Today I was thinking about how exciting it is that Christmas will be here on Sunday. It made me think of wonderful Christmases past. This year I miss my Jason and Aubrie. It will be the first time in a long time that not all of us will be together. I am so thankful for a family that loves hanging out together.
The fact is that I saw them in August for a few hours but I miss them NOW! I would gladly exchange all of my gifts to get to have them home for the weekend.
You see, I am blessed beyond measure. I have four wonderful kids and five AMAZING grandkids and the one most over-the top bestest ever husband in the whole wide world! God has truly blessed me, so for this year I will be grateful that most of my kids will be home and the ones that won't be will be in a loving environment of their very own. I am so thankful that each and every one of my kids and grandkids know and serve Jesus, the reason for this wonderful season!
Merry Christmas and have a Wonderful New Year!
Shanin
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
And Whatever You Do...
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
This is found in Colosians 3:1-17 I love this passage! Man isn't God's word rich? I have read this passage many times and EVERY time it speaks to me. There is always more refining to do, isn't there? People in the world can be hateful and shoot Christians can be hateful but what is our response? The Lord has been speaking to me about taking on the offenses of others. Sometimes that can be the worst offense! Especially when it strikes close to our kids:) Now that doesn't mean that we let them off the hook but it is our job to handle it in a righteous manner! I think the key is in verses 15-17 Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body; and be thankful. How often do we catch ourselves being ungrateful? Or maybe not being ungrateful but just in a rut or routine? I have been caught in a routine! But the Lord says to be thankful. Verse 16 is awesome! Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. How can we know these things without letting the Word of Christ dwell in our heart? How do we get the Word of God in our hearts? Not by osmosis or fellowship or even the once a week Sunday Message but by reading the word! I think that is where we are so vulnerable. The enemy knows that if he can just get us "too busy" or distracted by whatever means ,(ie: sickness, christmas parties, dissension), then he might get us distracted long enough to break our pattern of daily devotions with our True Love. The One who guards our hearts and minds! The One who gives us the answers! The last verse, 17, says And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. If we just sensored our thought patterns, actions and the words that came out of our mouths with the thinking that we are doing this in the Name of the Lord Jesus...is it worthy material to be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus? Do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus then the last line again is reminding us to give thanks to God the Father through Him. Man we must need to be reminded to give thanks, huh? It is sure mentioned alot. So today I challenge everyone to take time, dwell in the Word, in His Presence, sensor what we do, our motives and our actions and what comes out of our mouths! Is this worthy to have His stamp of approval? Then by all means do it in His Name and have a thankful heart and countenace also! Be Blessed!
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
This is found in Colosians 3:1-17 I love this passage! Man isn't God's word rich? I have read this passage many times and EVERY time it speaks to me. There is always more refining to do, isn't there? People in the world can be hateful and shoot Christians can be hateful but what is our response? The Lord has been speaking to me about taking on the offenses of others. Sometimes that can be the worst offense! Especially when it strikes close to our kids:) Now that doesn't mean that we let them off the hook but it is our job to handle it in a righteous manner! I think the key is in verses 15-17 Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body; and be thankful. How often do we catch ourselves being ungrateful? Or maybe not being ungrateful but just in a rut or routine? I have been caught in a routine! But the Lord says to be thankful. Verse 16 is awesome! Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. How can we know these things without letting the Word of Christ dwell in our heart? How do we get the Word of God in our hearts? Not by osmosis or fellowship or even the once a week Sunday Message but by reading the word! I think that is where we are so vulnerable. The enemy knows that if he can just get us "too busy" or distracted by whatever means ,(ie: sickness, christmas parties, dissension), then he might get us distracted long enough to break our pattern of daily devotions with our True Love. The One who guards our hearts and minds! The One who gives us the answers! The last verse, 17, says And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. If we just sensored our thought patterns, actions and the words that came out of our mouths with the thinking that we are doing this in the Name of the Lord Jesus...is it worthy material to be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus? Do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus then the last line again is reminding us to give thanks to God the Father through Him. Man we must need to be reminded to give thanks, huh? It is sure mentioned alot. So today I challenge everyone to take time, dwell in the Word, in His Presence, sensor what we do, our motives and our actions and what comes out of our mouths! Is this worthy to have His stamp of approval? Then by all means do it in His Name and have a thankful heart and countenace also! Be Blessed!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Meeting Each One for the First Time
I can remember the first time that I met each of my precious children. After only four and half hours of hard labor Amber was born into our lives. When Amber was born she didn't cry but she opened her eyes wide and looked around in the delivery room. The Dr. was surprised because it was so bright because of the lights yet she still was taking it all in. She was so beautiful. We were on cloud nine.
Then there was Jason. He came out so angry! He was mad that someone had interupted his life. Before he was all of the way out he grabbed my hospital gown, pulled himself up and screamed. He was upset and let the world know it:) He too was absolutely gorgeous. Again, we were on cloud nine.
Then there was James. James was upset when he was born but it wasn't an angry upset it was a little pooched out lip upset. He cried and cried. I remember hugging him. He was so sweet. Another big beautiful baby (10 lbs. 2 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long). Three for three. How could life get any better? We were truly blessed.
Then many years later I met my last daughter, Tammy. The first time I saw her I had no idea that she would become my daughter. She was beautiful. She was only about fifteen years old and she had long dark hair. I called her by the wrong name! (she still reminds me of this to this day lol) She was very sweet. We got to be her pastors first. God was so good. He knew that Tammy would be ours one day, even when we had no clue. He had this marvelous plan. To make a long story short, Tammy was grafted into our family. She added three beautiful grand children to our family. Looking back now I see all of the puzzle pieces being put perfectly into place. I think about it now...I got to be with her when she was fitted for her wedding dress, her sister, Amber was her wedding coordinator. We were there for the baby showers and later the hard times too but God was there because He placed us there...together.
Each of my kids were placed into our lives. Each of them were more beautiful than I could ever imagine. Each of them individuals but fit so well, just as God has intended. I am truly blessed. I am married to a wonderful husband, I have four wonderful kids with amazing spouses and last but not least I have the best grandchildren in the world! Thank You Father for all of my kids...if I had only not called Tammy by the wrong name the first time! LOL...oh well, I am not perfect but I am their mother:)
You get what you get and you don't throw a fit! HA Ha!
Shanin
Then there was Jason. He came out so angry! He was mad that someone had interupted his life. Before he was all of the way out he grabbed my hospital gown, pulled himself up and screamed. He was upset and let the world know it:) He too was absolutely gorgeous. Again, we were on cloud nine.
Then there was James. James was upset when he was born but it wasn't an angry upset it was a little pooched out lip upset. He cried and cried. I remember hugging him. He was so sweet. Another big beautiful baby (10 lbs. 2 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long). Three for three. How could life get any better? We were truly blessed.
Then many years later I met my last daughter, Tammy. The first time I saw her I had no idea that she would become my daughter. She was beautiful. She was only about fifteen years old and she had long dark hair. I called her by the wrong name! (she still reminds me of this to this day lol) She was very sweet. We got to be her pastors first. God was so good. He knew that Tammy would be ours one day, even when we had no clue. He had this marvelous plan. To make a long story short, Tammy was grafted into our family. She added three beautiful grand children to our family. Looking back now I see all of the puzzle pieces being put perfectly into place. I think about it now...I got to be with her when she was fitted for her wedding dress, her sister, Amber was her wedding coordinator. We were there for the baby showers and later the hard times too but God was there because He placed us there...together.
Each of my kids were placed into our lives. Each of them were more beautiful than I could ever imagine. Each of them individuals but fit so well, just as God has intended. I am truly blessed. I am married to a wonderful husband, I have four wonderful kids with amazing spouses and last but not least I have the best grandchildren in the world! Thank You Father for all of my kids...if I had only not called Tammy by the wrong name the first time! LOL...oh well, I am not perfect but I am their mother:)
You get what you get and you don't throw a fit! HA Ha!
Shanin
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Heroine or Victim?
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15-16 NIV
Esther, the heroine of the Jews, for her time. She had the life, right? The life of a Queen? But that wasn't her whole story. Her story began when her parents were murdered and then she was taken (by the King's guards), at a young age, from her cousin to be placed in the harem to be "trained" or prepped to see if she "was good enough" for the King to choose her to be his Queen. Oh I forgot to add that she didn't even get to keep her given name, her identity was changed too. In our world she would be considered a victim, she would spend her whole life in counseling trying to figure out why it all had to happen to "her" aka me.
Esther didn't take the victim stance. There was a purpose for her life. When the bad guy, Haman, had devised a plot to have all of the Jews killed (her people), her cousin, Mordecai, told her about the plot. She realized that if she went before the King without an invitation she could be put to death, but Mordecai reminded her in Esther 4:14, he told her that who knows but that she was placed into her position as queen for such a time as this? (Shanin's version LOL)Her response was one of responsibility, one of a heroine, not a victim...go and fast and pray for me and I will go before the King and if I die, I die...(again Shanin's translation). Esther was not a quitter. She didn't throw her hands into the air in despair. She decided to do what was right regardless of the possible consequences. She made a decision in her heart...a decision of a heroine not a victim.
The story has a happy ending in Esther. If you haven't read that book of the bible you really should. It is short and a great read!
Can we apply this to our lives today? Yes. Maybe not to the extreme of circumstances like Queen Esther but everyone has had something happen to them in their lives. How will you respond? Will you respond and live as a victim or will you choose to become victorious? Will you make a decision to do what is right or will you throw your hands into the air and yell, "I'm done! I give up!" ? If you are a christian, will you be a good witness or a bad witness? Will you choose to seek healing and see what God has planned for your life? You are chosen for such a time as this!
My life story has had some ugly chapters but let me share with you that the good has far out weighed the bad. Has it always been easy? No, but I chose to seek out healing and am I ever glad! God is my Redeemer and Deliverer! I am so glad that the Lord showed me that things could be so different for my life. I am so glad that I realized that I didn't have to live life in the pit of dispair of victim stance! He took some pretty ugly circumstance ashes and created something beautiful out of that heap.
Praying that you choose to live your life to the fullest. Your life has a purpose! You are chosen for such a time as this. Please leave the trap of being a victim behind. It is such an ugly place to live, it's like quicksand. If you want or need prayer I would be glad to pray for you. God has great plans for you and enemy would like to derail you.
It's your choice...I chose life.
Shanin
Esther, the heroine of the Jews, for her time. She had the life, right? The life of a Queen? But that wasn't her whole story. Her story began when her parents were murdered and then she was taken (by the King's guards), at a young age, from her cousin to be placed in the harem to be "trained" or prepped to see if she "was good enough" for the King to choose her to be his Queen. Oh I forgot to add that she didn't even get to keep her given name, her identity was changed too. In our world she would be considered a victim, she would spend her whole life in counseling trying to figure out why it all had to happen to "her" aka me.
Esther didn't take the victim stance. There was a purpose for her life. When the bad guy, Haman, had devised a plot to have all of the Jews killed (her people), her cousin, Mordecai, told her about the plot. She realized that if she went before the King without an invitation she could be put to death, but Mordecai reminded her in Esther 4:14, he told her that who knows but that she was placed into her position as queen for such a time as this? (Shanin's version LOL)Her response was one of responsibility, one of a heroine, not a victim...go and fast and pray for me and I will go before the King and if I die, I die...(again Shanin's translation). Esther was not a quitter. She didn't throw her hands into the air in despair. She decided to do what was right regardless of the possible consequences. She made a decision in her heart...a decision of a heroine not a victim.
The story has a happy ending in Esther. If you haven't read that book of the bible you really should. It is short and a great read!
Can we apply this to our lives today? Yes. Maybe not to the extreme of circumstances like Queen Esther but everyone has had something happen to them in their lives. How will you respond? Will you respond and live as a victim or will you choose to become victorious? Will you make a decision to do what is right or will you throw your hands into the air and yell, "I'm done! I give up!" ? If you are a christian, will you be a good witness or a bad witness? Will you choose to seek healing and see what God has planned for your life? You are chosen for such a time as this!
My life story has had some ugly chapters but let me share with you that the good has far out weighed the bad. Has it always been easy? No, but I chose to seek out healing and am I ever glad! God is my Redeemer and Deliverer! I am so glad that the Lord showed me that things could be so different for my life. I am so glad that I realized that I didn't have to live life in the pit of dispair of victim stance! He took some pretty ugly circumstance ashes and created something beautiful out of that heap.
Praying that you choose to live your life to the fullest. Your life has a purpose! You are chosen for such a time as this. Please leave the trap of being a victim behind. It is such an ugly place to live, it's like quicksand. If you want or need prayer I would be glad to pray for you. God has great plans for you and enemy would like to derail you.
It's your choice...I chose life.
Shanin
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Prayer
The Lord has been speaking to my heart about prayer. He speaks to me in snippets some days. He know that I can grasp it better in snippets :) There have been a few things bothering me lately. I was thinking about going to talk to one of my friends about it and He told me to wait and pray about it. He will change the situation. He is the Healer and the Redeemer and the Restorer. So that is what I am going to do about it. I am going to pray daily over the situation and watch God take care of it. He also has been challenging to increase my prayer life. I used to pray a lot more and I saw the evidence of that investment. So I am asking for God to help me to be more diligent in praying and seeking His face. Trusting and believing.
I am excited about this because I know that He will move in a mighty way. The last time He talked to me about my heart's desires was five years ago. Wow, I had no idea how God could and would move on my behalf.
We have gone through a lot of battles since then and I can look and see the battle scars. It isn't pretty. But God can take those wounds and heal them. He can restore what the enemy plotted to destroy. I am praying. I want and desire something more. I am thankful that I serve a God that can and will give me something more :) I will share more as He moves.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Eph 6:18 NIV
Praying, watching and waiting,
Shanin
I am excited about this because I know that He will move in a mighty way. The last time He talked to me about my heart's desires was five years ago. Wow, I had no idea how God could and would move on my behalf.
We have gone through a lot of battles since then and I can look and see the battle scars. It isn't pretty. But God can take those wounds and heal them. He can restore what the enemy plotted to destroy. I am praying. I want and desire something more. I am thankful that I serve a God that can and will give me something more :) I will share more as He moves.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Eph 6:18 NIV
Praying, watching and waiting,
Shanin
Saturday, September 24, 2011
It's the Little Things!
Somedays it is just the little things that mean so much! Today I got to take care of three of my grandkids. I got to enjoy a cup of coffee! I get to go over to some friends' house for dinner tonight! And there will be homemade mexican food :) I am thankful for jalapeno poppers that my sweet husband is making even though he already worked eight hours cooking for others! How awesome is that? Tomorrow I get to go to church and worship! I love my worship team! I really like exclamation poiints...hee hee probably a little more than I should but I get excited easily :) I am extremely thankful for wireless internet access!!! I am really getting excited for Christmas. I am getting really, reallyexcited to shop with my girls the day after Thanksgiving! Of course on Thanksgiving day we will get to do a puzzle and this too excites me. I know that none of this is in order but I just wanted to share with you some of my happy thoughts for the day. When I really should be doing homework :P
Back to Work!
Shanin
Back to Work!
Shanin
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Behold How Good and How Pleasant It Is...
For brethren to dwell together in unity! DO you remember that old song? I was thinking about it today. It is an old song set to Jewish style music. When I was a kid and singing it people would get excited and clap in beat together.
That is how it feels when we fellowship or "hang out" with our family from The Bridge! Last night I taught the kids and to hear the kids run up to one another and pat them on the back or get excited and hug each other it! I love to hear their laughter and excitement to see each other. That is how it should be whenever it is time to gather! Unity! You don't have to be someone's best friend to support one another. Sometimes it is just a prayer said or an encouraging word that will minister to a person. Sometimes it can be a smile and wave from across the room, or a hug of comfort and to shed a few tears together. But there is just something special when brothers and sisters in Christ dwell together in unity!
You are an important member of the body of Christ. Do not entertain the thought that people won't miss you! You have a place. Not only will you miss out on fellowship but you might miss an opportunity to minister to a person who NEEDS you!
So resist the urge to sit home. Get up off the couch and go. We need each other. And to meet together to worship the King...there is nothing better :)
Expecting to see you soon!
Shanin
That is how it feels when we fellowship or "hang out" with our family from The Bridge! Last night I taught the kids and to hear the kids run up to one another and pat them on the back or get excited and hug each other it! I love to hear their laughter and excitement to see each other. That is how it should be whenever it is time to gather! Unity! You don't have to be someone's best friend to support one another. Sometimes it is just a prayer said or an encouraging word that will minister to a person. Sometimes it can be a smile and wave from across the room, or a hug of comfort and to shed a few tears together. But there is just something special when brothers and sisters in Christ dwell together in unity!
You are an important member of the body of Christ. Do not entertain the thought that people won't miss you! You have a place. Not only will you miss out on fellowship but you might miss an opportunity to minister to a person who NEEDS you!
So resist the urge to sit home. Get up off the couch and go. We need each other. And to meet together to worship the King...there is nothing better :)
Expecting to see you soon!
Shanin
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