Life doesn't end here on earth. We have something bigger that we are working towards - eternity in heaven. Even if we complete all of our earthly goals, we will not feel accomplished and satisfied unless we are working for God's Kingdom.
What are you doing to prepare yourself and others for eternity? (evangelizing, teaching, praying, encouraging, supporting, counseling, growing, helping, ministry work, using your talent or skill). Your answers can motivate and encourage your Christian sisters.
I'd really like to Get Your Answers (with some details).
If you'd like to read more about Eternity, I wrote a post called What Is Eternal Life?
(Fish image from ChristArt.com)
Why Me?
What have I done to deserve this problem? Why did those bad things happen to me? Why me?
I don't like problems and I imagine that you probably don't either. Some of my problems I bring on myself due to choices that I make and some problems just happen to me. One thing that I have learned about problems is that we can grow spiritually as we deal with problems.
Basically, whatever happens to me is to help accomplish the purpose God has for me - His will for my life. Therefore, I will have problems and troubles, but I will also have blessings. And they will differ from the problems and blessings of other people, because His will is different for each of us.
How are our present troubles beneficial?
- They will be used to glorify God.
- God will strengthen our spirits in our weakness.
- They make us more godly, like Him.
- He can use us to help others going through the same trouble.
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Monday Memories: Building Childhood Memories
As I went to write my post for Monday Memories, I drew a blank. I couldn't think up anything to write about that sounded entertaining. So, I Googled "memories" which led me to a post about childhood memories. That's when I started thinking about what kind of memories do I want for my children. Parents can help provide good memories for their kids. So, after thinking, these are some of the good memories my kids will have and some of the memories I want them to have.- listening to Dad's stories about when he was a naughty boy
- watching Little House on the Prairie DVDs over and over
- playing lots of card games
- family road trips
- having "snack food" dinners
- doing our family Christmas traditions
- trying to raise chickens
- going to the County Fair during the summer
- doing evangelism and ministry projects as a family
- watching their parents get more involved in church
- trying to live a more simplified life - in the country, on a lake, chopping wood, playing in the trees
- Mom reading chapter books aloud to the kids
- going on a summer mission trip as a teen (this one is still to come)
Friday Fill-Ins
I've never done the Friday Fill-Ins meme before, but it looked like it would make for a good, lighthearted post. My last five posts have been quite serious. The "black writing" is part of the writing prompt. The "orange writing" is the personal part that I had to fill in.1. Traveling to new places makes me happy.
2. I would like it to be 60* warmer (than 10* F) please.
3. My husband's homemade Fettuccine tastes SO good!
4. Sunday is my favorite day of the week because the whole family goes to church and youth group, for some worship and some fellowship.
5. My curly hair is my best feature. (however, I hated it as a kid when straight hair was "in".)
6. We could learn so much from The Bible, if we studied it on a daily basis.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading a novel (The Shack) that my parents sent to me, tomorrow my plans include taking my kids swimming 2 more times in the hotel's pool, and Sunday, I want to rush back home in time to get the family to Youth Group!
Some Resources for Emotional Healing
New Life Call Center (free) This organization offers free prayer counseling. They can also help you locate a professional counselor or support group. They are used to getting 20,000 calls a month. Call 1-800-NEW-LIFE. (24 hours)
Hope for the Heart Call Center (free) Do you need to talk to someone who cares? They are always there to talk, pray or just listen. They don’t offer professional counseling, but they can provide you with spiritual guidance, heartfelt prayer, honesty, resources and connections to skilled Christian counselors. They are waiting day and night to help you in any way they can. Call 1-800-488-HOPE (4673)
Free Suicidal Help Call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). There is help for you. People are waiting to help you. It is never okay to act on your thoughts of suicide. Getting help is the answer.
Unplanned Pregnancy Information (free) They will help you find a pregnancy resource center in your area for free services and answers to questions about abortion, pregnancy tests, STD's, adoption, parenting, medical referrals, housing, and many other issues. 1-800-395 HELP or contact them by Email.
Healing is a Choice (book) The power to heal-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually-is in God’s hands. But the choice to be healed is yours. The author outlines ten choices crucial to receiving healing and ten lies that can prevent you from making them.
Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian's Journey Through Depression (book) Each chapter includes a look into Chonda Pierce's personal journey, insights learned while laughing in the dark,and expert advice from a psychotherapist for those struggling with depression.
Good Grief (book) This book will guide readers through the ten stages of grief: shock, emotion, depression, physical distress, panic, guilt, anger, resistance, hope, and finally, acceptance.
Lose It For Life: For Permanent Weight Loss (book) This is a balanced program that deals with the physical, emotional and even spiritual elements that lead to weight loss. It will help you face the emotional issues that are causing you to overeat.
What is Eternal Life?
I thought that my eternal life was going to start when I die. But, it actually started when I was a little girl and asked Jesus into my life. I've wanted to know more about eternal life (living forever) so I listened to a sermon on SermonAudio.comHere are Some Evidences of Having Eternal Life:
- You've changed inwardly, walking in righteous and godliness.
- You enjoy fellowshipping with God, knowing God.
- You love other Christians (it's not perfect, but your love is growing, 1John 5:1)
- You aren't in bondage to sin anymore (have many victories over temptations, 1John 5:4)
- The Holy Spirit is now living in you. (at the moment of becoming a Christian)
- You totally believe and trust in Jesus.
- You'll have a certainty that you are saved from your sins and saved from hell.
Some people think that you have to follow certain rules to have eternal life. Some people think all you have to do is say a "special prayer" and it will work like a magic formula bringing eternal life? This is what 1 John 5:13 says:
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
- You must believe in Jesus, and that He is your Savior. (to the point that you are certain, totally convinced that this is the truth)
- It's an attitude of the heart, not the words that you say.
- It's completely trusting in Him - that He saved you and forgave you of your sins.
- It's deciding to repent. (turn from sinning)
Salvation is a free gift. He paid the price when He died on the cross. There is nothing that we have to do and nothing we can do to pay for our sins. Just tell Him that you trust in Him alone and that you want to accept His gift of salvation, and that you want to live for Jesus,
Would you like to listen to the online sermon that I heard? It is called How to Know You Have Eternal Life?
Self Worth: Molded into the Image of Christ
We need to hope in God's promise - of being molded into the image of Christ.
God wants us to accept ourselves, as He made us. He gave each one of us - a personality, abilities, and talents for His purpose. He wants to teach us more and have us grow more Christlike - into the image of Christ. That way, when the people in our life look at us, they will see Christ.
We should let Him use each of us as He decides best. It is for our own good. When we are following God's will, we will feel valued, and have peace in our heart.
Lyrics: Change My Heart, Oh God
Change my heart oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart oh God, may I be like You.
You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me,
This is what I pray.
© 1982, Mercy / Vineyard Publishing
Words and Music by Eddie Espinosa
Monday Memories: The Spontaneous Trip
I have a January memory of a trip that took place 18 years ago.My new husband (of 2 months) got some camping equipment for Christmas. A few days after Christmas, we got this great idea to go camping. However, it was 34*F outside. So, we got an even better idea to drive to Southern California where it was warm enough to camp.
We both took vacation time off from work, packed the car and were off. It was very spontaneous, and I could never do that now. But being spontaneous was part of the fun.
When we got to LA, we went to Disneyland - just the 2 of us, no kids yet. We even found a campground about 45 min. from Disneyland, next to the Pacific Ocean. I remember cooking canned chili on a single propane burner and finding a huge, exotic looking insect under our tent.
A lot of the memories of this trip are fuzzy. But, it was a special trip that we took together. Maybe when the kids have grown up, we will be able to be spontaneous again - after I pick up my prescriptions, get someone to water the plants, put a hold on the mall, wash the clothes that we will be taking, prepare food for the trip, and lose 10 pounds.
Manic Monday
I'm going to try something new - Manic Monday. There are only 3 questions; I can do that.If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?
Since I can choose any state, I'll have to say Hawaii. It's warm, beautiful, exotic, and it smells great - the perfect state to be named after.
Where do you go for advice?
It depends on what advice I am looking for. For some things, I research the topic on the Internet. I listen to June Hunt on the radio for good mental health advice. If the advice that I am looking for is Biblical, then I go to SermonAudio and type the topic into the search box. Then, I listen to one of the sermons that comes up in the search results.
What is the sickest you've ever been?
When I was 18, I was pretty sick. My boyfriend (now husband) came over to see how I was doing. Well, I was so "out of it" that I was laughing at my stupid jokes and wearing a stainless steel bowl on my head. Fortunately, the bowl hadn't been used yet.
Sunday Seven: 7 Fun Things I Did with My Kids This Week
Sunday Seven MemeDad's been out of town working for a few weeks and we were missing him. So, we did 7 Fun Activities to lift our spirits.
- Watched some of our Little House on the Prairie and The Walton's DVDs
- Played our favorite card games: Dutch Blitz and 9 Square
- Looked at old photos from when the kids were little
- Made Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Played Chicken Foot (with dominoes)
- Had a slumber party in the living room
- Called Grandma and Grandpa on the phone
All Things Work Together for Good?
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
Most of us have heard this verse. But, what does it mean? I listened to a sermon by Pastor Henry Mahan and took notes. This is what I learned:
And we know - This is true because God says so in His Word.
that all things - The things on earth, in heaven, in the universe, in time, in eternity, in my life - past, present, and future.
work together - The good and bad, success and failure, poverty and plenty, sickness and health - are set in motion by God and actively work together. (We don't understand things in our life if we look at each thing separately.)
for good - It's not the pleasurable feeling that we want to have right now. It's for our spiritual good, for eternity - not just here on earth. Whatever it takes to bring us to Him, is considered good.
to them that love God - This promise isn't for everybody. It's only for true Christian believers that love the true living God - the God who created us, loved us first, and died on the cross for our sins.
to them who are the called according to His purpose - For those He foreknew and choose, to be in the image of Christ. He called us out of darkness, made us righteous by the shedding of His blood, pardoned and forgave our sins, gave us life eternal, and glorified us.
We need to seek after Him and know Him. He loves us and He knows what is best for us. He has a plan for our spiritual good.
Most of us have heard this verse. But, what does it mean? I listened to a sermon by Pastor Henry Mahan and took notes. This is what I learned:
And we know - This is true because God says so in His Word.
that all things - The things on earth, in heaven, in the universe, in time, in eternity, in my life - past, present, and future.
work together - The good and bad, success and failure, poverty and plenty, sickness and health - are set in motion by God and actively work together. (We don't understand things in our life if we look at each thing separately.)
for good - It's not the pleasurable feeling that we want to have right now. It's for our spiritual good, for eternity - not just here on earth. Whatever it takes to bring us to Him, is considered good.
to them that love God - This promise isn't for everybody. It's only for true Christian believers that love the true living God - the God who created us, loved us first, and died on the cross for our sins.
to them who are the called according to His purpose - For those He foreknew and choose, to be in the image of Christ. He called us out of darkness, made us righteous by the shedding of His blood, pardoned and forgave our sins, gave us life eternal, and glorified us.
We need to seek after Him and know Him. He loves us and He knows what is best for us. He has a plan for our spiritual good.
The Woman at the Travel Plaza
The writing prompt for Sunday Scribblings this week is "Fellow Travelers". Through out my traveling, I have met some very interesting people, enough people to fill a book. However, one woman quickly comes to my mind - the woman at the travel plaza. (Travel plazas are service centers along the interstate turnpikes with restaurants, restrooms, and gasoline pumps.)About 8 years ago, our family made a major move to the East Coast. We drove 3000 miles to a home and town that we had never seen. It was adventurous, but also scary. Moving is expensive and we didn't have much money. So, we planned to keep the travel expenses as low as possible. To save on food and lodging costs, we decided to drive straight through sleeping in the car and buying our food at grocery stores. However, we didn't understand the reality of the facilities available along the turnpikes. There aren't very many towns along the interstates. Instead, motorists stop at travel plazas for food and gas. The prices at travel plazas were higher then we had expected to pay. This added much stress to our trip.
I remember being in a travel plaza in Pennsylvania. My husband and I were anxiously discussing which fast food we should buy for our family. We walked between the different menu boards in the food court, comparing prices. Well, there was a woman who was watching us. She came up to me and handed me $20. She said that she was traveling with a group of women from her church. She noticed the size of our family and knew that traveling could be expensive. She felt like God wanted her to come offer this money to us. I quietly said a thank you. Then she smiled and rushed away. I stood there with my mouth hanging open. Nothing like that had ever happed to me before. Hoping to thank her again, I looked around the crowded room. But, she was already gone.
So, I'd like to express my appreciation to this woman. I'll probably never know your name or see you again. God prompted you to do something and you obeyed Him. You showed my family kindness, in a respectful way. You made a positive impact on me that will effect the rest of my life.
Some may call this a random act of kindness. Some will call this Christian charity. I call it a message from God. He was reminding me that I didn't need to worry about our current situation or the ones we may face in the future. God would always provide for my family.
How to Seek the Lord
I heard a really good sermon about Jeremiah 29:13 - "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.We seek the things that we really want , such as - wealth, an education, a career, good health, relationships. We spend our time going after the things that we want. If we really desire to know God, then we need to seek Him.
To seek the Lord is:
- admitting that by nature we do not know the living God. (this is where it starts)
- to really, sincerely desire to know Him and fellowship with Him. (not to feel an emotional way, but to truly know Him)
- to be willing to seek Him and to be accepted on His terms. (being repentant in our heart and having faith in Jesus and His ways, leaving our ways behind.)
- to be willing to get rid of anything or anyone that keeps us from full fellowship with Him. (He wants to be Lord of all, not a religious thing on the side.
How to Run Your Race
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." - Hebrews 12:1
Some of the weights that hinder us in running our race (God's plan for us) are:
- hanging out with the wrong people
- wrong ambitions
- bad attitudes
- addictions
- some social events that we attend
- some business deals
- some investment opportunities
We have to keep looking to Jesus for strength - not trusting in ourself, our profession, our experiences, or other people.
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." Hebrews 12:2a
We have a race to run - His plan for us. We have to receive His strength and keep going. Men like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses kept running their race and looking to God for guidance and strength. The Lord was able to use them in mighty ways. (the witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11)
And when we feel like giving up, verse 3 tells us to consider Him. We haven't really had to suffer or go through anything as bad as Jesus did. They spat on Him, accused Him, called Him names, hated Him, killed Him.
"Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." Hebrews 12:3
God puts things and challenges in our lives that make us become better Christian disciples. Correction and discipline are not always punishments. When we've been disciplined by the Lord, it is for our own good and part of His plan for us. God is wise and still on the throne. He chooses what is best for us. And He will give us the strength to endure the race He planned for us. (from Hebrews 12:5-12)
In order to run my race better, I need to get rid of some weights: bitterness, worry, impatience, eating for emotional reasons. These things are just weighting me down and keeping me from serving God better.
How about you?
Are there any weights that you need to lay aside? Have you been experiencing the Lord's discipline in your own life?
Self Worth: The Truth Will Set Us Free
Do you feel inadequate or insecure? Do you second guess your ability or feel like you don't measure up? Many of us feel this way, because of the critical words we have heard during our lives. Those negative voices, of the past or present, tell us that we can't do it. That we aren't valuable.
Why do we listen to those negative voices? They are lies. God's Word tells us the truth. John 8:32 says - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. We might say:
- I can't do anything right. - but Philippians 4:13 says: For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
- I don't have the inner strength to do it. - but 2 Corinthians 12:9 says:
My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. - I don't think anyone could love me. - but Jeremiah 31:3 says: I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. And 1 John 3:1 says: See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are.
- I should never have been born. - but Jeremiah1:5 says: I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.
- My future is hopeless. - but Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Ephesians 4:1 says - Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Our True Condition Before God
I heard a sermon today based on the beginning of Ezekiel 16. This part of the Bible is a prophecy about Israel, but it is also applicable to us. It is about our true condition before God.As newborn babies we are born sinful, to sinful parents. The sin starts within us, and then we show it in outward acts. As Romans 3:12 says - "there is no one who does good, not even one." We may look pretty good to other people, but to God we are sinners. We are powerless to make ourselves look better to God. However, he comes to us, in our sinful condition -vulnerable, fragile and exposed. He wants to help us live, thrive, and grow. He wants to save us. That's why He sent Jesus, His son.
This is a picture of salvation found in Ezekiel 16:9-14
The Lord takes us and washes us - cleanses us of our sins.
The Lord anoints us with oil - anoints us with the Holy Spirit when we receive His salvation.
The Lord clothes us - to make us holy.
The Lord adorns us with jewelry - we bow in submission to serve Him.
The Lord crowns us - making us like royalty.
He says we are beautiful and made perfect in Him, not because of are own doing but because of what He has done for us. We can not do enough good things to earn forgiveness for being a sinner.
How to Receive Salvation from Jesus:
- Admit that you are a sinner and that you need Jesus to save you and forgive you.
- Believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for your sins.
- Ask Jesus to forgive you for sinning. Tell Him that you want to stop sinning.
- Invite Jesus to come into your life.
- Tell Jesus that you want to follow Him, trust Him, and serve Him.
My Funeral Date
The writing prompt for Sunday Scribblings this week is "Date". Instead of writing about my wedding date, or my most romantic date - I was inspired to write about my funeral date. (kind of morbid, huh?)Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:1-2:
"A good reputation is better than a fat bank account.
Your death date tells more than your birth date.
You learn more at a funeral than at a feast (party).
After all, that's where we'll end up. We might discover something from it."
When I die, I don't want any regrets. I need to make sure that what I am living for now is worth dying for. A lot of the things I keep myself busy with just don't matter. Like most people, I give much of my attention to what is happening now. I should be doing more things that have long term benefits, thinking more about eternity.
Tonight, I heard Dr. Royce B. Short say - "No one is ready to live until he is ready to die. You don't know what is important in the present until you see it in the backdrop of eternity."
This is what we can learn at a funeral:
- We are reminded of our mortality. One day we will die.
- Our minds think about what matters most in life.
- We may ask - What do I need to change in my life?
- We contemplate rearranging our priorities.
- We consider excluding things that can shorten our earthly life.
- We understand that life will be meaningless if we live just for this life, not considering eternity.
- We remember that we can't take our stuff with us.
- We realize that now is the time to turn to God. Time goes by really quick. Death is final. We have to prepare now to meet our Creator.
So, I had better get busy so I can give them something good to talk about.
Free Missions Book
Gospel for Asia offers a free book through their website. I got it and found it very interesting.The book tells about the history and the current work of Gospel for Asia. It explains how they: train local people to become missionaries, support a missionary for only $1400 a year, are currently supporting 16,000 missionaries, and have planted 29,000 churches and mission stations.
You can request this book at Gospel for Asia and they will send it to you free.
Out with the Old
I've been so excited about the New Year that I haven't properly said good-bye to the Old Year. I guess I'm just anxious to move on and experience new things. There were a lot of significant events last year - some good and some really bad. But they all were a part of my life and need to be a part of my memories.What do I want to acknowledge about myself in regard to 2007?
- Did too much worrying about how God was going to take care of me and my family.
- Discovered emotional problems that I need to stop suppressing and deal with.
- Realized that I don't really want to be a nurse after all, I'm much more interested in Christian counseling.
- Found out that I actually like working for free, if I'm working for God.
- Traveled to the West Coast 3 times to visit my family.
- Tagged along on my husband's business trips and therefore got to explore Manhattan, Lancaster PA, and the Gettysburg Battlefield.
- Started going to a wonderful Christian church that preaches from the Bible, prays often, and witnesses to the world.
- My brother-in-law, Steve, decided to commit suicide. He didn't get professional help when he needed it. He didn't understand that others could help him work through his problems. He didn't realize how it would devastate his family, cause his loved ones to blame themselves, and leave behind lots of problems for others to have to deal with. He didn't think about how people would feel when they discovered how he died. He didn't understand that he would be messing up the plans that God had for his future. He didn't know how much he would be missed.
- I learned from the things I regret saying and doing, and I got better at saying "I'm sorry".
- God's will for my life isn't just some future plan. I can live in God's will now, on a daily basis.
- Another year has come and gone. I didn't use my time as wisely as I should have, but I got much better at it.
What would like to say about 2007 to declare it complete?
Don't Give Up Your Goals
Living in God's Will and looking for His purpose for your life is wonderful, but that doesn't mean you give up your goals. Personal goals are different than your purpose for life (God's plan or course for your life).
Even though you want to follow God's plan for your life, you should still have goals. Personal goals are specific activities that you set. They are short term and measurable. Goals will help you reach your purpose.
How to define your goals:
James 4:15 says: What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that."
(from my notes on Purpose by June Hunt)
(Fish image is from ChristArt.com)
Even though you want to follow God's plan for your life, you should still have goals. Personal goals are specific activities that you set. They are short term and measurable. Goals will help you reach your purpose.
How to define your goals:
- set a deadline for completion of a goal
- they shouldn't contradict the will of God
- they should help you achieve God's purpose for your life
- they should have meaning and importance
- they are not dependent on others
- they will benefit others
- they need to be in harmony with the Will of God
- involve prayer in goal setting
- they are attainable
- they are realistic
James 4:15 says: What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that."
(from my notes on Purpose by June Hunt)
(Fish image is from ChristArt.com)
Help Fund the Great Commission
I've listened to Money Matters on the Christian radio station for about 7 years. People call in daily to get their financial questions answered.
Money Matters teaches:
The Money Matters Radio Show is also online.
Their website, Crown Financial Ministries, is filled with - helpful financial articles, budgeting and saving calculators, and free financial tools.
Scripture References about budgeting, saving, investing, debt, giving, greed, and riches.
(Fish image is from ChristArt.com)
Money Matters teaches:
- Biblical financial principles
- how to get out of debt
- how to help fund the Great Commission.
The Money Matters Radio Show is also online.
Their website, Crown Financial Ministries, is filled with - helpful financial articles, budgeting and saving calculators, and free financial tools.
Scripture References about budgeting, saving, investing, debt, giving, greed, and riches.
(Fish image is from ChristArt.com)
A Million Dollars
What would you do if you had a million dollars - to give to God's work? Would you start a ministry? Would you give some to missionaries, your church, Christian organizations?
Yes. You would pray about it before actually giving the money away. I'd like to know what types of ministries are dear to your heart. Which ones would you be interested in supporting? (but pray about first)
Well, I'd really like to get your answers and add them to this post. You can include links, too.
God's Girl said: I would really pray before making specific donations but off the top of my head, I would sponsor missionaries, make a donation to an organization that translates and distributes the Bible worldwide, start a women's ministry that has been on my heart for years, donate money to a local women's ministry that I believe in, donate to my church's building project....for a start! hehehe
Debbie said: Wow! That is a thought provoking question. I agree with the others-you would need to spend a great deal of time in prayer first! I really know so many missionaries and mission projects around the globe that it would be easy to spend a million dollars. I think I would have to donate a hefty sum to Piedmont Baptist College. They do a great job of training Christian leaders. I would also pray about giving funds to the Baptist Mid-Missions camp outside Lima, Peru. It has never been funded enough. After that I would give a massive sum to national pastors and missionaries. Your dollar goes a long way with these dear servants. I know dozens here in Peru that live off so little.
I don't suppose I will ever have the chance to distribute a million dollars for the Lord's work. But, if anyone wants me to try, just let me know! Sounds like a blessed job to me.
Joyce said: Personally....I would probably "break up the money" and distribute it to various missionaries and missions organizations that need it badly. I wouldn't probably give it to so many of the "well known" or big agencies, but maybe a few that I trust. My heart goes out to the people/missionaries who are doing the work but haven't much $$$ support. Right before I read your comment on my blog...I had just wrote a check out to a little "Girls" home in Mexico that my friends are involved in. Because they haven't any heat and it's gotten cold there and their heaters were dangerous. Not working, expelling toxic gases, etc...so...several of us have all pitched in to help buy them a new furnace...because they couldn't afford it. That's the kind of things I want to help out with.....and of course other things as well. Orphans, AIDS, clean water, child prostitution, and human trafficking is a huge issue I am dealing with in my heart. I can't stand it. Those last ones put me over the edge. Child prostitution and Human Trafficking. We have some friends that are now working in that realm too.....so I would pour money to that cause big time. I don't think I would start a new missions situation only because there are so many working ones out there. I would check them out though and make sure they are reputable before I gave to them. I've seen and known of financial abuse even in missions areas...and I don't go for people living high off of missions funds.
Christina said: I would pray, pray and pray some more. A million dollars is not chump change. I pray before I spend my last twenty so I would surely pray. Where the Lord led me I would follow.
Shari said: I would - support some Gospel for Asia Missionaries (only takes $1800 a year to fully support one), support the projects of Operation Blessing (helping low income families worldwide and orphans), finish my college education (so I will be better educated to work for God), send each of my kids on a short term mission trip, contribute to my church's various fund raising projects, adopt or help other Christians adopt, and help my husband start the Christian camp that he has been dreaming about for 20 years.
Just Jen said: If have a million dollars just to spend on God's work, He would have it spent before He gave it to me. God gives His grace in measure. :D I would think He would do the same with the money....just as he did with the fish and bread....
Karan said: I'd start with first, researching people or families and organizations who were in need of help and decide on who I would give some of the wealth to.
One activity my husband and I already do is, if we have read a thoroughly inspirational book that helps us to grow and think in our own lives, we recommend it to others by purchasing many copies and mailing them to friends and family to read.
I'd probably add more names to our missionary list to help support their work for the Lord. At 65 I'm too old and too tired to go to a foreign field, but I'd like to help send others to forward the name of Jesus.
I'd also like to help serious Bible College students to get through college. When I was a young woman in Bible College, my dream was to have a youth ranch for troubled youth. I most likely would consider making this dream a reality even now, by financing something similar to this.
There are so many small ways to help those in need, if you choose to give away little by little and you can include your children, grandchildren or students by teaching them how to give. Some examples I'd choose would be food, medicines, seeds, rice and shoes. You can organize a shoe drive for orphans or needy kids. I took my grandsons to a shoe dept. and we picked out shoes to send to the orphans - it was fun. I've even seen needy people or disabled people shopping and not have enough money to buy a pair of shoes or some needed item. What a look of surprise and joy on their face when I told them I'd like to buy the shoes for them. Actually, I think my own heart was more elated. There are so many ways we can be an example to our children and younger generations regarding giving. And we can always give to hunger in America. I'd like to gradually give out my wealth and not do it all at once. Spread the blessings over time!
This is an acceptable start on what I would do with a million dollars. It would go quickly, and I would need to make a good advantageous plan before I started. I would also encourage my grandchildren to join in learning how to give to others in need.
Yes. You would pray about it before actually giving the money away. I'd like to know what types of ministries are dear to your heart. Which ones would you be interested in supporting? (but pray about first)
Well, I'd really like to get your answers and add them to this post. You can include links, too.
God's Girl said: I would really pray before making specific donations but off the top of my head, I would sponsor missionaries, make a donation to an organization that translates and distributes the Bible worldwide, start a women's ministry that has been on my heart for years, donate money to a local women's ministry that I believe in, donate to my church's building project....for a start! hehehe
Debbie said: Wow! That is a thought provoking question. I agree with the others-you would need to spend a great deal of time in prayer first! I really know so many missionaries and mission projects around the globe that it would be easy to spend a million dollars. I think I would have to donate a hefty sum to Piedmont Baptist College. They do a great job of training Christian leaders. I would also pray about giving funds to the Baptist Mid-Missions camp outside Lima, Peru. It has never been funded enough. After that I would give a massive sum to national pastors and missionaries. Your dollar goes a long way with these dear servants. I know dozens here in Peru that live off so little.
I don't suppose I will ever have the chance to distribute a million dollars for the Lord's work. But, if anyone wants me to try, just let me know! Sounds like a blessed job to me.
Joyce said: Personally....I would probably "break up the money" and distribute it to various missionaries and missions organizations that need it badly. I wouldn't probably give it to so many of the "well known" or big agencies, but maybe a few that I trust. My heart goes out to the people/missionaries who are doing the work but haven't much $$$ support. Right before I read your comment on my blog...I had just wrote a check out to a little "Girls" home in Mexico that my friends are involved in. Because they haven't any heat and it's gotten cold there and their heaters were dangerous. Not working, expelling toxic gases, etc...so...several of us have all pitched in to help buy them a new furnace...because they couldn't afford it. That's the kind of things I want to help out with.....and of course other things as well. Orphans, AIDS, clean water, child prostitution, and human trafficking is a huge issue I am dealing with in my heart. I can't stand it. Those last ones put me over the edge. Child prostitution and Human Trafficking. We have some friends that are now working in that realm too.....so I would pour money to that cause big time. I don't think I would start a new missions situation only because there are so many working ones out there. I would check them out though and make sure they are reputable before I gave to them. I've seen and known of financial abuse even in missions areas...and I don't go for people living high off of missions funds.
Christina said: I would pray, pray and pray some more. A million dollars is not chump change. I pray before I spend my last twenty so I would surely pray. Where the Lord led me I would follow.
Shari said: I would - support some Gospel for Asia Missionaries (only takes $1800 a year to fully support one), support the projects of Operation Blessing (helping low income families worldwide and orphans), finish my college education (so I will be better educated to work for God), send each of my kids on a short term mission trip, contribute to my church's various fund raising projects, adopt or help other Christians adopt, and help my husband start the Christian camp that he has been dreaming about for 20 years.
Just Jen said: If have a million dollars just to spend on God's work, He would have it spent before He gave it to me. God gives His grace in measure. :D I would think He would do the same with the money....just as he did with the fish and bread....
Karan said: I'd start with first, researching people or families and organizations who were in need of help and decide on who I would give some of the wealth to.
One activity my husband and I already do is, if we have read a thoroughly inspirational book that helps us to grow and think in our own lives, we recommend it to others by purchasing many copies and mailing them to friends and family to read.
I'd probably add more names to our missionary list to help support their work for the Lord. At 65 I'm too old and too tired to go to a foreign field, but I'd like to help send others to forward the name of Jesus.
I'd also like to help serious Bible College students to get through college. When I was a young woman in Bible College, my dream was to have a youth ranch for troubled youth. I most likely would consider making this dream a reality even now, by financing something similar to this.
There are so many small ways to help those in need, if you choose to give away little by little and you can include your children, grandchildren or students by teaching them how to give. Some examples I'd choose would be food, medicines, seeds, rice and shoes. You can organize a shoe drive for orphans or needy kids. I took my grandsons to a shoe dept. and we picked out shoes to send to the orphans - it was fun. I've even seen needy people or disabled people shopping and not have enough money to buy a pair of shoes or some needed item. What a look of surprise and joy on their face when I told them I'd like to buy the shoes for them. Actually, I think my own heart was more elated. There are so many ways we can be an example to our children and younger generations regarding giving. And we can always give to hunger in America. I'd like to gradually give out my wealth and not do it all at once. Spread the blessings over time!
This is an acceptable start on what I would do with a million dollars. It would go quickly, and I would need to make a good advantageous plan before I started. I would also encourage my grandchildren to join in learning how to give to others in need.
A New Woman
The Sunday Scribblings prompt for this week is "New".This year, I want to be a new woman with a new attitude. I want those I know to say: "Hey. Is there something different about you?"
- Away with the bitterness. It only hurts me when I hang on to the hurt, feeling too wounded to forgive.
- Away with the impatience. God sure has been patient with me. He waited 17 years for me to get back to church.
- Away with fear and worry. I've finally realized that it really doesn't make my circumstances better.
- Away with competitiveness. Jesus wants us to work together and encourage each other.
- Away with laziness. I only have so much time on this earth.
- Away with unhealthy eating habits. I want that physical energy back, that I had 7 years ago.
- Away with being unappreciative. God gives me blessings every day, things I don't deserve and haven't earned.
- Away with hoping in my plans. They've been known to change for the better. Thank you, Jesus.
Now and Then
The Sunday Scribblings prompt for last week was "Now and Then".My physical circumstances aren't much different "Now" then they were "Then". I still have: the same lack of money, the same debt, the same rented house, and the same lack of prospects. But, now my spirit and mind are different.
You see, the difference between "Now" and "Then" is that - Now, I am living in God's Will. I decided to stop worrying about what I don't have. It's so much easier saying: Lord, what do you want me to do today? He sends little opportunities and people my way. Well, they seem little to me. However, if they are part of God's Will, then they are part of His big plan.
Telling God that I want to live in His Will can be scary. It's not about telling him where I'm willing to serve or live. Currently, I live 3000 miles from where my extended family lives. This was never part of my plan, but I know beyond a doubt that I am living exactly where God wants me to live. My physical circumstances haven't improved by living here, but my Christian walk has improved. My ministry for Jesus has grown.
Not Searching
I'm not searching for the meaning of life. I'm not looking for the right religion. I know the Truth. There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus is the way. My life has meaning. My purpose is to serve Him and worship Him. I have such a peace in my heart, because I know what my future holds when I die. I will live forever in Heaven. It is so exciting.Help Rescue Them
Today, I received an email from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries.
Ron said: "My prayer for 2008 is that you won’t just make a casual "new year’s resolution" of some kind. My prayer is that rescue will become a burning passion of your heart - that every day you will look for, and seek out opportunities to share the hope you have in Jesus."
There are so many ways to participate in evangelism. You can: let your Christian light shine to your neighbors, witness through Christian community projects, support existing evangelism and ministry projects, help attract non-Christians to your church.
It is important to tell people that they need a Savior, because one day they will face God’s judgment for their sins. If they aren't going to heaven, they are going to hell. That is the awful reality.
There are hundreds of witnessing ideas for individuals, families, and churches at the Easy to Evangelize site.
(The clip art is from ChristArt.com)
Ron said: "My prayer for 2008 is that you won’t just make a casual "new year’s resolution" of some kind. My prayer is that rescue will become a burning passion of your heart - that every day you will look for, and seek out opportunities to share the hope you have in Jesus."
There are so many ways to participate in evangelism. You can: let your Christian light shine to your neighbors, witness through Christian community projects, support existing evangelism and ministry projects, help attract non-Christians to your church.
It is important to tell people that they need a Savior, because one day they will face God’s judgment for their sins. If they aren't going to heaven, they are going to hell. That is the awful reality.
There are hundreds of witnessing ideas for individuals, families, and churches at the Easy to Evangelize site.
(The clip art is from ChristArt.com)
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