What is left of a person when you take away makeup, clothes, jobs, cars, money, cell phones, and all dignity?
When I think of this question, I am reminded of my dad. He is a registered nurse and practical nurse teacher. I will tell you first that this man has a heart of gold and loves being a nurse and everything it means. He has commented to me numerous time about the humility of his patients....how having an illness, tragedy, death, or birth brings a person to thier knees.....how they share thier every concern, fears, hopes, and regret, and hurt with the people that are caring for them...nurses....someone that is not even family, or before hand, friends. At that moment they are completely subject to God's will for their life and no longer have control over their body. complete humility.......down to ground zero.....
I also think of my daughter...whom asked me last night "Momma, if I am buried in the ground when I die......how can I go to heaven". ......our soul....isn't it the only thing that truly matters?
Life is so special. If we could only see what those nurses see..... maybe we could get a glimpse of people's true soul. .......it is amazing how instantly there is no prejudice, hatred, jealousy, or petty arguments....just plain love and compassion for other human beings.......
What is the most important thing in life?......i think of the blood......i think of the the song "its the blood, thats all I have to plea"
I think we have to look at our lost friends, acquaintances, family, and passers by.....and see that humble patient in the hospital bed.......thier soul is sick.....their soul needs attended to.....who will give them the prescription for heaven.....we have to look past that exterior and focus on what is most important.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Can You Do More For God?
When was the last time you were zealous for God?
Have you ever been zealous for God?
Its like when you first get a new job......I was a Sonic car-hop.....boy did I want to be the friendliest, fastest, and most efficient car hop Sonic Drive-In had ever had....I went out of my way to do my best!....I was zealous for my job!
I wish we had an adult church camp. I really think that is what most Christians need...to be surrounded by nothing but other Christians and preachers for an entire week....talk about setting the world on fire I remember when I was sixteen I went to my first teen church camp. Wow! Everyday I would sit under at least three awesome sermons from a man of God. Powerful God inspired preaching....preaching about modesty, music, television, friends, God's will for my life, and just about every aspect of life I could possibly have a decision about. Those preachers told us that we could live for God but we would have to decide to do so. .....no cell phones, computers, unbelievers, etc.....to tell me otherwise. Wow!
Wow! I still feel the fire inside when I think about it.
I remember coming back home after that week. I decided I would live for God no matter what Satan may put against me. I will never forget. My dad was burning brush in the backyard. I took all my music cd's....I would say $500 worth, put them in a paper bag, and threw them in the fire......Woo Hoo....talk about a victory in my heart!
This was a beginnings, but it was definitely a defining point in my life.
We need this fire in our life. I think we get so preoccupied with changing diapers, cooking dinner, keeping up with all the events on the calendar that we forget our self. You, the person, gets lost in the shuffle. What are you living for? Just your children, or God? Where did your zeal go?
It is there. You have to find it! Pray for it! If we could get that "church camp zeal", is there anything that we cannot do? No, just because we have small children or children with activities doesn't mean we are slave to only those duties. We can do so much more. We just have to decide in our heart that we are going to....and God will find a way!
Have you ever been zealous for God?
Its like when you first get a new job......I was a Sonic car-hop.....boy did I want to be the friendliest, fastest, and most efficient car hop Sonic Drive-In had ever had....I went out of my way to do my best!....I was zealous for my job!
I wish we had an adult church camp. I really think that is what most Christians need...to be surrounded by nothing but other Christians and preachers for an entire week....talk about setting the world on fire I remember when I was sixteen I went to my first teen church camp. Wow! Everyday I would sit under at least three awesome sermons from a man of God. Powerful God inspired preaching....preaching about modesty, music, television, friends, God's will for my life, and just about every aspect of life I could possibly have a decision about. Those preachers told us that we could live for God but we would have to decide to do so. .....no cell phones, computers, unbelievers, etc.....to tell me otherwise. Wow!
Wow! I still feel the fire inside when I think about it.
I remember coming back home after that week. I decided I would live for God no matter what Satan may put against me. I will never forget. My dad was burning brush in the backyard. I took all my music cd's....I would say $500 worth, put them in a paper bag, and threw them in the fire......Woo Hoo....talk about a victory in my heart!
This was a beginnings, but it was definitely a defining point in my life.
We need this fire in our life. I think we get so preoccupied with changing diapers, cooking dinner, keeping up with all the events on the calendar that we forget our self. You, the person, gets lost in the shuffle. What are you living for? Just your children, or God? Where did your zeal go?
It is there. You have to find it! Pray for it! If we could get that "church camp zeal", is there anything that we cannot do? No, just because we have small children or children with activities doesn't mean we are slave to only those duties. We can do so much more. We just have to decide in our heart that we are going to....and God will find a way!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Mentor each other!
"For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it"
1st Corinthians 12:24
God has recently put a burden on my heart for this piece of scripture...How well do we really know our christian family? It is a common thing to say in the hallway..."Hi, how are you?"....without pausing to hear the answer. Why did we ask? Do we really want or have time for the answer?
We brush by each other in the copy room or in the nursery....we talk about the weather ....we talk about how rowdy or packed our class is that day....but do we really know each other?
Do you know you sister in Christ well enough to see if they are suffering?
Just as we notice a hurt or ache in our body....so should we notice a hurt or ache in our friends.... then the bible says "that the members should have the same care one for another".
We must break down that facade that we have to act like everything is always peachy. In reality we all have struggles like backsliden loved ones, trouble at work, financial difficulties, depression, anxiety, and etc. We have to ban together....Mentor each other.....Acknowledge that it is hard to be a faithful christian woman.....Talk about our problems and up lift each other. God gave us our christian family for these purposes. We are not alone and we must not have too much pride to discuss our difficulties in order to help out our fellow christian sisters.
So....PAY ATTENTION!....LET DOWN YOUR GUARD!....you can't help someone if you aren't honest......take someone under your wing...let them know they are not alone.....encourage and uplift them....point them to CHRIST....PRAYER... SCRIPTURE.....and show them how Christ helped you.
Facebook Vanessa Hurley
1st Corinthians 12:24
God has recently put a burden on my heart for this piece of scripture...How well do we really know our christian family? It is a common thing to say in the hallway..."Hi, how are you?"....without pausing to hear the answer. Why did we ask? Do we really want or have time for the answer?
We brush by each other in the copy room or in the nursery....we talk about the weather ....we talk about how rowdy or packed our class is that day....but do we really know each other?
Do you know you sister in Christ well enough to see if they are suffering?
Just as we notice a hurt or ache in our body....so should we notice a hurt or ache in our friends.... then the bible says "that the members should have the same care one for another".
We must break down that facade that we have to act like everything is always peachy. In reality we all have struggles like backsliden loved ones, trouble at work, financial difficulties, depression, anxiety, and etc. We have to ban together....Mentor each other.....Acknowledge that it is hard to be a faithful christian woman.....Talk about our problems and up lift each other. God gave us our christian family for these purposes. We are not alone and we must not have too much pride to discuss our difficulties in order to help out our fellow christian sisters.
So....PAY ATTENTION!....LET DOWN YOUR GUARD!....you can't help someone if you aren't honest......take someone under your wing...let them know they are not alone.....encourage and uplift them....point them to CHRIST....PRAYER... SCRIPTURE.....and show them how Christ helped you.
Facebook Vanessa Hurley
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Memories..
We all strive to give our children a better life than what we had. I think where we go wrong is trying to give them a better materialistic lifestyle.
Looking back, I remember what my parents did with me: my dad sitting in the crowd cheering me on, my mom painting my toe nails, my dad showing me how to bait a hook and how to be patient, my mom showing me how to balance a check book.
I can remember very few things they bought me.
I think we should put a conscience effort everyday into doing things with our children. I know I for one have a bad habit about worrying that the house work is done. No one will remember ten years from now if I let my house go so I can spend time with my children EXCEPT my children.
So read your children books, snuggle next to them during a good movie, paint their toe nails, build a sand castle with them, pray with them, and sing to them.
They will remember...that is one thing $$ or time has no effect on...memories!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looking back, I remember what my parents did with me: my dad sitting in the crowd cheering me on, my mom painting my toe nails, my dad showing me how to bait a hook and how to be patient, my mom showing me how to balance a check book.
I can remember very few things they bought me.
I think we should put a conscience effort everyday into doing things with our children. I know I for one have a bad habit about worrying that the house work is done. No one will remember ten years from now if I let my house go so I can spend time with my children EXCEPT my children.
So read your children books, snuggle next to them during a good movie, paint their toe nails, build a sand castle with them, pray with them, and sing to them.
They will remember...that is one thing $$ or time has no effect on...memories!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
People Need The Lord!
I remember back to a time when I was a child. I had no worries, no prejudices, and no fears. Life was wonderfully clear.
I was a fifth grader at a local elementary school. Our fifth grade Christmas program would be "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer". Our class would sing the song as I came hobbling out in my granny attire then I would get knocked down by a drive by reindeer. Finally, a fellow classmate, dressed as grandpa, would drag me off stage. The crowd laughed and cheered.
Sadly I found out recently that, that dear friend dressed as grandpa, passed away.
Today as I pondered about how quickly his life was taken, I can't help but wonder what kind of example I was to him and his family.
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
James 4:14
Sure I was just a fifth grader. But I was a christian at that time....was I living and speaking as a christian. I know many children that have led others to the Lord. Also, I think about my children's church class. I know for several of those children, we are the only christian influence they have.
I know I for one, am not a people person by nature. I would rather go, listen to the sermon, teach, and leave. I realize that we all should take that extra time to talk to others. No matter what you may have waiting on your "to do list" or how hungry you may be, talk to people. Tell the your dry cleaner, your beautician, the guy that waved at the car wash, and even that child that comes to your door with a school fundraiser. You never know what could happen to either of you tomorrow, next month, or even ten years from now. As one of my close friends sings "people need the Lord", so tell them how great he is and what he has done for your life. I know I sure want to try harder!
I was a fifth grader at a local elementary school. Our fifth grade Christmas program would be "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer". Our class would sing the song as I came hobbling out in my granny attire then I would get knocked down by a drive by reindeer. Finally, a fellow classmate, dressed as grandpa, would drag me off stage. The crowd laughed and cheered.
Sadly I found out recently that, that dear friend dressed as grandpa, passed away.
Today as I pondered about how quickly his life was taken, I can't help but wonder what kind of example I was to him and his family.
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
James 4:14
Sure I was just a fifth grader. But I was a christian at that time....was I living and speaking as a christian. I know many children that have led others to the Lord. Also, I think about my children's church class. I know for several of those children, we are the only christian influence they have.
I know I for one, am not a people person by nature. I would rather go, listen to the sermon, teach, and leave. I realize that we all should take that extra time to talk to others. No matter what you may have waiting on your "to do list" or how hungry you may be, talk to people. Tell the your dry cleaner, your beautician, the guy that waved at the car wash, and even that child that comes to your door with a school fundraiser. You never know what could happen to either of you tomorrow, next month, or even ten years from now. As one of my close friends sings "people need the Lord", so tell them how great he is and what he has done for your life. I know I sure want to try harder!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
God gives us strength!
Just a word of encouragement for you mothers out there. If you are anything like me, you could use all you can get.
Seems like everything falls apart when I start to cook dinner or sit down to write out the bills. My oldest wants a freezer pop, the middle one gets a stinky or smashs her finger, and the baby starts crying. As soon as I get one pacified then I have to take care of another's needs. It gets rather frustrating at times. I know there are times I feel like I haven't accomplished anything.
I thought about these things as I was listening to my dad's lesson this morning. He spoke about being exhausted in your marriage. I know I get exhausted many times when it comes to being a mother. We faint. That point when you say "I can't take it anymore" or maybe you just want to cry. But he pointed out a scripture that I am sure we have all heard.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Maybe you have been helping your child off to college this week, your pulling overtime at the job, or just plain tired of your day to day route. Don't faint! Look to God for your strength. Are you praying yourself out of those stressful situations or are you counting? This scripture promises that the Lord will give you strength in those hard times but you have to rely on him. PRAY...PRAY..PRAY.. So keep slaving over that stove, wiping those snotty noses, and kissing those boo boos. God is right there with you. You are raising those children for the glory of God.. and every little thing you do counts!
Seems like everything falls apart when I start to cook dinner or sit down to write out the bills. My oldest wants a freezer pop, the middle one gets a stinky or smashs her finger, and the baby starts crying. As soon as I get one pacified then I have to take care of another's needs. It gets rather frustrating at times. I know there are times I feel like I haven't accomplished anything.
I thought about these things as I was listening to my dad's lesson this morning. He spoke about being exhausted in your marriage. I know I get exhausted many times when it comes to being a mother. We faint. That point when you say "I can't take it anymore" or maybe you just want to cry. But he pointed out a scripture that I am sure we have all heard.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Maybe you have been helping your child off to college this week, your pulling overtime at the job, or just plain tired of your day to day route. Don't faint! Look to God for your strength. Are you praying yourself out of those stressful situations or are you counting? This scripture promises that the Lord will give you strength in those hard times but you have to rely on him. PRAY...PRAY..PRAY.. So keep slaving over that stove, wiping those snotty noses, and kissing those boo boos. God is right there with you. You are raising those children for the glory of God.. and every little thing you do counts!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Most Important Thing in Life!
I cannot imagine calling this a "christian" blog without sharing God's plan of salvation. I hope each and everyone of you are saved but this is particularly for the ones that are not.
Are you 100% sure you are going to heaven when you die?
None of us are perfect and the bible tells us so in Romans 3: 23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
Those things that we do that cause us not to be perfect are called sin. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death" Therefore there is a payment for that sin which is hell. But God made a way for us to go to heaven!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should no perish but have everlasting life"
God sent his son to bear our sin on the cross. He was crucified and rose again.
Romans 10:13 "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"
God loves us so much that he made a way. All you have to do is realize that you need him, call upon him and believe in him. It is so simple. You don't have to live a perfect life or go through some twelve step program. Just ask Jesus to come into your heart. He is always there waiting.
Are you 100% sure you are going to heaven when you die?
None of us are perfect and the bible tells us so in Romans 3: 23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
Those things that we do that cause us not to be perfect are called sin. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death" Therefore there is a payment for that sin which is hell. But God made a way for us to go to heaven!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should no perish but have everlasting life"
God sent his son to bear our sin on the cross. He was crucified and rose again.
Romans 10:13 "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"
God loves us so much that he made a way. All you have to do is realize that you need him, call upon him and believe in him. It is so simple. You don't have to live a perfect life or go through some twelve step program. Just ask Jesus to come into your heart. He is always there waiting.
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