It's Sunday morning and today is pancake breakfast at church. It's usually the first Sunday of the month but we moved it because of the Super Bowl. We have a Super Bowl party at church every year. Both events are FREE, all our events are pretty much. Our church doesn't try to make money off people. Chew on that for a while.
Yesterday my first mp3 player arrived in the mail. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning now! It's a touch screen and it's fabulous! The best is I only paid $26 for it!! I don't need name brand electronics. Actually the only name brands I buy at all are Tupperware (duh) and my Coach bags. Everything else can be generic or knock offs. I should work on being more high maintenance huh? lol
Shelly
Here's an email from Bob that I liked.
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"
Life is full of imperfect things......and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of our Lord. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burned biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."
God Bless You..... Now, and Always....
So Please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine........
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Pain
Oh make it go away! Did I mention that my girlfriend the massage therapist does deep tissue massage? OUCH! I didn't realize how tight I was or how many knots I had. I knew of 2...she found loads more. I did sleep through the whole night though. That was great! Another couple massages and I'll be unstoppable! LOL Time to get ready for work. Have a great weekend!!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ Luke 15:6
James Moore remembers the time when he was seven years old and got lost at the Ringling Brothers Circus. It was a frightening experience for a seven-year-old boy in a crowd of over twenty thousand.
Jim and his older brother, Bob, went to the concession stand to buy some cotton candy. People were pushing and pressing toward the counter. Since Bob was taller he was waited on first. After Bob got his cotton candy he stepped aside for his brother. Just then loud laughter came from the arena. Bob wanted to see what was going on. Certainly he didn't mean to leave his small brother alone. He simply got caught up in the excitement listening to the crowd laugh at the clowns.
Little Jim also got his cotton candy and then he looked around for his big brother. His brother was gone. In that moment of panic nothing looked familiar to this little fellow. He was lost. At that point he wondered if he would ever see his family again. "I started to run," he recalls, "trying to fight back the tears. Everyone was laughing loudly at the antics of the clowns, but they weren't funny to me at that moment." In this young boy's moment of panic and confusion he thought, "How can they laugh at a time like this? How can they laugh when I feel so lost?"
Just then Jim felt a touch on his shoulder. He turned around and saw his father. "My father had come after me and had found me. He held me down, reassured me, then bought me a Coke, a hot dog, a Yo-Yo, a lizard, a little stuffed bear, and a candy apple. I learned a valuable lesson that day: Being lost is terrible...being found is wonderful!"
Have you allowed our Father in Heaven to find you ?
Have you reached out to be there for someone else who feels in the pit of their stomach that feeling of being lost in the crowd, of being alone ?
TODAY-Will you help?
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ Luke 15:6
James Moore remembers the time when he was seven years old and got lost at the Ringling Brothers Circus. It was a frightening experience for a seven-year-old boy in a crowd of over twenty thousand.
Jim and his older brother, Bob, went to the concession stand to buy some cotton candy. People were pushing and pressing toward the counter. Since Bob was taller he was waited on first. After Bob got his cotton candy he stepped aside for his brother. Just then loud laughter came from the arena. Bob wanted to see what was going on. Certainly he didn't mean to leave his small brother alone. He simply got caught up in the excitement listening to the crowd laugh at the clowns.
Little Jim also got his cotton candy and then he looked around for his big brother. His brother was gone. In that moment of panic nothing looked familiar to this little fellow. He was lost. At that point he wondered if he would ever see his family again. "I started to run," he recalls, "trying to fight back the tears. Everyone was laughing loudly at the antics of the clowns, but they weren't funny to me at that moment." In this young boy's moment of panic and confusion he thought, "How can they laugh at a time like this? How can they laugh when I feel so lost?"
Just then Jim felt a touch on his shoulder. He turned around and saw his father. "My father had come after me and had found me. He held me down, reassured me, then bought me a Coke, a hot dog, a Yo-Yo, a lizard, a little stuffed bear, and a candy apple. I learned a valuable lesson that day: Being lost is terrible...being found is wonderful!"
Have you allowed our Father in Heaven to find you ?
Have you reached out to be there for someone else who feels in the pit of their stomach that feeling of being lost in the crowd, of being alone ?
TODAY-Will you help?
Pastor Hersch
Friday, January 29, 2010
Whew!
OK so the hard drive has been installed. A new OS has been installed. Found out that Comcast now offers it's customers Norton, YAY, it's been installed. Installed Microsoft malicious male-ware remover and mcafee. Think I'm protected now? lol probably not. Today is gonna be another crazy day too. I have to close out my Tupperware party, I have a massage therapist coming at 1pm, I have a coffee date with a really sweet elderly couple at 4pm then we have movie night at church at 6:30pm. Yeah, I like it crazy! Ha! Here's Pastor Hersch
Shelly
"Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion." 2nd Samuel 5:7
When David spied out Jerusalem in 1000 BC, it was a forbidding fortress inhabited by an old enemy who declared, 'You'll never get in here ... Even the blind and lame could keep you out!'
End of story? No, just the beginning! The walls were high, the enemy daunting and the voices intimidating, 'Nevertheless David took the stronghold ... dwelt in it ... and called it the City of David.'
Now that's what you call turning the tables!
What's your stronghold, the one area where Satan's strong enough to hold you? A sharp tongue? A judgemental attitude? A losing battle with a stubborn habit?
When the enemy says, 'You're stuck, you'll never get out,' God says, 'Nevertheless' [even so; despite how it looks on the surface]. Strongholds mean nothing to God, His mighty weapons ... knock down the devil's strongholds. And He will do for you what He did for David, once you understand two important principles:
There are two voices continually competing for your attention; one says, 'You can do it; don't give up!' The other says, 'It's hopeless; you'll never make it!' Follow David and practice selective hearing. Tune out the voices that taunt you from your stronghold.
Instead of dialoguing with the devil, say what Jesus said: 'Get behind Me, Satan' Matthew 16:23
Look through eyes of faith. Where others saw walls, David saw tunnels; they focused on the problems while he looked for the possibilities. And because he did what nobody expected, he accomplished what nobody envisioned - and with God's help you can too.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
"Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion." 2nd Samuel 5:7
When David spied out Jerusalem in 1000 BC, it was a forbidding fortress inhabited by an old enemy who declared, 'You'll never get in here ... Even the blind and lame could keep you out!'
End of story? No, just the beginning! The walls were high, the enemy daunting and the voices intimidating, 'Nevertheless David took the stronghold ... dwelt in it ... and called it the City of David.'
Now that's what you call turning the tables!
What's your stronghold, the one area where Satan's strong enough to hold you? A sharp tongue? A judgemental attitude? A losing battle with a stubborn habit?
When the enemy says, 'You're stuck, you'll never get out,' God says, 'Nevertheless' [even so; despite how it looks on the surface]. Strongholds mean nothing to God, His mighty weapons ... knock down the devil's strongholds. And He will do for you what He did for David, once you understand two important principles:
There are two voices continually competing for your attention; one says, 'You can do it; don't give up!' The other says, 'It's hopeless; you'll never make it!' Follow David and practice selective hearing. Tune out the voices that taunt you from your stronghold.
Instead of dialoguing with the devil, say what Jesus said: 'Get behind Me, Satan' Matthew 16:23
Look through eyes of faith. Where others saw walls, David saw tunnels; they focused on the problems while he looked for the possibilities. And because he did what nobody expected, he accomplished what nobody envisioned - and with God's help you can too.
Pastor Hersch
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Busy Day
Today is gonna be one of THOSE days. First stop is the P.O. Gotta get some mail out today and hopefully it will arrive tomorrow. Next I have to go to Comcast and get a new modem and adapter. They say that's why the net isn't working with the new hard drive. Makes sense since the connection has been horrible as of late. Then I have to hit Costco. Gotta get some milk, meats, muffins....and today's letter is "M". Anywho, then it's back home to set up for Twilight Club. Today we're playing the Twilight Movie card game. I sure hope those girls have been reading! Now I leave you with Pastor Hersch.
Shelly
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
Why don't we read God's Word more?
Three reasons:
(1) We don't know how! We hear the pastor preach a great sermon and think, 'Why didn't I see that?' Because the pastor spends hours praying over it and studying the Scriptures; we don't!
(2) We're not motivated! That's because we haven't experienced the joy that comes from personally discovering great truths from God's Word. We've become satisfied with getting what we need from somebody else, rather than finding it out for ourselves.
Understand this: if you ever get serious about studying the Bible on your own, you'll never fully be satisfied with a second-hand knowledge of the Scriptures.
Dr Paul Lyttle once compared personal Bible study to eating peanuts: 'Once you start doing it, you're hooked! When you discover how good Bible study "tastes", you'll find yourself going back for more and more. Yes, personal Bible study can be habit-forming!'
(3) We are lazy! Bible study is hard work. There are no shortcuts to it. It takes time, effort, concentration and persistence. Most of its great truths don't lie on the surface; we have to dig for them.
Dr Howard Hendricks describes the three stages of Bible study:
(a) The 'castor oil' stage - we study the Bible because we know it's good for us, but it's not too enjoyable.
(b) The 'cereal' stage - our Bible study is dry and uninteresting, but we know it's nourishing.
(c) The 'peaches and cream' stage - we are really feasting on the Word of God.
Bottom line? All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
Why don't we read God's Word more?
Three reasons:
(1) We don't know how! We hear the pastor preach a great sermon and think, 'Why didn't I see that?' Because the pastor spends hours praying over it and studying the Scriptures; we don't!
(2) We're not motivated! That's because we haven't experienced the joy that comes from personally discovering great truths from God's Word. We've become satisfied with getting what we need from somebody else, rather than finding it out for ourselves.
Understand this: if you ever get serious about studying the Bible on your own, you'll never fully be satisfied with a second-hand knowledge of the Scriptures.
Dr Paul Lyttle once compared personal Bible study to eating peanuts: 'Once you start doing it, you're hooked! When you discover how good Bible study "tastes", you'll find yourself going back for more and more. Yes, personal Bible study can be habit-forming!'
(3) We are lazy! Bible study is hard work. There are no shortcuts to it. It takes time, effort, concentration and persistence. Most of its great truths don't lie on the surface; we have to dig for them.
Dr Howard Hendricks describes the three stages of Bible study:
(a) The 'castor oil' stage - we study the Bible because we know it's good for us, but it's not too enjoyable.
(b) The 'cereal' stage - our Bible study is dry and uninteresting, but we know it's nourishing.
(c) The 'peaches and cream' stage - we are really feasting on the Word of God.
Bottom line? All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Pastor Hersch
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Frustrations
Some of you may recall the fact that my desktop got a worm. Long story short, bought a new hard drive. Yes I will most likely lose everything on the other one as I see no way to salvage it. It makes me so bloody mad you have no idea. To think of all the photos I lost of the boys is killing me. Whew deep breath in...and release. Anyway, my father inlaw got me an OS and now my isp isn't working. Things just get better and better huh. Well on the positive side, my Tupperware party was a success. I saw my cousin inlaw and haven't seen her in forever. Met the owner of Driscoll's towing. She's a hoot. And enjoyed fellowship with a bunch of other ladies. Oh and the meal was fab! I was pleasantly surprised how well it turned out. Was a good night indeed. Sorry if you missed it. Maybe next time :)
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch
And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
Can God trust you with money? Do you have the courage to thank Him publicly for what He's given you?
Ever noticed how some of us who praised Him when we had very little, suddenly become 'image conscious' when we start to prosper? We call on God when we're in trouble, but when we get back on our feet, we stop counting our blessings and start counting our money.
What's happened? We've become so self-sufficient that we're reluctant to mention the name of Jesus when we talk about our blessings! Israel's financial amnesia was nothing new; it happens once you start believing 'it was my own power and might that made me wealthy' Deuteronomy 8:17
Never get so dazzled by success that you forget the source of everything you have, or become so caught up in your blessings that you fail to acknowledge the One who blessed you. God told the Israelites, 'When you have become ... prosperous ... built fine homes ... and your silver and gold have multiplied ... don't become proud and forget the Lord ... who brought you out of ... slavery' Deuteronomy 8:11-14
God doesn't condemn success, He condemns arrogance! When you've had very little and suddenly enter the 'Promised Land', it's easy to forget where you came from. A few gourmet meals, a designer suit and a house in 'the right neighbourhood' can make you forget about yesterday's hand-me-downs!
God constantly had to remind His people not to overlook His goodness to them. Bottom line – None of us have anything God didn't give us!
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch
And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
Can God trust you with money? Do you have the courage to thank Him publicly for what He's given you?
Ever noticed how some of us who praised Him when we had very little, suddenly become 'image conscious' when we start to prosper? We call on God when we're in trouble, but when we get back on our feet, we stop counting our blessings and start counting our money.
What's happened? We've become so self-sufficient that we're reluctant to mention the name of Jesus when we talk about our blessings! Israel's financial amnesia was nothing new; it happens once you start believing 'it was my own power and might that made me wealthy' Deuteronomy 8:17
Never get so dazzled by success that you forget the source of everything you have, or become so caught up in your blessings that you fail to acknowledge the One who blessed you. God told the Israelites, 'When you have become ... prosperous ... built fine homes ... and your silver and gold have multiplied ... don't become proud and forget the Lord ... who brought you out of ... slavery' Deuteronomy 8:11-14
God doesn't condemn success, He condemns arrogance! When you've had very little and suddenly enter the 'Promised Land', it's easy to forget where you came from. A few gourmet meals, a designer suit and a house in 'the right neighbourhood' can make you forget about yesterday's hand-me-downs!
God constantly had to remind His people not to overlook His goodness to them. Bottom line – None of us have anything God didn't give us!
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tupperware
Tonight is my Tupperware party. It's at 7pm and I'm making a 3 course meal in 30 minutes in the microwave. Also an orange soda cake with orange glaze in the microwave in 8 minutes. Some have been asking me what I'm making and I will now reveal. We will be having Fiesta Corn, Chili Con Carne, and Spanish Rice. I guess tonight's meal will be of a Latin flare. That was completely unintentional, but I am Cuban remember lol. I will also have chips & dip and crackers. And I think I'll throw on a pot of peppermint coffee just for fun. It's cool today so why not! Ha as if I need an excuse for coffee!! Have a great day and see ya tonight!
Shelly
From Pastor Hersch:
Last week, I was in Minnesota visiting my parents. My father lives in a place called ‘The Homestead.’ My mother, who fell and broke her hip and is confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home.
Please read the following and ponder……
Crabby Old Person
What do you see people? . . . .. . What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old person .. . . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles their food . . . . . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . The things that you do.
And forever is losing .. . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not .. . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am.. . .. . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . Who love one another.
A young child of Sixteen . . . . With wings on my feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . A lover I'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. . . . . That I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . .. . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
Older at Thirty . .. . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . .. . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my children. . . . . Have grown and are gone,
But my mate is beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me .. . . . . My spouse is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old person ... . . . . And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . .. . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . .. . . Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young one still dwells,
And now and again . . .. . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . .. . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . Life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . . Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . Open and see.
Not a crabby old person . . . Look closer . . . See ME!!
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
From Pastor Hersch:
Last week, I was in Minnesota visiting my parents. My father lives in a place called ‘The Homestead.’ My mother, who fell and broke her hip and is confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home.
Please read the following and ponder……
Crabby Old Person
What do you see people? . . . .. . What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old person .. . . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles their food . . . . . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . The things that you do.
And forever is losing .. . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not .. . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am.. . .. . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . Who love one another.
A young child of Sixteen . . . . With wings on my feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . A lover I'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. . . . . That I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . .. . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
Older at Thirty . .. . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . .. . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my children. . . . . Have grown and are gone,
But my mate is beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me .. . . . . My spouse is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old person ... . . . . And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . .. . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . .. . . Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young one still dwells,
And now and again . . .. . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . .. . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . Life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . . Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . Open and see.
Not a crabby old person . . . Look closer . . . See ME!!
Pastor Hersch
Monday, January 25, 2010
Prayer Requests
Please keep my dear friend Vickie in your thoughts & prayers. Her aunt has passed away and her family, although grateful she isn't suffering, are mourning. Her husband Dave and daughter Missy are devastated of course. This was Vickie's mom Kathy's sister. Please keep them all in your prayers. Also I know this gal named Deb. She went to my church for a while and was involved in our homeschool group. Her aunt Robin has just had her daughter and two grandsons murdered by her son in law over in Wellington. Please keep Deb and her family in your prayers as well. Thanks
I now leave you with Pastor Hersch and how fitting his devotional today is!
Shelly
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another. 1st Thessalonians 5:11
Chuck Swindoll writes: 'The ski slopes were in perfect condition. I struck out on my first attempt at skiing with a positive attitude, thinking, "I'm going to be the first person who learns to ski without falling down."
You've heard of the Elephant Man? On skis, I'm the rhinoceros man. It's doubtful that anyone ever came down a ski slope more ways, or landed in more positions, or did more creative things in the air before landing.
Working with me that humiliating day was the world's most encouraging ski instructor (yes, I had an instructor!). Never once did she lose her cool, or laugh at me, or say "You are absolutely impossible. I quit!" That dear, gracious lady helped me up more times than I can number. She repeated the same basics time and again - like she had never said them before. Even though I was colder than an explorer in the Antarctic, irritable, impatient, and under the snow more than I was on it, she kept offering words of reassurance.
That day, God gave me a never-to-be-forgotten illustration of the value of encouragement. Had it not been for her spirit and her words, believe me, I would have hung 'em up and been back in the condo, warming my feet by the fire in less than an hour.
What is true for a novice on the snow once a year is all the more true for people we meet every day. Harassed by demands and deadlines; bruised by worry, adversity and failure; broken by disillusionment and defeated by sin, they live somewhere between dull discouragement and sheer panic.
All of us need encouragement, and the beautiful part about encouragement is this: anybody can do it!'
Pastor Hersch
I now leave you with Pastor Hersch and how fitting his devotional today is!
Shelly
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another. 1st Thessalonians 5:11
Chuck Swindoll writes: 'The ski slopes were in perfect condition. I struck out on my first attempt at skiing with a positive attitude, thinking, "I'm going to be the first person who learns to ski without falling down."
You've heard of the Elephant Man? On skis, I'm the rhinoceros man. It's doubtful that anyone ever came down a ski slope more ways, or landed in more positions, or did more creative things in the air before landing.
Working with me that humiliating day was the world's most encouraging ski instructor (yes, I had an instructor!). Never once did she lose her cool, or laugh at me, or say "You are absolutely impossible. I quit!" That dear, gracious lady helped me up more times than I can number. She repeated the same basics time and again - like she had never said them before. Even though I was colder than an explorer in the Antarctic, irritable, impatient, and under the snow more than I was on it, she kept offering words of reassurance.
That day, God gave me a never-to-be-forgotten illustration of the value of encouragement. Had it not been for her spirit and her words, believe me, I would have hung 'em up and been back in the condo, warming my feet by the fire in less than an hour.
What is true for a novice on the snow once a year is all the more true for people we meet every day. Harassed by demands and deadlines; bruised by worry, adversity and failure; broken by disillusionment and defeated by sin, they live somewhere between dull discouragement and sheer panic.
All of us need encouragement, and the beautiful part about encouragement is this: anybody can do it!'
Pastor Hersch
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday Morn
At my church we sing Happy Birthday to everyone. We have cute bday hats and take pics. We are a family after all and you celebrate your birthday with your family right? That is my brother Mike when we sang to him this morning. :)
Shelly
The following is an email I got from Bob and thought was cute:
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story Of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?"
'No,' replied Johnny... 'How could he, with just two worms.'
HIGHER POWER
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power. Can anybody tell me what it is?'
One child blurted out, "Aces!"
MOSES AND THE RED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School.
"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."
"Now, Joey is that really what your teacher taught you?" His Mother asked.
"Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!"
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23... She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.
Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous.
When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon.
One day, she asked him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages.
"I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon."
"So, how come He doesn't?" she asked.
BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your Mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?"
The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!"
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?'
Tommy answered soberly, "I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!"
TIME TO PRAY
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. "Yes, sir" t he boy replied. "And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked.
"No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime."
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, "All girls." This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, "Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?" Her response, "Because everybody always finishes their prayers by saying "All Men!"
SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
"Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer." Said his mother... "I don't need to,” the boy replied.
"Of course, you do." his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house."
"That's at our house.'" Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook.'
Saturday, January 23, 2010
It's Saturday
For most people that means no work, but for me that's when I go into work. I have always done things differently...go figure. Last night Jennie came over and I gave her a crash course on eBay. Then of course we talked Twilight and Youth Groupers and guys. It was a fun couple hours. She is a great gal and I'm thankful to have not only met her but to have the chance to get to know her better. We laughed a lot last night and of course watched The Hillywood Show's New Moon parody. I like Hilly & Hannah because they don't make the Twilight saga look stupid. They also do a phenomenal job with their show. And I get the impression they just might be believers as well. Well time to get ready for work. Have a great day and here's Pastor Hersch.
Shelly
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, Luke 18:1
"Help God! Help! Forgive me for my sins and save me. And you'd better do it real quick because my mother is about to kill me!"
This was a prayer from Jamie, a friend's granddaughter. Jamie, a four-year old, had just applied her mother's fingernail polish to her fingernails plus many other places on her hands and in mother's bedroom.
A not too happy mother had sent her to the bathroom to wait until the mess in the bedroom was cleaned up. When mother came into the bathroom, the prayer above was what she heard her daughter praying!
It's good for all of us to pray whenever we are in trouble. Probably most of us do. I certainly do. As someone has said, "There will always be prayer in schools as long as there are exams!"
However, when we are in trouble is not the only time we need to pray. Like me, you probably have a "friend" or two who only calls you when they want something. As soon as you hear their voice, you think to yourself, "I wonder what s/he wants now?"
I don't like those kinds of "friends" and I can't help but wonder how God feels if the only time I come to him is when I am in trouble or want something?
As Jesus said, we ought to pray at all times and for many reasons—especially to express thanks and gratitude for all the blessings God gives to us daily.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, Luke 18:1
"Help God! Help! Forgive me for my sins and save me. And you'd better do it real quick because my mother is about to kill me!"
This was a prayer from Jamie, a friend's granddaughter. Jamie, a four-year old, had just applied her mother's fingernail polish to her fingernails plus many other places on her hands and in mother's bedroom.
A not too happy mother had sent her to the bathroom to wait until the mess in the bedroom was cleaned up. When mother came into the bathroom, the prayer above was what she heard her daughter praying!
It's good for all of us to pray whenever we are in trouble. Probably most of us do. I certainly do. As someone has said, "There will always be prayer in schools as long as there are exams!"
However, when we are in trouble is not the only time we need to pray. Like me, you probably have a "friend" or two who only calls you when they want something. As soon as you hear their voice, you think to yourself, "I wonder what s/he wants now?"
I don't like those kinds of "friends" and I can't help but wonder how God feels if the only time I come to him is when I am in trouble or want something?
As Jesus said, we ought to pray at all times and for many reasons—especially to express thanks and gratitude for all the blessings God gives to us daily.
Pastor Hersch
Friday, January 22, 2010
Twilight
So last night I posed this question to the girls: "Who is your favorite Twilight character"? I of course had to verify that I meant favorite not hottest. Movie Edward of course is the hottest hands down...(I expect a fight later). To my surprise 3 out of the 4 girls picked the same person I did. Now mind you, I was terribly torn between Alice & Emmett. But Alice finally won. She's just so cute and totally supportive. She can kick some serious vampire butt but she is very humble about it. And of course Ashley Greene bringing Alice to life in the movies was perfection! Don't worry though, I still love Emmett and Kellan Lutz did an amazing job with his character as well! We're almost done with book 1 and soon will be starting book 2. I can't wait to see how the girls dress up for our Twilight Party in a few weeks! Now I leave you with Pastor Hersch.
Shelly
'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…’ Hebrews 3:15
There are two groups of people: those who are on their way to heaven and those who are not. The first group comprises people who have trusted in Christ alone for their salvation, gaining eternal life for their souls through Christ’s death on the cross. The second group consists of people who haven’t committed their lives to Christ, including (ironically) those who may be trying to work their way into heaven, hoping to gain entrance by their own merits.
Which group are you in today? Have you made the decision to give your life to Christ?
Many decisions in life offer only two options. And often we find that while we’re deciding which option to choose, we’ve already chosen one by default.
For example, suppose your car is stalled on a railroad track, and before you’ve restarted it, a train approaches at high speed. Two options now loom before you. You can leap from your car and save your life, or you can stay in your car and try to save both your life and your auto. As you weigh the dangers and gains of both options, you’ve made a choice with life-impacting consequences: You’re still in your car, and the train is still coming!
Likewise, you have two options today: life or death. But while you consider your options, you’ve already made a choice, for if you’ve never accepted Christ, you’re still in that state of death into which every soul was born. And every second you put off that decision, the judgment train of God continues to roll.
Christ’s gift of salvation is the greatest offer ever made. Someday God will rescind His offer, and this period of grace will end forever. But now, the sun of His grace shines, and the offer of His free gift is still available.
I urge you this day, (if you have not already), to repent of your sins, to place your faith in Jesus, and to accept Him as your Savior and Lord. Your life will never be the same again!
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…’ Hebrews 3:15
There are two groups of people: those who are on their way to heaven and those who are not. The first group comprises people who have trusted in Christ alone for their salvation, gaining eternal life for their souls through Christ’s death on the cross. The second group consists of people who haven’t committed their lives to Christ, including (ironically) those who may be trying to work their way into heaven, hoping to gain entrance by their own merits.
Which group are you in today? Have you made the decision to give your life to Christ?
Many decisions in life offer only two options. And often we find that while we’re deciding which option to choose, we’ve already chosen one by default.
For example, suppose your car is stalled on a railroad track, and before you’ve restarted it, a train approaches at high speed. Two options now loom before you. You can leap from your car and save your life, or you can stay in your car and try to save both your life and your auto. As you weigh the dangers and gains of both options, you’ve made a choice with life-impacting consequences: You’re still in your car, and the train is still coming!
Likewise, you have two options today: life or death. But while you consider your options, you’ve already made a choice, for if you’ve never accepted Christ, you’re still in that state of death into which every soul was born. And every second you put off that decision, the judgment train of God continues to roll.
Christ’s gift of salvation is the greatest offer ever made. Someday God will rescind His offer, and this period of grace will end forever. But now, the sun of His grace shines, and the offer of His free gift is still available.
I urge you this day, (if you have not already), to repent of your sins, to place your faith in Jesus, and to accept Him as your Savior and Lord. Your life will never be the same again!
Pastor Hersch
Thursday, January 21, 2010
READING???
So I found out yesterday I actually have 1 person reading this! Thanks to you sista! If anyone else is actually reading I wanna know about it. Send me an email or text message saying you read my blog. I wanna know if you read early or late. I do try to post early but alas I enjoy my sleep too much! The boys are memorizing verses for youth groupers and so far we're 2 for 2. We'll see if all 4 get them down. Now for Pastor Hersch!
Shelly
"Looking unto Jesus." Hebrews 2:2
The Bible says: 'Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.'
This Scripture is urging us to think of Jesus as our example. As the starter and finisher of our faith, He not only designed the course of the race, He ran it perfectly and completely. The Greek translation for 'Looking unto' means to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.
As great athletes study the films of champions to discover their techniques, we are encouraged to go to the film vault and peer intently at one scene after another as we study Christ.
In other words, look exclusively and thoughtfully at the One who not only designed the course, but ran it flawlessly. And run exactly as He ran. As He lived, you are to live. As He decided, you are to decide. As He obeyed, you are to obey. As He pleased the Father, you are to please the Father. As He surrendered, you are to surrender.
Do you want to be like Jesus? Begin thinking less about yourself. Work toward becoming unselfish. For one full day, let go of anything that serves your own interest to the exclusion of others. On that same day, fix your attention on Jesus by surrendering in complete selflessness.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
"Looking unto Jesus." Hebrews 2:2
The Bible says: 'Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.'
This Scripture is urging us to think of Jesus as our example. As the starter and finisher of our faith, He not only designed the course of the race, He ran it perfectly and completely. The Greek translation for 'Looking unto' means to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.
As great athletes study the films of champions to discover their techniques, we are encouraged to go to the film vault and peer intently at one scene after another as we study Christ.
In other words, look exclusively and thoughtfully at the One who not only designed the course, but ran it flawlessly. And run exactly as He ran. As He lived, you are to live. As He decided, you are to decide. As He obeyed, you are to obey. As He pleased the Father, you are to please the Father. As He surrendered, you are to surrender.
Do you want to be like Jesus? Begin thinking less about yourself. Work toward becoming unselfish. For one full day, let go of anything that serves your own interest to the exclusion of others. On that same day, fix your attention on Jesus by surrendering in complete selflessness.
Pastor Hersch
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friends
Yesterday my friend Marilyn and her 3 year old daughter Amelia stopped in for a visit. I used to babysit Amelia before her mom's job was ended rudely. Actually poor Marilyn was downsized twice within 8 months. And she is still out of work. This bugs me so much because our country is sending money to another country. What about our own people? What about our people who are losing their homes right now? What about our American orphans waiting for a family? I know I'm gonna piss people of because I appear to have no compassion, but that really isn't true. I do feel bad for the Haitians. I simply feel worse for my fellow Americans. I enjoyed the fellowship Marilyn and I had and the coffee seemed to be a hit lol. It was great to spend a couple hours with Amelia and see how much she has grown. I'm so thankful for my country and the freedoms I have as an American! Now Pastor Hersch.
Shelly
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Unconfessed sin is the most needless form of self-punishment there is. When we refuse to acknowledge that we have disobeyed God, we voluntarily take on an extraordinary load of shame and deceit. The sad thing is, it's unnecessary.
God already knows that we've sinned. He doesn't need us to confess it for His benefit. He needs us to confess it for our own good. Unconfessed sin will eat away at you like a disease. We'll be plagued by worries : "Do others know what I've done? When will the truth come out?" We'll be weighed down by guilt and shame ;"How could I have been so stupid? Can the one I offended ever forgive me? Can God ever forgive me?" We’ll be dragged down into deception: "If i tell just one more lie, my secret will be safe."
When we have sinned, the last place we may want to be is the first place we should go, and that is straight to God. Go to Him and let Him show you your sin for what it is.
Let Him help you see the damage your sin has done so you won't be tempted to do it again. Let Him give you the courage to seek forgiveness from whomever you've sinned against. Let Him love you, and forgive you, and cleanse you, and give you a new start.
As long as we hold on to your sin and try to conceal it, it has mastery over us. But when we confess our sin to God and seek restoration, we will find mercy and freedom.
Amen to that !!
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Unconfessed sin is the most needless form of self-punishment there is. When we refuse to acknowledge that we have disobeyed God, we voluntarily take on an extraordinary load of shame and deceit. The sad thing is, it's unnecessary.
God already knows that we've sinned. He doesn't need us to confess it for His benefit. He needs us to confess it for our own good. Unconfessed sin will eat away at you like a disease. We'll be plagued by worries : "Do others know what I've done? When will the truth come out?" We'll be weighed down by guilt and shame ;"How could I have been so stupid? Can the one I offended ever forgive me? Can God ever forgive me?" We’ll be dragged down into deception: "If i tell just one more lie, my secret will be safe."
When we have sinned, the last place we may want to be is the first place we should go, and that is straight to God. Go to Him and let Him show you your sin for what it is.
Let Him help you see the damage your sin has done so you won't be tempted to do it again. Let Him give you the courage to seek forgiveness from whomever you've sinned against. Let Him love you, and forgive you, and cleanse you, and give you a new start.
As long as we hold on to your sin and try to conceal it, it has mastery over us. But when we confess our sin to God and seek restoration, we will find mercy and freedom.
Amen to that !!
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New Clothes
Well we got the tax return rather quickly. So we took the boys out for new clothes. Our boys make me laugh so much. We're in target and getting them all underwear and Brett shoves the undies under the clothes ranting "how embarrassing, people are gonna see, this is horrible". Dave and I are just dying laughing. Then one brother starts taunting another brother about the fact that he prefers briefs while the others like boxers...I'm surprised we weren't asked to leave. I think I may have peed myself I was laughing so hard! Ohhh and I also found some cute Twilight gifts for the girls in my Twilight Club. We'll see who wins this week's Twilight game! As usual, here's Pastor Hersch.
Shelly
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
One of the first things I remember taking place when I committed my life to Jesus Christ was the erosion of bitterness and anger and the growth of a love I had not known before. Years of bitterness and anger that had been building up just began to dissolve, slowly sometimes…
If we claim to be followers of Christ and harbor bitterness or hatred in our hearts toward someone, there is something very wrong. John was very distinct when he wrote, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?” 1ST John 4:20
John was saying, that if we have hatred in our hearts toward fellow members of the body of Christ, fellow Christians, there is something wrong in our spiritual lives.
Maybe someone has wronged or hurt you. Yet you are to love. You are to forgive. You are not to avenge yourself. Here is why: that bitterness and hatred will do more harm to you than the person to whom you are directing it. It will eat you up inside. It will destroy your life. It will hinder your time of prayer with God.
It will hinder your worship. It will, for all practical purposes, act as an obstacle in the relationship God wants to have with you.
There is no room for hatred in the heart of a child of God. There is no room for bitterness.. There is no room for prejudice.
God wants our love to be honest, and He wants it to be without hypocrisy.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
One of the first things I remember taking place when I committed my life to Jesus Christ was the erosion of bitterness and anger and the growth of a love I had not known before. Years of bitterness and anger that had been building up just began to dissolve, slowly sometimes…
If we claim to be followers of Christ and harbor bitterness or hatred in our hearts toward someone, there is something very wrong. John was very distinct when he wrote, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?” 1ST John 4:20
John was saying, that if we have hatred in our hearts toward fellow members of the body of Christ, fellow Christians, there is something wrong in our spiritual lives.
Maybe someone has wronged or hurt you. Yet you are to love. You are to forgive. You are not to avenge yourself. Here is why: that bitterness and hatred will do more harm to you than the person to whom you are directing it. It will eat you up inside. It will destroy your life. It will hinder your time of prayer with God.
It will hinder your worship. It will, for all practical purposes, act as an obstacle in the relationship God wants to have with you.
There is no room for hatred in the heart of a child of God. There is no room for bitterness.. There is no room for prejudice.
God wants our love to be honest, and He wants it to be without hypocrisy.
Pastor Hersch
Sunday, January 17, 2010
WORK!
Sadly I have to go to work today at 9am. The head shop is in this strip mall that has been getting renovated and today it's our turn. New hurricane proof windows and door. It'll look nice when it's all done and I'm making a little bit more money by going in early but uggg, I like to go to church! I always feel like something is wrong if I haven't started my week at church. I guess I could look at someone's service online....won't be the same as fellowship with Christians in person though. Not anywhere close. Oh well. I leave you today with one of the songs we were singing today.
Shelly
Wonderful, Merciful, Savior
Written by: Dawn Rogers & Eric Wyse
Verse 1
Wonderful, Merciful, Savior, precious Redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could, rescue the souls of men?
Oh You rescue the souls of men
Verse 2
Counselor, Comforter, Keeper, Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have, hopelessly lost the way
Oh we hopelessly lost the way
Verse 3
Almighty Infinite Father; faithfully loving Your own
Herein our weakness You find us, falling before Your throne,
Oh we're falling before Your throne
Chorus
You are the One that we praise; You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace our hearts always hunger for
Oh our hearts always hunger for
Shelly
Wonderful, Merciful, Savior
Written by: Dawn Rogers & Eric Wyse
Verse 1
Wonderful, Merciful, Savior, precious Redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could, rescue the souls of men?
Oh You rescue the souls of men
Verse 2
Counselor, Comforter, Keeper, Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have, hopelessly lost the way
Oh we hopelessly lost the way
Verse 3
Almighty Infinite Father; faithfully loving Your own
Herein our weakness You find us, falling before Your throne,
Oh we're falling before Your throne
Chorus
You are the One that we praise; You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace our hearts always hunger for
Oh our hearts always hunger for
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Blonde Year In Review
My father in law sent me this and I felt like sharing....Wonder if he knew I was blonde when I was little :)
Blonde Year In Review
January
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.
February
Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels.....Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer!!!
March
Got really excited......finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months.....Box said ' 2-4 years!'
April
Trapped on escalator for hours ... Power went out!!!
May
Tried to make Kool-Aid.....wrong instructions....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!
June
Tried to go water skiing.......Couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July
Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....Learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!
August
Got locked out of my car in rain storm.....Darn car filled up with water because convertible top was open.
September
The capital of California is 'C'.....isn't it???
October
Hate M & M's.....They are so hard to peel.
November
Baked Thanksgiving turkey for 4 1/2 days ... Instructions said bake 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!
December
Couldn't call 911.'Duh'.....there's no 'eleven' button on the stupid phone!!!
THE BEST BLONDE JOKE OF THE YEAR - SO FAR
A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his attractive blonde female neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox.
She opened it then slammed it shut and stormed back in the house.
A little later she came out of her house again went to the mail box and again, opened it, slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went.
As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came out again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever.
Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, 'Is something wrong?'
To which she replied, 'There certainly is!'
(Are you ready? This is a beauty...)
'My stupid computer keeps saying, 'YOU'VE GOT MAIL!'
Shelly
Now I leave you with Pastor Hersch:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
As a member of God’s family, you and I must determine that we are going to advance His Kingdom by obeying His command to share the gospel.
Not because we have to… but because we want to!
There are so many men, women, and children around your life who desperately need to know that they are loved, forgiven, and destined by God to live a life of purpose.
You’ve discovered for yourself that this is true… so now you can be a messenger! You don’t have to have to go on a preaching circuit to “make disciples.” Just share your life with others. Talk about how God’s Word is helping you in your life, or how you are finding new strength as you pray or as you fellowship with other believers..
Your testimony is powerful! And it’s only as you share it, that you will begin to see those around you influenced for Jesus Christ… and eventually grow into true disciples.
Every believer is a powerful tool in the hands of God… and that includes you! I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you to “make disciples” as you share your faith with those around you.
Tomorrow is The Lord’s Day. See you in church…………….
Pastor Hersch
Blonde Year In Review
January
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.
February
Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels.....Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer!!!
March
Got really excited......finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months.....Box said ' 2-4 years!'
April
Trapped on escalator for hours ... Power went out!!!
May
Tried to make Kool-Aid.....wrong instructions....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!
June
Tried to go water skiing.......Couldn't find a lake with a slope.
July
Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....Learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!
August
Got locked out of my car in rain storm.....Darn car filled up with water because convertible top was open.
September
The capital of California is 'C'.....isn't it???
October
Hate M & M's.....They are so hard to peel.
November
Baked Thanksgiving turkey for 4 1/2 days ... Instructions said bake 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!
December
Couldn't call 911.'Duh'.....there's no 'eleven' button on the stupid phone!!!
THE BEST BLONDE JOKE OF THE YEAR - SO FAR
A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his attractive blonde female neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox.
She opened it then slammed it shut and stormed back in the house.
A little later she came out of her house again went to the mail box and again, opened it, slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went.
As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came out again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever.
Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, 'Is something wrong?'
To which she replied, 'There certainly is!'
(Are you ready? This is a beauty...)
'My stupid computer keeps saying, 'YOU'VE GOT MAIL!'
Shelly
Now I leave you with Pastor Hersch:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
As a member of God’s family, you and I must determine that we are going to advance His Kingdom by obeying His command to share the gospel.
Not because we have to… but because we want to!
There are so many men, women, and children around your life who desperately need to know that they are loved, forgiven, and destined by God to live a life of purpose.
You’ve discovered for yourself that this is true… so now you can be a messenger! You don’t have to have to go on a preaching circuit to “make disciples.” Just share your life with others. Talk about how God’s Word is helping you in your life, or how you are finding new strength as you pray or as you fellowship with other believers..
Your testimony is powerful! And it’s only as you share it, that you will begin to see those around you influenced for Jesus Christ… and eventually grow into true disciples.
Every believer is a powerful tool in the hands of God… and that includes you! I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you to “make disciples” as you share your faith with those around you.
Tomorrow is The Lord’s Day. See you in church…………….
Pastor Hersch
Friday, January 15, 2010
Twilight Club
So we had TC last night as ya'll know. We made candied apples then took them to church for Bible Study & dinner. I thought I would be able to at least bring 1/2 of one back to give to Shane (the guy that owns the head shop where I work). HA! That so didn't happen. They were a hit! So I think one of our schooling moments will be on Monday while dad is home. The boys and Dave and I will make candied apples. They of course want to experiment with chocolate and peanut butter. Should be fun!!
Shelly
Here's today's devotional:
Then Jesus came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." Luke 7:14
Imagine the awe and wonder of watching a dead person rise from a coffin. It seems an event so spectacular it belongs only in the annals of Hollywood. Because we experience death as a final event, we can't imagine that it could be undone. We are like Martha when she had lost her brother in death. Jesus asked her if she believed in resurrection and her answer was, "Yes, Lord, I believe he will rise at the last day."
It was not within the realm of possibilities for Martha that Jesus had the power to restore her brother's life right then and there. Physical resurrection may not be a regular, usual, normal experience in our lives, but neither is it completely out of the realm of possibilities. But, what is even more powerful and palpable about Jesus' words, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" is that the words are addressed to us right now.
How often do we live lifeless through our days—as if we were already resting in a coffin for eternity? We don't allow the world of nature to take away our breath, or the moments of grace to catch us by surprise, or the uninteresting daily activities to become the ground of our learning. We are content to take life lying down and wonder why the days pass so quickly without our feeling any excitement.
Jesus says to us, "Rise!" And in just the moment that we open the ears of our soul wide enough to hear those words, the ashen look on our faces begins to color, our heart pumps anew, our feet want to dance, and we realize we have climbed out of our coffin to greet the world of the living once again.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Here's today's devotional:
Then Jesus came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." Luke 7:14
Imagine the awe and wonder of watching a dead person rise from a coffin. It seems an event so spectacular it belongs only in the annals of Hollywood. Because we experience death as a final event, we can't imagine that it could be undone. We are like Martha when she had lost her brother in death. Jesus asked her if she believed in resurrection and her answer was, "Yes, Lord, I believe he will rise at the last day."
It was not within the realm of possibilities for Martha that Jesus had the power to restore her brother's life right then and there. Physical resurrection may not be a regular, usual, normal experience in our lives, but neither is it completely out of the realm of possibilities. But, what is even more powerful and palpable about Jesus' words, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" is that the words are addressed to us right now.
How often do we live lifeless through our days—as if we were already resting in a coffin for eternity? We don't allow the world of nature to take away our breath, or the moments of grace to catch us by surprise, or the uninteresting daily activities to become the ground of our learning. We are content to take life lying down and wonder why the days pass so quickly without our feeling any excitement.
Jesus says to us, "Rise!" And in just the moment that we open the ears of our soul wide enough to hear those words, the ashen look on our faces begins to color, our heart pumps anew, our feet want to dance, and we realize we have climbed out of our coffin to greet the world of the living once again.
Pastor Hersch
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Twilight Club
Today we have Twilight Club again. The girls will be making candied apples and we'll be taking them to church. We were supposed to read to chapter 10 but umm I must confess I couldn't put the book down....again. As such, I am now on New Moon already. I know I should stop and let the girls catch up but alas I can't. Anywho...
Shelly
Now I leave you with today's devotional.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-4
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor.. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.
When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter.
"This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."
What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.
So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best.. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized it, we would have done it differently.
Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It's the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."
Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
Lord, please help me to live with eternity's values in view and to build a life that will not only be rewarding for me but, more importantly, bring glory to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Now I leave you with today's devotional.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-4
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor.. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.
When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter.
"This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."
What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.
So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best.. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized it, we would have done it differently.
Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It's the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."
Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
Lord, please help me to live with eternity's values in view and to build a life that will not only be rewarding for me but, more importantly, bring glory to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen
Pastor Hersch
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Puppy
Yesterday he did it again. Dave and Bryan and I went to blockbuster so he could exchange his game and on the way home he whispers "should we go to the pet store?" I do believe we will have a puppy in our house soon. And his first thought of only wanting a small dog has changed too. "I think the cats will kill it" seriously...he's scared for the dog. OK my cats are cool and they do some amazing feats but murderous they are not! He really loved that English Bulldog till he made the mistake of asking how much. $2500 for a dog. Can you say crazy??? We will be rescuing a dog from a shelter for a $100. I leave you now with Pastor Hersch.
Shelly
“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15
At one point or another, every person has compromised their integrity by stealing from God, others, or themselves. And at the top of the list of reasons why people succumb to this temptation is discontent.
Our materialistic culture is always preaching that we should have more, more, more! And so many people have bought into the lie that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence… even Christians.
If that is you today, let me challenge you to pray against that mentality in your life!
Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he learned to be content in any situation. If a spiritual giant like Paul had to learn it, so do you and I!
Of course, it’s not easy to be content when all you do is think about what you don’t have, what kind of car you don’t drive, or how big a house you don’t live in! It’s all a matter of thanking God for what you do have, and being responsible with what He has entrusted to you.
Another reason why I think people fall into the temptation to compromise their integrity is simply this: Each of us is a little bit selfish, and many people have an inflated sense of entitlement.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “I deserve this,” or “I earned this,” I want to warn you to be careful. In today’s culture, it’s so easy to fall into this trap and end up compromising your integrity!
Stealing takes all kinds of styles, shapes, and colors.
So it’s easy to deceive ourselves.
That’s why I hope you will open your heart to the Lord today and honestly pray Psalm 139:23-24, which says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15
At one point or another, every person has compromised their integrity by stealing from God, others, or themselves. And at the top of the list of reasons why people succumb to this temptation is discontent.
Our materialistic culture is always preaching that we should have more, more, more! And so many people have bought into the lie that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence… even Christians.
If that is you today, let me challenge you to pray against that mentality in your life!
Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he learned to be content in any situation. If a spiritual giant like Paul had to learn it, so do you and I!
Of course, it’s not easy to be content when all you do is think about what you don’t have, what kind of car you don’t drive, or how big a house you don’t live in! It’s all a matter of thanking God for what you do have, and being responsible with what He has entrusted to you.
Another reason why I think people fall into the temptation to compromise their integrity is simply this: Each of us is a little bit selfish, and many people have an inflated sense of entitlement.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “I deserve this,” or “I earned this,” I want to warn you to be careful. In today’s culture, it’s so easy to fall into this trap and end up compromising your integrity!
Stealing takes all kinds of styles, shapes, and colors.
So it’s easy to deceive ourselves.
That’s why I hope you will open your heart to the Lord today and honestly pray Psalm 139:23-24, which says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Too Cold!!
Yes we did in fact file our tax return last night. No we aren't getting back any more than usual. Who knows when my kitchen will get done!! GRRRR anyway....
Can I just say what is going on??? I have been freezing for 2 weeks now! I never used to get cold! Last night we were sitting in the office and I had to steal Dave's coat to cover up my toes. I was shaking I was so cold. My cats are even cold! They have buried themselves under the blankets on our beds. Did I mention I live in South FLORIDA!!!! The boys of course think I'm crazy...oh to be young again lol.
This week in Twilight Club we're gonna make candied apples and take them to church. We always have dinner before Bible study so the girls will make dessert this week. Thankfully, Jennie, my partner in this obsession of ours had the idea and I think the girls will have fun with it. Everyone seems to be enjoying TC so far and I love getting to know all the girls better. Well I better sign off or there will be no room for pastor's part 2 devotional.
Shelly
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1st Chronicles 16:34
Have you ever wondered why me lord ??
Before you cry out again, please consider the following:
'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world 's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. '
'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation .. You are ahead of 700 million people in the world. '
'If you can attend a place of worship without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.. '
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair. '
So next time you feel like crying out to the Lord, crying out with a ‘why me.’ Do it with a glad and grateful heart as you say “Lord, why me?”
Count your blessings. Why me Lord? Why do you bless me so much?
It can only be because He loves each of us, His children, like we are an only child. Thank You Lord Jesus!!
Pastor Hersch
Can I just say what is going on??? I have been freezing for 2 weeks now! I never used to get cold! Last night we were sitting in the office and I had to steal Dave's coat to cover up my toes. I was shaking I was so cold. My cats are even cold! They have buried themselves under the blankets on our beds. Did I mention I live in South FLORIDA!!!! The boys of course think I'm crazy...oh to be young again lol.
This week in Twilight Club we're gonna make candied apples and take them to church. We always have dinner before Bible study so the girls will make dessert this week. Thankfully, Jennie, my partner in this obsession of ours had the idea and I think the girls will have fun with it. Everyone seems to be enjoying TC so far and I love getting to know all the girls better. Well I better sign off or there will be no room for pastor's part 2 devotional.
Shelly
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1st Chronicles 16:34
Have you ever wondered why me lord ??
Before you cry out again, please consider the following:
'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world 's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. '
'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation .. You are ahead of 700 million people in the world. '
'If you can attend a place of worship without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.. '
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair. '
So next time you feel like crying out to the Lord, crying out with a ‘why me.’ Do it with a glad and grateful heart as you say “Lord, why me?”
Count your blessings. Why me Lord? Why do you bless me so much?
It can only be because He loves each of us, His children, like we are an only child. Thank You Lord Jesus!!
Pastor Hersch
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tax Time
Today David thinks he's getting his W2 and that we'll be filing our taxes this afternoon. Hopefully we'll get back enough to pay back the loan his dad gave us and finish the kitchen! You forget how essential things like cabinets really are until you go months without any. I am so grateful I'm obsessed with Tupperware modular mates. If I weren't I would be going insane from the clutter but everything is fairly neat. So the insanity comes from not having a 3rd bedroom for the big boys instead! Wouldn't it be awesome if we got enough back to build their room as well!!! Oh well, a girl can dream. The following is today's devotional and if you were at church yesterday you already heard it. If not then enjoy for the 1st time! :)
Shelly
PART ONE OF TWO
Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:18-20
I received this and am passing it along….with what it teaches
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received. '
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, ' This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. ' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's blessings? ' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, ' Thank you, Lord. '
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
PART ONE OF TWO
Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:18-20
I received this and am passing it along….with what it teaches
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received. '
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, ' This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. ' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's blessings? ' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, ' Thank you, Lord. '
Pastor Hersch
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cold & Rainy Weekend...
That's what is in store for us but in north Florida I hear it's SNOWING!!!! Craziness I tell ya. Well I was shocked this morning when David started talking about dogs and maybe getting one. We hit a local store on my way into work and he saw an English Bulldog that he liked. NO we won't be spending hundreds of dollars on a pet store pooch. Calm down. :) We will go to the humane society or some other rescue and pay a hundred dollars and save a dog. My cousin's sister in law actually rescues dogs so I guess I'll be calling her soon. Our yard certainly is big enough for a mutt!
Here's today's devotional,
Shelly
Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." Matthew 9:23
A poor heathen woman, after receiving Christ as her Savior, was remarkable for her simple faith. She decided to take Him literally at His word.
A few months after her conversion her little child became ill, and recovery was doubtful. Ice was needed for the little one, but in that tropical country, away from the world's large cities, such a thing was not to be had.
"I'm going to ask God to send ice," the mother said to a missionary.
"Oh," came the quick reply, "but you can't expect that He will do that."
"Why not?" asked the simple-hearted believer. "He has all the power, and He loves us. You told us so. I'll ask Him, and I believe He'll send it."
She did ask Him, and strange things began to happen. Soon there came up a heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by hail. The woman was able to gather a large quantity of hailstones. The cold application was just what the child needed. Recovery of the sick child soon followed.
In our sophistication and intellectualism we, like the missionary and most other Christians, would tend to question the audacity of such a prayer.
Faith as a little child always brings the desired answer. "According to your faith be it unto you." And where does such faith originate? "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
Pastor Hersch
Here's today's devotional,
Shelly
Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." Matthew 9:23
A poor heathen woman, after receiving Christ as her Savior, was remarkable for her simple faith. She decided to take Him literally at His word.
A few months after her conversion her little child became ill, and recovery was doubtful. Ice was needed for the little one, but in that tropical country, away from the world's large cities, such a thing was not to be had.
"I'm going to ask God to send ice," the mother said to a missionary.
"Oh," came the quick reply, "but you can't expect that He will do that."
"Why not?" asked the simple-hearted believer. "He has all the power, and He loves us. You told us so. I'll ask Him, and I believe He'll send it."
She did ask Him, and strange things began to happen. Soon there came up a heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by hail. The woman was able to gather a large quantity of hailstones. The cold application was just what the child needed. Recovery of the sick child soon followed.
In our sophistication and intellectualism we, like the missionary and most other Christians, would tend to question the audacity of such a prayer.
Faith as a little child always brings the desired answer. "According to your faith be it unto you." And where does such faith originate? "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
Pastor Hersch
Friday, January 8, 2010
Twilight Club
Last night we had our 2nd TC meeting. I had asked the girls to read chapters 1-5 and only one girl did! Good job Sarah! I made up a quiz with questions that I gathered from the info in chapters 1-5 and amazingly I even stumped our Twilight expert Jennie. Of course I confessed to the girls that I wouldn't have passed the quiz either but it was fun hearing them freak out over the questions.
Next was choir practice then dinner and Bible study. I took the kids in the back so missed the study but we had fun anyway. Now I leave you with pastor's devotional.
Shelly
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6
When you experience rejection early in life you feel like you constantly have to 'prove' yourself, so you become a workaholic in order to gain people's acceptance.
One woman writes, "I can still hear my father yelling, telling me I'd never be any good, never amount to anything. The more he yelled, the more determined I became to prove him wrong." Do you have voices like that in your head? It's true that you'll succeed by working hard, but to experience lasting satisfaction you must know that you're fulfilling God's will for your life.
When all is said and done, what matters most is knowing you're loved and accepted by God. What can top that? God measures with a different yardstick.
He won't ask what kind of car you drove, but how many people you gave rides to. He won't ask the square footage of your home, but how you raised your children and treated your family.
He won't ask about the brand names in your closet, but who you helped to clothe. He won't ask about your salary, but how much you invested into the building of His Kingdom.
He won't ask about your job title, but if you tried to perform with excellence and integrity. He won't ask how many friends you had, but how many people you were a friend to. He won't ask what neighborhood you lived in, but if you loved your neighbor.
He won't ask about your politics or the colour of your skin, but about the quality of your character.
So don't just work hard, work hard for the right reasons!
Pastor Hersch
Next was choir practice then dinner and Bible study. I took the kids in the back so missed the study but we had fun anyway. Now I leave you with pastor's devotional.
Shelly
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6
When you experience rejection early in life you feel like you constantly have to 'prove' yourself, so you become a workaholic in order to gain people's acceptance.
One woman writes, "I can still hear my father yelling, telling me I'd never be any good, never amount to anything. The more he yelled, the more determined I became to prove him wrong." Do you have voices like that in your head? It's true that you'll succeed by working hard, but to experience lasting satisfaction you must know that you're fulfilling God's will for your life.
When all is said and done, what matters most is knowing you're loved and accepted by God. What can top that? God measures with a different yardstick.
He won't ask what kind of car you drove, but how many people you gave rides to. He won't ask the square footage of your home, but how you raised your children and treated your family.
He won't ask about the brand names in your closet, but who you helped to clothe. He won't ask about your salary, but how much you invested into the building of His Kingdom.
He won't ask about your job title, but if you tried to perform with excellence and integrity. He won't ask how many friends you had, but how many people you were a friend to. He won't ask what neighborhood you lived in, but if you loved your neighbor.
He won't ask about your politics or the colour of your skin, but about the quality of your character.
So don't just work hard, work hard for the right reasons!
Pastor Hersch
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Paranormal Activity
OK so Monday night my brother drops by while I'm at my Tupperware meeting. He tells the boys how he saw the movie Paranormal Activity. Scariest movie he has ever seen! So I get home and the boys retell how uncle said he was scared to death. Now they want to watch it. The twins of course know they won't even be considered when I look at the ratings but the older boys are hopeful. So last night we brave the FREEZING cold and hit blockbuster. I look at the cover and decide that the older boys can watch it. We go home and put the twins to bed, shut off all the lights and get comfy on the couch. Can I just say don't waste your money. It was the dumbest movie I have seen in a long time! The boys agree. I kept waiting for it to get scary....never happened. Maybe because they put so much hype in this movie is the reason it was a let down. I don't know. I leave you today with my pastor.
Shelly
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20
Have you ever asked yourself these questions: "Who am I? Why was I born? What am I doing here? Where am I going?"
Life can be full of such questions. We look around and see a world that is vast and changing constantly. "Where do I fit in?" you might ask yourself. "What's my purpose for being alive at this particular time?"
These are not easily answerable questions. In fact, they can be overwhelming. There are times when you might feel helpless, useless, even ignorant of your circumstances and the reason for your life. To such questions, the world has dozens of answers - and no answers at the same time.
Conventional wisdom might say it's all about making big money, and achieving great fame, and owning lots of stuff and, well, you get the picture.
But in the end, these things won't do. Will they?
In the end, only love matters. And God has more of that than we could possibly imagine.
His love for you began when He created the world. And it continues until He holds you in His heavenly arms. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Put your life into Jesus' hands. He alone is the answer to your heart's desire.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20
Have you ever asked yourself these questions: "Who am I? Why was I born? What am I doing here? Where am I going?"
Life can be full of such questions. We look around and see a world that is vast and changing constantly. "Where do I fit in?" you might ask yourself. "What's my purpose for being alive at this particular time?"
These are not easily answerable questions. In fact, they can be overwhelming. There are times when you might feel helpless, useless, even ignorant of your circumstances and the reason for your life. To such questions, the world has dozens of answers - and no answers at the same time.
Conventional wisdom might say it's all about making big money, and achieving great fame, and owning lots of stuff and, well, you get the picture.
But in the end, these things won't do. Will they?
In the end, only love matters. And God has more of that than we could possibly imagine.
His love for you began when He created the world. And it continues until He holds you in His heavenly arms. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Put your life into Jesus' hands. He alone is the answer to your heart's desire.
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
All In A Day....
So today I have to get all the tax info ready, clean as usual, and work on my quiz for this weeks Twilight Club. I have yet to start any of that and it's already 2:30pm. Where does the time go? Actually I have been productive working on my Tupperware business. Emails, party planning (myself), recipe hunting, all good things. Yet so much left to do. And it's cold! HELLO! This is south Florida! Why is it in the 30s and 40s?? Anyway, maybe I'll thaw out as I clean...
I leave you with today's devotional,
Shelly
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26
This is a good day for you to have a spiritual DTR—Defining The Relationship—with Christ. In fact, I believe every person who calls themselves a Christian should take stock and evaluate where they are with Jesus Christ on a regular basis.
Jesus is constantly calling us to commitment and to define our relationship with Him. He wants to know, as He often said, “Are you with Me or are you against Me? Are we really a thing or do you just date Me on Sundays? Am I just a friend with benefits or do we really have something that’s real, something that’s relational and something that’s forever?”
So many people treat God as though He is a distant relative rather than a vital part of life. But Jesus refuses to let us get away with that in our relationship with Him!
You know, when people in the Bible came face-to-face with Jesus they didn’t walk away the same people. They were dramatically transformed… for good or for bad. Some received Him, some rejected Him, but every one who came in contact with Jesus was powerfully impacted by Him.
The Bible tells us of a rich young ruler who had a DTR with Jesus when Jesus called him to follow Him fully (Matthew 19). But that man went away sorrowfully, rejecting Christ because He couldn’t handle the commitment.
So what about you? Is it time that you had a DTR with Jesus Christ?
Just like Jesus asked the disciples after He fed the multitudes in John chapter 6, He’s asking you, “Are you with Me? Are you willing to walk with me every day of the week… not just on Sundays?”
Pastor Hersch
I leave you with today's devotional,
Shelly
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26
This is a good day for you to have a spiritual DTR—Defining The Relationship—with Christ. In fact, I believe every person who calls themselves a Christian should take stock and evaluate where they are with Jesus Christ on a regular basis.
Jesus is constantly calling us to commitment and to define our relationship with Him. He wants to know, as He often said, “Are you with Me or are you against Me? Are we really a thing or do you just date Me on Sundays? Am I just a friend with benefits or do we really have something that’s real, something that’s relational and something that’s forever?”
So many people treat God as though He is a distant relative rather than a vital part of life. But Jesus refuses to let us get away with that in our relationship with Him!
You know, when people in the Bible came face-to-face with Jesus they didn’t walk away the same people. They were dramatically transformed… for good or for bad. Some received Him, some rejected Him, but every one who came in contact with Jesus was powerfully impacted by Him.
The Bible tells us of a rich young ruler who had a DTR with Jesus when Jesus called him to follow Him fully (Matthew 19). But that man went away sorrowfully, rejecting Christ because He couldn’t handle the commitment.
So what about you? Is it time that you had a DTR with Jesus Christ?
Just like Jesus asked the disciples after He fed the multitudes in John chapter 6, He’s asking you, “Are you with Me? Are you willing to walk with me every day of the week… not just on Sundays?”
Pastor Hersch
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thank You
I just wanted to thank all of my wonderful Tupperware customers! Thanks to you I was 4th in sales in my distributorship! That may not seem like much but considering I didn't start selling until June, it's lots to me! Thank you for trusting all your Tupperware needs to me!
I leave you now with words from my pastor.
Shelly
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1st Timothy 4:8
We all know that it’s very important to eat right and exercise. According to the Scripture, our bodies are temples God have given us, and we need to take care of them. But being spiritually healthy is even more important.
And to be spiritually healthy, you need to exercise your faith. Just as you wouldn’t expect to be able to run a marathon without any training, you can’t expect to face the trials and tribulations of life without exercising your faith in God.
Exercising your faith requires discipline, dedication, and determination, which means being in God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and obeying God’s will for your life. Each of these disciplines will help you endure and enjoy the road ahead.
Life is often described in the Bible as a race. Some of us run the race well, some of us not so well, and others don’t even finish the race at all! The goal as a believer in Jesus Christ is to run the race of life strong… and finish well. And you do this is by exercising your faith by spending time with God!
Now, there will be times in your life when you will be tempted not to spend that precious time with God. Things will come up, life will get in the way, and excuses will start to pile up. But if you make it a priority to exercise your faith and grow more intimately with God through reading His Word and spending time in prayer, you will be better equipped to face the problems of life. And when you have the appropriate eternal perspective that God wants you to have, your problems won’t seem as big as they once were!
So do yourself a favor and begin working out your faith in the new year. If you do, you soon will become a spiritual athlete who runs the race of life strong… and you will finish well!
Pastor Hersch
I leave you now with words from my pastor.
Shelly
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1st Timothy 4:8
We all know that it’s very important to eat right and exercise. According to the Scripture, our bodies are temples God have given us, and we need to take care of them. But being spiritually healthy is even more important.
And to be spiritually healthy, you need to exercise your faith. Just as you wouldn’t expect to be able to run a marathon without any training, you can’t expect to face the trials and tribulations of life without exercising your faith in God.
Exercising your faith requires discipline, dedication, and determination, which means being in God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and obeying God’s will for your life. Each of these disciplines will help you endure and enjoy the road ahead.
Life is often described in the Bible as a race. Some of us run the race well, some of us not so well, and others don’t even finish the race at all! The goal as a believer in Jesus Christ is to run the race of life strong… and finish well. And you do this is by exercising your faith by spending time with God!
Now, there will be times in your life when you will be tempted not to spend that precious time with God. Things will come up, life will get in the way, and excuses will start to pile up. But if you make it a priority to exercise your faith and grow more intimately with God through reading His Word and spending time in prayer, you will be better equipped to face the problems of life. And when you have the appropriate eternal perspective that God wants you to have, your problems won’t seem as big as they once were!
So do yourself a favor and begin working out your faith in the new year. If you do, you soon will become a spiritual athlete who runs the race of life strong… and you will finish well!
Pastor Hersch
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Twilight Club
Good Morning! If you have been following me on facebook or twitter then you know I started a Twilight Club for the girls at my church. We had our kickoff on New Years Eve. It was a blast! We talked about Twilight and played the scene it game. My partner in crime in this adventure is a 20 something gal from my church named Jennie. She kicked all our butts in scene it. She also had some great ideas about things we can do each week with the gals. Here's our schedule for the time we're reading book one:
1-7 we will discuss chapters 1-5 and do a fun quiz!
reading for the next week will be chapters 6-10
1-14 we will discuss chapters 6-10 & make candy apples to take to church!
reading for the next week will be chapters 11-15
1-21 we will discuss chapters 11-15 and play a quote game!
reading for the next week will be chapters 16-20
1-28 we will discuss chapters 16-20 and play a card game!
reading for the next week will be 21-epilogue
2-4 we will discuss chapters 21-epilogue and play the Twilight movie Board game!
2-11 we will NOT have T.C. because it's Dave's birthday
2-18 we will have a Twilight costume party and watch the movie
- come as early as you can! I will pick you up from school if your parents ok it!
Then we'll start the next leg in our Twilight journey...New Moon!
As you can see, we're addicted! Is it a crime to have this much fun??
Till next time,
Shelly
1-7 we will discuss chapters 1-5 and do a fun quiz!
reading for the next week will be chapters 6-10
1-14 we will discuss chapters 6-10 & make candy apples to take to church!
reading for the next week will be chapters 11-15
1-21 we will discuss chapters 11-15 and play a quote game!
reading for the next week will be chapters 16-20
1-28 we will discuss chapters 16-20 and play a card game!
reading for the next week will be 21-epilogue
2-4 we will discuss chapters 21-epilogue and play the Twilight movie Board game!
2-11 we will NOT have T.C. because it's Dave's birthday
2-18 we will have a Twilight costume party and watch the movie
- come as early as you can! I will pick you up from school if your parents ok it!
Then we'll start the next leg in our Twilight journey...New Moon!
As you can see, we're addicted! Is it a crime to have this much fun??
Till next time,
Shelly
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!!
Happy 2010 Everyone! We rang in the new year with our dear friends Ken & Jen and their 3 boys. We had good food, fabulous drinks, amazing fireworks but mostly, we had outrageous laughs all night! We love you guys and are glad God brought you into our lives. We missed the Mauro Family terribly and longed to have them there like before but are happy they are well in NJ.
I leave you today with our pastor's devotional from this morning. Enjoy!
I leave you today with our pastor's devotional from this morning. Enjoy!
| Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 The key to successfully running the race of life is found in today’s verses. And the first step to running the race of life in victory is to run the race with everything you’ve got! I don’t need to run your race and you don’t need to run my race. We’ve all been given a race and a lane to run in, and we’re to run with all our hearts. And to run in your lane well, you just need to give God the best of your time, your talents, your service, and yes, even your tithes. Secondly, running the race of life well means you say “no” to the sin of compromise. Allowing the sin of compromise to creep into your life is the fastest way to get derailed! And last, the third step to running the race of life well is to rely completely on God and His Word…. always looking forward, never turning back. Sure, the devil will try to convince you how great your old way of life was. But don’t fall for it! Keep your eyes on Jesus… during the good times and the bad. So as you look back on 2009, let me ask you: Did you run the race with all your heart? Did you keep the sin of compromise out of your life? And did you rely totally and completely on God and His Word? If you can’t say that you did, remember, God promises to give you the desire and power to accomplish all three of these things. So I pray that you’ll take Him up on His offer today so you can run the race of life in true victory in 2010! Pastor Hersch |
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