Do you get on FaceBook and do you Twitter? What's it all about? I get on FaceBook and Twitter for two entirely different reasons. I first signed up for both but found Twitter to be unfulfilling. Not everyone I followed, followed me so I eventually made my account inactive and focused on FaceBook.
FaceBook has been a lot of fun. Seeing what everyone is doing. The things they say, the places they go. I'm able to see vacation and party pictures. One day Terry mentioned someone's name. I quickly said, "They're on vacation. Do you want to know how I know? FaceBook." I was so proud of myself. But really, people who are friends with me on FaceBook, I do consider friends but don't see them often or maybe I'm not in their inner circle of friends but we're still friends so I'm interested in what they're doing, saying, etc. I'm friends with people from my old church that I don't see. I'm friends with out-of-town family. I found out about a death in the family on FaceBook before the phones started ringing. That's what FaceBook is about; being in touch with people you see often or maybe not, but just making a connection that I probably wouldn't otherwise make. I love that!!
Twitter? Well, I recently activated my account again but took a different approach this time. I primarily, but not entirely, follow people who state in their profile they are Christians and most of them blog but not all. Most of them I do not know personally and live in other areas of the country. I can sit for 30 minutes or more and read 100 Tweets. Probably 70% of them are full of scripture or links to their blogs or other peoples' blogs. It has been a great source of encouragement reading scripture, something about scripture they've just read, about their lives or how God is working in their lives. Sometimes I will "retweet", and I'm sure the "retweets" feed to FaceBook so my friends over there can be "encouranged" also. Sometimes people will ask for prayer. Often times I stop and say a prayer for that specific need, then tweet back to let them know someone read their request and did, in fact, pray for them. Isn't that cool? Pray for someone you don't know personally, somewhere else in the country, possibly international but God hears that prayer and knows THAT person by name.
So are you on FaceBook? Do you Twitter? If so, I'm curious why? Send me a comment!!
Romans 1:12 Be mutually encouraged by each other's faith... HCB
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME
It's been almost six months since I last sat down to write anything. One reason is I began a different blog doing daily verse devotions (www.mspicer.wordpress.com) but even that I stopped. A lot has happened in the last several months. I turned 50 in July; had major surgery in August and began a new job in September - actually went back to a job I love...working at my church. If you go back and read older posts you would see where I was struggling, praying and hoping God would answer my prayers on a specific issue. The job was the issue. God knows I am not patient; in fact I wrote about patience one day but God forced me to be patient. It was not easy. I never really got the hang of waiting (ha-ha) but He is always in control so whether I liked it or not, I did have to wait. He has blessed me greatly, though, and I am so grateful. One of the other new things in my life is I began working with the 4-5 year olds at my church on Wednesday nights. Due to recovering from surgery, Wednesday nights have been physically hard on me. It's not that I'm doing anything terribly physical but for some reason, I am sooo drained and tired when I get home. But where I am physically tired, I can say that it has beem spiritually very rewarding. I have a great group of workers and the kids are so sweet, lively but very sweet. I have recovered pretty well from surgery (it's been about 2 1/2 months as I write). I can't say I feel completely ok but so much better and know I am getting closer everyday. Now it is time to sit back down at the computer and begin to focus again on my walk with the Lord. I never really have been a writer before but I do find it helps to put my thoughts down in a more formal manner and to acknowledge what God is doing in my life. I think writing helps me to focus more because it causes me to really think on what is going on in my life. My desire is to always have the focus on Jesus because of what He has done in my life. So...here I am getting back in the game, if you will. Asking God to speak to me as I seek Him.
Friday, May 1, 2009
TIME WELL SPENT
It's hard to believe it's been a month since I last posted a blog. Time really flies. I'm busy but I know most of y'all are way busier than me with work, spouses and children. I don't see how you do it all. Being busy is one of the greatest tricks of Satan. If we stay so busy, chances are we're not spending time with God. Well, maybe we're rushing through a daily devotional or daily Bible reading but most of us don't really spend true, quality time with God.
Last weekend I had the good sense to go to Just Give Me Jesus with Ann Graham Lotz. It was awesome. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I'd been to see Beth Moore when she was last here but I've never really been to a Women's conference, unless you want to count our annual Women's Retreats at church. This was time well spent. Ann began Friday evening telling the story of Jesus. It was so thorough and complete. Her words painted the picture and took you right there. When the invitation was given, many went down and accepted Christ.
Saturday was very unique. Ann had the first and third session. They were both so rich and full of wonderful examples and information concerning studying God's Word, and I took quite a few notes. For me, the highlight of the day was Jill Briscoe. We spent over an hour in prayer with thanksgiving, confession and intercession for needs both in our own lives and in the lives of others. She calls them thank you prayers, sorry prayers and please prayers. I like that...very simple and easy for me to remember. A lot of the time I spend mostly in please prayers. I have been reminded how to have a "well-balanced" prayer life. That the structure of this conference would include such a significant time spent on prayer was amazing to me. The fact that this conference was "free" and depends on offerings and contributions taken during the conference, as well as other sponsorships, was also amazing. But as Leslie Lewis said, since Billy Graham is her father, she certainly has had the best example.
So I said all of this to say...I know it's a huge commitment to go to a conference like this, Friday evening 7-9 pm and Saturday 8:30-5pm. But it is so well worth it. Make time to learn and grow in your relationship with God. I don't care if you are a new Christian or have been saved for years, we need times like this to refresh, refocus and recommit. I've never read any of Ann's books but she is an accomplished author. All I can say is if she writes anything like she spoke and told the story of Jesus Friday evening, reading her books will also be time well spent. I will not soon forget Just Give Me Jesus!!!
Last weekend I had the good sense to go to Just Give Me Jesus with Ann Graham Lotz. It was awesome. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I'd been to see Beth Moore when she was last here but I've never really been to a Women's conference, unless you want to count our annual Women's Retreats at church. This was time well spent. Ann began Friday evening telling the story of Jesus. It was so thorough and complete. Her words painted the picture and took you right there. When the invitation was given, many went down and accepted Christ.
Saturday was very unique. Ann had the first and third session. They were both so rich and full of wonderful examples and information concerning studying God's Word, and I took quite a few notes. For me, the highlight of the day was Jill Briscoe. We spent over an hour in prayer with thanksgiving, confession and intercession for needs both in our own lives and in the lives of others. She calls them thank you prayers, sorry prayers and please prayers. I like that...very simple and easy for me to remember. A lot of the time I spend mostly in please prayers. I have been reminded how to have a "well-balanced" prayer life. That the structure of this conference would include such a significant time spent on prayer was amazing to me. The fact that this conference was "free" and depends on offerings and contributions taken during the conference, as well as other sponsorships, was also amazing. But as Leslie Lewis said, since Billy Graham is her father, she certainly has had the best example.
So I said all of this to say...I know it's a huge commitment to go to a conference like this, Friday evening 7-9 pm and Saturday 8:30-5pm. But it is so well worth it. Make time to learn and grow in your relationship with God. I don't care if you are a new Christian or have been saved for years, we need times like this to refresh, refocus and recommit. I've never read any of Ann's books but she is an accomplished author. All I can say is if she writes anything like she spoke and told the story of Jesus Friday evening, reading her books will also be time well spent. I will not soon forget Just Give Me Jesus!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
GOING DEEPER
I recently started reading Beth Moore's book "Breaking Free." I've got my seatbelt on for this one. While I chose the book "for someone else" (quote-unquote) I have a feeling God has a lot to show me "for me."
Here's a few quotes from Beth Moore in the book...
"I want it [the message of this book] to pull at your life so powerfully that the bondage of mediocre discipleship will never again be acceptable."
"A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her."
"I was the worst kind of captive: a prisoner unaware."
"God wants to do in your life what your mind has never conceived."
Recently Renee R. posted a song on FaceBook that has had a powerful affect on my life by Matthew West called "The Motions." What a song!?! Here are some of the words..."This might hurt/I don't want to go through the motions/Your all consuming passion/what if I had given you everything?/just ok is not enough." Here's the link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk.
Kevin C. twitted this quote earlier today..."The difference between where you are & where God wants you to be may be the painful decision you refuse to make." - Craig Groeschel
Seems like there is a similar message God is giving me from several sources. What if I had given everything? What in my life is keeping me from the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God has planned for me? Just ok is not enough. I want to be different. I want to be where God wants me to be. I'm going deeper with God!!
Here's a few quotes from Beth Moore in the book...
"I want it [the message of this book] to pull at your life so powerfully that the bondage of mediocre discipleship will never again be acceptable."
"A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her."
"I was the worst kind of captive: a prisoner unaware."
"God wants to do in your life what your mind has never conceived."
Recently Renee R. posted a song on FaceBook that has had a powerful affect on my life by Matthew West called "The Motions." What a song!?! Here are some of the words..."This might hurt/I don't want to go through the motions/Your all consuming passion/what if I had given you everything?/just ok is not enough." Here's the link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk.
Kevin C. twitted this quote earlier today..."The difference between where you are & where God wants you to be may be the painful decision you refuse to make." - Craig Groeschel
Seems like there is a similar message God is giving me from several sources. What if I had given everything? What in my life is keeping me from the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God has planned for me? Just ok is not enough. I want to be different. I want to be where God wants me to be. I'm going deeper with God!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
SO MANY RULES
I've been reading in Leviticus the last few days. God's really laying down the law. All I'm saying is I'm glad to be bought and paid for and freed from the law. I said this to Terry: "There's so many rules in Levitcus. Did you know we wouldn't be able to eat shrimp if we were under the law?" His response: "Aren't you glad you aren't Jewish?" Being Jewish has nothing to do with it. It's all about Jesus! I'm glad I'm not lost.
Hebrews 7:11 "The people were given the law concerning the system of priests from the tribe of Levi, but they could not be made perfect through that system. So there was a need for another priest to come..." (NCV)
Hebrews 7:26-27 "Jesus is the kind of high priest we need. He is holy, sinless, pure, not influenced by sinners, and He is raised above the heavens. He is not like the other priests who had to offer sacrifices every day, first for their own sins, and then for the sins of the people. Christ offered His sacrifice only once and for all time when He offered himself." (NCV)
Man, forget all those rules I can't follow anyway. Too many! Just give me Jesus!! Free to follow Him with the power of the Holy Spirit. Not on my own power. I'd end up back in bondage but with the forgiveness of Jesus and help of the Holy Spirit, I can live for Him according to His Word and the guidance of the Spirit to the best of my ability.
Lord, help me to serve you with freedom in a way that brings honor to you!! Thank you for being willing to pay that sacrifice for me. Knowing me as you do, you know I'm hopeless but with the gift of Your Spirit, my life CAN honor You!
Hebrews 7:11 "The people were given the law concerning the system of priests from the tribe of Levi, but they could not be made perfect through that system. So there was a need for another priest to come..." (NCV)
Hebrews 7:26-27 "Jesus is the kind of high priest we need. He is holy, sinless, pure, not influenced by sinners, and He is raised above the heavens. He is not like the other priests who had to offer sacrifices every day, first for their own sins, and then for the sins of the people. Christ offered His sacrifice only once and for all time when He offered himself." (NCV)
Man, forget all those rules I can't follow anyway. Too many! Just give me Jesus!! Free to follow Him with the power of the Holy Spirit. Not on my own power. I'd end up back in bondage but with the forgiveness of Jesus and help of the Holy Spirit, I can live for Him according to His Word and the guidance of the Spirit to the best of my ability.
Lord, help me to serve you with freedom in a way that brings honor to you!! Thank you for being willing to pay that sacrifice for me. Knowing me as you do, you know I'm hopeless but with the gift of Your Spirit, my life CAN honor You!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TROUBLES?
"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." James 1:2-4 (NCV)
Rewind to Blog post December 9, 2008...
I was going through a situation that I was having to wait on happening and was having a hard time being patient.
Fast forward to February 24, 2009...
Still having to wait on the same situation. Was it hard? Is it hard? Yes, very much so!!
We recently began a study on the book of James in Sunday School on February 1st so I'm reading these same verses again. Do they say IF we go through trials or troubles? No, they say WHEN. It's a guarantee. WE WILL GO THROUGH TROUBLES!! So what do we do when we have disappointments and difficult times? What do we do when bad things happen to us? How do we handle it?
Sometimes people hurt my feelings. Sometimes I feel like I totally missed God. Sometimes I even feel like He let me down. I just want to throw in the towel and give up. This is too hard. I want to walk away, go in another direction. Well...this is how I have felt recently. Have you ever felt this way? It's a battle sometimes, isn't it? Deep in my soul, I felt like if I gave into this though, I would drown. That's the only way I can describe the battle that was raging in my spirit. I literally felt like a part of me would die and my relationship with God would never be the same.
I'm so thankful God wouldn't let go of me and let me go the way I wanted. I'm so thankful, instead, He drew me close to Him and gave me this verse..."Through Christ, God gave me the special work of an apostle, which was to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. I do this work for Him." Romans 1:5 (NCV)
I'm not saying I think I'm an apostle. What I am saying is God reminded me that EVERYTHING I DO IS FOR HIM...not anyone else, not only when things are going good, not when my feeling are NOT hurt. He has called me for a special work, and I do it for Him. God reminded me why I do anything I do. I can never give up.
So remember, when it doesn't go the way we think it should have, when people let you down, when life gives us disappointments, when troubles come our way...OR when life is great and we're on top of the world...whatever situation we're in, don't foget IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!
Keep your eyes on HIM and don't give up!!
Rewind to Blog post December 9, 2008...
I was going through a situation that I was having to wait on happening and was having a hard time being patient.
Fast forward to February 24, 2009...
Still having to wait on the same situation. Was it hard? Is it hard? Yes, very much so!!
We recently began a study on the book of James in Sunday School on February 1st so I'm reading these same verses again. Do they say IF we go through trials or troubles? No, they say WHEN. It's a guarantee. WE WILL GO THROUGH TROUBLES!! So what do we do when we have disappointments and difficult times? What do we do when bad things happen to us? How do we handle it?
Sometimes people hurt my feelings. Sometimes I feel like I totally missed God. Sometimes I even feel like He let me down. I just want to throw in the towel and give up. This is too hard. I want to walk away, go in another direction. Well...this is how I have felt recently. Have you ever felt this way? It's a battle sometimes, isn't it? Deep in my soul, I felt like if I gave into this though, I would drown. That's the only way I can describe the battle that was raging in my spirit. I literally felt like a part of me would die and my relationship with God would never be the same.
I'm so thankful God wouldn't let go of me and let me go the way I wanted. I'm so thankful, instead, He drew me close to Him and gave me this verse..."Through Christ, God gave me the special work of an apostle, which was to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. I do this work for Him." Romans 1:5 (NCV)
I'm not saying I think I'm an apostle. What I am saying is God reminded me that EVERYTHING I DO IS FOR HIM...not anyone else, not only when things are going good, not when my feeling are NOT hurt. He has called me for a special work, and I do it for Him. God reminded me why I do anything I do. I can never give up.
So remember, when it doesn't go the way we think it should have, when people let you down, when life gives us disappointments, when troubles come our way...OR when life is great and we're on top of the world...whatever situation we're in, don't foget IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!
Keep your eyes on HIM and don't give up!!
DETAILS OR NO DETAILS
Are you a detailed kind of person or do you just skim over the details? What about God? Do you think He cares about the details or no? Read Exodus 36, 37 & 38 and tell me if you think God cares about the details.
How many curtains for the tent? How long was the ark? How many inches wide? What kind of wood were the poles made from? What direction were the creatures' wings spread on the lid? Which direction did they face? What about the table? What kind of wood? How many rings? Where were they put? Then there's the altar. The details seem to go on and on.
When I read this chapter I thought, "Wow! Look at all these details." I'm not sure why God wanted us to know all these details. I'm reading this on my phone so I don't have the luxury of having commentaries spread out before me but a couple of things came to my mind...
* God gave specific instructions on how to build the Ark of the Covenant, the tent...all the way down to what the priests were suppose to wear. Exodus 39:43 says "Moses looked closely at all the work and saw they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them." (NCV) Do you think God cared whether the Israelites would/could be faithful to follow out His instructions...down to the very last, little item?
* If God was THIS specific with what they were suppose to do, do you think God is THAT specific with what we're suppose to do? Do you think God intends for us to just coast through life or does He have something very specific FOR US to accomplish? Does He have a plan for us? Read Jeremiah 29:11-13
* When things are going on in our lives - good or bad - do you think God sees and cares about what's important to us? Read I Peter 5:7
So...What about God? Do you think He cares about the details or no?
I vote DETAILS...YES!!
How many curtains for the tent? How long was the ark? How many inches wide? What kind of wood were the poles made from? What direction were the creatures' wings spread on the lid? Which direction did they face? What about the table? What kind of wood? How many rings? Where were they put? Then there's the altar. The details seem to go on and on.
When I read this chapter I thought, "Wow! Look at all these details." I'm not sure why God wanted us to know all these details. I'm reading this on my phone so I don't have the luxury of having commentaries spread out before me but a couple of things came to my mind...
* God gave specific instructions on how to build the Ark of the Covenant, the tent...all the way down to what the priests were suppose to wear. Exodus 39:43 says "Moses looked closely at all the work and saw they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them." (NCV) Do you think God cared whether the Israelites would/could be faithful to follow out His instructions...down to the very last, little item?
* If God was THIS specific with what they were suppose to do, do you think God is THAT specific with what we're suppose to do? Do you think God intends for us to just coast through life or does He have something very specific FOR US to accomplish? Does He have a plan for us? Read Jeremiah 29:11-13
* When things are going on in our lives - good or bad - do you think God sees and cares about what's important to us? Read I Peter 5:7
So...What about God? Do you think He cares about the details or no?
I vote DETAILS...YES!!
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