Last night as we were leaving our Maundy Thursday service, I looked over and I saw tears streaming down Jacob's face.  I put my arm gently around him and pulled him close.  As his Mom I know his tender heart and that he would need to share with me what was troubling him.  He shared with me how much it bothered him that Jesus had to pay for his sins and the sins of world by dying on the Cross.  I told him it wasn't fair but that I am so glad Jesus did not only consider what we deserved.  Jesus knew the only option to save us, was for Him to take our place.  We cannot save ourselves and the precious truth is we do have to anymore.  Jesus has already saved us.  It is done.  It is finished.

Today we remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Sometimes I think we say that phrase without remembering what it really means. The word crucifixion comes from the word “excruciating.” To be crucified is the most horrific and painful death a person can suffer. We can only begin to imagine the physical pain that Jesus suffered. Jesus also suffered spiritually and emotionally in a way that we never will. When He cried out, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” it was because at that moment, Jesus was separated from God. Now how could Jesus, who is also God, be separated from God? That has always been a great mystery – even to the greatest of theologians... He, who was without sin, became sin for us all and suffered separation from God. That is the only way we could be saved. Jesus knew what would happen and yet the night before He told His Father, “Not my will, but your will.” Our sins nailed Him to the cross, but His amazing love for you and for me held Him there.

If we would have been standing there that day we would have also heard Jesus say, “It is finished.” Jesus did not only say this, He shouted it out. “It is finished,” is three words in English; but in Greek it is one “Tetelestai” as it would be in Aramaic. And “Tetelestai” is the victor’s shout; it is the cry of a person who has won through the struggle; it is the cry of a person who has come out of the dark into the glory of light, and who has grasped the crown. So, then, Jesus died a victor with a shout of triumph on His lips.

“Here is the precious thing. Jesus passed through the uttermost abyss, and then the light broke. If we, too, cling to God even there seems to be no God, desperately and invincibly clutching the remnants of our faith, quite certainly the dawn will break and we will win through. The victor is the person who refuses to believe that God has forgotten them, even when every fiber of their being feels they are forsaken. The victor is the person who will never let go of their faith, even when they feel that its last grounds are gone. The victor is the person who has been beaten to the depths and still holds on to God, for that is what Jesus did.” (William Barclay)

Lent is a time for reflection. A time for us to remember why Jesus had to die on the cross. There are churches where they do not talk about sin; it makes people feel bad about themselves. It is an unpleasant topic. And so they preach about “feel good” topics instead and the people leave the church feeling good about themselves and about the message.


The church I attend practices confession and absolution every Sunday. We confess our sins together corporately and there is usually a time for silence when we can reflect upon our sins. When I was growing up we would say: Oh almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto Thee all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended Thee and justly deserve Thy temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray Thee for Thy boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter suffering and death of Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be merciful to me a poor sinful being. After the confession the Pastor announces our forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We had a church member leave our congregation because she did not like to say she was a poor miserable sinner. She didn’t think she fit into that category. Now, I am going to say something and for some of you it may sound weird. I find comfort in knowing that I am a poor miserable sinner. No, I am not happy that I am a sinful being. But it is an explanation as to why I fall short, every moment of every day. I am a poor sinful being and I will mess up every day of my life. I will sin knowingly and unknowingly. I will try so hard not to sin and I will fail. I don’t have any grand elusions about myself and when I do it never works out the way I envision it will.

It is a lie straight from the pit of hell to tell someone that when you are a Christian you will not have problems with sin anymore. If that statement is true (which it is not) what would we need Jesus for? If something we can do on our own could save us…why would we need a Savior? There are so many people out there who are miserable because they cannot live the perfect life, no matter how hard they try, they fail. I KNOW I’m not perfect. God knows I’m not perfect. God knows that I could not save myself, no matter how much I wanted too. I do not need to save myself; Jesus saved me when He died for my sins. We should not treat sin lightly. I am not proud that I am a poor miserable sinner. But I find great comfort in knowing that God knows exactly how miserable I am and loves me anyways. I find solace in the knowledge, the blood of Jesus has redeemed me and because of Him I stand forgiven.

I love Psalm 139 and I would like to share it with you in two ways. One is right from scripture and the other is through a song. May you take the time to reflect upon the words. I know it is painful when we realize our sinfulness but it is not the end of the story. Jesus has paid the price for you and for me. We are washed clean in the blood of the Lamb.

1O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

5You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,"

12 even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

13For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

19Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!

O men of blood, depart from me!

20They speak against you with malicious intent;

your enemies take your name in vain!

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?

I have been absent from my blog for a very long time.  I never meant to neglect it.  Sometimes life takes an unexpected twist and you find yourself on a path you never planned to take.  I have had several unexpected life upheavals take place and I will share bits and pieces of them in time.  I have struggled with my health for over three years now.  It is hard.  I have lost all parathyroid function.  My body no longer knows how to process calcium and vitamin D on its own.  I take medication to help my body absorb the calcium.  This very medication which keeps me from developing kidney stones depletes my body of magnesium and potassium.  So I take those supplements.  If my body does not receive enough of those vital nutrients my heart races.  I feel like a science experiment as we find the proper dosages to keep my body working effectively. 

My diagnoses is called hypoparathyroidism.  There are days where I feel normal.  There are days were I feel so exhausted it is an effort to complete the ordinary tasks of life.  There are times when anxious thoughts rob me of precious sleep and there are moments when depression hangs like a dark cloud over my day.  It is a challenge because there isn't a pattern to when I feel good and when I will struggle to get through the day.  Thankfully I have more good days than bad.

In the midst of learning to deal with my health limitations it became necessary for me to have a hysterectomy.  The surgery went fine but post surgery I lost a lot of blood.  It took me a few months for my body to recover from the trauma it went through.  In the midst of this we are building a home.  It is exciting to build a new home but if you have ever traveled that road it can be very stressful. 

My husband, Troy, has been a huge blessing through everything.  We have learned to take one day at a time.  God has brought us through all of the joys and sorrow of this past year.  He has never left our side.  We remain in His capable hands.  We do not know what tomorrow might bring, but we know God holds all of our tomorrows.  We have found comfort in God's word and received strength and nourishment in receiving the Lord's supper.  God has provided loving family and friends who have loved us through it all.  God has provided for all of our NEEDS every moment of every day.

During the season of Lent I am brought back to a memory from my childhood.  At the close of every Lenten service our congregation sang, "Abide with Me."  I love the words of this beautiful hymn.

I know each one of you have your struggles and have great burdens to bear as well.  May you find comfort in knowing the Lord has you in His most capable hands.  May God grant you peace, hope, and joy today and always.

Ash Wednesday




In worship services around the world many will hear the words, “Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Let’s take a peak at Webster and a few of the definitions of dust.

1. The ground; the earth’s surface.

2. The substance to which something, as the dead human, is ultimately reduced by disintegration or decay; earthly remains

3. British

a. ashes, refuse

b. Junk

4. a low or humble condition

5. anything worthless



Why would anyone want to be referred to as dust? Why do we need to be reminded, we are worthless?
Is there anything we can do to make ourselves right? Is there anyway we can make ourselves clean again? Unfortunately, the answer is NO there is nothing we can do. There is nothing we have to do. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us and make us whole. Only Jesus can lift us up out of the ashes and refuse of sin, we cannot do this on our own.
On our Church body’s website it states: “This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful reminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dust-to dustness and remind worshippers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God.”

In order to understand what God has done for us, we need to remember we are poor miserable sinners, who deserve death and eternal damnation. No one would ever want to suffer eternally separated from God, if they truly understood what that meant. And yet, Jesus knew in order to keep us from what we deserve and have earned a thousand times each day. He had to take our place. Jesus suffered in agony on the cross for you and for me. We know the word crucifixion comes from the word excruciating, because of how much pain it inflicts upon the person sentenced to die. Physically the pain would be too much for anyone to bear but the greater anguish for Jesus was that He became separated from God. Jesus experienced the torment of hell when God the Father turned away from His Son. We do not know and understand how it happened. The great theologians cannot fully explain this mystery to us.

So as we kneel at the altar, and we are reminded we are worthless refuse who deserve to suffer Hell. We can joyfully remember we have been scrubbed, cleansed, and purified by the precious blood of Jesus.

In closing, I was going to share selected verses from Romans chapter 8. But I decided to share all of it. It takes awhile to read it but it is worth every moment.

May God fill you with His peace as we begin our Lenten Journey.
Romans 8

Life in the Spirit

1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Heirs with Christ

12So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Future Glory

18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written,"For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jacob gave this poem at a speech contest last week.  He did a great job and we are very proud of him!

Alleluia! Christ has Risen! He has Risen Indeed! The tomb is empty! Despite the plans of men, God did not fail; Jesus rose victoriously from the grave! Our lives have changed forever.


One of my favorite Easter memories is from the first Easter I spent in Peoria. Because I was involved in the worship service I was part of the processional. The processional Cross was covered with a black hood and the cross on the altar was covered in black as well from the “Good Friday” service. As we started to walk into the sanctuary you could hear the brass boldly and triumphantly playing and as we proceeded down the aisle the black was removed from both of the crosses. It was a representation of the veil of sin and death being removed forever. Jesus had gone to the Father on our behalf and now we too could come before God. It was one of those holy and sacred moments that I will remember forever.

A little later on in the service we were singing “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” and we were singing the fourth verse, “He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend; He lives and loves me to the end; He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing; He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!” At that moment I looked up at the beautiful statue they have of Jesus on the altar- and for the very first time I noticed the nail scars on His hands. I could not finish the rest of the hymn because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. Jesus, the King of all creation, died for my sins. I put those nail scars on His hands. I knew that I had been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, even though I did nothing to deserve it. I couldn’t sing the words with my mouth, but I was singing them in my heart.

Can you imagine the joy that Mary felt on that first Easter morning when Jesus first said her name? That Joy is ours because Jesus is calling us by name. He is saying, “(your name) come and walk with me. I have won the victory over sin, death, and the devil for you; your life will never be the same. You will never have to be separated from your heavenly Father; I have made that sacrifice on your behalf. Come and discover all that I have to offer you, come and rest in the Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace that you can only find through me.”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Alleluia! Christ has Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Today we remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Sometimes I think we say that phrase without remembering what it really means. The word crucifixion comes from the word “excruciating.” To be crucified is the most horrific and painful death a person can suffer. We can only begin to imagine the physical pain that Jesus suffered. Jesus also suffered spiritually and emotionally in a way that we never will. When He cried out, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” it was because at that moment, Jesus was separated from God. Now how could Jesus, who is also God, be separated from God? That has always been a great mystery – even to the greatest of theologians... He, who was without sin, became sin for us all and suffered separation from God. That is the only way we could be saved. Jesus knew what would happen and yet the night before He told His Father, “Not my will, but your will.” Our sins nailed Him to the cross, but His amazing love for you and for me held Him there.


If we would have been standing there that day we would have also heard Jesus say, “It is finished.” Jesus did not only say this, He shouted it out. “It is finished,” is three words in English; but in Greek it is one “Tetelestai” as it would be in Aramaic. And “Tetelestai” is the victor’s shout; it is the cry of a person who has won through the struggle; it is the cry of a person who has come out of the dark into the glory of light, and who has grasped the crown. So, then, Jesus died a victor with a shout of triumph on His lips.

“Here is the precious thing. Jesus passed through the uttermost abyss, and then the light broke. If we, too, cling to God even there seems to be no God, desperately and invincibly clutching the remnants of our faith, quite certainly the dawn will break and we will win through. The victor is the person who refuses to believe that God has forgotten them, even when every fiber of their being feels they are forsaken. The victor is the person who will never let go of their faith, even when they feel that its last grounds are gone. The victor is the person who has been beaten to the depths and still holds on to God, for that is what Jesus did.” (William Barclay)

Do you know how much God loves you?  Can you comprehend the love He has for you?  Can you even begin to fathom how His love can transform you and how it will have an eternal impact upon your life?

Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt where you will spend eternity?  Are you thinking, I hope to be in heaven?

I know where I will spend eternity, and that is with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  You might think, wow, she is full of herself.  What makes her think she is so special that she knows she is going to heaven.  My dear readers,  I cannot assure my salvation anymore than you can.  But I know the ONE who can.  I know Jesus, and my salvation is dependent upon Him.  I cannot take credit for where I will spend eternity.  I didn't earn it.  I don't deserve it.  I cannot buy it. I cannot even imagine or fathom how wonderful it will be.

All I know is someday this earthly body will take it's last breath and I will close my eyes one final time here on earth and the next time I open my eyes it will be to look upon the face of my Savior.

It is not about what I have done or what I am going to do.  It is about what Jesus did for you and for me on the Cross.  When Jesus cried out, IT IS FINISHED, it meant the separation between God and His people had ended.  It meant the debt has been paid in full.  We could never fulfill the debt, no matter how much we want to, we are unable to.  God the Father knew we could never make the payment and so He sent His one and only Son to pay the debt for us.

Last week I shared scripture from Romans Chapter 8 and I am going to share some of those verses again.  I know too many people who have questions about whether they will be in heaven or not.  It breaks my heart when I think of them not being assured of their salvation.  And although they might not ever express it to me, I think they might feel I'm arrogant in my absolute certainty of where I'm going when I die.

In Romans 8:1 It states, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  We are poor miserable sinners each and every day. But Jesus paid all penalties for us.  There is nothing we can do to save ourselves.  To think we as mere humans could do anything at all to save ourselves is arrogant. 

We can live consumed with the guilt of our sin wondering if we will ever be good enough to enter the gates of heaven.  The truth is we are not good enough...but in Jesus we have been made clean.  Based upon His work for us on the Cross we are saved.  There is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.

At the end of Chapter 8 we hear this blessed promise: "37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I hope you will take the time to allow THE WORD to soak into your heart and your soul.  Your salvation does not depend upon you or your actions.

On Saturday I attended the funeral of ,Pastor Freudenburg.  It was a celebration of his life but more importantly we were reminded of the One who gave us life.  The service was beautiful, in fact, I felt as though I caught a glimpse of heaven.  The music and singing were magnificent.

I would like to share with you, Shepherd Me O God, by Marty Haugen.



Refrain


Shepherd me, O God,

beyond my wants,

beyond my fears,

from death into life.



1. God is my shepherd,

so nothing shall I want,

I rest in the meadows

of faithfulness and love,

I walk by the quiet waters of peace.



2. Gently you raise me

and heal my weary soul,

you lead me by pathways

of righteousness and truth,

my spirit shall sing

the music of your Name.



3. Though I should wander

the valley of death,

I fear no evil,

for you are at my side,

your rod and your staff,

my comfort and my hope.



4. You have set me a banquet of love

in the face of hatred,

crowning me with love

beyond my pow’r to hold.



5. Surely your kindness and mercy

follow me all the days of my life;

I will dwell in the house of my God

forevermore.

Ash Wednesday

In worship services around the world many will hear the words, “Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Let’s take a peak at Webster and a few of the definitions of dust.

1. The ground; the earth’s surface.
2. The substance to which something, as the dead human, is ultimately reduced by
disintegration or decay; earthly remains
3. British
a. ashes, refuse
b. Junk
4. a low or humble condition
5. anything worthless

Why would anyone want to be referred to as dust? Why do we need to be reminded, we are worthless?

Is there anything we can do to make ourselves right? Is there anyway we can make ourselves clean again? Unfortunately, the answer is NO there is nothing we can do. There is nothing we have to do. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us and make us whole. Only Jesus can lift us up out of the ashes and refuse of sin, we cannot do this on our own.

On our Church body’s website it states: “This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful reminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dust-to dustness
and remind worshippers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God.”

In order to understand what God has done for us, we need to remember we are poor miserable sinners, who deserve death and eternal damnation. No one would ever want to suffer eternally separated from God, if they truly understood what that meant. And yet, Jesus knew in order to keep us from what we deserve and have earned a thousand times each day. He had to take our place. Jesus suffered in agony on the cross for you and for me. We know the word crucifixion comes from the word excruciating, because of how much pain it inflicts upon the person sentenced to die. Physically the pain would be too much for anyone to bear but the greater anguish for Jesus was that He became separated from God. Jesus experienced the torment of hell when God the Father turned away from His Son. We do not know and understand how it happened. The great theologians cannot fully explain this mystery to us.

So as we kneel at the altar, and we are reminded we are worthless refuse who deserve to suffer Hell. We can joyfully remember we have been scrubbed, cleansed, and purified by the precious blood of Jesus.

In closing, I was going to share selected verses from Romans chapter 8. But I decided to share all of it. It takes awhile to read it but it is worth every moment.

May God fill you with His peace as we begin our Lenten Journey.

Romans 8
Life in the Spirit
1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Heirs with Christ
12So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Future Glory
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God’s Everlasting Love
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"Life is difficult." The opening line of the book, "The Road Less Traveled" by Scott M. Peck. It has been quite a few years since I read the book. I don't remember a lot from the book but the first words left an impression upon my mind.

I don't know about you but sometimes I grow so weary with life and it's challenges...it would be so easy just to pull the covers up over my head and go back to bed. Although sleep is good it won't solve most problems.

I've been struggling with my health issues for almost 2 1/2 years. It is frustrating because there are so many things I would like to do. I volunteer to help out with a project at church, school, or the community only to discover my health issues will not allow me to participate once again. Even now as I write this the tears I try to hold back spill down my cheeks. I know this is a season in my life and it will not last forever. There are so many people who deal with far greater health problems than me.

Death, depression, disease, family issues, money problems, lack of employment, fear of terrorism, and the list goes on. I see these issues amongst my family and friends and my heart breaks for them. Sometimes the words of comfort I try to offer do not seem to be enough... I can never offer enough to anyone but I know the One(Jesus)who has given His love so we can have enough grace to face each day and the difficulties it brings.

Yes, Life is difficult, we will never escape that truth this side of heaven. But thanks be to God we have a Lord and Savior who died on the cross for our sins. So that we do not have to live an eternity in despair and brokeness.

May you find comfort in the words of these beloved hymns!






"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, "My Grace is suffucient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, than, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Happy Twelfth Day of Christmas

I have been rather silent on my blog lately. I hope to share a couple of writings with you each week. My health issues continue to be a challenge at times but I am thankful to our loving Heavenly Father who sustains me and upholds me when I grow weary. I am grateful for a husband who loves me and gives me encouragement each day. He is a treasure and a gift from God to me. My boys bring me more joy than I ever imagined and so I am focusing on all that is good in my life.

Over the past couple of years I have included political commentary on my blog. I have decided to create a new blog which for my political thoughts.

My original intent for this blog was to share God's word and a place to share devotional style writings. It will be better to keep the political commentary separate from here. Over the next couple of weeks I will remove the politcal writings and links from my blog.

I would like to share with you my favorite Christmas Hymn. I will post the words underneath. May it bless you and remind you of the great love our Father has for you.

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!

At His Word the worlds were framèd; He commanded; it was done:
Heaven and earth and depths of ocean in their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining
Of the moon and burning sun, evermore and evermore!

He is found in human fashion, death and sorrow here to know,
That the race of Adam’s children doomed by law to endless woe,
May not henceforth die and perish
In the dreadful gulf below, evermore and evermore!

O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!

This is He Whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!

Righteous judge of souls departed, righteous King of them that live,
On the Father’s throne exalted none in might with Thee may strive;
Who at last in vengeance coming
Sinners from Thy face shalt drive, evermore and evermore!

Thee let old men, thee let young men, thee let boys in chorus sing;
Matrons, virgins, little maidens, with glad voices answering:
Let their guileless songs re-echo,
And the heart its music bring, evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore!

Matthew calls this the "Sad Tree"! We had a fun late afternoon out at our beautiful church camp trying to capture some pictures of the boys together!

Fireman Matthew is reminding all of our friends to make sure and check your smoke alarms!

REMEMBERING 9/11

MAY WE NEVER FORGET

I know for many Americans as we approach the 8th Anniversary of 9/11 we are taken back in time to the day our world changed forever. We can recall with vivid detail where we were and what we were doing when we learned we had been attacked. Our minds will never forget the pictures of horror from that day and our hearts will always remember the heroes, and our thoughts and prayers will always be with those who lost loved ones.

I've volunteered to become part of Project 2,996 a day in which bloggers will remember those who died on 9/11. I was randomly assigned a name of a person who lost their life on that day. And so my post today is in honor and in memory of:

Steven Gregory Genovese

I never had the privilege of meeting Steven, but as I've captured a small glimpse of his life these past couple of days learning about him, I know he is someone I would have enjoyed having as a friend.

Steve was married to Shelly and they have a beautiful little girl, Jacquline. He was devoted to his family and took great delight in spending time with them. Those who knew Steve best said, "He lived life to the fullest, and did not want to take one second for granted."

On the morning of September 11, 2001 Steve was at work in his office which was on the 104th floor of the North Tower of the Word Trade Center, he was a partner and equity trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. His wife, Shelly, tells her account of what unfolded that morning and over the next few days, you can read about it here. You can find their story on page three of this document. I want for you to be able to read this story in her own words.

Steve worked at the WTC when it was attacked in 1993, he was able to walk away that time and his family had high hopes that this time it would be same story. Sadly this time, the story's ending is heartbreaking and their lives forever changed by this tragedy.

It is my fervant prayer that we will all take the time to stop and to pray for the family and friends who lost loved ones on September 11. I wish I could bring comfort and peace to each family as they remember their loved ones, I cannot humanly do that, but I know the One who can.

"My soul finds rest in God alone." Psalm 62:1

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1- 3

May God continue to bring comfort and peace to the Genovese family today and always.

 

Jacob caught this 27 inch sturgeon on his B-day! They need to be bigger before you can keep them, so we had to throw it back.

 

My Dad made this beautiful cross. It stands over 7 feet tall.

 

 

Happy Birthday Jacob! We are on vacation right now and so I will share this picture of Jacob's first canoe trip! I will have more pics to share later on.

A Mother never forgets the moment she first sees her child, Jacob captivated my heart from that very first moment. I love being his Mommy!