This week has been crazy busy! And next week looks like it will be just as crazy! The boys are loving it I think. When mom is busy they get to pick their reading material and they just have to read all morning. Some would think that's wrong but I believe if you can read anything you can learn anything. And they're learning about things they want to learn about so where's the wrong? Every child should be able to have a hand in their education. It is one of the best ways to ensure learning. Why wait until college to decide what you want to learn?
Been at work the last 2 days, and will be there again today and tomorrow and Monday. Then something is happening Tuesday, Tupperware meeting I think. Wednesday I have to make a Costco run and get my contacts. Thursday is Twilight Club then church. Friday is my only free day I think next week! Saturday while I'm at work the central air will be installed as well as the next part of my kitchen! YAY! Then the following week I hit IKEA to get my shelves and start organizing everything finally! So excited!!
Shelly
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3
There are four things about the love of God that I’d like you to meditate on today.
First, God loves you. He loves you more than anyone else could ever love you!
Second, God’s love for you is eternal. Time cannot erase it. God loves you and He will always love you.
Third, God’s love for you is unconditional. This concept is hard to completely understand at times because of how conditional human love can be. Sometimes human love is dependent on how we feel about someone…or it’s dependent upon someone loving us in return. But God’s love is unconditional. Nothing you do or don’t do can alter it.
Lastly, God’s love is incomprehensible! It’s immeasurable. What’s most remarkable about the love of God is that in spite of your sin and my sin…despite our failure and brokenness and worthlessness…He reached down and showed us His love by sending His Son to die in our place on the cross!
It’s my prayer that you’ll remember just how much God loves you today…and that as a result, you’ll be motivated to share God’s love with others.
Pastor Hersch
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
brrr
Imagine our surprise when Dave & I woke up this morning to 55degree weather. We knew another cold snap was coming but didn't think it would be that cold. Had I known that I would have had my windows open last night!
The trip to the mall w/Kristin was fun! I got to love on Wyatt and he is just too cute. I can't wait to see what her baby will look like. So curious if he'll look like Wyatt & mommy or have Dean's dark hair.
Today I'm working till Monday. Shane has gone out of town. I grateful for the extra work even though I know I will be bored to tears. I guess I will get in a lot of reading again. The Vampire's Assistant books are good quick reads. Maybe I'll finish the series this weekend.
I bought the boys some new books and the one that Brody likes most is a grammar book. I found them at Costco. It's Barron's Painless books and even tho they're for middle & high school the twins love them. I do believe I will have to get the rest of the series. I bought Grammar, Spelling & Algebra to get their feet wet. I also picked up a couple books by Parragon; A Pocket Guide to the Stars & Planets and A Field Guide to the Birds of North America. The boys also love these books. I reckon I will be getting more from this series as well. Anything to encourage more reading!
Shelly
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1st Samuel 16:7
We rarely discern others accurately. Almost every conclusion we have about them is flawed and based on limited knowledge. We give up too soon because we can't see what God is looking at.
Someone close to you right now has a great future - God has already determined it. In fact, if you knew their potential, you would withhold your words of criticism and invest more time and energy into them.
Remember Joseph? Don't make the mistake that his brothers made. The person who aggravates the living daylights out of you today, could be the one you turn to for help tomorrow. So keep that in mind and treat them graciously!
Look beneath the surface. Appearances can be deceptive. Remember Ruth, the migrant labourer working in the fields for less than minimum wage? She'll become the wife of Boaz - who owns the fields! In the future, she might be signing your pay check. So when you meet her, be sure to leave 'handfuls on purpose' to bless her (see Ruth 2:16).
Take another look at the situation you don't understand. Remember Mary, the mother of Jesus, looking for a place to spend the night and have her baby? Here's the opportunity of a lifetime; don't miss it!
Why did Jesus say in the Sermon on the Mount, 'Love your enemies' Luke 6:27? Because Saul of Tarsus (the one who's giving you so much grief at the moment), may become Paul the Apostle, bringing multitudes into the Kingdom and writing books that change lives - including yours!
So ask God to help you see in others what He sees!
Pastor Hersch
The trip to the mall w/Kristin was fun! I got to love on Wyatt and he is just too cute. I can't wait to see what her baby will look like. So curious if he'll look like Wyatt & mommy or have Dean's dark hair.
Today I'm working till Monday. Shane has gone out of town. I grateful for the extra work even though I know I will be bored to tears. I guess I will get in a lot of reading again. The Vampire's Assistant books are good quick reads. Maybe I'll finish the series this weekend.
I bought the boys some new books and the one that Brody likes most is a grammar book. I found them at Costco. It's Barron's Painless books and even tho they're for middle & high school the twins love them. I do believe I will have to get the rest of the series. I bought Grammar, Spelling & Algebra to get their feet wet. I also picked up a couple books by Parragon; A Pocket Guide to the Stars & Planets and A Field Guide to the Birds of North America. The boys also love these books. I reckon I will be getting more from this series as well. Anything to encourage more reading!
Shelly
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1st Samuel 16:7
We rarely discern others accurately. Almost every conclusion we have about them is flawed and based on limited knowledge. We give up too soon because we can't see what God is looking at.
Someone close to you right now has a great future - God has already determined it. In fact, if you knew their potential, you would withhold your words of criticism and invest more time and energy into them.
Remember Joseph? Don't make the mistake that his brothers made. The person who aggravates the living daylights out of you today, could be the one you turn to for help tomorrow. So keep that in mind and treat them graciously!
Look beneath the surface. Appearances can be deceptive. Remember Ruth, the migrant labourer working in the fields for less than minimum wage? She'll become the wife of Boaz - who owns the fields! In the future, she might be signing your pay check. So when you meet her, be sure to leave 'handfuls on purpose' to bless her (see Ruth 2:16).
Take another look at the situation you don't understand. Remember Mary, the mother of Jesus, looking for a place to spend the night and have her baby? Here's the opportunity of a lifetime; don't miss it!
Why did Jesus say in the Sermon on the Mount, 'Love your enemies' Luke 6:27? Because Saul of Tarsus (the one who's giving you so much grief at the moment), may become Paul the Apostle, bringing multitudes into the Kingdom and writing books that change lives - including yours!
So ask God to help you see in others what He sees!
Pastor Hersch
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Craziness!
Today I'm headed out to the Babies R Us and then Sawgrass with Kristin. She's like 6 weeks from her due date and wants to hit the Sawgrass Mills Mall? Craziness! Actually I think we're only hitting a couple stores....Coach is one of course! I'm looking for some bags to sell on eBay this time. I swear that's all!
Yesterday the AC guy came and Dave just had to have him point out exactly how much better central air is. I swear if I don't have a kitchen I'm gonna strangle that man. Hmm maybe I'll hit IKEA with Kristin too! OK OK, time to shut up and claim today's verse.
Everything will be fine.... Eventually.... ☺
Shelly
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
When you're in a situation where you've got more questions than answers, it takes faith to accept that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
What you consider wasted experiences can become experiences in wisdom - when you decide to learn from them! If you don't, they may keep happening till you do. The Israelites went in circles for 40 years before they finally wised up. Don't let that happen to you.
When you get too comfortable, God stirs things up. The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they're forced out of it. Next, they are pushed off a cliff edge. Can you imagine their thoughts: 'It's my mother doing this!'
Who and where you are at this moment in time has been divinely appointed. God in His wisdom knows that you need the challenge of certain situations to mature and stretch you. The job you dread going to every day is developing your skills, endurance and sense of responsibility. Those people who rub you the wrong way are actually making you more like Jesus!
'No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.' 1st Corinthians 10:13
So instead of asking Him to change things, thank Him for the experience and the lessons you're learning. And if you can't figure out what those lessons are, ask Him. James says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him.' James 1:5
When you do, you'll discover - it's all part of His plan!
Pastor Hersch
Yesterday the AC guy came and Dave just had to have him point out exactly how much better central air is. I swear if I don't have a kitchen I'm gonna strangle that man. Hmm maybe I'll hit IKEA with Kristin too! OK OK, time to shut up and claim today's verse.
Everything will be fine.... Eventually.... ☺
Shelly
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
When you're in a situation where you've got more questions than answers, it takes faith to accept that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
What you consider wasted experiences can become experiences in wisdom - when you decide to learn from them! If you don't, they may keep happening till you do. The Israelites went in circles for 40 years before they finally wised up. Don't let that happen to you.
When you get too comfortable, God stirs things up. The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they're forced out of it. Next, they are pushed off a cliff edge. Can you imagine their thoughts: 'It's my mother doing this!'
Who and where you are at this moment in time has been divinely appointed. God in His wisdom knows that you need the challenge of certain situations to mature and stretch you. The job you dread going to every day is developing your skills, endurance and sense of responsibility. Those people who rub you the wrong way are actually making you more like Jesus!
'No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.' 1st Corinthians 10:13
So instead of asking Him to change things, thank Him for the experience and the lessons you're learning. And if you can't figure out what those lessons are, ask Him. James says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him.' James 1:5
When you do, you'll discover - it's all part of His plan!
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Holy Cow
What a crazy couple days! And the rest of the week will be just as crazed! I love it when Dave gets a bug up his butt and wants to redo furniture/organize. He cleared up so much space in the living/older boys room. Of course he got rid of one of the dressers and I'm still not sure that was a good idea, but it looks so much better and made so much more room. I can always buy more dressers once we put the addition in and they have their own room, right?
Right now we're butting heads about installing central air. I see it as a waste of $3500. I know that's the best deal out there and it would help the resell in a couple years but dammit I want my kitchen done! I guess as long as he at least finishes the one side of the kitchen it will be ok. I'll just have to hit IKEA and get my shelving system for the dining room then I can use that bookcase in the kitchen too. I liked it better when he said "do whatever she wants"....
Shelly
Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2ND Peter 1:5-7
Have you noticed that the busier you get, the less you seem to show kindness to others? That's because kindness is 'the fruit of the Spirit', not a product of the flesh. Kindness doesn't happen in a vacuum, or as the result of a good Sunday morning sermon. You have to practice it. You have to do what Peter says: 'Make an effort to show... kindness.'
Before William McKinley became President of the United States, he was riding to his congressional office one morning on a train. A sick woman got on and, unable to find a seat, clutched an overhead strap next to one of McKinley's political colleagues. Pathetically, this colleague hid behind his newspaper to avoid offering her his seat.
Immediately, McKinley rose, gave her his seat and took her place in the aisle. Years later when he was President, this same colleague was recommended for the position of ambassador, but McKinley refused. He said, 'If his kindness is of the quality he showed that morning on the tram, I fear what he might do representing us in a foreign land.' The disappointed congressman never did learn why McKinley chose someone else for the job.
What good are tireless efforts fueled by personal ambition, or a desire to serve that's rooted in a need to control? Face it; without kindness what good are all our titles, traditions, testimonies and theology?
If you don't know, the answer is found in the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, verse 2. Here it is: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
So today please, make up your mind to practice kindness!
Pastor Hersch
Right now we're butting heads about installing central air. I see it as a waste of $3500. I know that's the best deal out there and it would help the resell in a couple years but dammit I want my kitchen done! I guess as long as he at least finishes the one side of the kitchen it will be ok. I'll just have to hit IKEA and get my shelving system for the dining room then I can use that bookcase in the kitchen too. I liked it better when he said "do whatever she wants"....
Shelly
Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2ND Peter 1:5-7
Have you noticed that the busier you get, the less you seem to show kindness to others? That's because kindness is 'the fruit of the Spirit', not a product of the flesh. Kindness doesn't happen in a vacuum, or as the result of a good Sunday morning sermon. You have to practice it. You have to do what Peter says: 'Make an effort to show... kindness.'
Before William McKinley became President of the United States, he was riding to his congressional office one morning on a train. A sick woman got on and, unable to find a seat, clutched an overhead strap next to one of McKinley's political colleagues. Pathetically, this colleague hid behind his newspaper to avoid offering her his seat.
Immediately, McKinley rose, gave her his seat and took her place in the aisle. Years later when he was President, this same colleague was recommended for the position of ambassador, but McKinley refused. He said, 'If his kindness is of the quality he showed that morning on the tram, I fear what he might do representing us in a foreign land.' The disappointed congressman never did learn why McKinley chose someone else for the job.
What good are tireless efforts fueled by personal ambition, or a desire to serve that's rooted in a need to control? Face it; without kindness what good are all our titles, traditions, testimonies and theology?
If you don't know, the answer is found in the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, verse 2. Here it is: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
So today please, make up your mind to practice kindness!
Pastor Hersch
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday!!!
I said it before, I'll say it again. I love Friday! I still don't know why so don't ask. :) Today is a laze day. For most of it anyway. Brett is having friends over tonight to celebrate his birthday. Then tomorrow Dave will take all 6 boys to the park where our church is having a kite flying picnic. I kinda wish I could go just for the fellowship. But when you only work weekends it's kinda hard to justify not working for a picnic that will only be a couple hours anyway.
The Twilight costume party was a hit! The best costumes were a tie between Jennie who dressed as Rosalie and Faith who came as the evil Victoria. I'm kinda teetering towards Faith as the winner just cause she was so spot on. We got a lot of looks at church last night lol. It was a riot! I do think I will have to change the New Moon party to a day when the girls don't have school. That way we can really party all day. We were rushed last night and I hate being rushed!!
Shelly
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
One evening, a friend visiting Peter Lord's home told him that he could hear no fewer than 18 different kinds of crickets in his garden. Peter was amazed - he'd lived there for years and never heard one.
The difference was, this man was a professor of entomology and he had learned to distinguish over 200 different cricket calls with his natural ear. Imagine learning to listen to crickets! Looking back, Peter wrote, 'I suddenly understood that a person must want to hear, and learn to hear, and there were many sounds I was not hearing.' Think what you've been missing all these years because you haven't wanted or learned to hear the voice of God speaking to you.
The children of Israel said to Moses, 'You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.' Exodus 20:18-19.
The problem is, when you only hear from God through secondary sources, it's easier not to make any real commitment, or to obey what you've heard. But when you know God is speaking to you personally, you must make a clear-cut decision. For,'The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.' Psalm 29:4.
Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
Examine the 'heroes' in your Bible. They were all flawed! So what gave them the strength to accomplish such great things? They knew God's voice! Nothing, absolutely nothing in your life is more important than learning to know God's voice when He speaks to you!
Pastor Hersch
The Twilight costume party was a hit! The best costumes were a tie between Jennie who dressed as Rosalie and Faith who came as the evil Victoria. I'm kinda teetering towards Faith as the winner just cause she was so spot on. We got a lot of looks at church last night lol. It was a riot! I do think I will have to change the New Moon party to a day when the girls don't have school. That way we can really party all day. We were rushed last night and I hate being rushed!!
Shelly
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
One evening, a friend visiting Peter Lord's home told him that he could hear no fewer than 18 different kinds of crickets in his garden. Peter was amazed - he'd lived there for years and never heard one.
The difference was, this man was a professor of entomology and he had learned to distinguish over 200 different cricket calls with his natural ear. Imagine learning to listen to crickets! Looking back, Peter wrote, 'I suddenly understood that a person must want to hear, and learn to hear, and there were many sounds I was not hearing.' Think what you've been missing all these years because you haven't wanted or learned to hear the voice of God speaking to you.
The children of Israel said to Moses, 'You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.' Exodus 20:18-19.
The problem is, when you only hear from God through secondary sources, it's easier not to make any real commitment, or to obey what you've heard. But when you know God is speaking to you personally, you must make a clear-cut decision. For,'The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.' Psalm 29:4.
Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
Examine the 'heroes' in your Bible. They were all flawed! So what gave them the strength to accomplish such great things? They knew God's voice! Nothing, absolutely nothing in your life is more important than learning to know God's voice when He speaks to you!
Pastor Hersch
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Busy Busy Busy!
I have so much to do today and 2 of the places I have to hit don't even open until 10am. Used to be that was perfect timing...now it just sucks.... This afternoon is my Twilight Club's party. We finished reading Twilight and today we're donning costumes and watching the film! YAY! Then in 2 weeks we start New Moon. So exciting! Here's our schedule:
Shelly
So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. Matthew 18:35
Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person's sin. Forgiveness is costly; we pay the price of the evil we forgive. Yet you're going to live with those consequences whether you want to or not; your only choice is whether you will do so in the bondage of bitterness or the freedom of forgiveness.
That's how Jesus forgave you--He took the consequences of your sin upon Himself. All true forgiveness is substitutional, because no one really forgives without bearing the penalty of the other person's sin.
Why then do we forgive? Because Jesus forgave us. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2nd Corinthians 5:21.
Where is the justice? The cross makes forgiveness legally and morally right: "For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all." Romans 6:10.
How do you forgive from the heart?
First, you acknowledge the hurt and the hate. If your forgiveness doesn't visit the emotional core of your past, it will be incomplete. This is the great evangelical cover-up. Christians feel the pain of interpersonal offenses, but we won't acknowledge it. Let God bring the pain to the surface so He can deal with it. This is where the healing takes place.
Ask God to bring to your mind those you need to forgive. Make a list of all those who have offended you. Since God has forgiven them by His grace, you can forgive them too.
For each person on your list, say: "Lord, help me to forgive (name) for (offenses) ." Keep praying about each individual until you are sure that all the remembered pain has been dealt with. Don't try to rationalize or explain the offender's behavior. Forgiveness deals with your pain, not another's behavior.
Remember: ‘His burden that is light’ and will follow in time; freeing yourself from the past is the critical issue.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. Matthew 18:35
Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person's sin. Forgiveness is costly; we pay the price of the evil we forgive. Yet you're going to live with those consequences whether you want to or not; your only choice is whether you will do so in the bondage of bitterness or the freedom of forgiveness.
That's how Jesus forgave you--He took the consequences of your sin upon Himself. All true forgiveness is substitutional, because no one really forgives without bearing the penalty of the other person's sin.
Why then do we forgive? Because Jesus forgave us. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2nd Corinthians 5:21.
Where is the justice? The cross makes forgiveness legally and morally right: "For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all." Romans 6:10.
How do you forgive from the heart?
First, you acknowledge the hurt and the hate. If your forgiveness doesn't visit the emotional core of your past, it will be incomplete. This is the great evangelical cover-up. Christians feel the pain of interpersonal offenses, but we won't acknowledge it. Let God bring the pain to the surface so He can deal with it. This is where the healing takes place.
Ask God to bring to your mind those you need to forgive. Make a list of all those who have offended you. Since God has forgiven them by His grace, you can forgive them too.
For each person on your list, say: "Lord, help me to forgive (name) for (offenses) ." Keep praying about each individual until you are sure that all the remembered pain has been dealt with. Don't try to rationalize or explain the offender's behavior. Forgiveness deals with your pain, not another's behavior.
Remember: ‘His burden that is light’ and will follow in time; freeing yourself from the past is the critical issue.
Pastor Hersch
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
oops
I was gonna post the video I recorded of the boys rock climbing....having never used the record option I didn't realize as I was turning the camera that I was recording side ways. Oh well, live and learn right? Instead I'm posting pics. Enjoy!
BTW, anyone know where I can pick up some colored contacts for my Twilight costume party tomorrow? The ones I ordered were canceled...some crap about changing my scrip...blah! Text me 954-934-8598 or email me ShellyMeridethAdams@gmail.com if you know where!! Much Thanks!!
Shelly
Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out Your arrows and rout them! Psalm 144:6
I tried to find a Bible passage that referred to surviving being struck by lightning as a good thing. I tried a long time, but I couldn't find a single one.
Most of the time the Bible thinks of lightning as being a large demonstration of God's power. Sometimes, as in the above passage, God is called upon to use His lightning to show displeasure to His enemies. Not a single passage said getting hit by lightning was lucky.
Even so, "lucky" is what a Fox News story called 16-year-old BreAnna Helsel. The article told how BreAnna, during a thunderstorm, had gone to the kitchen to shut an open window. It was there that the lightning struck her. BreAnna said she saw electricity shoot out of her fingers into the ceiling lights, which blew out the home's power.
Now I'm not an expert on such things, but if we were to talk about luck, or better yet, God's protection and providence, the really blessed person would be the individual who didn't get struck by lightning.
That makes sense to me. I may feel God is smiling on me when I survive an auto accident, but shouldn't I feel all the more special for the times He's kept me from any auto disaster? I may be blessed if I survive an illness, but shouldn't my heart be thankful for all the days my body has chugged along without any necessary maintenance at all?
It's a different way of looking at things. Too often we need the bad, the sad, the troublesome, and the terrible to be reminded just how many blessings God has showered upon us.
Consider this: That we might live forever in paradise, the Father sent His Son to live and die and rise for us. By God's grace and through the Savior's sacrifice we have dodged the damnation bullet.
This is why, especially today, I would encourage you to give thanks for the lightning which hasn't struck, the cavities which the dentist hasn't drilled, the hunger we've never felt, the plague and pestilence which never came. Today and always, give thanks for a good God who wants the best for His children.
Pastor Hersch
BTW, anyone know where I can pick up some colored contacts for my Twilight costume party tomorrow? The ones I ordered were canceled...some crap about changing my scrip...blah! Text me 954-934-8598 or email me ShellyMeridethAdams@gmail.com if you know where!! Much Thanks!!
Shelly
Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out Your arrows and rout them! Psalm 144:6
I tried to find a Bible passage that referred to surviving being struck by lightning as a good thing. I tried a long time, but I couldn't find a single one.
Most of the time the Bible thinks of lightning as being a large demonstration of God's power. Sometimes, as in the above passage, God is called upon to use His lightning to show displeasure to His enemies. Not a single passage said getting hit by lightning was lucky.
Even so, "lucky" is what a Fox News story called 16-year-old BreAnna Helsel. The article told how BreAnna, during a thunderstorm, had gone to the kitchen to shut an open window. It was there that the lightning struck her. BreAnna said she saw electricity shoot out of her fingers into the ceiling lights, which blew out the home's power.
Now I'm not an expert on such things, but if we were to talk about luck, or better yet, God's protection and providence, the really blessed person would be the individual who didn't get struck by lightning.
That makes sense to me. I may feel God is smiling on me when I survive an auto accident, but shouldn't I feel all the more special for the times He's kept me from any auto disaster? I may be blessed if I survive an illness, but shouldn't my heart be thankful for all the days my body has chugged along without any necessary maintenance at all?
It's a different way of looking at things. Too often we need the bad, the sad, the troublesome, and the terrible to be reminded just how many blessings God has showered upon us.
Consider this: That we might live forever in paradise, the Father sent His Son to live and die and rise for us. By God's grace and through the Savior's sacrifice we have dodged the damnation bullet.
This is why, especially today, I would encourage you to give thanks for the lightning which hasn't struck, the cavities which the dentist hasn't drilled, the hunger we've never felt, the plague and pestilence which never came. Today and always, give thanks for a good God who wants the best for His children.
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
WOW
Yesterday was exhausting! First I slept in till 10:30. Was kinda upset that Dave let me sleep so late but he was right, I needed it. Then we left at 11:30 for the Sawgrass Mills Mall so I could get my valentine's day gift. YAY! they had a bag I liked and what was even better they had 20% off coupons that day! I love it when I get a $318 bag for $84! It's super cute and purple!
We got Bryan an mp3 player cause his broke. Brody picked out a crazy frog cd. Dave picked out tshirts for Brandon & Brett and got himself what he needed to get his bike running again. Then the twins spotted a rock climbing wall. I caved and let them do it. (I'll post the video and pics tomorrow when I have more time as I have just been called into work.) They loved it and Dave & I are considering renting it for their birthday in May. We certainly have a big enough yard now!
At about 2:30 we left the mall and headed to Costco for eye appointments. The twins still have that 20/20 vision they have been blessed with. Eyes are healthy and they did great. I will always be amazed at God's miracles. They are so healthy! You would never think they were 2 months preemie and so close to not being here today. Choking up now....
I had my eyes checked and lets just say the report wasn't as good! The eyes themselves are healthy but the vision...my prescription hasn't really changed but the astigmatism in my right eye has doubled. She warned me the glasses are gonna take a while to get used to since the left eye barely has any astigmatism in it at all. Oh well...gone are the days when I had 20/20.....
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch
Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes. Solomon 2:15
In their book, Living a Power-Filled Life, Bill Tucker with Pat Maxwell talk about a four-hundred-year-old tree that crashed to the forest floor Over the centuries it had been struck by lightning fourteen times, braved great windstorms, and even defied an earthquake. In the end, however, it was killed by little beetles. Boring under the bark, they chewed away its mighty fibers until the giant of the forest lay broken on the ground.
How true it is, it's the little things in life, which at the time seem harmless, but when you put them all together, they can cause great devastation. And as the ditty puts it:
It's the little things that bother us and put us on the rack,
you can sit upon a mountain but you can't sit on a tack!
But the biggest danger of all is found in our so-called "little sins." Eventually they will catch up with us and inch by silent inch will drive us farther and farther away from God. And a preacher once said, "By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation."
Sins—large or small—are a spiritual cancer and unless we get the cancer, the cancer will get us. As God's word says, "Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23
The good news is that God also says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9
Pastor Hersch
We got Bryan an mp3 player cause his broke. Brody picked out a crazy frog cd. Dave picked out tshirts for Brandon & Brett and got himself what he needed to get his bike running again. Then the twins spotted a rock climbing wall. I caved and let them do it. (I'll post the video and pics tomorrow when I have more time as I have just been called into work.) They loved it and Dave & I are considering renting it for their birthday in May. We certainly have a big enough yard now!At about 2:30 we left the mall and headed to Costco for eye appointments. The twins still have that 20/20 vision they have been blessed with. Eyes are healthy and they did great. I will always be amazed at God's miracles. They are so healthy! You would never think they were 2 months preemie and so close to not being here today. Choking up now....
I had my eyes checked and lets just say the report wasn't as good! The eyes themselves are healthy but the vision...my prescription hasn't really changed but the astigmatism in my right eye has doubled. She warned me the glasses are gonna take a while to get used to since the left eye barely has any astigmatism in it at all. Oh well...gone are the days when I had 20/20.....
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch
Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes. Solomon 2:15
In their book, Living a Power-Filled Life, Bill Tucker with Pat Maxwell talk about a four-hundred-year-old tree that crashed to the forest floor Over the centuries it had been struck by lightning fourteen times, braved great windstorms, and even defied an earthquake. In the end, however, it was killed by little beetles. Boring under the bark, they chewed away its mighty fibers until the giant of the forest lay broken on the ground.
How true it is, it's the little things in life, which at the time seem harmless, but when you put them all together, they can cause great devastation. And as the ditty puts it:
It's the little things that bother us and put us on the rack,
you can sit upon a mountain but you can't sit on a tack!
But the biggest danger of all is found in our so-called "little sins." Eventually they will catch up with us and inch by silent inch will drive us farther and farther away from God. And a preacher once said, "By gnawing through a dike, even a rat may drown a nation."
Sins—large or small—are a spiritual cancer and unless we get the cancer, the cancer will get us. As God's word says, "Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23
The good news is that God also says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9
Pastor Hersch
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Stimulation Baby
Get ya mind outta the gutter. OK now that we have that cleared up. :)
So I failed to blog this morning. Was running kinda late...didn't wanna get outta bed. I would have loved to stay in but I figure, hey Jesus would have loved to not die on that cross for me so the least I can do is get my butt to church and fellowship with His children right? Right. And as always I had a great time. I did the baby duty! I think when I updated my twitter & facebook accounts earlier I may have been wrong about their ages. I believe they are 17 and 19 months old. They are adorable tho! Anywho, today's blog update comes from an email my dad sent me that I have read before and felt like sharing. Enjoy...or get mad....you choose.
Shelly
Stimulus checks explained!!!!!!
Sometime this year, we taxpayers will again receive another 'Economic Stimulus' payment.
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by using a Q & A format:
Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment ?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money ?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?
A. Only a smidgen of it.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:
* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China or Sri Lanka.
* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.
* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India, Taiwan or China .
* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala ..
* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .
* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .
* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in America by:
1) Spending it at yard sales, or
2) Going to ball games, or
3) Spending it on prostitutes, or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos
(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S.)
Conclusion:
Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day! No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help.
So I failed to blog this morning. Was running kinda late...didn't wanna get outta bed. I would have loved to stay in but I figure, hey Jesus would have loved to not die on that cross for me so the least I can do is get my butt to church and fellowship with His children right? Right. And as always I had a great time. I did the baby duty! I think when I updated my twitter & facebook accounts earlier I may have been wrong about their ages. I believe they are 17 and 19 months old. They are adorable tho! Anywho, today's blog update comes from an email my dad sent me that I have read before and felt like sharing. Enjoy...or get mad....you choose.
Shelly
Stimulus checks explained!!!!!!
Sometime this year, we taxpayers will again receive another 'Economic Stimulus' payment.
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by using a Q & A format:
Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment ?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money ?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?
A. Only a smidgen of it.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:
* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China or Sri Lanka.
* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.
* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India, Taiwan or China .
* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala ..
* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .
* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .
* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in America by:
1) Spending it at yard sales, or
2) Going to ball games, or
3) Spending it on prostitutes, or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos
(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S.)
Conclusion:
Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day! No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Oh Well
So much for not doing anything yesterday. My father in law decided we were going out to dinner to celebrate the birthdays. Dave turned 38 on Thursday and Brett turns 14 today at 1:01pm. It was fun and cold and wet. While we were out some freak storm started. This morning we woke to find the basketball hoop knocked down. It's cold again too. I love this weather! Brett wants to wait till next week to celebrate his birthday so next Friday we'll be partying. :)
Shelly
These were the ones chosen from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the divisions of Israel. Numbers 1:16
“Have you ever thought of…?” You can finish the sentence from here. Most of us, if we think back far enough, have had the experience of someone suggesting what we ought to do with our lives. “Have you considered becoming a teacher?” a relative might have asked, noting that we have a gift for explaining complex issues in understandable terms.
Or perhaps a mentor commented on our skill in encouraging others and delegating tasks, remarking that we’d make a fine manager someday.
Whatever the particulars, it’s safe to say that at least once in our lives, another person has seen something in us that we haven’t seen in ourselves. This is one way we discover our gifts.
Like Moses, however, we may be reluctant to believe what we hear. “I have never been eloquent…,” Moses protested when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. “I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” His objection notwithstanding, Moses went on to do what God had asked. He had what it took after all.
As much as we like to think that our spiritual journey is an individual pursuit, the truth is that we need the community to help us discern our path. It is, after all, through them that God challenges us, and directs us, and gives us a glimpse of who we really are.
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
These were the ones chosen from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the divisions of Israel. Numbers 1:16
“Have you ever thought of…?” You can finish the sentence from here. Most of us, if we think back far enough, have had the experience of someone suggesting what we ought to do with our lives. “Have you considered becoming a teacher?” a relative might have asked, noting that we have a gift for explaining complex issues in understandable terms.
Or perhaps a mentor commented on our skill in encouraging others and delegating tasks, remarking that we’d make a fine manager someday.
Whatever the particulars, it’s safe to say that at least once in our lives, another person has seen something in us that we haven’t seen in ourselves. This is one way we discover our gifts.
Like Moses, however, we may be reluctant to believe what we hear. “I have never been eloquent…,” Moses protested when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. “I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” His objection notwithstanding, Moses went on to do what God had asked. He had what it took after all.
As much as we like to think that our spiritual journey is an individual pursuit, the truth is that we need the community to help us discern our path. It is, after all, through them that God challenges us, and directs us, and gives us a glimpse of who we really are.
Pastor Hersch
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ahhh Friday
I love Fridays. I don't know why but I do. I do know that today is gonna be a laze day. I'm not even gonna change out of my jammies!!
Anyway, so last night I tweeted about the police presence 2 houses over. Cops stopping everyone who tried to drive through and the street was blocked off. Police helicopters in the air with spotlight searches going on. Kinda freaky when you have no idea what's happening. Of course there was nothing on the news about it last night and nothing today on their websites...
Shelly
Pastor Hersch:
Anyway, so last night I tweeted about the police presence 2 houses over. Cops stopping everyone who tried to drive through and the street was blocked off. Police helicopters in the air with spotlight searches going on. Kinda freaky when you have no idea what's happening. Of course there was nothing on the news about it last night and nothing today on their websites...
Shelly
Pastor Hersch:
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ” Matthew 7:22–23
Today we have people who seek experience for the sake of experience, wanting to have what they think is a touch from God. We have self-proclaimed prophets who give their messages and proclaim their visions, but are rarely held accountable for the outcome.
We must be careful. On one hand, we don't want to limit God through unbelief, because we want Him to do His miracles in our lives. On the other hand, we simply cannot believe everyone and everything.
I believe in miracles. I believe in the supernatural. I believe God can heal. But we cannot seek experience at any cost. Experience must always be subservient to truth. It must always be ordered under what is right. We cannot say something is true because we have experienced it. Rather, we should know something is true because it is found in Scripture and it verifies our experience.
In the Book of Acts, we never read about a miracle that was announced ahead of time. When God used Peter to heal the man at the gate Beautiful, we don't read that it was advertised beforehand: “Be at the gate Beautiful today. Miracles! Signs! Wonders! Don’t miss it!”
They never announced miracles in advance, because their focus was not on miracles. Their focus was on proclaiming the Word of God. They left miracles up to the Holy Spirit.
We must be especially careful in these last days, because not all miracles come from God. Remember, Satan is a great imitator.
Pastor Hersch |
Thursday, February 11, 2010
YAY!
So yesterday I'm trying to organize stuff, which is terribly hard when so much is still in boxes! Anyway, I get this call. It's a gal in my neighborhood looking for a Tupperware Consultant. YAY! Even better she used to be one herself. That is the best type of customer you can have!
So she has booked her party and today I'm taking her the supplies she needs to tell everyone. When I asked her how she found me, she told me it was the sign in my front yard. Thank You Lord!
Shelly
Pastor's devotional:
So she has booked her party and today I'm taking her the supplies she needs to tell everyone. When I asked her how she found me, she told me it was the sign in my front yard. Thank You Lord!
Shelly
Pastor's devotional:
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ Mark 8:34
Sometimes, we will say, “We all have our crosses to bear. My cross is my supervisor at work,” or “My cross is this health problem,” or “My cross is this relative.” But I think maybe, we have lost the meaning of the cross.
If you were living in first-century Jerusalem and saw someone surrounded by Roman guards and carrying a cross down the street, there would be no question in your mind where that person was going. You would know that he was about to be taken outside of the city, laid on the cross, and crucified.
Someone carrying a cross was someone who was about to die. So when Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” His disciples would have understood what He meant.
Taking up the cross speaks of dying to ourselves and wanting God’s will more than our own. It does not mean that our life is ruined when we decide to walk with Jesus.
What it does mean is that we now will have life and have it more abundantly as Jesus promised, because we want God’s will more than our own. Jesus said in Mark 8:35, “Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.”
TODAY - Are you am I, taking up the cross and following Jesus? Bearing the cross will affect and influence every aspect of our lives. The result will be life as it was meant to be lived: in the perfect will of God.
Pastor Hersch |
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Manic Monday???
And Tuesday.... and Wednesday...maybe tomorrow will be restful? Doubt it as it's Dave's b-day. He's gonna be 38! We've been together now 17 years. We met in February 1993 and started dating like a month later after he charmed me from his "friend". A year later we were married and parents. Where does the time go? And he's just now getting gray hair! Oh how I hate him!!! :)
I had to run some errands again today. I've been putting it off but finally hit Office Depot and got filing stuff. Now that we are home owners there is so much to claim at tax time. I simply have to be better organized so $30 later I have what I need to do so. I also still have yet to sit down and figure out what materials the boys need for the year. Maybe I'll do that next. Anyway, Here's Pastor's devotional.
Shelly
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1st Peter 1:3
Maybe today, you or someone you know is facing stress, anxiety, or a sense of defeat and despair. And if this feeling is making you want to give up on your life or trade it in for a new one, I want to you to know this: You don’t need a new start, you need a new heart!
Jesus came to earth to deliver you and me from our sins. He died and rose again to give you a brand new life! The power and passion of Jesus Christ is your hope! You can have a fresh start and a new day through Him!
According to our verse today, 1 Peter 1:3, we are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Born again? In John 3:7, Jesus said we “must be born again” to begin living in this new hope. Life in Christ is such a radical transformation that it’s like being born all over again.
When you go to the cross, it is more than a new start… it is a new life! How do you know when this new life happens? You will be changed, your priorities will be turned upside down!
Jesus Christ, the living Savior, will-does take men and women discouraged by the world around them and give them not only hope now, but hope forever. It’s a hope that dawns in the hearts of those who have been born again.
So if you would like to be born again today by the power of the resurrection of Jesus, why don’t you say this simple prayer?
Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner born into a world of sin.
But I want to be born again through Jesus Christ! Please forgive me through Christ’s sacrifice and give me a new start.
I accept your gift of hope and grace. Amen.
If you have prayed these words… and meant it in your heart… it is the dawn of a new day of hope in your life!
And I want to be the first to welcome you into God’s family!
Pastor Hersch
I had to run some errands again today. I've been putting it off but finally hit Office Depot and got filing stuff. Now that we are home owners there is so much to claim at tax time. I simply have to be better organized so $30 later I have what I need to do so. I also still have yet to sit down and figure out what materials the boys need for the year. Maybe I'll do that next. Anyway, Here's Pastor's devotional.
Shelly
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1st Peter 1:3
Maybe today, you or someone you know is facing stress, anxiety, or a sense of defeat and despair. And if this feeling is making you want to give up on your life or trade it in for a new one, I want to you to know this: You don’t need a new start, you need a new heart!
Jesus came to earth to deliver you and me from our sins. He died and rose again to give you a brand new life! The power and passion of Jesus Christ is your hope! You can have a fresh start and a new day through Him!
According to our verse today, 1 Peter 1:3, we are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Born again? In John 3:7, Jesus said we “must be born again” to begin living in this new hope. Life in Christ is such a radical transformation that it’s like being born all over again.
When you go to the cross, it is more than a new start… it is a new life! How do you know when this new life happens? You will be changed, your priorities will be turned upside down!
Jesus Christ, the living Savior, will-does take men and women discouraged by the world around them and give them not only hope now, but hope forever. It’s a hope that dawns in the hearts of those who have been born again.
So if you would like to be born again today by the power of the resurrection of Jesus, why don’t you say this simple prayer?
Dear Lord, I know I am a sinner born into a world of sin.
But I want to be born again through Jesus Christ! Please forgive me through Christ’s sacrifice and give me a new start.
I accept your gift of hope and grace. Amen.
If you have prayed these words… and meant it in your heart… it is the dawn of a new day of hope in your life!
And I want to be the first to welcome you into God’s family!
Pastor Hersch
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
So Tired...
I just don't get enough sleep. I need to remind myself to take a sleeping pill at 8pm and when it kicks in an hour later to go straight to bed. As if...
Got called into work yesterday. Was a good day. No one gave me any grief. Actually the whole weekend was good. The super bowl party was fun. I of course pay no attention to the game. I just go for the fellowship.
My leg seems to be slowly healing. It looks so nasty but doesn't hurt as much and there isn't as much heat coming off it anymore. Still wish I had silver spray. I need to order some!
Well today I have some errands to run then I'll be working on the boys pc. Guess what? Another damn virus! And theirs was protected! I have decided screw everyone and their words of wisdom! I never had problems before when I had norton so I'm installing norton all all the computers now! Stick with what you know works!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6:7
The Scriptures are full of warnings about self-deception. James 1:26 reminds us that we deceive ourselves when we think we are religious but do not bridle our tongue. There is nothing that grieves God more than when we bad-mouth people instead of building them up with our speech.
We are never to use our tongues to put others down. Instead we are to edify one another in what we say and thereby give grace to those who hear us. If your tongue is out of control, you're fooling yourself to believe that you have your spiritual life together.
We also deceive ourselves when we think we will not reap what we sow, Galatians 6:7. As Christians we sometimes think we are exempt from this principle, but we are not. Even though our sins are forgiven, we will have to live with the results and consequences of our thoughts, words and actions whether good or bad.
Those raised in a rural setting were able to witness every year the law of cause and effect. If they didn't sow good seed in the spring, they didn't reap a good crop in the fall. If the sheep were not fed, they died.
Many people, young and old, have difficulty grasping this simple sow-and-reap truth. Living from weekend to weekend or party to party, they fail to prepare themselves for the future.
Your life may be measured by what you reap, but it is determined by what you sow. For example, if you want a friend, be a friend. What you get out of life is what you put into it.
Pastor Hersch
Got called into work yesterday. Was a good day. No one gave me any grief. Actually the whole weekend was good. The super bowl party was fun. I of course pay no attention to the game. I just go for the fellowship.
My leg seems to be slowly healing. It looks so nasty but doesn't hurt as much and there isn't as much heat coming off it anymore. Still wish I had silver spray. I need to order some!
Well today I have some errands to run then I'll be working on the boys pc. Guess what? Another damn virus! And theirs was protected! I have decided screw everyone and their words of wisdom! I never had problems before when I had norton so I'm installing norton all all the computers now! Stick with what you know works!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6:7
The Scriptures are full of warnings about self-deception. James 1:26 reminds us that we deceive ourselves when we think we are religious but do not bridle our tongue. There is nothing that grieves God more than when we bad-mouth people instead of building them up with our speech.
We are never to use our tongues to put others down. Instead we are to edify one another in what we say and thereby give grace to those who hear us. If your tongue is out of control, you're fooling yourself to believe that you have your spiritual life together.
We also deceive ourselves when we think we will not reap what we sow, Galatians 6:7. As Christians we sometimes think we are exempt from this principle, but we are not. Even though our sins are forgiven, we will have to live with the results and consequences of our thoughts, words and actions whether good or bad.
Those raised in a rural setting were able to witness every year the law of cause and effect. If they didn't sow good seed in the spring, they didn't reap a good crop in the fall. If the sheep were not fed, they died.
Many people, young and old, have difficulty grasping this simple sow-and-reap truth. Living from weekend to weekend or party to party, they fail to prepare themselves for the future.
Your life may be measured by what you reap, but it is determined by what you sow. For example, if you want a friend, be a friend. What you get out of life is what you put into it.
Pastor Hersch
Sunday, February 7, 2010
I'm a dummy....
Last night I caved and went to Walgreens and got stuff for my leg. If I had realized that putting some neosporine on wounds would actually ease some of the pain I would have done it right away! It still hurts but the edge is gone and it's not a constant pain now.
Today is gonna be busy. Church, then work, then home for an hour then back to church for our super bowl party. Even though I hate football I kinda have a soft spot for our super bowl party. It was at I think our first one ever that Dave decided to check out the church I was going to and kept going. I love my church mostly because the people are real and the pastor is a true man of God. So many people in churches are just there for the money and our pastor isn't. Which is good cause none of us have any. My church isn't part of some huge corporation and we don't charge people to come to our events. How many churches can say that???
Anywho, no email devotional today because we get the live version. So I'm gonna leave ya with a video I like.
Shelly
Today is gonna be busy. Church, then work, then home for an hour then back to church for our super bowl party. Even though I hate football I kinda have a soft spot for our super bowl party. It was at I think our first one ever that Dave decided to check out the church I was going to and kept going. I love my church mostly because the people are real and the pastor is a true man of God. So many people in churches are just there for the money and our pastor isn't. Which is good cause none of us have any. My church isn't part of some huge corporation and we don't charge people to come to our events. How many churches can say that???
Anywho, no email devotional today because we get the live version. So I'm gonna leave ya with a video I like.
Shelly
Saturday, February 6, 2010
PAIN!!!!
Yesterday morning one of the cats got caught in the cords on the blinds. Now I've had cats all my life. I've heard the stories about pets & even children and horrific accidents but never once experienced it close to home. That said, the cat gets her back leg tangled. She of course starts screaming and thrashing around. Boys are freaking out and I'm pulling the cords as far as possible hoping to release the tension and let her free herself. She's too crazed. Then 3 of the other cats attack her! One I believe was playing cause that's all he ever does. But the other two were attacking. Never have I heard of that either. In her pain and fear she gets a hold of my leg. And she took it all out on me. So now I'm screaming in addition to the cats and boys. Finally I pull myself together enough to yell "Get me the f-ing scissors" yes I admit that wasn't the wisest thing to say but I said it. Knowing full well Dave is gonna be livid that I ruined the blinds, I cut the cords, the rope loosened, Oreo realized she was free and I was left a sobbing wreck. The pain was excruciating. This was all at about 9:30am....I had people coming over for coffee at 10am. So I went to the bathroom and screamed again as I dumped peroxide on the wounds. I'm walking with a limp today and the pain is still almost unbearable. Oh and now I get to go to work. Pray I learn whatever it is I need to from this ordeal lol. Oh and the cat? She's right as rain....
Shelly
Now for Pastor Hersch:
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. Ecclesiastes 5:10
If your goal is to prosper in order to fulfill God's purposes, God will bless you. If it's just to be rich, you're on your own!
Notice:
(1) Money will buy people, but not true friends. Christina Onassis, one of the richest women in the world, had to hire someone to play tennis with her and go to supper with her. She had so much money that she couldn't spend it all, yet she lived an empty, lonely life. Yes, money will buy people, but not true friends. They'll be takers but not givers, and as soon as your money is gone, they will be too.
(2) Money will buy books, but not brains. In his book The Seven Secrets, John Hagee writes: 'A beautiful prayer tower was erected in the centre of Trinity University. Every day the chimes echoed across the campus. But that prayer tower had to be locked with an iron gate. Why? Because some students who could not achieve the academic dreams of their wealthy fathers climbed the stairs of the prayer tower to leap to their deaths.' Yes, money will buy books, but not brains.
(3) Money will buy food, but not a healthy appetite. Ever thought of an empty plate as beautiful? An empty plate becomes beautiful when you have a sick loved one with a deadly disease. You prepare the finest foods, only to watch them push it away, nauseated by the sight. Next time you see a dirty plate on your table, thank God for the food that He has given to you and the appetite to want it. Money can't buy that.
Bottom line: Make Jesus the Lord of your life, and make your money His servant!
Pastor Hersch
Shelly
Now for Pastor Hersch:
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. Ecclesiastes 5:10
If your goal is to prosper in order to fulfill God's purposes, God will bless you. If it's just to be rich, you're on your own!
Notice:
(1) Money will buy people, but not true friends. Christina Onassis, one of the richest women in the world, had to hire someone to play tennis with her and go to supper with her. She had so much money that she couldn't spend it all, yet she lived an empty, lonely life. Yes, money will buy people, but not true friends. They'll be takers but not givers, and as soon as your money is gone, they will be too.
(2) Money will buy books, but not brains. In his book The Seven Secrets, John Hagee writes: 'A beautiful prayer tower was erected in the centre of Trinity University. Every day the chimes echoed across the campus. But that prayer tower had to be locked with an iron gate. Why? Because some students who could not achieve the academic dreams of their wealthy fathers climbed the stairs of the prayer tower to leap to their deaths.' Yes, money will buy books, but not brains.
(3) Money will buy food, but not a healthy appetite. Ever thought of an empty plate as beautiful? An empty plate becomes beautiful when you have a sick loved one with a deadly disease. You prepare the finest foods, only to watch them push it away, nauseated by the sight. Next time you see a dirty plate on your table, thank God for the food that He has given to you and the appetite to want it. Money can't buy that.
Bottom line: Make Jesus the Lord of your life, and make your money His servant!
Pastor Hersch
Friday, February 5, 2010
Yesterday was busy but productive. The boys and I got all of the furniture back in place. Then we got the house cleaned up. Then during Twilight Club the electrician came that was supposed to come Monday but couldn't cause of the rain. Then Wednesday he was to be here but never showed. Finally $250 later we have the power panel for the house moved and now we can complete another part of the kitchen. YAY!!
Today I'm having some home schooling moms over for coffee and fellowship. Wish the Mauros were here. :(
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
There is a serious pessimism among people today who ask, “Are we really better off than we were? Are things getting any better?”
I know things aren’t perfect in our world, but we need to remember that America has flourished over the years due to God’s favor and blessing.
Today’s verse tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And this verse can help us understand the stability we have in God and why this nation was founded upon Christian principles. We exist today in our current state not because of our military strength, our technological ingenuity, or our financial power. We exist because of God’s favor.
This nation was founded upon the principles found in both the Old and New Testaments. Our nation’s founding fathers shared the same ethics and values, which they integrated into the original documents that formed our nation and gave us the right to exercise our religion freely.
But we’re in danger of losing our soul as a nation. America today is not what it is by chance or destiny. God orchestrated the hearts, minds, and lives of the people who founded this great country. I don’t know how long we’ll have the freedoms we enjoy so much today, but if we as Christians don’t stand for Christ, I believe these freedoms will be ripped from our hands!
The day Americans decide they no longer need God or His principles is the day America will begin to wither away and die. I continue to pray for our nation and ask you to do the same.
We should be thankful for the freedom paid for by all those who have sacrificed so greatly for our nation. But let me remind you true freedom only comes through the blood of the Lamb.
Today’s verse says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
The blood of Jesus bought true freedom!
That is the truest meaning of Paul’s great exclamation, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”!
Pastor Hersch
Today I'm having some home schooling moms over for coffee and fellowship. Wish the Mauros were here. :(
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
There is a serious pessimism among people today who ask, “Are we really better off than we were? Are things getting any better?”
I know things aren’t perfect in our world, but we need to remember that America has flourished over the years due to God’s favor and blessing.
Today’s verse tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And this verse can help us understand the stability we have in God and why this nation was founded upon Christian principles. We exist today in our current state not because of our military strength, our technological ingenuity, or our financial power. We exist because of God’s favor.
This nation was founded upon the principles found in both the Old and New Testaments. Our nation’s founding fathers shared the same ethics and values, which they integrated into the original documents that formed our nation and gave us the right to exercise our religion freely.
But we’re in danger of losing our soul as a nation. America today is not what it is by chance or destiny. God orchestrated the hearts, minds, and lives of the people who founded this great country. I don’t know how long we’ll have the freedoms we enjoy so much today, but if we as Christians don’t stand for Christ, I believe these freedoms will be ripped from our hands!
The day Americans decide they no longer need God or His principles is the day America will begin to wither away and die. I continue to pray for our nation and ask you to do the same.
We should be thankful for the freedom paid for by all those who have sacrificed so greatly for our nation. But let me remind you true freedom only comes through the blood of the Lamb.
Today’s verse says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
The blood of Jesus bought true freedom!
That is the truest meaning of Paul’s great exclamation, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”!
Pastor Hersch
Thursday, February 4, 2010
So Tired...
All of the hallway and dining room and about 97% of the living room painting is done. Thank you Jennie for the help! I decided against moving the boys 2 dressers right now. Maybe I'll paint that area next week. The kitchen still needs done but the electrician was a no show yesterday. Today is errand day then I need to do my nails, then TC, choir, and Bible study. Although I think I may have the youth group tonight...
Shelly
Now Pastor Hersch:
Shelly
Now Pastor Hersch:
| ‘Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.’ Genesis 1:31 Before you were born - God saw you. He knew the specific purpose you were designed to fulfil, so He provided the gifts you'd need and the environment required to put it all together. Then He looked at you and said, 'Very good.' It's important that you can say that too, because others will only treat you according to how you treat yourself. If you don't like the way people respond to you, stop and ask yourself, 'What's the message I'm sending out?' For people to treat you well, you've got to send out a message that says, 'I'm somebody, because God made me somebody!' We're talking about an inner strength that makes you attractive when you walk into a room, and causes others to say, 'Who's that?' And they won't be asking because your appearance is stunning. No, they'll be asking because your character is magnetic and your presence has impact. This is not pride - it's just healthy self-esteem based on God's opinion of you. When you have it, it affects the way you talk to others, sit in a classroom, apply for a job and perform the ministry that God gave you. Line up your opinion with God's! Appreciate who He made you to be. Develop what He gave you. Stop wishing you were somebody else. If two of us are identical, one of us is unnecessary. You are a unique blend of gifts and character. You have a special destiny on this earth. You are somebody - remember that today and tomorrow ! Pastor Hersch |
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Good Times
So last night we went to the movies and then dinner with our friends Jennie & Justin. The movie was good. We saw Legion. I personally think they could have done without all the foul language but other than that, good film. Then we went to The French Quarter for dinner. My drink was less than most places, that's the only good thing I have to say. Maybe we'll go again and try something else and be impressed.
Today is painting day. Jennie informed me she does nothing on Wednesday and she loves to paint. I will be putting her to work. ;} Also the electrician is coming to move the 1950s electric panel out of the kitchen that way we can put a microwave there and continue working on the kitchen redo. Also the vice president of the hurricane impact window is coming to show us how he can "drastically" reduce the $2500 price of the 1 window we need put in. Seriously, $2500 for one window. I vote we just leave the window unit in after the central air is installed.
Well gotta get into my paint clothes!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
Today is painting day. Jennie informed me she does nothing on Wednesday and she loves to paint. I will be putting her to work. ;} Also the electrician is coming to move the 1950s electric panel out of the kitchen that way we can put a microwave there and continue working on the kitchen redo. Also the vice president of the hurricane impact window is coming to show us how he can "drastically" reduce the $2500 price of the 1 window we need put in. Seriously, $2500 for one window. I vote we just leave the window unit in after the central air is installed.
Well gotta get into my paint clothes!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
| But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Romans 6:22 Are you happy with the way that you are right now? Are there things in your life you would like to see dramatically altered? Perhaps, like many other people, you made bold resolutions when the new year rolled around. You made plans regarding what changes you wanted to make in the coming year. But it’s a month or so later and those great resolutions have come to nothing. In the same way, as Christians we are often defeated in day-to-day living because we don’t really realize how many resources God has placed in our spiritual account.. A lot of times we say, “God help me. God, give me this. God, give me that.” Meanwhile, God is saying, “Will you please go check your account? I have deposited more than you could ever use. Check it out.” Can you imagine a soldier fighting a battle with no ammunition, while he was sitting on a bunker filled with thousands and thousands of rounds of ammo, more than he could use in a thousand wars? He has more than he needs right under him, but he is trying to fight the battle without the resources he has. Our defeat in our battle with sin and temptation lies largely in our ignorance of the facts. In Jesus Christ there is power to live a new life and to no longer be under sin’s control. That power is not in imitation, because you can imitate Jesus all you want and try to be like Him. The power comes from impartation. God has done something for you, and now it is for you to appropriate that divine provision.
Pastor Hersch |
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Painting....
Yesterday was busy, like I thought. However it wasn't too boring after all. Dave got a lot of little fixes done around the house and for that I am so grateful. He fixed the dryer, fixed the twins bed, fixed the floor that the twins bed had been tearing up, and he took out all the old nasty caulking from the shower/tub. Oh it drove me bonkers! It looks so nice now and I'm so happy he did it.
I'm getting primer & paint today at Lowes and I will prime the house. I decided on 1 of the 6 colors finally. Hopefully I will be happy with it and leave it alone this time lol. It's hard to know what color to use on your walls when your color scheme is black & red. And I also hope to get out to the IKEA soon and get the book shelves & dvd shelves that I want. I can't wait to get all the books & movies & music unpacked!
Well I must be on my way as I slept in and it's already 9:00am!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
I'm getting primer & paint today at Lowes and I will prime the house. I decided on 1 of the 6 colors finally. Hopefully I will be happy with it and leave it alone this time lol. It's hard to know what color to use on your walls when your color scheme is black & red. And I also hope to get out to the IKEA soon and get the book shelves & dvd shelves that I want. I can't wait to get all the books & movies & music unpacked!
Well I must be on my way as I slept in and it's already 9:00am!
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
| Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! Psalm 119:11 Vern Treat tells about a scuba diver who said that when you're in deep water, you're encircled by light, so there's no way you can tell which way is up because the water diffuses the light. You're also totally weightless, so you have no sense of gravity. The only way you can tell which way to get out of the water is to go the direction the bubbles are going. Surrounded in an aura of light and weightless, it's very easy to lose all sense of direction and get disoriented. You may sense that this way is up and that your air bubbles are going sideways. You may be so convinced that your perception is true that you decide to ignore your bubbles and go the way you think is up. One of the first things we were told when learning to scuba-dive, Trent said, was to always trust your bubbles—to always follow your bubbles. No matter how you feel, no matter what you think, your bubbles are always right. Life can be like that at times too. If we base the rules of life on our feelings, perception or what we think, we can be very easily led astray. The philosophy, "If it feels good it must be right," is a dangerous guide to follow because our feelings can play all sorts of tricks on us. If something is wrong, it is wrong regardless of how we feel or what we think. True, it's important that we don't deny or repress our feelings, because we can learn to trust them; but what we can't always trust is our interpretation of them. The only safe guide to follow when it comes to the rules of life is to trust God and his Word, the Bible. Therein lie the "bubbles of life" to follow. These "bubbles" are always right. Always! Pastor Hersch |
Monday, February 1, 2010
It's A Manic Monday
Poor Dave & Brett and their friends Ken & Josh. They attempted going to the pro-bowl yesterday. I say attempted because it didn't happen. The parking lot was full of super bowl stuff so no one could get in and park. They would have to had park miles and miles away. That may have been ok except for the fact that Dave had surgery on his foot a little over a year ago and he couldn't walk that far. The boys were so disappointed. I think the dads were pretty disappointed too even though they put up a brave front. The one time they can go and the stupid football people don't plan wisely. The excuse that people were given was "we didn't expect this many people". The game was sold out....how could they not expect it?! Anyway, starting to get mad now. I really don't like it when my boys are upset.
Today Dave is home cause he expected to be in late last night. We're gonna hit Lowes and get some paint and little house hold fixes we need. Then we got other errands to run. Busy Boring day. :)
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
‘It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:32
There are many young adults today who no longer want to live in their parents' home or follow their rules. They want their own freedom without commitment or responsibility. They don't value the warmth of a home or the affection of their parents until they have thrown it all away. Many forfeit true happiness by looking for moments of pleasure.
This is like the parable of the prodigal son. He left his home to seek the freedoms this world has to offer. With money in his pocket, but no commitments or responsibilities, the son splurged it all on temporary pleasure. But there soon came a time when the money ran out and, then, so did the pleasure. At his lowest point, he was sharing food with pigs.
It was then, the son decided to return to his father where he knew there was still security and love.
Through His Word, God reaches out to bring us back to Him, too. He loves us so much that He paid for our rescue with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
Like the father in the story Jesus told, God the Father is waiting with open arms for us to return as well.
Pastor Hersch
Today Dave is home cause he expected to be in late last night. We're gonna hit Lowes and get some paint and little house hold fixes we need. Then we got other errands to run. Busy Boring day. :)
Shelly
Here's Pastor Hersch:
‘It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:32
There are many young adults today who no longer want to live in their parents' home or follow their rules. They want their own freedom without commitment or responsibility. They don't value the warmth of a home or the affection of their parents until they have thrown it all away. Many forfeit true happiness by looking for moments of pleasure.
This is like the parable of the prodigal son. He left his home to seek the freedoms this world has to offer. With money in his pocket, but no commitments or responsibilities, the son splurged it all on temporary pleasure. But there soon came a time when the money ran out and, then, so did the pleasure. At his lowest point, he was sharing food with pigs.
It was then, the son decided to return to his father where he knew there was still security and love.
Through His Word, God reaches out to bring us back to Him, too. He loves us so much that He paid for our rescue with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
Like the father in the story Jesus told, God the Father is waiting with open arms for us to return as well.
Pastor Hersch
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