Why is it hard on the sad dark days to so easily forget ...
The last blog I wrote was on the power source within me .. us as Christians.
So, why when the tears are flowing and what you thought was sure and steady has been rocked; do we forget to easily?
You are my peace .. when I dont feel it
you are faithful ... when I dont feel I am strong enough to be or others havent been
You love .. you ARE love
and on and on and on are the promises of God our Father
Hudson Taylor really does sum it up best. He says, "why do I spent time striving after faith when I can rest in the faithful one"
So, Jacqueline, why do I spend time looking for peace and answers, when - I can rest in Jesus who is peace and has got all the answers.
Father, may our hearts and minds be on you - and not the wave that seems to be pulling me under.
Thats all for now
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
POWER Source within US!
We recently sang a worship song "All my Fountains" and it is really a good good song. For all our fountains ARE in Him. He is all we need, and it is the source of Him being in us that enables us to accomplish what it is that He wants us to do; and the desires He has placed on our hearts to want to do.
With this song recently on my mind, as we visited Niagara Falls yesterday,and I watched the tremendous power of the water; I couldnt help but think of all the power that we are enabled with.
When we read in the Psalms, of God being the fountain of life; and ALL my fountains are found in Him ... WOW we have alot of power within US. Have you ever stopped to think of that? Just HOW much power ? we are plugged in to the vine that is the ULTIMATE POWER source! I think it is just amazing! Even in the tough times, even in the dark hours - HIS POWER is flowing into us, through us, AND out of us.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - God says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER is perfected in your weakness"... so that the POWER of Christ may dwell in me.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the POWER of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the POWER of the Holy Spirit.
1Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the POWER of our Lord Jesus,
1Corinthians 6:14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His POWER.
2Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the POWER will be of God and not from ourselves;
There are so many verses about the POWER of God - it is amazing. I will leave you with two more:
2Corinthians 13:4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the POWER of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the POWER of God directed toward you.
Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His POWER toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might
That's all for now, Til next time
In HIM - who is the source of all POWER
Jacqueline
With this song recently on my mind, as we visited Niagara Falls yesterday,and I watched the tremendous power of the water; I couldnt help but think of all the power that we are enabled with.
When we read in the Psalms, of God being the fountain of life; and ALL my fountains are found in Him ... WOW we have alot of power within US. Have you ever stopped to think of that? Just HOW much power ? we are plugged in to the vine that is the ULTIMATE POWER source! I think it is just amazing! Even in the tough times, even in the dark hours - HIS POWER is flowing into us, through us, AND out of us.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - God says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER is perfected in your weakness"... so that the POWER of Christ may dwell in me.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the POWER of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the POWER of the Holy Spirit.
1Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the POWER of our Lord Jesus,
1Corinthians 6:14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His POWER.
2Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the POWER will be of God and not from ourselves;
There are so many verses about the POWER of God - it is amazing. I will leave you with two more:
2Corinthians 13:4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the POWER of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the POWER of God directed toward you.
Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His POWER toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might
That's all for now, Til next time
In HIM - who is the source of all POWER
Jacqueline
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Love of Father ... or should I say love of a Mother!
Last Saturday at work we did a time of reflection. We asked the students to think about the story of the Prodigal and then to take some time to see which of the characters they best related to. It is really a neat experience; consider with asking God for yourself: are you more like the younger Son, the older Son or the Father?
When I look back over my life, I see at times I have played each character. It wouldnt have been until recently that I would have "dared" to say that I was like the Father; as with all my "churching" I have had, I knew that in this parable, Jesus was showing us the role of Father is God; and there was no way I was going to compare myself to God. (Ya, I still had some "religious" junk to deal with).
That all said however, because the excercise from Saturday was so fresh on my mind, it made yesterday even more special for me.
Because of the different journies that each of my children are on, my three teenagers do not see each other very often. Yesterday was a very special day for all of us. We spent the whole day together celebrating Michael's 18th birthday, and my heart was so full - for once it is hard for this Mother to even explain how much joy was inside of me.
As I put my arms around my "big kids"; I was reminded very clearly from Father, and
"this is just a little bit of the love I have for you". They still have their lessons to learn about life, God and safety of being under the family protection etc; but it was such a good day.
I was able to love my children - ALL of them at the same time; and no one's decisions and behaviours changed that in the least. I simply wanted them to see, my love as their mother has not changed; I love you and want whats best for you. You do not need to change your behaviour to have my love.
Thank you Father for your love. Thank you Father for the opportunity to love.
That's all for now - til next time
Jacqueline
When I look back over my life, I see at times I have played each character. It wouldnt have been until recently that I would have "dared" to say that I was like the Father; as with all my "churching" I have had, I knew that in this parable, Jesus was showing us the role of Father is God; and there was no way I was going to compare myself to God. (Ya, I still had some "religious" junk to deal with).
That all said however, because the excercise from Saturday was so fresh on my mind, it made yesterday even more special for me.
Because of the different journies that each of my children are on, my three teenagers do not see each other very often. Yesterday was a very special day for all of us. We spent the whole day together celebrating Michael's 18th birthday, and my heart was so full - for once it is hard for this Mother to even explain how much joy was inside of me.
As I put my arms around my "big kids"; I was reminded very clearly from Father, and
"this is just a little bit of the love I have for you". They still have their lessons to learn about life, God and safety of being under the family protection etc; but it was such a good day.
I was able to love my children - ALL of them at the same time; and no one's decisions and behaviours changed that in the least. I simply wanted them to see, my love as their mother has not changed; I love you and want whats best for you. You do not need to change your behaviour to have my love.
Thank you Father for your love. Thank you Father for the opportunity to love.
That's all for now - til next time
Jacqueline
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Black and White Thinking ...
It has been many months since I have written in a blog form. I will update soon, but I would like to share with you something that came to my mind today that I felt was worth sharing.
Those who knows me well, may decribe me as being a "black and white thinker". I have for most of my adult years taken that as either an insult or a weakness. Mostly, I have viewed it as something that I needed to change; because I had viewed it as a legalistic way of thinking. And to be fair, possibly in some areas, I do come across as very strong and determined in how I view certain topics. Particularly those containing to scripture, truth, friendships, how we treat others and family matters. All of which I am extremely passionate about.
I didnt want to lumped in with legalistic thinkers; but rather someone who is confident in what she believes in. Someone who is not prone to being tossed to and fro as the winds and waves change; and not someone who is attracted to teaching that is pleasing to itchy ears. But rather, someone who has ears open to hearing from Father, and specifically how He would like me to grow, change or to love on others.
This morning, Pastor Craig Groeschel from Life Church continued his series on marriage, and he made a few comments that have inspired this blog entry.
I was so encouraged that it is okay to have black and white thinking, (of course I dont mean i shouldnt be willing to compromise that is not what I mean at all); but to stand for what I believe in. God's truth IS black and white. There is such a thing (against popular opinion these days) as right and wrong. There are acts of sin or acts of righteousness; you are either a saved saint or a sinner; things are either true or false; and there is right and wrong.
The shades of grey mentality, messes with more than marriages and fantacy as the popular book suggests. Shades of grey leaves us on a fence, and not knowing what to stand for and being easily swayed and tossed to and fro.
For right now, I am completely okay if I am known as a black and white thinker.
I am thankful that Father has removed muck from eyes and goop out of my ears.
Thanks Craig for the reminder to stand firm on truth.
That's all for now.
Jacqueline
Those who knows me well, may decribe me as being a "black and white thinker". I have for most of my adult years taken that as either an insult or a weakness. Mostly, I have viewed it as something that I needed to change; because I had viewed it as a legalistic way of thinking. And to be fair, possibly in some areas, I do come across as very strong and determined in how I view certain topics. Particularly those containing to scripture, truth, friendships, how we treat others and family matters. All of which I am extremely passionate about.
I didnt want to lumped in with legalistic thinkers; but rather someone who is confident in what she believes in. Someone who is not prone to being tossed to and fro as the winds and waves change; and not someone who is attracted to teaching that is pleasing to itchy ears. But rather, someone who has ears open to hearing from Father, and specifically how He would like me to grow, change or to love on others.
This morning, Pastor Craig Groeschel from Life Church continued his series on marriage, and he made a few comments that have inspired this blog entry.
I was so encouraged that it is okay to have black and white thinking, (of course I dont mean i shouldnt be willing to compromise that is not what I mean at all); but to stand for what I believe in. God's truth IS black and white. There is such a thing (against popular opinion these days) as right and wrong. There are acts of sin or acts of righteousness; you are either a saved saint or a sinner; things are either true or false; and there is right and wrong.
The shades of grey mentality, messes with more than marriages and fantacy as the popular book suggests. Shades of grey leaves us on a fence, and not knowing what to stand for and being easily swayed and tossed to and fro.
For right now, I am completely okay if I am known as a black and white thinker.
I am thankful that Father has removed muck from eyes and goop out of my ears.
Thanks Craig for the reminder to stand firm on truth.
That's all for now.
Jacqueline
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tired BUT Thankful
Just got home a couple hours ago from another great weekend retreat where I was able to speak to approx 80 people about the great God that we have! I will be honest, I am extremely tired, but I am so thankful for the weekend that we had. I am thankful for:
25. safety at camp
26. some rest
27. great weekend
28. many volunteers who serve the Woodside Youth
29. Conestoga Bible Camp
30. Directors and hosts of camp
31. volunteers at camp
32. NEW LIFE IN CHRIST this weekend at camp
33. Message of freedom grasped by many
34. Our Father's acceptance
35. Christ living in us
36. the gift of righteousness
25. safety at camp
26. some rest
27. great weekend
28. many volunteers who serve the Woodside Youth
29. Conestoga Bible Camp
30. Directors and hosts of camp
31. volunteers at camp
32. NEW LIFE IN CHRIST this weekend at camp
33. Message of freedom grasped by many
34. Our Father's acceptance
35. Christ living in us
36. the gift of righteousness
Sunday, January 15, 2012
I'll Bring You More Than a Song ...
Once again, I have learned a lesson and am so thankful to how Father speaks to me.
It was my turn to take part on the worship team at church; and this time I was going to sing not play keyboard. I had been fighting a bad cold for several days, and in fact Mon.,Tues.,and Wed I hardly had a voice at all. I cancelled most of my appointments for a couple days and stayed quiet (well as quiet as one can be while barking loudly in a cough).
Lately, I have been wondering where I fit within our little church. The role where I used to be involved, has been filled with staff, and the role where I had been asked to consider leading in, doesnt work well with my other ministry responsibilities at work. So, this fall I have been slowly working my way back into the worship team. I walked forward slowly, with no committment, as I continued to seek Father and ask Him if this is what He wanted, or do I continue to just rest and wait to hear further "direction".
I had been so wrapped up in doing things "right" that I have been missing what it was really about. So, Thursday morning I was praying and I asked Father to show me clearly if He wanted me to be part of this week's team. (Up until then, I had no voice to contribute). By the end of Thursday at work, I had felt that I should go to practice regardless; (as I could offer to play keyboard if I had no voice and if that was a need).
I get to practice and I had a singing voice!! It was close to normal - totally amazing! I still coughed in between songs, but my voice was back. And while that was pretty cool to experienc, the best part was to come later in the practice.
Our worship pastor asked if I would like to lead "The Heart of Worship" or perhaps better known to you as "After the Music Fades".
When I started singing, immediately my heart began to beat faster and faster. As I was singing I realized that this song was exactly what I needed to sing. Not just to sing, but to hear, to sing and to confess.
I had allowed pleasing people, inner voices, pride to get in the way. Essentially, I had allowed self doubt and the voice of "Jester" to take away my joy and my song (sigh, once again ... ) .
21.Thank you Father for second chances.
22. Thank you Father for speaking to me so clearly and lovingly.
23. Thank you Father for new friends in Christ to worship with.
24. Thank you Father for our new Worship Pastor.
I'm sorry Lord for what I made it - for its all about you!
I'll bring you more than a song!
Til Next Time,
Jacqueline
It was my turn to take part on the worship team at church; and this time I was going to sing not play keyboard. I had been fighting a bad cold for several days, and in fact Mon.,Tues.,and Wed I hardly had a voice at all. I cancelled most of my appointments for a couple days and stayed quiet (well as quiet as one can be while barking loudly in a cough).
Lately, I have been wondering where I fit within our little church. The role where I used to be involved, has been filled with staff, and the role where I had been asked to consider leading in, doesnt work well with my other ministry responsibilities at work. So, this fall I have been slowly working my way back into the worship team. I walked forward slowly, with no committment, as I continued to seek Father and ask Him if this is what He wanted, or do I continue to just rest and wait to hear further "direction".
I had been so wrapped up in doing things "right" that I have been missing what it was really about. So, Thursday morning I was praying and I asked Father to show me clearly if He wanted me to be part of this week's team. (Up until then, I had no voice to contribute). By the end of Thursday at work, I had felt that I should go to practice regardless; (as I could offer to play keyboard if I had no voice and if that was a need).
I get to practice and I had a singing voice!! It was close to normal - totally amazing! I still coughed in between songs, but my voice was back. And while that was pretty cool to experienc, the best part was to come later in the practice.
Our worship pastor asked if I would like to lead "The Heart of Worship" or perhaps better known to you as "After the Music Fades".
When I started singing, immediately my heart began to beat faster and faster. As I was singing I realized that this song was exactly what I needed to sing. Not just to sing, but to hear, to sing and to confess.
I had allowed pleasing people, inner voices, pride to get in the way. Essentially, I had allowed self doubt and the voice of "Jester" to take away my joy and my song (sigh, once again ... ) .
21.Thank you Father for second chances.
22. Thank you Father for speaking to me so clearly and lovingly.
23. Thank you Father for new friends in Christ to worship with.
24. Thank you Father for our new Worship Pastor.
I'm sorry Lord for what I made it - for its all about you!
I'll bring you more than a song!
Til Next Time,
Jacqueline
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My Hopes for 2012
As I sit down to write this first blog entry for 2012, I reread some of my previous posts with a few questions on my mind about last year. Did I meet my goals? Was I open to what God was doing? Do I continue to struggle in the same areas or has there been healing? and, most importantly, do I know Jesus more?
To answer some of those questions, no, yes, somewhat, yes and I think so.:)
My weight continues to be a struggle, although there has been great gain in the bigger picture of my health, understanding things better and knowing who I am and why I do what I do.
DO I trust more? Yes. I have made choices to trust, and before that could happen I had to realize that ultimately, there is nothing man (or woman) can do to me; for I am okay. Do I continue to struggle to walk upright always? Yes, but it becomes less and less of a struggle; and its funny how it all comes back to trust and walking in my TRUE identity. Knowing who I am, and being, doing for an audience of one!
A friend of mine is making 2012 the year of surrender. While I am always learning more and more about being in the state of surrender; I think for me, I am purposing that 2012 is going to be about being thankful. Finding at least one thing every day to be thankful for.
It's not about covering up difficult circumstances that are harder to be thankful for; but rather, in the midst of those circumstances choosing to be thankful anyways.
So, as I write this - it is Jan 13th. My list of being thankful begins today. Today I am thankful for ...
1. quiet Saturday mornings at home
2. truth and honesty spoken in love
3. silly laughs and conversations with my son about the differences between men and women
4. a small balance in the bank account when by my counting should be at zero
5. money to get new tires before snow hits hard
6. a son who loves Jesus more than anything
7. for forgiveness
8. for the wisdom of doctors, dentists and other medical professionals
9. for pastors and many others who wants to see people's lives change with the love and life of Jesus
10. for a church family who didnt give up and is not afraid to try something new
11. for a beautiful home and a border to help cover the rent
12. for the peace that comes with knowing whatever happens, God has what is best, planned for me
13. for knowing that I don't have to have all the answers
14. for being on staff at a ministry who supplied a new laptop for my use
15. for the gift of music
16. for family and friends who care enough to get to know the real me
17. for the ability to dream
18. for tears
19. for God's word as a guidemap to the lover of my soul
20. for being a new creation and having new beginnings
To answer some of those questions, no, yes, somewhat, yes and I think so.:)
My weight continues to be a struggle, although there has been great gain in the bigger picture of my health, understanding things better and knowing who I am and why I do what I do.
DO I trust more? Yes. I have made choices to trust, and before that could happen I had to realize that ultimately, there is nothing man (or woman) can do to me; for I am okay. Do I continue to struggle to walk upright always? Yes, but it becomes less and less of a struggle; and its funny how it all comes back to trust and walking in my TRUE identity. Knowing who I am, and being, doing for an audience of one!
A friend of mine is making 2012 the year of surrender. While I am always learning more and more about being in the state of surrender; I think for me, I am purposing that 2012 is going to be about being thankful. Finding at least one thing every day to be thankful for.
It's not about covering up difficult circumstances that are harder to be thankful for; but rather, in the midst of those circumstances choosing to be thankful anyways.
So, as I write this - it is Jan 13th. My list of being thankful begins today. Today I am thankful for ...
1. quiet Saturday mornings at home
2. truth and honesty spoken in love
3. silly laughs and conversations with my son about the differences between men and women
4. a small balance in the bank account when by my counting should be at zero
5. money to get new tires before snow hits hard
6. a son who loves Jesus more than anything
7. for forgiveness
8. for the wisdom of doctors, dentists and other medical professionals
9. for pastors and many others who wants to see people's lives change with the love and life of Jesus
10. for a church family who didnt give up and is not afraid to try something new
11. for a beautiful home and a border to help cover the rent
12. for the peace that comes with knowing whatever happens, God has what is best, planned for me
13. for knowing that I don't have to have all the answers
14. for being on staff at a ministry who supplied a new laptop for my use
15. for the gift of music
16. for family and friends who care enough to get to know the real me
17. for the ability to dream
18. for tears
19. for God's word as a guidemap to the lover of my soul
20. for being a new creation and having new beginnings
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