We're doing a study called "No Other Gods" in our small group which started a few weeks ago. We just got our books tonight and discussed what it means to have functional gods in our day and age. These are the things we put above God...kind of like modern day idols which could be all sorts of things, depending on our attitudes and actions toward them. An idol can be a physical object, a property, a person, an activity, a role, an institution, a hope, an image, an idea, a pleasure, a hero, anything that can substitute for God. We even talked about the things that are inherently good and right, but have become detrimental simply because we desire them too much. The author, Kelly Minter quotes John Calvin, "The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but that we want it too much."
I never really thought about this. But there's a reason God put "You shall have no other gods before me" as the first commandment so it has to be important. It reminds me of the Israelites and the many times throughout the bible they turn away from God and worship other idols and other gods. I get so frustrated sometimes and think, "Why don't they learn?" Well hello, I do it all the time. While I didn't make a golden calf or little statues, I did and still do use things as a substitute for God. The biggest one is a person in my life. I have definitely used him in place of God and over the past couple of years I've slowly learned the hard way that God wants me to go to Him with my struggles and desires. My heart breaks the more distant I become in this relationship but then I catch myself going to the Lord first when something happens. I realize more and more that it's what God wants from me..to be first in my life.
I was really praying for God to show me what to choose to study for this group and through someone at church, He led me to this. Even when I did decide on this book, I thought it would be a good study for THEM because I am going through something entirely different. Wow! Isn't this so God? He knows what I need way before I do or at least before I'll admit it.
Just like each and every study I've been through...there's something God wants to teach us. There's always a lightbulb that goes on about something. This just might be the brightest one since I least expected it. I really enjoy these ladies and am looking forward to what God has in store for me in small group over the next 8 weeks.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
So Happy You're Alive
Cory and Sue: Thank God for His amazing grace.
Cory, my nephew and his Aunt Sue were driving up from San Diego today and were involved in a major car accident. There were no other cars involved. Driving on the wet freeway, somehow Cory's car started to fishtail, then starting spinning and then flipped over several times before crashing into an embankment. The car landed upside down and Cory and Sue crawled out safely. Thankfully, several people that witnessed what happened stopped to help and called 911.
The car was totaled and both are so grateful to be alive. We're so grateful they are alive. Thank you again God.
Cory, my nephew and his Aunt Sue were driving up from San Diego today and were involved in a major car accident. There were no other cars involved. Driving on the wet freeway, somehow Cory's car started to fishtail, then starting spinning and then flipped over several times before crashing into an embankment. The car landed upside down and Cory and Sue crawled out safely. Thankfully, several people that witnessed what happened stopped to help and called 911.
The car was totaled and both are so grateful to be alive. We're so grateful they are alive. Thank you again God.
Friday, February 5, 2010
What Texting Can Do
Out of all the amazing electronic gadgets invented, my 2 favorites are the DVR and the cell phone. The DVR because I don't watch that many shows but the ones I do, I never have to miss plus I can skip through the commercials. I watched the Grammy's the other day and skipped through what seemed to be more commercials than the show. I love my DVR.
The cell phone, while I love it for the many reasons most people do, I love it mostly because it allows me to communicate with my kids on their level. That means texting! I would never see "I love you" hardly at all if it weren't for texting. I probably wouldn't get that many calls about being late or where they are as I do with texting.
So today here on the Ranch it's raining. The smallest, most intimate wedding I think we've ever had is in progress. It's cold outdoors but indoors the fireplaces are lit making it warm and cozy. I'm sentimental thinking once again about the future and I get a text from my son who is up in San Luis Obispo at Cal Poly. Kyle is probably going to kill me for this but here's what it says:
"On my way home from the studio and it's raining. Makes me remember how much you like the rain. Love you mom and i miss you."
OMG, is that the cutest, sweetest son ever? This is what I used to tell him and still do, "Thank you God for giving him to me." I focus so much of my thoughts about what my purpose is here on earth and how I'm to use my gifts for God's glory. I forget that a huge purpose for my existence is to raise 3 children to be seeking their purpose and guide them to use their gifts for God's glory. Kyle is in the architecture program at Cal Poly. He is pursuing a career path for which he is extremely talented and doing very well. He's involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and attends a guy's ("men's" makes me cry...can't do it) bible study on Monday nights. Chloe is in her Senior Year and has been accepted to her top 3 college choices which are all Christian Colleges. There's a 90% chance she'll end up at Gordon College located just outside of Boston. She has a heart for Christ and has just recently sent out a letter requesting financial support (most of you will receive it) to go to Haiti this summer with Saddleback Church. I am so very blessed to see God's glory revealed in these two amazing young adults!
See? Who knew one little text could make a mother brag on her children in this way?
The cell phone, while I love it for the many reasons most people do, I love it mostly because it allows me to communicate with my kids on their level. That means texting! I would never see "I love you" hardly at all if it weren't for texting. I probably wouldn't get that many calls about being late or where they are as I do with texting.
So today here on the Ranch it's raining. The smallest, most intimate wedding I think we've ever had is in progress. It's cold outdoors but indoors the fireplaces are lit making it warm and cozy. I'm sentimental thinking once again about the future and I get a text from my son who is up in San Luis Obispo at Cal Poly. Kyle is probably going to kill me for this but here's what it says:
"On my way home from the studio and it's raining. Makes me remember how much you like the rain. Love you mom and i miss you."
OMG, is that the cutest, sweetest son ever? This is what I used to tell him and still do, "Thank you God for giving him to me." I focus so much of my thoughts about what my purpose is here on earth and how I'm to use my gifts for God's glory. I forget that a huge purpose for my existence is to raise 3 children to be seeking their purpose and guide them to use their gifts for God's glory. Kyle is in the architecture program at Cal Poly. He is pursuing a career path for which he is extremely talented and doing very well. He's involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and attends a guy's ("men's" makes me cry...can't do it) bible study on Monday nights. Chloe is in her Senior Year and has been accepted to her top 3 college choices which are all Christian Colleges. There's a 90% chance she'll end up at Gordon College located just outside of Boston. She has a heart for Christ and has just recently sent out a letter requesting financial support (most of you will receive it) to go to Haiti this summer with Saddleback Church. I am so very blessed to see God's glory revealed in these two amazing young adults!
See? Who knew one little text could make a mother brag on her children in this way?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Be Still and Know that I am God
Psalm 46:10"Be still, and know that I am God" is the verse Pastor Rick Warren posted on Facebook today. Although he posted it from an entirely different perspective (he's hosting pastors from all over the world), it still spoke to me this morning.
The amount of information being communicated about the Ranch is overwhelming. There have been numerous newspaper articles and TV news reports, it's hard to keep up let alone decipher what's true and not true. There are people/organizations calling and coming by as they are interested in purchasing the land including the City of San Juan Capistrano. The Mayor was here and is excited about the possibilities. There is non-stop talk between all the employees and guests about what they are hearing. It's so distracting.
I really want to try and "be still and know God is God" and not get caught up in the minutia of it all. God is God and He's going to have His way in the end so all this talk has no bearing whatsoever. These words I'm typing are easy to say (and write) but not so easy to live, especially for a highly inquisitive (nice word for nosey) person like me. But I will pray and ask God for help in this way so that I can focus on what has to get done which are 2 weddings this weekend. These are our only two weddings this month, thank God. This gives us a chance to work out the details of how we're going to make the ongoing weddings happen, especially as the employees start to leave as they are seeking employment elsewhere. Again, God is God and He obviously wants the weddings to continue so we're doing everything possible to make sure brides and grooms have the best memories of their wedding day!
The amount of information being communicated about the Ranch is overwhelming. There have been numerous newspaper articles and TV news reports, it's hard to keep up let alone decipher what's true and not true. There are people/organizations calling and coming by as they are interested in purchasing the land including the City of San Juan Capistrano. The Mayor was here and is excited about the possibilities. There is non-stop talk between all the employees and guests about what they are hearing. It's so distracting.
I really want to try and "be still and know God is God" and not get caught up in the minutia of it all. God is God and He's going to have His way in the end so all this talk has no bearing whatsoever. These words I'm typing are easy to say (and write) but not so easy to live, especially for a highly inquisitive (nice word for nosey) person like me. But I will pray and ask God for help in this way so that I can focus on what has to get done which are 2 weddings this weekend. These are our only two weddings this month, thank God. This gives us a chance to work out the details of how we're going to make the ongoing weddings happen, especially as the employees start to leave as they are seeking employment elsewhere. Again, God is God and He obviously wants the weddings to continue so we're doing everything possible to make sure brides and grooms have the best memories of their wedding day!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Special Days
There are certain days you know are the ones you'll always remember. The ones most important to your children for you to be there for them. Even though there is crazy stuff happening at work and you have a big meeting, there is no way in the world you could miss this day with your daughter. Today was one of those days. I spent the morning with Queen Hatshepsut in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
No amount of money..no big meeting.. not even the aftermath of an announcement of the closure of your place of employment can compete with this!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Other People
I remember a sermon on how God speaks to us. I don't remember the Pastor but the ways in which God speaks to us stuck in my mind. He speaks to us through 1) His Word (the bible), 2) Impressions, events and thoughts and 3) Other People.
I called my sister in Christ, Aida this morning as I tend to do when I need good Godly counsel. When I told her I was really doubting God, she asked, "In what way?" I said, "That He exists." She said if she was with me she would of slapped me. She went on to remind me of all the things He's done for me. While I was halfway kidding when I said that, she made me think of all the things God has done for me. I think it was a Pastor who also said the word "remember" is used a ton of times in the bible. God wants us to remember what he's done for us in the past when we start to doubt His reasons for why He allows the circumstances in our lives. Sometimes we just need someone to slap us (in a sense) to jog our memories. Thank you Aida!!
Then a few minutes later Lisa calls to explain why she wasn't at small group last night. Karli, her daughter played the guitar and sang in her first public performance. She got a standing ovation. Awesome job Karli! But she got to bed late Sunday night and after shool on Monday, she was exhausted and went to bed early which is why she completely forgot about small group. We went on to talk about other things..her house situation...the Ranch situation...etc. She mentioned how people have told her she doesn't live in reality but rather a fantasyland because her dreams and desires seem so outrageous and far fetched. If there is one thing I know for sure it's that Lisa has perseverance to get what she wants like no other person I know. It's like she doesn't let anyone or anything distract from her pursuits even if the advice is the most practical, sensible and rational. She's passionate and doesn't give up on her dream. She lives in one of the most prestigious homes in Talega yet hasn't worked full time in 7 years and is able to put her full time focus on raising Karli. That is pretty darn amazing no matter what the who, why, where and how story behind it. All of a sudden, out of nowhere it hit me...my emotions were overwhelming. In that moment in our conversation I realized I was letting the practical, sensible and rational steal my dream. My heart tells me God brought me to the Ranch for more than just these 18 months. It was like she gave me permission to feel good about an impossible ridiculous dream. Thank you Lisa!
So thank you to all the other people God puts in my life everyday...the people who teach me and help me grow to be a better person...my children and my Mom and Dad who give me inspiration and strength everyday. Thank you for Amy, my sister, for being the rational and practical one. Thank you Brian for being my person and letting me share all of the deepest secrets of my heart. Thank you for Rochelle who has got to be the most encouraging person ever. Thank you for Sue and Sandy, the most generous and giving of their time and effort. I see all these offerings as compassion and traits I personally do not possess or at the very least, they don't come natural to me. Through these wonderful people and the many others, God is revealing His glory and His purposes for my life.
So "remember" what God has done for you in the past and know that He uses "other people" as a way to speak to us.
I called my sister in Christ, Aida this morning as I tend to do when I need good Godly counsel. When I told her I was really doubting God, she asked, "In what way?" I said, "That He exists." She said if she was with me she would of slapped me. She went on to remind me of all the things He's done for me. While I was halfway kidding when I said that, she made me think of all the things God has done for me. I think it was a Pastor who also said the word "remember" is used a ton of times in the bible. God wants us to remember what he's done for us in the past when we start to doubt His reasons for why He allows the circumstances in our lives. Sometimes we just need someone to slap us (in a sense) to jog our memories. Thank you Aida!!
Then a few minutes later Lisa calls to explain why she wasn't at small group last night. Karli, her daughter played the guitar and sang in her first public performance. She got a standing ovation. Awesome job Karli! But she got to bed late Sunday night and after shool on Monday, she was exhausted and went to bed early which is why she completely forgot about small group. We went on to talk about other things..her house situation...the Ranch situation...etc. She mentioned how people have told her she doesn't live in reality but rather a fantasyland because her dreams and desires seem so outrageous and far fetched. If there is one thing I know for sure it's that Lisa has perseverance to get what she wants like no other person I know. It's like she doesn't let anyone or anything distract from her pursuits even if the advice is the most practical, sensible and rational. She's passionate and doesn't give up on her dream. She lives in one of the most prestigious homes in Talega yet hasn't worked full time in 7 years and is able to put her full time focus on raising Karli. That is pretty darn amazing no matter what the who, why, where and how story behind it. All of a sudden, out of nowhere it hit me...my emotions were overwhelming. In that moment in our conversation I realized I was letting the practical, sensible and rational steal my dream. My heart tells me God brought me to the Ranch for more than just these 18 months. It was like she gave me permission to feel good about an impossible ridiculous dream. Thank you Lisa!
So thank you to all the other people God puts in my life everyday...the people who teach me and help me grow to be a better person...my children and my Mom and Dad who give me inspiration and strength everyday. Thank you for Amy, my sister, for being the rational and practical one. Thank you Brian for being my person and letting me share all of the deepest secrets of my heart. Thank you for Rochelle who has got to be the most encouraging person ever. Thank you for Sue and Sandy, the most generous and giving of their time and effort. I see all these offerings as compassion and traits I personally do not possess or at the very least, they don't come natural to me. Through these wonderful people and the many others, God is revealing His glory and His purposes for my life.
So "remember" what God has done for you in the past and know that He uses "other people" as a way to speak to us.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ducks and Geese
Livi and I went to the Ranch today. She had no school and it was my day off so we went to pick up some of my potting things. My heart ached when I looked over at the Hacienda area where the weddings are held and saw how green and beautiful everything is...just in time for wedding season. We fed the ducks and geese that come running when they see a person with food. They know nothing of what's to become of their home. It reminds me if God takes care of sparrows, ducks and geese, he'll surely take care of us.
The man dedicated to managing the transition, John Charles started today. It's kind of funny that he was given an office in the old middle school building which is deserted because the school closed. He's managing from afar I guess.
I'm kind of blah today..sorry followers. The good news for a blah day is that I was very productive with my web site this morning. And my small group ladies are coming tonight. Thank God it's here because I can't make an excuse not to come. When I get like this I just want to be in bed and pull the covers up over my head...somewhat like hiding under a rock. More good news; Tomorrow is another day and God's mercies are new every morning.
The man dedicated to managing the transition, John Charles started today. It's kind of funny that he was given an office in the old middle school building which is deserted because the school closed. He's managing from afar I guess.
I'm kind of blah today..sorry followers. The good news for a blah day is that I was very productive with my web site this morning. And my small group ladies are coming tonight. Thank God it's here because I can't make an excuse not to come. When I get like this I just want to be in bed and pull the covers up over my head...somewhat like hiding under a rock. More good news; Tomorrow is another day and God's mercies are new every morning.
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