Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Good morning ladies,
I was going to skip writing this morning. Many of you know I am headed to retreat and you won’t expect to hear from me.
I figured I could find an old z-mail and post it on the blog and just jot the local herd a quick note.
But God always seems to have other plans.
As I as looking for an old z-mail, I realized how much the Z-mails have changed. Z-mails from June and July are very different from the ones in August and September. It is amazing how much my style has changed.
And of course that is God.
God has begun a work here and I believe He will carry it on until completion and I know it is not about me, it is about all of us.
It is about all of God’s women who love Him and want to serve Him.
It is about all of us Zebras.
Ladies I love you, and I know that sounds strange because there are many of you I do not even know, but I do.
I pray that all of you will have a wonderful weekend confident that God will continue the good work He has begun inside of you.
Love,
Jill
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Open Your Eyes!
2 Kings 6:16-18
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
In 1986 Frank Peretti wrote This Present Darkness, it told the story of a demonic struggle for the control of a small town. I read it in 1996 and it completely freaked me out.
The story is told from two view points, the view of the people who are not aware of the angels and demons that surround them and from the view of the angels as they battle to protect the unaware people of God.
But it wasn’t until this morning that I realized why I didn’t like it.
In the book there is a scene where the main character is driving his car down a mountain. The angles and demons are battling and the demons cause the car to crash, but the angles rush in and save him.
It left me with the impression that there is a great battle going on, and sometimes God wins and sometimes He doesn’t.
And that’s not true.
God always wins and when God is involved there isn’t even a fight.
Monday night my van was broken in to. I had accidently left it unlocked and they just opened the door and took what they wanted.
Normally I would have A LOT of stuff in my car, including my purse but because of a series of unrelated events I had just cleaned out the car and I had taken my purse into the house. All the thieves got was an Ipod filled with Scripture and Christian music; a Sirius radio that has been disconnected; and a packet of instant coffee I have just bought from Starbucks. Not really a great haul.
Now God could have prevented this, but that wasn’t my first thought. My first thought was “Thank You God for going before me and preventing them from taking anything of value including my purse.”
As I have been preparing for retreat I have found that one of the best parts about being still is having your eyes opened to the love and protection of God.
Love,
Jill
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
In 1986 Frank Peretti wrote This Present Darkness, it told the story of a demonic struggle for the control of a small town. I read it in 1996 and it completely freaked me out.
The story is told from two view points, the view of the people who are not aware of the angels and demons that surround them and from the view of the angels as they battle to protect the unaware people of God.
But it wasn’t until this morning that I realized why I didn’t like it.
In the book there is a scene where the main character is driving his car down a mountain. The angles and demons are battling and the demons cause the car to crash, but the angles rush in and save him.
It left me with the impression that there is a great battle going on, and sometimes God wins and sometimes He doesn’t.
And that’s not true.
God always wins and when God is involved there isn’t even a fight.
Monday night my van was broken in to. I had accidently left it unlocked and they just opened the door and took what they wanted.
Normally I would have A LOT of stuff in my car, including my purse but because of a series of unrelated events I had just cleaned out the car and I had taken my purse into the house. All the thieves got was an Ipod filled with Scripture and Christian music; a Sirius radio that has been disconnected; and a packet of instant coffee I have just bought from Starbucks. Not really a great haul.
Now God could have prevented this, but that wasn’t my first thought. My first thought was “Thank You God for going before me and preventing them from taking anything of value including my purse.”
As I have been preparing for retreat I have found that one of the best parts about being still is having your eyes opened to the love and protection of God.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Obey!
Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Good morning ladies,
When I was first teaching I was told “Never smile before Christmas.” Basically the idea was that before you could do anything really fun with your class you needed to make sure that you have them under control and control was easier if they were a little afraid of you.
Now I know that sounds harsh, but it is true. If you go in the door of a classroom and try and be their friend, by the end of the year you regret it.
The other thing that happens when your class is a little afraid of you is you can be gone for a day without complete chaos breaking out. They know that if they misbehave with the substitute there will be consequences when you get back.
Fear and trembling are not words that you see too often in the New Testament. Jesus is not about fear, but about love.
I once asked my class “Why do you obey your parents? Do you obey out of love or out of fear?’ A few kids said they didn’t obey at all, but many said they obeyed out of fear, a few out of love and some obeyed because of both.
I think “both” is probably the best answer.
God loves us, Jesus loves us and because of that we should want to obey.
But if that doesn’t work then we probably need to remember that we are dealing with GOD and obey out of respectful reverence and fear.
God has done a work inside of you, He has made you a new creature, He has freed you from sin, He has given you the gifts of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
It is our job to obey and walk them out.
Love,
Jill
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Good morning ladies,
When I was first teaching I was told “Never smile before Christmas.” Basically the idea was that before you could do anything really fun with your class you needed to make sure that you have them under control and control was easier if they were a little afraid of you.
Now I know that sounds harsh, but it is true. If you go in the door of a classroom and try and be their friend, by the end of the year you regret it.
The other thing that happens when your class is a little afraid of you is you can be gone for a day without complete chaos breaking out. They know that if they misbehave with the substitute there will be consequences when you get back.
Fear and trembling are not words that you see too often in the New Testament. Jesus is not about fear, but about love.
I once asked my class “Why do you obey your parents? Do you obey out of love or out of fear?’ A few kids said they didn’t obey at all, but many said they obeyed out of fear, a few out of love and some obeyed because of both.
I think “both” is probably the best answer.
God loves us, Jesus loves us and because of that we should want to obey.
But if that doesn’t work then we probably need to remember that we are dealing with GOD and obey out of respectful reverence and fear.
God has done a work inside of you, He has made you a new creature, He has freed you from sin, He has given you the gifts of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
It is our job to obey and walk them out.
Love,
Jill
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thankfulness Training
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Good morning ladies,
I have always loved the rain, even as a small child. Even though it caused tension in our house because my father couldn’t work, I was happy. I had a clear plastic umbrella with blue trim and when it would rain I would go outside, twirl my umbrella and splash in the puddles like I was Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain.
Then I grew up and became a letter carrier.
Contrary to popular opinion, the post office does not have an official motto. Although from my personal experience I found “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" to be an accurate description of my job.
I delivered mail in 120F heat. It was so hot I jumped in people’s pools to cool off. And during Christmas time when it got dark early and the mail load was heavy, I delivered mail while holding a flashlight in my teeth. And I delivered in the rain.
It wasn’t as much fun working in it as it was singing in it.
But it was “thankfulness training” and it made me love the rain even more.
Now when it rains I am so incredibly thankful that God has provided a warm dry place for me to live.
When Nick was little he would open his eyes during bedtime prayer, peek over his folded hands and start thanking God for every piece of furniture and toy in the room. I would get irritated because he was taking so long, until God set me straight.
God calls us to be thankful people. He does not just call us to be thankful for the big things He gives us, but for everything He gives us.
And it is a challenge. But Nick with his childlike faith had it right.
Love,
Jill
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Good morning ladies,
I have always loved the rain, even as a small child. Even though it caused tension in our house because my father couldn’t work, I was happy. I had a clear plastic umbrella with blue trim and when it would rain I would go outside, twirl my umbrella and splash in the puddles like I was Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain.
Then I grew up and became a letter carrier.
Contrary to popular opinion, the post office does not have an official motto. Although from my personal experience I found “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" to be an accurate description of my job.
I delivered mail in 120F heat. It was so hot I jumped in people’s pools to cool off. And during Christmas time when it got dark early and the mail load was heavy, I delivered mail while holding a flashlight in my teeth. And I delivered in the rain.
It wasn’t as much fun working in it as it was singing in it.
But it was “thankfulness training” and it made me love the rain even more.
Now when it rains I am so incredibly thankful that God has provided a warm dry place for me to live.
When Nick was little he would open his eyes during bedtime prayer, peek over his folded hands and start thanking God for every piece of furniture and toy in the room. I would get irritated because he was taking so long, until God set me straight.
God calls us to be thankful people. He does not just call us to be thankful for the big things He gives us, but for everything He gives us.
And it is a challenge. But Nick with his childlike faith had it right.
Love,
Jill
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Battle is God's
Exodus 17:11
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
When Nicholas, my son, was little his favorite song was “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.” We used to sing it in church and he loved it so much I bought it on a worship CD for the car.
He was so cute swinging his little feet as we drove along and singing at the top of his five year old lungs.
We must have been studying “The Life of Moses” at BSF at the same time because that song is associated in my mind with a very cool story out of Exodus.
Moses had led the people out of Egypt. They were just beginning their journey when they were attacked by the Amalekites. Moses sent Joshua into battle while he stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hands. As long as his hands were up, the Israelites would win, but if he lowered his hands they would begin to lose.
Eventually Moses got tired so they got a stone for him to sit on and his brother Aaron and Hur, who appears to be a friend, held up his arms, until finally Israel was victorious.
Isn’t that the perfect picture of intercessory prayer?
I tell my husband and kids as they go off to battle the world that they need to remember that I am like Moses, I have my hands in the air praying for them.
But sometimes my arms get tired and I need someone to come along side me. That’s what godly friends and family are for.
On Wednesday I was talking to a friend and during the conversation I shared something that I was struggling with. She said she would pray for me and I know she did because as I went back into battle I felt like I could win.
Yesterday I had the privilege of doing that for someone else.
All of us are in a battle everyday, but what we need to remember is the battle really belongs to God and prayer is the best weapon against the enemy.
Love,
Jill
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
When Nicholas, my son, was little his favorite song was “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.” We used to sing it in church and he loved it so much I bought it on a worship CD for the car.
He was so cute swinging his little feet as we drove along and singing at the top of his five year old lungs.
We must have been studying “The Life of Moses” at BSF at the same time because that song is associated in my mind with a very cool story out of Exodus.
Moses had led the people out of Egypt. They were just beginning their journey when they were attacked by the Amalekites. Moses sent Joshua into battle while he stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hands. As long as his hands were up, the Israelites would win, but if he lowered his hands they would begin to lose.
Eventually Moses got tired so they got a stone for him to sit on and his brother Aaron and Hur, who appears to be a friend, held up his arms, until finally Israel was victorious.
Isn’t that the perfect picture of intercessory prayer?
I tell my husband and kids as they go off to battle the world that they need to remember that I am like Moses, I have my hands in the air praying for them.
But sometimes my arms get tired and I need someone to come along side me. That’s what godly friends and family are for.
On Wednesday I was talking to a friend and during the conversation I shared something that I was struggling with. She said she would pray for me and I know she did because as I went back into battle I felt like I could win.
Yesterday I had the privilege of doing that for someone else.
All of us are in a battle everyday, but what we need to remember is the battle really belongs to God and prayer is the best weapon against the enemy.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Fear
Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
It is skiing season again.
I used to ski. I learned when I was a freshman at Cal State San Bernardino. PE was required for freshman and skiing was offered, so I took it. Cal State is only about forty-five minutes from Wrightwood so every week we would go there and ski.
The first time we went up the” big slope” the instructor told me I was so terrible that I would never learn to ski and he promptly skied off and left me up there to figure out how to get down, which I did.
I think I learned how to ski just to spite him, I was never really good, just average, but I loved it.
My friend Ellen and I decided to take a trip to Mammoth, I don’t remember why, but I was so excited to finally ski a “real” mountain, until I got there.
I took one look at that mountain and was consumed with fear. I was so afraid that I pretended to have the flu so I didn’t have to go skiing.
I haven’t skied in years. Jumping out of a postal jeep ruined my knees. And even if I wanted to I couldn’t ski Mammoth now. It was a missed opportunity, one that I regret.
Moses, at God’s command sent twelve spies into the Promised Land. Their job was to explore the land that was promised to them by God and return with a report.
Numbers 13:30-31
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are."
Joshua and Caleb, two men who believed God, and ten Biblical scaredy-cats.
Unfortunately the scaredy-cats convinced the Israelites not to go and God’s anger burned against them. The ten spies were struck dead with a plague and the Israelites were forced to wander in the desert for forty years until everyone who was twenty years and older died. No one who refused to obey God was allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Fear can be a good thing. It keeps us from doing things that could cause us harm. But when it keeps us from doing what God has asked of us it is a sin.
FDR said “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself” I think a more accurate statement should be “The Only Thing We Have to Fear is God.”
Love,
Jill
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
It is skiing season again.
I used to ski. I learned when I was a freshman at Cal State San Bernardino. PE was required for freshman and skiing was offered, so I took it. Cal State is only about forty-five minutes from Wrightwood so every week we would go there and ski.
The first time we went up the” big slope” the instructor told me I was so terrible that I would never learn to ski and he promptly skied off and left me up there to figure out how to get down, which I did.
I think I learned how to ski just to spite him, I was never really good, just average, but I loved it.
My friend Ellen and I decided to take a trip to Mammoth, I don’t remember why, but I was so excited to finally ski a “real” mountain, until I got there.
I took one look at that mountain and was consumed with fear. I was so afraid that I pretended to have the flu so I didn’t have to go skiing.
I haven’t skied in years. Jumping out of a postal jeep ruined my knees. And even if I wanted to I couldn’t ski Mammoth now. It was a missed opportunity, one that I regret.
Moses, at God’s command sent twelve spies into the Promised Land. Their job was to explore the land that was promised to them by God and return with a report.
Numbers 13:30-31
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are."
Joshua and Caleb, two men who believed God, and ten Biblical scaredy-cats.
Unfortunately the scaredy-cats convinced the Israelites not to go and God’s anger burned against them. The ten spies were struck dead with a plague and the Israelites were forced to wander in the desert for forty years until everyone who was twenty years and older died. No one who refused to obey God was allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Fear can be a good thing. It keeps us from doing things that could cause us harm. But when it keeps us from doing what God has asked of us it is a sin.
FDR said “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself” I think a more accurate statement should be “The Only Thing We Have to Fear is God.”
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Hard Walk
Mark 4:18-19
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Good morning ladies,
A few days ago I went for a walk with my friend Karen. She and I have been walking together on and off for years.
When we first started walking we would walk what we have nicknamed “the trail of tears” (no disrespect intended to the Native Americans) because it was so difficult. Over the years our walks changed, they got easier and shorter until we finally quit and joined the gym because we weren’t getting enough exercise.
A few weeks ago we decided we needed to back to walking our long walk. We both love being outside and walking gives us time to talk and since we had quit going to the gym, we needed the exercise
The first day we were both concerned. In our minds we had built this walk into an insurmountable obstacle, something way too hard for mortal man.
You can imagine our surprise to find it was way easier than we remembered and actually a lot of fun.
I think that this is what happens with Christians. They get “saved” and they are so excited that they are willing to walk the hard walk because they love Jesus so much. They are willing and anxious to study their Bibles and pray. Even when they aren’t sure what they are doing.
Slowly something changes. Maybe they didn’t get the desired results; maybe they got distracted by the world, or maybe they got blindsided by a trial. Who knows, but suddenly it all seems too
hard. They start neglecting Bible study and prayer until finally the things of God don’t seem that exciting anymore. It is just another chore and they quit.
I know that is what happened to me. And I don’t think I am alone.
If you have gotten lazy about your quiet time or lackadaisical about prayer and Bible study I encourage you to try again.
I think you will find it is worth it.
Love,
Jill
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Good morning ladies,
A few days ago I went for a walk with my friend Karen. She and I have been walking together on and off for years.
When we first started walking we would walk what we have nicknamed “the trail of tears” (no disrespect intended to the Native Americans) because it was so difficult. Over the years our walks changed, they got easier and shorter until we finally quit and joined the gym because we weren’t getting enough exercise.
A few weeks ago we decided we needed to back to walking our long walk. We both love being outside and walking gives us time to talk and since we had quit going to the gym, we needed the exercise
The first day we were both concerned. In our minds we had built this walk into an insurmountable obstacle, something way too hard for mortal man.
You can imagine our surprise to find it was way easier than we remembered and actually a lot of fun.
I think that this is what happens with Christians. They get “saved” and they are so excited that they are willing to walk the hard walk because they love Jesus so much. They are willing and anxious to study their Bibles and pray. Even when they aren’t sure what they are doing.
Slowly something changes. Maybe they didn’t get the desired results; maybe they got distracted by the world, or maybe they got blindsided by a trial. Who knows, but suddenly it all seems too
hard. They start neglecting Bible study and prayer until finally the things of God don’t seem that exciting anymore. It is just another chore and they quit.
I know that is what happened to me. And I don’t think I am alone.
If you have gotten lazy about your quiet time or lackadaisical about prayer and Bible study I encourage you to try again.
I think you will find it is worth it.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Zebra Scarf
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good morning ladies,
I had a strange thing happen at church on Sunday. Gloria, a very Godly lady who works in Awana with me came up to me and gave me her zebra scarf. That’s not odd you might say because probably a lot of people give you zebra stuff, which is true, but this one was different.
Gloria is not in Zebras, she does not have a computer so she does not receive z-mails and she had no idea that I had anything to do with zebras.
She had been on vacation in Arizona and she saw this scarf. She felt God tell her to buy it but she didn’t know why because she doesn’t really like zebra print, she likes leopard. But because Gloria is a very obedient child of God, she bought it.
She wore it to church on Sunday and I told her how pretty it was.
After service she came up to me and gave me the scarf. I thought she was giving it to me because I had mentioned I liked it so I tried refusing it. But she said she “No.” she had to give it to me because “her Lord Jesus told her to.”
At that point I took it.
And then she gave me her earrings.
What made it really cool was that my husband Gary had been praying that God would bring me some encouragement to continue doing Zebras, some sign that what I was doing was what God wanted of me and I had decided I needed a zebra scarf to wear to retreat. The earrings were a bonus.
Each one of us was created by God to do something. Something He has prepared in advance for us to do.
All we have to do is ask.
Love,
Jill
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good morning ladies,
I had a strange thing happen at church on Sunday. Gloria, a very Godly lady who works in Awana with me came up to me and gave me her zebra scarf. That’s not odd you might say because probably a lot of people give you zebra stuff, which is true, but this one was different.
Gloria is not in Zebras, she does not have a computer so she does not receive z-mails and she had no idea that I had anything to do with zebras.
She had been on vacation in Arizona and she saw this scarf. She felt God tell her to buy it but she didn’t know why because she doesn’t really like zebra print, she likes leopard. But because Gloria is a very obedient child of God, she bought it.
She wore it to church on Sunday and I told her how pretty it was.
After service she came up to me and gave me the scarf. I thought she was giving it to me because I had mentioned I liked it so I tried refusing it. But she said she “No.” she had to give it to me because “her Lord Jesus told her to.”
At that point I took it.
And then she gave me her earrings.
What made it really cool was that my husband Gary had been praying that God would bring me some encouragement to continue doing Zebras, some sign that what I was doing was what God wanted of me and I had decided I needed a zebra scarf to wear to retreat. The earrings were a bonus.
Each one of us was created by God to do something. Something He has prepared in advance for us to do.
All we have to do is ask.
Love,
Jill
Monday, January 18, 2010
Looking for Love
Romans 5:6-8
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (NASB)
Good morning ladies,
There was in a song made popular by the movie Urban Cowboy in 1980 called “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” And I think it is truer today than it was then because now we aren’t just looking for love in the wrong places we are looking for some validation of our worth.
Gary and I watched the movie Julie and Julia this weekend. I had heard great things about it and I was anxious to watch it. By the time it was over I was crying. For those of you who haven’t seen the movie it is about a young woman named Julie who is about to turn thirty and her life has no meaning. Her friends are all successful and she isn’t so her husband suggests that she start a blog. She decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s cookbook in one year and blog about it.
The part that was so depressing to me was how excited she would get when people read her blog and how depressed she got when things went wrong. Her emotions were based upon the reactions and whims of others.
It struck a little too close to home. So I had to take it to God.
What He showed me is that all of us want people to like us. It is only natural, but it shouldn’t control our lives and it crosses over into the realm of sin when we care more about what people think than what God thinks.
People will like you; people will hate you, that’s just what they do. But that is not what God does.
God always loves you. And He sent His son to die on the cross to show you how much. Nobody else has done that.
So if you are feeling unloved, unwanted, unneeded, unsuccessful, unnecessary, unanything today, don’t look to the world and other people to make you feel better, look to God.
Love,
Jill
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (NASB)
Good morning ladies,
There was in a song made popular by the movie Urban Cowboy in 1980 called “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” And I think it is truer today than it was then because now we aren’t just looking for love in the wrong places we are looking for some validation of our worth.
Gary and I watched the movie Julie and Julia this weekend. I had heard great things about it and I was anxious to watch it. By the time it was over I was crying. For those of you who haven’t seen the movie it is about a young woman named Julie who is about to turn thirty and her life has no meaning. Her friends are all successful and she isn’t so her husband suggests that she start a blog. She decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s cookbook in one year and blog about it.
The part that was so depressing to me was how excited she would get when people read her blog and how depressed she got when things went wrong. Her emotions were based upon the reactions and whims of others.
It struck a little too close to home. So I had to take it to God.
What He showed me is that all of us want people to like us. It is only natural, but it shouldn’t control our lives and it crosses over into the realm of sin when we care more about what people think than what God thinks.
People will like you; people will hate you, that’s just what they do. But that is not what God does.
God always loves you. And He sent His son to die on the cross to show you how much. Nobody else has done that.
So if you are feeling unloved, unwanted, unneeded, unsuccessful, unnecessary, unanything today, don’t look to the world and other people to make you feel better, look to God.
Love,
Jill
Friday, January 15, 2010
Good Friends
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Good morning ladies,
Everyday I am more and more grateful for good friends.
Last week Joshua, my moodle, made a break for it again. The door wasn’t closed all the way and he seized the opportunity to take himself for walk. Fortunately his sister, Abigail, is a tattle-tale and Katherine was able to go catch him before he got too far.
This morning Joshua got trapped behind a door and I didn’t notice until Abigail started to whine.
Abigail and Joshua are kindred spirits. (okay, kindred dogs) They watch out for each other. They are always aware of each others’ presence. And Abigail who is aware of Joshua’s weakness for roaming is always on alert.
To me that is the picture of a true friend, someone who will sound the alarm when you are off-track.
I know from experience it’s easier just to tell people what they want to hear than it is to tell them the truth. But white lies and platitudes don’t help people grow. God’s word does. And Christian friends who will pray for you and speak truth in love do too.
I remember the first time I got in an argument with my friend Janet. To me our friendship was over, but not to her. I can’t remember exactly what she said, but it was something to the effect of, “If our friendship can’t stand up to the truth, it isn’t much of a friendship.” That was a novel concept for me.
I love Janet. She has been a friend for years. She has prayed for me and helped me grow. Sometimes I think she has a clearer vision of God’s plans for me than I do, but she also knows I am prone to wander.
I called her earlier to talk about retreat and as I was hanging up I told her I didn’t think that I was going to write a z-mail today. I was pretty sure God was giving me the day off.
Five minutes later I was typing and I am sure that this is her fault. I think she told God.
Love,
Jill
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Good morning ladies,
Everyday I am more and more grateful for good friends.
Last week Joshua, my moodle, made a break for it again. The door wasn’t closed all the way and he seized the opportunity to take himself for walk. Fortunately his sister, Abigail, is a tattle-tale and Katherine was able to go catch him before he got too far.
This morning Joshua got trapped behind a door and I didn’t notice until Abigail started to whine.
Abigail and Joshua are kindred spirits. (okay, kindred dogs) They watch out for each other. They are always aware of each others’ presence. And Abigail who is aware of Joshua’s weakness for roaming is always on alert.
To me that is the picture of a true friend, someone who will sound the alarm when you are off-track.
I know from experience it’s easier just to tell people what they want to hear than it is to tell them the truth. But white lies and platitudes don’t help people grow. God’s word does. And Christian friends who will pray for you and speak truth in love do too.
I remember the first time I got in an argument with my friend Janet. To me our friendship was over, but not to her. I can’t remember exactly what she said, but it was something to the effect of, “If our friendship can’t stand up to the truth, it isn’t much of a friendship.” That was a novel concept for me.
I love Janet. She has been a friend for years. She has prayed for me and helped me grow. Sometimes I think she has a clearer vision of God’s plans for me than I do, but she also knows I am prone to wander.
I called her earlier to talk about retreat and as I was hanging up I told her I didn’t think that I was going to write a z-mail today. I was pretty sure God was giving me the day off.
Five minutes later I was typing and I am sure that this is her fault. I think she told God.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, January 14, 2010
God is Good
Psalm 119:68
You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Looking at the headlines of today’s paper many people will question whether God is really good. How can a good God allow…
It is easier for me when the destruction and hurt is caused by men. After the Fall, evil lurks in the hearts of men and then God gave us free choice. King Solomon came to the same conclusion because he wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives.
But natural disasters are more difficult. US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton described the damage in Haiti as “biblical” I wonder what she means by that.
In the Old Testament God brought destruction on the nation of Israel as judgement for their sin. He was trying to get their attention. He had warned them to obey, and they chose not to. They repeatedly did evil in His sight. But that doesn’t apply here.
Earthquakes are mentioned in the Bible. God used one to set Paul free from jail (Acts 16:26) and Jesus said they were a foreshadowing of the end times.
Matthew 24:7
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
But that doesn’t make them good.
Thousand of people have died, thousands more are suffering and God caused it.
Does that mean God is not good?
No, it means we don’t understand.
The Bible says that God is good, it says what He does is good and even if we don’t understand it, we need to believe it.
Love,
Jill
You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Looking at the headlines of today’s paper many people will question whether God is really good. How can a good God allow…
It is easier for me when the destruction and hurt is caused by men. After the Fall, evil lurks in the hearts of men and then God gave us free choice. King Solomon came to the same conclusion because he wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives.
But natural disasters are more difficult. US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton described the damage in Haiti as “biblical” I wonder what she means by that.
In the Old Testament God brought destruction on the nation of Israel as judgement for their sin. He was trying to get their attention. He had warned them to obey, and they chose not to. They repeatedly did evil in His sight. But that doesn’t apply here.
Earthquakes are mentioned in the Bible. God used one to set Paul free from jail (Acts 16:26) and Jesus said they were a foreshadowing of the end times.
Matthew 24:7
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
But that doesn’t make them good.
Thousand of people have died, thousands more are suffering and God caused it.
Does that mean God is not good?
No, it means we don’t understand.
The Bible says that God is good, it says what He does is good and even if we don’t understand it, we need to believe it.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Free Will part two
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I told you we were going to have the reading of the Law, and we did. It went really well, the kids understood what I expected of them.
Unfortunately, although they had great intentions they didn’t make it.
So this morning I had to carry through with my threat. They had to get themselves up, fix their own breakfast and lunch and get ready for school all alone.
I thought about “showing them grace” and helping them even though I said I wouldn’t, but I didn’t. I was afraid that they were counting on me giving in so I wanted to hang tough and teach them a lesson
I think it taught me more.
First, good intentions are not obedience. John Wesley is credited with saying “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
It does not matter what we intend to do, it matters what we do.
Second, God can always show mercy and prevent us from reaping the consequences of our actions, just like I could have gotten out of bed and helped my kids this morning, but we shouldn’t count on it. If we confess our sins we are always forgiven because 1 John 1:9 says If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
But forgiveness and consequences are two different things.
And finally, I like doing things for my kids. It brings me joy. I like helping them and making their lives a little easier.
And so does God.
He wants to help us and make our lives easier but He can’t because of our disobedience.
This month as we think about obedience, remember it is not a negative, but the gateway to blessings.
Love,
Jill
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I told you we were going to have the reading of the Law, and we did. It went really well, the kids understood what I expected of them.
Unfortunately, although they had great intentions they didn’t make it.
So this morning I had to carry through with my threat. They had to get themselves up, fix their own breakfast and lunch and get ready for school all alone.
I thought about “showing them grace” and helping them even though I said I wouldn’t, but I didn’t. I was afraid that they were counting on me giving in so I wanted to hang tough and teach them a lesson
I think it taught me more.
First, good intentions are not obedience. John Wesley is credited with saying “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
It does not matter what we intend to do, it matters what we do.
Second, God can always show mercy and prevent us from reaping the consequences of our actions, just like I could have gotten out of bed and helped my kids this morning, but we shouldn’t count on it. If we confess our sins we are always forgiven because 1 John 1:9 says If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
But forgiveness and consequences are two different things.
And finally, I like doing things for my kids. It brings me joy. I like helping them and making their lives a little easier.
And so does God.
He wants to help us and make our lives easier but He can’t because of our disobedience.
This month as we think about obedience, remember it is not a negative, but the gateway to blessings.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Free Will
Deuteronomy 11:26-28
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse- the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.
John 15:10
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
Good morning ladies,
Today in the Getchell household we are going to have the tenth (at least) reading of the Law.
The kids have gotten a little too lacadasical about the rules around here. And I am no longer happy. So today while they are at school I am going to rewrite the rules and when they get home I am going to sit them down and read them to them.
Then, because they are teenagers who need to learn the consequences of their decisions they can choose to obey or not. If they obey they will continue to receive the blessings which come from living in this house. If not they are on their own.
Now obviously I love them and I won’t kick them out, they are only fourteen and sixteen, but I can quit doing anything for them. I can quit cooking and cleaning and driving them around. I can quit paying for their gas and giving them money for fun activities. I can take away their phones, their gaming consoles and their computers. And if I really want to get my point across I can take away their privilege to use the main part of the house and restrict them to their rooms.
But because they are good kids who desire to please me, I don’t think it will come to that. But it could.
Like any good parent, our Our Heavenly Father has given us rules to follow as well; He even wrote them down in a book we call the Bible.
And then He gave us freewill to choose.
If we choose to obey, God says there is no end to the blessings that He has for us including giving us the power to obey, but if we don’t, well, He could always leave us on our own.
Love,
Jill
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse- the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.
John 15:10
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
Good morning ladies,
Today in the Getchell household we are going to have the tenth (at least) reading of the Law.
The kids have gotten a little too lacadasical about the rules around here. And I am no longer happy. So today while they are at school I am going to rewrite the rules and when they get home I am going to sit them down and read them to them.
Then, because they are teenagers who need to learn the consequences of their decisions they can choose to obey or not. If they obey they will continue to receive the blessings which come from living in this house. If not they are on their own.
Now obviously I love them and I won’t kick them out, they are only fourteen and sixteen, but I can quit doing anything for them. I can quit cooking and cleaning and driving them around. I can quit paying for their gas and giving them money for fun activities. I can take away their phones, their gaming consoles and their computers. And if I really want to get my point across I can take away their privilege to use the main part of the house and restrict them to their rooms.
But because they are good kids who desire to please me, I don’t think it will come to that. But it could.
Like any good parent, our Our Heavenly Father has given us rules to follow as well; He even wrote them down in a book we call the Bible.
And then He gave us freewill to choose.
If we choose to obey, God says there is no end to the blessings that He has for us including giving us the power to obey, but if we don’t, well, He could always leave us on our own.
Love,
Jill
Monday, January 11, 2010
Kindred Spirits
Philippians 2:20
For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
Good morning ladies,
As I prepare for this week’s Bible study on Philippians this phrase keeps jumping out at me. Paul is writing to the Philippians from his prison cell to thank them for their support and to give them an update on his condition.
In verse 19 he tells them, I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. But it is the way he describes Timothy in verse twenty that I find so intriguing, a kindred spirit.
What does it mean to be kindred spirits? The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines kindred as: To be activated by the same motives, of like character.
I guess what I find interesting is that Paul had a lot of people who worked beside him, but only Timothy was described as a kindred spirit.
I have been spending a lot of time reading John 15. Jesus uses the word “abide” ten times in the first eleven verses. Three times is verse four alone Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
The same dictionary defines abide as: remaining united with someone in heart, mind and will. Sort of like kindred spirits.
As I was thinking all of this over and thinking how blessed I am to have so many kindred spirits as friends God spoke.
“It’s nice that you have friends that are like minded, He said “I gave them to you for your encouragement. But what matters most is are you and I like minded. Are you My kindred spirit?”
Jesus has a lot of people who work for Him and with Him. I wonder how many He would call kindred spirits.
Love,
Jill
For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
Good morning ladies,
As I prepare for this week’s Bible study on Philippians this phrase keeps jumping out at me. Paul is writing to the Philippians from his prison cell to thank them for their support and to give them an update on his condition.
In verse 19 he tells them, I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. But it is the way he describes Timothy in verse twenty that I find so intriguing, a kindred spirit.
What does it mean to be kindred spirits? The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines kindred as: To be activated by the same motives, of like character.
I guess what I find interesting is that Paul had a lot of people who worked beside him, but only Timothy was described as a kindred spirit.
I have been spending a lot of time reading John 15. Jesus uses the word “abide” ten times in the first eleven verses. Three times is verse four alone Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
The same dictionary defines abide as: remaining united with someone in heart, mind and will. Sort of like kindred spirits.
As I was thinking all of this over and thinking how blessed I am to have so many kindred spirits as friends God spoke.
“It’s nice that you have friends that are like minded, He said “I gave them to you for your encouragement. But what matters most is are you and I like minded. Are you My kindred spirit?”
Jesus has a lot of people who work for Him and with Him. I wonder how many He would call kindred spirits.
Love,
Jill
Friday, January 8, 2010
Do You Care?
Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Good morning ladies,
Our family likes to play video games. One game we play is Mario Party. It is really just a board game in video format. Players have to compete in mini-games to win coins so they can buy stars and every once in awhile you have to play a battle game.
One of the battle games involves racing against the other players as you navigate your character along a narrow path. The first one to finish wins and if you fall off you die. Fortunately this is a video game and you get another life.
But that is not true in the real world. We only get one life.
This week in Bible study we discussed our eternal future. We discussed Heaven and the Lake of Fire. We discussed what happens to nonbelievers when they die.
It was a disturbing conversation.
But what disturbed me the most is I’m afraid I don’t care.
My daughter Katherine has a heart for the lost.
Art Rorheim, co-founder of Awana, has a heart for the lost.
Thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel have a heart for the lost. Why don’t I?
Why don’t I care that people I love and millions more that I don’t even know are going to spend eternity separated from God?
I think God showed me the answer this week in Bible study. I just don’t think about it.
Do you?
Love,
Jill
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Good morning ladies,
Our family likes to play video games. One game we play is Mario Party. It is really just a board game in video format. Players have to compete in mini-games to win coins so they can buy stars and every once in awhile you have to play a battle game.
One of the battle games involves racing against the other players as you navigate your character along a narrow path. The first one to finish wins and if you fall off you die. Fortunately this is a video game and you get another life.
But that is not true in the real world. We only get one life.
This week in Bible study we discussed our eternal future. We discussed Heaven and the Lake of Fire. We discussed what happens to nonbelievers when they die.
It was a disturbing conversation.
But what disturbed me the most is I’m afraid I don’t care.
My daughter Katherine has a heart for the lost.
Art Rorheim, co-founder of Awana, has a heart for the lost.
Thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel have a heart for the lost. Why don’t I?
Why don’t I care that people I love and millions more that I don’t even know are going to spend eternity separated from God?
I think God showed me the answer this week in Bible study. I just don’t think about it.
Do you?
Love,
Jill
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Early Bird
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
The early bird catches the worm. (English proverb cir. 1670)
Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. (Ben Franklin)
Everyone knows that getting up early has its benefits, even my moodles.
Joshua sleeps with Nick and Abigail sleeps with Katherine. Since Nick has to get up earlier for school than Katherine, Joshua has to get up earlier than Abigail.
While Nick takes a shower Josh keeps me company in the kitchen “helping” me make breakfast and pack lunches. This often results in a few extra tidbits of food.
Today I made Nick a steak sandwich for lunch so Josh really benefited from getting up early. And I told him so.
Eight years ago God convicted me about getting up early and starting my day with Him. Back then I had to get up at 6:00 to get my quiet time in before waking the kids up for school. Now sometimes I have to get up at 4:30.
At first, I have to admit, it didn’t always seem worth it, but I did it anyway, out of obedience. Now it has become a regular part of my routine.
The Bible doesn’t say we have to get up early to sit at the feet of Jesus and I don’t believe that it is a sin not to. But I can tell you from personal experience that God has something special for those who are willing to do it.
Love,
Jill
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
The early bird catches the worm. (English proverb cir. 1670)
Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. (Ben Franklin)
Everyone knows that getting up early has its benefits, even my moodles.
Joshua sleeps with Nick and Abigail sleeps with Katherine. Since Nick has to get up earlier for school than Katherine, Joshua has to get up earlier than Abigail.
While Nick takes a shower Josh keeps me company in the kitchen “helping” me make breakfast and pack lunches. This often results in a few extra tidbits of food.
Today I made Nick a steak sandwich for lunch so Josh really benefited from getting up early. And I told him so.
Eight years ago God convicted me about getting up early and starting my day with Him. Back then I had to get up at 6:00 to get my quiet time in before waking the kids up for school. Now sometimes I have to get up at 4:30.
At first, I have to admit, it didn’t always seem worth it, but I did it anyway, out of obedience. Now it has become a regular part of my routine.
The Bible doesn’t say we have to get up early to sit at the feet of Jesus and I don’t believe that it is a sin not to. But I can tell you from personal experience that God has something special for those who are willing to do it.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
What's Best
Luke 10:41-42
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
The Martha and Mary story, we have all heard it a million times. Martha is in the wrong, too focused on cleaning and preparing food and Mary, saintly Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus is in the right. We get it.
But this morning God woke me up with this passage.
As I have been preparing for retreat I have gone to this passage many times. Mary is the epitome of a still woman. She is sitting quietly at Jesus’ feet talking to Him. But what keeps jumping off the page at me is “it will not be taken from her.”
We would not allow anyone to take from us the things we love. We all shudder at the thought of someone snatching our children. And if another woman was after our man we would fight tooth and nail. Heck, most of us would even put up a little fight if someone tried to steal our car.
And yet we sit quietly by and allow the world and its crazy busy schedule to steal the one thing that is (depending upon your translation) best, necessary, needed, or worth being concerned about-our relationship with God.
That is so wrong.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The world is never going to calm down, the house is never going to be perfect, the laundry is never going to go away, and all our work is never going to be done. And that’s okay. We can still sit at the feet of Jesus.
Resolve this year not to allow the world to steal from you what is best.
Fight to be still.
Love,
Jill
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
The Martha and Mary story, we have all heard it a million times. Martha is in the wrong, too focused on cleaning and preparing food and Mary, saintly Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus is in the right. We get it.
But this morning God woke me up with this passage.
As I have been preparing for retreat I have gone to this passage many times. Mary is the epitome of a still woman. She is sitting quietly at Jesus’ feet talking to Him. But what keeps jumping off the page at me is “it will not be taken from her.”
We would not allow anyone to take from us the things we love. We all shudder at the thought of someone snatching our children. And if another woman was after our man we would fight tooth and nail. Heck, most of us would even put up a little fight if someone tried to steal our car.
And yet we sit quietly by and allow the world and its crazy busy schedule to steal the one thing that is (depending upon your translation) best, necessary, needed, or worth being concerned about-our relationship with God.
That is so wrong.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The world is never going to calm down, the house is never going to be perfect, the laundry is never going to go away, and all our work is never going to be done. And that’s okay. We can still sit at the feet of Jesus.
Resolve this year not to allow the world to steal from you what is best.
Fight to be still.
Love,
Jill
Monday, January 4, 2010
Jar of Clay
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NI V)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Good morning ladies,
This weekend Gary was relaxing and watching a little TV and I stopped to see what he was watching. It was a “documentary” about Susan Boyle.
After watching fifteen minutes of the show I figure I am the last person in the world to hear about her, but in case you don’t know who she is, she is the woman who went on “Britain’s Got Talent” and blew them away.
If you haven’t seen the clip on YouTube I highly recommend it. She is a 47 year unemployed overweight woman who has bad hair and a pretty unfashionable outfit. Coming on stage she doesn’t look like anything special in fact the audience is sort of laughing at her and then she sings.
And everything changes.
Susan Boyle is a jar of clay, nothing special on the outside but filled with an amazing talent.
We too are jars of clay. But what we have on the inside is not the ability to sing, but the power of God.
Every year our family makes new Christmas stockings. I don’t really know how the idea got started but it has evolved into a tradition that we all enjoy. We use felt and other craft supplies to decorate cheap red stockings. Each year we have to think about what we are going to put on our stocking.
At first we used to put Christmas symbols but now we put pictures of things that represent our year. For example my daughter Katherine, who turned sixteen this year, put her car and Nick made a small model of the Washington Monument to commemorate his 8th grade trip to D.C.
I put a variety of items on my stocking this year. I put a tea cup and saucer to represent the woman’s tea, the Proclaim logo from the fall Awana conference and an envelope with a zebra stripe since I spend so much time writing z-mails.
And because it is my greatest desire that God will use me even though I am a 52 year old, unemployed, overweight woman with intermittently bad hair who likes to wear clothes from a gas station...I put a clay jar.
Love,
Jill
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Good morning ladies,
This weekend Gary was relaxing and watching a little TV and I stopped to see what he was watching. It was a “documentary” about Susan Boyle.
After watching fifteen minutes of the show I figure I am the last person in the world to hear about her, but in case you don’t know who she is, she is the woman who went on “Britain’s Got Talent” and blew them away.
If you haven’t seen the clip on YouTube I highly recommend it. She is a 47 year unemployed overweight woman who has bad hair and a pretty unfashionable outfit. Coming on stage she doesn’t look like anything special in fact the audience is sort of laughing at her and then she sings.
And everything changes.
Susan Boyle is a jar of clay, nothing special on the outside but filled with an amazing talent.
We too are jars of clay. But what we have on the inside is not the ability to sing, but the power of God.
Every year our family makes new Christmas stockings. I don’t really know how the idea got started but it has evolved into a tradition that we all enjoy. We use felt and other craft supplies to decorate cheap red stockings. Each year we have to think about what we are going to put on our stocking.
At first we used to put Christmas symbols but now we put pictures of things that represent our year. For example my daughter Katherine, who turned sixteen this year, put her car and Nick made a small model of the Washington Monument to commemorate his 8th grade trip to D.C.
I put a variety of items on my stocking this year. I put a tea cup and saucer to represent the woman’s tea, the Proclaim logo from the fall Awana conference and an envelope with a zebra stripe since I spend so much time writing z-mails.
And because it is my greatest desire that God will use me even though I am a 52 year old, unemployed, overweight woman with intermittently bad hair who likes to wear clothes from a gas station...I put a clay jar.
Love,
Jill
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