Joy in the Midst of This

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Hannah

2008-09-09T11:46:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, our pastor preached on 1 Samuel and the store of Hannah hit home. She was able to let the cultural pressures (idols in the way of her relationship with God) go. She was able to give them to God, rest in his assurance and grace, and follow him without question. I need that. I want that.

New International Version

1 Samuel 1

1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And because the Lord had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Elkanah her husband would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"
9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple. 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." 12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine." 15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief." 17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." 21 When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always." 23 "Do what seems best to you," Elkanah her husband told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his word." So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25 When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." And he worshiped the Lord there.

For I know the plans I have for you . . .

2007-06-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

"God, please now my future see,
make it clear where I should be
Open windows, close the doors
not my will my God, but Yours."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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."

Spring Reading Thing Update

2007-06-20T18:07:00.001-05:00

Well, I got a bit off track. I picked up the first book in the Redemption Series (Karen Kingsbury) and well, five books later . . . I'm now on the second book in the follow up series. So, the number of books read is pretty close to the number of books on my list, but I fell far from that list when I started this series. Kudos to Karen Kingsbury for grabbing me and not letting go. In fact, I'm just taking a quick break from reading to post this update and then back to the book! The first series focuses on the lives of the Baxter family. Their ups and their downs, their good decisions and their bad decisions, their real life situations and feelings . . . you start to feel like you've known this family for ever.

So, I have to say "thank you" to Katrina over at Callapidder Days for this challenge. It didn't finish the way it started, but it was worth it. I have read more books in the last two months than I have read in a really long time . . . and it feels great!

I'm keeping my list on the side so that I remember to go back to it when I finish this series. I do want to read these books (as most of them are still stacked on my nightstand). Hopefully I can still get to them this summer so that I all ready with a new list for the Fall (that's my hint that I'm totally in if Katrina does a Fall Reading Thing).

I know I have more to write about my reading, but I've got to get back to my book now . . . it's at a really good part and I just have to know what happens!

They're Out!

2007-05-31T14:24:00.000-05:00

Book Awards 2007 (Chrisitanity Today)
22 titles that bring understanding to people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission.

Go here http ://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/june/8.36.html to see the books awarded this year. There are some great titles and authors. Each award also has some reviews/articles about the books and their authors.

Enjoy!

Same old, same old

2007-04-25T21:15:00.000-05:00

I don't really have much to say tonight other than that yesterday was my last day at Target. Yippy for me. Hopefully we can keep the checkbook in line so I don't regret quitting there earlier than I had planned. So far, so good.

There are some things going through my mind, but I'm just too tired to put complete thoughts together. So, here are some ideas for future blog posts:

Worship is a lifestyle, not just the 15-30 minutes before the sermon on Sunday. We are finishing up a small group study on this and I'd like to put some of my thoughts down about what I have learned and what I still need to learn. Note to self: Study ends in the next couple of weeks . . . work on this idea by the end of May.
God timing vs our timing. I'd like to get down how I have seen this in my life and, currently, some struggles I have with patience and joy in this. I like to make plans, taking everything into consideration, and then moving forward. This waiting thing is not natural for me.
Adoption . . . If we really are looking at this, let's put together what needs to be done, financially where do we stand, and what does our time line look like? Make this more than just a dream.
Alright, honestly I want to lose weight . . . so I need to start doing more than working out . . . which has made some good changes, but now my eating needs to fall in line with this. What's my plan?
Reading . . . now that I have more time to myself I will be reading more and watching TV less. I'd like to mix in some non-fiction and keep tract of what I'm learning. Plus, I'm part of the Spring Reading Thing and I really need to get more books read and reviews written. Yikes!

Ok, this may be more of a goal-type list, but stuff that I need to journal/blog about so that I can stay accountable to myself. Hey, and if anyone is really reading this, then I may just be held accountable even more. Who knows!

THE LORD'S PRAYER

2007-04-06T16:52:00.000-05:00

Rather cleverly done. This it’s in two parts, the prayer (in blue type) and GOD (in red type) in response. It is very, very good. I was sent an email with this. I'm not sure who the author of this is (well, obviously I know who wrote the Lord's Prayer, it's the comments that I don't know who wrote).

**********

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME. You said,"Our Father who art in Heaven." Well, here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it.I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name . . .
Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?
By what? By "Hallowed be thy name?" It means, it means . . . good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know; but, do I have control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing. Y ou just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. (. . . pause . . .) Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try me.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it.
Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; and the hate and the sin will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . . (sigh). All right all right . . . I forgive her.
There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.
Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me . . . How do I make you happy?
You just did.

Spring Reading Thing

2007-03-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

Katrina over at Callapidder Days has challenged us with her Spring Reading Thing. You might be wondering . . .

Who: The Spring Reading Thing is open to anyone and everyone!

What: The Spring Reading Thing provides an opportunity for all of us to set goals when it comes to our personal (or family) reading. Everyone who wants to join the challenge will make a list of books they'd like to read (or books they need to finally finish!) this spring. We'll share our goals with each other, and then share our experience and results when the challenge is over.

When: March 21 through June 21, 2007. (Although, it may take me longer to read all of these, but I will read them!)

So here are the books that I would like to have read (no particular order, but I'll probably read all of the fiction first):

1. Overcoming Overload by Steve Farrar

2. Papa's Wife and Papa's Daughter by Thyra Ferre Bjorn

3. These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon

4. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

5. Facing Your Giants . . . by Max Lucado

6. Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

7. The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini

8. Before I Wake by Dee Henderson

9. The Jane Austn Book Club By Karen Joy Fowler

10. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

10 Things You Might Not Know About Me

2007-03-29T13:59:00.000-05:00

(In no particular order . . . )

1. I used to have curly hair (really curly), but now it's pretty much straight.
2. I am a PK (pastor's kid).
3. I would usually rather be a follower and an introvert, but I must have some gifting in being a leader. I always seem to be put in positions or have jobs that have me leading or managing others. I've been told many times that I am good at it, but it's not what I am always looking to do.
4. I hate winter - except the week of Christmas . . . . ok, some of you may have caught on to this fact about me. I tend to get a bit whiney during winter.
5. Growing up I wanted a job where I handled money. I didn't necessarily want it myself, just liked counting it.
6. I could eat pizza and ice cream every day with out getting tired of them. Yum-O!
7. I love to color my hair. Recently, it has not been done in an attempt to save money.
8. I still babysit - or kid-sit as some of the cute kiddos tell me. The funny thing is that I still like to do it and I'm thinking parents like that I have my own transportation and have a bit more common sense and resposiblitity than many teenagers. I don't even charge - though some parents insist on still paying me.
9. I love cats and I have a strong dislike for dogs. For a while in college, I had several families ask me to house sit while they were out of town. Wouldn't you know it, they all had dogs, too. Ugh! At least I was able to have a few times away from the dorm and roommates.
10. I never dated until I met the man that is now my husband. While I thought it was not the greatest thing in high school, I like that this is how it turned out. :)

Stepping Forward

2007-03-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in our weekly staff meeting, we talked about the passage of Scripture that tells us of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb before it was light out. We talked about those times in our life when we step out in the darkness, knowing (or at least trusting) that God is there, He has a plan, and it's good.

Part of my plan for this blog is to help me journal about the here and now - the ordinary, daily things - so that I can look back at times of darkness and be encouraged about where God has taken me and what he has taught me. I intentionally used the word joy in the blog title to remind myself to not use this blog as a means to vent out the bad and ugly, but to use this blog as a way to see God's goodness and faithfulness in my life.

Now that I've said that, I can be held accountable for the entries. Yes, I will have bad days; and yes, I may even blog about them . . . but in the end I will also take the time to pray (even ask forgiveness, if needed) and use those days to grow in my faith.

I do have to put a plug in here for Nitty.Gritty's web site. Her recent posts on finding joy and living in the ordinary days have got me thinking. Thanks!

Open the Windows

2007-03-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

Spring has sprung!!! After getting our last electric/gas bill, I turned the heat off. No more! I am so tired of paying through the nose for that stuff. Plus, we had kept our house at 59-61 degrees all winter . . . we could turn off the heat at the beginning of March and not freeze any more than we already had. Alright, some of you may say, "What???? That's really cold!!!!" But, we have no kids, we work a lot, and I'm not paying to heat my house when I'm not there. Plus, that's what the big warm quilts are for. So, this weekend the outside temp heated up to the 60s and, yes, that means it's time to air the house out and open the windows. I just love the breeze that come in! The sun is shining and I am finding great joy in that! And, if it rains . . . great . . . that just means that things will turn green faster.

Let's Go!

2007-03-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

Well, this is my second attempt at starting a blog. I started one last year, got busy, and totally forgot my log in information along with the name of the blog?!?!?! So, now that I've emailed my self this very important information, let's go!

I haven't decided if I'm even going to tell my friends or family that I'm blogging. I guess we'll see where my thoughts lead me and then see how willing I am to be open with them. It's true, it's a lot easier when you don't have to look some one in the face having them know all of the rumblings going on in your head.

So since none of you know me, let me introduce my self. I'm married, work four jobs (yes that is right!), and have no kids (hence the four jobs). My husband and I came up with a plan a year ago to pay way down on our debt. This meant no credit card spending and working really hard for 12-16 months. I am now 13 months into it and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The fact that my hubby is applying for a promotion at work is just icing on the cake. We are praying that we can say bye-bye to all but one job for each of us soon!!! Words can not express my joy it this!