My little angel turns 6 today!!!
I can still feel all of the emotions I had on that day -- also a Monday -- April 30 in 2001! I still remember the first time I saw her sweet little face and held her in my arms -- almost to the minute that I'm writing this post. She was born at 7:38 am. I was quite sure in that moment that God still performs miracles and that He had decided to delight me with an extra special one that day.
She's a fireball of energy and dramatic to the core. Being her Mom has been the most challenging job I have ever had -- but by far, the most rewarding! But when she looks up with me with those sparkling blue eyes, excited about learning something new, I melt! I can't imagine my life without her.
I have so many prayers for her, but this year is the year that I pray she falls head over heels in love with Jesus and decides to follow after Him the rest of her days.
Will you join me in that prayer?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my little angel!! YOU ARE PRECIOUS! YOU ARE A DELIGHT! YOU ARE LOVED!!
Blessings,
Dori
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Bible Drill State Superior
Just had to have a Mom Moment and brag on my young 'un!
We went to the State Bible Drill Competition yesterday and my 11 year old boy made State Winner Superior, which means he missed only 1 out of the 24 questions during the competition. I'm so proud of him!! There were 24 scriptures to memorize, 10 key passages in the Bible that they had to be able to find and quote chapter and verse, and they had to know the Bible books and find a randomly called book in 10 seconds! Taylor got called out to quote one of the longest scriptures that was in the competition and he did it flawlessly. What a moment!
One of my mother's cousins said, "Taylor, do you realize that what you have accomplished by memorizing these scriptures is something that people who have been Christians their entire lives have never done?" I stood there and heard over and over in my head all of the excuses that I give for not memorizing scripture.
Anyway, just wanted to take a moment and boast on my sweet boy! I was so proud!
Oh, which question did he miss, you ask? He had a misstep in trying to find the Book of Joel.
Well......could YOU find Joel in 10 seconds??? :)
Have a great Sunday!
Blessings,
Dori
We went to the State Bible Drill Competition yesterday and my 11 year old boy made State Winner Superior, which means he missed only 1 out of the 24 questions during the competition. I'm so proud of him!! There were 24 scriptures to memorize, 10 key passages in the Bible that they had to be able to find and quote chapter and verse, and they had to know the Bible books and find a randomly called book in 10 seconds! Taylor got called out to quote one of the longest scriptures that was in the competition and he did it flawlessly. What a moment!
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
One of my mother's cousins said, "Taylor, do you realize that what you have accomplished by memorizing these scriptures is something that people who have been Christians their entire lives have never done?" I stood there and heard over and over in my head all of the excuses that I give for not memorizing scripture.
Anyway, just wanted to take a moment and boast on my sweet boy! I was so proud!
Oh, which question did he miss, you ask? He had a misstep in trying to find the Book of Joel.
Well......could YOU find Joel in 10 seconds??? :)
Have a great Sunday!
Blessings,
Dori
Friday, April 27, 2007
Love Them Like Jesus
I'm sorry I've been unusually quiet this week. It has been a busy week, but as I have settled into this blog thing I realize that until God puts something on my heart to write, I probably should just "sit on it" for a few days until He gives the go ahead. But I had a minute or two this afternoon and I wanted to tell you a story that I was told last night that has not stopped ringing in my ears.
A friend of mine and I sat at the local coffee shop last night for a couple of hours and just caught up. We hadn't seen each other since the Beth Moore simulcast in February. We had lots to talk about! I'm so thankful for a good friend that I can just sit with, laugh like teenagers, encourage one another, talk about the Lord, and NOT ONCE complain about our husbands! We asked each other to pray for our families, shared our struggles and just boasted on God. I love friends like that!!
She shared a story with me last night that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. She said that while they were visiting family in Georgia that she and her children went to the nursing home where her grandmother is living. Her grandmother has a roommate who has been in a coma for about 3 years. She is only about 50 years old. Robin said that she was told that the patient's family does visit her often and when they talk to her there is some movement in her eyes and the way her head moves. Other than that there is not much of a response.
Robin said she felt compelled to look in on this lady while she was there. She said that she looked above her bed and there were scriptures that had been taped up there. Robin started to read some of those scriptures out loud to this lady. She introduced herself to her and said, "You don't know me, but I'm Robin." She noticed some movement and a little response. What came next is what I will never forget. My sweet friend bowed low next to this woman's ear and told her, "You are not forgotten."
That there was any movement at all in response to Robin's speaking to this woman tells us that deep, deep inside that chest not only beats a heart, but a soul that is still very much alive. Definitely living and breathing and definitely not forgotton. The Word of God says that our names are engraved on the palms of His hands and that we are the apple of His eye. We are also told that He thinks about us all of the time and that His thoughts are to give us a hope and a future. His Word is also very clear when it says that if you done any thing that is kind (or unkind, for that matter) towards one of His own, we have done it unto Him.
I hear alot of people saying these days that they want their children to expand their worldview. In other words, the cycle of selfishness must stop with this generation. We simply must start thinking of others more highly than ourselves and minister to them no matter where they are -- no matter what condition their earthly body is in. Our lives have to be more about others and less about us.
Robin said when she left the nursing home that day, as she walked the corridors of the facility she looked at people differently than when she first arrived. She said that by looking into the eyes of those who were shuffling along the hallways, she began to see them for who they really are -- people who are hurting and desperately needing someone to show that they care. Sadly, we are becoming a country of people who forget other people. We must remember them as God remembers them. They are not forgotten and sometimes all they need to hear is someone say that to them. They need to know that someone sees and someone cares.
It is a cliche, but I'll risk my writing reputation on using it once again. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. If people are going to feel that they are loved, cared for and not forsaken or forgotten, we must be the ones to tell them. We don't have to know all of the answers to their questions. We simply must stop for a moment and love them like Jesus.
LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS by Casting Crowns
Words & Music by Mark Hall
From the project LIFESONG
Blessings,
Dori
A friend of mine and I sat at the local coffee shop last night for a couple of hours and just caught up. We hadn't seen each other since the Beth Moore simulcast in February. We had lots to talk about! I'm so thankful for a good friend that I can just sit with, laugh like teenagers, encourage one another, talk about the Lord, and NOT ONCE complain about our husbands! We asked each other to pray for our families, shared our struggles and just boasted on God. I love friends like that!!
She shared a story with me last night that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. She said that while they were visiting family in Georgia that she and her children went to the nursing home where her grandmother is living. Her grandmother has a roommate who has been in a coma for about 3 years. She is only about 50 years old. Robin said that she was told that the patient's family does visit her often and when they talk to her there is some movement in her eyes and the way her head moves. Other than that there is not much of a response.
Robin said she felt compelled to look in on this lady while she was there. She said that she looked above her bed and there were scriptures that had been taped up there. Robin started to read some of those scriptures out loud to this lady. She introduced herself to her and said, "You don't know me, but I'm Robin." She noticed some movement and a little response. What came next is what I will never forget. My sweet friend bowed low next to this woman's ear and told her, "You are not forgotten."
That there was any movement at all in response to Robin's speaking to this woman tells us that deep, deep inside that chest not only beats a heart, but a soul that is still very much alive. Definitely living and breathing and definitely not forgotton. The Word of God says that our names are engraved on the palms of His hands and that we are the apple of His eye. We are also told that He thinks about us all of the time and that His thoughts are to give us a hope and a future. His Word is also very clear when it says that if you done any thing that is kind (or unkind, for that matter) towards one of His own, we have done it unto Him.
I hear alot of people saying these days that they want their children to expand their worldview. In other words, the cycle of selfishness must stop with this generation. We simply must start thinking of others more highly than ourselves and minister to them no matter where they are -- no matter what condition their earthly body is in. Our lives have to be more about others and less about us.
Robin said when she left the nursing home that day, as she walked the corridors of the facility she looked at people differently than when she first arrived. She said that by looking into the eyes of those who were shuffling along the hallways, she began to see them for who they really are -- people who are hurting and desperately needing someone to show that they care. Sadly, we are becoming a country of people who forget other people. We must remember them as God remembers them. They are not forgotten and sometimes all they need to hear is someone say that to them. They need to know that someone sees and someone cares.
It is a cliche, but I'll risk my writing reputation on using it once again. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. If people are going to feel that they are loved, cared for and not forsaken or forgotten, we must be the ones to tell them. We don't have to know all of the answers to their questions. We simply must stop for a moment and love them like Jesus.
Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus.
LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS by Casting Crowns
Words & Music by Mark Hall
From the project LIFESONG
Blessings,
Dori
Monday, April 23, 2007
My God is So Big
"My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty,
there's nothing my God cannot do!"
This is a song that we used to sing when I was a little girl. Every now and then I'll get the kids to sing it with me in the car. I love to hear them sing it and they love to scream the word BIG! Who can blame them? I happen to believe the "bigness" of God is something mighty amazing to scream about!
Anything, and I mean ANYTHING, I write on this blog is not simply for me to encourage you and only you. God is teaching me alot. I'm amazed at the time He spends drawing me to read His Word and how He desires for me to study it. I'm thrilled that He takes that kind of time with me. He wants me to believe what I read in His Word! He wants me to believe what I write on this blog! He wants you to believe what He tells you through His Word. Why does He take the time? Because He wants us to believe Him and then believe Him for even more! What's even more astounding is the fact that when we exhaust every ounce of "believability" in the greatness of our God that we have in this mortal body, there is still more about Him to believe! At the risk of sounding like Beth, "He's Huge! He's Huge!" And we have only just begun! Praise You, Lord!
God wants to delight us with how big He can be on our behalf. I have found that I haven't seen enough of the greatness of God because I simply have not asked. God is involved in every intricate detail of our lives and we are right to pray about every single detail. How often, however, do we pray generalities -- "bless our home, help us with this, we need that, bless our food, etc."
When was the last time we really asked God for something miraculous in our lives? Where in your life do you need the greatness and glory of God to be revealed -- His miracle working power to be displayed? I heard Andy Stanley, pastor at Northpoint Church in the Atlanta area, ask his listeners to take a chance and pick one great thing to take to God and ask Him for it over and over for the next 12 months. Now don't get robotic with it and just do it for the sake of doing it. Really believe that He is more than able and He is still a miracle-working God who can do wonders! At the end of the year, what amazing testimony do you think you and I will have based on who God says He is and what He says He can do? He is waiting to show Himself strong on our behalf. Let's do it -- let's let Him be HUGE for us!!
"How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. (2 Samuel 7:22)
Believing Him,
Dori
Remembering Lee
I am up WAY too late tonight — or should I say I am up WAY too early this morning? I have a mind full of things that just won’t let me sleep. I’ve been writing down scriptures to pray specifically over my kids. I just feel like we have had some missteps in parenting for awhile now and it is time to get the boundaries re-established. I also feel like I’ve not been the watchman on the wall on behalf of my kids. Not to mention that I am a mother who is simply a jar of clay, a cracked pot, who needs to fall on my face and ask God to help me once again be the Godly mother that my children need.
But it just dawned on me a few minutes ago that maybe God had another purpose in my being up at this time — the wee hours of the morning of Monday, April 23, 2007. You see, it was this time, almost to the minute, 17 years ago that my sweet little brother, Lee, slipped from the arms of my mother into the arms of Jesus. It, too, was a Monday — one I will never forget.
My brother was only 15, but he had been in a earthly body in desperate need of healing his entire life. He had cerebral palsy — severely disabled and blind from birth. But what a ministry that kid had on this earth in his very short life! Countless people were touched by his life in some way.
We knew that Lee was spending his last hours on earth the Sunday before he passed away. We had all gathered at my parents’ home. I remember just laying down beside him, holding onto him, every chance I got. I wasn’t ready to let go, but I believe he was. You see, Lee had a habit of yawning during our pastor’s sermons. When Lee yawned it was pretty loud and our pastor would always say, “Well, I guess it’s time to wrap it up — Lee’s bored.” But the days leading up to Lee’s home-going were entirely different. He simply didn’t make a sound. He had slipped in and out of consciousness for days leading up to that Sunday. Until…
Our pastor came in to visit with us and just sit for awhile. When it came time for him to go, he prayed with us and over Lee. I was laying right next to my sweet brother — cheek to cheek. The prayer went on for a few minutes and suddenly, out of no where, Lee yawned! It was familiar and we all just had to laugh. Our pastor said those words again, “Well, it must be time to wrap it up — Lee’s bored.” Maybe not bored, but ready to go.
I got the call around 1:00 am (almost to the minute that I’m writing this post) that my other brother, Rob, and I needed to come home. I knew in my heart that he was probably already at Home with Jesus and a strange peace come over me. When I walked into my parents’ home, it was clear that Lee was no longer in that twisted, wasted away little shell. He was Home — walking, talking, laughing, running, and singing. Just the thought that the first face he ever saw was Jesus was more than I really could process at the time.
The moments that followed are etched into my memory and I hope I never forget what it felt like to sit with my Mom in the floor as she played an old southern gospel song that she had played over and over for Lee in the last months of his life.
I love all the memories I have of my brother, Lee. Not all were extremely happy. Some were quite painful. It was quite a journey — one I would never trade. Because through it all, I learned a lot more about the Savior than I would have ever known had I not walked the path.
Letting go is hard — very painful — even all these years later. But just knowing that Lee is already there praising God and worshipping at His feet, makes it all worth it.
I love you, Lee, and I can’t wait to see you again!
Blessings,
Dori
But it just dawned on me a few minutes ago that maybe God had another purpose in my being up at this time — the wee hours of the morning of Monday, April 23, 2007. You see, it was this time, almost to the minute, 17 years ago that my sweet little brother, Lee, slipped from the arms of my mother into the arms of Jesus. It, too, was a Monday — one I will never forget.
My brother was only 15, but he had been in a earthly body in desperate need of healing his entire life. He had cerebral palsy — severely disabled and blind from birth. But what a ministry that kid had on this earth in his very short life! Countless people were touched by his life in some way.
We knew that Lee was spending his last hours on earth the Sunday before he passed away. We had all gathered at my parents’ home. I remember just laying down beside him, holding onto him, every chance I got. I wasn’t ready to let go, but I believe he was. You see, Lee had a habit of yawning during our pastor’s sermons. When Lee yawned it was pretty loud and our pastor would always say, “Well, I guess it’s time to wrap it up — Lee’s bored.” But the days leading up to Lee’s home-going were entirely different. He simply didn’t make a sound. He had slipped in and out of consciousness for days leading up to that Sunday. Until…
Our pastor came in to visit with us and just sit for awhile. When it came time for him to go, he prayed with us and over Lee. I was laying right next to my sweet brother — cheek to cheek. The prayer went on for a few minutes and suddenly, out of no where, Lee yawned! It was familiar and we all just had to laugh. Our pastor said those words again, “Well, it must be time to wrap it up — Lee’s bored.” Maybe not bored, but ready to go.
I got the call around 1:00 am (almost to the minute that I’m writing this post) that my other brother, Rob, and I needed to come home. I knew in my heart that he was probably already at Home with Jesus and a strange peace come over me. When I walked into my parents’ home, it was clear that Lee was no longer in that twisted, wasted away little shell. He was Home — walking, talking, laughing, running, and singing. Just the thought that the first face he ever saw was Jesus was more than I really could process at the time.
The moments that followed are etched into my memory and I hope I never forget what it felt like to sit with my Mom in the floor as she played an old southern gospel song that she had played over and over for Lee in the last months of his life.
Lately I’ve been yearnin’ for home
But my heart has already gone
With each step that I take, I feel one step away
From walking through the pearly gates
Soon He’ll call announcin’ my entrance
And I’ll go without a delay
For I long just to bow in His presence
And hear my Redeemer say
Welcome to heaven my child
Welcome to heaven, my child;
You have run the race
You have kept the faith,
Welcome to heaven, my child
Golden streets, jasper walls, mansions bright
And crystal rivers will sparkle with light
Heaven’s beauties we’ll share
But they’ll never compare to the moment
He welcomes me there
Glory’s angels will all step aside
When He greets me with arms open wide
He’ll step down from His throne
Just for me alone,
Face to face He’ll welcome me home
Welcome to heaven my child
Welcome to heaven, my child;
You have run the race
You have kept the faith,
Welcome to heaven, my child.
I love all the memories I have of my brother, Lee. Not all were extremely happy. Some were quite painful. It was quite a journey — one I would never trade. Because through it all, I learned a lot more about the Savior than I would have ever known had I not walked the path.
Letting go is hard — very painful — even all these years later. But just knowing that Lee is already there praising God and worshipping at His feet, makes it all worth it.
“But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.” (Philippians 3:20-21 THE MESSAGE)
“Then one of the elders asked me, ‘These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?’ I answered, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, ‘they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” (Revelation 7:13-17)
I love you, Lee, and I can’t wait to see you again!
Blessings,
Dori
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Holding Out Hope
I had the most awesome Friday night! My sweetheart and I attended a benefit concert for Holding Out Hope Ministries -- a non-profit ministry of a friend, Tina Hutchison. Before I go any further -- go to the website and check it out!! www.holdingouthope.org
What a powerful night of worship! Holding Out Hope is a ministry that exists to spread the fame of Jesus Christ from every avenue of life -- in Tina's words, "from the pew to the prison." Tina is very involved in going to the women's prison and sharing the love of Christ. She loves on these women, leads them in worship and teaches them from God's Word. Some of the ladies who have since been released were there to testify to God's love for them and how the ministry has helped them and continues to feed them. Very powerful! I was ashamed at how I am sometimes so quiet about my love for God. They were bold! They were passionate about Him! They were unashamed! They were FREE! It was amazing. Some shackles of my own fell off as these three women stood with Tina and sang:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THgccy_EyFY]
It dawned on me why this ministry and so many like it must be extra pleasing to the eyes of the Father. The hope that Holding Out Hope Ministries and other ministries like it are bringing to those in prison is the same hope that Jesus Christ came to give to each and every one of us, pure and simple. When Jesus stood in the temple and spoke with authority early in His ministry, to declare that He was here and He was "it," He proclaimed this hope to everyone who would listen and He still declares it to you and me today:
It is for freedom that Jesus Christ came! No matter where we have been, no matter what we have done, He came to make it all right. He came to replace shame with redemption. He came to cast out darkness and bring in the light. He came with the key to the shackles that we have around our feet and hands and releases us from them so we can praise Him!
There is something that I just noticed as I was typing out the passage from Luke. When He finished speaking in the temple He rolled up the scroll and He sat down. Where else have I read that Jesus "sat down" and someone kept their eyes fastened on Jesus?
Thank you, Jesus, that you came to set us free -- paid a heavy, heavy price to do it -- and when all had been completed you sat down next to Your Father! Mission accomplished -- It is done! It is done! You did all of this so our shackles could fall off and we could run our race that You Yourself marked off for us! Thank you for such a beautiful reminder Friday night that no one out sins Your grace and forgiveness. All of us have fallen short of Your glory. But You came to give us freedom! Help us walk in it and throw off everything that keeps us from Your abundance! Lord, take these shackles off our feet! We will dance before You! We will praise You! We will not keep silent -- we will spread Your fame!!
Blessings,
Dori
P.S. Tina, I'm still reeling from Friday night! It blessed me so and so much healing took place for me -- in many, many ways!! Thank you for your sweet heart! I love you so much! Keep going and telling! It is a good work -- a mighty good work -- that God is doing through you!
What a powerful night of worship! Holding Out Hope is a ministry that exists to spread the fame of Jesus Christ from every avenue of life -- in Tina's words, "from the pew to the prison." Tina is very involved in going to the women's prison and sharing the love of Christ. She loves on these women, leads them in worship and teaches them from God's Word. Some of the ladies who have since been released were there to testify to God's love for them and how the ministry has helped them and continues to feed them. Very powerful! I was ashamed at how I am sometimes so quiet about my love for God. They were bold! They were passionate about Him! They were unashamed! They were FREE! It was amazing. Some shackles of my own fell off as these three women stood with Tina and sang:
When I Think about the Lord,
How He saved me, how He raised me,
How He filled me, with the Holy Ghost.
How He healed me, to the uttermost.
When I Think about the Lord,
How He picked me up and turned me around,
How He placed my feet on solid ground
It makes me wanna shout,
Hallelujah, thank you JESUS,
LORD, Your worthy, of all the glory, and all the honor,
and all the praise.
Words & Music by James Huey
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THgccy_EyFY]
It dawned on me why this ministry and so many like it must be extra pleasing to the eyes of the Father. The hope that Holding Out Hope Ministries and other ministries like it are bringing to those in prison is the same hope that Jesus Christ came to give to each and every one of us, pure and simple. When Jesus stood in the temple and spoke with authority early in His ministry, to declare that He was here and He was "it," He proclaimed this hope to everyone who would listen and He still declares it to you and me today:
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:14-21)
It is for freedom that Jesus Christ came! No matter where we have been, no matter what we have done, He came to make it all right. He came to replace shame with redemption. He came to cast out darkness and bring in the light. He came with the key to the shackles that we have around our feet and hands and releases us from them so we can praise Him!
There is something that I just noticed as I was typing out the passage from Luke. When He finished speaking in the temple He rolled up the scroll and He sat down. Where else have I read that Jesus "sat down" and someone kept their eyes fastened on Jesus?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Thank you, Jesus, that you came to set us free -- paid a heavy, heavy price to do it -- and when all had been completed you sat down next to Your Father! Mission accomplished -- It is done! It is done! You did all of this so our shackles could fall off and we could run our race that You Yourself marked off for us! Thank you for such a beautiful reminder Friday night that no one out sins Your grace and forgiveness. All of us have fallen short of Your glory. But You came to give us freedom! Help us walk in it and throw off everything that keeps us from Your abundance! Lord, take these shackles off our feet! We will dance before You! We will praise You! We will not keep silent -- we will spread Your fame!!
Blessings,
Dori
P.S. Tina, I'm still reeling from Friday night! It blessed me so and so much healing took place for me -- in many, many ways!! Thank you for your sweet heart! I love you so much! Keep going and telling! It is a good work -- a mighty good work -- that God is doing through you!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Thoughts from Thursday
Just reflecting on the day...rather randomly I might add...
...Right this minute I'm thinking about my poor husband. He's on-call this week (Healthcare Information/Technology) and also got assigned to oversee an upgrade tonight! Makes for a very long day of work. I love him so! He works so hard for our family and gets very little reward or thanks. He is the love of my life. We met over 15 years ago and I still get the flutters when I think of him. He sure is longsuffering when it comes to putting up with me! He deserves an award for that alone! A mighty fine man, indeed!
...Just finished helping my son prepare for the State Bible Drill competition next Saturday. He amazes me with his scripture memory! I make dozens of excuses on why I can't memorize scripture and yet, none of them holds water! The simple fact is that I don't take the time to do it. Anyway, I'm so proud of his hard work! He still has a few scriptures in the upper end of the New Testament that he hasn't mastered, but I know that he will do just great and step up to the challenge when the time comes.
...My little angel (she's 5) said this to me today, "Mommy, when you 'pass on' can I have your cell phone?" Random thought from a very funny little girl! I hope there is more that I leave her than a cell phone when I "pass on."
...I'm going to be an aunt again. My sweet sister-in-law, Lauren, is expecting Baby No. 2! She is such a great Mom and I could never begin to tell how God has changed that girl. He got a hold of her and she can't stop talking about Him. It is an amazing thing to see! It is a challenge to me to never lose the thrill, excitement and delight of serving Jesus!
...My friend, Tina Hutchison, is in concert tomorrow night and we are going to see her. She is not only extremely talented, but she loves the Lord with everything she has within her. Everything she does and says is for His fame, not her own, and I'm so glad that she and I are getting "reacquainted!" You should go to her website at www.holdingouthope.org and listen to or better yet ORDER her CD. I just got a copy myself this week and it has been playing nonstop at my house. Tina, I CAN'T WAIT!!
...I went to the Lifeway website today and watched a recap video from the Deeper Still conference with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer that was held back in March. This same conference is coming to Nashville in September and I CAN'T WAIT! I just got an e-mail today from the volunteer coordinator for the event and she told me the first prayer gathering is coming up on May 8th for the conference. I'm excited to be a part of that and I'm thrilled to see what God will do as a result -- not only in my life but in the lives of all who attend. A friend of mine was at the conference (travels with Travis Cottrell) and he told me in Sunday School on Sunday, "I know I'm a guy and this is supposed to be a girl thang, but when I'm at these conferences I hang on every word and take pages and pages of notes." He said the event in San Francisco was phenomenal and he can't wait for Nashville. His wife needs a ticket, so if ANYONE has a ticket for the Nashville event let me know.
Well, the kiddies are in bed. My man just called to say he is on his way home. I love the quiet and stillness of the house in the wee hours of the morning or late at night like this. I have this burning desire just to go and sit in my living room and say, "Speak Lord!" Reminds me of a Martha Munizzi song:
Have a fantastic Friday and spend time with Him!
Blessings,
Dori
...Right this minute I'm thinking about my poor husband. He's on-call this week (Healthcare Information/Technology) and also got assigned to oversee an upgrade tonight! Makes for a very long day of work. I love him so! He works so hard for our family and gets very little reward or thanks. He is the love of my life. We met over 15 years ago and I still get the flutters when I think of him. He sure is longsuffering when it comes to putting up with me! He deserves an award for that alone! A mighty fine man, indeed!
...Just finished helping my son prepare for the State Bible Drill competition next Saturday. He amazes me with his scripture memory! I make dozens of excuses on why I can't memorize scripture and yet, none of them holds water! The simple fact is that I don't take the time to do it. Anyway, I'm so proud of his hard work! He still has a few scriptures in the upper end of the New Testament that he hasn't mastered, but I know that he will do just great and step up to the challenge when the time comes.
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." (Psalm 119:9-16)
...My little angel (she's 5) said this to me today, "Mommy, when you 'pass on' can I have your cell phone?" Random thought from a very funny little girl! I hope there is more that I leave her than a cell phone when I "pass on."
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
...I'm going to be an aunt again. My sweet sister-in-law, Lauren, is expecting Baby No. 2! She is such a great Mom and I could never begin to tell how God has changed that girl. He got a hold of her and she can't stop talking about Him. It is an amazing thing to see! It is a challenge to me to never lose the thrill, excitement and delight of serving Jesus!
"I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I, whom you have redeemed. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long..." (Psalm 71:22-24)
...My friend, Tina Hutchison, is in concert tomorrow night and we are going to see her. She is not only extremely talented, but she loves the Lord with everything she has within her. Everything she does and says is for His fame, not her own, and I'm so glad that she and I are getting "reacquainted!" You should go to her website at www.holdingouthope.org and listen to or better yet ORDER her CD. I just got a copy myself this week and it has been playing nonstop at my house. Tina, I CAN'T WAIT!!
"Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might." (Psalm 21:13)
...I went to the Lifeway website today and watched a recap video from the Deeper Still conference with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer that was held back in March. This same conference is coming to Nashville in September and I CAN'T WAIT! I just got an e-mail today from the volunteer coordinator for the event and she told me the first prayer gathering is coming up on May 8th for the conference. I'm excited to be a part of that and I'm thrilled to see what God will do as a result -- not only in my life but in the lives of all who attend. A friend of mine was at the conference (travels with Travis Cottrell) and he told me in Sunday School on Sunday, "I know I'm a guy and this is supposed to be a girl thang, but when I'm at these conferences I hang on every word and take pages and pages of notes." He said the event in San Francisco was phenomenal and he can't wait for Nashville. His wife needs a ticket, so if ANYONE has a ticket for the Nashville event let me know.
Well, the kiddies are in bed. My man just called to say he is on his way home. I love the quiet and stillness of the house in the wee hours of the morning or late at night like this. I have this burning desire just to go and sit in my living room and say, "Speak Lord!" Reminds me of a Martha Munizzi song:
There is a sweet anointing in this sanctuary
There is a stillness in the atmosphere
Come and lay down the burdens you have carried
For in this sanctuary God is here.
He is here, He is here
To break the yoke and lift the heavy burden
He is here, He is here
To heal the hopeless heart and bless the broken
Come and lay down the burdens you have carried
For in this sanctuary God is here
Speak Lord, Speak Lord
Speak Lord, Speak Lord
Come and lay down the burdens you have carried
For in this sanctuary God is here.
Have a fantastic Friday and spend time with Him!
Blessings,
Dori
Thursday, April 5, 2007
He is Exalted
I was just reading on another blog funny stories about the things our kids say and do. One post told of her young child who thought the song "He is Exalted" was "He is a Sausage, the King is a Sausage...." I laughed until I cried, but it reminded me of Taylor's interpretation of the song when he was four.
He sang, "He is exhausted, the King is exhausted, on high...." I laughed then, too, but then immediately responded, "Praise You, Lord of Heaven and Earth -- You are definitely not EXHAUSTED. I may be bone-weary, but you, O LORD, are definitely EXALTED and Your strength, power and rest are super-infused on us, Your children!"
Blessings,
Dori
He sang, "He is exhausted, the King is exhausted, on high...." I laughed then, too, but then immediately responded, "Praise You, Lord of Heaven and Earth -- You are definitely not EXHAUSTED. I may be bone-weary, but you, O LORD, are definitely EXALTED and Your strength, power and rest are super-infused on us, Your children!"
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? GOD doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. (Isaiah 40:28-31 THE MESSAGE)
Blessings,
Dori
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