Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Reach Out: Why so Complicated?
Reach Out: Why so Complicated?: "Why do we complicate something that Jesus intended to be so straight forward that a child could understand? Last night I listened to a mess..."
Why so Complicated?
Why do we complicate something that Jesus intended to be so straight forward that a child could understand? Last night I listened to a message/sermon by a minister/pastor that I have known for many years and after hearing the message I was left thinking 'man if I wasn't a born again Christian I definitely wouldn't become one after listening to that message!!' So complicated, so may things we have to live up to, so much we should do and shouldn't do. It left me wondering, is that the way non-believers view Christianity?? I don't know but I am sure sermons like that don't help the cause any!
If we read through the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, Jesus presents the love of God in such a way that even a child can understand. And some of my new favorite Pastors that I listen to each Sunday online do the same thing!! I watched a service from Thomas Road Baptist Church on Sunday morning and after the sermon was given I saw about 5 children go forward to receive Christ as their Savior. That's what its all about!!
When we read the story of the crucificxtion the thief that was hanging on the cross next to Jesus who asked for forgiveness was forgiven immediately. "Today you will be with me in paradise" was Jesus words to him.
Sometimes I think we can get so deep into theology that we loose sight of what matters. Now remember I did a Major in Religious Studies at MUN so I know a lot of the complex nature of how the bible came to be the book we read today... I don't tend to think shouting at people and saying they are stupid and blind will win them over to Salvation very fast lol. At least it doesn't do much for me.
I am also thankful that no where in the Bible does it say I have to memorize "x" number of bible verses in order to make it into heaven. While I can recite many verses, ask me to say the book chapter and verse number and most times I can not. It doesn't make me any better or worse a Christian than someone that can rhyme off chapter and verse number and it doesn't mean that I don't consider it important to memorize scripture. I am just one of those people that know verses and may even know the book they are found in but that's about it. But really when it comes down to it when I am afraid, lonely or sad, or needing some words to encourage myself or a friend its not the book, chapter and verse number its the words contained in that verse that matter the most. And so I may have to look up online to find the correct reference but that's ok.
I am so thankful today that the Gospel message is meant for everyone to understand. Its not about who can do the most good, who can behave the best, but its about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
When Jesus died on the Cross He died so that whoever calls on His name will be saved. If you believe in your heart that Jesus died on the Cross for your sins, that 3 days later he rose again and that now he is in heaven and will one day return to earth. If you admit that you have sinned - done things that are wrong that are not pleasing to him - if you ask Him to forgive your sins He will. That's the Gospel message in a nutshell.
If you want to know more about the 'Plan of Salvation' I encourage you to start with the Gospel of John. Find a translation of the bible you can understand - there are lots available online too - and begin reading so you can discover for yourself just how much Jesus loves you.
Its only as complicated as we choose to make it!!
God bless!!
If we read through the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, Jesus presents the love of God in such a way that even a child can understand. And some of my new favorite Pastors that I listen to each Sunday online do the same thing!! I watched a service from Thomas Road Baptist Church on Sunday morning and after the sermon was given I saw about 5 children go forward to receive Christ as their Savior. That's what its all about!!
When we read the story of the crucificxtion the thief that was hanging on the cross next to Jesus who asked for forgiveness was forgiven immediately. "Today you will be with me in paradise" was Jesus words to him.
Sometimes I think we can get so deep into theology that we loose sight of what matters. Now remember I did a Major in Religious Studies at MUN so I know a lot of the complex nature of how the bible came to be the book we read today... I don't tend to think shouting at people and saying they are stupid and blind will win them over to Salvation very fast lol. At least it doesn't do much for me.
I am also thankful that no where in the Bible does it say I have to memorize "x" number of bible verses in order to make it into heaven. While I can recite many verses, ask me to say the book chapter and verse number and most times I can not. It doesn't make me any better or worse a Christian than someone that can rhyme off chapter and verse number and it doesn't mean that I don't consider it important to memorize scripture. I am just one of those people that know verses and may even know the book they are found in but that's about it. But really when it comes down to it when I am afraid, lonely or sad, or needing some words to encourage myself or a friend its not the book, chapter and verse number its the words contained in that verse that matter the most. And so I may have to look up online to find the correct reference but that's ok.
I am so thankful today that the Gospel message is meant for everyone to understand. Its not about who can do the most good, who can behave the best, but its about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
When Jesus died on the Cross He died so that whoever calls on His name will be saved. If you believe in your heart that Jesus died on the Cross for your sins, that 3 days later he rose again and that now he is in heaven and will one day return to earth. If you admit that you have sinned - done things that are wrong that are not pleasing to him - if you ask Him to forgive your sins He will. That's the Gospel message in a nutshell.
If you want to know more about the 'Plan of Salvation' I encourage you to start with the Gospel of John. Find a translation of the bible you can understand - there are lots available online too - and begin reading so you can discover for yourself just how much Jesus loves you.
Its only as complicated as we choose to make it!!
God bless!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
We will Remember
A couple weeks ago I discovered an amazing song called “We Will Remember” by Tommy Walker. If you have never heard it before check it out on youtube. Here are the words to the song:
Chorus
We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
You’re our creator, our life sustainer
Deliverer, our comfort, our joy
Throughout the ages You’ve been our shelter
Our peace in the midst of the storm
With signs and wonders You’ve shown Your power
With precious blood You showed us Your grace
You’ve been our helper, our liberator
The giver of life with no end
[Chorus]
When we walk through life’s darkest valleys
We will look back at all You have done
And we will shout, our God is good
And He is the faithful One
Bridge
Hallelujah, hallelujah
To the one from whom all blessings flow
Hallelujah, hallelujah
To the one whose glory has been shown
[Chorus]
I still remember the day You saved me
The day I heard You call out my name
You said You loved me and would never leave me
And I’ve never been the same
[Chorus]
(inspired by Neh. 9:16, Ps. 77:11, 12)
Tommy Walker WeMobile Music ©2005 CCLI #4556277
The words of the last verse really spoke to me:
I still remember the day You saved me
The day I heard You call out my name
You said You loved me and would never leave me
And I’ve never been the same
“I still remember the day You saved me” I can not tell you the exact day or date because I was only 7 years old. But I do remember being enrolled as a Junior Soldier and reciting my Junior Soldier Pledge which at the time said something like this (I may not have it exactly word for word).
“Having asked God for forgiveness I will trust Him to keep me good because Jesus is my Saviour from sin I will be His loving and obedient child and will try to help others to follow Him. I promise to pray, read my bible and by His help to lead a life that is clean thought, word and deed. I also promise not to take intoxicating drinks, harmful drugs, and tobacco.”
I didn’t fully understand the importance of those words at the time, but what I did know was that Jesus was now my friend and Saviour and that He loved me and He lived in my heart.
As I grew older and graduated from Junior Soldiers to Corps cadets and then in May 1994 was enrolled as a Senior Soldier and the years since then through many changes, challenges and struggles the one thing that has been real and constant in my life has been and continues to be my faith in God. I can not imagine my life without the Lord and His daily presence!
Today I am so very thankful that as a child someone took the time to teach me about God and now I have the same opportunity to share with children that God loves them! What a wonderful privilege!
Do you remember that day Jesus saved you? If so why not share it with me or maybe with someone you know who needs to know about the saving power of Jesus and the difference He can make in their life.
And if you have never asked Jesus to be your Saviour and forgive your sins, or if you remember serving Him as a child but you since walked away, you can still come back to Him. He will forgive your sins all you have to do is ask Him!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Unexpected Blessings
Some of the greatest blessings I have received as a Youth Worker at church have often come at the most unexpected times. In teaching a Sunday school class of often hyper3 to 8 year olds one never really knows what to expect from one week to the next. Some classes go by pretty smoothly and other time I am left wondering if I have any hair left in my head!!
A good example of the 'unexpected' blessings occurred today. On Wednesday afternoon I had a short after school practice with the children to go over their Parts and hand bells songs for this morning. The children were hyper and it left me to wonder how things would turn out on Sunday morning when they stood before the congregation. Well of course as I am sure you can guess, the children all did wonderful during the service - said their Parts and played the Bells without any mishap. That in itself was a blessing but not the 'unexpected' blessing of the morning....
After the children did their Parts we sang the song 'Jesus loves me' 3 of the children decided they wanted to sing the chorus at the mic up by the pulpit. To hear those little voices singing "Yes Jesus loves me the bible tells me so" made up for all the headaches and frustrations. What a wonderful reminder of why I do what I do!! I don't teach Sunday school because I have to... as in I feel obligated or because I am bored on Sunday afternoon and have nothing else to do. I do it because I HAVE to, because children need to know that Jesus does love them and that the Bible tells them about His love! I do it because I am called by God to teach them. Its not always easy and there are lots of challenges along the way but I wouldn't trade it for anything!!
So that was my 'unexpected' blessing today. Did you have an 'unexpected' blessing today? Why not share it with me either in a comment or send it to my inbox.
God bless!!
A good example of the 'unexpected' blessings occurred today. On Wednesday afternoon I had a short after school practice with the children to go over their Parts and hand bells songs for this morning. The children were hyper and it left me to wonder how things would turn out on Sunday morning when they stood before the congregation. Well of course as I am sure you can guess, the children all did wonderful during the service - said their Parts and played the Bells without any mishap. That in itself was a blessing but not the 'unexpected' blessing of the morning....
After the children did their Parts we sang the song 'Jesus loves me' 3 of the children decided they wanted to sing the chorus at the mic up by the pulpit. To hear those little voices singing "Yes Jesus loves me the bible tells me so" made up for all the headaches and frustrations. What a wonderful reminder of why I do what I do!! I don't teach Sunday school because I have to... as in I feel obligated or because I am bored on Sunday afternoon and have nothing else to do. I do it because I HAVE to, because children need to know that Jesus does love them and that the Bible tells them about His love! I do it because I am called by God to teach them. Its not always easy and there are lots of challenges along the way but I wouldn't trade it for anything!!
So that was my 'unexpected' blessing today. Did you have an 'unexpected' blessing today? Why not share it with me either in a comment or send it to my inbox.
God bless!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Real Meaning of Easter
At Christmas time we often hear of people talking about the ‘real’ meaning of Christmas. We see slogans like “Keep Christ in Christmas” & “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”. This is done so that children and adults will remember that Christmas is not just about Santa, gifts and decorations but we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus.
Have you noticed though we do not have the same slogans for Easter. There is no - Jesus is the Reason for the Easter Season, or Keep the Empty Tomb in Easter. Why is that? Is it because we figure that everyone knows the ‘real’ meaning of Easter? Is it because the Easter Bunny doesn’t get as much focus as Santa so we figure the children know that there is more to Easter than the bunny? Or have we taken it for granted that people know the real meaning behind Good Friday and Easter Sunday because of all the Holy week services?
A couple Sundays ago I had the opportunity to talk with my Sunday school class about Easter. Several of the children are 4 years old, one was 6 and the other 7 I was curious to know their thoughts and ideas about Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Why do we as a church celebrate Easter? What happened on Good Friday? Aside from the Easter bunny what happens on Easter Sunday morning? I was a little shocked and saddened to discover that the children who were there that day did not know what happened on Good Friday and did not know much about Easter Sunday. It was an eye opening time for me.
We take it for granted I think that because we know about the Cross and the empty tomb that the children know it as well. But many of them don’t. And for many they will grow up never really knowing the ‘real’ meaning of Easter. Sadly our faith in God is not something that we can just pass on to our families. They have to learn about Him themselves. But if we don’t teach them how will they know? If they never attend Sunday school or a church service how will they learn about God and His love for them? As adults who attended church as children we can make the educated choice on whether or not we want to now attend church, believe in God, etc. But what about the children who never attend a Sunday school or a church service? How will they choose when they have never been taught? I think those are important questions that we all need to think about and answer for ourselves in these days.
Whether you are single like me or have children or even grandchildren we all need to know and share the real meaning of Easter. Jesus loved each of us so much that He was willing to die on a cross, was buried, and rose again 3 days later. And that by believing that He died for our sins and asking His forgiveness we all may have eternal life.
May we share with our family and friends this Easter the ‘Real’ meaning of Easter! God bless!!
Have you noticed though we do not have the same slogans for Easter. There is no - Jesus is the Reason for the Easter Season, or Keep the Empty Tomb in Easter. Why is that? Is it because we figure that everyone knows the ‘real’ meaning of Easter? Is it because the Easter Bunny doesn’t get as much focus as Santa so we figure the children know that there is more to Easter than the bunny? Or have we taken it for granted that people know the real meaning behind Good Friday and Easter Sunday because of all the Holy week services?
A couple Sundays ago I had the opportunity to talk with my Sunday school class about Easter. Several of the children are 4 years old, one was 6 and the other 7 I was curious to know their thoughts and ideas about Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Why do we as a church celebrate Easter? What happened on Good Friday? Aside from the Easter bunny what happens on Easter Sunday morning? I was a little shocked and saddened to discover that the children who were there that day did not know what happened on Good Friday and did not know much about Easter Sunday. It was an eye opening time for me.
We take it for granted I think that because we know about the Cross and the empty tomb that the children know it as well. But many of them don’t. And for many they will grow up never really knowing the ‘real’ meaning of Easter. Sadly our faith in God is not something that we can just pass on to our families. They have to learn about Him themselves. But if we don’t teach them how will they know? If they never attend Sunday school or a church service how will they learn about God and His love for them? As adults who attended church as children we can make the educated choice on whether or not we want to now attend church, believe in God, etc. But what about the children who never attend a Sunday school or a church service? How will they choose when they have never been taught? I think those are important questions that we all need to think about and answer for ourselves in these days.
Whether you are single like me or have children or even grandchildren we all need to know and share the real meaning of Easter. Jesus loved each of us so much that He was willing to die on a cross, was buried, and rose again 3 days later. And that by believing that He died for our sins and asking His forgiveness we all may have eternal life.
May we share with our family and friends this Easter the ‘Real’ meaning of Easter! God bless!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Thought to Ponder
I remember when I was in University and whenever I would come home for summer vacation I always looked forward to seeing some of the Officers who would be home on vacation as well. One officer in particular at some point during the summer would ask me, "So Jennifer, how's your soul?" It was usually asked on a Sunday nite as we were waiting in the lobby to sake the officer's hand as we were heading out the door. My response was usually something like 'good' or 'great' or 'something along those lines... It wasn't a question that stirred a theological debate it was simple and straight to the point.
As I was thinking about this tonite I thought about how that simple question stayed with me through the years. This person didn't know the challenges I faced, the burdens I carried, how my week went, if I was close to God or walking far off... He just cared enough to ask 'How's your soul?' A simple but powerful witness!
Sometimes we feel we can't witness because we don't know what to say or how we would answer questions if asked. Why not try the question "How's your soul?" For someone who is struggling in their walk with God it may be the means of starting a conversation that could help bring them back on the right path. For someone who isn't a born again Christian it could be the means of explaining the gospel story and to a born again believer it could be a means of encouraging them in their journey of faith as they share what God is doing in their lives. The possibilities are endless!
So tonite I ask you, my friends who read my blog from time to time, how is your soul?
As I was thinking about this tonite I thought about how that simple question stayed with me through the years. This person didn't know the challenges I faced, the burdens I carried, how my week went, if I was close to God or walking far off... He just cared enough to ask 'How's your soul?' A simple but powerful witness!
Sometimes we feel we can't witness because we don't know what to say or how we would answer questions if asked. Why not try the question "How's your soul?" For someone who is struggling in their walk with God it may be the means of starting a conversation that could help bring them back on the right path. For someone who isn't a born again Christian it could be the means of explaining the gospel story and to a born again believer it could be a means of encouraging them in their journey of faith as they share what God is doing in their lives. The possibilities are endless!
So tonite I ask you, my friends who read my blog from time to time, how is your soul?
Saturday, February 27, 2010
How would we rate?
I don’t know how many who read my blogs have read the book of Revelation. It is the last book in the Bible. I am attending a Bible Study each week that is focusing on the book of Revelation. On Friday we looked at chapters 2 and 3. These chapters contain letters to seven churches. Some of the churches were described as ‘lukewarm’ others were suffering but encouraged to hold fast to what they believed, and others were told they needed to ‘shape up’ - repent and return to the Lord.
I can’t help but wonder, if someone were to write a letter today about my church and the churches in the area where I live what would the letters contain? Would we be seen as lukewarm? Or people who have forsaken the Lord and need to return to Him? Or would we be seen as persevering, holding steadfast to the gospel in spite of hardships and difficulties.
I am sure we would all like to think that we would fall into the third category - standing firm to the gospel. But I wonder, is that what Jesus sees when He looks at us? When we gather on a Sunday to worship Him and then how we live throughout the week are we ‘lights in the midst of darkness’? Or is our lights hidden and dimmed by the world in which we live?
What about your church? What do you think ‘John’ would say about the congregation at (fill in the name)? While we can not control what others say and do, we need to be sure that we are among those who are found faithful - standing firm, persevering, not swayed by the world but determined to live out our faith each and every day, not ‘lukewarm, sitting on the fence people.
I like how Paul describes it in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. Ephesians 6:10-21 (The Message Translation) says:
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Wonderful words of encouragement from Paul! Words that applied to the church in Ephesus in his day and apply to my church and your church today.
I can’t help but wonder, if someone were to write a letter today about my church and the churches in the area where I live what would the letters contain? Would we be seen as lukewarm? Or people who have forsaken the Lord and need to return to Him? Or would we be seen as persevering, holding steadfast to the gospel in spite of hardships and difficulties.
I am sure we would all like to think that we would fall into the third category - standing firm to the gospel. But I wonder, is that what Jesus sees when He looks at us? When we gather on a Sunday to worship Him and then how we live throughout the week are we ‘lights in the midst of darkness’? Or is our lights hidden and dimmed by the world in which we live?
What about your church? What do you think ‘John’ would say about the congregation at (fill in the name)? While we can not control what others say and do, we need to be sure that we are among those who are found faithful - standing firm, persevering, not swayed by the world but determined to live out our faith each and every day, not ‘lukewarm, sitting on the fence people.
I like how Paul describes it in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. Ephesians 6:10-21 (The Message Translation) says:
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Wonderful words of encouragement from Paul! Words that applied to the church in Ephesus in his day and apply to my church and your church today.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mission Statement for 2010
Last night I listened to a message by Pastor Jonathan Falwell online (I usually watch the services live online on Sundays but when I don't see them live I watch them later in the week as they are posted on the TRBC website at www.trbc.org.) At the beginning of his message Pastor Jonathan gave us a mission statement - not some big fancy church mission statement - but rather a personal mission statement, one that each of us can take and apply to our lives. The mission statement said,
Based on the following passage:
In 2010 and beyond, I will be ACTING RIGHT, STANDING STRONG, STANDING TOGETHER, FEARING NOTHING and ENDURING ANYTHING WITH THE ULTIMATE GOAL IN MIND of bringing glory to God!
Based on the following passage:
Philippians 1:27-30 (New International Version)
"27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Pastor Jonathan went on to explain how we each of those things can be possible in our lives. Now I was doing pretty good until he got to 'FEARING NOTHING'. My first thought was how is it possible? How can a person who has undergone panic attacks for several years fear nothing? Of course we all have fears and worries and concerns in our lives BUT I am learning every single day that God is GREATER than all those fears.
A couple verses came to my mind after I listened to Pastor Jonathan's sermon and they are verses that I have written down and am not just memorizing for the sake of memorizing scripture but I am memorizing them so that when I am afraid, when the old fears come and threaten to steal my peace and joy I will be able to stand firm on God's Word and in His strength.
The first verse is 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
- New Living Translation
The second one is Isaiah 41:10 and while many may know this verse from the NIV translation I decided to check out The Message translation and it says the following:
'Don't panic. I'm with you. There is no need to fear for I am your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.'
What wonderful words!! Amazing!! Those two verses are ones that I am claiming for my life because I know that 2010 will hold MANY challenging days! And I am so thankful that God has a firm grip on me and that when the fears come and threaten to steal my peace of mind I can think of these verses and remind myself that greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world!
Do you have a personal mission statement for 2010 and beyond? If not maybe you need to consider the mission statement that I quoted earlier. We will all face many challenges and struggles in 2010 and beyond but It is so much better to face those things with God... than without God.
God bless!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Jan 2009 / Jan 2010
I was looking at my blog today and my first post in January of last year which was the following....
January 2009 - A New Year...
Welcome to my first blog entry!
I decided to call this blog "Thoughts and Reflections" as the entries will contain my ramblings, rants and ponderings throughout the coming months.
As I reflect on 2008, my thoughts are clouded with many difficult and trying days. Challenging days at work, panic attacks that worsened with each passing day, and many tough decisions including quitting one of my part-time jobs because of the harsh working conditions I faced. 2008 held many diffcult days... but I thank the Lord that He gave me the strength and courage I needed to get through each one.
As I begin 2009, I am looking ahead to this new year with a sense of hope and anticipation. I believe that God has new and greater things in store for me. Yes, the panic attacks are still there, yes there are MANY challenges that lie ahead but I know that God is Faithful. I know that He is with me and that no matter the struggle I can "Do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
..........................................................................................................
When I think back to how frustrated and discouraged I was feeling last Jan compared to the peace and contentment i am feeling this Jan its amazing!!
Today I listened to the Dec 27th service from Thomas Road Baptist and the speaker Jonathan Falwell talked much about remaining faithful to God in spite of what we face, in spite of the challenges and struggles he reminded all of us that God will not let us down if we remain faithful to Him He will see us through.
I can truly testify to that! Over the past year and the years before that there were many days when the only thing I was sure of and the only thing that I could cling to was that I was certain that God would somehow bring me through....
And so I start Jan 2010 with hope and determination. I am confident that He who began a good work in me will see it to completion... And as I said in Jan 2009 I know that no matter the struggle I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
I know that my work with the youth at Jubilee is only the beginning of what God has in mind for me. I praise Him for His faithfulness and for leading me not in the way that I thought was best but in the way that HE KNEW was best for me.
I was reminded of these words today and they are my prayer as well:
I want dear Lord, a soul on fire for thee,
A soul baptized with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand
To do whate'er I know.
To spread thy light wherever I may go.
January 2009 - A New Year...
Welcome to my first blog entry!
I decided to call this blog "Thoughts and Reflections" as the entries will contain my ramblings, rants and ponderings throughout the coming months.
As I reflect on 2008, my thoughts are clouded with many difficult and trying days. Challenging days at work, panic attacks that worsened with each passing day, and many tough decisions including quitting one of my part-time jobs because of the harsh working conditions I faced. 2008 held many diffcult days... but I thank the Lord that He gave me the strength and courage I needed to get through each one.
As I begin 2009, I am looking ahead to this new year with a sense of hope and anticipation. I believe that God has new and greater things in store for me. Yes, the panic attacks are still there, yes there are MANY challenges that lie ahead but I know that God is Faithful. I know that He is with me and that no matter the struggle I can "Do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
..........................................................................................................
When I think back to how frustrated and discouraged I was feeling last Jan compared to the peace and contentment i am feeling this Jan its amazing!!
Today I listened to the Dec 27th service from Thomas Road Baptist and the speaker Jonathan Falwell talked much about remaining faithful to God in spite of what we face, in spite of the challenges and struggles he reminded all of us that God will not let us down if we remain faithful to Him He will see us through.
I can truly testify to that! Over the past year and the years before that there were many days when the only thing I was sure of and the only thing that I could cling to was that I was certain that God would somehow bring me through....
And so I start Jan 2010 with hope and determination. I am confident that He who began a good work in me will see it to completion... And as I said in Jan 2009 I know that no matter the struggle I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
I know that my work with the youth at Jubilee is only the beginning of what God has in mind for me. I praise Him for His faithfulness and for leading me not in the way that I thought was best but in the way that HE KNEW was best for me.
I was reminded of these words today and they are my prayer as well:
I want dear Lord, a soul on fire for thee,
A soul baptized with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand
To do whate'er I know.
To spread thy light wherever I may go.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Passion for Him in 2010
I listened to a service online tonite and the Pastor was talking about having a Passion for God, one of the catch phrases he used was: Passion for HIM in 2010. As this is the beginning of a new year and a new decade everyone seems to be hyped about the coming year and what it has in store. We look back over the past decade and recall the many happy and sad moments of our lives. We rejoiced as we welcomed the birth of a baby for a family member or friend, we cried as during times of sickness and loss.
What about spiritual issues? I don’t know about you but over the past few years I have seen a steady decline in church attendances in my community province and country. It seems that even 10 years ago attending church was more of a priority than it is now. Making sure that children attended Sunday school was on the top of the list. Attending Bible Study or Prayer meetings was of utmost importance and if someone wasn’t there you called wondering why not. What has happened?? Sadly it seems that many feel that church isn’t relevant to their lives today, they were ‘forced’ to go when they were children and now they refuse to attend or ‘make’ their children go.
While I can understand the reasoning, it means that there is a whole generation coming up who know less and less about Jesus! What so many are failing to realize is that at least they were able to make an educated choice - they went to church and decided of their own free will this was not something they wanted to do now. But for the children and young people who are never brought to church or Sunday school how will they be able to make an educated choice when they get older? Let me give you an example.
When I was in University I became friends with a girl named Michele. Michele was a praciticing Pagan - she was involved in Wicca. Michele over time explained to me how she became a Pagan. She grew up in a home where every so many months her mom would take her and her brothers to church, they would go a couple Sundays and then that would be all again for several months. She did have some friends who attended church and so she did go to Sunday school a few times but never learned much about the bible or God growing up. When she went to University she got interested in the New Age movement and became a practicing pagan. Yes, Michele believed that God existed and that Jesus was God’s Son but she did not believe that He was raised from the dead. Since finishing MUN in 1998 Michele and I have remained good friends and one day a couple years ago I had a letter from her telling me that she had converted to Christianity. She went on in the letter to explain about how she grew up not knowing much at all about God and Paganism seemed like a good choice but thankfully she came to realize that God did love her and through bible reading for a course she was doing she one night gave her heart to God. She went on to tell me how my quiet faith had impressed her. I didn’t try and hit her with the bible or tell her she was wrong I just led by example. It was my witness and the prayers of her grandmother that helped lead her to the Lord.
I tell this story because Michele is like so many that are growing up today. They are lost. They have no spiritual foundation and without a relationship with Jesus they are sinking fast into this world and all that is claims to offer.
When you think about 2010 and the decade that lies ahead what are you passionate about? Do you have a passion for God? A passion to win the lost for Him? For me my passion is for the youth of my area. When I think of the few who come to Sunday school and the many others who go no where my heart aches. At the beginning of 2010 I am not content to know that there are so many children who will never go inside a church door this year but rather will spend each and every weekend at sporting events or at the cabin. I am not content that this generation that is coming up is a generation that knows so little about God. And while I can not change everything and everyone I can reach ONE. The good news is if I reach one and you reach one and so on imagine what a difference we could make!?
Just like I reached my friend Michele there are people that you can reach. Maybe you can offer to give a child a ride to Sunday school or bring a neighbour to church with you, maybe you can offer to babysit so that a mom can attend a women’s group at church , etc. Or maybe your church needs helpers with Sunday school, greeters, ushers etc. Whatever it is let’s have a PASSION FOR HIM IN 2010!
My prayer is that this year and decade we will see a revival sweep our land. That the churches will be bursting at the doors with men and women, boys and girls once again. Is it just a dream? It is possible?? Of course it is possible! NOTHING is impossible with God! But this will only happen if you and I get Passionate about HIM. Revival must first of all take place in our own hearts and lives.
So again I ask, what are you passionate about in 2010? Are you passionate for God? Begin today by developing a love for Him and His Word and you will develop a passion for Him that will change your spiritual life and will change the lives of those around you.
Let’s be have a Passion for Him in 2010!
God Bless!!
What about spiritual issues? I don’t know about you but over the past few years I have seen a steady decline in church attendances in my community province and country. It seems that even 10 years ago attending church was more of a priority than it is now. Making sure that children attended Sunday school was on the top of the list. Attending Bible Study or Prayer meetings was of utmost importance and if someone wasn’t there you called wondering why not. What has happened?? Sadly it seems that many feel that church isn’t relevant to their lives today, they were ‘forced’ to go when they were children and now they refuse to attend or ‘make’ their children go.
While I can understand the reasoning, it means that there is a whole generation coming up who know less and less about Jesus! What so many are failing to realize is that at least they were able to make an educated choice - they went to church and decided of their own free will this was not something they wanted to do now. But for the children and young people who are never brought to church or Sunday school how will they be able to make an educated choice when they get older? Let me give you an example.
When I was in University I became friends with a girl named Michele. Michele was a praciticing Pagan - she was involved in Wicca. Michele over time explained to me how she became a Pagan. She grew up in a home where every so many months her mom would take her and her brothers to church, they would go a couple Sundays and then that would be all again for several months. She did have some friends who attended church and so she did go to Sunday school a few times but never learned much about the bible or God growing up. When she went to University she got interested in the New Age movement and became a practicing pagan. Yes, Michele believed that God existed and that Jesus was God’s Son but she did not believe that He was raised from the dead. Since finishing MUN in 1998 Michele and I have remained good friends and one day a couple years ago I had a letter from her telling me that she had converted to Christianity. She went on in the letter to explain about how she grew up not knowing much at all about God and Paganism seemed like a good choice but thankfully she came to realize that God did love her and through bible reading for a course she was doing she one night gave her heart to God. She went on to tell me how my quiet faith had impressed her. I didn’t try and hit her with the bible or tell her she was wrong I just led by example. It was my witness and the prayers of her grandmother that helped lead her to the Lord.
I tell this story because Michele is like so many that are growing up today. They are lost. They have no spiritual foundation and without a relationship with Jesus they are sinking fast into this world and all that is claims to offer.
When you think about 2010 and the decade that lies ahead what are you passionate about? Do you have a passion for God? A passion to win the lost for Him? For me my passion is for the youth of my area. When I think of the few who come to Sunday school and the many others who go no where my heart aches. At the beginning of 2010 I am not content to know that there are so many children who will never go inside a church door this year but rather will spend each and every weekend at sporting events or at the cabin. I am not content that this generation that is coming up is a generation that knows so little about God. And while I can not change everything and everyone I can reach ONE. The good news is if I reach one and you reach one and so on imagine what a difference we could make!?
Just like I reached my friend Michele there are people that you can reach. Maybe you can offer to give a child a ride to Sunday school or bring a neighbour to church with you, maybe you can offer to babysit so that a mom can attend a women’s group at church , etc. Or maybe your church needs helpers with Sunday school, greeters, ushers etc. Whatever it is let’s have a PASSION FOR HIM IN 2010!
My prayer is that this year and decade we will see a revival sweep our land. That the churches will be bursting at the doors with men and women, boys and girls once again. Is it just a dream? It is possible?? Of course it is possible! NOTHING is impossible with God! But this will only happen if you and I get Passionate about HIM. Revival must first of all take place in our own hearts and lives.
So again I ask, what are you passionate about in 2010? Are you passionate for God? Begin today by developing a love for Him and His Word and you will develop a passion for Him that will change your spiritual life and will change the lives of those around you.
Let’s be have a Passion for Him in 2010!
God Bless!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Farewell 2009!
2009 was a year of challenge and change for me. When I look back on my first blog in Jan 09 I was feeling very unsure of what the future held and what to do. One thing I knew though was that God had a plan and purpose for my life and that somehow He would begin a new work in me.
On Jan 8th I e-mailed Major Gerald Lacey to ask him what a ‘prayer concert’ was because he had posted on his FB status that the Springdale corps was having one and I had never heard of a ‘prayer concert’ before. He wrote back that day and offered to answer any questions I had anytime. Boy did I have questions!! Stressed out at church and having just quit one of my part-time jobs due to how I was treated in the workplace I had many more questions than answers. Over the course of the following months through many e-mails back and forth Major Gerald became a wonderful Christian mentor for me. I can truly say that he is a man of God. He took the time out of his busy schedule to pray for me, to offer words of encouragement and yes many words of challenge which was what I needed. He didn’t pretend to have all the answers, but he encouraged me to look at things in a new way which helped me to learn to trust in the Lord more - to release all my anxieties and frustrations into His hands - and it was through all of this that I realized that the Lord was leading me in a new direction...
In February, after much thought and prayer I joined the Jubilee Singers and then after many conversations with Rev Heather in April, I began teaching Sunday School and became a member of the Jubilee United Church congregation.
This church has always had a special place in my heart because my Pop Carter was very active as a Lay Minister there for many years. The first service I attended when I walked out and sat in the choir I could sense a peace and I had this inner feeling that Pop was smiling down on me.
Many months have passed and I have had lots of struggles and ups and downs but I am confident that the Lord has placed me at Jubilee because that is where He needs me to be. I absolutely love working with the youth and have made many new friends there. I give God the praise and glory for helping me to realize that He had something better in mind for me than all the stress and strain I was under.
I can’t begin to thank Major Gerald enough for taking the time to converse with me over the past year. Its not possible to put it in words but I know that it was truly God at work.
To all my family and friends who have been there for me to offer support and encouragement thank you all so much! It really does mean a lot! Its not possible to name everyone because I am sure to leave someone out just know that the e-mails, FB messages and chats, cards and phone calls have all been a wonderful source of encouragement and I am so blessed and thankful to have each of you in my life!
Last Dec/Jan I felt so lost and frustrated and didn’t really know what to be doing. This Dec/Jan I am looking ahead to 2010 with hope and excitement! I know there are so many challenges that I still face. Panic attacks don’t just magically disappear and I still have lots to work through with that each day but God is proving that His grace is sufficient to meet all my needs.
In 2009 I also joined Twitter and through Twitter I have come in contact with some amazing Christians who have inspired and encouraged me in my walk with God. I discovered Thomas Road Baptist Church - Pastor Jonathan Falwell and their AMAZING Worship leader Charles Billsingsley. Charles songs encourage and uplift and he is so genuine you can see the spirit of God shining thru him when he sings!
In 2010 I hope to finish my online course on Writing Children’s Books which I began last January. Lord willing I will get something published this year!! That is just one goal for 2010. I am looking forward to doing some substitute teaching and of course I am excited about my work with the youth at Jubilee. I know that God has great things in store for the youth of this area and I am thankful that He has chosen me to be a part of helping to spread His love to the children and adults that I come in contact with from week to week.
I conclude my final blog of 2009 with these verses which are not only fitting beginning a new year but are also very fitting for how I feel in these days and how the Lord has led me thru this past year.
Philippians 3:13-14 - The Message Translations says:
“I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.”
Farewell 2009 hello 2010!
God bless you all in 2010.
On Jan 8th I e-mailed Major Gerald Lacey to ask him what a ‘prayer concert’ was because he had posted on his FB status that the Springdale corps was having one and I had never heard of a ‘prayer concert’ before. He wrote back that day and offered to answer any questions I had anytime. Boy did I have questions!! Stressed out at church and having just quit one of my part-time jobs due to how I was treated in the workplace I had many more questions than answers. Over the course of the following months through many e-mails back and forth Major Gerald became a wonderful Christian mentor for me. I can truly say that he is a man of God. He took the time out of his busy schedule to pray for me, to offer words of encouragement and yes many words of challenge which was what I needed. He didn’t pretend to have all the answers, but he encouraged me to look at things in a new way which helped me to learn to trust in the Lord more - to release all my anxieties and frustrations into His hands - and it was through all of this that I realized that the Lord was leading me in a new direction...
In February, after much thought and prayer I joined the Jubilee Singers and then after many conversations with Rev Heather in April, I began teaching Sunday School and became a member of the Jubilee United Church congregation.
This church has always had a special place in my heart because my Pop Carter was very active as a Lay Minister there for many years. The first service I attended when I walked out and sat in the choir I could sense a peace and I had this inner feeling that Pop was smiling down on me.
Many months have passed and I have had lots of struggles and ups and downs but I am confident that the Lord has placed me at Jubilee because that is where He needs me to be. I absolutely love working with the youth and have made many new friends there. I give God the praise and glory for helping me to realize that He had something better in mind for me than all the stress and strain I was under.
I can’t begin to thank Major Gerald enough for taking the time to converse with me over the past year. Its not possible to put it in words but I know that it was truly God at work.
To all my family and friends who have been there for me to offer support and encouragement thank you all so much! It really does mean a lot! Its not possible to name everyone because I am sure to leave someone out just know that the e-mails, FB messages and chats, cards and phone calls have all been a wonderful source of encouragement and I am so blessed and thankful to have each of you in my life!
Last Dec/Jan I felt so lost and frustrated and didn’t really know what to be doing. This Dec/Jan I am looking ahead to 2010 with hope and excitement! I know there are so many challenges that I still face. Panic attacks don’t just magically disappear and I still have lots to work through with that each day but God is proving that His grace is sufficient to meet all my needs.
In 2009 I also joined Twitter and through Twitter I have come in contact with some amazing Christians who have inspired and encouraged me in my walk with God. I discovered Thomas Road Baptist Church - Pastor Jonathan Falwell and their AMAZING Worship leader Charles Billsingsley. Charles songs encourage and uplift and he is so genuine you can see the spirit of God shining thru him when he sings!
In 2010 I hope to finish my online course on Writing Children’s Books which I began last January. Lord willing I will get something published this year!! That is just one goal for 2010. I am looking forward to doing some substitute teaching and of course I am excited about my work with the youth at Jubilee. I know that God has great things in store for the youth of this area and I am thankful that He has chosen me to be a part of helping to spread His love to the children and adults that I come in contact with from week to week.
I conclude my final blog of 2009 with these verses which are not only fitting beginning a new year but are also very fitting for how I feel in these days and how the Lord has led me thru this past year.
Philippians 3:13-14 - The Message Translations says:
“I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.”
Farewell 2009 hello 2010!
God bless you all in 2010.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Has Christmas Lost its Meaning?
I am sure you have heard these sayings too or maybe you have even said 1 or more of them yourself: Sure there is nothing to Christmas anymore. Christmas is just for kids. Once Christmas day is over its all over.
Have we forgotten the real meaning of Christmas? The Babe who was born in the Manger did not disappear after Christmas day. In fact, it was just the beginning!! Jesus came to earth to bring hope peace, love and joy! Those things do not end when Christmas day was over!
Christmas day is the beginning! The beginning of Jesus life and ministry on earth. A ministry which eventually led Him to the Cross. So too, for us as Christians, Christmas day is not an ending! It’s the start of another wonderful opportunity to share with others the message of the gospel! God loved each of us so much that He was willing to send His one and only Son to earth so that if we believe in Him we can experience everlasting life! (Paraphrase of John 3:16). Now that is something to rejoice about! May we never be among those who say there is nothing to Christmas!
Have we forgotten the real meaning of Christmas? The Babe who was born in the Manger did not disappear after Christmas day. In fact, it was just the beginning!! Jesus came to earth to bring hope peace, love and joy! Those things do not end when Christmas day was over!
Christmas day is the beginning! The beginning of Jesus life and ministry on earth. A ministry which eventually led Him to the Cross. So too, for us as Christians, Christmas day is not an ending! It’s the start of another wonderful opportunity to share with others the message of the gospel! God loved each of us so much that He was willing to send His one and only Son to earth so that if we believe in Him we can experience everlasting life! (Paraphrase of John 3:16). Now that is something to rejoice about! May we never be among those who say there is nothing to Christmas!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Today's Reflection
I've been thinking a lot this Christmas about children who don't have the big fancy toys and gifts that many get on Christmas morning. It saddens me to think that there are children even in this town who woke up Christmas morning with very little. That's why things like the 'Happy Tree' are so important in helping to ensure that each child has at least one gift at Christmas.
We live in a culture where even the children are defined by what they wear and if they have a lap top or an XBOX or a Wii.... But my prayer is that for each child as they grow up that they will all realize the worth and value they have in God's eyes and that He loves each of them the same no matter what clothes they wear or games they own. That's why I love teaching Sunday school because for that hour each week those children are all on level ground - before the cross - and for that hour its about God's love and stories from the bible - the things that have eternal value!
Help us all to see people Lord not based on income or social status but help us see them thru Your eyes so that we can see the needs around us and reach out in Your Name so that others can see the love of God in action.
God bless!!
Jennifer
We live in a culture where even the children are defined by what they wear and if they have a lap top or an XBOX or a Wii.... But my prayer is that for each child as they grow up that they will all realize the worth and value they have in God's eyes and that He loves each of them the same no matter what clothes they wear or games they own. That's why I love teaching Sunday school because for that hour each week those children are all on level ground - before the cross - and for that hour its about God's love and stories from the bible - the things that have eternal value!
Help us all to see people Lord not based on income or social status but help us see them thru Your eyes so that we can see the needs around us and reach out in Your Name so that others can see the love of God in action.
God bless!!
Jennifer
Monday, December 7, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness
One great way to spread some cheer not only at Christmas but throughout the year is by doing random acts of kindness. We all have busy lives for many its work, family, church activities, etc and in the busyness its easy to loose perspective and forget that there are so many around us who could use a phone call from a friend, a card, an e-mail, a few cookies, a ride to the store, etc.
Today I was treated with a wonderful piece of cheesecake - given to me for my help weeding the books at Memorial Academy. That piece of cheesecake was not only tasty it made my day and helped to motivate me to pass on some kindness to someone else by sharing some homemade cookies.
It doesn't take much to make someone feel loved and appreciated! As we go through this busy Christmas season with the long lineups at the Stores remember to smile at your cashier and be patient! Your patience and understanding will make them feel better and will make the lineup seem less tiresome! After all, the Reason for the Season is Jesus and how better to show a little of His love than by displaying random acts of kindness!
Merry Christmas!
Today I was treated with a wonderful piece of cheesecake - given to me for my help weeding the books at Memorial Academy. That piece of cheesecake was not only tasty it made my day and helped to motivate me to pass on some kindness to someone else by sharing some homemade cookies.
It doesn't take much to make someone feel loved and appreciated! As we go through this busy Christmas season with the long lineups at the Stores remember to smile at your cashier and be patient! Your patience and understanding will make them feel better and will make the lineup seem less tiresome! After all, the Reason for the Season is Jesus and how better to show a little of His love than by displaying random acts of kindness!
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Christmas Thoughts & Year Reflections
I feel so extremely blessed this Christmas you don't realize how precious health is until it is taken from you. On Dec 2nd, 2008 I made the courageous decision to leave a job that was tearing apart my mental well being. I had come to a place where I was so mentally exhausted at work and at church that I literally collapsed under it all. Last Christmas is a blur to me. I vaguely remember the tree and wrapping some gifts but thats about it. I was off on stress leave from the Library and so there was no Christmas Story & Craft Time either.
Over the next few months I began a journey with the Lord's guidance that led me on a new path - singing with the Jubilee Singers and teaching Sunday School at Jubilee United.
I am also working on a course online writing children's books, became a sub Student Assistant, and went back to work at the Library in March....
Oh and most recently i broke off a long distance relationship that was not working for me.
I look back over the past year and I am just so thankful to the Lord for His presence in my life. For the days that I didnt have the strength to know what to do or say but I always knew His hand was upon me. In January, I came in contact with a wonderful man of God - Major Lacey - who encouraged me, challenged me, and most of all prayed for me and it was through those numerous emails that I began to see that God had a new plan and purpose for me and thats when I became involved with Jubilee United. I can not express in words the many blessings I have received since being a member of the choir and teaching Sunday School there! Its been simply amazing!
I remember the first sunday nite service that I sang in the choir and when we walked out and I sat on the pew I felt this overwhelming sense of knowing that I was exactly where God wanted and needed me to be. My Grandfather Carter was one of the founding members of that church and now I am carrying on what he began... There are still so many lives that need to be reached for the Kingdom of God! Still so much work to be done!
As I think about the coming busy weeks leading up to Christmas with practices, a special service next Sunday nite, a Sunday School concert on Dec 20th, a Christmas eve service, and thats just the church things! I am so blessed and thankful this Christmas to have the health and strength to be a part of all those things!! To be able to sing and share with adults and children the REAL Meaning of Christmas!! What a privilege! I am thankful tonite to be able to be able to say with assurance in my heart 'Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is well it is well with my soul!' Easy to have that assurance when life is good but its when you come thru the dark days with the Lord by ur side and you can walk out into the light knowing that it is well with ur soul that is a blessing! Thats faith at work!
Many people use the beginning of the New Year as a reflective time but for me Dec 2 marked an important day that has helped shaped this year in so many ways! I can not imagine what I would have done if I had stayed at that job ! I can't even imagine being at the other church now.... This Dec I have a peace that I did not have last year and for that I give God thanks and praise! I look ahead to the coming Christmas season and New Year with Joy and Excitement because I know that 'greater things are yet to come'! I still have lots of challenges and many tough days but I know who holds the future and I am trusting in His continued guidance and direction each step along the way!
Good nite and God bless and Merry Christmas to you all!!
Jennifer
Over the next few months I began a journey with the Lord's guidance that led me on a new path - singing with the Jubilee Singers and teaching Sunday School at Jubilee United.
I am also working on a course online writing children's books, became a sub Student Assistant, and went back to work at the Library in March....
Oh and most recently i broke off a long distance relationship that was not working for me.
I look back over the past year and I am just so thankful to the Lord for His presence in my life. For the days that I didnt have the strength to know what to do or say but I always knew His hand was upon me. In January, I came in contact with a wonderful man of God - Major Lacey - who encouraged me, challenged me, and most of all prayed for me and it was through those numerous emails that I began to see that God had a new plan and purpose for me and thats when I became involved with Jubilee United. I can not express in words the many blessings I have received since being a member of the choir and teaching Sunday School there! Its been simply amazing!
I remember the first sunday nite service that I sang in the choir and when we walked out and I sat on the pew I felt this overwhelming sense of knowing that I was exactly where God wanted and needed me to be. My Grandfather Carter was one of the founding members of that church and now I am carrying on what he began... There are still so many lives that need to be reached for the Kingdom of God! Still so much work to be done!
As I think about the coming busy weeks leading up to Christmas with practices, a special service next Sunday nite, a Sunday School concert on Dec 20th, a Christmas eve service, and thats just the church things! I am so blessed and thankful this Christmas to have the health and strength to be a part of all those things!! To be able to sing and share with adults and children the REAL Meaning of Christmas!! What a privilege! I am thankful tonite to be able to be able to say with assurance in my heart 'Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is well it is well with my soul!' Easy to have that assurance when life is good but its when you come thru the dark days with the Lord by ur side and you can walk out into the light knowing that it is well with ur soul that is a blessing! Thats faith at work!
Many people use the beginning of the New Year as a reflective time but for me Dec 2 marked an important day that has helped shaped this year in so many ways! I can not imagine what I would have done if I had stayed at that job ! I can't even imagine being at the other church now.... This Dec I have a peace that I did not have last year and for that I give God thanks and praise! I look ahead to the coming Christmas season and New Year with Joy and Excitement because I know that 'greater things are yet to come'! I still have lots of challenges and many tough days but I know who holds the future and I am trusting in His continued guidance and direction each step along the way!
Good nite and God bless and Merry Christmas to you all!!
Jennifer
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday School Begins!
Today was the first Sunday for Sunday School for the Fall/Winter. I had 15 in my Sunday School class today and 6 more on the list who were either sick or out of town! So that fgives me a class of 21 3 to 8 year olds so far! So its gonna be a big class but I am thrilled!!
There were some new children there today and one little boy looked at me and said 'this is my first time coming to church' he has just started kindergarten... What a blessing! To reach one child for Christ is such a previlege and a honour!! It is exciting and challenging but I know that the Lord who has called me for this task will equip me and so I am continuing to trust in His direction.
Last nite I went over and set up the table and chairs and I put out 15 chairs in the semi-circle and that was more than was on my list from last year because last year I had 11. Before I left I stood in the hall and prayed for each child whose name was on my attendance tree and for the children that i had sent home notes to telling them about Sunday School. I prayed that the Lord would fill those 15 chairs today and HE DID! When I saw kids coming in that had come to VBS this summer and now want to be a part of Sunday school I was so happy! And then to see new children coming who have never been to a sunday school or vbs before! It was well beyond words to describe really...
I am praying for 'greater things' because I know that this is only the beginning of what the Lord wants to do in the lives of the young people of my town and I aam humbled that He has chosen me to tell these children about His love!! WOW!
When I think about those who the Lord has used me to reach and the many others who are still out there that still need to know that there is a Sunday School and that there is a God who loves them I am excited and feel so blessed that the Lord would use me for such a task! Some people see an old Hall in need of repairs and an aging congregation but I see the potential! I see the Hall redone and filled with children and young people and their families! And if that is what I can see imagine what God can see?? Greater things are still to be done!!
Can't wait to see what God has in store for next Sunday afternoon!
There were some new children there today and one little boy looked at me and said 'this is my first time coming to church' he has just started kindergarten... What a blessing! To reach one child for Christ is such a previlege and a honour!! It is exciting and challenging but I know that the Lord who has called me for this task will equip me and so I am continuing to trust in His direction.
Last nite I went over and set up the table and chairs and I put out 15 chairs in the semi-circle and that was more than was on my list from last year because last year I had 11. Before I left I stood in the hall and prayed for each child whose name was on my attendance tree and for the children that i had sent home notes to telling them about Sunday School. I prayed that the Lord would fill those 15 chairs today and HE DID! When I saw kids coming in that had come to VBS this summer and now want to be a part of Sunday school I was so happy! And then to see new children coming who have never been to a sunday school or vbs before! It was well beyond words to describe really...
I am praying for 'greater things' because I know that this is only the beginning of what the Lord wants to do in the lives of the young people of my town and I aam humbled that He has chosen me to tell these children about His love!! WOW!
When I think about those who the Lord has used me to reach and the many others who are still out there that still need to know that there is a Sunday School and that there is a God who loves them I am excited and feel so blessed that the Lord would use me for such a task! Some people see an old Hall in need of repairs and an aging congregation but I see the potential! I see the Hall redone and filled with children and young people and their families! And if that is what I can see imagine what God can see?? Greater things are still to be done!!
Can't wait to see what God has in store for next Sunday afternoon!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Blogging
I am definitely not the world's most consistent blogger. I try and blog more often but I sit here thinking of what I want to say and after a few lines I usually scrap it and move on to something else.
Blogging I have discovered takes time and patience. It involves me actually sitting at the computer and putting some thoughts together which in itself is a challenge as often my thoughts are all over the place - did I change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, did I remember to give dad his pills supper time, did I answer my e-mails, etc etc.
In thinking about my challenge in blogging it also reminded me about my devotion and quiet time with God. It is so difficult with so many stresses and distractions to often find that true quiet time with God... a time when I can actually pause from the demands of the day and just focus on Him. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I often go to that verse when I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because it always reminds me to focus on what matters most - God!
May you find time in your busy day to 'be still and know that He is God'.
Blessings!
Blogging I have discovered takes time and patience. It involves me actually sitting at the computer and putting some thoughts together which in itself is a challenge as often my thoughts are all over the place - did I change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, did I remember to give dad his pills supper time, did I answer my e-mails, etc etc.
In thinking about my challenge in blogging it also reminded me about my devotion and quiet time with God. It is so difficult with so many stresses and distractions to often find that true quiet time with God... a time when I can actually pause from the demands of the day and just focus on Him. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I often go to that verse when I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because it always reminds me to focus on what matters most - God!
May you find time in your busy day to 'be still and know that He is God'.
Blessings!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
What Twitter is Teaching Me
For those who read my Blog and do not use Twitter or know what its all about Twitter is a great way of connecting with people who share similar ideas from all over. Its quicker than Facebook in that it doesn't use such a long profile and its simply status updates and DMs - Direct Messages. Its simiilar to Facebook is that you choose who you want to follow and who follows you...
Anyways, I started using Twitter because of Ernie Hasse, Wes Hampton, Michael English & Mark Lowry. Twitter became a great way to connect with some of my favorite singers and get various updates on the day to day happenings in their lives... As I became more familiar with Twitter, I added more people to my follow list and more people began following me...
One thing I love about Twitter is that I have 'met' so many Christian Pastors, Church Planters, etc. It is awesome to chat with these guys and hear what God is doing in their lives and the lives of the churches they are a part of!
I have also 'met' lots of great Christians who are so encouraging and inspiring!! Its so cool to share morning 'twivotions' with Pastors and Christians from the US and Canada! Its awesome to chat about what God is doing in our lives each day! Its also great to know that there is now this whole network of people out there who will pray for me when I having a bad day and who I can pray for as well.
Twitter has allowed me to chat and connect with some wonderful people or as we say on Twitter 'tweeple'. When you see live video feeds from the churches and you hear the sermons and know how God is moving in the hearts and lives of people all across Canada and the US its encouraging!!
It has also made me realize - well not that I didn't realize it before but it has openned my eyes more - to what being the 'Church of God' is all about. Living in a small town in Newfoundland we very 'traditional' in our denominations. You don't hear a lot - although I do know of some - church planting in Newfoundland as a whole. But no matter whether we are non-denominational, RC, Anglican, Pentecostal, UC, or SA, etc we are all a part of the body of Christ and we are all a part of the 'church of God'. So often people become so focused on the 'buildings' that they worship in that they forget that its the 'people' that make up the church! The building itself is made of wood, steel, glass, etc and while it is a Holy place because it is where we gather to worship thats what gives the building purpose and meaning...
I am thankful for my tweeps for reminding me of this over the past weeks and for their prayers as I continue the Fall working with the youth at the Church which God has placed me.
Anyways, I started using Twitter because of Ernie Hasse, Wes Hampton, Michael English & Mark Lowry. Twitter became a great way to connect with some of my favorite singers and get various updates on the day to day happenings in their lives... As I became more familiar with Twitter, I added more people to my follow list and more people began following me...
One thing I love about Twitter is that I have 'met' so many Christian Pastors, Church Planters, etc. It is awesome to chat with these guys and hear what God is doing in their lives and the lives of the churches they are a part of!
I have also 'met' lots of great Christians who are so encouraging and inspiring!! Its so cool to share morning 'twivotions' with Pastors and Christians from the US and Canada! Its awesome to chat about what God is doing in our lives each day! Its also great to know that there is now this whole network of people out there who will pray for me when I having a bad day and who I can pray for as well.
Twitter has allowed me to chat and connect with some wonderful people or as we say on Twitter 'tweeple'. When you see live video feeds from the churches and you hear the sermons and know how God is moving in the hearts and lives of people all across Canada and the US its encouraging!!
It has also made me realize - well not that I didn't realize it before but it has openned my eyes more - to what being the 'Church of God' is all about. Living in a small town in Newfoundland we very 'traditional' in our denominations. You don't hear a lot - although I do know of some - church planting in Newfoundland as a whole. But no matter whether we are non-denominational, RC, Anglican, Pentecostal, UC, or SA, etc we are all a part of the body of Christ and we are all a part of the 'church of God'. So often people become so focused on the 'buildings' that they worship in that they forget that its the 'people' that make up the church! The building itself is made of wood, steel, glass, etc and while it is a Holy place because it is where we gather to worship thats what gives the building purpose and meaning...
I am thankful for my tweeps for reminding me of this over the past weeks and for their prayers as I continue the Fall working with the youth at the Church which God has placed me.
Friday, July 31, 2009
God of This Town
One of my favorite songs is a song by Chris Tomlin called
'God of this City'. If you have never heard it click on this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
I love the lyrics of this song!
[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation You are
[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
When I truly believe that greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in the town that I call my home. I believe that the Lord has a great work to do in this town... in the hearts and lives of the seniors, adults and youth! And I am excited to be a part of it! I am praying that the Lord will continue to reveal to me His Vision for the Sunday School at my church. And I pray that in the coming days and weeks as we reach out into the community and invite other children and young people to come to Sunday School and Junior Youth Group that they will want to come and be apart of our Youth Activities. 'Greater things have yet to come!'
'God of this City'. If you have never heard it click on this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
I love the lyrics of this song!
[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation You are
[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
When I truly believe that greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in the town that I call my home. I believe that the Lord has a great work to do in this town... in the hearts and lives of the seniors, adults and youth! And I am excited to be a part of it! I am praying that the Lord will continue to reveal to me His Vision for the Sunday School at my church. And I pray that in the coming days and weeks as we reach out into the community and invite other children and young people to come to Sunday School and Junior Youth Group that they will want to come and be apart of our Youth Activities. 'Greater things have yet to come!'
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Blog Name Change
For those of you who have been following my blog you will notice that I have changed its name and address. Yes, my blogs will still contain my 'Thoughts and Reflections' but one thing I have noticed as I have been reading other blogs in the past days is that blogs are also a great tool in 'reaching out' to others - hence the new name for my blog - 'Reach Out'. Whether its a funny story, a joke, random facts, or something serious blogging is a great way to 'reach out' to people and share ideas, thoughts, hopes and dreams.
While the weather has not been the greatest at times here in Wesleyville, Newfoundland this summer. The Lord has blessed me on many occasions while working with the children at VBS and Kids Club. Today I met with Rev H and we did some planning for the Fall. It is exciting to share ideas and make plans for the upcoming months... plans that will impact the children and families who attend the church for the Kingdom of God! Its been so great this summer to see new children attending VBS and Kids Club and my prayer is that they will come out to Sunday School in the Fall as well.
I look ahead to the coming months with anticipation! Trusting that God has great things in store for the children and youth of this community!
While the weather has not been the greatest at times here in Wesleyville, Newfoundland this summer. The Lord has blessed me on many occasions while working with the children at VBS and Kids Club. Today I met with Rev H and we did some planning for the Fall. It is exciting to share ideas and make plans for the upcoming months... plans that will impact the children and families who attend the church for the Kingdom of God! Its been so great this summer to see new children attending VBS and Kids Club and my prayer is that they will come out to Sunday School in the Fall as well.
I look ahead to the coming months with anticipation! Trusting that God has great things in store for the children and youth of this community!
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