It has been a while since I have written.
I will do my best to write more in the near future, but today what is on my mind is communication.
What is more important? what you intended to communicate or how it was interpreted?
Friends, we need to watch our words closely. I have been on both ends of this. I have said something and then bit down as I quickly inserted my foot; but I have also been on the receiving end.
A friends was trying to express something to me, but it came out very hurtful.
The answer? Trust in Jesus, do it out of love, and ask Jesus first, "is this what you want me to say?".
Stopping to think before we respond is extremely important.
It is with our words that we can give life or speak death. We can build up or tear down.
Father, take my mouth and may the words that I speak be pleasing in your sight! Psalm 19:14.
That's all for now
Jacqueline
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Value of Words and the simple things we take for granted!
This will be a shorter blog today: I am thinking on the value of words and simple things that we take for granted. It is with words that we can build up, and it's with words that you can tear down.
The other day I was working through some things and someone took the time to say a few words to me that have left me thinking.
The words spoken to me were "I will fight for you, I am on your side"
I am going to spend the rest of my life remembering those words, but also remembering to tell them to my children often!
Father God loves us and will always be fighting for us. Out of that love, He has also placed others in our lives to speak words of love to us.
The simple things that we often take for granted:
- ears to be able to hear the words of love and encouragement spoken to us
- eyes to read the Word of God, and look into the eyes of our loved ones to search for the unspoken feelings
- eyes to watch children playing and their faces lighting up when they receive a gift
- a mouth to speak and make our thoughts and feelings known
- a voice to sing praises with
- arms to hold and to be hugged
- hands to play piano, hold a book
- feet and legs to get where we want to go
That's all for now: take time to be thankful for all you have and are because of Father!
In Him
Jacqueline
The other day I was working through some things and someone took the time to say a few words to me that have left me thinking.
The words spoken to me were "I will fight for you, I am on your side"
I am going to spend the rest of my life remembering those words, but also remembering to tell them to my children often!
Father God loves us and will always be fighting for us. Out of that love, He has also placed others in our lives to speak words of love to us.
The simple things that we often take for granted:
- ears to be able to hear the words of love and encouragement spoken to us
- eyes to read the Word of God, and look into the eyes of our loved ones to search for the unspoken feelings
- eyes to watch children playing and their faces lighting up when they receive a gift
- a mouth to speak and make our thoughts and feelings known
- a voice to sing praises with
- arms to hold and to be hugged
- hands to play piano, hold a book
- feet and legs to get where we want to go
That's all for now: take time to be thankful for all you have and are because of Father!
In Him
Jacqueline
Monday, September 6, 2010
What If ...
It's the night before a new school year begins. The majority of the day was spent watching the kids get their school supplies gathered, bags packed and cell phone lessons (so she knows how to reach me if she misses the bus;or her older brother if she cant remember what bus).
The house is now quiet and I am pondering a question that Matthew said to me earlier in the day. He said ( in response to a friend fixing his computer)" what if absolutely everyone we knew let Jesus live through them? Can you imagine mom how wonderful it would be? People actually loving people the way it was intended to be: what if the church acted like the church? What if noone got offended because you bothered them too much? what if you actually loved spending time with others? what if you always responded the way Jesus would? What if we could experience now, what most people only dream of having in heaven? "
He has a point. I have spent a good part of this week thinking of my own lists of " what ifs..." but humbly I say, mine were more self centred and about me.
I do not have it all together, and I am not too proud to admit that I have a long ways to go. I still walk after my flesh much too often.
I still let my feelings get in the way; I still take things personally; and I still feel the need to justify my words or actions much too often.
Father, thank you that you spoke to me through the words of my son. Thank you for accepting me; this daughter of yours, who still tries to do things in her own strength much too often.
That's all for now
Jacqueline
The house is now quiet and I am pondering a question that Matthew said to me earlier in the day. He said ( in response to a friend fixing his computer)" what if absolutely everyone we knew let Jesus live through them? Can you imagine mom how wonderful it would be? People actually loving people the way it was intended to be: what if the church acted like the church? What if noone got offended because you bothered them too much? what if you actually loved spending time with others? what if you always responded the way Jesus would? What if we could experience now, what most people only dream of having in heaven? "
He has a point. I have spent a good part of this week thinking of my own lists of " what ifs..." but humbly I say, mine were more self centred and about me.
I do not have it all together, and I am not too proud to admit that I have a long ways to go. I still walk after my flesh much too often.
I still let my feelings get in the way; I still take things personally; and I still feel the need to justify my words or actions much too often.
Father, thank you that you spoke to me through the words of my son. Thank you for accepting me; this daughter of yours, who still tries to do things in her own strength much too often.
That's all for now
Jacqueline
Seasons Change ...
It has been a very different summer for me this year. This summer marked the first of many I am sure of my teens being away almost the entire two months.
I have had so much time to reflect, read and to sit and listen; but I am so glad that we are together under the same roof again.
September seems to always bring me to a place of goal setting, evaluating routines, new chore charts, adjusting allowances etc etc...
This September my baby goes to High School; and I am not sure how I am feeling about that. This world can be a scarey place for all children (and teens)but especially for ones who deal with special needs.
I am so thankful however that I am not in this alone. There have been many times over the past 5.5 years that I have said rather "tearfully or grudgingly" that I was parenting "alone".
If I had to choose having a partner to "co-parent" with; or Jesus living in me and meeting my needs; it would be an easy choice. Thankfully, I don't have to make that choice; who does a better job with patience, wisdom, kindness, love; me or Jesus? I am not doing this alone; I have the best resource ever-one that is never too busy or insensitive AND He actually can read my mind :)
Father, thank you that even though I am doing this life "alone" for now, you have never let me down, and you promise to meet all my needs!
I choose you!
That's all for now; for all those mom's out there; I will be thinking of you tomorrow as your children take their next steps in their own journeys!
That's all for now!
Jacqueline
I have had so much time to reflect, read and to sit and listen; but I am so glad that we are together under the same roof again.
September seems to always bring me to a place of goal setting, evaluating routines, new chore charts, adjusting allowances etc etc...
This September my baby goes to High School; and I am not sure how I am feeling about that. This world can be a scarey place for all children (and teens)but especially for ones who deal with special needs.
I am so thankful however that I am not in this alone. There have been many times over the past 5.5 years that I have said rather "tearfully or grudgingly" that I was parenting "alone".
If I had to choose having a partner to "co-parent" with; or Jesus living in me and meeting my needs; it would be an easy choice. Thankfully, I don't have to make that choice; who does a better job with patience, wisdom, kindness, love; me or Jesus? I am not doing this alone; I have the best resource ever-one that is never too busy or insensitive AND He actually can read my mind :)
Father, thank you that even though I am doing this life "alone" for now, you have never let me down, and you promise to meet all my needs!
I choose you!
That's all for now; for all those mom's out there; I will be thinking of you tomorrow as your children take their next steps in their own journeys!
That's all for now!
Jacqueline
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Lord - I dont want to ever be unchangeable
I am reminded today that there is a risk in Christians coming to the point that they "have it all together".
Father, continue to keep me in the place that I an always dependant on you and not my own abilities. I want to be moldable for the rest of my life here on earth.
Thank you for loving me.
Mold me, change me, break me and use me as you see fit.
In Him
Jacqueline
Father, continue to keep me in the place that I an always dependant on you and not my own abilities. I want to be moldable for the rest of my life here on earth.
Thank you for loving me.
Mold me, change me, break me and use me as you see fit.
In Him
Jacqueline
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Growing More Free ...
"And the man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "unbind him and let him go"
When the stone was rolled away and Lazarus came out; how alive was he? He was just as alive as you and I right? For he once was dead; but now he was alive.
Now let me ask you this, how free was Lazarus? I believe this is a really good example on how so many of us as Christians, are born again. (that is a brand new creation in Christ - 2 Cor 5:17); but perhaps we are still wrapped in some of our grave clothes.
Jesus came that we may have life abundantly; free of the old clothes that are holding us in bondage.
Father, help us see what grave clothes may still be on us; help us who are walking along side others to help remove those grave clothes for then (and only then) will there be complete freedom!
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free... " Gal 5:1
" .. and the truth will set you free" Jn 8:33
"I have come that you may have life, and have it (live it) to the fullest!" Jn 10:10
That's all for today
In Him
Jacqueline
When the stone was rolled away and Lazarus came out; how alive was he? He was just as alive as you and I right? For he once was dead; but now he was alive.
Now let me ask you this, how free was Lazarus? I believe this is a really good example on how so many of us as Christians, are born again. (that is a brand new creation in Christ - 2 Cor 5:17); but perhaps we are still wrapped in some of our grave clothes.
Jesus came that we may have life abundantly; free of the old clothes that are holding us in bondage.
Father, help us see what grave clothes may still be on us; help us who are walking along side others to help remove those grave clothes for then (and only then) will there be complete freedom!
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free... " Gal 5:1
" .. and the truth will set you free" Jn 8:33
"I have come that you may have life, and have it (live it) to the fullest!" Jn 10:10
That's all for today
In Him
Jacqueline
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Trying To Change Who I Am And How I Am Wired ...
I have spent the majority of this past week thinking through the why I am feeling the way I am feeling. Of course, it doesnt stop there; I then decide that I should judge whether I should be feeling the way I am or not. I then proceed to think about whether I am responding outwardly in a "good enough" manner. From there I look at how I have treated my friends; family and coworker. After that, I start to feel guilty for all the times that I didnt respond the way "I think I should have". I then begin to make goals to respond better the next time (because of course somewhere in there I have concluded that I have not reacted good enough; and that I SHOULD have stuffed my emotions; or at least been more "godly" while crying).
What is the biggest problem with everything I just wrote in the previous paragraph (and dont say the grammer) I think, if I counted right; there is 19 or 20 uses of the word "I".
What does that tell me about where my focus has been?
Father has declared me perfectly acceptable. Father has made me HIS daughter and is really not concerned with how I am reacting to sad news.
The only reason I would be so worried about those things would be that I am concerned about being acceptable or "good enough". Whether that be to my friends, co workers, family or even to God.
My friends are moving away, and while that may seem silly to some of you; it has hit me pretty hard. here have been many loses for me in the last few years, and as much as I try not to; I find myself reliving some of the other loses as well.
I wish them all the best; and I am honestly excited for the people in Ottawa to be able to experience knowing my friends. I know that they are going where God has said to go; BUT at the same time, it hurts and will leave a hole for a while. I am however; done analysing if I am reacting in the way I "should"; I feel the way I feel.
I found this quote the other day and it seems fitting for today's post:
"Don't ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak." — William P. Young (The Shack)
That's all for today; til next time
Jacqueline
What is the biggest problem with everything I just wrote in the previous paragraph (and dont say the grammer) I think, if I counted right; there is 19 or 20 uses of the word "I".
What does that tell me about where my focus has been?
Father has declared me perfectly acceptable. Father has made me HIS daughter and is really not concerned with how I am reacting to sad news.
The only reason I would be so worried about those things would be that I am concerned about being acceptable or "good enough". Whether that be to my friends, co workers, family or even to God.
My friends are moving away, and while that may seem silly to some of you; it has hit me pretty hard. here have been many loses for me in the last few years, and as much as I try not to; I find myself reliving some of the other loses as well.
I wish them all the best; and I am honestly excited for the people in Ottawa to be able to experience knowing my friends. I know that they are going where God has said to go; BUT at the same time, it hurts and will leave a hole for a while. I am however; done analysing if I am reacting in the way I "should"; I feel the way I feel.
I found this quote the other day and it seems fitting for today's post:
"Don't ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak." — William P. Young (The Shack)
That's all for today; til next time
Jacqueline
Monday, August 16, 2010
Church Leadership
Our church recently announced a couple upcoming changes. These changes have led me to think about my view on leadership and what is God's "best".
I also have recently been reminded of the book " Love and Respect" by Eggeriches.
In this book he does a pretty good job of explaing the needs; but also what God is asking of us. Wives, submit to your husbands and Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.
I havent spent too much time trying to properly articulate my thought here but; I am thinking that if we take these simple but deep and profound principles and apply them to church leadership; we just might have something that is from God.
Elders, you are to love the members of your congregation. In fact, love your neighbours, love your enemies - its pretty much covered. And how should you look at them? Well, you should be loving them unconditionally; looking at them the way God looks at us ( totally acceptable - and note I am not talking about acceptable behaviour).
Church members, what are we asked to do ( as similar to the wives and their response to their husbands)? We are to respect. That is respect unconditionally, hold them up etc etc .
I understand this analogy breaks down, and every aspect of marriage can not be compared to our church and its God given authority; but the principles apply. We are to love and respect our elders - plain and simple.
Let us not enter the "crazy cycle" as Eggerriches talks about. It is not about loving only when we are respected. It is also not respecting only when we are loved the way we think we need to be and want to be loved.
Just a thought that was on my mind.
Til next time
Jacqueline
I also have recently been reminded of the book " Love and Respect" by Eggeriches.
In this book he does a pretty good job of explaing the needs; but also what God is asking of us. Wives, submit to your husbands and Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.
I havent spent too much time trying to properly articulate my thought here but; I am thinking that if we take these simple but deep and profound principles and apply them to church leadership; we just might have something that is from God.
Elders, you are to love the members of your congregation. In fact, love your neighbours, love your enemies - its pretty much covered. And how should you look at them? Well, you should be loving them unconditionally; looking at them the way God looks at us ( totally acceptable - and note I am not talking about acceptable behaviour).
Church members, what are we asked to do ( as similar to the wives and their response to their husbands)? We are to respect. That is respect unconditionally, hold them up etc etc .
I understand this analogy breaks down, and every aspect of marriage can not be compared to our church and its God given authority; but the principles apply. We are to love and respect our elders - plain and simple.
Let us not enter the "crazy cycle" as Eggerriches talks about. It is not about loving only when we are respected. It is also not respecting only when we are loved the way we think we need to be and want to be loved.
Just a thought that was on my mind.
Til next time
Jacqueline
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Joyful and Sorrowful All At The Same Time ...
We are so privileged to be used and brought along to see what God is doing in the lives of people around us. This morning we sang in worship " How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin - good song!
I got to thinking this afternoon; can we sing this song and mean it when things feel like they are turning upside down?
This morning we had an announcement at church that had the potential for drama, bitterness, anger etc. Instead of that, we saw God at work in a very real way. Yes there were tears and signs of emotion, but by the end of the meeting, there was a peace in the room that surpases ALL understanding.
I have to admit, this is one of the first times I have seen such an immediate and precise answer to my prayers. It has been most the amazing thing to be part of. One of my prayers was that God would use what was going to be announced as a "teachable moment". How Father chose to answer that prayer, has left me in awe and with a reminder of HOW GREAT our Father is!"
One young woman's response to this news was that she wanted to be baptized; then upon hearing that news, another woman's immediate response was that she too, wanted to be baptized. Both of these women are part of the last lifegroup I was involved in and I have been praying for them off and on for months. The excitement leading up to these baptisms was intense after such an emotionally draining day.
Who would have guessed that this announcement was going to be used as a catylist for this step in faith and obedience? THEN to add to this "miracle", as we drove into camp (where the baptism was going to be held) a new brother in Christ ( who is also the husband of the one baptizee) meets us in the driveway and announces that he wants to be baptized as well. He asked that we not tell anyone; he wanted to surprise his wife, family and friends.
there were friends of mine there tonight that needed a very real reminder of what God has done in the last few years. This was the absolute PERFECT way to show and remind us all that God is good; God is love and God is in control. The mix of emotions that are going around inside of me right now is so intense; but so very neat! I am reminded of the verse from Paul that we as Christians are the only ones that can experience both joy and sorrow at the same time.
I am going to bed tonight with the incredible reminder that MY Father, who is joined with me for all eternity; is good ALL the time; He will use ALL things for HIS good; AND of course that HE is in control!
Thank you Father for every single part of today.The good, and the incredibly good. I look forward to what you are going to do in the coming weeks, months and years; in and through our little church family!
That's all for now
Jacqueline
I got to thinking this afternoon; can we sing this song and mean it when things feel like they are turning upside down?
This morning we had an announcement at church that had the potential for drama, bitterness, anger etc. Instead of that, we saw God at work in a very real way. Yes there were tears and signs of emotion, but by the end of the meeting, there was a peace in the room that surpases ALL understanding.
I have to admit, this is one of the first times I have seen such an immediate and precise answer to my prayers. It has been most the amazing thing to be part of. One of my prayers was that God would use what was going to be announced as a "teachable moment". How Father chose to answer that prayer, has left me in awe and with a reminder of HOW GREAT our Father is!"
One young woman's response to this news was that she wanted to be baptized; then upon hearing that news, another woman's immediate response was that she too, wanted to be baptized. Both of these women are part of the last lifegroup I was involved in and I have been praying for them off and on for months. The excitement leading up to these baptisms was intense after such an emotionally draining day.
Who would have guessed that this announcement was going to be used as a catylist for this step in faith and obedience? THEN to add to this "miracle", as we drove into camp (where the baptism was going to be held) a new brother in Christ ( who is also the husband of the one baptizee) meets us in the driveway and announces that he wants to be baptized as well. He asked that we not tell anyone; he wanted to surprise his wife, family and friends.
there were friends of mine there tonight that needed a very real reminder of what God has done in the last few years. This was the absolute PERFECT way to show and remind us all that God is good; God is love and God is in control. The mix of emotions that are going around inside of me right now is so intense; but so very neat! I am reminded of the verse from Paul that we as Christians are the only ones that can experience both joy and sorrow at the same time.
I am going to bed tonight with the incredible reminder that MY Father, who is joined with me for all eternity; is good ALL the time; He will use ALL things for HIS good; AND of course that HE is in control!
Thank you Father for every single part of today.The good, and the incredibly good. I look forward to what you are going to do in the coming weeks, months and years; in and through our little church family!
That's all for now
Jacqueline
Saturday, August 14, 2010
What Brings Joy To A Mother's Heart?
This morning I went to pick up my oldest son from a week at camp (he has been counselling for the past two weeks at Conestoga Bible Camp). When we finally were able to sit down and chat; I noticed his face was literally shining ( and no it was not from being oily and/or an acne problem). There was this incredible look of joy that I do not remember ever seeing before.
He shared about his week; the wonderful "campies" (aka campers); the guys in his cabin; the leadership; the worship opportunities he has had and on and on and on. He had so much to share, and the excitement was just bubbling out of him. What was the greatest on his heart to share was that he had the wonderful opportunity to see/pray with three campers as they made the choice to become part of God's family. It was so neat to see the look on his face as he shared the stories and experiences from camp.
I am so thrilled that Jesus has a hold of his heart and has given him a desire and passion to not only love people; but also to share the love of Jesus with them. We will see what the future entails for him; but for me, I was resting today in being reminded that God has my children in His hands. It was so neat to sit and have this conversation with him; to hear the excitement inhis voice for things of the kingdom.
Later in the day, as I was sharing with him some news; I was so proud of the way he articulated his feelings. He wasn't afraid to show his emotions (which went from shock; sadness; anger; acceptance all in about two hours). He HAS grown into a man; I am no longer a mother of little children or even young teens. My children are becoming adults right before my eyes.
I feel so blessed and full of joy at this moment. I am aware of my joy, but sometimes it is easy to become distracted and for today; I am thankful for my feelings that are indicating to me what I have to be thankful for.
So, back to the question at hand; what brings joy to a mother's heart? 3 John 1:4 sums it up well "There is no greater joy, than to see (or hear) your children walking in the truth".
That's all for now; til next time
In Him,
Jacqueline
He shared about his week; the wonderful "campies" (aka campers); the guys in his cabin; the leadership; the worship opportunities he has had and on and on and on. He had so much to share, and the excitement was just bubbling out of him. What was the greatest on his heart to share was that he had the wonderful opportunity to see/pray with three campers as they made the choice to become part of God's family. It was so neat to see the look on his face as he shared the stories and experiences from camp.
I am so thrilled that Jesus has a hold of his heart and has given him a desire and passion to not only love people; but also to share the love of Jesus with them. We will see what the future entails for him; but for me, I was resting today in being reminded that God has my children in His hands. It was so neat to sit and have this conversation with him; to hear the excitement inhis voice for things of the kingdom.
Later in the day, as I was sharing with him some news; I was so proud of the way he articulated his feelings. He wasn't afraid to show his emotions (which went from shock; sadness; anger; acceptance all in about two hours). He HAS grown into a man; I am no longer a mother of little children or even young teens. My children are becoming adults right before my eyes.
I feel so blessed and full of joy at this moment. I am aware of my joy, but sometimes it is easy to become distracted and for today; I am thankful for my feelings that are indicating to me what I have to be thankful for.
So, back to the question at hand; what brings joy to a mother's heart? 3 John 1:4 sums it up well "There is no greater joy, than to see (or hear) your children walking in the truth".
That's all for now; til next time
In Him,
Jacqueline
Thursday, August 12, 2010
In whom we Trust ...
The phrase that keeps coming to mind today is "In whom we trust". I think that these words can be a reminder to check where we are putting our trust; and they can also be a questtion " Jacqueline are you trusting me with this?" Its funny how we pray things like "Father I ask you to work in this situation..." If you think about those words, are we not implying that we believe He has stopped working? God is always at work.
Maybe our words need to be more like, "Father remind me that you are in control; and I can rest in knowing you have it".
Today is one of those days with much on my mind. I will share more as time goes on, but I do know that my Daddy has it in HIS hands! He is doing a work in all those around me; and He has never stopped working.
Philippians 1:6 says "HE (GOD) who began a good work in you; WILL see it through to completion"
Let us remember when the waves around seem a little higher than normal; that the maker of the wind and the waves is in control; and He makes no mistakes.
That's all for now.
In Him
Jacqueline
Maybe our words need to be more like, "Father remind me that you are in control; and I can rest in knowing you have it".
Today is one of those days with much on my mind. I will share more as time goes on, but I do know that my Daddy has it in HIS hands! He is doing a work in all those around me; and He has never stopped working.
Philippians 1:6 says "HE (GOD) who began a good work in you; WILL see it through to completion"
Let us remember when the waves around seem a little higher than normal; that the maker of the wind and the waves is in control; and He makes no mistakes.
That's all for now.
In Him
Jacqueline
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Love of Christ ... I can't contain it!
Have you ever been so excited about something that you just couldn't wait to tell someone? Remember when you found out you were going to have a baby? (now mind you, many of us were too shocked to be excited). But eventually, there is this excitement that just HAS to come out.
Years ago, when it was announced to the kids that we were planning a trip to Disney World; they could not wait to tell their friends - you see it had to come out. This is the kind of excitement that I am talking about!
Sometimes words are not necessary, and people who are close to me can tell by my face (especially my eyes)that there is something going on inside of me. Other times, I am so in awe of it all, that I just have to get those many words to come out and share what I am thinking. Today is one of those days, I just want to share what's on my mind. You will have to forgive the rambling, lack of proper grammar skills, and the simplicity that this is written in.
This summer, as I have been working away on my degree at Emmanuel Bible College, I decided to take my first ever Distance Ed course. It has been challenging (and to be honest, the subject was not one that really interested me - Minor Prophets). HOWEVER, when I finally realized that my attitude was wrong, that this was God's word; and that there is propbably something in it for me - I was able to begin to work through the course with an open heart and mind.
You seen the prophets were given a message from God. I think sometimes they get the reputation of only being the bearers of bad news. That is, being the ones to deliver news of judgement and destruction.
The way I see it is, they were given a word from God to share, and yes, many times it was a message that was an "either/or" message. Meaning, repent and come back to God - "or else". BUT, take Hosea for instance, the message he had was that of the Love of God. Take Amos, he wanted nothing more than the people of his nation to repent; he had compassion ( even though he knew the way they were going about things was wrong). You see, they had a message that needed to get out - they could no longer contain it!
What does this verse from Jeremiah say or mean to you? "When I consider not speaking anymore in His name; but then His message becomes like a burning fire inside of me; deep within my bones. I get tired of trying to hold it inside of me, and finally , I cannot hold it in"
We have the LIFE of Jesus inside of us; we will hold it in to ourselves? or will be that broken vessel willing to be broken, in order that the world may see the light that is within us?
What message has God placed within you that needs to be shared?
Just some thoughts that are on my mind this morning.
That's all for now
In Him
Jacqueline
Years ago, when it was announced to the kids that we were planning a trip to Disney World; they could not wait to tell their friends - you see it had to come out. This is the kind of excitement that I am talking about!
Sometimes words are not necessary, and people who are close to me can tell by my face (especially my eyes)that there is something going on inside of me. Other times, I am so in awe of it all, that I just have to get those many words to come out and share what I am thinking. Today is one of those days, I just want to share what's on my mind. You will have to forgive the rambling, lack of proper grammar skills, and the simplicity that this is written in.
This summer, as I have been working away on my degree at Emmanuel Bible College, I decided to take my first ever Distance Ed course. It has been challenging (and to be honest, the subject was not one that really interested me - Minor Prophets). HOWEVER, when I finally realized that my attitude was wrong, that this was God's word; and that there is propbably something in it for me - I was able to begin to work through the course with an open heart and mind.
You seen the prophets were given a message from God. I think sometimes they get the reputation of only being the bearers of bad news. That is, being the ones to deliver news of judgement and destruction.
The way I see it is, they were given a word from God to share, and yes, many times it was a message that was an "either/or" message. Meaning, repent and come back to God - "or else". BUT, take Hosea for instance, the message he had was that of the Love of God. Take Amos, he wanted nothing more than the people of his nation to repent; he had compassion ( even though he knew the way they were going about things was wrong). You see, they had a message that needed to get out - they could no longer contain it!
What does this verse from Jeremiah say or mean to you? "When I consider not speaking anymore in His name; but then His message becomes like a burning fire inside of me; deep within my bones. I get tired of trying to hold it inside of me, and finally , I cannot hold it in"
We have the LIFE of Jesus inside of us; we will hold it in to ourselves? or will be that broken vessel willing to be broken, in order that the world may see the light that is within us?
What message has God placed within you that needs to be shared?
Just some thoughts that are on my mind this morning.
That's all for now
In Him
Jacqueline
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Name Change ...
It has been many months since I have last wrote; and you will notice that I changed the title of my blog. While I have been debating on blogging, I have also been thinking about the use of internet, facebook, emails and blogs - and what Father God has to say about them ( that is what does He have to say about me using them). I had decided at the beginning of the summer that I was going to attempt to continue blogging; but before I did, I needed to take some time to think through some of these questions: What is the purpose of a blog? Why do I blog? Who am I hoping reads my blog?
I believe that we are called to share the light that is within us; and through this blog, I am hoping that Father will use these scrambled thoughts, simply written ramblings to share a glimpse of the light within me (that is the LIGHT and LIFE of Jesus) into lives around me.
You will notice that the message of the blogs have changed. I considered deleting the previous posts, but I decided that I am going to be transparent, and those previous posts are all apart of where I was on my journey at those moments.
Blessings to you as you continue your walk.
That's all for now
In Him
Jacqueline
I believe that we are called to share the light that is within us; and through this blog, I am hoping that Father will use these scrambled thoughts, simply written ramblings to share a glimpse of the light within me (that is the LIGHT and LIFE of Jesus) into lives around me.
You will notice that the message of the blogs have changed. I considered deleting the previous posts, but I decided that I am going to be transparent, and those previous posts are all apart of where I was on my journey at those moments.
Blessings to you as you continue your walk.
That's all for now
In Him
Jacqueline
Friday, January 15, 2010
Give Me Words To Speak ...
We have all been on both ends of the spectrum of hard conversations. Either we are hearing something we don't want to hear, or having to tell someone something they don't want to hear (and sometimes we don't want to be in the spot to have to say the truth either).
Words have the power to heal and to hurt. To build up and to tear down. To encourage and to rip someone to millions of pieces. The old rhyme - "stick and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". Really? words people have said to me years and years ago are still engrained in my memory, and yes theydid hurt. Do I still let them have the same effect on me ? no. But, it is foolish to think that words we hear, or words we say to others, don't have the ability to hurt and to cause damage.
Father, when I speak, I want to speak only the words from you, AND in your perfect timing! When I speak words of truth, may they be through you, in love - not simply correct. May the words I speak, be to encourage, to edify and to build up.
May the words that WE say Father, be pleasing to you - Amen!
Just something that was on my mind.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
Words have the power to heal and to hurt. To build up and to tear down. To encourage and to rip someone to millions of pieces. The old rhyme - "stick and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". Really? words people have said to me years and years ago are still engrained in my memory, and yes theydid hurt. Do I still let them have the same effect on me ? no. But, it is foolish to think that words we hear, or words we say to others, don't have the ability to hurt and to cause damage.
Father, when I speak, I want to speak only the words from you, AND in your perfect timing! When I speak words of truth, may they be through you, in love - not simply correct. May the words I speak, be to encourage, to edify and to build up.
May the words that WE say Father, be pleasing to you - Amen!
Just something that was on my mind.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
Monday, January 11, 2010
For the last seven days, I have heard alot of sad stories. Some stories are brought on by self choices, and others are consequences of other's actions. It has been a week of listeining to hurting friends and their stories. Father, hold them, guide them, comfort them and continue to take the mud off all our eyes when we can't seem to see truth!
I am thankful that you alone are the counsellor and healer. I thank you that when we walk along side those who are hurting, we have you in us to love, comfort and to speak truth.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
I am thankful that you alone are the counsellor and healer. I thank you that when we walk along side those who are hurting, we have you in us to love, comfort and to speak truth.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
Friday, January 8, 2010
Diapers to Date Discussions ...
It has been quite a while since I have blogged, but Father put something on my mind today to share, so here goes ... My "little girl" is not so little anymore. The youngest in the family turned 13 yrs old this past September. With the last child becoming a teenager, I have most definitely entered a new stage.
No longer am I fretting about running out of diapers and wipes; no longer am I trying to figure out how to teach the little ones that touching the stove will hurt; no longer am I setting the timer for small times outs on the kitchen chair. Parenting teens is a whole new ball game.
We have moved from debates about what Barney episode to watch, to discussions on the coach about being tempted, making wise choices, searching scripture to find out what Father God has to say, debating the purchase of music, movies to watch, when is old enough to date etc etc ... Do I feel adequate for this job that God has given me? No, but with Him living inside of me, I have been given everything I need.
New stages are hard, I have never been here before,Father show me which direction to place my next step. Guard my tongue so the words out of my mouth are your words, which are meant to nurture and edify; and yet,at the same time teach, guide and direct.
Father show me when its time to let them make their own choices and decisions. Remind me that you are the perfect parent and sometimes you simply let me walk in my own stubborn direction and you let me fall.
When they fall, remind me that as you are there every time for me, help me to be there to love, encourage and hold them when they are hurt.
These are your children Father, You love them more than I.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
No longer am I fretting about running out of diapers and wipes; no longer am I trying to figure out how to teach the little ones that touching the stove will hurt; no longer am I setting the timer for small times outs on the kitchen chair. Parenting teens is a whole new ball game.
We have moved from debates about what Barney episode to watch, to discussions on the coach about being tempted, making wise choices, searching scripture to find out what Father God has to say, debating the purchase of music, movies to watch, when is old enough to date etc etc ... Do I feel adequate for this job that God has given me? No, but with Him living inside of me, I have been given everything I need.
New stages are hard, I have never been here before,Father show me which direction to place my next step. Guard my tongue so the words out of my mouth are your words, which are meant to nurture and edify; and yet,at the same time teach, guide and direct.
Father show me when its time to let them make their own choices and decisions. Remind me that you are the perfect parent and sometimes you simply let me walk in my own stubborn direction and you let me fall.
When they fall, remind me that as you are there every time for me, help me to be there to love, encourage and hold them when they are hurt.
These are your children Father, You love them more than I.
Til next time,
Jacqueline
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