Glory and honor and praises we sing,
words of adoration
for our risen King.
The Lamb and the Lion,
both God and man,
through the power of His blood
we are able to stand.
For all that You are
and all You have been
for the blessings You give us
both known and unseen
we offer our thanks
but that’s only a start
for surely You're worthy
of all of our heart.
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Blessing and Love Dare Day 14--Love Takes Delight
Before I begin my "Love Dare", I wanted to share with you something that Denise sent me today:
This is such a pretty blessing, and if you get the chance, stop over and visit Denise!! She is a very special lady who is also doing the "Love Dare", and she lives her life loving the Lord!!
I'm so glad that I've had the chance to meet her through the internet. She encourages and uplifts others, even through her own adversities. Way to go, Denise!!
Thank you so much for thinking of me this way!! I love butterflies--they always remind me of new life--the new life that Jesus has given us all!!
So now, I'll move on to the "Love Dare".
I've fallen behind a little, and I'm going to try to catch up!!
Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your children. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.
Yes, I changed the verse just a little. It really says "wife", but since I'm doing this for my children, I changed the wording just a little to fit them.
So, here's how this went, in order of age:
My son: When I come home from work, I usually like to relax a little, just sit and be and collect my thoughts from the day. Then, comes the cooking of dinner, cleaning up, and then I move on to projects that I am continually working on. This is my relaxation time--mine and mine alone!! (SELFISH!!).
The days and evenings here have been beautiful lately--the trees changing colors, the air crisp and cool. When my son suggested we take a walk one evening, my first thoughts were: "Oh, I have so much to do!"
I'm so glad that I didn't say that to him and went on the walk instead. We just walked around our neighborhood, talking, looking at all the vibrant colors on the trees. Just an enjoyable time together. Neither one of us looked or cared about the time, what we had planned--we just were us being together, and it was wonderful!!
Daughter #1: This daughter is starting a new job this week, and she is pretty busy. But, last week we spent some time together--talking, shopping (and just so you know, I'm not a shopper--the mall is my least favorite place to be!). This, too, took time away from me--this focusing on her and what she wanted to do.
But, again, well worth it!! I've also made time to call her at least every other day when before we could go weeks without even calling to say "Hi, how are you doing?"
And surprise, surprise!!! Today, she called me instead of the other way around--just to say, "Hi, how are you doing?" and there was an "I love you" in there, too!
Daughter #2: Now, this was a little more difficult--spending time with her when she lives in Texas and I'm in Pennsylvania. We always talk to one another once a week, but usually there is no contact in between these weekly conversations.
She is a very busy young lady--attending school, working full-time, and besides--she is far away!! How am I going to give up something I want to do to spend time with her?
I'll tell you how--I wrote her a letter--knowing that she loves receiving unexpected things in the mail (don't we all love surprises in the mail!). I sent her pictures from our recent trip to Inner Harbor and Lexington Market.
And then, I sent her an e-mail which she promptly answered. I replied back to her, filling her in on my day, asking her about her day. Again, a quick reply from her!! So, I answered her promptly, and again another quick reply!! So, before I started anything else this evening, I sent her another e-mail--just telling her that I'm thinking of her, how much I love and miss her, news from people she knows at my work.
When I read this dare at first, I didn't know how to begin--what to do. It's not that I don't enjoy time with my children--I do!! But, they are adults, busy with their own lives. I think I almost felt like they wouldn't want to spend time with me--they would rather be with their friends--doing what they want to do.
I'm glad that I took the time to reach out a little, spend time with each one individually (even though not in person with the youngest).
I felt almost as I did when they were very young and we spent 24 hours a day together--just in these few hours, these few moments on the computer with the youngest. We are growing closer together instead of further apart.
And, so we move on to Day 15:
This is such a pretty blessing, and if you get the chance, stop over and visit Denise!! She is a very special lady who is also doing the "Love Dare", and she lives her life loving the Lord!!
I'm so glad that I've had the chance to meet her through the internet. She encourages and uplifts others, even through her own adversities. Way to go, Denise!!
Thank you so much for thinking of me this way!! I love butterflies--they always remind me of new life--the new life that Jesus has given us all!!
So now, I'll move on to the "Love Dare".
I've fallen behind a little, and I'm going to try to catch up!!Love Takes Delight
Enjoy life with the children you love all the days of your fleeting life. Ecclesiastes 9:9
Today's Dare
Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your children. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.
Yes, I changed the verse just a little. It really says "wife", but since I'm doing this for my children, I changed the wording just a little to fit them.
So, here's how this went, in order of age:
My son: When I come home from work, I usually like to relax a little, just sit and be and collect my thoughts from the day. Then, comes the cooking of dinner, cleaning up, and then I move on to projects that I am continually working on. This is my relaxation time--mine and mine alone!! (SELFISH!!).
The days and evenings here have been beautiful lately--the trees changing colors, the air crisp and cool. When my son suggested we take a walk one evening, my first thoughts were: "Oh, I have so much to do!"
I'm so glad that I didn't say that to him and went on the walk instead. We just walked around our neighborhood, talking, looking at all the vibrant colors on the trees. Just an enjoyable time together. Neither one of us looked or cared about the time, what we had planned--we just were us being together, and it was wonderful!!
Daughter #1: This daughter is starting a new job this week, and she is pretty busy. But, last week we spent some time together--talking, shopping (and just so you know, I'm not a shopper--the mall is my least favorite place to be!). This, too, took time away from me--this focusing on her and what she wanted to do.
But, again, well worth it!! I've also made time to call her at least every other day when before we could go weeks without even calling to say "Hi, how are you doing?"
And surprise, surprise!!! Today, she called me instead of the other way around--just to say, "Hi, how are you doing?" and there was an "I love you" in there, too!
Daughter #2: Now, this was a little more difficult--spending time with her when she lives in Texas and I'm in Pennsylvania. We always talk to one another once a week, but usually there is no contact in between these weekly conversations.
She is a very busy young lady--attending school, working full-time, and besides--she is far away!! How am I going to give up something I want to do to spend time with her?
I'll tell you how--I wrote her a letter--knowing that she loves receiving unexpected things in the mail (don't we all love surprises in the mail!). I sent her pictures from our recent trip to Inner Harbor and Lexington Market.
And then, I sent her an e-mail which she promptly answered. I replied back to her, filling her in on my day, asking her about her day. Again, a quick reply from her!! So, I answered her promptly, and again another quick reply!! So, before I started anything else this evening, I sent her another e-mail--just telling her that I'm thinking of her, how much I love and miss her, news from people she knows at my work.
When I read this dare at first, I didn't know how to begin--what to do. It's not that I don't enjoy time with my children--I do!! But, they are adults, busy with their own lives. I think I almost felt like they wouldn't want to spend time with me--they would rather be with their friends--doing what they want to do.
I'm glad that I took the time to reach out a little, spend time with each one individually (even though not in person with the youngest).
I felt almost as I did when they were very young and we spent 24 hours a day together--just in these few hours, these few moments on the computer with the youngest. We are growing closer together instead of further apart.
And, so we move on to Day 15:
Love is Honorable
Live with your children in an understanding way......and show them honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life......1 Peter 3:7
And the Dare for This Day:
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your children that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for them. It might be putting their clothes away for them. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your children that they are highly esteemed in your eyes.
Live with your children in an understanding way......and show them honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life......1 Peter 3:7
And the Dare for This Day:
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your children that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for them. It might be putting their clothes away for them. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your children that they are highly esteemed in your eyes.
Remember to stop over and visit Chelle' and you can read about all the participants in this dare, what they're doing and how they're progressing. The changes that I'm seeing are phenomenal!!
Beth
Beth
Friday, September 26, 2008
Love Letter
In the busyness of life these last few days I have not had time to write, so here is something I have on file but have not yet shared. This was one of the first assignments from the Communion With God course I completed at Christian Leadership University. I was to write a love letter to Jesus and let Him respond back to me.
My dear Lord Jesus,
It feels odd to be writing this letter to you. As an assignment for class I am to write to you a love letter, but I don’t know if I have the words to express all that is in my heart. You Who gave everything for me, a lost and bitter woman, how do I thank You? How do I describe You? Glory beyond glory. Someone beyond imagination, in fact so far beyond imagination I struggled to believe in You. What a day it was when I surrendered that first time, giving You entry into my life, knowing that things had to change. And change they did indeed! Because of You. Because of Your love. Because of Your patience.
I have lost so many desires for the things of this world. They have grown tasteless. And those that still retain a taste, it is bitter and unpalatable. It is You I seek. It is You I desire. I want to soak in Your fragrance, the sweetness and spice. You spoke to me once about waiting in a garden for me and that I was to make myself ready. Are you still waiting? I couldn’t bear to think You had already gone.
I love You, Lord Jesus, even as I am not sure I know You, I love what I know. And I love what I have imagined. I love knowing that you searched for me as a lost lamb and hold me gently in Your arms. Oh, to feel those arms around me. Perhaps I am afraid to come close because once in Your presence I would never want to leave. Help me to surrender again, all that I am and all that I have, so I would have no fear of leaving something behind and can fully get lost in Your presence. Perhaps then I can take that presence to others who do not know You.
Here I am, my Lord, my Savior, the only One who could redeem my life. Here I am waiting. Help me to come into Your arms. Help me to love as You love. So when I say “I love You, I love You, I love You” it is with the love that You Yourself taught me.
Don’t you know you are already in my arms? I have not for one moment ever let you go. There are times that you feel I am distant, but it is you, not I who’s thoughts wander away. My thoughts are for you, not against you, always and forever. The forces of the enemy and the forces of the world you live in would have you imagine there is distance between us, but that is not the truth. There is not even a breath between us. If you could really feel how close we are, you would feel cradled and warm. Not a thought of yours escapes Me. I know your thoughts before you do, my dearest one. I know when you will be misled and I ache until your thoughts return to me. Yes, I still wait for you, will forever wait for you. For even as I have you, I want more and more and more of you. The same hunger that you desire to have for me, already burns within me for you. You are the one I bled for. You are the one I died for. You are the one I claimed as my own when I rose again in victory.
Is it hard for you to understand my ways? I spoke to my disciples in parables. But let me clear now. My love is here and my love is true. Nothing will change my love for you. It was and is and ever will be, just as I was and am, and evermore will be. Learn to rest in that truth and shut out any voice that tries to tell you otherwise.
And yes, you are questioning if your love is good enough for me. That makes me giggle, it tickles me. Who do you suppose instilled that love in you? It is already my love living within you, my dear. But if you want to give me more, then give me more, I will receive it!
Oh Lord Jesus, how I thrill to hear of Your unfailing love. Yes, let me love You more! Let me cast away thoughts of unworthiness, for indeed I am not worthy, but it is not about me. I am Yours, now and always, and righteous in my Father’s eyes because of You. Oh if I could I would kiss You!
My dear Lord Jesus,
It feels odd to be writing this letter to you. As an assignment for class I am to write to you a love letter, but I don’t know if I have the words to express all that is in my heart. You Who gave everything for me, a lost and bitter woman, how do I thank You? How do I describe You? Glory beyond glory. Someone beyond imagination, in fact so far beyond imagination I struggled to believe in You. What a day it was when I surrendered that first time, giving You entry into my life, knowing that things had to change. And change they did indeed! Because of You. Because of Your love. Because of Your patience.
I have lost so many desires for the things of this world. They have grown tasteless. And those that still retain a taste, it is bitter and unpalatable. It is You I seek. It is You I desire. I want to soak in Your fragrance, the sweetness and spice. You spoke to me once about waiting in a garden for me and that I was to make myself ready. Are you still waiting? I couldn’t bear to think You had already gone.
I love You, Lord Jesus, even as I am not sure I know You, I love what I know. And I love what I have imagined. I love knowing that you searched for me as a lost lamb and hold me gently in Your arms. Oh, to feel those arms around me. Perhaps I am afraid to come close because once in Your presence I would never want to leave. Help me to surrender again, all that I am and all that I have, so I would have no fear of leaving something behind and can fully get lost in Your presence. Perhaps then I can take that presence to others who do not know You.
Here I am, my Lord, my Savior, the only One who could redeem my life. Here I am waiting. Help me to come into Your arms. Help me to love as You love. So when I say “I love You, I love You, I love You” it is with the love that You Yourself taught me.
Don’t you know you are already in my arms? I have not for one moment ever let you go. There are times that you feel I am distant, but it is you, not I who’s thoughts wander away. My thoughts are for you, not against you, always and forever. The forces of the enemy and the forces of the world you live in would have you imagine there is distance between us, but that is not the truth. There is not even a breath between us. If you could really feel how close we are, you would feel cradled and warm. Not a thought of yours escapes Me. I know your thoughts before you do, my dearest one. I know when you will be misled and I ache until your thoughts return to me. Yes, I still wait for you, will forever wait for you. For even as I have you, I want more and more and more of you. The same hunger that you desire to have for me, already burns within me for you. You are the one I bled for. You are the one I died for. You are the one I claimed as my own when I rose again in victory.
Is it hard for you to understand my ways? I spoke to my disciples in parables. But let me clear now. My love is here and my love is true. Nothing will change my love for you. It was and is and ever will be, just as I was and am, and evermore will be. Learn to rest in that truth and shut out any voice that tries to tell you otherwise.
And yes, you are questioning if your love is good enough for me. That makes me giggle, it tickles me. Who do you suppose instilled that love in you? It is already my love living within you, my dear. But if you want to give me more, then give me more, I will receive it!
Oh Lord Jesus, how I thrill to hear of Your unfailing love. Yes, let me love You more! Let me cast away thoughts of unworthiness, for indeed I am not worthy, but it is not about me. I am Yours, now and always, and righteous in my Father’s eyes because of You. Oh if I could I would kiss You!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
First The Power of Your Love Post
I'd like to share with you how this blog came to be.
I pray daily--many, many times a day. I pray for others, for myself, for situations, thanks and praise. I was visiting someone else's blog one day, and I saw that she had a prayer journal, and I thought to myself, "What a good idea!"
As I thought on this, the idea flourished into inviting others to share in this experience. Thus, the beginnings of "The Power of Your Love".
This will be a blog where you can address prayer requests, praises, what are your concerns, joys, sorrows. You could contribute a poem that you may have written, a picture that you love that depicts your love of our Lord, a video, a scripture that is particularly meaningful to you and why, anything that is given to the glory of God.
I have several people who have expressed interest in this, and I am going to be inviting them as authors. If you happen to come across this and would like to be included, please let me know.
And now--my first prayer request:
My Father,
As we begin, I ask your blessings upon this venture. Please utilize this spot to glorify your name, and your name alone. All things have come from you, and I lift up my praise and love to you on this day and everyday of my life.
In Jesus' precious name I pray,
Amen
I pray daily--many, many times a day. I pray for others, for myself, for situations, thanks and praise. I was visiting someone else's blog one day, and I saw that she had a prayer journal, and I thought to myself, "What a good idea!"
As I thought on this, the idea flourished into inviting others to share in this experience. Thus, the beginnings of "The Power of Your Love".
This will be a blog where you can address prayer requests, praises, what are your concerns, joys, sorrows. You could contribute a poem that you may have written, a picture that you love that depicts your love of our Lord, a video, a scripture that is particularly meaningful to you and why, anything that is given to the glory of God.
I have several people who have expressed interest in this, and I am going to be inviting them as authors. If you happen to come across this and would like to be included, please let me know.
And now--my first prayer request:
My Father,
As we begin, I ask your blessings upon this venture. Please utilize this spot to glorify your name, and your name alone. All things have come from you, and I lift up my praise and love to you on this day and everyday of my life.
In Jesus' precious name I pray,
Amen
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