While You Were Sleeping

This is an amazing song -- I have it on the Casting Crowns Christmas album. May the lyrics remind us of the true reason for the season of Christmas! I do not want to miss the coming of the Savior!

Oh little town of Bethlehem

Looks like another silent night

Above your deep and dreamless sleep

A giant star lights up the sky

And while you're lying in the dark

There shines an everlasting light

For the King has left His throne

And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping

For God became a man

And stepped into your world today

Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history

As a city with no room for its King

While you were sleeping

While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem

Looks like another silent night

The Father gave His only Son

The Way, the Truth, the Life had come

But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping

The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today

Jerusalem, you will go down in history

As a city with no room for its King

While you were sleeping

While you were sleeping

United States of America

Looks like another silent night

As we're sung to sleep by philosophies

That save the trees and kill the children

And while we're lying in the dark

There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky

For the Bridegroom has returned

And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping

Will Jesus come again

And leave us slumbering where we lay

America, will we go down in history

As a nation with no room for its King

Will we be sleeping

Will we be sleeping

United States of America

Looks like another silent night.

Give...and it shall be given! (Part 1)

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)

We all know and love this scripture. I cannot even count the number of sermons I have heard using this verse. This passage is a particular favorite when someone is encouraging people to give in a special offering (Faith Promise, anyone??). I mean, what's not to like?? Give - and it will be given! But not just any ole "given". God is going to press it down, shake it together, and fill it to overflowing! And whatever measure you use, be it big or small, that's the same measure He will give it back to you.

Awesome promise!

However, this past Sunday, my husband reminded us that scripture is clarified by reading the CONTEXT of the verse. Hmm. Okay.

Back up to verse 37:

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Oh, wow!

That puts a whole new light on "give and it shall be given", doesn't it? If you back up even farther you find scriptures that say things like "love your enemies" and "bless those who curse you" and "be merciful". And if you continue to read, you find the wonderful "plank" and "sawdust" passage. But that is a whole 'nuther blog. *smiles*

So, do you want mercy? Then GIVE and it shall be GIVEN to you.

Do you want love? Give and it shall be given.

Do you want forgiveness? Show forgiveness to others.

Do to others as you would have them do to you. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Part 2 of "Give...and it shall be given!"

Now, back to the plank and speck of sawdust verse. How many times do we do this? We are all concerned with making sure everyone sees this little speck in our brother or sister’s eye...all the while, we are straining to see around the big 2x4 in our own eye.

I mean, maybe if everyone is focused on that speck, they won’t notice the plank in our eye, right?

It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. And it is human nature to try and make ourselves look good and to find someone who did worse than we did. I mean, this goes back as far as the Garden of Eden. Isn’t that what Adam did? And Eve? All throughout the Bible and history, people have pointed fingers at specks of dust, all the while straining to see through a plank.

The statement is made that “everyone is tall if standing next to the right person”. How true this is! We like to ‘cut’ others down so that we look taller. We like to make others look bad so our own sin is not quite so bad.

What would happen if we traded that “self-righteous garment” for a “robe of righteousness”. If, instead of trying to make ourselves look good, we reached out to help a brother or sister who is in need of some encouragement? Instead of throwing stones, we grab a first aid kit and help to bind some wounds? Instead of grabbing the phone to be the first to start spreading the “news”, we fall to our knees to pray for our brother or sister who has fallen into temptation?

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Praying that your day is blessed abundantly! Remember to stop and thank the Lord for His many blessings. Don't just thank Him for the "normal stuff" like turkey and dressing and pecan pie (or whatever your Thanksgiving meal of choice). Thank Him for things that you normally take for granted. Think outside the box. :)

I'm thankful for

...blue skies and sunshine.

...orchids.

...the smell of freshly mown grass.

...COFFEE!

...CHOCOLATE!

...the feel of my sweetheart's arms around me!

...the sound of my children's laughter.

...my warm Snuggie.

...soft pillows.

...the colors of the rainbow.

...Bath & Body Works.

...Facebook.

...the sweet sound of people worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

...laughter!!!

...football!!!

...Cool Whip.

...popcorn!

...family who love me.

...a mom who knows how to cook!

...a father who is a godly example to me and my family.

...the smell of a puppy's nose.

...butterflies.

The list goes on and on and on and on. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing my life in so many ways!!!!!!!!!

Wow

Where have the days gone?? I've written so many blogs in my head -- even jotted a few down on paper -- that never made it here. Soon...and very soon...life will be back to a normal pace for us and I will be a regular blogger again. I know...you can't wait! :)

Anyway, for now, if you're reading this and don't already know, please pray for us in our final weeks of preparation to return to our home. We will return to our great island the first week of December. Yay!

Voices

So a friend of mine posted a great blog the other day. If you haven't read it yet, then find it here:

Chubby Jack Cheese and Listening

Since reading this, my mind has been pondering some of the voices we hear. Voices that express the expectations of the world around us. Voices that tell us:

* What size we need to be.

* What clothes we need to wear.

* How we should act.

* Where we should go.

* What kind of house we should live in.

* What kind of car we should drive.

* How we should raise our children.

* What kind of education and degree we need.

* What kind of salary we should make.

* What social networks we should be a part of.

* What we should believe.

So many voices. And not all of their 'opinions' are wrong. However, it is all about perspective. Keeping those opinions in perspective with what He wants. I want to hear His voice. I want to hear His opinion. I want to judge the voices I hear by His Word and His principles.

As a woman, Proverbs 31 is a great measuring stick for the opinions and ideas around me. Aside from my relationship with Him, my husband will always be first to me. His voice, his needs, his well-being. Next my children. Then my ministry. I know this is not always the popular view among my ministry friends, but sorry...I'm not listening to those voices any more. I want to hear the voice of my Heavenly Father. I want to seek His favor. And He has called me first to my family.

Thank you, Lord, for my family! And thank you, Cylinda, for sharing your heart! To the one or two people reading this - lol - take time to read her post, and then, take some time to listen. To HIM.

By this...

...by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples...if ye have love one to another... (John 13:35)

Not by our paying of tithes.

Not by our faithfulness to church.

Not by how we dress.

Not by our works.

But by our LOVE ONE FOR ANOTHER.

All of the things listed above are necessary and good. And the list could go on and on of things that we, as the body of Christ, do in our daily lives walking with Him. But if we want to impact our world, we must show LOVE. Love for one another. Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Love for sinners. Love for those that hurt us. Love for the brother or sister who has stumbled. Love for those who betray us.

This is how the world will know that we are HIS DISCIPLES. When we love one another.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd -- that's relationship.

I shall not want -- that's supply.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- that's rest.

He leadeth me beside the still waters -- that's refreshment.

He restoreth my soul -- that's healing.

He leadeth me in paths of righteousness -- that's guidance.

For His name sake -- that's purpose.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- that's testing.

I will fear no evil -- that's protection.

For thou art with me -- that's faithfulness.

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me -- that's discipline.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- that's hope.

Thou annointest my head with oil -- that's consecration.

My cup runneth over -- that's abundance.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- that's blessing.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever -- that's security.

** Got this in an email the other day. Love how it shows that He's got all the bases covered!!! Be blessed today, blogworld!

Walk by Faith...Not Feeling

Tonight my Dad's text was the story of Jacob deceiving his father into believing he was Esau...because Isaac felt what he thought to be Esau's arms. There is a danger in going by feeling. There is a danger is going by how we feel and allowing that to determine our actions.

We walk by FAITH...not by FEELING.

I wanna pray even when I don't feel like it.

I wanna worship even when I don't feel like it.

I wanna sing even when I don't feel like it.

I wanna witness even when I don't feel like it.

I wanna go to church even when I don't feel like it.

I wanna serve the Lord even when I don't feel like it!

In fact...if you don't feel like it and you do it anyway, you'll soon feel like it!!!

Praise Him anyway!

Excuses

Recently I was searching online for sayings and quotes to use in a photo book. I came across some interesting African proverbs. Here is one that stood out to me:

He who cannot dance will say: "The drum is bad."

We come up with so many excuses for why we are not doing things. We blame the weather, family, friends, the church, spouses, children, government...even God...for our own lack of success. Why is it so easy to point to others? Why is it so easy to make excuses?

God, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.

Courage to change the things I can.

And wisdom to know the difference!

The Center Biscuits

In our house, the center biscuits are very special. The head of the house, my husband, has dibs on the center biscuits. When Daddy is gone, there is much glee when we have biscuits, because we all get to partake of this great delicacy.

Yesterday, we were at my parent's house and my Mom fixed her typical DELICIOUS southern breakfast ~ biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, and chocolate gravy. YUMMY! We sat down at the table and began to fix our plates. My son noticed that there were two 'extra' biscuits on top of the regular pan of biscuits. He grabbed one then noted that they were "crunchy and hard". My Mom stated that she had a bit of extra dough, so she'd made two separate ones in another pan. I told Jared that they were crunchy because they were cooked by themselves and not in the pan with the other biscuits.

A lightbulb came on over my head...you know, like in the cartoons?

Wow. There is a message in that statement. So I proceeded to use it as a teachable moment for my kids. :)

"Jared, it is like that for us, too. We need friends in our life...people we are close to...otherwise we get hard and 'crunchy'. That's what causes people to be bitter and hard-hearted. We need people in our life to help us stay soft and nice."

He pipes up: "Yeah, but you have to be careful with WHO you choose to be close to you."

LOL

Yep, just like a rotten apple will spoil the whole bin, we do have to be careful at who we choose to be close to us.

So, what about you today? Are you a 'center biscuit'? Are you surrounding yourselves by people who strengthen you, encourage you, and help you become a better 'biscuit'? Are you strengthening those around you? Encouraging them? Helping them be better 'biscuits'?

Or are you doing your own thing. Growing bitter and hard?

Lord, help us choose our friends wisely. And help us to be a good friend.

All-Africa Leadership Conference

We just returned from South Africa, where we were privileged to be a part of the first-ever All Africa Leadership Conference. Such a wonderful time for all of us who attended.

* Representatives from 22 African countries...over 150 present.

* Anointed preaching and teaching

* Goals made...vision cast...hearts renewed!

* Largest ever African Regional Missionary offering: almost $30,000 given by the African churches in support of three regional missionaries.

* Great fellowship

* Special guests: Rev. & Mrs. Anthony Mangun, Rev. & Mrs. Terry Shock, and Rev. & Mrs. Bruce Howell.

* Awesome leadership of Regional Director Jerry & Vickie Richardson partnering with Area Coordinators: Jim Crumpacker (East Africa), Jim Poitras (English-speaking West Africa), Randy Adams (French-speaking West Africa, and Ted Grosbach (South/Central Africa).

So many things to share...I will try to post some more in the coming days. One thing for sure, great things are in store for the African Region! Join us in prayer for greater vision, greater unity and greater revival!

Africa for Jesus!

Okay, I am trying this out. Posting this from my iPhone. How cool is that???? :D

Ever wonder...

Ever wonder why it is:

*If you fill up with gas "here"...the price is always cheaper a few miles down the road.  But if you wait, it is always more expensive.

*If you wait for the "next exit" to stop and eat...you will drive for miles until you see another restaurant.

Curious, isn't it??

Camps...summer...blessings!

I believe summer has finally arrived.  Of course, that conclusion is easy to reach when you are in the deep south.  :)  We have been in Texas for a week and are enjoying our time back "home" so much.  Last week we were able to attend part of the camp meeting and were blessed to be a part of that.  Great preaching.  Great worship. Great fellowship.

This week our children are taking part in Jr High camp.  Thank you, TX District Youth Dept, for making that possible for our children!!!  I know they are making memories of a lifetime!

As I've said before, I find it difficult to keep up with my blog while we're on the road.  I do not know why -- I'm on my computer every day.  Ha!  I think Facebook is partially to blame...smiles...as I tend to share most of my 'inspiration' there.

I love being a part of the family of God.  Yes, we have our struggles - as any family does.  Yes, we have a few "nuts" - as any family does.  Yes, we have our differences - as any family does.  But I love celebrating with others over their victories...rejoicing with others over their miracles...crying with others over disappointments and trials...and praying with others over needs.  And standing with one another in the midst of storms.   I love my family!

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all - both past and present - who serve our country and protect the freedoms we enjoy.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Hmm

There is something that I just don't understand:

Public restrooms that have automatic flushers, automatic hand soap, automatic dryer/towel dispenser...

And then you walk to the door and you have to touch the handle to open it.

Hello?

Musings

"God did not allow His people to be oppressed so that they would be defeated but so that they would ultimately be victorious."

Recently I read this statement in a book I'm reading. It certainly grabbed my attention. It was referring to the children of Israel being given over to captivity. How many times in the Old Testament do we find God allowing the children of Israel to be captured and enslaved by other nations? Often this was because of their disobedience or because God was trying to get their attention turned back to Him. He did not allow this trial because He wanted to punish them or because He did not love them any more.

Sometimes God allows or brings circumstances into our life so that He can ultimately lead us to victory. I don't know about you, but there are things in my life right now that have me saying, "Why, Lord?" and "How much longer must I 'wait and see'?"

But today I will trust Him to bring it to victory.

Here!

I feel like I've been sadly missing in the roll call of blogger class. There are several good excuses -- a new laptop (and a Mac at that!), deputation, living out of a suitcase -- but anyway, just thought I'd pop in and say hello! And hopefully I can soon get back into the swing of things.

Here is a thought from tonight's sermon:

I'm not walking through a valley, I'm just changing mountaintops!

Ciao!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

I dedicate this blog to the love of my life -- my husband, Chris. We have enjoyed 18 Valentines together. Thank you, my love, for keeping our life exciting and special! I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. I love you!

Live. Laugh. Love.

I know this saying has become popular in recent times but it is a great life philosophy.

Live. Thank you, Jesus, for life and health!

Laugh. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Love. Thank you, Jesus, for my husband, my children, family and friends! Help me to show your love to those I come in contact with!

In light of recent events in my heartland and my homeland, my heart was feeling heavy this morning. I really should avoid the news media. Ha! Anyway, thanks to some friends, I feel encouraged this afternoon. And reminded to live, laugh, and love. Allow the peace, joy, and love of Jesus to fill your heart today.

Economy??

Is anyone else tired of hearing about the economy??

I am.

Especially coming from a country where people are living on less than $1 a day.

Here I drive the highways and shopping center parking lots are FULL. Restaurant parking lots are FULL. You can hardly push your buggy down the grocery aisle without bumping into someone else. The gas station pumps are lined with cars. The highways are full of cars.

Okay, so people aren't buying houses and cars like they were. And I know some people have truly been affected -- please, do not be offended by what I'm saying. I just believe that America has been living 'high on the hog' and now they are having to come back to earth, so to speak. But we still waste more money in one day that most of the world spends in a year. We are strong. There is hope. Keep your life founded on Jesus and you'll be fine!

God's economy is always STRONG!

Amen!

**Okay, I came back later and thought about deleting this. I do not want to offend anyone or make light of the situation. I know people are suffering. I know people are losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet. PLEASE, do not feel I am minimizing your situation. However, I do not like to see my country focusing on the negative. We are blessed! We are strong! Count your blessings...not your suffering.

I'm Baaack!

Okay, so I said I'd be gone a few days and ended up being gone a few WEEKS! Sorry! :O) Never know who is out there reading this that is not on FB or in contact with me some other way...and haven't had any great revelations to share lately anyway. :O

Got a new laptop, and I've been getting used to it. Trying to settle in and get ready for the road. Spending time with family. Shopping. Eating. Shivering in the cold. Praying for the unrest in the Mad-land.

Anyway, God is good and we are blessed to be back home for a few months.

Bye for now!
PR

Countdown

Hello, blogging buddies!

Guess I will be MIA for a few days. We are winding down our time here...packing up and preparing to head back to the USA. It always gets so hectic the last few days...argh! Once we land in the states, we "hit the ground running" so not sure when I'll get back in here.

Thanks for your prayers!
Paula

His View is Higher

If you have ever ridden in an airplane, you have probably enjoyed the view from your window (unless you are the one sitting there glued to your seat for fear that any move by you could send the plane spiraling to the ground). It is an amazing experience to view the earth from up above. You can see miles and miles of winding roads, rivers, and fields. The things that seem so great and unsurmountable here on earth, look small and insignificant from up above.

Isaiah 54:8 and 9 reads: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God’s perspective on our life is from a much higher viewpoint than ours. It is much like looking out of an airplane window. His view is much higher than ours. He sees the road we are taking. He knows what is up ahead…just around the bend. As we plod along the road of life, we come to obstacles and curves. Sometimes we are anxious as we look at the road ahead. Maybe we come to a sign that says “Bridge out!” or “S-curve ahead”. Our heart beats with trepidation. But He knows. He is calling to us, “Come, my child. Keep walking. It’s okay. I am here.”

I am reminded of the song:

When I made my start for Heaven, I could only find one way. A road that led me through the mountains and the valleys, a road not many folks could take. Since I started traveling on my journey, I’ve covered many many miles behind me, miles of sun and rain, miles of smiles and pain. The road’s been rough, but I again would choose the same.

Long and winding road, keep on leading me. Up ahead I see a sign that points me straight ahead to victory. I know I must be traveling right, for I remember passing Calvary. Although it’s dusty and it’s old, for years it’s bore the traveler’s load...someday this road will turn to gold.

There are some times when the rocks hurt my feet, my body burns from the sweat and the heat. My strength's completely drained till my face marks the pain, my back is bent from the strain. Oh, I could turn around, for the road's still there. But every mountain that I’ve climbed, I again would have to bear. So I really can’t turn back, some may be using my tracks. I see one more bend and this just might be my road’s end.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, my blogging buddies!

We are starting the year off with a "bang" around here. Guests arriving today, conference starts tomorrow...and we leave (together with guests) in 10 days!

I had good intentions...to get in here blog about 2008 in retrospective (as seems to be the popular thing to do) and all the other 'new year' stuff, but alas, that will have to wait. LOL Good thing one of my new year's resolutions was not to slow down and blog more. Hehe

Anyway, suffice it to say, 2008 was a great year in many ways, but a very challenging year in many others. I'm happy to move on to 2009. One thing is sure ~ He is my refuge and strength. My hope and trust is in Jesus!