B.I.B.L.E

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Think about basic training in the military - it's 9 weeks of hell, glory and training ... for what? A lifetime of service in the military. Now ... hang with me. I'm watching United 93 which is making me think about my own mortality. This life is our basic training isn't it? Sometimes the comraderie is the only thing that gets us through it. But what to do we have to look forward to after this training? Direct communion with Jesus - DIRECT COMMUNION WITH JESUS. Wow. So, girls let's run through these battlefields of life and attack our enemy with the sword (Eph. 6), the Lord Jesus has given us and in the end ... we will live throughout eternity in the presence of our God.

Trust

Why is trust so difficult? I mean really. Do I really think I can control anything? Why is surrender so hard??? The song by Rich Mullins, "Hold me Jesus" comes to mind ... "Surrender don't come natural to me I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want Than to take what You give that I need And I've beat my head against so many walls Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees " So, Lord ... I surrender to you all of it -- the basement that has cracks in the wall, the pressures of my 2010 life as a woman, the crazy graduate class, my 150 hour practicum - all of it. It's yours Lord. You know why - because you DO know what to do with it and I just act like I do. I love you so much Lord. Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep - if I should forget your love before I wake I pray you'll remind me before morning light. xoxox

Here I am

Those 3 words can mean so much can't they? "Here I am Lord" means one thing while "Here I am bloggers" means something totally different. Well, here I am. Plain, simple me after a long night of a graduate class gone crazy. Tonight I have nothing to offer other than ... here I am. Sometimes that's all we have to give isn't it? We can say that when we make it to work on a day we'd rather be with our kids. We can say it on days we're feeling really spiritual and wanting God to use us mightily. We can say it after realizing we've blown it, but not to the point of no return. So, hang in there. Just be you. Really, it's quite okay. You can wake up tomorrow and do something grand. But for now, just say "here I am" and relish in that. Love you.

These Are a Few of my Favorite Things

I was on my way to bed after a long day and I remembered I'd forsaken my blog. "Big deal" said sleepy Ann. Responsible Ann quipped,"Now Ann ... you can't think of one quick thing to say about enjoying God before going to sleep???" The song from the Sound of Music popped into my head. So, here's my quick "enjoying God" song to the tune of "These are a Few of My Favorite Things. (Hum the tune with me) Days filled with students at Glenvar the high school, hugs from my children and smiles from my momma, Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk, these are a few of my favorite things. When the alarm rings, when my feet hurt, when I'm feeling sad ... I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad.

Well, look at that. I'm a poet and I didn't even know it. Thanks God for making it a really joy filled day.

Forrest Gump

Jenny says "FORREST!!! You can't keep doing this. You can't keep rescuing me all the time." Forrest says, "But ... I love you Jenny." It reminds me of how God is with me. He constantly comes to my rescue and many times I just cannot accept that love. It's just so blasted hard to believe that He loves me that much. I know me. I know the bad, the repetitive sins, the lack of passion, the complacency and yadda, yadda, yadda. What does God see? He sees His child who has been redeemed by the blood of His Son. Thanks God for chasing me, rescuing me and never giving up on me. Your arms, after a long chase, are my favorite place to be.

Who is Jesus? Mark 6-9

During Jesus’ lifetime on earth he was thought to be Elijah, a prophet, and John the Baptist raised from the dead. When Jesus asked Peter who He was, Peter promptly responded, “Thou art the Christ.” If a friend asks me to explain who someone is, I usually start with what they look like, or who they know, or what their title is or try to think of things that person has accomplished or is currently doing in their life. So, if someone asked me to tell them who Jesus is I found just a few answers in Mark chapters 6 – 9. Jesus calms storms, he heals people physically, he has compassion on those in need, He rests, He prays, He challenges religious leaders, He hangs out with Moses and Elijah when He is transfigured into a state of His glory, He drives demons out of children, and He walks on water. Now, if you really want to know what someone is like then just ask their parents. They know the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, what did Jesus’ Abba say about Him? “This is my Son in whom I’m well pleased. Listen to Him.” Okey dokie – that pretty much sums it up. Jesus is God’s Son and I’m supposed to listen to Him. What is He saying? That’s the key isn’t it? What is HE saying? God, the Father didn’t say listen to your preacher, listen to your church’s doctrine, listen to your political leaders, and He most definitely didn’t say listen to your heart. He said LISTEN TO MY SON. I get so caught up in listening to others and to myself that I many times forget to listen to Jesus. Maybe that’s why enjoying God is sometimes a struggle for me. Hmmm ... I think I just listened to Jesus. 

Graduation

This weekend we are going to see my cousin Emily, age 17, graduate from high school. She is a home schooler and this event will be very intimate with just family and friends. This precious girl has asked me to speak at her graduation. Wow. No pressure huh? I'm not the main attraction - her preacher is - but the fact that she wants me to be part of her big day is humbling. As I started searching for just the right poem, bible verse, etc. to say I stumbled upon a list of the top 15 things to remember. Ding! The little light bulb over my head lit up and I decided to write the top 15 things Emily should remember. Granted, I have only lived 39 years, but I have discovered quite a bit since I was 17. If I'd only known then what I know now. "Squirrel" (That's what I say when I get off track) Ok ... back on track. Here are my top 15 things for my 17 year old cousin to remember as she embarks on a new chapter of her life
Fifteen Things for Emily to Remember
1.God loves you.
2.A person who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter is not a nice person.
3.Do not confuse falling in love with God as being religious.
4.Try really hard not to compare yourself to other women. God loves you exactly the way you are.
5.If you’re sad, go buy a new purse – contrary to what men say – it does make you feel better.
6.Go to your favorite restaurant at LEAST once a month.
7.Enjoy every minute of life – even when it’s tough.
8.Before making a huge decision go the Lord and say “This is what I want Lord, but if it’s not your will for me then change my heart.” This is a powerful prayer and must only be spoken when you are truly surrendered to what HE wants.
9.RIDE ROLLER COASTERS!
10.When your favorite song comes on sing it LOUD – no matter where you are.
11.Hug your parents and grandparents a lot. They know you’re grown, but no matter how much you want to be a big girl – you’ll always be their baby.
12.Jesus gave us two commands. You will have many questions in your life – if you can stay focused on these two commands the peace of Christ will reign in your heart. They are ... 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
13.UNC is better than Duke (JUST KIDDING) Seriously, follow your dreams and don’t second guess what God has put in your heart.
14.Give to those less fortunate in anyway you can.
15.Remember that you are a miracle of God and His plans and purposes for you are perfect.
Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Haiti

My heart hurts, my eyes well up and my soul is crying to the Lord for Haiti. My children and husband sleep soundly in their rooms, my coffee is warm and my jammies are soft. My cat, for goodness sakes, lives in the lap of luxury. I can't wrap my brain around the devastation and the heartache that must be going on in that country. I read about a rural town called Leogane, in Haiti, that is not receiving support yet because the relief efforts are all going to Port au Prince. It seems hopeless, but I have to believe that God sees this, hates this and will "fix" this. "Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 This verse was a response made by Jesus after a question concerning salvation was asked. Jesus is mighty to save our souls and our bodies. He is mighty to save the Haitians, me, the teenage girl who thinks she's worthless, the mother who just screamed at her child (oh wait - I already said me), the African missionary, the African child who is without food, the man who just lost his job, the man who drinks way too much, the prostitute that is sick and tired of being a prostitute - He is mighty to save. I am encouraged. I am in love with that God that heals us all.

Bible Roulette

Bible Roulette - I play this all the time. Let me set the scene-I'm sleepy and rubbing my eyes, I've just had my first sip of coffee and I really do want to know God's heart for the day. I then grab the Bible and plop it open and it's uncanny how many times it flops open to the perfect verse for the day. My Roulette game gave me this today "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Prov. 2:6 I look over to the other side of the page and "Turn to my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you." Prov. 1:23 I love that God is wide eyed even when I'm wiping the sleepers from mine.

Good morning Lord. Thank you for Your words and thank You for meeting me where I am. Let my eyes see what you see today and let my heart and thoughts wander to the things of Your Kingdom. I love you.

Good Morning

We had a fabulous weekend out of town - I'm refreshed and energized and there is just something about coming home that makes one say "ahhhhh." So, here I am ah-filled (hee hee) and ready to start a new day. I've embarked upon a journey, a career journey, that has uncertain twists and turns. As I was praying about my concerns last night my prayers went from "HELP ... I'm super nervous for ME, ME, Me, me!" The me prayer suddenly turned into a prayer for my son and what would best for him - then the prayer changed into a prayer for my mom and what would best for my mom. Then, God said "LOOK - your focus is where it needs to be!" God doesn't sound like Bob Marley by any means, but "don't worry 'bout a thing, cause every little thing ... it's gonna be alright" pulsed through my soul. So, I'm beginning to get it - pray about my son, my momma and what will be best for them and my decision will be easy. Again, may I say "ahhhhh."

I have decided

I have decided that enjoying God is a choice. If I continually wait for the perfect circumstance to come along in order to enjoy God, I've come to the conclusion, I'm going to be waiting a long time. So, I shall purpose in my heart to enjoy this day Jesus has given me. I will see the mountains, the sun, the pretty sheets on my bed, and focus on the things that bring me joy. I will not see the rest of the stuff that gets on my nerves. I will NOT focus on those blasted annoyances! My joy will not be stolen. I will rejoice in the Lord always and again I say REJOICE. There. Now, I may proceed with my day. Selah.

Mark - Chapter 5

Okay ... this chapter is the type of thing you see in movies. Seriously, this is the one about the guy with the legions of demons. I've seen some pretty scary previews of a movie that's out now (or will be soon) called LEGIONS. Interesting. We're still fascinated by demons - even today. Jesus, however, was only interested in getting rid of them. Some people don't like to think about this sort of thing and debates exist about the reality of demons. I have to chuckle because the demons aren't debating over who Jesus is - check out Mark 5:6,7 - those suckers knew who Jesus was and they were scared. I love that. As I read about the demoniac of Gerasene I began to ask questions like 1. How did he get that many demons? 2. Did he have a family? 3. Where is Gerasene? 4. Where is Decapolis? 5. What happened to him after he was delivered? 6. Why, if he was full of demons, did he "come out" to Jesus? 7. Here's the big question - How many people in our society today are suffering from this same sort of possession? (ewwwwww ... that's the yucky question). Well ... I found out where Gerasene is - it's to the east of the Sea of Galilee and Decapolis is the region that contained Gerasene and 10 other towns. Interestingly, Decapolis had a predominantly Greek and Roman culture/population. I bet this guy was a Gentile which would really make the Pharisees mad and probably made his disciples a bit uncomfortable. Jesus really is my hero because not only is he not afraid of demons, He's also not afraid of society. Sometimes I wonder which is worse?
Okay ... back to the story. Jesus delivers this man and about 2,000 pigs die that day. Were there that many demons in him? Regardless, Jesus rescued this poor soul from his torment. As I'm pondering and writing I remember how all of this applies to me - to us. Check out Mark 16:15-18 Yes, that's the scripture that reminds those of us who believe in Jesus that WE will cast out demons and lay hands on the sick so they will recover. Can I get an AMEN!!! Go back to Mark 5:21-43 and that passage is all about Jesus healing a little girl and a woman. I think so many times we, as children of the LIVING GOD, forget the power that Jesus put(s) into us. I'm done with that. I was at Wal-Mart today and my cashier told me that she is in constant pain b/c of arthritis and fibromyalgia. I decided to tell her about the healing power of Jesus, invited her to church, got her name, told her I'd be praying and spoke a blessing over her. I rejoice in the day that I am bold enough to say "May I pray for you right now" or "May I come back on your break and pray with you." Baby steps. I say all of this not to toot my proverbial horn, but to remind myself that Jesus was here for the people. He wasn't here for the church services, the music, the environment,the fresh sea air, or any of that stuff - he was here for the people. I have determined in my heart that so shall I be.

The Kingdom of God

I've been challenged lately, by God, to stay in the New Testament - especially in the book of Mark. I love the Old Testament because it's full of history and prophecy. So, when God asked me to stay in the N.T. I knew he had something up His sleeve for me. Of course, when I didn't readily listen and dive right into the book of Mark I was gently reminded in church on Sunday when our pastor challenged us to read the book of Mark this week. So, I'm now reading the book of Mark. Thank goodness I serve a God that doesn't mind reminding me over and over. :) So, this morning, as Micah watched a bit of TV and I got a hot cup of coffee I began to read the book of Mark. The kingdom. God is seriously trying to drive that point home to me. He's been yacking about the kingdom with me for about 2 months now. What is the kingdom of God? I know it's a culture of it's own. It's not American, African, Hebrew, Scandinavian, etc. It's God's way of doing things. My commentary says it's Jesus living in my heart. I'm on a quest to find out all I can about this Kingdom of God. I'm only on Chapter 4 of Mark, but so far this is what the Holy Spirit has allowed me to see. The Kingdom is a seed that is planted within us. Seeds like to grow into plants. BUT ... the soil and the environment play a part in a seed growing. I'm not the best at planting flowers, but I do know you need good soil, water, seeds and you've got to keep the deer away. Without those things you don't have much of a flower bed. I know God's desire is to plant good seeds into our hearts, but what kinds of things are keeping those seeds from budding. God is going to plant seeds - no question about it. What kind of environment are we cultivating to protect those seeds? I had to ask myself that. What, Ann, is holding the Kingdom of God back in your life? Then, of course I started feeling guilty and I had to remember what this blog is about ... ENJOYING GOD. So ... I turned my guilt upside down and re-phrased my question. Where IS the Kingdom of God in my life? That is a much easier question to answer. When I began to think of all the seeds God has planted in my life and all the fruit that has come from the seeds I wanted more and more. Similarly, when Franco planted 10 tulip bulbs in the fall and I saw how beautiful they were in the Spring I begged him to plant more and more! Now, we have about 50 tulip bulbs planted. That is the Kingdom of God. The more we recognize the goodness of God in our lives, the more we seek that goodness, and the more we receive from Him. Ahhhh ... ain't God good?

Welcome!

My dream is to write a book. I've already got the title and the format in my head, but just haven't started. After seeing the movie "Julie and Julia" I decided that writing a blog might be a good start for me. Writing a book seems like such a lofty idea and writing a blog is much more attainable - at least for me right now. My goal, however, is not to have a movie made of my life (that would be scary), but to bring a smile to the One who gave me the idea.

I debated over the title of my very first blog, but then it came to me - quickly and easily as if God was just waiting for me to start this blog. Enjoying God. Something I forget to do. Now, mind you, I pray to Him, look to Him for guidance, love Him, praise Him, worship Him, fuss at Him, question Him, and thank Him but ... do I enjoy Him? Each time I sit with Him I ask Him what His heart is for me and many times he simply says - Enjoy. So ... this blog is about enjoying Him, enjoying His love, His heart, His ways, His will, His world, His children, His Word, His Son, His Spirit, His everything. Come along ... we'll see where He takes us.