Female in Motion

             Psalm 116:15 (KJV) Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.  A beautiful rose has faded away. She was too rare a creature to live on this earth, and now she will take her place in Heaven's glorious garden. Quiet and humble are the characteristics most often attributed to our former pastor's wife. She was a gentle soul, a wonderful listener, incredibly thoughtful. Although she probably never knew, I studied her life and watched how she carried herself with such grace and dignity. Her remarkable strength, under the pressure of the leadership of a small congregation, was epic. Never a doormat, she demonstrated a servant's heart, and led by example. While her husband shepherded our church, this Rose managed the family, made a comfortable and hospitable home and supported the man of God. No matter what stresses the day held, she spoke no harsh words. Her patience and even temper with...

Psalm 103:11-12 (KJV) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. God is all-knowing. This means that we keep no secrets from our Heavenly Father, even the ones we don't tell ourselves. His memory is perfectly clear, yet he can wipe out any of our repented sins. What's really cool is that our Savior separates our sins from us. We are no longer tainted by that mistake. God is omniscient. He has total recall. God is merciful. He cannot remember our repented sins. All we have to do is ask. *** Notable Quote: "God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination."--Augustine

Ephesians 1:10 (KJV) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: When I was a kid, one of my favorite late summer activities was going to the peach orchard near Haysville, KS. The peaches were warm and perfectly ripe for picking.  As we filled our baskets, I couldn't resist taking a big bite of that juicy fruit. It wouldn't have done much good to go peach picking in January. They don't ripen until August. When our pastor brought a lesson this Sunday on "the fulness of time," I just knew I had to cherry-pick. *ahem* The fullness of time is a Biblical phrase that relates to God's perfect timing. When you pray, have you noticed that the Father says yes, no, or not now? While Christ walked this planet, He was sometimes questioned as to His timing. When Jesus was summoned to heal a dying Lazarus, he delayed two days, until his friend ...

Labor Day 2015...a well-deserved holiday for those who keep America running. We all put in long, hard hours at work daily, so a three-day weekend to rest, relax and enjoy is something we deserve, right? Um, not so much. Exactly what is it that we deserve? Some would have you believe that Christians should have rainbows and puppies every day, and if you don't, you're not doing it right. We work and save and buy a nice place, a few cars, some nice vacations. But do we deserve the blessings we receive? How about the hard times? What warrants those? Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. God asks that His children conform to His moral code, and when we fail to meet that standard and confess our sin, our Heavenly Father dispenses His mercy with abundance. Since He's the one that meets our needs and dispenses our blessings, wh...

I've heard some really weird ideas that people have about God and what He likes and dislikes. Here's a few comparisons: The world says God doesn't listen. I know He loves to hear from me. The world says hell will be a party. (It won't.) I know God is preparing a beautiful place in heaven just for me. The world says God has too many rules. I know He has given me freedom like I've never known before. The world says you have to be perfect before you walk into a church. I know God loves me just as I am. The world says God is intolerant. I know the only thing God hates is sin--not sinners. The world uses prayer like a genie in a bottle. I know God will supply all my needs. The world says that being a Christian is "too hard." I know He gives me strength to face whatever challenges life gives. The world says He disapproves of their lifestyle. I know God loves all of us so much He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. The world...

Grace begins with Jesus Christ. He IS grace, but it is not limited to Him. As Christians, we can, and should show grace to others, too. When I think about the grace that God has shown me, how He lavishes favor on my life, it makes me want to pay it forward. How can I demonstrate grace to others? I want to start by being less critical of those around me, and more tolerant of others' choices. If I listen more, and have compassion, I can mirror the grace our Heavenly Father gives. Those folks that are hard to look at, ministry begins there. Instead of running or looking away, I need to meet people where they are, while telling them my salvation story. We've all been there. By modeling Christlike attributes, I will mature my faith. Like Noah, Moses and the apostles, I want to find grace in the eyes of the Lord. *** Notable Quote: Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts...

Matthew 18:2-5 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Tonight, my heart is heavy at the loss of one of God's little children. She was only four years old, but I learned many lessons from this powerful teacher. And now, as I try to live a life that honors her memory, I invite you to lift prayers of comfort and mercy for the grieving family. Good night, little Sunshine! Until we meet again.