Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Saying "No"

To start off today, I'd like to say that I'm hoping you will make comments or suggest a topic that we might discuss. Until then, I'm flying by the seat of my pants, hoping I'm taking this in the right direction, and what I'm sharing is meaningful to someone, and that this blog is worth visiting!

Something that I struggle with is part of my family (1 brother, 3 sisters). A quick synopsis -- only one has a job. Most of them are involved in drugs.

I'm the oldest. My husband and I have worked hard and tried to be responsible adults. Over the years, my brother and sisters have called asking for financial assistance, and usually, I have given it to them. As the years have passed, I have become resentful. Then, I beat myself up for not being a "cheerful giver". If I say no, which I have done a few times, I feel guilty for not being a good Christian.

I recently contacted my pastor about it. He said that I'm not obligated to help. First, because they are doing illegal things. Secondly, by my helping, I'm getting in the way of God's disciplining them. I had never considerd either of these things. I have since reassured myself by going through the scriptures. It is amazing to me how many times the Bible teaches about the importance of working.

I confess that I do still struggle with it. It still isn't easy for me to say no.

Trying to follow in His footsteps,

Susan

2 Thessalonians 3:10 "For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat."

2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!"

You may have seen this, but I love it. I believe it is another physical sign from our Heavenly Father! It is referred to as the "Eye of God". It is a composite photo taken by the Hubble Telescope!

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap030510.html

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Something to make you smile!

Am I the only one?

One thing that worries me (and I wonder, am I the only one that thinks this), if these are the Last Days, will I recognize the signs, and be ready? I think about the religious people of Jesus' time here. They didn't recognize Him. I know the scriptures say we are to be ready. Some days I feel it. Often, I do not.

If I look at the people in Jesus' time here, those He healed and worked miracles upon, they (most) recognized Him after their lives were Touched by Him. I wonder, maybe I/we are just like them. I know I've been touched, healed, and have seen His miracles in my own life. Maybe, they too, had days afterward where it all seemed unreal. I have often thought how much stronger I would be if I had seen Him face to face, like they did, but maybe I would still have these thoughts?

I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings. I know this blog is about Hope, not to bring anyone down. Yet, by sharing our true thoughts and feelings, maybe like a little therapy group, we can lift each other up! There are many wonderful scriptures of Hope. I have chosen this passage to share:

John 10:27-30 -- "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has 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."

Blessings,

Susan

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Where is this going?

I really don't know! I felt compelled yesterday to start the blog. I THINK the Lord wants us to share our thoughts, our fears, and above all to share the hope we have in Him. I keep getting the thought that this is a way for us to unite in Him.

I feel led to share what I am feeling, but I hope others will do the same. I'm hoping this is a place where we can be honest and open. I think the Lord wants us to have a place where we can share our thoughts with pure honesty. I pray that by doing this, we will touch each others' lives in a way that draws us all closer to Him. I see this as a place where we will be able to feel relief that we are not the only person who might have had such thoughts.

I ask that if anyone of us shares, please share encouraging comments,and if you feel led, encouraging scriptures. I believe this is where the Lord is leading us, but I'm open to your comments. I know that when the Lord reveals something, He doesn't give it to just one person!

It is my prayer that this blog will be OUR blog. I pray that we will come away from it feeling better, and closer to our Lord.

I will have days that I cannot post, as I go away a few days each week. Please feel free to post in the comments any time! It will be fun to see where this is going!

May God bless us all through this endeavor,

Susan

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I'm here!

For some time I have thought that the Lord wanted me to write a blog, but I didn't know what my purpose was, exactly. Today, I believe He gave me the reason...HOPE.

Hope in a time where so many things look so hopeless. I will begin to elaborate.

At the very beginning of the BP oil gusher (let's not call it a "spill"), I have had many sleepless nights worrying and praying. I have had horrible thoughts of what this could mean for our oceans, if it isn't stopped. I have had a horrible feeling of doom. Since, though, as I read through parts of Revelation, which I confess I don't understand, I just thought there might be something there. I did find things, but they were scary. They were even more scary because I don't know what they mean! Or for that matter, whether they pertain to the present.

One thing, though, as I read, I began to get a Peace in my heart. I realized, again, (as I so often forget) He is in Control! As I was reading online about the BP Gusher I stumbled upon this:








http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1323.html

It is physical sign for me/us that He is in Control, and we have hope! (If I had not seen this on NASA, I would have thought that someone did it in Photoshop!) I saw it in a news article, its caption read that it appears that the hand is holding a fiery ball...hmmm...interesting!

The BP Gusher could be a beginning of the End Times, but if so, I should be rejoicing as I know our lives with Jesus and Our Heavenly Father will be far more wonderful than anything we could ever begin to imagine. Yes, I have found His Peace.

Of course, I must remember, I'm human. I will slip and fall back into worry and fear, but I know that when I remember to take them to Him, He will assuage them. Do I have other worries and fears? Of course, I'm a big worrier, but the oil gusher was the heaviest sense of fear I have had since 9/11. The world changed on 9/11. The sense of doom that I felt is what led me today while praying to stop and begin writing this blog. I hope and pray, that someone out there will find this blog a source of hope in the days ahead.

After setting up the blog, I felt the Lord led me to these verses to share:

Luke 2:30 "For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, (31) Which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, (32) A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Thy people Israel."

Wow! What perfect passages for this blog, its purpose, and times!

In His Name, Susan