Thursday, April 24, 2008

For What Cause Do You Worry?

Mathew in chapter 6:34 writes: "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Isn't that the truth? Last night I could not sleep. My mind was going round and round about all the things coming up. I thought about the colleges I've been checking out trying to figure out what's next and how I can further my education. I was looking for new avenues for the second half of my career life. I was wondering if we were going to leave this area and whether our other children were going to marry their significant others. I thought of the latest news I received from our youngest son and so on and so on.
Maybe it was the green tea I drank, maybe it's the detox program we are on, I am not sure but what I do know is that today I am still sleepy. I don't like those nights that keep we rolling. I praise God that even though my nights at times are sleepless, He is my strength for the days to follow. He lifts my head and props my eyes open with His very own invisible toothpicks.
I love my Lord and when I find myself worrying about the future, He gentlhy nudges me and reminds me that He will be with me, no matter what. Knowing that for what cause do I have to worry?

Monday, April 21, 2008

No matter what, He will always love me

It's awesome how God puts people together. I have been attending Bible Studies on Monday mornings for about 1 1/2 years now with such a neat group of ladies and I love them everyone! It seems the more time we spend together the closer we become. Just like Jesus and His Disciples. They spent every day together. It's funny, no matter how much time we ladies spend together, we still do not know each other fully. When Jesus was breaking bread with His best friends, they really did not know everthing there was to know about Him either. Little did they know that their Master was about to die so they could live!
In study we share about different life experiences we've each encoutered in hopes to learn from our past mistakes. In prayer, we lift each lady up and plead to our Savior for mercy, grace and peace. That is what we are called to do.
I am thankful that my friends do not know everything about me. They probably would not think tha same of me if they knew what a sinner I really am. One thing is for certain. No matter what I have done and no matter what I am about to do, God knows it all and He loves me just the same.
He always has and always will and that my friend is what keeps my hope from fading.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

The One who created me is the very One

It's hard to believe our youngest son is turning 19 tomorrow and if that isn't enough this past Monday our daughter got married! Where has all the time gone?
Last night we were blessed to experience The Story of Jesus one more time. This is the local Passion Play of Christ and what a fabulous redition! Just before Jesus was to be picked up He and His disciples went to Gethsemane to pray and await His arrest. He asked His friends to please pray with Him. Jesus was extremely anxious because He knew what was about to take place. As He prayed in His quiet area He hoped that His friends were doing the same but to his dismay they were asleep. Their eyes were so heavy they couldn't keep them opened and their Master's time was almost up.
Are you going through life with your eyes closed? Maybe you had heavy eyes ? Has time flown so fast you failed to see it slip away? The truth is once the time has passed you can't get it back. It is vital that we make the best of every moment we have because we are not promised tomorrow.
Jesus said why worry about tomorrow, today has enough worries of its own (paraphrased byme). How many times do we worry about the things we have no control over?
Jesus actually asked His Father to take the cup from Him but in the same breath Jesus said not My (Jesus') will but God's be done. Thank God Jesus didn't run away from His circumstance.
We all go through things for a reason. Sometimes we don't understand our circumstances and our thoughts are to run from them but if we just wait on God and trust in Him everything will turn out alright, just as it did for Christ. We may still have to deal with our troubles but there is a calm at the end of the storm.
As time is moving on I can't help but realize that I truly am getting older and that bothers me a bit. Not that I am afraid of reaching a ripe age but because I am not ready to leave this life. I am having so much fun and I believe there is much more for me to do. I am fully aware that my life is not my own and that His plan is going to be fulfilled no matter what I say or do but I haven't had grandbabies yet! I know the Bible states that God directs my path and that my days are numbered but I'm just not ready for my final act just yet! To my knowledge, I am very healthy so don't get any ideas, I'm just saying, I am not in control. The One who created me is the very one that will place me in the grave; in His time. What a humbling thought.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Rockin' The Narrow Road

Lately it seems my life has been rocked in more ways than I desire. Turning to the left or to the right only leads to another reason to be broken and humbled.
The Bible says "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matt. 7:13-14
Have you ever gone through a time in your life when it seemed no matter which way you turned or what road you went down, disaster seemed to be there? Have you ever felt like the lone ranger in the desert with no water in sight? Have you ever felt that your prayers were going unanswered and you didn't understand why?
You're not alone. that is where I have been lately. But I know that no matter what I am facing, even though I can't see the end result, the light is waiting for me on the other side. When the going gets tough the tough turn to Jesus! But what happens when the turning is evident but nothing seems to be changing? What happens when it seems that taking the wide road would be easier than the road you are on? What advice do I have for you the one who is facing difficult times and you want to give up?
Just keep turning your eyes to Jesus, something is bound to happen, something will change.
"But it's not easy," you say, this is true but the harder life gets the stronger we become when we endure in the name of Jesus. Remain faithful, remain focused and by all means remain. that's the best advice I have.

Friday, April 18, 2008

He picks me up when I fall

First off, I must say Marissa is the most beautiful bride I have ever seen and likewise, Chris quite the handsome groom! And Jamaica!!!...Wow what a nice place. I am overly impressed with the people we met. What warmth and hospitable people reside in that country. Never have I been treated with such respect and dignity! These people were actually excited to serve me! They, I must say are better examples of Christ than I am at times. I was actually humbled by their affection, because I know the way they serve is not the way I serve! They served with BIG hearts and often I serve half heartedly. Often my attitude is not what it should be, my motives aren't always in line with God's and yes my mouth tells of the thousand reasons I fall short!
I say I love God, but do I? I say He is my King, but is He? I say I surrendered all, but have I?
Sadly, the answer to all of these on any given day might very well be no.
But I am reminded that even though my heart is deceitful, He loves me anyway. Even though I am selfish, He is unselfish. And no matter what I do, He forgives me. What an Awesome God!

Lord, Help me to serve You and others with a faithful heart! Help me to be a living example of Christ, just like the Jamaican folk I came to know this week. Forgive me Lord when I fail because I know that I will. And thank you Lord for always being there to pick me back up when I do! Amen

Saturday, April 12, 2008

The whole leave and cleave thing is really a mystery

“For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. However each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:31-33

As you are reading this, we are most likely boarding Air Jamaica, heading to or have already arrived at Ocho Rios. Finally, our beautiful daughter Marissa is soon to be a Blushing Bride. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for (or so I thought), for some time now. We are crazy about Chris. He is kind, caring, responsible and extremely handsome. He will make a wonderful husband (and daddy someday). What great things we all have to look forward to. We are not losing our daughter in marriage rather gaining an awesome son! We couldn’t be happier or more excited with their decision to marry.

Marriage is not just a decision, it is a commitment. The word commitment means: something which engages one to do something, a continual obligation, a promise or pledge. (New Lexington Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary)

A continual obligation to me means never ending, always and forever. My prayer is that this new married couple begins forever knowing the true meaning of marriage. Not through the world’s eyes but through the eyes of God. Unfortunately many marriages fall apart because they fail to see this truth. They neglect commandment number one that states, “Love the Lord you God with all your heart and you neighbor as yourself.” These dear ones live selfishly while enjoying all the benefits that come with marriage. Painstakingly, many end in divorce because they are unable to relate with the necessary source, Jesus Christ, who is the power that keeps them united.

In speaking about marriage, Christ speaks of Himself, (the Groom) and those
who are called by His name (His Bride). The above mentioned scripture is not only speaking of a husband and wife in the flesh in verse 31 but verse 32 tells us that this mystery is speaking of Christ and the church.

When a man and woman marry, the man’s loyalty to his wife comes first before all other relationships, including that of his parents, likewise the wife’s. Each are to love and respect the other as Christ loves and respects the church. He is our role-model. In marriage the husband and wife become one flesh thus the whole leave and cleave thing begins. Hopefully, no one including the in-laws (oops that would be us) will get in the way of what God is planning to do.

This truth of verse 32 is speaking of the Believer’s relationship with Christ. As we leave our former ways of living and turn our eyes on Jesus, when we see Him in all his beauty, we can’t help but cleave to Him. As we love and respect all that He is, we can’t help but become one with Him.

When we enter into a relationship with Christ, lay our own desires, and focus on what He desires for us, that is true commitment. When we sacrificially lay aside our own wants and needs and put our spouse first, again that is commitment. Christ laid down all He is for us to the point of death. Now that’s amazing. He expects us to do the same for our spouse.

Whether you’ve been married for years or you are a soon to be blushing Bride and Groom, it’s never too late nor too early to begin this principle. If you are unsure of what laying yourself aside entails, I encourage you to dust of your Bible and search its interior. You will find what it takes to be a devoted bride or groom not only to you earthly mate but to your heavenly mate as well.
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at terriotterman@hotmail.com.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Jogging my memory

What a day! I am the M.O.P.S. Mentor for GBC's Sebring group and what fun! I love all the young moms who so eagerly come for fun, fellowship and time alone together!! Being a mom is not easy especially when you have little ones under the age of 5! But I must say those were some of the best times of my life. Today in our metting a couple of us seasoned moms had the privilege of answering questions that many younger moms had. We spoke of potty training, disciplining and loving all at the same time. I must say jogging my memory after 16+ years was a challenge. It seems the older I get the more I find I've forgotten!
While many of the challenges are similiar, the way moms handle them today are quite different than the way we handled them back then.
Proverbs 13:24 instructs us: "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Also, "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." Prov 22:15
Praise God His Word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He never changes. I believe the real reason children are rebellious and disruptive today is because parents are less apt to discipline their children. For whatever reason, they are allowing these young ones to get away with the little things in which case eventually turn into bigger ones. My plea to moms today is please go back to your roots and discipline your children the way God instructs, the way our parents did. After all, if our God chastens those He loves what better role-model do we have to follow? But remember this one thing, do everything (even discipline) with love as unto your Heavenly Father.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Willing to Serve

"A friend loveth at all times and a brother was born for adversity" Proverbs 17:17
"A true friend loves in adversity as well as in prosperity. Often it takes hard times to show which friends are genuinely loyal... One of the great privileges of brotherhood is to be at your side when you need him most."(Believer's Bible Commentary)

I met with a dear friend today whom I haven't seen in several months. There was a difficulty that arose which caused her to leave my sphere of influence. While she had her reasons the fact is what took place had caused some hardships. Praise God He picks us back up and places us on the path He has ordained, specifically for us. He puts back into our lives what the enemy had stolen, maybe not in exactly the same format but in an equally effective way. God has placed my friend in extensive missionary work. He had given her a humble heart and a desire to serve. And that is a desire we all should have as Believers in Christ. I am so grateful that God has chosen not to tear our friendship apart. I am grateful that He has chosen to keep our kindred spirits alive. And I am equally grateful that He has given us both the desire and the will to serve Him in whatever capacity He chooses.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Weddding Bells are soon to be ringing

In one week we will be on the shores of Jamaica to witness the marriage between our daughter and our future son-in-law. Wow! I can't believe it is upon us. Last night we had a dinner party with all of our children to celebrate the soon to be bride and groom. It's amazing how fast time flies. It seems only yesterday I gave birth to our girl and now she is soon to change her name.
I remember vividly the day I changed my name from sinner to believer. I still remember the heavy load that was lifted off of my shoulders and the wings in which my Savior gave me to fly. Like it was yesterday I can still see the church, the altar and the tissue box. Oh how grateful I am for the scripture of 2Corinthians 5:17 that rejoices; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new." I became a new creation that night on God's altar. My old life was gone and God made and continues to make all things new in my life.
Our daughter is soon to change her name. She is going to replace it with the name of her future spouse. They soon will become one flesh and begin a new life together. The old past will be forgotten and they will press on to a new future. Praise God! What a joyous reason for celebrating!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Another day nears it's end and my house is sparklin

I can't believe how fast time flies, especially when I'm not having fun! I spent the day cleaning house which is not one of my favorite things to do! I despise housework! But now I can sit back and smell the fresh air and see myself in the shiny floors. There are no dirty dishes in the sink and the tubs are glistening. I love my clean house!
Saying all that, I am reminded of the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus was coming to visit and when He arrived Mary sat at His feet and Martha spent all the time cooking and cleaning. Have you ever been tired during guest visits because you worked so hard to get everything just perfect before they arrived? And then while they were there you kept busy making things even more perfect you were unable to enjoy their visit?
Jesus went to visit at Martha and mary's house one day and while he was there, Martha complained to Jesus because Mary wasn't helping her. Jesus told Martha; "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful; and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." KJV
What Jesus was telling her was that Mary has decided that spending time with Him (Jesus) was more important than keeping house and cooking. This is not a ticket to get out of housework ladies but it is a reminder that our relationship with our Savior should take presedence over our chores and everything else. He desires a relationship with us that no one else can have. He is a jealous God and He wants to be #1 in our lives. That's not too much to ask from the One who died so we could live is it?

Friday, April 4, 2008

Finding my direction

I've spent about three hours today on the internet appying for jobs and trying to find direction for my life. I've looked up what it takes to become a Phlebotomist and a Pharmacy Technician. I've applied for Retail Positons as well as searched colleges for Christian Education avenues. At age 47 with no degree it is not easy finding a place of employment. After owning your own business for years, it is hard applying for positions and knowing which direction to go. I thank God He holds the key to my future. I praise my Maker because I know He has me and everything I need in the palm of His hand. He is working all things out for my good because I am called for His purpose. I am never alone because He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. So while I'm in this "job search" mode I can rest assured that He already has it all worked out. Selah

He's big enough to handle it all and He knows what's best

In life we make plans, plans for our future here on earth and plans for the forever after. Sometimes our plans include monetary things other times they include spiritual ones. I am so grateful that God in all his Majesty saw fit to include me in His great plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 states that: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV
Sometimes we wonder why we go through certain things. We ask: “If God is for us than why does it seem He is against us?” Other times we question, “Will I ever get through these trials and why am I experiencing them, what have I done to deserve this?” We try to rationalize our circumstances and figure them out. We spend hours talking to friends and relatives, asking their advice and becoming more frustrated. Countless monies are spent on Psychologists and Doctors trying to get a fix on things and find a solution. When all along what we need to do is pick up the phone, dial “1800-God-Answers” (open your Bible, duh), and ask the One who knows.

During our greatest struggles, when we are drowning in our mud, instead of reaching for the Life-Saver we sink deeper. We forget that when life gets tough, the tough keep going. Finally when we are devastatingly helpless, when we are at our, what seems final end; in desperation we give up and scream His name. We beg for help, plead for mercy and fall to our knees. Why does it go this far?

I love the scripture that states: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

But what does it mean? My trusty Believer’s Commentary says this: “First there must be full commitment of ourselves-spirit, soul and body-to the Lord. We must trust Him not only for the salvation of our souls but also the direction of our lives. It must be a commitment without reserve. Next there must be a healthy distrust of self, an acknowledgement that we do not know what is best for us, that we are not capable of guiding ourselves… Finally there must be an acknowledgement of the Lordship of Christ. Every area of our lives must be turned over to His control. We must have no will of our own, only a single pure desire to know His will and to do it. If these conditions are met, the promise is that God shall direct our paths…if we wait He will make the guidance so clear that to refuse would be positive disobedience.”

While in the midst of our disaster, we might think we know what to do and in which direction we need to go, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way. Only our Maker, who knows all things, who has created all things and who is in control of all things knows the order of the righteous man’s steps because He is the One who directs them. Therefore, we must lay it all at His feet, every thought, every action, every need and every desire. Know that He is the only One that can truly make all things beautiful and that He does it in His perfect time. Stop fretting, stop worrying and stop trying to fix your problems. As you set out each day rather than plan your steps, let go and let God. He’s big enough to handle it all and he knows what’s best.
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at terriotterman@hotmail.com