16 I also noticed that throughout the world there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself "In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds."
18 Then I realized that God allows people to continue in their sinful ways so he can test them. That way, they can see for themselves that they are no better than animals. 19 For humans and animals both breathe the same air, and both die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place--the dust from which they came and to which they must return. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes upward and the spirit of animals goes downward into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why they are here! No one will bring them back from death to enjoy life in the future.
Ecclesiastes 3:16 - 22
This passage really struck me, Solomon tells us about the corruption in the court system, which is still true today! Our system of "Judgement" is not a perfect one, but god will be the final Judge on our lives and what we have done with them.
GOD is constantly giving us the opportunity to change our sinful life and to accept his gift of Salvation and Eternal Life with him!
The Bible makes it clear that the World will never be set right until Jesus Christ returns!
God, give me the strength and knowledge to make my own life right! To be healed of my past hurts so that I can be effective in helping others! I can only do these things through You!
Your daughter,
Beth
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A TIME FOR EVERYTHING
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time to war and a time to peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people then to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose in this is that people should fear him. Whatever exists today and whatever will exist in the future has already existed in the past. For God calls each event back in its turn.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (Life Recovery Bible)
This is one of my favorite passages. In reading it in the Life Recovery Bible, and reading the study notes, I really grasped it's true meaning.
God has given us all a purpose in life. It's not just about the beginning or the end, but everything in between. They phrase it as "A well orchestrated symphony for which God has written the music".
Our Goal should be to seek God's plan for our life and follow that plan. But instead of "desperately" seeking the meaning of life, we should "responsibly" enjoy what God has given us!
In the passage, the writer (teacher) tries to relay to us that we should spend less time and energy trying to make sense of everything and more time enjoying life, but understand that God is in total Control. Likewise, we should show him respect for what he has provided us.
God,
Help me to live each day in your word and to come to the understanding of what your plan for my life is!
Father I praise you for every aspect of my life, both good and bad. For through all these experiences it has made me who I am today. I know that you will use my past to help me and those around me in the future! For you turn all things to good. No matter how little or how much I have, it is all yours! I pray that I can be a living proof of your love so that others can come to know you!
Your daughter,
Beth
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time to war and a time to peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people then to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose in this is that people should fear him. Whatever exists today and whatever will exist in the future has already existed in the past. For God calls each event back in its turn.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (Life Recovery Bible)
This is one of my favorite passages. In reading it in the Life Recovery Bible, and reading the study notes, I really grasped it's true meaning.
God has given us all a purpose in life. It's not just about the beginning or the end, but everything in between. They phrase it as "A well orchestrated symphony for which God has written the music".
Our Goal should be to seek God's plan for our life and follow that plan. But instead of "desperately" seeking the meaning of life, we should "responsibly" enjoy what God has given us!
In the passage, the writer (teacher) tries to relay to us that we should spend less time and energy trying to make sense of everything and more time enjoying life, but understand that God is in total Control. Likewise, we should show him respect for what he has provided us.
God,
Help me to live each day in your word and to come to the understanding of what your plan for my life is!
Father I praise you for every aspect of my life, both good and bad. For through all these experiences it has made me who I am today. I know that you will use my past to help me and those around me in the future! For you turn all things to good. No matter how little or how much I have, it is all yours! I pray that I can be a living proof of your love so that others can come to know you!
Your daughter,
Beth
Sunday, September 19, 2010
A NEW BEGINNING!
Well it was an Awesome day of Worship and a new day for Christ Fellowship! Our very first service as "Christ Fellowship" and our first with Pastor Bruce Moore! I have to say that there is definitely an excitement in the air!
I am not one who is good with change, but I am certainly going to give it a try! In many ways!
I am trying to change my attitude and hoping that everything else will fall into place for me. It is a real struggle, as I am dealing with a lot of issues...but I know that if I take that first step toward reaching to GOD first, that I will make it. (Baby steps).
Our Message today was one that God spoke to my heart! Thank you Bruce for being the deliverer of that Great message! Definitely where I needed to start today!
God has an assignment in life for each and every one of us! Its important for people to see us fulfilling that assignment! God thinks our lives are pretty significant! WOW! Such simple things that I know, but just needed to hear again!
God has Unconditional Love and Compassion for us and we are to show that Love and Compassion to others! We are to Fulfill the NEED OF THE MOMENT! Another WOW! It just hit home again today! All things I have been living, but things that I can do Oh So much Better!!!
In the past i have been rejected, hurt, made fun of, harassed, and experienced Great Loss! Oh my, this really hit my heart strings!!! To acknowledge all that and push past it so that God can use me to fulfill his purpose in my life! Yes, something again I know in my mind, but maybe have just been letting some of that hurt sit in the way!!! When I am weak, HE IS STRONG!
God,
Please give me the Strength, Courage and Grace to be strong in YOU! Help me to be more tolerant of others, more so than I would have them be of me! God, help me to fulfill the assignment you want for my life! Let me be open to the Needs of the Moment so that I can find that purpose! Help me to be courageous in being open to others about what you have done in my life so that they might come to know you!
Your Daughter,
Beth
I am not one who is good with change, but I am certainly going to give it a try! In many ways!
I am trying to change my attitude and hoping that everything else will fall into place for me. It is a real struggle, as I am dealing with a lot of issues...but I know that if I take that first step toward reaching to GOD first, that I will make it. (Baby steps).
Our Message today was one that God spoke to my heart! Thank you Bruce for being the deliverer of that Great message! Definitely where I needed to start today!
God has an assignment in life for each and every one of us! Its important for people to see us fulfilling that assignment! God thinks our lives are pretty significant! WOW! Such simple things that I know, but just needed to hear again!
God has Unconditional Love and Compassion for us and we are to show that Love and Compassion to others! We are to Fulfill the NEED OF THE MOMENT! Another WOW! It just hit home again today! All things I have been living, but things that I can do Oh So much Better!!!
In the past i have been rejected, hurt, made fun of, harassed, and experienced Great Loss! Oh my, this really hit my heart strings!!! To acknowledge all that and push past it so that God can use me to fulfill his purpose in my life! Yes, something again I know in my mind, but maybe have just been letting some of that hurt sit in the way!!! When I am weak, HE IS STRONG!
God,
Please give me the Strength, Courage and Grace to be strong in YOU! Help me to be more tolerant of others, more so than I would have them be of me! God, help me to fulfill the assignment you want for my life! Let me be open to the Needs of the Moment so that I can find that purpose! Help me to be courageous in being open to others about what you have done in my life so that they might come to know you!
Your Daughter,
Beth
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Tough Days
Mar 6, 2008 | 7:40 PM
Category: Faith
I catch myself gazing out my window in front of my desk. Its early morning and I should be getting into my work, but I can't concentrate. Instead, I open a can of "Monster" low carb energy drink because the first cup of coffee did absolutely nothing for me.
I want to close my eyes and Just SLEEP!!!!!!! I think I could fall into a deep coma right now if given the opportunity. My eyes are so heavy.
My gaze captures a bird sitting on the top of a weather vane perched high above the bank across the street. I am on the 8th floor and he is just above me. Its rather windy out already and there is a storm front starting to move through. But that bird is doing his best to keep his grip on that metal bar wobbling back and forth, daring not to let go.
I find it quite synonymous with the monotony I currently find myself in, which lately seems to be the story of my life. Trying to do all that I can to hang on and not give in, and to just not let go.
I find it quite ironic as well, that this weather vane has its' North, South, East and West all spinning in the wrong direction as if not knowing where to go. This too resembles the fact that my life seems to be spinning out of control and I have no SURE direction to turn. Any step that I take would simply be a guess. And I am so terribly horrified at making the wrong step in the wrong direction.
I worry about what others will think and don't really concern myself how it will affect me. When the only answer I really need to think about is that "GOD" is the only direction that I should be turning. But even now, for some reason, that has become a little confussing for me at times and I feel such a turmoil over it inside. I just want it all to STOP!!
Category: Faith
I catch myself gazing out my window in front of my desk. Its early morning and I should be getting into my work, but I can't concentrate. Instead, I open a can of "Monster" low carb energy drink because the first cup of coffee did absolutely nothing for me.
I want to close my eyes and Just SLEEP!!!!!!! I think I could fall into a deep coma right now if given the opportunity. My eyes are so heavy.
My gaze captures a bird sitting on the top of a weather vane perched high above the bank across the street. I am on the 8th floor and he is just above me. Its rather windy out already and there is a storm front starting to move through. But that bird is doing his best to keep his grip on that metal bar wobbling back and forth, daring not to let go.
I find it quite synonymous with the monotony I currently find myself in, which lately seems to be the story of my life. Trying to do all that I can to hang on and not give in, and to just not let go.
I find it quite ironic as well, that this weather vane has its' North, South, East and West all spinning in the wrong direction as if not knowing where to go. This too resembles the fact that my life seems to be spinning out of control and I have no SURE direction to turn. Any step that I take would simply be a guess. And I am so terribly horrified at making the wrong step in the wrong direction.
I worry about what others will think and don't really concern myself how it will affect me. When the only answer I really need to think about is that "GOD" is the only direction that I should be turning. But even now, for some reason, that has become a little confussing for me at times and I feel such a turmoil over it inside. I just want it all to STOP!!
God Heals
Mar 8, 2008 | 7:56 AM
Category: Faith
"Time has a way of healing all wounds" or so the expression goes. I find that to not be true. "GOD HEALS" ALL WOUNDS, but the timing is all HIS!!
Mostly I think GOD is waiting for us to learn something from each experiance we go through. Sometimes, it takes longer than others.
For me, this time, its been to sit and listen to GOD in whatever I'm doing. Some how, I managed to forget to JUST LISTEN!!! I also forgot to just sit back and Forget about "What Needs to be done", and listen to what my "Heart" and my "Body" is telling me. My mind was so scrambled I didn't know which way was up.
Thursday, I was very fortunate to have a loving brother (one of five) who took the time from his busy schedule to fix my car. Its what he does for a living (replaces windows, windshields, etc). Actually he retired, but is busier now than before. Blessed by God to have the work.
Anyway, while he was fixing my rear window and door lock, I took the time to be one with God. Got my fishing pole and tackle box out of my trunk and walked over to his pond. I did a lot of thinking, listening and felt cleansed. By GOD and his beautiful creation. I caught 3 brim, and 6 catfish and threw them back. (Fishing - sounds like another in depth topic for another day).
Later in the day I was watching a Movie about a woman with cancer she was very independant (like me) but wanting to share her life with someone (like me) and this male friend of hers, "GUY" , said something about her having to be "In control". Wow, what a thought (just like me). And then he asked her "How's that working for you?" ("DING").
Its not like I havn't heard that before. But I think that is what really made it stand out this time. I knew GOD was reaching out to me in this Movie. Everything I seemed to turn on the TV had the same effect. I eventually got off my duff and went into my junk room and started the Impossible task of sorting through things. I got quite a bit done! Have a stack of stuff for a Garage Sale. But still have a long way to go.
I managed to venture out to a doctors appointment, then to the store and bought a couple of organizers to work on the mounds of receipts and papers from the past year so that I can do my tax return.
The Main thing is.... I took the right step! I turned to GOD and listened to HIM and I am feeling a lot better for it. No, It doesn't make all my problems go away! But I have three people in one on my side, My Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! Something else "new" that I have learned about. Will share in the future.
I hope you'll join me on my exploration for the TRUTH in my life! We all have that same access. I invite FRIENDLY ECOURAGEMENT AND DISCUSSION ONLY!
I have had enough Rejection, abandonment and plain Ugliness in my life! Its not welcome here! I appreciate your Respect!
Category: Faith
"Time has a way of healing all wounds" or so the expression goes. I find that to not be true. "GOD HEALS" ALL WOUNDS, but the timing is all HIS!!
Mostly I think GOD is waiting for us to learn something from each experiance we go through. Sometimes, it takes longer than others.
For me, this time, its been to sit and listen to GOD in whatever I'm doing. Some how, I managed to forget to JUST LISTEN!!! I also forgot to just sit back and Forget about "What Needs to be done", and listen to what my "Heart" and my "Body" is telling me. My mind was so scrambled I didn't know which way was up.
Thursday, I was very fortunate to have a loving brother (one of five) who took the time from his busy schedule to fix my car. Its what he does for a living (replaces windows, windshields, etc). Actually he retired, but is busier now than before. Blessed by God to have the work.
Anyway, while he was fixing my rear window and door lock, I took the time to be one with God. Got my fishing pole and tackle box out of my trunk and walked over to his pond. I did a lot of thinking, listening and felt cleansed. By GOD and his beautiful creation. I caught 3 brim, and 6 catfish and threw them back. (Fishing - sounds like another in depth topic for another day).
Later in the day I was watching a Movie about a woman with cancer she was very independant (like me) but wanting to share her life with someone (like me) and this male friend of hers, "GUY" , said something about her having to be "In control". Wow, what a thought (just like me). And then he asked her "How's that working for you?" ("DING").
Its not like I havn't heard that before. But I think that is what really made it stand out this time. I knew GOD was reaching out to me in this Movie. Everything I seemed to turn on the TV had the same effect. I eventually got off my duff and went into my junk room and started the Impossible task of sorting through things. I got quite a bit done! Have a stack of stuff for a Garage Sale. But still have a long way to go.
I managed to venture out to a doctors appointment, then to the store and bought a couple of organizers to work on the mounds of receipts and papers from the past year so that I can do my tax return.
The Main thing is.... I took the right step! I turned to GOD and listened to HIM and I am feeling a lot better for it. No, It doesn't make all my problems go away! But I have three people in one on my side, My Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! Something else "new" that I have learned about. Will share in the future.
I hope you'll join me on my exploration for the TRUTH in my life! We all have that same access. I invite FRIENDLY ECOURAGEMENT AND DISCUSSION ONLY!
I have had enough Rejection, abandonment and plain Ugliness in my life! Its not welcome here! I appreciate your Respect!
Breezy Days
So, I'm sitting in my living room trying to work on my blog. Its breezy out! No its down right WINDY out there! But I don't mind the wind, especially when I am inside! Or... Sitting on a hot sandy beach soaking up the sun! But that can be dangerous for the likes of a redhead like me! Though its not stopped me before!
Speaking of Beaches.... Thats one of my favorite places to fish! As long as I can keep the images of "JAWS" out of my mind!!
So, its like today, have to focus on the positive!! Pray that GOD will take care of the Negative and that HE will make all things work out for the better!!!
Speaking of Beaches.... Thats one of my favorite places to fish! As long as I can keep the images of "JAWS" out of my mind!!
So, its like today, have to focus on the positive!! Pray that GOD will take care of the Negative and that HE will make all things work out for the better!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
A FEW WORDS OF CARING
AFTER A WHILE YOU LEARN
THAT LOVE DOESN'T MEAN LEANING,
THAT KISSES AREN'T CONTRACTS, AND PRESENTS AREN'T PROMISES....
AND YOU BEGIN TO ACCEPT DEFEATS
WITH YOUR HEAD UP AND YOUR EYES OPEN,
WITH THE GRACE OF A WOMAN, NOT THE GRIEF OF A CHILD.
SO YOU PLANT YOUR OWN GARDEN
AND DECORATE YOUR OWN SOUL,
INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BRING YOU FLOWERS.
AND YOU LEARN THAT YOU CAN ENDURE...
THAT YOU REALLY ARE STRONG
AND YOU REALLY DO HAVE WORTH,
AND THAT WITH EVERY NEW TOMORROW
COMES THE DAWN.
1984 HALLMARK CARDS INC
BETTER YET... I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST... HE WILL NOT LEAVE ME... HE WILL NOT FORSAKE ME...HE WILL MAKE ALL THINGS RIGHT!
THAT LOVE DOESN'T MEAN LEANING,
THAT KISSES AREN'T CONTRACTS, AND PRESENTS AREN'T PROMISES....
AND YOU BEGIN TO ACCEPT DEFEATS
WITH YOUR HEAD UP AND YOUR EYES OPEN,
WITH THE GRACE OF A WOMAN, NOT THE GRIEF OF A CHILD.
SO YOU PLANT YOUR OWN GARDEN
AND DECORATE YOUR OWN SOUL,
INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BRING YOU FLOWERS.
AND YOU LEARN THAT YOU CAN ENDURE...
THAT YOU REALLY ARE STRONG
AND YOU REALLY DO HAVE WORTH,
AND THAT WITH EVERY NEW TOMORROW
COMES THE DAWN.
1984 HALLMARK CARDS INC
BETTER YET... I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST... HE WILL NOT LEAVE ME... HE WILL NOT FORSAKE ME...HE WILL MAKE ALL THINGS RIGHT!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Spiritual Inventory
Oh No! Not that!,
Yep!
This week in what we affectionately call "CR" (Celebrate Recovery) we discussed
Principal 4:
Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. Happy are the pure in heart. Matthew 5:8a (TEV)
Step 4: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
This is probably the hardest Principal and Step of Recovery. For one, our Pride gets in the way and we don't want to admit that we have done wrong or that we are
weak. We are afraid to let others see who we really are. Afraid of disappointing others and not being liked. Some people have a hardened heart and don't have the ability to forgive, they hold bitterness deep inside.
We need to turn to GOD to HEAL and RESTORE us and not lean on someone else to save us!
We basically have three basic characters, that of the one we tell ourselves, the one we tell others and then the one we really are.
Satan's Lie is that our self worth is based on our performance and ability to please others.
Our Attitudes are based on our....
Relationships with Other People.
"Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don't bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One." Matthew 6:12-13
Our Priorities in Life
"He will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to." Matthew 6:33 LB
Your ability to Forgive
"Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort." Ephesians 4:31 GNB
Your Integrity
"Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before." Colossians 3:9 NCV
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Heavy Heart - Letting go is hard!
I wish I had more time to spend writing on my blog! More time to do many things! There just never seems to be enough time in the day. You have your mind set at doing one thing, then something else seems to come up and get in the way. For me, it never fails!! But, I have got to do something to get myself better organized.
I think to start, I have to get myself back in good mental condition. This past week has not been a good one for me as far as Friendships are concerned. Friendships and Work don't seem to go together well. Especially when you work closely in the same office and you both have very strong personalities, and when one has a personal relationship with Christ and one does not.
What was once a really good friendship no longer exists. Not because I want it that way, but because they want it that way. They don't know the true meaning of forgiveness because they hold on to bitterness and anger in their heart. And it is not necessary. Unfortunately this person also told me that they were tired of this "religious phase" of mine, that they know who and what I am really like. Boy if that wasn't a knife in the heart. Not because there is any trueth to it, but because this person was once a friend and I truly love and care about this person and her family. I was crushed. This person has NO CLUE!!!! BUT, I know the only thing I can do is to continue to pray for this person. Pray that God will break through her rock hard heart and she will find her way to the Lord.
I think this might also be the case with the other person. They seem to know the Lord, but I question if they really have a personal relationship with him. I don't think they realize what they do to the people around them. I don't think they really care. Again, all I can do is pray for them and move on with my life! It would be detrimental for me to continue to try and work on these relationships. I know that I need to cut my loses and move on, but it doesn't hurt any less.
Well, that is about all I want to say right now! Maybe I can get some sleep now! It has been a rough week and a really rough day! I am off to read some scripture and hopefully get some sound sleep with the few hours that are left.
Beth
I think to start, I have to get myself back in good mental condition. This past week has not been a good one for me as far as Friendships are concerned. Friendships and Work don't seem to go together well. Especially when you work closely in the same office and you both have very strong personalities, and when one has a personal relationship with Christ and one does not.
What was once a really good friendship no longer exists. Not because I want it that way, but because they want it that way. They don't know the true meaning of forgiveness because they hold on to bitterness and anger in their heart. And it is not necessary. Unfortunately this person also told me that they were tired of this "religious phase" of mine, that they know who and what I am really like. Boy if that wasn't a knife in the heart. Not because there is any trueth to it, but because this person was once a friend and I truly love and care about this person and her family. I was crushed. This person has NO CLUE!!!! BUT, I know the only thing I can do is to continue to pray for this person. Pray that God will break through her rock hard heart and she will find her way to the Lord.
I think this might also be the case with the other person. They seem to know the Lord, but I question if they really have a personal relationship with him. I don't think they realize what they do to the people around them. I don't think they really care. Again, all I can do is pray for them and move on with my life! It would be detrimental for me to continue to try and work on these relationships. I know that I need to cut my loses and move on, but it doesn't hurt any less.
Well, that is about all I want to say right now! Maybe I can get some sleep now! It has been a rough week and a really rough day! I am off to read some scripture and hopefully get some sound sleep with the few hours that are left.
Beth
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