We all know how to be good...but do we choose to be good all the time? If you're like me, I'd admit a big, fat "NO" to that question. Thinking of my kids, they were good most of the time, but other times, not so much. My youngest boy would tattle on himself when he was in elementary school. He used to feel guilty, I guess, and confess every little detail about his day. He knew he wasn't good and wanted us to know before we found out some other way. This "phase" didn't last long. Haha.
It's impossible to be good all the time. We are sinners.....rotten to the core. Even when we know Jesus....we are still sinners....just forgiven ones. Our sin nature never leaves us. However.....if you're born again....we do become more aware of it and don't fall into the temptations as easily as we used to. We now have a new nature that makes us want to please God above self. Repentance of our sin needs to be an ongoing thing in our walk with our God.
Romans 8:28 has been a "go to" verse for me over the past few years. I've had some struggles and this verse is comforting to me. It tells us that....we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
All things......my job, my family, my relationships, my church, my Bible reading, my book choices, my tv shows, the music I like, my frustrations, the people I interact with who aren't so lovely, my temptations, my bad choices, the accident I had a few months ago, my kids moving away and coming back, my son graduating this year.......I could go on and on.....But all these things work for good.
Here's the kicker. Things we go through may not seem good to us, but our God IS good. He determines what is good.....not us. Since he is good and allows us to go through things.....we have to trust it's all in his good sovereign will. He determines what we need to go through to sanctify us, or to make us more like Jesus. It's funny how we have no problem acknowledging God when things are "good" in our human way of thinking. However when things aren't so good in our way of thinking, we lose hope and our trust goes out the window. God wants us to trust Him through it all. It's like he's saying "I got this".....just give me glory anyway. We have to.....he's God. He's our creator, he's our deliverer, he's our savior, he's our EVERYTHiNG! All he wants from us is His glory and if he doesn't get lifted up by us.....he will be recognized by His creation for how awesome He is. He is that GOOD.....all the time!
Monday, December 26, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Christmas
With Christmas on a Sunday this year.....and I have off this year as well....it will be special. The day will start with worship with my church family. Then to my parents for family time with my biological family. What a blessing to have so many to spend such a special day with!
I know the day will be full of love and gift giving......but i feel there is a lot we miss. When my kids were small we would read the Christmas story from Luke 2 before the any presents were opened. Our kids were so good. They sat patiently as my husband read the story to them. They all payed attention and showed respect for God. Looking back it was beautiful to watch and know my family had unity in Jesus at those moments. We would then all pray and sing "happy birthday" to Jesus. Makes my choke up now just thinking about it......but we can't stay in the past. My kids needed to grow up. They needed to move on with their own lives......but it's nice to be able to remember.
Last year (2015) was a year of big changes for us. My husbands health isn't the best and has ongoing things he's dealing with physically. With no extra money to spend on anyone.....I decided to write heart felt letters to my brother and my parents. The reaction of all of them wasn't what I expected. The whole room was in tears......oh my. I felt so bad. This year I've done something else for all 10 people in my family. Im hoping they all like it. I'm hoping that even though I have no money to spend, they will know they are loved and appreciated.
I've learned over the past 2 years that material things aren't "all that". We've owned houses and cars and motorcycles. After losing all those things, it's not upsetting, but a blessing. I've learned that we don't need any of those things. We don't need to go through this short life saying we were a homeowner or had many cars that were paid off.......we need to be humble people who appreciate what God lets us use while we live here. I've also made it a mission to let people know how I feel about them. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed.....neither is the next 5 minutes. I want people to always know how I feel about them.....just incase it's our last conversation or encounter. I write a lot down, I blog, and keep tons of notes. I'm preparing for my kids one day to take my legacy and use it well for Jesus. My prayer is that one day they will take all I leave them and use it all......and add to it, all for Gods glory.
Christmases at our house are always special.....with or without a bunch of gifts. How could they not be when your family is alive and well and full of love for one another? My prayer for everyone this Christmas is that if you don't know who the baby was that laid in the manger......and later hung on a cross.....ask a pastor, or another Christian, or me......it's that important. In fact it's the only decision in this life that will affect the next.
I know the day will be full of love and gift giving......but i feel there is a lot we miss. When my kids were small we would read the Christmas story from Luke 2 before the any presents were opened. Our kids were so good. They sat patiently as my husband read the story to them. They all payed attention and showed respect for God. Looking back it was beautiful to watch and know my family had unity in Jesus at those moments. We would then all pray and sing "happy birthday" to Jesus. Makes my choke up now just thinking about it......but we can't stay in the past. My kids needed to grow up. They needed to move on with their own lives......but it's nice to be able to remember.
Last year (2015) was a year of big changes for us. My husbands health isn't the best and has ongoing things he's dealing with physically. With no extra money to spend on anyone.....I decided to write heart felt letters to my brother and my parents. The reaction of all of them wasn't what I expected. The whole room was in tears......oh my. I felt so bad. This year I've done something else for all 10 people in my family. Im hoping they all like it. I'm hoping that even though I have no money to spend, they will know they are loved and appreciated.
I've learned over the past 2 years that material things aren't "all that". We've owned houses and cars and motorcycles. After losing all those things, it's not upsetting, but a blessing. I've learned that we don't need any of those things. We don't need to go through this short life saying we were a homeowner or had many cars that were paid off.......we need to be humble people who appreciate what God lets us use while we live here. I've also made it a mission to let people know how I feel about them. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed.....neither is the next 5 minutes. I want people to always know how I feel about them.....just incase it's our last conversation or encounter. I write a lot down, I blog, and keep tons of notes. I'm preparing for my kids one day to take my legacy and use it well for Jesus. My prayer is that one day they will take all I leave them and use it all......and add to it, all for Gods glory.
Christmases at our house are always special.....with or without a bunch of gifts. How could they not be when your family is alive and well and full of love for one another? My prayer for everyone this Christmas is that if you don't know who the baby was that laid in the manger......and later hung on a cross.....ask a pastor, or another Christian, or me......it's that important. In fact it's the only decision in this life that will affect the next.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Diagnosis
A few weeks ago I went for a test. The results of that test led to further tests....which resulted in removing things from my body that shouldn't have been there. I needed a procedure to remove them. As I lay in the table to get these things removed, I had to be real still. I couldn't move anything for at least 20 minutes. Let me tell you that I am usually one to have a book or my phone in my hand. I read a lot of articles and my Bible time is precious, but this particular time I couldn't have any of that.
So....my options were for this short period of time (that felt like hours) was to either close my eyes or stare at a white wall. Actually I did both.....on and off. But, while I was laying there it was just me and God. I had an opportune time to just rest in him as I was being cut and poked. I was able to tell him all kinds of things and ask for protection. I was able to just be still and recognize He is my God. I was able to just fully rely on His soverignety. I didn't need anyone but Him in that moment.
As I left after the procedure, I began to replay all this in my head. I was alone......in my mind and even though other people were working on me, I was by myself. No one was on the table with me......no one working there was able to feel what I was feeling at that moment. But, the realization of God allowing all these series of events to come into action in my life just blew me away. The way he taught me in that moment on that table to be still ( literally cause I did move my hand and got in trouble) was something I may not have got to learn had all this not taken place. I wouldn't have that that opportunity to sense His presence with me as they did what needed done. Yes, I can spend time with God at my home or church or work, but this was different. It was a blessing I wouldn't have been able to get had I been "healthy".
Waiting on the diagnosis......wasn't too difficult. I have grown to learn that the body we have on this earth is Gods. Everything belongs to Him. If he is letting me use this body for my short time on earth and it's His.....why get all wound up? If it belongs to Him he can do with it what he sees fit. That's my perspective. If he chooses to allow things to grow there that don't belong, thats his perogative. In this instance.....he allowed me to get a negative diagnosis.....which is wonderful. Down the road, it may be different, and I know whatever comes my way will have to be ok. I'm not saying I will always handle things properly or with acceptance right off the bat.....but only He knows what lies before us and how He will be glorified through it.
We all have a terminal diagnosis...... It's called sin. We all are destined for Hell unless we repent of our sin and ask Jesus to save us. We will all die....our temporary earthly bodies will decay, but our soul will live on in heaven with Him. We will get a new resurrected body one day!
Trying to look for Jesus in all aspects of our life can be difficult. We are selfish beings and want things our way the easiest way possible. It's our nature. We can always ask Him for more of Himself to be revealed to us through prayer and study. He will listen and gladly show us. We just have to ask.
So....my options were for this short period of time (that felt like hours) was to either close my eyes or stare at a white wall. Actually I did both.....on and off. But, while I was laying there it was just me and God. I had an opportune time to just rest in him as I was being cut and poked. I was able to tell him all kinds of things and ask for protection. I was able to just be still and recognize He is my God. I was able to just fully rely on His soverignety. I didn't need anyone but Him in that moment.
As I left after the procedure, I began to replay all this in my head. I was alone......in my mind and even though other people were working on me, I was by myself. No one was on the table with me......no one working there was able to feel what I was feeling at that moment. But, the realization of God allowing all these series of events to come into action in my life just blew me away. The way he taught me in that moment on that table to be still ( literally cause I did move my hand and got in trouble) was something I may not have got to learn had all this not taken place. I wouldn't have that that opportunity to sense His presence with me as they did what needed done. Yes, I can spend time with God at my home or church or work, but this was different. It was a blessing I wouldn't have been able to get had I been "healthy".
Waiting on the diagnosis......wasn't too difficult. I have grown to learn that the body we have on this earth is Gods. Everything belongs to Him. If he is letting me use this body for my short time on earth and it's His.....why get all wound up? If it belongs to Him he can do with it what he sees fit. That's my perspective. If he chooses to allow things to grow there that don't belong, thats his perogative. In this instance.....he allowed me to get a negative diagnosis.....which is wonderful. Down the road, it may be different, and I know whatever comes my way will have to be ok. I'm not saying I will always handle things properly or with acceptance right off the bat.....but only He knows what lies before us and how He will be glorified through it.
We all have a terminal diagnosis...... It's called sin. We all are destined for Hell unless we repent of our sin and ask Jesus to save us. We will all die....our temporary earthly bodies will decay, but our soul will live on in heaven with Him. We will get a new resurrected body one day!
Trying to look for Jesus in all aspects of our life can be difficult. We are selfish beings and want things our way the easiest way possible. It's our nature. We can always ask Him for more of Himself to be revealed to us through prayer and study. He will listen and gladly show us. We just have to ask.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
December 13, 1993
What a cold night. I woke up in my little bedroom to pain.....off and on pain. It was 1:00 am on December 13, 1993. My baby was due in 2 days, but I guess she decided to come a little early. I didn't know I was going to have a girl....in fact everything in my being was telling me she was a boy, but my instinct was way off. So I lay in my bed for the next 2 hours and time the contractions. Not sure how I even knew how to time contractions, but they were coming regular about every 10 minutes. I went to wake my mom and we started our journey to the hospital.
I was at home with my parents. The situation I found myself in as a single mom was less than ideal, but my family supported me and my new child. They were more than glad to be there for us. I don't know what I would have done had they not been there.
Anyway....my mom starts up the old Taurus and we didn't even make it out of the development before the car stalled.....in the intersection. She did get it stated again and we made our way to the hospital. Last Sunday I relayed all this story to my daughter..... With much greater detail. She wasn't too thrilled with the series of events that took place once we left the house, but it is what it is. Giving birth is not all sunshine and rainbows. We finally got to the hospital and the ER personnel told us to head to the 4th floor. My mom is deathly afraid of elevators and was upset no one escorted a laboring young girl to the maternity floor. Her worst fear, at that time, was that we would be stuck in the elevator and I had to push and she have to deliver the baby.....oh my she worries too much. She got calm when the doors opened to our destination. The nurses helped get me settled.
Looking back on all that happened......the car, the pain, the labor room, the delivery room, the recovery room, the blood, the pushing (for 2 hours), the anxiety, and the relief of 14 hours later getting to see and meet this little life that was nurtured inside of me......what a time of emotion. All that feeling dissipates when you hold that little helpless life in your arms for the first time. This little girl was totally dependent on me. I was responsible for her well being and it wasn't about me anymore. She had to be my priority. I knew when I held her the first time I would go to the lengths of the earth to make sure she was safe and secure. I would do what I needed to to support us. I would take care of her the best I could. I would need help of course and with my family, I had plenty of support.
As soon as she was born and cleaned up, I got to hold her. I counted all her fingers and toes. All 20 were there. She had black hair and was 7lb 15oz. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and she was mine. Yes.....all I went through was worth it just to hold her and cuddle her (which as she grew she didn't like to do too often), but as a baby she would lay with me and I could cuddle her all I
wanted. She didn't know any better. She enjoyed being with me and I with her.
Truth be known I was scared. Scared of everything......would I be a good mom? Would I love her enough? Would she like me? Would I have enough to support her on my own? Would she be proud of me as her mom? Would she question what I did? Would she wonder about life? Would I be able to answer her questions? These things ran through my head......but one thing I did learn. I had to take one day at a time and each situation as it came. That's how I still live today. I don't get to carried away with what will happen tomorrow. I trust that God knows how to get me through today. My only regret is that back when I felt so alone with this little baby of mine, I didn't have Jesus. Had I had him, I would have been much better. My fears would have been nonsense......but we can't go back. I can only look forward and know that all things work for the good for those who love Him. I am thankful our God chose to give me this little girl that cold December day. She has taught me so much over the years. She truly is a blessing and will always be loved and cherished as long as I live. I love you Ashley......even though it took 2 days to name you......I love you more than you could ever imagine. Happy 23rd birthday to you! ❤️❤️
I was at home with my parents. The situation I found myself in as a single mom was less than ideal, but my family supported me and my new child. They were more than glad to be there for us. I don't know what I would have done had they not been there.
Anyway....my mom starts up the old Taurus and we didn't even make it out of the development before the car stalled.....in the intersection. She did get it stated again and we made our way to the hospital. Last Sunday I relayed all this story to my daughter..... With much greater detail. She wasn't too thrilled with the series of events that took place once we left the house, but it is what it is. Giving birth is not all sunshine and rainbows. We finally got to the hospital and the ER personnel told us to head to the 4th floor. My mom is deathly afraid of elevators and was upset no one escorted a laboring young girl to the maternity floor. Her worst fear, at that time, was that we would be stuck in the elevator and I had to push and she have to deliver the baby.....oh my she worries too much. She got calm when the doors opened to our destination. The nurses helped get me settled.
Looking back on all that happened......the car, the pain, the labor room, the delivery room, the recovery room, the blood, the pushing (for 2 hours), the anxiety, and the relief of 14 hours later getting to see and meet this little life that was nurtured inside of me......what a time of emotion. All that feeling dissipates when you hold that little helpless life in your arms for the first time. This little girl was totally dependent on me. I was responsible for her well being and it wasn't about me anymore. She had to be my priority. I knew when I held her the first time I would go to the lengths of the earth to make sure she was safe and secure. I would do what I needed to to support us. I would take care of her the best I could. I would need help of course and with my family, I had plenty of support.
As soon as she was born and cleaned up, I got to hold her. I counted all her fingers and toes. All 20 were there. She had black hair and was 7lb 15oz. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and she was mine. Yes.....all I went through was worth it just to hold her and cuddle her (which as she grew she didn't like to do too often), but as a baby she would lay with me and I could cuddle her all I
wanted. She didn't know any better. She enjoyed being with me and I with her.
Truth be known I was scared. Scared of everything......would I be a good mom? Would I love her enough? Would she like me? Would I have enough to support her on my own? Would she be proud of me as her mom? Would she question what I did? Would she wonder about life? Would I be able to answer her questions? These things ran through my head......but one thing I did learn. I had to take one day at a time and each situation as it came. That's how I still live today. I don't get to carried away with what will happen tomorrow. I trust that God knows how to get me through today. My only regret is that back when I felt so alone with this little baby of mine, I didn't have Jesus. Had I had him, I would have been much better. My fears would have been nonsense......but we can't go back. I can only look forward and know that all things work for the good for those who love Him. I am thankful our God chose to give me this little girl that cold December day. She has taught me so much over the years. She truly is a blessing and will always be loved and cherished as long as I live. I love you Ashley......even though it took 2 days to name you......I love you more than you could ever imagine. Happy 23rd birthday to you! ❤️❤️
Monday, December 12, 2016
Advice
I took the advice from one of the leaders in my church as far as how and what to study in the Bible. I have learned that the Old Testament doesn't go in chronological order. This is a whole other discussion, but I had a question one day on Nehemiah. I don't know much about this guy except he was a prophet and was wanting to rebuild the walls so the exiled Israelites could return. So I called my friend and asked my questions about this book. He told me I would benefit from the chronological Bible. This Bible does not go in the traditional order of the Bible, but takes the Word and puts it in order by dates.
So here's what I learned so far......
- Genesis 1:29.....Let US make man in OUR image in OUR likeness......this is referring to the Trinity. (Emphasis mine) the Trinity is present here and is responsible for all creation, including man and woman.
- Genesis 1:31.....God saw ALL that he had made and it was very good......ALL (emphasis mine) is referring to all. Everything God made is from Him. We can take no credit for anything done or used on this earth. Trace back the vocation of any item and you will see man can take no credit for making anything. Man is incapable of making anything from nothing. Only God can do that.....and he did. 👍🏼
- Genesis 3:15.......this is the very first prophecy of Jesus.
- God chose Noah in chapter 6:8. Noah was obedient in building the ark regardless of what other people said. There had been no rain on the earth up until this time......yet since God chose Noah, he obeyed in 6:22.
- The ark is a forshadow of Christ. The ark save Noah......Jesus saves us.
- the first 3 Patriarchs are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- the most interesting thing I've found is this......Noah had 3 sons. Once the ark landed they (all 8 people who were in the ark) had to repopulate the earth. His son Shem had the bloodline to Abraham who later down the line came Jesus! There are many many others in the line, but I found this fascinating that we can go back and trace Jesus to the rebuilding of the human race......which all came from Adam, of course.
This Bible is really nice in that it gives a lot of historical facts with the scriptures. I'm taking my time
with it all so I can ponder it for awhile. I am glad my leader encouraged me to read this way.
So here's what I learned so far......
- Genesis 1:29.....Let US make man in OUR image in OUR likeness......this is referring to the Trinity. (Emphasis mine) the Trinity is present here and is responsible for all creation, including man and woman.
- Genesis 1:31.....God saw ALL that he had made and it was very good......ALL (emphasis mine) is referring to all. Everything God made is from Him. We can take no credit for anything done or used on this earth. Trace back the vocation of any item and you will see man can take no credit for making anything. Man is incapable of making anything from nothing. Only God can do that.....and he did. 👍🏼
- Genesis 3:15.......this is the very first prophecy of Jesus.
- God chose Noah in chapter 6:8. Noah was obedient in building the ark regardless of what other people said. There had been no rain on the earth up until this time......yet since God chose Noah, he obeyed in 6:22.
- The ark is a forshadow of Christ. The ark save Noah......Jesus saves us.
- the first 3 Patriarchs are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- the most interesting thing I've found is this......Noah had 3 sons. Once the ark landed they (all 8 people who were in the ark) had to repopulate the earth. His son Shem had the bloodline to Abraham who later down the line came Jesus! There are many many others in the line, but I found this fascinating that we can go back and trace Jesus to the rebuilding of the human race......which all came from Adam, of course.
This Bible is really nice in that it gives a lot of historical facts with the scriptures. I'm taking my time
with it all so I can ponder it for awhile. I am glad my leader encouraged me to read this way.
Entitlement
What is entitlement? Basically, it's the idea that because of who someone is or what status they possess in society they have a right to something. That they are deserving of privileges or special treatment.
Some examples.......good and not so good......
I am entitled to my paycheck because I worked and put the time in to get it. One time, years ago, my paycheck was severely messed up. I was shorted a big chunk of money. Turns out there was a misunderstanding, but I had to wait until next paytime to get the money I was shorted. That wasn't fun. I had bills and not enough to pay that week......I was entitled to MY money, yet it wasn't available.
My husband and my kids are entitled to my time and energy......they deserve this because of who they are in my life. Not everyone in my life is entitled to me this way. When they have something to talk about, I make myself available to listen. They know they have access to me whenever they need me. They are entitled. They are allowed.
I work in a busy ER.....most people come to the ER because they have pain in some part of their body. I hear it all.....but when it comes to entitlement......chest pain is more severe and deserving of attention before dental pain. Pain in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen is more important than pain on your ear. You get the idea, but people will yell and cuss because they wait too long with a toothache or an ear ache. They feel entitled because they have pain. They feel they were there first and the pain they have is worthy of first class treatment. I'm not saying their pain needs to be dismissed, I'm saying the location and severity of pain or illness takes presidance over other pains and illnesses. This is hard to explain in the moment to someone. When we have pain normal reasoning goes out thr window.
When a loved one passes away, usually there is someone or some people they leave their belongings to. This makes them an heir to the estate of the loved one. This status makes them entitled. I guess where this could have a bad outcome is when someone who thought they were an heir, ended up not being one. It could cause a problem with the ones involved and left behind.
I guess what bothers me at times is when the entitlement becomes arrogance. I don't like arrogance in people. It's a trait that needs to be worked on. The opposite of arrogance is humility. When we claim to be Christians, our sense of entitlement to Jesus and eternity should never be looked at with arrogance. We need to be humble in realizing all our savior did for us and even though we are entitled, we still have to be good witnesses for Him while we live.
How are we entitled to Jesus?
Since we are His child......
We are entitled to talk to Him 24/7. We can call on Him at anytime. He will hear His children.
One day we will sit at His feet and worship Him in heaven.
One day we will be judged and given rewards for our treasures we stored in heaven just to return them to Him.
One day we will walk the streets of gold.
One day we won't feel pain or cry.
One day we will meet our Savior face to face.
One day we will see His nail scarred hands and feet.
One day we will live in a new earth.
All these things Christians are entitled to if we have come to Jesus for our salvation. Since we love Him more than anyone or anything else, we are entitled. That we can say with confidence.......not arrogance. Keep telling others thr gospel. Repent of wrongs. Get right with God and this entitlement is yours too!
I guess what bothers me at times is when the entitlement becomes arrogance. I don't like arrogance in people. It's a trait that needs to be worked on. The opposite of arrogance is humility. When we claim to be Christians, our sense of entitlement to Jesus and eternity should never be looked at with arrogance. We need to be humble in realizing all our savior did for us and even though we are entitled, we still have to be good witnesses for Him while we live.
How are we entitled to Jesus?
Since we are His child......
We are entitled to talk to Him 24/7. We can call on Him at anytime. He will hear His children.
One day we will sit at His feet and worship Him in heaven.
One day we will be judged and given rewards for our treasures we stored in heaven just to return them to Him.
One day we will walk the streets of gold.
One day we won't feel pain or cry.
One day we will meet our Savior face to face.
One day we will see His nail scarred hands and feet.
One day we will live in a new earth.
All these things Christians are entitled to if we have come to Jesus for our salvation. Since we love Him more than anyone or anything else, we are entitled. That we can say with confidence.......not arrogance. Keep telling others thr gospel. Repent of wrongs. Get right with God and this entitlement is yours too!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Events
Ever notice we go through our life referring to events as milestones. "I did that before I was married......I had this before my daughter was born.....we owned that car before we bought this house......we did that before so and so died". You get the idea. All our big events in this life revolve around a timeline of bigger events. A big event for our family was when all 9 of us went to Disneyworld!
I'm 2009, my parents, husband, kids, brother, niece, and I all went to Disney. This was a gift from my parents to us kids and grandkids. We planned for months. We decided to go for a whole week to this magical place. We planned to stay at a reasort verses a hotel.....get the meal plan verses cooking or eating off site......get the resort transportation verses renting a car......flew in a plane for 2 hours verses driving for 2 days. We planned and planned. Finally the day arrived to catch the plane and gooooooo! We were all so excited. I won't go into crazy details as when all our family gets together we just joke and laugh and have a great time. That week went so quick and we weren't ready to leave. When we got home all us kids and grandkids made a scrapbook of the trip for our parents as a "thank you". It's funny that this scrapbook holds a special place to me. Every time we visit them I look at it or bring it home to look at. My family knows I'm wacky so it's ok....haha.
While we were at Disney, my husband had symptoms of diabetes. We would sit down for a meal together and he would drink and drink and drink some more. His thirst couldn't get quenched and he was nauseous most of the time. (This is a red flag of high blood sugar) When we returned home from the trip he had testing done and found out that sure enough he had diabetes. When anyone asks when he was diagnosed with the disease, we can remember 2009 because of that trip and know just when he got his diagnosis. Big events help us remember things.
This got me thinking......the biggest most important event in our life should be the day we accepted Jesus. This is more important than a marriage, a birth, a trip, a death.....or whatever. Yes, these events are very important to us and we remember other things in our life based on them. The event of accepting Jesus has eternal benefits. While getting married is a major event and worthy to be remembered forever, it's not the same as our decision for Christ. We should look at life as "I did this before I knew Jesus".......or...."once I knew Jesus we did this or that". This should be the defining moment of any event in the timeline of our life. No other event can measure up. I think about Disney and how it's so amazing there.....and one day my husband and I intend to go back, but Disney doesn't compare at all to heaven. Disney fun is temporary.....heaven is for ETERNITY!!
I'm 2009, my parents, husband, kids, brother, niece, and I all went to Disney. This was a gift from my parents to us kids and grandkids. We planned for months. We decided to go for a whole week to this magical place. We planned to stay at a reasort verses a hotel.....get the meal plan verses cooking or eating off site......get the resort transportation verses renting a car......flew in a plane for 2 hours verses driving for 2 days. We planned and planned. Finally the day arrived to catch the plane and gooooooo! We were all so excited. I won't go into crazy details as when all our family gets together we just joke and laugh and have a great time. That week went so quick and we weren't ready to leave. When we got home all us kids and grandkids made a scrapbook of the trip for our parents as a "thank you". It's funny that this scrapbook holds a special place to me. Every time we visit them I look at it or bring it home to look at. My family knows I'm wacky so it's ok....haha.
While we were at Disney, my husband had symptoms of diabetes. We would sit down for a meal together and he would drink and drink and drink some more. His thirst couldn't get quenched and he was nauseous most of the time. (This is a red flag of high blood sugar) When we returned home from the trip he had testing done and found out that sure enough he had diabetes. When anyone asks when he was diagnosed with the disease, we can remember 2009 because of that trip and know just when he got his diagnosis. Big events help us remember things.
This got me thinking......the biggest most important event in our life should be the day we accepted Jesus. This is more important than a marriage, a birth, a trip, a death.....or whatever. Yes, these events are very important to us and we remember other things in our life based on them. The event of accepting Jesus has eternal benefits. While getting married is a major event and worthy to be remembered forever, it's not the same as our decision for Christ. We should look at life as "I did this before I knew Jesus".......or...."once I knew Jesus we did this or that". This should be the defining moment of any event in the timeline of our life. No other event can measure up. I think about Disney and how it's so amazing there.....and one day my husband and I intend to go back, but Disney doesn't compare at all to heaven. Disney fun is temporary.....heaven is for ETERNITY!!
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