Paths to God

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.  John 12:23-26

Biggest Loser Week 16

Paths to God

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you.  Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:19-25

We go to church on Sunday and listen to our Pastor as he shares what God has laid on his heart.  How many times have we said to the Pastor, "that is just what I needed to hear."  We leave church with good intentions to practice what we have heard.  However, Monday morning comes and we have forgotten everything we heard yesterday and we begin our week just like every other week.  I know that I am guilty of this very thing.  I have been really doing some soul searching and I am striving to practice what God's Word tells me to do.  Do I always do it?  No would be the answer but I will keep pushing forward and wait on God to reveal His plan for my life.

Paths to God

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written "The righteous will love by faith."  Romans 1:17

Perfection

Some of us are fortunate to have the career of our dreams.  We feel that we are making a difference and helping those we come in contact with.  We are not ashamed to give an honest days work for an honest days pay.  We started at the bottom and we are working our way up the ladder.  I'd say this is about as close to perfect we are going to get.

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work.  That is why we are here!  No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.  Ecclesiastes 3:22

Finding Hope

I am reading a wonderful book, The Vision of His Glory, written by Anne Graham Lotz.  So today I thought I would share a excerpt from her book with you.

Sometimes when faced with great problems, our tendency is to focus on the hands of God, what He has not done for us and what we want Him to do for us, instead of focusing on the face of God, simply Who He is.  Our depression can deepen through this kind of self-preoccupation.  Often, in the midst of great problems, we stop short of the real blessing God has for us, which is a fresh vision of Who He is.  When we stop focusing on our problems and on ourselves and focus instead on our almighty and omnipresent God, our problems, as the old hymn promises, "grown strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.  Psalm 143:8

Perfection

In our world today as we go about our daily lives our need for perfection sometimes takes precedent over everything else.  We want/need the perfect job, perfect spouse, perfect child, perfect friends, perfect relationships and we want it all now.  Sometimes we don't care what we do or who we hurt along the way to achieve our perfect way of life.  We alienate family and friends because they don't fit the mold of what our perfect life looks like.  We are quick to judge but we aren't as quick to say I'm sorry or to ask for their forgiveness.  When someone has hurt us we want to hang onto to that hurt and remain unwilling to forgive them and get on with life.  Whether it be a family member or a friend we cut them out of our lives so that we can continue to blame them for their shortcomings instead of forgiving them.  We fail to look at ourselves to see what part we played in whatever the circumstance may be.  We then have an excuse so we won't have to work at building a relationship with them.  I know because I am guilty of hanging onto past hurts.  What I/we need to do is have a conversation with God.  Lay our burdens at his feet and trust in Him to help us get through whatever we are facing. 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  1 John 5:14

God bless and keep each of us in His care.    

Spring has Arrived!

Spring has definitely arrived in the city with the small town charm.  The orange trees are blooming and everywhere you look there is so much color this year.  Take a look at what is happening around our place. 

The next time I'm at my sister's place I'll get some pictures of the orange blossoms.

He is Risen!

Today as we celebrate our Risen Savior,stop for a moment and really think about what Jesus Christ did for you and me.

http://www.spiritisup.com/risen.html

Dance Your Shoes Off

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.  John 12:46

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KX2-J6uS-o

Perfection

Today we are all seeking to be perfect.  To have the perfect marriage, a perfect home, perfect kids, a perfect body and the list goes on and on.  Guess what?  It can't be done!  While we are striving for this perfection our lives are suffering.   We loose sight of what really is important and that is Jesus Christ.

But if we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 
1 John 1:7

The perfection we are seeking we will find in God's Word.  We need to read it, study it, and to do what He is telling us to do.

Today is Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ shed his blood to wash away our sins.  He was perfect, without sin or blemish, yet He was willing to die for you and me so that we could have that perfect life with Him for
an eternity.  With Christ as my Savior, that is the only perfection I need!

Perfection

Have you ever felt that you had someone behind you pushing you and someone  in front of you pulling you?  I have!  You feel like no matter what you do you are not going to be where you feel they want you so they get in front of you and try to pull you along to where they feel you should be.  With all this pushing and pulling we miss out on the lasting joy in our lives.  We go along letting this happen and it can suck the contented life out of each of us.  As we mature we can finally say enough is enough.  I want to live a life of contentment and I no longer want to just go along with what everyone feels is best for me.  I want to live my best life now!

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 
Luke 11:9-10

Follow what God is telling us.  He will get us to where we need to be.

Paths to God

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  1 John 4:7

This one is hard for me.  The scripture tells me that I am supposed to love all those I come in contact with.  What about those that have hurt me?  What about those that have used me in some way for their gain?.  What about the homeless person standing on the corner asking for money?  Yes that is exactly what I supposed to do.

Isn't that what Christ did for us?  He loved me/us so much, with all my/our faults, that he died on the cross so that my sins would be forgiven.

As I said this one is hard for me but with God's grace I can do it! 

Paths to God

Several years ago I did a Bible Study on the Proverbs 31 Woman "The Virtuous Woman." These past couple of days I have been reading about her again so I thought I would share. When reading the Proverbs 31 passage it can make even the most got it together woman feel inadequate and this woman has definitely got it all together and appears to be absolutely perfect. But guess what she isn't, and the scriptures do not dwell on her inadequacies. It is merely a description of a woman who takes care of her household and values her family.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. Proverbs 31:11 (Love your man.)

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Proverbs 31:13 (Contribute with a joyful heart.)

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. Proverbs 31:15 (Will be returned to you in the form of respect and honor.)

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16 (Be a good steward of what God has given you. Don't be a spendthrift; prepare to take care of yourself.)

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:17 (Being physically fit is good for the mind and soul. So keep moving.)

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31:22 (Look like the godly woman you are. You are God's representative wherever you go; look the part.)

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:25-28

I encourage each of you to read Proverbs 31. As you are reading think about how her characteristics apply to your life today. I think that you will see that you are not far off from the woman whose children will rise up and call her blessed.

My Proverbs 31 woman was my Mom. She was my example and I think God everyday for giving me such a wonderful Mom.

Who is your Proverbs 31 woman?

Paths to God

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God endures forever.    Isaiah 40:8

No matter what happens in our lives we can count on God to be there for us.  His word will never fail us!

Palm Sunday

Today Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection.  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his journey to the cross.

  

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”  This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion,    ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey,  and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”  The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”  The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-11

Paths to God

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:1-2

Paths to God

  How beautiful on the mountains
   are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
   who bring good tidings,
   who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
   “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

Mary Kae Nawojski

This afternoon our very dear friend, Mary Kae Nawojski, completed her final journey home.  Mary Kae you now have that perfect body and are in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We love you and we will miss you but today there is a celebration in Heaven.

RIP Mary Kae

Facebook Family and Friends

I have decided that there are better ways I can spend my time other than sitting in front of my computer checking Facebook.  So if I don't comment on a post please don't be offended.  I will occasionally check Facebook and respond to any email notifications I received.

I will be focusing more on the personal touch with family and friends and  I will continue to post the Paths to God on my blog.

Paths to God

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.  1 John 2:12

Isn't it wonderful to know that Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us so that we could have forgiveness of our sins!

Paths to God

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Happy Birthday Linda

Linda today we would have celebrated your 64th birthday.  I know that there is a celebration going on in Heaven as you celebrate the day you were born with our loved ones there.  Give Mom and Dad a hug and kiss for me.  I love you and miss you.

Biggest Loser Week 13



Fun Times with Family

Today Gary, Marianne, Stephen, Awbrey, Cody (Toy Poodle) and I spent the day at Cannon Beach, OR.  Since Cody was with us we had a wonderful lunch at a little outdoor cafe.  Although it was a little chilly it was a great day just hanging out and spending time together.  It is going to be so hard to head home tomorrow.  I have been here since February 20 and I have enjoyed every minute.  Sure do wish we lived closer so we could spend more time with the four of them.  We are already planning our next trip up in June for our Granddaughter Awbrey's 8th grade graduation and we plan to make that visit an extended stay too.  Talking about her graduation makes me feel old as it seems like only yesterday she was a little girl.  She is now a beautiful young woman just like her mother.

Paths to God

 But let justice roll on like a river,
   righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Amos 5:24

Paths to God

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.  Colossians 1: 9-10

Paths to God

If someone is pushing your buttons, it's not that person's fault, it's your fault for not setting your own boundaries.  It's your fault for not shutting down the negativity.

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 

1 Peter 4:8

Paths to God

The LORD your God is with you,
   the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
   in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
   but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17

All of us need to slow down.  What with our computers, cell phones, etc. we never take time just for us.  Turn off your phone and the computer.  You can choose to be quiet and you will find a renewed enthusiasm for and patience with others.

Paths to God

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Matthew 11:28-29

We choose what burdens we want to carry.  Our inability to take control and set our boundaries is what makes our lives feel like a seventy-pound ball and chain.  Give those burdens to God and you will feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders.

Paths to God

¹¹ Look to the LORD and his strength;
   seek his face always.

 ¹² Remember the wonders he has done,
   his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

1 Chronicles 16:11-12

Biggest Loser Week 12

Paths to God

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  Mark 12:30

Amazing Day!!!

April 2, 2011, our granddaughter Awbrey, with a gathering of friends, a time of fellowship, and a time of prayer started her Passport to Purity.  During the ceremony and prior to prayer and laying on of hands Pastor Nathan read from 1 Timothy 4:12;

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

This event was an expression of Awbrey's commitment to remain pure in heart and deed until her wedding day. 

Happy Birthday Daddy

Yesterday my Daddy would have celebrated his 88th birthday.  I wish we could have celebrated his day with him but I know that he was celebrating with Mom, Linda, Granny & Grandpa and the rest of the family in heaven.  I love you and miss you Daddy!

Paths to God

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God, may your good Spirit lead me level on ground.  Psalm 143:10