Prayer Requests

I'd like to take a moment this afternoon to ask your prayers for two dear family members. They are both so very special to us -- we love them dearly and desire so much for them to make it through this difficult time in their lives. If you feel led to pray for them, I ask that you pray that God would heal their bodies. However, I would also ask you to pray that they would feel God's presence in their lives in a very special and very real way. A way in which they could never deny His presence and His love for them. I so want them to feel God's presence in such a way that they could do nothing but want to feel that presence with them each and every day.

My father-in-law has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, this is not his first time to go down this road. Shortly after I met Jeff about 15 years ago, his father was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Several years later it was liver cancer, followed by colin cancer, and lung cancer. Each time he has gone thru rounds of chemotherapy and each time made a full recovery. Almost two years ago he passed that magical three year timeframe where they declared him cancer free. However, about 6 weeks ago they found a tumor on his spine that was determined to be cancer. Last week he started radiation treatments that will last about 8 weeks. Neither my father-in-law or mother-in-law speaks of their feelings much in times like this, but I know it wears heavy on them and they could BOTH use our prayers.

My uncle is also in need of prayers this afternoon. Last week he was diagnosed and treated for a bleeding ulcer. While it was very serious for a period of time, the doctors were able to treat him he was back home after a brief hospital stay. However, yesterday he collapsed at home and was rushed back to the hospital. Early this morning, my aunt was called to the hospital as things had become quite serious... so much so that she had a police escort to get her there quickly. The ulcer had begun bleeding into his small intestine and, at that time, they had been unable to stop the bleeding. Since then, he has been through surgery where they were able to bring a stop to the bleeding. However, while in surgery the doctor felt it necessary to do a biopsy for pancreatic cancer. At this time, we are waiting to see how he recovers from the surgery and awaiting the biopsy results. Also, this has been incredibly difficult for my aunt (as one would expect) and she is so fearful that he will not make it through this. I know she could use prayers during this time, as well.

In closing, I would also ask that you say a prayer for my parents as they are traveling today from Minnesota to Arkansas to be with my aunt (this is my mom's younger sister). It is a long drive for them and, of course, they are worried as they travel. They are keeping in touch with all of us (my aunt and also updates to my sisters and I and other family members) via cell phone as they travel.


I thank you in advance for any prayers you may say for my family. I feel so privileged to know that I can ask this of any of you that read here regularly and know you will bring these requests before the Lord.

I love you all and will keep you updated.

Friday Facts - Fun with Words #5

I know I have not been consistent with my Friday posts over the last month or two. Seems like some weeks I meet myself both coming and going, which doesn't make for extra time for blogging. I think we all go thru those times... blogging is great for so many reasons, but sometimes we just have to take a step back... sometimes drop back a post a week or take a complete break for a few weeks.


So, anyway.... on to this week's post. I thought I'd go back to a theme I started a few months ago where I look at the meaning of words that are found in the Bible. Words that maybe we aren't familiar with (or, at least, I am not familiar with) and provide a little info on them.

Here are the words for today:

Ague

"I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. " Leviticus 26:16

What does this word mean? Ague is an Old English word that means "fever".


Seething Pot

"Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as [out] of a seething pot or caldron." Job 41:20

Any idea what this words means? A seething pot was a large vessel that was used for boiling provisions.


Firkin

"And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece." John 2:6

What might a firkin be? It was a measure for liquids of about 8 7/8 gallons of water. Or, about the equivalent of a bath.



I pray you all have a wonderful weekend... full of laughter, relaxation, fun, worship, and joy!

Thankful Thursday

I must admit that tonight I am struggling some with my post for Thankful Thursday. It's not been an easy day... nothing serious or even anything to cause worry, just a day filled with frustrations, miscommunications, and me struggling to get past it all and look to God instead of letting it effect my attitude. Obviously, I haven't done well as it is affecting my attitude. To the point where I'm finding it hard to be thankful. Not good!

However, I am forging ahead. This may be a short post this week, but it is heartfelt.

Today I am thankful for encouraging words from friends. I've had two separate and unrelated incidences with this today and oh, how thankful I am that God placed each one in my path today!

First, this morning I received an email filled with encouragement from a special woman I have met thru blogging. One of her statements to me was that she felt led by God to encourage me today. While her words touched my heart, I must admit to wondering why God had led her to encourage me today. All was well.... at least at that time. As the day became more difficult to muddle thru, I went back to her words over and over again. What a wonderful God we serve that he prepares the way for us even when we don't see what lies ahead!

Secondly, I am so thankful for the post Lynn shared this week for Thankful Thursday. She spoke of waiting as God leads and not always even being sure we're hearing Him correctly. I needed this tonight, too. I'm at a crossroads where I know God is leading in other directions, but it's just not happening as fast as I desire. As I read her words, and as I typed that last sentence, I instantly see the problem here. The simple word "I". I get in the way of God, I don't trust God enough to be patient, and on and on it goes. Lynn, you've given me much to think about and pray about tonight and in the weeks ahead. It's all truths that I know, but, unfortunately, just because I know it doesn't mean I always live it! I needed this reminder tonight.



To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week (and to read a great post by Lynn), visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Word-Filled Wednesday - 1 John 3:16-24

The purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo and a verse.




"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another. If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who keep his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. " 1 John 3:16-24



For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.




Picture courtesy of http://www.christianphotos.net/.

Reconciliation

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross -- through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven. And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds, but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him -- if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, without shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant. Colossians 1:19-21


As a teenagerI had a close friend that I shared with in just about everything. We had many classes together, went back and forth between each others' homes, we were in band together for several years, ran around together on the weekends, and shared many of the same friends. That is, until our senior year in high school. Being as that was almost 25 years ago, I don't remember all the details of our falling out, but I believe it centered around hanging out with "the popular kids" and what sort of activities we would be involved in. Turns out, I lost to the "in crowd".

This went on for several months until right before graduation. I suddenly started hearing from her more. She would ask me to hang out with her and several of her new friends more and, eventually, invited me to go out with them after graduation. I was thrilled, of course, to have my friend back and we seemed to pick up right where we had left off. However, that night after graduation it came out that her parents had told her she couldn't go out that night unless I came along. Something about how they knew she wouldn't get into any trouble if they knew I was there. Looking back, it really was a compliment as to how her parents felt about me and how I was known as a responsible and trustworthy teenager. However, it didn't feel like much of a compliment at the time.

I don't remember us being together alot after that. I do recall exchanging a few letters our first couple of years in college, but that was about it. We lost connection completely sometime during our college years.

It can be hard to reconcile broken relationships. And, as in my case, sometimes you think you have reached a reconciliation only to find out that it really wasn't much of a reconciliation at all.

Thankfully, we have the promise from God for a true reconciliation. When we find reconciliation with God, we don't find that He only meets us halfway. We don't find that we have to do all the work to keep the relationship going. We don't find that we only have a friend when things are going good for Him. God meets us all the way. He is ALWAYS with us. He is ALWAYS listening. He is ALWAYS ready to lead and guide us where we should go. He ALWAYS knows best and we can ALWAYS trust Him. Even when we don't understand, when we are shaking our heads in disbelief, when we are hurting more than we ever thought we could hurt... He ALWAYS has our best interests at heart and we CAN TRUST HIM COMPLETELY.

To truly reconcile, I think we must make peace with whatever happened to harm the relationship. With God, that has already been done. Jesus made that peace when he gave up his life on the cross. We don't have to make peace with God, it has already been done for us.

It all goes back to the simple truth that with God we have everything we need. On this earth we all will encounter tough situations throughout our lives. However, we can always rely on the promises of God. With God there is always true reconciliation and a peace like none other.

In closing, I want to share a quote that was included in my study book on this passage. It is a quote from a sermon preached in 1746 by Jonathan Edwards.

"What is there that you can desire should be in a Savior that is not in Christ? Or, wherein should you desire a Savior should be otherwise than Christ is? What excellency is there wanting? What is there that is great or good? What is there that is venerable or winning? What is there that is adorable or endearing? Or, what can you think of, that would be encouraging, that is not to be found in the person of Christ? ... What is there wanting, or what would you add if you could, to make him more fit to be your Savior?"

Thankful Thursday

We are full force into “end of school wind down” around here. Tomorrow night Josh will be singing with his school choir in their end of the year program, we had our last parent/teacher conference of the year and there has been the last field trip of the year. In the next couple of weeks we’ll have an awards program and a last day of school classroom party. For the rest of us in the family, we’re seeing our calendars open up over the next few weeks as various other activities come to an end for a summer break. WOW… I am ready!! :)

All of these things bring me very naturally to my list of thanksgivings for this week…


* I am thankful for summer break! Every one of us needs a couple of months where the schedule slows down a bit and we can just “be”. Oh, how I’m looking forward to no homework in the evenings, no lunches to fix to take to school, and no weekly scheduled extra curricular activities. I’m looking forward to freer evenings and being able to sleep just a little bit later in the mornings.

* I mentioned above that we had our last parent/teacher conference this week. I am so thankful it went well. Josh is doing great in school! Earlier this year he was struggling so much with getting his work done in class and with paying attention in class. However, over the last 6-8 weeks Jeff and I and his teacher have seen such a huge change. It’s like he has suddenly figured out this school thing and “gets it”. Two months ago his teacher expressed concerns that he would struggle with the extra work he would have added with 2nd grade. This week she told me she no longer has any concerns and knows he will do great in 2nd grade!

* I am thankful for the teachers Josh has had in school to date. One thing about the kids starting school is that you can’t pick the teachers they have and you can’t pick the people they’ll be around every minute of the day. But we have been blessed to have excellent teachers that were just perfect for Josh the last two years. They have both been women that loved every child placed in their classrooms and they have been Christian women. While they are unable to verbally teach their children about the love of the Lord, they are able SHOW them the love of the Lord. And, believe me, each of these women do just that. I have had several conversations with both of them about their faith and how they live it out in their lives. What a wonderful foundation these women have provided Josh as he has started out this time of education in his life.

* I am thankful for the fun summer activities we have ahead of us! We've already got a sleepover scheduled and a trip to Missouri to see family. We also have VBS in June which is always something we look forward to around our house. And probably in July we’ll take a long weekend for a short family trip of some kind. Both Abby and Josh also have a few fun field trips scheduled through their summer child care program. They always look forward to these and are a bundle of energy and excitement as they anticipate each one.


As we wind down and head into summer there are many reasons to be thankful. To join us in sharing our thanksgivings, visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Word-Filled Wednesday - John 16:33

The purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo and a verse.





For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.




Picture courtesy of http://www.christianphotos.net/.

From Darkness to Redemption

He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him -- all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers -- all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. Colossians 1:14-18


Paul covers some important topics in these scriptures. He speaks of how Jesus is the image of God. The scriptures tell us that we were created in the image of God. However, the Greek word Paul used in this verse is eikon. Eikon expressed these ideas:

* a likeness, as in an image on a coin or a reflection in a mirror
* a manifestation, as in that God is fully revealed in Jesus

What does this mean? It means that Christ wasn't just created in the image of God, but that Jesus IS the image of God. In other words, He IS God!

Paul also speaks of Jesus as being the firstborn. Not just the firstborn child of Mary, but the firstborn over all creation. What does this mean exactly? Paul's use of this phrase shows that Jesus has preeminence. He is before all created things and is of a supremely different order than all created things. Is a little hard to wrap your head around, isn't it? (I've peeked ahead a bit in my study book, though, and there's some other great info shared in relation to this topic. As I get there and spend more time in it, I'll share some more. I think this is definitely worth more time.)

From these scriptures, though, here is the part that really made an impression on me this week. In verse 13-14, Paul writes "He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whome we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

What a hold the "power of darkness" can have over our lives. It can lull us to sleep and is great at conceling itself... it bring us to a point where we aren't even aware of the evil that is creeping up around us. The power of darkness has the ability to afflict us and depress us and, at the same time, it can fascinate us. The power of darkness is.... powerful.

However, thru Jesus we are delivered from this mighty and negative power. He has given us a way to escape it. God sent Jesus to this earth to bring us redemption. Our sins have been "sent away" and we have been given newness of life and freedom from the powers of darkness.

As I think of this -- this great sacrifice that was made for us -- I am amazed. It takes my breath away and makes me realize anew each day how worthy God is of our praises. How worthy He is of all we have to give back to him... in how we live our lives, in how we choose to touch the lives of those around us, and in how we share His love with all the world around us.

I pray that I would never fail to be amazed by this gift from God. I pray that it would continue to make me more and more aware of how I interact with others -- with how I share the love of God with my neighbors.

Friday Facts - More About Colossians

Since we've been looking at the book of Colossians, I wanted to share some more about the history and circumstances around the writing of this letter by Paul. I always enjoying knowing more of the background and what was going on during the time when an event took place. So, here's hoping that you do, too! :) Have a great weekend!

The city of Colossae was about 12 miles nort of Laodicea and near the road from Ephesus to the Euphrates River. Being this close to the Euphrates made it of some mercantile importance. Today, this site is where we find Anatolia, a region in Western Asia. It makes up the majority of the Republic of Turkey. It is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north, the Caucasus (the region between Europe, Asia. and the Middle East) to the northeast, the Iranian plateau to the southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west.

It was hit by an earthquake sometime around when Paul wrote to the Colossians (it is thought in the same year) and the city declined from there. Today the city lies buried under an unexcavated hill.


Colossians was written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome; probably around the spring of A.D. 57. It wasn't too long after he had written the letter to the Ephesians.

Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians in an effort to counteract false teachings that were being taught. There were persons that attempted to combine the doctrines of Oriental mysticism and asceticism with Christianity. This promised a higher spiritual life and deeper insight into the world of spirits. In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he argues against these teachings and shows them that Jesus brings them ALL these things.

There are two parts to Colossians -- a doctrinal part and a practical part.

The doctrinal part is made up of the first two chpaters with the main theme being a warning against being drawn from Christ. He asked if they were truly united in Christ, why did they need more?

The practical part of Colossians (chapters 3-4) reminds them to focus on things above and to remove from themselves all things of which are evil.


The letter was taken to the Colossians by a man named Tychicus. This man accompanied Paul on part of his journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem, as well as spending some time with Paul in Rome. Tychicus also delivered the letters Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to Philemon.

Thankful Thursday

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. Proverbs 4:11


Oh, how I wish I had learned to allow the Lord to "guide me in the way of wisdom" at a much younger age! I'm guessing that probably we all feel that way. Unfortunately, the understanding of the importance of wisdom in our lives doesn't come until we have lived a few years and reached some level of maturity.

As I sat and thought about this topic that Lynn chose for this week, I considered a number of things I have done that certainly did not involve me seeking any sort of wisdom from God. I found myself mentally cringing about some things, shaking my head in disbelief at others, feeling a bit embarrassed about still more. Instead of feeling thankful, I began to experience a feeling of regret.

But, you know, I don't think this is how God wants us to feel. In order to learn and to mature, I think we all must have some of those experiences. Sometimes it is the only way that we grow. Sometimes it is the only way we realize that we can't do this alone and that we need to turn to God and allow Him to guide our steps. Allow Him to lead us down straighter paths.

So, today I have chosen to be thankful for those experiences... no matter how much I might wish some of them had not happened. I'm going to be thankful that they have been learning experiences for me. I'm going to be thankful for what God has taught me thru them. I am going to be thankful that today I am so much more aware of the importance of turning to God for wisdom and guidance.


For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Why Do We Doubt?

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:22-31


Have you ever had a passage of scripture that you had read over and over again but just seemed to completely “miss” a particular part of it for most of that time? This passage is one of those for me. I know, it seems a bit silly…. after all, most of us have heard this story since we were small children in Sunday School. However, for whatever reason, what I’ve always carried away from this is the part about Jesus walking on water and the fact that He calmed the seas. Somehow, I had managed to miss (or not focus on is probably more to the point) the part about Peter joining Him on the water, walking a few steps, and then beginning to doubt and sinking into the water.

However, a few Sundays ago in church it just suddenly jumped right out at me…. almost knocked me over in my seat. Our pastor has begun a series of sermons on this passage and, as the scripture was read on that particular Sunday morning, I suddenly realized not only that I had kind of glossed over this part for years, but that I am just like Peter. I call on the Lord, I turn it all over to Him and I trust and I feel as Peter did as he began to walk on the water towards Jesus. Life goes on great until something happens – maybe life gets too busy and becomes overwhelming, maybe I experience a difficult situation at work, maybe I’m just tired – whatever it is, it happens and I let that take over the trust I have put in the Lord and I begin to sink. At those times, I can imagine the Lord saying the exact same words He said to Peter that day on the water – “Melanie, you you have so little faith, why do you doubt?”.

Why do we do that? Why do we let our doubts and our frustrations get in the way of the trusting God in everything? I would imagine it has something to do with the fact that we imperfect humans.

Regardless of our imperfections, though, we can ALWAYS count on one thing as we go thru our times of doubt and our times when we rely more on ourselves than on the Lord. We can always count on our Lord reaching out and grabbing hold of us and pulling us back in when we do cry out to Him (just as He did for Peter). As long as we make ourselves available, our Lord is there holding out His hand and taking hold.

To make it even better? We don't have to wait. Once we cry out and make ourselves available, the response is immediate. It doesn't mean we will get the answer we want immediately (or even the answer that we want), but we can be sure the God will take hold of our hand and walk with us through whatever lies ahead.

Praying for Others

"For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects -- bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light." Colossians 1:9


These words from Paul have really made me stop and think about how I pray for others (myself, too, for that matter). Yes, I pray for others often. I pray for their health, for their safety, for peace and hope, guidance in difficult situations, etc. All of that is great and I think God wants us to pray for those things.

But, how often do I pray for their spiritual growth? How often do I pray that "God will fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spritual wisdom and understanding"? How often do I pray that my friends will "live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects"? Or, how about these -- "bear fruit in every good deed", "grow in the knowledge of God", "be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness"?

Then, to take it a step further as Paul did.... how often do I pray these things for fellow Christians of whom I have never met, but have only heard of as I sit in a prison cell? Granted, I'm not in a prison cell at this moment (and don't ever plan to be), but if Paul can look beyond his own needs as he is in prison surely I can pray a similar prayer for others from the comfort of my own home.

Prior to praying this same prayer for others, though, I think I must first be sure I pray it for myself. As I do, I think I need to be very aware and ask myself these questions (these came from my study guide, "Cappuccino with Colossians" from the Coffee Cup Bible Studies):

* Are my good deeds motivated by self-glory or God's glory?
* Am I growing in the knowledge of Him?
* Is God the source of my strength?
* Do I exhibit patience as a result of my relationship with the Lord?
* Do I have joy as I give thanks?


I'm not sure I can pray for others as Paul did until I am very sure of the answers to the above questions in my life. As I do and as I ask for the Lord's guidance in these areas, I also begin praying the same for others. That together, we would all live a life worthy and pleasing to the Lord.

Circle of Love

Have you checked out the "Circle of Love" segments that Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand started just a few weeks ago? If you haven't, you should go on over there and check it out. It's a weekly segment where Laurie introduces us to a fellow blogger. I have so enjoyed reading these posts the last few weeks... I love to meet new blogging friends!

I am especially excited this week as Laurie is featuring me in her "Circle of Love" post. Thank you, Laurie, for including me. And, thank you for sharing yourself and your faith with each one of us.

Thankful Thursday

This week has been a little bit different than we had originally planned. You see, due to the swine flu, our school district cancelled classes for the entire week. Admittedly, I was a bit “put out” when I learned last week this decision had been made. It messed with my schedule. As I have admitted before, I don’t do well when my schedule is interrupted. Something I am working on, but I it is an on-going thing for me right now.

I strongly suspect God used this event to get a message across to me. And, thankfully, He worked quickly and went straight to my heart. Before that day ended, I realized this actually gave us more time instead of taking it away. I realized there would be extra time with the kids. I realized we would have evenings where we didn’t have to worry about homework. I realized there would be a few evenings where we didn’t have to keep on top of the bedtime schedule quite so closely. Yes, there were many things for which to be thankful in this whole turn of events.

I am so thankful that God is working on my heart in this area and that He can so quickly take something I view as a negative and turn in into such a TERRIFIC positive!

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Since we're coming up on Mother's Day, I want to make sure I share my thankfulness for my own Mother. She raised me to love the Lord and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she has prayed for me since the day I was born. Without her, I would not be the person I am today. While we didn't always get along the greatest as I was growing up (read this as -- I was a bit, hmmm... well, difficult as a teenager), we have a great relationship today. I'm not even sure we would have this relationship if it had not been for some of those difficult moments. I know for me, she taught me about unconditional love as we experienced those moments together. She showed me how another human being could love me regardless of what I did or what I said or what choices I made. I love you, Mom!

______________________________________________________

I am so thankful to be experiencing the gift of motherhood myself. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life right now. Yes, I'm tired. Yes, some days I'm not sure what is the best to do for my children. Yes, some days I don't know what to do but pray and pray and then pray some more. BUT, there are many more days that are filled with laughter and silliness and hugs and kisses and so many, many good things as my husband and I raise our children. What a gift!



For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Loving Those We've Never Met

"From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father! We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints. Your faith and love have arisen from the hope laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave - a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf - who also told us of your love in the Spirit." Colossian 1:1-8


When Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae he had never met any of them. Well, none of them except Philemon. It was thru Philemon and Epaphrus that Paul became familiar with the Colossians. Philemon hosted gatherings in his home for the Christians in Colossae. Epaphrus had gone to Colossae to share the gospel after he had learned and grown in his faith thru the witness of Paul.

While I don't know for sure, I can picture Philemon and Epaphrus sharing with Paul about the Christians of Colossae. Their faith in God, their lives, their struggles, their challenges, and their love for each other. As Paul learned more and more about these people he grew to love them, as well. As he shares in these first few scriptures of this letter, he prays for them without ceasing. He wishes them grace and peace -- not just any kind of grace, but grace that refers to God's unmerited favor upon them.

Have you ever loved someone you never met? I have on a few occasions -- persons I knew thru my parents, my sisters, my friends. Over time, they have become special to me and I think of them and pray for them. Because they are important to my loved ones, they are important to me.

But, lets expand that a bit. How about fellows brothers and sisters in Christ that we've never met, and maybe we don't even have any type of connection to them. EXCEPT -- how about the connection we share as believers? I think Paul shares some words and thoughts here that we can all apply to our lives. Love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We may never meet many of them his side of heaven, but we share a common bond that is stronger than anything here on earth. We have the same love for God, we share similar struggles, similar desires and so much more.

Let us consider today keeping all our brothers and sisters in Christ in our prayers and in our hearts -- whether we know them or not. Let us consider praying for them and loving them and looking forward to the day we can all meet in our heavenly home.

Friday Facts - Colossae

This last week I started posting on the book of Colossians. This will be the theme on Monday for quite a few weeks to come as I study this book in the Bible and share these studies with you thru my posts.

As I've begun this study time and prepared myself I have been searching for additional information on the city of Colossae. I found a website that has pictures of the area where this city once stood. The photos are beautiful and it offers some interesting facts about the city and general information relating to Paul and the book of Colossians.

When I get more time, I'm going to sit down and look thru this website in more detail. It looks like a great place to go to see more and learn more about many of the places we read about in the Bible. But, for now, I'll leave you with this link for more info on Colossians.

Praying you all have a great weekend! I'll see you back here on Monday!