~this devotion is a bit long as I combined 2 of them but for me so encouraging so I wanted to share them with you....blessings on your day~Susan
We are living in times of great uncertainty. The Bible makes it clear that there is only one thing that cannot be shaken; it is the Kingdom of God. Everything about His Kingdom is solid, unmovable, unshakeable, incorruptible, and undefiled. The wise person is one who is building his life on the person of Jesus Christ, on the truth of His words, and on the reality of His Kingdom.
In the uncertain times in which we are living, God wants us to live as people of faith and not people of “sight”. We are to be people who live amidst fear, yet have peace; people who live amidst sorrow, yet have joy; people who live amidst trouble, yet have comfort; people who live amidst uncertainties, yet have hope.
People of faith in God are not people who have found a way to avoid uncertainties or escape trouble. They are people who have learned to live in this world, but not be of it; to face difficulties and overcome them; to face hardships and walk through them. God is their security. Their trust is in God’s character, their confidence is in God’s ways, their hope is in God’s promises, their joy is in God’s presence, their strength is in God’s power, their stability is in God’s kingdom.
In an uncertain world, God is the God of certainties. The certainties of God provide the anchor for every believer’s soul. They pave the path for the pilgrim on his journey home; they are the covering for the soldier as he goes into battle; they are the blueprints that the carpenter uses to build his house; they are the track shoes that the sprinter uses as he runs for the finish line; they are the seeds that the gardener sows into the good soil of his heart as he awaits the final harvest.
We can be confident and secure in God’s hands.
1. You are the Lord’s.
It is no accident that you are alive today. He has made no mistakes concerning you. He has given you all the light you need to know His will, and He has given you all the grace you need to do His will. He knows everything about you—your ups and downs, your highs and lows. He knows your thoughts, He knows your heart, and He is acquainted with all your ways. He has laid His hand of blessing upon you, and has placed His covering over you. He knows you by name and calls you His own. No one knows you better or loves you more. Today, you are in God’s place, in God’s time, to fulfill God’s plan, in God’s way, by God’s grace, for God’s glory.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 139:15-18 [KJV]
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:15-16 [KJV]
Here is a second reason why we can be secure in uncertain times.
2. God is on His Throne.
God has not made the earth and then abandoned it. He has not retreated somewhere in the universe and gone into hiding. He is today where He has always been, on His throne. God sees all things, knows all things, and is all-powerful. God is all in all. He is above all. Nothing is above Him or equal to Him. There is no king or ruler that has more authority than God; there is no political figure that has more influence than God; there is no nation that has more control than God. No one can outthink Him, or outsmart Him. He is God Almighty. He has all authority in heaven and earth. His enemies are under His feet. He reigns and rules. He is the majesty on High.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Psalm 45:6 [KJV]
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. Psalm 47:8 [KJV]
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 [KJV]
~from meet me in the meadow
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Wedding of Nicholas Splan and Rebecca Norris July 25th, 2009
Becky and Nick ~ a sweet sweet couple who make me smile at the love, respect and affection they have for each other
Their first dance together as Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Splan
Steve and Delia ~ parents of the groom
Nick's family, Brother Jesse and parents Delia and Steve
Becky's family. Her 3 sisters were bridesmaids and her only brother was the Pastor that married them. Her 2 nephews in front were the ring bearers! A very special wedding, held at a beautiful church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Becky's Home Town
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Pictures of the Land I love!
Pictures taken by my friend and former co-worker at St. Luke's ~ Kathy Murphy. Great photos of both the Harbor and Split Rock Lighthouse! Thanks for sharing them KM!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Beautiful Duluth Morning
I never get tired of this Lake Superior of ours! Photo from the Duluth News Tribune.Monday, July 20, 2009
Nursing School 1974
Sue and Amy, roommate's in our Senior Year at St. Luke's School of Nursing!We are having our 35th reunion next month, so memorable photos are flying here and there!
I would never trade those years, they were great!!!
HAPPY 36TH ANNIVERSARY CINDY AND CLARENCE
Hope you have a special day celebrating that many years together! Clarence you have always been my favorite brother in law!Sunday, July 19, 2009
Looking unto Jesus...
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2
The lost look to Jesus and see the loving Savior.
The wayward look to Jesus and see the only Way.
The confused look to Jesus and see the perfect Truth.
The empty look to Jesus and see the abundant Life.
The meek look to Jesus and see the suffering Servant.
The humble look to Jesus and see the risen Lord.
The blind look to Jesus and see the glorious Light.
The bound look to Jesus and see the conquering Warrior.
The oppressed look to Jesus and see the triumphant King.
The wounded look to Jesus and see the healing Physician.
The needy look to Jesus and see the caring Shepherd.
The hungry look to Jesus and see the living Bread.
The restless look to Jesus and see the Prince of Peace.
The mistreated look to Jesus and see the Righteous Judge.
The weak look to Jesus and see the Lord God Almighty.
The defenseless look to Jesus and see the great High Priest.
The barren look to Jesus and see the fruitful Vine.
The homeless look to Jesus and see their Dwelling Place.
The poor look to Jesus and see their Unsearchable Riches.
The lonely look to Jesus and see the ever-present Friend.
The insufficient look to Jesus and see their All In All.
The lost look to Jesus and see the loving Savior.
The wayward look to Jesus and see the only Way.
The confused look to Jesus and see the perfect Truth.
The empty look to Jesus and see the abundant Life.
The meek look to Jesus and see the suffering Servant.
The humble look to Jesus and see the risen Lord.
The blind look to Jesus and see the glorious Light.
The bound look to Jesus and see the conquering Warrior.
The oppressed look to Jesus and see the triumphant King.
The wounded look to Jesus and see the healing Physician.
The needy look to Jesus and see the caring Shepherd.
The hungry look to Jesus and see the living Bread.
The restless look to Jesus and see the Prince of Peace.
The mistreated look to Jesus and see the Righteous Judge.
The weak look to Jesus and see the Lord God Almighty.
The defenseless look to Jesus and see the great High Priest.
The barren look to Jesus and see the fruitful Vine.
The homeless look to Jesus and see their Dwelling Place.
The poor look to Jesus and see their Unsearchable Riches.
The lonely look to Jesus and see the ever-present Friend.
The insufficient look to Jesus and see their All In All.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Do not fret.......
Christ lives in you, and He is not anxious.
Nowhere in God’s plan for your life does He tell you to learn how to make it on your own.
-George C. Newmark, Christian Book of Mystical Verse
Nowhere in God’s plan for your life does He tell you to learn how to make it on your own.
What can these anxious cares avail thee,
These never-ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.
Only be still, and wait His leisure
Only be still, and wait His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure
And all-discerning love hath sent;
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him who chose us for His own.
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving;
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving;
So do thine own part faithfully,
And trust His word, though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee;
God never yet forsook at need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
-George C. Newmark, Christian Book of Mystical Verse
Monday, July 13, 2009
A vist from Stacy and Brianne
Stacy and Brianne (age 4), my niece and great niece came for a 24 hour visit while Joshua (age 2) stayed in Deer River with Grandma Cindy and Papa. We had such a nice time with many giggles from Brianne. Went up the shore for a picnic and tonight before leaving we met Philip, Stacy's brother for burgers @ "Big Daddy's"! A good time was had by all!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
"Praise you in This Storm"
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it’s still raining, as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain,“I’m with you”and as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no matter where I am, and every tear I’ve cried You hold in your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You and raised me up again ,my strength is almost gone, how can I carry on if I can’t find You, and as the thunder rolls ,I barely hear You whisper through the rain “I’m with you”, and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth ,I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
words by Mark Hall
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it’s still raining, as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain,“I’m with you”and as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no matter where I am, and every tear I’ve cried You hold in your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You and raised me up again ,my strength is almost gone, how can I carry on if I can’t find You, and as the thunder rolls ,I barely hear You whisper through the rain “I’m with you”, and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth ,I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Philip Graduates from Teen Challenge July 8, 2008
After 14 months to the day, Philip graduated from the Northland Campus of Teen Challenge. He was the only graduate this month. All of the TC guys attended the service. Philip picked the songs that we song. The one that touched all of us was " I will Praise you in the Storm" by Casting Crowns. Here is a music video of it that I found on the Internet:
We were reminded by the Dean of the School that this is the first part of Philip's journey and that God was not finished with him yet. Here he is with his certificate with Alex and Ashley.
Philip with his parents Clarence and Cindy
Clarence, Cindy, Philip and his 2 mentors Pastor Cal and Pastor Mike
Ashley, Philip and his Grandpa Reed
Philip and his Grandma HartPhilip will live at the Benjamin house which is transitional housing in Morgan Park for men who have completed the program and are looking for work or working and trying to get back in to society. It is a place where they can be brother's of encouragement to each other.
Keep him in your prayers as he starts this new life.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Destiny and the Will of God
This was a blessing to me today and I wanted to share it with those I love.........Susan
What does it mean to fulfill our destiny? Some define destiny as our future place in heaven; others define destiny as discovering our present purpose on earth. It is common to think of fulfilling our destiny as “reaching our full potential” or “being all that we can be.” It is common to hear people say, “We must dare to dream big and accomplish our goals.” This sounds very noble, but it can be misleading and bring a lot of frustration and disappointment into people’s lives as they pursue self-fulfillment.
The word “destiny” can carry some highly challenging, motivating, and inspiring thoughts within people’s minds. It can also carry some allusions of grandeur. Many want to do big things or great things for God, but not too many want to do the little things or the unnoticed things. It is easy to assume that if people fulfill their destiny they will become important, popular, or influential.
Some teach that our destiny is found when we fulfill certain opportunities God gives to us to achieve greatness. Our destiny is not fulfilled through opportunities God gives to us, but through our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. No one’s true destiny can be realized without Christ. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul defines our destiny in two distinctive ways—“We exist for Him” and “We exist through Him.” The person who is in Christ is not someone who is looking for opportunities to fulfill his destiny, but someone who has fulfilled his destiny and found His divine purpose (there can’t be a higher one.) Being in Christ means that you are where you need to be, you don’t need to look anywhere else or do anything else to “arrive” at your destined place.
There is a difference between fulfilling our destiny and doing the will of God. While God’s destiny for each of us is the same (to be in Christ), His will for each person can be very different. The will of God may lead some to be in a private place and others to be in a public place; lead some to be rulers and others to be servants in Caesar’s household; lead some into the marketplace and others to be keepers at home; lead some to the mission field and others to a local ministry.
The will of God for each of us is for Him alone to decide. The will of God for one woman may mean traveling around the country speaking at women’s conferences; the will of God for another woman may mean staying at home full time. This does not mean that the woman who travels and speaks has fulfilled her destiny and that the woman who stays at home has missed her destiny. God sent Corrie Ten Boom to speak from pulpits all around the world, and he kept Susanna Wesley at home to raise up boys who would impact the lives of millions.
The Apostle Paul’s destiny in Christ was glorious, but the will of God for Paul’s life did not look very glamorous. Nevertheless, Paul whole-heartedly embraced the will of God regardless of the difficulties or what others thought of him. Here, in his own words, Paul gives us a clear picture of what it cost him to follow the will of God… “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake…We are weak…we are dishonored… being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." 1 Corinthians 4:9-13”
Never forget that today, your destiny is not to find some great thing to do, but to know Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever. When you have finished your earthly journey and fulfilled God’s will for your life, whatever it may be, your glorious destiny in Christ will continue on forever.
~meet me in the meadow
What does it mean to fulfill our destiny? Some define destiny as our future place in heaven; others define destiny as discovering our present purpose on earth. It is common to think of fulfilling our destiny as “reaching our full potential” or “being all that we can be.” It is common to hear people say, “We must dare to dream big and accomplish our goals.” This sounds very noble, but it can be misleading and bring a lot of frustration and disappointment into people’s lives as they pursue self-fulfillment.
The word “destiny” can carry some highly challenging, motivating, and inspiring thoughts within people’s minds. It can also carry some allusions of grandeur. Many want to do big things or great things for God, but not too many want to do the little things or the unnoticed things. It is easy to assume that if people fulfill their destiny they will become important, popular, or influential.
Some teach that our destiny is found when we fulfill certain opportunities God gives to us to achieve greatness. Our destiny is not fulfilled through opportunities God gives to us, but through our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. No one’s true destiny can be realized without Christ. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul defines our destiny in two distinctive ways—“We exist for Him” and “We exist through Him.” The person who is in Christ is not someone who is looking for opportunities to fulfill his destiny, but someone who has fulfilled his destiny and found His divine purpose (there can’t be a higher one.) Being in Christ means that you are where you need to be, you don’t need to look anywhere else or do anything else to “arrive” at your destined place.
There is a difference between fulfilling our destiny and doing the will of God. While God’s destiny for each of us is the same (to be in Christ), His will for each person can be very different. The will of God may lead some to be in a private place and others to be in a public place; lead some to be rulers and others to be servants in Caesar’s household; lead some into the marketplace and others to be keepers at home; lead some to the mission field and others to a local ministry.
The will of God for each of us is for Him alone to decide. The will of God for one woman may mean traveling around the country speaking at women’s conferences; the will of God for another woman may mean staying at home full time. This does not mean that the woman who travels and speaks has fulfilled her destiny and that the woman who stays at home has missed her destiny. God sent Corrie Ten Boom to speak from pulpits all around the world, and he kept Susanna Wesley at home to raise up boys who would impact the lives of millions.
The Apostle Paul’s destiny in Christ was glorious, but the will of God for Paul’s life did not look very glamorous. Nevertheless, Paul whole-heartedly embraced the will of God regardless of the difficulties or what others thought of him. Here, in his own words, Paul gives us a clear picture of what it cost him to follow the will of God… “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake…We are weak…we are dishonored… being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." 1 Corinthians 4:9-13”
Never forget that today, your destiny is not to find some great thing to do, but to know Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever. When you have finished your earthly journey and fulfilled God’s will for your life, whatever it may be, your glorious destiny in Christ will continue on forever.
~meet me in the meadow
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Jonathan and Jessica Reed's Wedding Reception
Jonathan and Jessica were married in Grand Rapids on June 25th, 2009 with immediate family joining them. Today they had a wedding reception to celebrate their wedding.
This is the top of their wedding cake!
Jon and Jessica
Jon and Jessica
They had the greatest decorations. Little lanterns as center pieces on the table with leaves and petals. Note Jonathan's camouflage vest! That is our boy the hunter and fisherman!
Sweet couple! Be happy!
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