Doing Things the Right Way

"But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40)

. . . For God is not a God of confusion" (1 Corinthians 14:33)"

As women, we come to a time in our lives when things "change." Some changes are positive and much-needed such as our children growing up and becoming more independent, but other changes tend to leave us frustrated over those things we appear to have little to no control over. Shortly after Bear and I married, I gained what was, for me, a considerable amount of weight. I knew it was a considerable amount when a neighbor asked me if we were expecting. I roared in laughter, he has still not forgotten the faux pas. While I was not overwhelmingly overweight, those who've known me a lifetime know I am, by nature, a petite woman. My weight since 1999 has gone up and down and in 2004 I ordained that the weight had to come off and come off it did. While I was dieting and exercising, because of stress I lost 37 pounds. Not that I had 37 to lose but lose it I did. I won't tell you I had done it slowly or well but I was thinner than I had been when Bear and I married in 1998. 20 of the 37 found their way back (I reckon they weren't lost enough) and I have since struggled to get those fat pounds off my body. I found, through several trips to the Emergency Department this week, that trying quickly to "lose" that which has become fond of my person, can lead to dire consequences. I couldn't eat, had nausea I hadn't known with pregnancy, I had pain that required pharmaceutical intervention and all I could do was lay my unhappy self on the couch. THIS is not the Master's grand plan for losing weight!! What became abundantly clear to me was that in the same slow way these 20 pounds had "found" their way back to me, that same slow way was how I will have to lose them for good. There is a right way - there is a wrong way. I have begun to ask God to be abundantly clear to me how to approach this situation and He is giving me wisdom to address the issue - like the wisdom in the scripture above. God is NOT a God of chaos and He does not ordain that our lives be chaotic. I believe that when I ordain to do things as God would have me do them, the results are as He would have them to be. I know He ordains for me to be healthy and fit and He will give me the wisdom to make that happen. I encourage you "brethren" by the mercy of God that you join me in seeking the wisdom of our creator in how to undo what's been done whether it be weight gain, debt or marital strife and that we allow the God of all things orderly to set our steps as He would have them to be set. I truly believe that when we allow God to direct our actions and we are obedient, we prosper, there is order and, probably, there is weight loss. Pray for me, will you? Know I will pray for you if you will let me know how I can. Loving you and trusting that He works all For Our Good and For His Glory!! AA

An Attitude of Gratitude

Our sweet Pastor has been teaching a series entitled "Encounters with Jesus" and this week's message was from Luke, Chapter 17 about the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus - but only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Him. Jesus asked the one who had returned where the other nine were because they, too, had been healed. One of the questions that was posited by Pastor Don was are we thankful for what God has done or just what He has done lately? I really had to think about that one because our sweet little family has been through some tough stuff for several years. No one has died. No serious illness, nothing we can't or won't recover from but stuff that tests the mettle . . . and the faith. Most of us deal with car "issues" and we're no different but it seems like we've got a heap of them lately. The Bear's Jeep has been in the shop three times since the first of the year and my van is next. This last repair was more than our overtaxed budget could hold but we had to get it fixed - the Jeep would not go and even had to be towed to the shop. On Monday Bear went down to pick up the Jeep and, upon handing the check to the owner of the shop, was told that our debt had been paid - in full - the exact amount. "The One" who had paid for the repair wished to remain anonymous. While I am eternally grateful and am praying for an opportunity to pay it anonymously forward, I was humbled. In my whining about what I didn't have, I had been neglecting to daily thank God for all He has done for us - we have Jesus and a one-on-one abiding relationship with the Triune God, we have a home, our health, employment, many wonderful and loving friends, and the privilege to lead and teach. In my gratitude, I am humbled because it is not about what God has done lately, but what He first did when He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for me. I needed a reminder and God, in His infinite Mercy saw fit to look beyond the fault of my whining, to the immediate need and meet the need as only He can. It is my prayer that I will always look beyond the immediate and see the eternal and be willing to be used as His instrument to further His Kingdom, For His Glory.

"Amazing Grace’ shall always be my song of praise

For it was grace that bought my liberty

I do not know just why he came to love me so

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary

To view the cross where Jesus died for me

How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need"

Dottie Rambo, 1970

The Seasons of Life

I love the scripture from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 which tells us that there is a time to every purpose under Heaven. A friend sent me a PowerPoint presentation that talks about this very thing and how we can't miss out on what's to come because of what we're going through. It's tough right now - finances, relationships, unemployment. Don't let the tough times of life become a barrier that keeps you from reaching out to Jesus. To EVERYTHING there is a season and for whatever season you're in right now know that we are loved, we are not forsaken, we are not forgotten by the One who created ALL the seasons - the winters too. Loving you with His Love and For His Glory - AA

Sometimes He Calms the Storm

This past Sunday our precious pastor preached about the faith that is born out of desperation. Having nowhere else to turn, we turn to Jesus. Luke Chapter 8 recounts for us two miracles, the first of which is the miracle of the woman who had, for years, had a hemorrhage and she needed to see Jesus. The crowds were just too much and pressed in. Desperate - she touched the hem of His garment. Immediately He knew that He had been touched and when He confronted the woman, He told her that her faith had made her whole. Jesus had been on his way to the home of Jairus whose daughter lay dying and while Jesus was engaged in the encounter with the woman, Jairus daughter died. A messenger came to bear the news but Jesus said "She is not dead, she is sleeping." They went on to Jairus house and Jesus raised his daughter from the dead. Both of these folks knew that an encounter with Jesus was all the hope they had. While it's possible they didn't know all that He could do, I speculate that they had heard of the Rabbi and out of desperation, they placed their faith in Him. We all know so many who are desperate and in pain and longing for some relief from their circumstances. It is my prayer that those who are in pain or struggling or in crisis would reach out to encounter Jesus. He may calm the storm and He may just calm His child:

Sometimes He Calms the Storm

Scott Krippayne

All who sail the sea of faith

Find out before too long

How quickly blue skies can grow dark

And gentle winds grow strong

Suddenly fear is like white water

Pounding on the soul

Still we sail on knowing

That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm

With a whispered "peace be still"

He can settle any sea

But it doesn’t mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close

And lets the wind and waves go wild

Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life

And though we’re shaken

We cannot be pulled apart from Christ

No matter how the driving rain beats down

On those who hold to faith

A heart of trust will always

Be a quiet peaceful place

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered "peace be still"
He can settle any sea
But it doesn’t mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child

Whether the Lord of Creation holds you close and calms your heart or whether He brings to pass a miracle to show you His Glory know you are lifted to His feet in prayer that you will pursue a desperate encounter with Jesus. Much love - AA

A New Hero

I have seen video of this young man speaking and have been to his websitehttp://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
He is an amazing human being who has such incredible faith. Watch this clip, go to his website and be encouraged. Then, if you're struggling, write back. Let's chat about how we can get to the next place in the journey and truly be able to get back up when it appears that there is no possible way we can.
http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html

Love much!! AA

Be Still My Soul

We had the sad privilege of sharing with the family of our dear friend as he and his family honored the memory of their brother/son/father and friend. I was privileged to share song and scripture with them and reminded them of the scripture in Ecclesiastes, Chapter three which says:

1 To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

2 A time to be born, And a time to die;

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

3 A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;

A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

7 A time to tear, And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

8 A time to love, And a time to hate;

A time of war, And a time of peace.

For my dear friend and his family, theirs was a time to weep and a time to mourn and for his dear brother, it was his time to die. My friend, his family and the friends shed tears that I wished I could dry and have pain in their hearts that words alone cannot heal. But I reminded them that life does go on even if in the midst of grief we are hanging on to the love of our friends and those who would encourage and shore us up and for those of us who are anchored to the rock of Jesus, there is still hope. I implored my friends and those gathered to be still in the love of Jesus and allow Him to be there anchor as I shared with them a medley of songs as sung by the group Selah, entitled Be Still My Soul/What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Read on and if you are struggling in your life right now, be still and know that the waves and winds that blow in our lives recognize His voice and must still respond to the calming voice of Jesus.

Be Still My Soul / What a Friend We have

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on your side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain

Be still, my soul: Thy best, Thy heavenly friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know (still know)

His voice who ruled them While He dwelt below

What a Friend we have in Jesus

All Our Sins and Griefs to Bear

What a Privilege to Carry

Everything to God in Prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.

Be still my soul

Regardless of where you are today, I pray that you know that God knows your pain and will bring healing to your hearts. Loving you, with His Love - Andrea

Happy New (okay, a little late) Year!

Here it is, 2009 - where DOES the time go? Nothing much new (except a new, fantastic hair cut and a renewed resolve to fitness). I am, however, hopeful that this will be the year that we have the opportunity to reach out more and be more of the hands and feet of Christ. We know, in our little circle alone the needs are great and many. Feel free to e-mail me at austingibson@cox.net
for prayer or call me. I just prayed with a friend in a grocery store this past weekend because she asked me to and we were on the phone. I don't know what the folks walking by thought - don't think I care but I can tell you I was thrilled to be asked. It is the desire of our hearts to make a difference. Let us know how we're doing. I got a new camera (not just user-friendly but AA friendly) for Christmas from my darling hubby so I will get to clicking and this year will add pix to our posts. We look forward to expanding our interaction - so blog us back or drop us an e-mail. You're loved beyond measure!! Read on and be encouraged!

A GREAT RECIPE {for a healthy mind and body}

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile - It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for ______________'.
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king {or queen}, lunch like a prince {or princess}and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card!!
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch !!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it. (When I count my blessings, I get to include EACH of you! - HUGS!! AA)