even imagine.
As they neared Damascus, Saul is suddenly blinded by a light surrounding him from Heaven. Saul fell to the ground while hearing a voice say "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Saul answered, "Who are you lord." (it has been suggested that lord could mean sir or he could have meant Lord as in the recognition of the Savior). The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." When Saul arose, he was blind and he was led to Damascus to the home of Judas on Straight Street.
Descriptions of Saul's violent past make us uncomfortable. We prefer studying and admiring portraits of him as the apostle of Grace. Few opponents of Christianity ever reached such a degree of despicable notoriety as Saul.
Saul was one of the first religious terrorist - until he met face to face with the grace of Christ, he violently opposed everyone and everything related to the Way and he did it all in the name of his god. After his conversion, he served Christ with a devotion unmatched in history. Those who fought against Saul were actually fighting against God.
Three lessons to learn from Saul
1. No matter how you appear to others today, we all have a past.
2. Regardless of what you have done, no one is beyond hope.
3. Even though your past is soiled, anyone can find a new beginning with God.
We will next meet up with Saul in Damascus at the home of Judas....
He was born a Roman citizen of the people of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin. He had a background in Jewish, Greek and Roman. He was a Pharisee, a Hebrew of Hebrews. His family are members of the party most fervent in Jewish nationalism and strict obedience to the laws of Moses. He had an equally rich religious and intellectual heritage.
He was raised as a child of privilege. As was true with all the Pharisee children, friendships with the Gentile children was greatly discouraged. He went to the best schools and by the age of 13 had mastered Jewish history, poetry from the Psalms and Literature of the Prophets. He could speak Greek, he had a working knowledge of Latin and at home they spoke Aramaic, which was a derivative of Hebrew and the language of Judea.
At about this time he was sent to Palestine and Jerusalem, to receive his higher education. At the feet of Gamaliel (only the best for Saul) he learned to dissect text, to expose the possible meanings according to the "considered opinion" of generations of rabbis. He also learned to debate in "diatribe" - question and answer style and to expound on the debate. He learned to be part preacher and part lawyer. He was head of his class and very retentive which led to a quick climb to be part of the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin was the Jewish Supreme Court. It was made up of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. The crucifixion of Christ backfired on the Sanhedrin, instead of silencing Christianity, it spread and with more passion. And this is where we meet up with Saul. We first see him in Acts chapter 9 at the stoning of Stephen. While it doesn't show that Saul was part of the actual stoning, it says that he held the coats of those who were involved. You can only imagine the encouragement that he was offering along with the rest of the mob. You have to wonder how the peace and tranquility, of Stephen while he was being stoned, affected Saul in his later ministry. At the trial of Stephen, Gamaliel (Saul's teacher) warned against the persecution of Christians. Saul on the other hand enjoyed his role in the Sanhedrin of traveling around the country arresting Christians. Christians were seen as a serious threat to Judaism and Saul worked hard to put an end to the work of the Christian Church in Jerusalem and all of Judah. He was diligent in his effort to crush and scatter the Jerusalem Church.
We next meet up with Saul as he is petitioning the High Priest (probably Caiaphas) for letters and permission to go to Damascus and arrest the Christians who were speaking in the Synagogues. After arresting them he would bring them back to Jerusalem to stand trial before the Sanhedrin. Little did Saul know that the 4 to 6 day journey (about 150 miles) would change his life in ways that he could not even imagine.
As they neared Damascus, Saul is suddenly blinded by a light surrounding him from Heaven. Saul fell to the ground while hearing a voice say "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Saul answered, "Who are you lord." (it has been suggested that lord could mean sir or he could have meant Lord as in the recognition of the Savior). The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." When Saul arose, he was blind and he was led to Damascus to the home of Judas on Straight Street.
Descriptions of Saul's violent past make us uncomfortable. We prefer studying and admiring portraits of him as the apostle of Grace. Few opponents of Christianity ever reached such a degree of despicable notoriety as Saul.
Saul was one of the first religious terrorist - until he met face to face with the grace of Christ, he violently opposed everyone and everything related to the Way and he did it all in the name of his god. After his conversion, he served Christ with a devotion unmatched in history. Those who fought against Saul were actually fighting against God.
Three lessons to learn from Saul
1. No matter how you appear to others today, we all have a past.
2. Regardless of what you have done, no one is beyond hope.
3. Even though your past is soiled, anyone can find a new beginning with God.
We will next meet up with Saul in Damascus at the home of Judas....
Friday, February 27, 2009
Bible Study on The Book Of Romans
Tomorrow, I will be starting an online Bible Study on this blog. It will start with a look at Paul, we will then look at relevent places and cultures of 57 A.D.. Then we will begin a chapter by chapter look at Romans. Lessons will be added about once a week and hopefully it will be interactive with you guys comments adding to the knowledge and insight of the lessons. I can't wait. See you soon!
Darla
Darla
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009
As I welcome in the new year, I find myself reflecting on my life. I find myself in an amazing place, Home.
I have spent a lot of time hoping that God would send someone to make my life feel complete. What I have found is that he has. He has given me a family that loves me and who are willing to spend time with me. What an amazing gift.
He has given me friends - who I cherish more every day. One of my friends is moving next week and it has reminded that we should appreciate the time that we have with each other because we might not always have it.
I have two jobs that I love. They are completely different jobs. One I sit in an office all day. I interact with a few people, but mostly, they just let me work. The second job, is at a book store, it is serving the public and is a much faster pace.
I have a home that is paid for and while at times it seems to large, it is a wonderful place for my family and friends to gather.
I have a Church family that is supportive and loving. They don't all worship in the same building on Sunday and they span several denominations, but then that is what the Church is all about.
So as I welcome in 2009, I look back on the blessings of 2008 (which were bountiful), and I Thank God for His love.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!
I have spent a lot of time hoping that God would send someone to make my life feel complete. What I have found is that he has. He has given me a family that loves me and who are willing to spend time with me. What an amazing gift.
He has given me friends - who I cherish more every day. One of my friends is moving next week and it has reminded that we should appreciate the time that we have with each other because we might not always have it.
I have two jobs that I love. They are completely different jobs. One I sit in an office all day. I interact with a few people, but mostly, they just let me work. The second job, is at a book store, it is serving the public and is a much faster pace.
I have a home that is paid for and while at times it seems to large, it is a wonderful place for my family and friends to gather.
I have a Church family that is supportive and loving. They don't all worship in the same building on Sunday and they span several denominations, but then that is what the Church is all about.
So as I welcome in 2009, I look back on the blessings of 2008 (which were bountiful), and I Thank God for His love.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)