And while you're at Brian's website, be sure to check out his music video, "You Danced!" It's great!
Merry Christmas - God is with us!
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mary Christmas - No, it's not a misspelling!
Celebrate this Christmas with wonderful music! Just click the link and enjoy this song by my friend, Christian music artist, Brian Bates. www.brian-bates.com/marychristmas
And while you're at Brian's website, be sure to check out his music video, "You Danced!" It's great!
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"
And while you're at Brian's website, be sure to check out his music video, "You Danced!" It's great!
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving: A secular holiday?
Happy Thanksgiving! I thank the Lord for His generous blessings in my life - food, family, friends, fun, fulfillment. I thank Him for this blessed land in which He chose to place me. I thank my God for revealing Himself to me so graciously every day. I thank Him for His faithfulness toward me even - no,especially - when my faith is weak. THANK YOU, LORD!
Thanksgiving was first celebrated to honor our God for blessing our forefathers. Later, it was declared a national CHRISTIAN holiday by none other than our American presidents! Wikipedia says, "While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday." NOT WITH MY FAMILY!! How about yours?
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3
Thanksgiving was first celebrated to honor our God for blessing our forefathers. Later, it was declared a national CHRISTIAN holiday by none other than our American presidents! Wikipedia says, "While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday." NOT WITH MY FAMILY!! How about yours?
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Prepare - why, how and for what?
WHY PREPARE? Yesterday, a friend told me her gym teacher once warned the class that they should exercise their bodies in light of needing to buy insurance when they got older. She had no idea what he was talking about, so she dismissed his comments. Now, as an adult, she realizes the implications of her teacher's advice. But, alas, it fell on deaf ears at the time.
HOW DO I PREPARE? I confess I also didn't consider the future when my parents tried to train me in life skills like laundry, cooking and the dreaded dishes! I pretty much did my utmost to avoid all of these chores in my home. I'm actually infamous in my family for all the excuses and stunts I pulled to get out of doing dishes. My dad insisted that with five children in the house, he didn't see a need to buy a dishwasher. "I've already got five dishwashers," he would proclaim. So my siblings revel in the irony that I am the one who grew up to have the most children (five) in my household - and no dishwasher - until we became empty-nesters a few years ago.
If I had worked on those chores through the years, I would have been much more prepared to be a homemaker. Fortunately, God and my husband, Jerry, have been gracious through the years as I learned on-the-job. But boy, would things have gone so much more smoothly had I learned those skills from my mother when I was given the chance!
FOR WHAT DO I PREPARE? I've watched other Christians deal with tragedies. Those who have a consistent walk with God definitely shine in those instances. Although they most likely didn't realize it, God had obviously been preparing them emotionally and spiritually. That's what I want! I really desire to be ready if a doctor says that "c" word, or if a beloved family member dies tragically, or a trusted friend betrays me, or if I burn dinner and have no time for a fast food run. Whatever happens. I want to have a godly reaction.
What I have figured out so far is that God will probably not tell me about future events, but He knows them. And He will prepare me to deal with them as they come. He already is and will continue to build my faith gradually through daily disciplines. Here is my general working list of disciplines:
1) care for my physical body
2) meditate on and memorize God's Word
3) pray with thanksgiving
4) minister to others using my spiritual gifts
In 2 Timothy 3:16,17, God says that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Be encouraged today! No matter what is in our future, God knows. God cares. And God prepares.
"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3
HOW DO I PREPARE? I confess I also didn't consider the future when my parents tried to train me in life skills like laundry, cooking and the dreaded dishes! I pretty much did my utmost to avoid all of these chores in my home. I'm actually infamous in my family for all the excuses and stunts I pulled to get out of doing dishes. My dad insisted that with five children in the house, he didn't see a need to buy a dishwasher. "I've already got five dishwashers," he would proclaim. So my siblings revel in the irony that I am the one who grew up to have the most children (five) in my household - and no dishwasher - until we became empty-nesters a few years ago.
If I had worked on those chores through the years, I would have been much more prepared to be a homemaker. Fortunately, God and my husband, Jerry, have been gracious through the years as I learned on-the-job. But boy, would things have gone so much more smoothly had I learned those skills from my mother when I was given the chance!
FOR WHAT DO I PREPARE? I've watched other Christians deal with tragedies. Those who have a consistent walk with God definitely shine in those instances. Although they most likely didn't realize it, God had obviously been preparing them emotionally and spiritually. That's what I want! I really desire to be ready if a doctor says that "c" word, or if a beloved family member dies tragically, or a trusted friend betrays me, or if I burn dinner and have no time for a fast food run. Whatever happens. I want to have a godly reaction.
What I have figured out so far is that God will probably not tell me about future events, but He knows them. And He will prepare me to deal with them as they come. He already is and will continue to build my faith gradually through daily disciplines. Here is my general working list of disciplines:
1) care for my physical body
2) meditate on and memorize God's Word
3) pray with thanksgiving
4) minister to others using my spiritual gifts
In 2 Timothy 3:16,17, God says that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Be encouraged today! No matter what is in our future, God knows. God cares. And God prepares.
"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Gift of Music
I was so blessed to worship yesterday morning with other believers at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford. My favorite person to worship with is my wonderful husband, Jerry. God has truly gifted him to perform and lead others in worship using music - guitars, drums, keyboards, voices, etc.
As we prayed the other day, Jerry thanked God for music. It was a simple prayer from his heart. And I agree with him in his prayer of gratitude. Won't you join us? And remember, God says we are to make a joyful noise to the Lord. So you don't have to be as talented as Jerry. You just need the same grateful heart.
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3
As we prayed the other day, Jerry thanked God for music. It was a simple prayer from his heart. And I agree with him in his prayer of gratitude. Won't you join us? And remember, God says we are to make a joyful noise to the Lord. So you don't have to be as talented as Jerry. You just need the same grateful heart.
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Girly Day!
Today's a Girly Day at my house! I'm so excited! Early afternoon, my twin nieces, Brittany and Chelsea, will be here bobby pins, curling irons, etc. in hand to get dolled up for Homecoming. No - I don't do hair - my daughter, Mindy, is the guru for that. Then a few hours later, a handful of younger girls will giggle their way in for a slumber party! Mindy's helping out there too. Yep, frosting cookies, painting pumpkins, eating pizza - and hopefully a lot of giggling.
Lots to do to get ready. Farmers market for the pumpkins; grocery store for - oops! - forgot to borrow air mattresses! Gotta go! My Girly Day is calling!!! Am I blessed or what! Hope you enjoy your weekend too!
"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3
Lots to do to get ready. Farmers market for the pumpkins; grocery store for - oops! - forgot to borrow air mattresses! Gotta go! My Girly Day is calling!!! Am I blessed or what! Hope you enjoy your weekend too!
"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3
Friday, October 9, 2009
Striving for Perfection
Perfection - impossible, right? Right? Hmmm ... as I ponder this thought just now, I consider whose standard of perfection I am using.
"Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith ..." Hebrews 12:1b, 2a
My mind trails back to track season when my son, Randy, was in junior high. He was quite the pole vaulter in his day. He didn't wake up one day and jump over 6 feet on his first attempt. He worked each day to do his best, perfecting his technique at each level, while his coach kept raising the bar. I was so proud of his tenacity as he continued to soar to new heights despite regular missed attempts. He kept striving while his dad and I kept cheering him on!
God, our loving Father, Creator and Judge, desires and deserves our attention and devotion. Let's allow God to set our bar for today. He does not expect us to do more than He's equipped us to do. He expects us to "perfect our technique" at today's level, completing the tasks He's assigned for us with hearts set on pleasing Him.
Can you see Him cheering us on as He coaches us with His Holy Word? He's holding a "10" high for us to see, and He'll "raise the bar" when He knows we're ready!
"O, magnify the Lord with me! Let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3
"Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith ..." Hebrews 12:1b, 2a
My mind trails back to track season when my son, Randy, was in junior high. He was quite the pole vaulter in his day. He didn't wake up one day and jump over 6 feet on his first attempt. He worked each day to do his best, perfecting his technique at each level, while his coach kept raising the bar. I was so proud of his tenacity as he continued to soar to new heights despite regular missed attempts. He kept striving while his dad and I kept cheering him on!
God, our loving Father, Creator and Judge, desires and deserves our attention and devotion. Let's allow God to set our bar for today. He does not expect us to do more than He's equipped us to do. He expects us to "perfect our technique" at today's level, completing the tasks He's assigned for us with hearts set on pleasing Him.
Can you see Him cheering us on as He coaches us with His Holy Word? He's holding a "10" high for us to see, and He'll "raise the bar" when He knows we're ready!
"O, magnify the Lord with me! Let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Stop and enjoy the moment!
Happy fall y'all! I've been enjoying the sunshine and blue skies this season. But it seems they've only been showing up every other day. It's so easy to fall into the trap of commenting only on the gloomy days and complaining about them. Well today, as I endure a sinus headache, I've decided to focus on praising God no matter what the weather and even FOR the weather. A good friend I met through Radio 91, Jeanne, always says, "God only sends different kinds of GOOD weather." I think of that often and have made a conscious effort to appreciate the different kinds of weather rather than lament them.
The phrase "Enjoy the moment," comes to mind. So here's your assignment for the next few days. Look for shapes in the puffy clouds (not while driving), allow a breeze to blow your hair around, walk outside in the rain to look for a rainbow. I know, sounds a little like Pollyanna, doesn't it? And it's also Scriptural. The book of Job says, "Stop, and consider the wondrous works of God." Did you catch that first word? STOP!!
Stop complaining, stop talking on your cell, stop driving, stop worrying, stop typing, just stop.
Stop and enjoy the moment! "O, Magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3!!!
The phrase "Enjoy the moment," comes to mind. So here's your assignment for the next few days. Look for shapes in the puffy clouds (not while driving), allow a breeze to blow your hair around, walk outside in the rain to look for a rainbow. I know, sounds a little like Pollyanna, doesn't it? And it's also Scriptural. The book of Job says, "Stop, and consider the wondrous works of God." Did you catch that first word? STOP!!
Stop complaining, stop talking on your cell, stop driving, stop worrying, stop typing, just stop.
Stop and enjoy the moment! "O, Magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3!!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My Checklist is My Cheerleader!
I've had a full day - full of ideas and words and dreams and people and ... How about your day? Can you look back and say you've accomplished something today? I try to keep a running checklist so that I can check off even menial tasks as they're done. I know brushing my teeth is something I don't need to be reminded of - which is generally the reason for a checklist - but mine functions also as a cheerleader. I did it! I got something done!
When I had children in the house, I could blame my lack of neatness on them. They always messed rooms up as I was finishing straightening them! But now, I can only point at Jerry, and he's pretty much sleeping and working most of the time now. So alas, it's me. I have a hard time keeping on task - I admit it. As a matter of fact, I was on my way to get a new pad of checks for bill paying when I somehow ended up here at my computer typing this blog. How do these things happen? Oh well, at least I can mark this off my list! Yeah! Hurray! Go Char Go!!
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3
Be sure to check out http://www.becomingwow.com/ to see where Bobbi Chance and I will be next! Our calendar will be listed soon - that's also on my checklist.
When I had children in the house, I could blame my lack of neatness on them. They always messed rooms up as I was finishing straightening them! But now, I can only point at Jerry, and he's pretty much sleeping and working most of the time now. So alas, it's me. I have a hard time keeping on task - I admit it. As a matter of fact, I was on my way to get a new pad of checks for bill paying when I somehow ended up here at my computer typing this blog. How do these things happen? Oh well, at least I can mark this off my list! Yeah! Hurray! Go Char Go!!
"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3
Be sure to check out http://www.becomingwow.com/ to see where Bobbi Chance and I will be next! Our calendar will be listed soon - that's also on my checklist.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Are You Ready? Let's Talk
Well, wouldn't you know it? I stayed up VERY late with my husband last night and consequently slept in VERY late today. Okay, so you have to picture this - or maybe you'd rather not - I was sitting in my bathrobe returning phone calls in the garage (yes, in the garage - trying to keep from waking Jerry.) While talking with my lovely daughter, Melinda, I saw a body pass the window to my front door! Oh boy! Noone ever comes to our house; who could this be? So messy hair, bathrobe and all I apologetically opened the door to our mail carrier. She insisted that she saw no problem with my appearance and really wished it was her instead! How embarrassing! Glad that was over.
On to breakfast, and the door bell rang AGAIN! Can you believe it!? This time I opened the door to a dear lady delivering events flyers all around the condo neighborhood. Great. The more I tried to explain my apparent slacker attitude, all my explanations just sounded like excuses to cover up my slothfulness.
I'm telling you, we hardly ever have visitors unannounced! And normally, I welcome guests with arms wide open - but today - let's just say I was caught totally unaware and unprepared.
A comforting thought came to mind as I mused later at my awkward "welcome" to my unexpected visitors this morning. The scripture passage in Matthew 25 referring to Jesus as the Bridegroom coming for his Bride says, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
Although my outward appearance definitely did not shout out, "I'M READY!" My inward spirit is absolutely ready for life ahead - not because of my own merit. I'm ready because I've asked Jesus to forgive my sins based on His merit, His sacrifice; and He gave me new life, His eternal life. How do I know this has happened? The Scriptures say it's so, and more than that, He gave me His Spirit who speaks to my spirit teaching, disciplining, comforting, and just basically confiming that He's real and He's here with me FOREVER!
Do you know that you're ready for the Bridegroom to take you away to His wedding feast in heaven? You can. If you need to talk it out and ask some hard questions, please let me know.
On to breakfast, and the door bell rang AGAIN! Can you believe it!? This time I opened the door to a dear lady delivering events flyers all around the condo neighborhood. Great. The more I tried to explain my apparent slacker attitude, all my explanations just sounded like excuses to cover up my slothfulness.
I'm telling you, we hardly ever have visitors unannounced! And normally, I welcome guests with arms wide open - but today - let's just say I was caught totally unaware and unprepared.
A comforting thought came to mind as I mused later at my awkward "welcome" to my unexpected visitors this morning. The scripture passage in Matthew 25 referring to Jesus as the Bridegroom coming for his Bride says, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
Although my outward appearance definitely did not shout out, "I'M READY!" My inward spirit is absolutely ready for life ahead - not because of my own merit. I'm ready because I've asked Jesus to forgive my sins based on His merit, His sacrifice; and He gave me new life, His eternal life. How do I know this has happened? The Scriptures say it's so, and more than that, He gave me His Spirit who speaks to my spirit teaching, disciplining, comforting, and just basically confiming that He's real and He's here with me FOREVER!
Do you know that you're ready for the Bridegroom to take you away to His wedding feast in heaven? You can. If you need to talk it out and ask some hard questions, please let me know.
Standing on the Promises
As I write this, it's nearing midnight. Having recently lost my 16 1/2- year job, I don't have a set time to awake in the morning. So staying up late seems like the right thing to do, since I'm on a roll with this blogging stuff.
Yes, I have worked at a Christian radio station for over 16 years, and the church that owned us decided to sell us. I'm so disappointed for the loss of the service the station provided to the community. And, of course, I am so disappointed that I no longer can talk with all the listeners who have come to be my extended family.
I especially missed my job when I awoke the morning after my newest son-in-law became a Christian just recently! I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, and for so long I have had the radio airwaves for my joyous announcements! When grandbabies were born, folks at my husband's shop would know their names, length and weight before he even arrived at work, because I'd already announced it on Radio 91 as soon as my mic was opened!
We were all about good news and we were good at it! We talked candidly about the good news of Jesus and how that applied to our own lives. Our programs were loved by so many - young and old. And the music - boy do I miss it! The genre of Inspirational Christian music is and always will be my favorite!
God has encouraged me throughout this time of transition with a verse in the Old Testament. I learned it while studying with Child Evangelism Fellowship back in my college days. Isaiah 26:3 - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." (I memorized it in King James, so that's the only way I can say it now.) Each time I've started to fret, he's reminded me that He always made good on His promises in the past, and He's not about to stop now! You can rest in that truth as well! It's for all of us!
Yes, I have worked at a Christian radio station for over 16 years, and the church that owned us decided to sell us. I'm so disappointed for the loss of the service the station provided to the community. And, of course, I am so disappointed that I no longer can talk with all the listeners who have come to be my extended family.
I especially missed my job when I awoke the morning after my newest son-in-law became a Christian just recently! I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, and for so long I have had the radio airwaves for my joyous announcements! When grandbabies were born, folks at my husband's shop would know their names, length and weight before he even arrived at work, because I'd already announced it on Radio 91 as soon as my mic was opened!
We were all about good news and we were good at it! We talked candidly about the good news of Jesus and how that applied to our own lives. Our programs were loved by so many - young and old. And the music - boy do I miss it! The genre of Inspirational Christian music is and always will be my favorite!
God has encouraged me throughout this time of transition with a verse in the Old Testament. I learned it while studying with Child Evangelism Fellowship back in my college days. Isaiah 26:3 - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." (I memorized it in King James, so that's the only way I can say it now.) Each time I've started to fret, he's reminded me that He always made good on His promises in the past, and He's not about to stop now! You can rest in that truth as well! It's for all of us!
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