Wow, it has been 9 very busy days since I last wrote, where does the time go? It is so easy to get caught up in doing so much that before you know it weeks go by.
Well, I'm glad to be back and pleased to announce my blender mysteriously appeared in the garage. I'm not necessarily concerned at this point how it got there just happy and grateful that it found it's way home. Its smoothie times again.
I wonder how many times we are actually excited about the fact that another soul found its way home into the Kingdom of God? When someone commits their life to the Giver of Life, what does it do to our spirit? We should be ecstatic when sinners come to Christ because that means there's less that will burn in hell.
But what about a Christian who has fallen away in sin? Do we condemn them or try our best to bring them back? Are we finger pointers or Jesus sharers? Do we rebuke them with clanging cybals or do we gently and lovingly nudge them back on track?
As believers, we must strive to look for the good in others. Sometimes that is difficult. When darkness fills a room, we must be the light. As we shine with Christ's love, darkness must flee.
When we bear the image of God in our lives and are walking in his ways, others notice. Likewise, when we are a known believer and fall, all eyes are upon us, some with condemnation, others with grief. It grieves me to see a man or woman of God, walk away. It also grieves Jesus. For that very reason, we are called to pick our brothers and sisters back up in love and set them on the Rock, which is Christ Jesus. We cannot force them but through prayer and love, God is faithful. He desires that none should perish and fall short of His glory. Let's be the light, let's love
sinners to Christ.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
One thing I'll never lose
You never know what you have until it's gone. i used my blender the other day to puree the pea halves in the soup I was making. I remember clearly putting it back on the counter after I was through. Yesterday, when i got home from our trip to St. Augustine I immediately noticed it was gone. Where did it go? Did it suddenly grow legs and walk away? I aslked our son if he had any idea where it was but he said he didn't. He said he was barely home while we were gone and did not eat much while we were away. I believe him but that still leaves the unanswered question, hwere is my blender? I may never find it and that is okay. It's just a thing and sometimes things get lost. Thank God there is one thing thast I am certain I will never lose and that is my Salvation.
The Bible says in the book of John chapter 10: "My sheep hear My voice and i know them and they follow Me, and I give eternal life to them and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father who had given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are One."
I'm often asked the question does that mean you can never lose your Salvation? My answer to that is this: God called me before I was ever born. He gave me a purpose in life and that purpose is to serve Him. I plan on serving Him for the rest of my life. Should I stray from my way with Him, He is faithful to bring me back. Therefore, nothing will be able to pluck me from His hand. "You are from God; little children, and you have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world." 1John 4:4
The Bible says in the book of John chapter 10: "My sheep hear My voice and i know them and they follow Me, and I give eternal life to them and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father who had given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are One."
I'm often asked the question does that mean you can never lose your Salvation? My answer to that is this: God called me before I was ever born. He gave me a purpose in life and that purpose is to serve Him. I plan on serving Him for the rest of my life. Should I stray from my way with Him, He is faithful to bring me back. Therefore, nothing will be able to pluck me from His hand. "You are from God; little children, and you have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world." 1John 4:4
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Ten dollars is ten dollars
Jim and I purchased something from a well known office store in St. Augustine yesterday. It did not do for us what it was supposed to do so before heading home to Sebring and losing our money we decided to return it at the place of purchase. I had been holding a $10 gift card from the name brand store and decided to use it at time of purchase. Just as I had feared when we made the return the store was not able to give us the $10 coupon back, hence we are out the gift money, which brings me to this point.
Salvation is eternal. In John 3:16 the Bible says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Aren't you glad that your Salvation can never be taken away and the credit lasts way beyond your life on earth?
Just some food for thought.
Salvation is eternal. In John 3:16 the Bible says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Aren't you glad that your Salvation can never be taken away and the credit lasts way beyond your life on earth?
Just some food for thought.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sitting in the coffee shop
We"re sitting in the Mystic Bean Coffee shop in Downtown St. Augustine. I figured it would be just like any other coffee bar I've been to but in fact it wasn't. It's more like a mini sandwich joint with Mediterranean dishes such at gyros, pizza and spinach pies. On the sign outside I noticed they had something called Hookahs and I was intrigued by what they were. So, ignorantly I asked and found they really had nothing to do with food or coffee at all. How interesting. I found that the owner is from Turkey and they use these Hookahs to smoke their favorit tobacco.
Reminds me of my grandfather and his pipe smoking days. I loved the smell as a little girl. It is a warm memory of my grandfather one that I will cherish forever.
So often we have people that are part of our lives and then they leave for some reason or another. Maybe they pass on or move away. The Bible says that once we become His, He will never leave us or forsake us. Likewise, He will never allow anything to pluck us out of His hand. What a reassuring promise for the Believer. If you are going through something difficult right now, remember God promises to see you through. He will stay right there with you till the end.
Reminds me of my grandfather and his pipe smoking days. I loved the smell as a little girl. It is a warm memory of my grandfather one that I will cherish forever.
So often we have people that are part of our lives and then they leave for some reason or another. Maybe they pass on or move away. The Bible says that once we become His, He will never leave us or forsake us. Likewise, He will never allow anything to pluck us out of His hand. What a reassuring promise for the Believer. If you are going through something difficult right now, remember God promises to see you through. He will stay right there with you till the end.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
I can't let the day go by without telling about my wonderful valentine! My husband wisped me away for a couple of days for a romantic get-a-way. He is truly a blessing! I pray that each of you are blessed as I am and if at this time you are still waiting- be patient, God has the perfect one for you! Happy Day!
His ways are perfect
So many times our desires (no matter how strong they may be) are not what God wants for our lives. Often what we want though it seems like it would be a good thing, quite possibly would be a burden rather than a blessing.
In Isaiah 55:8-9 states: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
I've been carrying this burning desire in my heart for about 7 years now and I just can't seem to shake it. I wonder at times if it is just a selfish desire or if it is one that God has planted in my heart for a reason unbeknownst to me. If it was something attainable on my own, I'd say it was probably just a selfish endeavor but it is not. Only by the grace and mercy of God can this thing come to pass. So I guess I'll wait. Wait on the One who is all-powerful. Wait on Him because there is nothing else I can do. And trust. Trust that He knows what's best and in His perfect time (if it is His will), it will come to pass, somehow. His ways are perfect and in His time He makes all things beautiful.
In Isaiah 55:8-9 states: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
I've been carrying this burning desire in my heart for about 7 years now and I just can't seem to shake it. I wonder at times if it is just a selfish desire or if it is one that God has planted in my heart for a reason unbeknownst to me. If it was something attainable on my own, I'd say it was probably just a selfish endeavor but it is not. Only by the grace and mercy of God can this thing come to pass. So I guess I'll wait. Wait on the One who is all-powerful. Wait on Him because there is nothing else I can do. And trust. Trust that He knows what's best and in His perfect time (if it is His will), it will come to pass, somehow. His ways are perfect and in His time He makes all things beautiful.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Let the spinning begin
Wow, I can't believe it's been three days since I've last written. Somedays it seems I hardly have time to breathe let alone get on the computer. First things first and the rest will fall into place.
This week God has been speaking to me regarding my priorities and the things that are most important. We all know the passage in Matthew chapter 6 verse 33 that reads: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." Verse 34 goes on to say "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."
Can I attest to these truths! The more I seek God's face through His Word, communion with Him and fellowship with other believers, the closer I get to Him. The more my selfish ways become crucified and replaced with His character, the greater blessings I receive as a believer. Thus my walk with Him becomes stronger and my light shines brighter. Who wouldn't want that?
As I go into each day with an open mind and heart to the things of God, the more He is faithful to show me His ways. Does that mean I always know what He is going to do? No, it just means that He will, in His timing, show me only the things He wants me to see and place in my path only those He directs my way. I must be able though to see Him move and hear His voice. On any given day He may say " Terri, take the day off" and on another He may say, "Pull on your boots, today's water is going to be deep."
Either way He directs, I am satisfied. Whatever my God has for me, I am willing to do. I may not always be ready and able but that is where He comes in. He is the only One that can prepare me for the task. Without Him I can do nothing He requires of me. I need the Potter to place me on His wheel and mold me into the servant He wants me to be. My words to Him are. "Let the spinning begin!"
This week God has been speaking to me regarding my priorities and the things that are most important. We all know the passage in Matthew chapter 6 verse 33 that reads: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." Verse 34 goes on to say "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."
Can I attest to these truths! The more I seek God's face through His Word, communion with Him and fellowship with other believers, the closer I get to Him. The more my selfish ways become crucified and replaced with His character, the greater blessings I receive as a believer. Thus my walk with Him becomes stronger and my light shines brighter. Who wouldn't want that?
As I go into each day with an open mind and heart to the things of God, the more He is faithful to show me His ways. Does that mean I always know what He is going to do? No, it just means that He will, in His timing, show me only the things He wants me to see and place in my path only those He directs my way. I must be able though to see Him move and hear His voice. On any given day He may say " Terri, take the day off" and on another He may say, "Pull on your boots, today's water is going to be deep."
Either way He directs, I am satisfied. Whatever my God has for me, I am willing to do. I may not always be ready and able but that is where He comes in. He is the only One that can prepare me for the task. Without Him I can do nothing He requires of me. I need the Potter to place me on His wheel and mold me into the servant He wants me to be. My words to Him are. "Let the spinning begin!"
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Best friends are God's Angels to us
Ever wonder why people come into our lives? Some stay longer than others and some go quickly both leaving an impression that never fades. I am reminded of two women that have touched my life deeply. These two ladies are "friends that loveth at all times" (Prov. 17:17) Through thick and thin we've stuck it out together propping each other up when necessary, taking our turns
loving and caring, rescuing from distress or providing a place of refuge when necessary. We've prayed for each other, lead each other to the Lord and shared our inner most secrets, ones that we've probably never shared with another. I can't express how much these two friends mean to me. I love them with all my heart just as Christ loves me and I am confident they feel the same. I said all that to say this: if you have a friend (or two), that has stuck by you over the years, one that maybe you are separated from by distance or time, remember them. Pick up the phone, give them a ring. Touch base and see what's going on in their world. Don't allow time and space to keep you apart. You might be surprised to find that you pick up right where you left off. Many times God puts "Angels" in our paths to show us how much He loves us and I am so grateful for the ones He has blessed me with! He truly knows what we need at the right time and is faithful to provide EVERY time.
loving and caring, rescuing from distress or providing a place of refuge when necessary. We've prayed for each other, lead each other to the Lord and shared our inner most secrets, ones that we've probably never shared with another. I can't express how much these two friends mean to me. I love them with all my heart just as Christ loves me and I am confident they feel the same. I said all that to say this: if you have a friend (or two), that has stuck by you over the years, one that maybe you are separated from by distance or time, remember them. Pick up the phone, give them a ring. Touch base and see what's going on in their world. Don't allow time and space to keep you apart. You might be surprised to find that you pick up right where you left off. Many times God puts "Angels" in our paths to show us how much He loves us and I am so grateful for the ones He has blessed me with! He truly knows what we need at the right time and is faithful to provide EVERY time.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Who Do You Love?
“He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:21 NASB
I love my husband but I can’t say I obey his every command. There are times when his requests might be more than I can bear (like an ice cream sundae at midnight when there’s no ice cream in sight) but that doesn’t mean I love him less. Thank God he doesn’t require me to fulfill his every desire. Thank God he has found that only his Maker is able to do all that he asks or thinks and more. (Ephesians 3:20)
“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
NASB I Corinthians 13:4-8
Who loves like that? I Corinthians chapter 13 is the true example of Christ Himself, One whose shoes are hard to follow more often than not.
Luke 10:27 commands: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” NASB
How do we love? Better yet, who do we love? Here the Word of God plainly states that we are to love God and our neighbor. It goes on to say that we love ourselves already and we are to love others as we love ourselves. How? What does this mean? Well, we feed ourselves when we are hungry, right? We take care of ourselves when we get sick, right? We don’t normally go around gossiping about ourselves or saying things that will destroy our character, or do we? Then why are we hesitant to feed the homeless or comfort the sick? Why do we go from here to there spreading dirty rumors about our so-called friends? Let’s face it, that is not love.
Jesus tells in the scriptures over and over how we are to love. He healed the sick, comforted the lonely, and ate with sinners. He is the perfect example throughout the gospels for us to follow. He is love, He designed love and He loves like no other. We may never be able to do all that He has done but we are certainly commanded to do our best at trying.
I spoke with a couple of guys the other day who said they wanted Valentines Day to go quickly because they did not have a Valentine. While I am blessed to have my Valentine and cannot relate with them, I do not discount their view on the day. Obviously, the one used to have a Valentine because he has children. I told him then that his children can be his valentine or his mother or sister but that did not serve to comfort him. Our world is full of lonely people who need to be loved. It is full of those reaching out for anyone who will listen. We must become a society whose ears hear and mouths answer the call of the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 61:1 reads: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.”
We are all called to preach. People will not know the saving grace of Jesus Christ unless someone tells them. Once they are told, they have a choice either to accept it or reject it. Our job as believers is to proclaim Christ and share the great news of God’s love with this hurting world. We are not only to share by our words but also by our actions. Every step we take should be as though we are taking it toward Christ. Every move we make should be with His best interest in mind. He desires that none will perish and it’s up to us to share that desire. Our hearts must be molded into the heart of Christ. We must love like Him as though His blood were flowing through our veins.
What are you doing today to share His love? Are you expressing your love to your Savior by following His commands? If you were to be asked the question, “Who do you love,” what would your response be?
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at terriotterman@hotmail.com
I love my husband but I can’t say I obey his every command. There are times when his requests might be more than I can bear (like an ice cream sundae at midnight when there’s no ice cream in sight) but that doesn’t mean I love him less. Thank God he doesn’t require me to fulfill his every desire. Thank God he has found that only his Maker is able to do all that he asks or thinks and more. (Ephesians 3:20)
“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
NASB I Corinthians 13:4-8
Who loves like that? I Corinthians chapter 13 is the true example of Christ Himself, One whose shoes are hard to follow more often than not.
Luke 10:27 commands: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” NASB
How do we love? Better yet, who do we love? Here the Word of God plainly states that we are to love God and our neighbor. It goes on to say that we love ourselves already and we are to love others as we love ourselves. How? What does this mean? Well, we feed ourselves when we are hungry, right? We take care of ourselves when we get sick, right? We don’t normally go around gossiping about ourselves or saying things that will destroy our character, or do we? Then why are we hesitant to feed the homeless or comfort the sick? Why do we go from here to there spreading dirty rumors about our so-called friends? Let’s face it, that is not love.
Jesus tells in the scriptures over and over how we are to love. He healed the sick, comforted the lonely, and ate with sinners. He is the perfect example throughout the gospels for us to follow. He is love, He designed love and He loves like no other. We may never be able to do all that He has done but we are certainly commanded to do our best at trying.
I spoke with a couple of guys the other day who said they wanted Valentines Day to go quickly because they did not have a Valentine. While I am blessed to have my Valentine and cannot relate with them, I do not discount their view on the day. Obviously, the one used to have a Valentine because he has children. I told him then that his children can be his valentine or his mother or sister but that did not serve to comfort him. Our world is full of lonely people who need to be loved. It is full of those reaching out for anyone who will listen. We must become a society whose ears hear and mouths answer the call of the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 61:1 reads: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.”
We are all called to preach. People will not know the saving grace of Jesus Christ unless someone tells them. Once they are told, they have a choice either to accept it or reject it. Our job as believers is to proclaim Christ and share the great news of God’s love with this hurting world. We are not only to share by our words but also by our actions. Every step we take should be as though we are taking it toward Christ. Every move we make should be with His best interest in mind. He desires that none will perish and it’s up to us to share that desire. Our hearts must be molded into the heart of Christ. We must love like Him as though His blood were flowing through our veins.
What are you doing today to share His love? Are you expressing your love to your Savior by following His commands? If you were to be asked the question, “Who do you love,” what would your response be?
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at terriotterman@hotmail.com
Friday, February 8, 2008
Bring on the rain
I woke up today to the sound of rain splattering on the porch. I love the rain. Rain is God's way of saying "I'll take care of you". We need water to drink, to moisten our vegetables, to cool off the air and to clean the dust. When I see the rain clouds coming, I get excited, because I know the rain is soon to fall. Jim and I have two not so little bull-calves that need the grass to grow and the rain to cool off their bodies, so as I said, I love the rain because it does just that. In Luke 12:27-31 tell us: "Consider the lilie, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; butI tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the fireld, which is alive today and tomorrow thrown in the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagery seek; but your Father knows you need these things. But seek His kingdom and these things will be added to you."Who'd have thought about rain except for an all knowing, brilliant God? How could any human have conjured up such a fantastic idea? You can say all you want to about Evolution and the Big Bang Theory and you might be able to convince some but you'll never convince me of such foolishness. This daughter of the King was created in God's image by God, Himself, the Creator of the Universe and I'll never believe otherwise. (Read Genesis1:27)The day I gave my life to Him and He stripped away all my sufferings and sin, I became a new creature! On that day he filled me with his Spirit and now I breathe the breath of life. He is always with me, He neverleaves me. I am His child and He is my Dad! He is also my friend. One that sticks closer to me than any brother or sister could ever do! I am in awe of His beauty and I cherish my relationship with Him. He has given me joy and a peace that no one else has ever been able to give me and all He expects in return from me is that I love Him. And today, I can truly say I Do.
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4:43:00 AM
by Terri
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I woke up today to the sound of rain splattering on the porch. I love the rain. Rain is God's way of saying "I'll take care of you". We need water to drink, to moisten our vegetables, to cool off the air and to clean the dust. When I see the rain clouds coming, I get excited, because I know the rain is soon to fall. Jim and I have two not so little bull-calves that need the grass to grow and the rain to cool off their bodies, so as I said, I love the rain because it does just that. In Luke 12:27-31 tell us: "Consider the lilie, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; butI tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the fireld, which is alive today and tomorrow thrown in the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagery seek; but your Father knows you need these things. But seek His kingdom and these things will be added to you."Who'd have thought about rain except for an all knowing, brilliant God? How could any human have conjured up such a fantastic idea? You can say all you want to about Evolution and the Big Bang Theory and you might be able to convince some but you'll never convince me of such foolishness. This daughter of the King was created in God's image by God, Himself, the Creator of the Universe and I'll never believe otherwise. (Read Genesis1:27)The day I gave my life to Him and He stripped away all my sufferings and sin, I became a new creature! On that day he filled me with his Spirit and now I breathe the breath of life. He is always with me, He neverleaves me. I am His child and He is my Dad! He is also my friend. One that sticks closer to me than any brother or sister could ever do! I am in awe of His beauty and I cherish my relationship with Him. He has given me joy and a peace that no one else has ever been able to give me and all He expects in return from me is that I love Him. And today, I can truly say I Do.
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4:43:00 AM
by Terri
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Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ok, well today is the first day I posted my blog. I don't know what to expect. I guess I was just thinking that I would share my faith thoughts each day and that is that. I am a writer, or at least I want to be someday. I have been a guest columnist in our local newspaper for about 4 years now and finally decided I wanted to expand my horizons. So here I am. I thank you for reading this blog and pray that someday you will get a blessing out of all my babblings. I find it pure joy to share about my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has done so much more for me than I could ever tell you and He is always faithful no matter how unfaithful I am towards Him. His word promises that He will never leave me nor forsake me and He has proven that to me over and over since that first day I accepted Him as my Lord.
What can I tell you? He rescued me when I was at my worst. He pulled me out of the pit of my sin and planted my feet on solid ground. He faithfully has put my family back together and has given me a church that far outweighs any I have ever known. Each day He provides for me more than I can ever imagine and I don't even have to ask. My Father in Heaven loves me and I have no doubt about that. If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior, please respond to this blog and I will personally introduce Him to you! God bless you!
What can I tell you? He rescued me when I was at my worst. He pulled me out of the pit of my sin and planted my feet on solid ground. He faithfully has put my family back together and has given me a church that far outweighs any I have ever known. Each day He provides for me more than I can ever imagine and I don't even have to ask. My Father in Heaven loves me and I have no doubt about that. If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior, please respond to this blog and I will personally introduce Him to you! God bless you!
Get out the Q-tips
1) - Some days I feel like my life is so full of chaos that I can’t hear my own heart beat. I wonder if what is going on inside the depths of my being is really what God is pleased with. I am a Christian, I attend church regularly, read my Bible daily and share the”God News” with many but there are days I feel overburdened, confused and lost. My hours are filled with mommy do lists, household chores, running here and there and very little quiet time with my Savoir. We are told that Christ stands at the door knocking but why then do we not hear His beaconing? What is it about our daily routines that keep us from opening the door? Are we living selfishly and don’t want to give up our time? Are we overburdened with the things of this world that we have no eye for the very One who created it? Revelation 3:20 states: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” What an invitation! With that kind if promise why would we not get out the Q-Tips and start planning the meal!
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