Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6
Somedays it just seems too hard to remain focused on the "One" where our help comes from. Somedays, it takes every ounce of energy to say "I surrender all". But, when we do get to the point of realization that He is all we have to lean on, He is all we need, we can be sure that we are at the place in our lives that He desires us to be. Let's Talk.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
My desire; a pure heart
Ps 119:35-37
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. NIV
Phil 2:3-43 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. NIV
How often do we do we hurt others in an attempt to find true happiness?
Lord I pray forgiveness for the many times I've pursued my own selfish desires causing others hearts to break. My desire is for a pure heart, one that is always turned toward You!
Ps 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart , O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. NIV
Monday, May 18, 2009
By Mike Bickle
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! —Isaiah 30:18“
Most of us can believe that when we get to heaven, God will enjoy us there. Others picture a God who will enjoy them after they've experienced a significant spiritual transformation. But I have something stunning, radical, and necessary to tell you: God enjoys you even now in your weakness. Whether you're up in victory or down in defeat—He still enjoys you, because His enjoyment of you is not based on your achievements but rather upon His own heart and your sincere response to Him. As a matter of fact, feeling enjoyed by God on a regular basis will directly result in greater spiritual growth and maturity. This is not something for you to strive to achieve, but it is an awesome key that can unlock an amazing source of power in your life.”
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Those called by his name; reflect his image
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4:8-9 NKJV
With much turmoil in our world today; I felt led to write about our hearts and the lives we live. Too often, negative actions are overlooked because, “we are human and humans make mistakes.” Society allows excuses to condone negative behavior: “He had a rough childhood,” or “She has her mother’s temper,” or better yet “Insanity” becomes the verdict. I believe each of us has a choice in the way we act.
“Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Ps 119:11 NKJV
Our actions are the direct result of what is in our heart. We have the ability to change. The Word of God instructs us to hide His Commands in our hearts, to think on positive things and to practice goodness. When we follow God’s Instructions, peace abides, and where there is peace, there is absence of turmoil.
"… For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." Matt 12:34-35 NKJV
Our hearts reflect our works and likewise our works our hearts. If evil reigns in our hearts, then sin will be evident. As we surrender completely to God, our lives will be overflowing with goodness. When God’s Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, love abounds.
A good heart models Christ’s love and regards not itself above another, while an evil one is self-centered and is constantly looking out for his own interests. If the words we speak neither minister grace, nor edify those who hear them, why waste the breath? When evil words are spoken, the outcome is always injury and heartache.
In Phil 4, the apostle Paul teaches that holiness and righteousness must be evident in every area of a Believer’s life. He reminds us we must have the mind of Christ, and walk as He walked. Paul tells us to think on things that are true; to never allow negativity to enter our hearts and minds. We are told to think on things that are decent and becoming, to focus on edifying rather than the tearing down of another’s spirit. We are told to live justly, obeying not only God’s laws but the laws of the land as well. Our thoughts are to be kept moral and our actions pure; allowing no lust or indecent behavior. Lovely in my opinion is a matter of the heart rather than of outward appearance; it’s kindness in conversation and deed. He encourages the wealthy to generously share with those in need, especially if it benefits the Kingdom of God. He reminds us that everything should be done out of the goodness of the heart without grumbling; and must never be done to bring attention to ourselves, but rather to glorify God. As we practice all of these things without wavering, our lives will be direct reflections of Christ. After all, if we are called by His name shouldn’t we mirror His heart?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A Salute To My Mother
I pulled the huge pile of newspapers out of the drawer the other day, and clipped the columns of the past five years. I am amazed at how fast the time has flown by, and how many blessings God has given me to write about. I found several Mother’s Day Writings, and couldn’t help getting teary-eyed while reading them.
This being the first year of my mother’s absence on Mother’s Day; is certainly going to be a challenge for my siblings and me. Even though I know she will always be in my heart and memory, I’ve been feeling the “missing her” pains for the past several weeks. I never expected her to go so soon, but who did? How I wish she was still here.
While reading through the columns, I chose to reuse one that had been published several years ago. I eliminated a bit, but for the most part, it’s the same. I hope you enjoy it again. Here goes:
When Thinking Of Mom, Does Your Heart Smile?
M-O-T-H-E-R
“M” is for the million things she gave me,
“O” means only that she’s growing old,
“T” is for the tears she shed to save me,
“H” is for her heart of purest gold;
“E” is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
“R” means right, and right she’ll always be,
Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,”
A word that means the world to me.
--Howard Johnson (c. 1915)
I stole this poem from Howard Johnson who wrote it in 1915. It’s been around awhile and it is still imbedded in my heart and mind. I remember learning it in grade-school and how special it made me feel about my mother back then. As a little girl, in my eyes, my mother could capture the moon. My mom could do anything, or so I thought back then. In fact, I still believe this to be true today.
My mother was a hard-worker. Her days began early before the sun came up and lasted wee into the night (sounds kind-of like the Proverbs 31 woman. She cooked, cleaned and made sure all six (seven including my dad) of us were fed and taken care of. She was a tight mother though. No hanky-panky went on in our house. She knew every move we made – well almost every move. When we woke in the night to get a snack, she knew it. When we didn’t do our chores, she knew it. When we told a lie, she found out about it. And lo and behold, we paid the price for our sins! But she still loved us, in spite of our faults.
Often, my mother had to discipline us. Raising six kids (five of which are girls), while my dad worked two jobs, was not an easy task. Nevertheless, she did it and her famous words that proved she did her best have always been; “None of my girls came home pregnant!”
I’ve spoken of my 4 foot, 9 1/2 inch mother on numerous occasions and I can’t pass up the opportunity to speak of her again because she is the greatest woman (next to my daughter) that has been an influence in my life. Even though she was a bit rough at times, she taught me right.
She taught me to be reverent to God and to love my family. She taught me that sticking with something through rough at times, was far better than giving up. She taught me that laziness never gets you anywhere, and that hard work has its rewards. She taught me forgiveness as she expressed it to me, over and over again.
As I watched her age, witnessing her weaknesses, I’ve learned that priorities need to be set and that some things are just not worth fretting about. She’s shown me that as women, we must slow down before it’s too late (I’m still trying to learn that). One thing for certain she taught me, is that giving is far better than receiving. She never failed to give a sack full of groceries to those less fortunate than we; a model we saw often growing up.
My mother is a woman who was a blessing to many. I wouldn’t have traded her for a million stars in the sky or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. She was worth more to me than all the rubies and diamonds this earth can hold. I l will always love her, with all my heart.
Do you have similar memories about and love for your mother? When you think of your mother, whether she is still here or in the sweet by and by, does your heart smile? If yes, praise God. If not, ask God to help create for you good memories with your mother, while there is still time. And if there is no time left, ask God to erase the bad, and bring to mind only good thoughts about her.
“Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her” Proverbs 31:28 NLT
This is a scripture that without a doubt can be said about my mother.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mother, I still love you and always will!
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at terriotterman@hotmail.com
This being the first year of my mother’s absence on Mother’s Day; is certainly going to be a challenge for my siblings and me. Even though I know she will always be in my heart and memory, I’ve been feeling the “missing her” pains for the past several weeks. I never expected her to go so soon, but who did? How I wish she was still here.
While reading through the columns, I chose to reuse one that had been published several years ago. I eliminated a bit, but for the most part, it’s the same. I hope you enjoy it again. Here goes:
When Thinking Of Mom, Does Your Heart Smile?
M-O-T-H-E-R
“M” is for the million things she gave me,
“O” means only that she’s growing old,
“T” is for the tears she shed to save me,
“H” is for her heart of purest gold;
“E” is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
“R” means right, and right she’ll always be,
Put them all together, they spell “MOTHER,”
A word that means the world to me.
--Howard Johnson (c. 1915)
I stole this poem from Howard Johnson who wrote it in 1915. It’s been around awhile and it is still imbedded in my heart and mind. I remember learning it in grade-school and how special it made me feel about my mother back then. As a little girl, in my eyes, my mother could capture the moon. My mom could do anything, or so I thought back then. In fact, I still believe this to be true today.
My mother was a hard-worker. Her days began early before the sun came up and lasted wee into the night (sounds kind-of like the Proverbs 31 woman. She cooked, cleaned and made sure all six (seven including my dad) of us were fed and taken care of. She was a tight mother though. No hanky-panky went on in our house. She knew every move we made – well almost every move. When we woke in the night to get a snack, she knew it. When we didn’t do our chores, she knew it. When we told a lie, she found out about it. And lo and behold, we paid the price for our sins! But she still loved us, in spite of our faults.
Often, my mother had to discipline us. Raising six kids (five of which are girls), while my dad worked two jobs, was not an easy task. Nevertheless, she did it and her famous words that proved she did her best have always been; “None of my girls came home pregnant!”
I’ve spoken of my 4 foot, 9 1/2 inch mother on numerous occasions and I can’t pass up the opportunity to speak of her again because she is the greatest woman (next to my daughter) that has been an influence in my life. Even though she was a bit rough at times, she taught me right.
She taught me to be reverent to God and to love my family. She taught me that sticking with something through rough at times, was far better than giving up. She taught me that laziness never gets you anywhere, and that hard work has its rewards. She taught me forgiveness as she expressed it to me, over and over again.
As I watched her age, witnessing her weaknesses, I’ve learned that priorities need to be set and that some things are just not worth fretting about. She’s shown me that as women, we must slow down before it’s too late (I’m still trying to learn that). One thing for certain she taught me, is that giving is far better than receiving. She never failed to give a sack full of groceries to those less fortunate than we; a model we saw often growing up.
My mother is a woman who was a blessing to many. I wouldn’t have traded her for a million stars in the sky or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. She was worth more to me than all the rubies and diamonds this earth can hold. I l will always love her, with all my heart.
Do you have similar memories about and love for your mother? When you think of your mother, whether she is still here or in the sweet by and by, does your heart smile? If yes, praise God. If not, ask God to help create for you good memories with your mother, while there is still time. And if there is no time left, ask God to erase the bad, and bring to mind only good thoughts about her.
“Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her” Proverbs 31:28 NLT
This is a scripture that without a doubt can be said about my mother.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mother, I still love you and always will!
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at terriotterman@hotmail.com
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Mother's Memories Last Forever
I Remember
My 1st pregnancy
Always hungry
I gained 25 lbs.
Still, I felt more beautiful
Than any other time in my life
The thought of that little one
Growing inside me
Kicking and rolling
Sucking his thumb
Filled my live with joy
I never knew such emotion
Until
The day I gave birth
The feeling was amazing
That day
As I felt my child’s arrival
Seeing him for the 1st time
Took my breath away
One of the best days of my life
Was the first day I gave birth
As was every delivery day thereafter
All pain and discomfort
Was quickly forgotten
As I heard our precious ones cries
What a great miracle
Our Creator God has done
Watching our children grow
Each in their own way
Has been a blessing
I’ll cherish forever
Little toddlers with arms stretched out
Begging for mommy’s attention
Wet slobbery kisses
Waiting to be shared
Cries of discontent
Coos of joy
All end too soon
Mommy’s make-up
Daddy’s shoes
Storybooks and finger paints
Baby dolls and Army men
Ring around the Rosy
The many games
Children play
Here today
Gone tomorrow
Cherish every moment
Hold on to each one
Cause all too quickly
They grow up
While they never leave
Their mother’s heart
One day they will
Go their own way
It’s in the plan
As time plays its role
Remember
They may leave your home
But they remain
In your heart
Forever
Written by Terri Otterman, 08/08
My 1st pregnancy
Always hungry
I gained 25 lbs.
Still, I felt more beautiful
Than any other time in my life
The thought of that little one
Growing inside me
Kicking and rolling
Sucking his thumb
Filled my live with joy
I never knew such emotion
Until
The day I gave birth
The feeling was amazing
That day
As I felt my child’s arrival
Seeing him for the 1st time
Took my breath away
One of the best days of my life
Was the first day I gave birth
As was every delivery day thereafter
All pain and discomfort
Was quickly forgotten
As I heard our precious ones cries
What a great miracle
Our Creator God has done
Watching our children grow
Each in their own way
Has been a blessing
I’ll cherish forever
Little toddlers with arms stretched out
Begging for mommy’s attention
Wet slobbery kisses
Waiting to be shared
Cries of discontent
Coos of joy
All end too soon
Mommy’s make-up
Daddy’s shoes
Storybooks and finger paints
Baby dolls and Army men
Ring around the Rosy
The many games
Children play
Here today
Gone tomorrow
Cherish every moment
Hold on to each one
Cause all too quickly
They grow up
While they never leave
Their mother’s heart
One day they will
Go their own way
It’s in the plan
As time plays its role
Remember
They may leave your home
But they remain
In your heart
Forever
Written by Terri Otterman, 08/08
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Happy Anniversary to My Precious Gift From God
This Saturday, May 2 (today), is our 12th Wedding Anniversary, and I couldn’t be happier with anyone else! God has given me a man that truly lives by the scripture in Ephesians:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” Eph 5:25 NIV
Now, I’m not saying that Jim and I never argue, nor that he or our marriage is perfect. We all know that none of us is perfect, right? There’s only one, according to God’s Word, and that is God, Himself.
What I am saying is that Jim truly loves me (and I him), and of that I am certain. I can tell by the way he treats me, by the way he looks at me, and how he cares for me. Jim always has my best interest in mind. He opens my doors; walks behind or beside me, carries my bags and locks me in when I’m home alone. But most of all I am certain because he loves His Maker. He loves Him with a love that is evident. He acknowledges His greatness no matter what. He believes God is in total control, and working all things out for our good.
Rom 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” NIV
Jim knows that the outcome of this life will always be better than the beginning, because we are promised a life of eternity with Christ.
It’s evident in the way he lives. It shows in his actions. It resounds in his speech. And it reflects from his heart.
2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” NIV
Our relationship wasn’t always as it is today. We’ve had our share of agonies that nearly destroyed our marriage, but God was faithful, in that by His grace we were redeemed and our marriage restored! And am I ever so thankful! I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life with anyone else! I am truly happy and blessed to have the man of my dreams as my spouse and God in the center of our marriage! I am thankful, that when I was confused, He gave me peace to withstand the storm, and wisdom to make the right choices.
1 Cor 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace...” NKJV
Eccl 2:26 “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness…” NIV
What is your marriage like today? Are you happily married, or is your marriage on the rocks? Does your spouse meet all your expectations, and set your world on fire? If you said yes, I’m shocked. Only God can fill every need, every desire, every dream. Only the One, who created you, could know you one hundred percent. Is He the center of your world?
Depending on how we see our spouse, determines the outcome of our marriage. If we see him/her as a blessing, when we learn to lessen our expectations, our marriages will blossom. We live selfish lives, thinking our spouse owes us something, and that is far from the truth. As we change our views, so will our marriage change. Song of Solomon has it right when it reads:
“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV
Jim loves to tell me I am his, and likewise I him, but sometimes when we’ve been outside all day (in this Florida heat), my odor is far from the smell of sweet flowers. But that doesn’t make him love me less. When he snaps at me in anger (because I’ve done something stupid), I don’t run to the phone dialing the attorney. Instead, we both see our faults as temporary, and know that they too shall pass. We’ve learned to accept each other, just the way we are, regardless.
The rule in our house is “divorce is not an option.” We are in this for the long haul and are enjoying every moment of the run. That is love, unconditional, unexpecting, unwavering, true love.
“Happy Anniversary Honey. I love you with all my heart. May we enjoy many more happy years together.”
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” Eph 5:25 NIV
Now, I’m not saying that Jim and I never argue, nor that he or our marriage is perfect. We all know that none of us is perfect, right? There’s only one, according to God’s Word, and that is God, Himself.
What I am saying is that Jim truly loves me (and I him), and of that I am certain. I can tell by the way he treats me, by the way he looks at me, and how he cares for me. Jim always has my best interest in mind. He opens my doors; walks behind or beside me, carries my bags and locks me in when I’m home alone. But most of all I am certain because he loves His Maker. He loves Him with a love that is evident. He acknowledges His greatness no matter what. He believes God is in total control, and working all things out for our good.
Rom 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” NIV
Jim knows that the outcome of this life will always be better than the beginning, because we are promised a life of eternity with Christ.
It’s evident in the way he lives. It shows in his actions. It resounds in his speech. And it reflects from his heart.
2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” NIV
Our relationship wasn’t always as it is today. We’ve had our share of agonies that nearly destroyed our marriage, but God was faithful, in that by His grace we were redeemed and our marriage restored! And am I ever so thankful! I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life with anyone else! I am truly happy and blessed to have the man of my dreams as my spouse and God in the center of our marriage! I am thankful, that when I was confused, He gave me peace to withstand the storm, and wisdom to make the right choices.
1 Cor 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace...” NKJV
Eccl 2:26 “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness…” NIV
What is your marriage like today? Are you happily married, or is your marriage on the rocks? Does your spouse meet all your expectations, and set your world on fire? If you said yes, I’m shocked. Only God can fill every need, every desire, every dream. Only the One, who created you, could know you one hundred percent. Is He the center of your world?
Depending on how we see our spouse, determines the outcome of our marriage. If we see him/her as a blessing, when we learn to lessen our expectations, our marriages will blossom. We live selfish lives, thinking our spouse owes us something, and that is far from the truth. As we change our views, so will our marriage change. Song of Solomon has it right when it reads:
“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV
Jim loves to tell me I am his, and likewise I him, but sometimes when we’ve been outside all day (in this Florida heat), my odor is far from the smell of sweet flowers. But that doesn’t make him love me less. When he snaps at me in anger (because I’ve done something stupid), I don’t run to the phone dialing the attorney. Instead, we both see our faults as temporary, and know that they too shall pass. We’ve learned to accept each other, just the way we are, regardless.
The rule in our house is “divorce is not an option.” We are in this for the long haul and are enjoying every moment of the run. That is love, unconditional, unexpecting, unwavering, true love.
“Happy Anniversary Honey. I love you with all my heart. May we enjoy many more happy years together.”
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