My Utmost for His Highest

What a wonderful title for this devotional. Lately I've been amazed at how on target each day has been to my life. Today's entry was titled the Dilemma of Obedience. Here's some thoughtful excerpts. "God never speaks to us in dramatic ways, but in ways that are easy to misunderstand. Then we say, 'I wonder if that is God's voice?' Isaiah said that the Lord spoke to him 'with a strong hand' that is, by the pressures of his circumstances. Without the sovereign hand of God Himself, nothing touches our lives. Do we discern His hands at work, or do we see things as mere occurrences?
Get into the habit of saying, 'Speak, LORD,' and life will become a romance. Every time circumstances press in on you, say, 'Speak LORD,' and make time to listen. Chastening is more than a means of discipline- it is meant to bring me to the point of saying, 'Speak, LORD.'"

I want to say- speak LORD- Holy Spirit help me to listen and obey- may there be no dilemma, but an assurance of Your voice- as I delight to do Thy will- Thy good and perfect will. I want a life of listening to the One who has been given the title of LORD. In Your precious Name Jesus, Amen.

Nasal Douche

I'm having some laughter tonight over conversation about nasal douching. For those of you out there who might need some enlightenment as I did- this is part of good nasal hygiene. Directions: fill up a cup of 1/3 full of alcolol with hot water until its half full- use half in each nostril; any remainder can be used as a gargle- ok- that's kind of nasty. Here's the directions for those of you suffering from post nasal drip, acute rhinitis, and general cleanliness as a helpful home preventative: with finger over vent, introduce nozzle of cup into nostril, elevate the cup. Remove finger allowing warm Alkalol to flow into nostril. Keep mouth open and avoid breathing through nose while using.....Here's a pic....

The Color Red

We've heard of the Color Purple, but the pallet's color of choice today is red. Maybe you've seen the new Gap commercials dealing with their (Product) Red....Admi (red), Desi (red), Empowe (red). All of these products are made in Africa, with the campaign focusing on raising awareness of AIDS/HIV. Red is such a powerful color, don't you think? I think of Marilyn Monroe and think of red lip stick. I think of the bright red hues in the sky with a powerful sunset. This week my little toddlers were doing some finger painting in class using red finger paint on pink paper, of course in preparation of Valentine's Day. So why do we use red so much with Valentine's Day- red hearts are the basic color of choice. Then I thought of the color of blood....red. The very essence of our heart is blood and it's red. Jesus said, "No greater love is this, than a man lay down his life for his friends." When I see a Valentine may I think of the heart of my Savior, the power He displayed in His humility, who chose to give His blood as my cleansing as a symbol of His unfailing love. Red

Believing God

If you're an avid reader of mine, I hope that this title becomes a common theme of mine. Believing God. Mind renewal is of huge importance- I may believe a lot of things, but often times they are not true. I remember an English teacher of mine telling of her grandma that didn't believe that man walked on the moon. Because she believed it- surely did not validate that man didn't walk on the moon. What we believe makes a big difference. I can believe a lie about someone, and that so effects how my heart responds to them. I am glad that love thinks no evil. But, here's what's dynamite...believing God. Yes- we can believe Him, because His character NEVER changes. He is faithful. He is good. His love is unfailing- His love never fails us, never. Then I read in Ephesians that Paul prays that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, with the last being so that you may know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Wow- the surpassing greatness of His power- toward us who believe. May God receive glory and His power be displayed by my belief. Let's believe Him together today.

Ponder Anew What the Almighty Can Do

Belief- Lord help my I unbelief as I want to believe You. If Your Name is Almighty that signifies that You are powerful actually all power belongs to You. I want to see Your works- Your beautiful works. You are a Good God- there is no one like You. I'm saddened at how at times I don't believe You- I believe the worst, when you are the best God. You are worthy of trust. Thank You that you all things are possible with You-that You are not a logical God- that the wisdom of You is foolishness to the world. Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Ahhh- a refreshing ahh- to those who believe. Love believes all things- to love You with all my heart means I believe You in all things; Love thinks no evil.

Praise to the Lord Almighty- hymn

Praise to the Lord, Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,If with His love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, Who, when tempests their warfare are waging,Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,Biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.
Praise to the Lord, Who, when darkness of sin is abounding,Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,Sheddeth His light, chaseth the horrors of night,Saints with His mercy surrounding.
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.Let the Amen sound from His people again,Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Kisses from heaven

I must proclaim the Lord's lovingkindess. This morning, my heart was disappointed. As I went to work I was helping one of my little ones get off his coat. This little one does not communicate verbally, but as I was leaning down to help him he gave me a kiss on the cheek. As I smiled at him, he proceeded to give me another, and then another and one more. I told him- that was just what I needed. God used this little one to show me His love and say- Lynnster I know your thoughts I see you- I am your El Roi. Then His kindness continued as I got a phone call when I was in our lunchroom at work and it was my coworker saying I had a special delivery from the Spot. The manager of the Spot went to China and since they ordered from there she put in a free piece of my favorite pie- Old Fashioned Cream Pie- yumm. Those reminders are huge to me, but even beyond those kisses from heaven my God whispers in my ear...."I love you deeply."- God

Freedom Writers

OK- right now I'm feeling a little guilty as I'm blogging in Panera Bread and I'm seated in a big booth- and guess what? It's just me- as I look around there are no other available seats- so I'm feeling a little guilty. OK- I don't have to feel guilty anymore, now I'm sitting at a smaller table :) On to blogging.....
FREEDOM WRITERS







Well, last night my roommate and I saw Freedom Writers. What an excellent movie! I love true stories and movies that are inspiring. I highly recommend this movie. Hillary Swank plays a teacher whose desire is to teach English to inner city high schoolers. Initially she can't contain the class- fights are breaking out and their lives are marked with violence from gangs. In this school integration has occurred; however although the school is integrated the kids segregate themselves. So she lays down red tape and asks them a series of questions which bring them together. What I love is that she hits their emotions and the learning begins. More importantly their compassion is stirred and that choose to make positive changes.

Happy New Year

Wow- hello 2007! I do enjoy the concept of a new year- a new start, a new vision, a new goal. So as I look ahead to 2007, I want to do my highlights of 2006....

1) China- having most of my summers off allowed me to go and help at an orphanage in Siping. While there, I was humbled how gracious and giving the Chinese people were to us, being convicted at the body of Christ- how we need more of this generous giving. It was a little harder than I expected with cultural changes. But, the children were wonderful- how God does have a heart for the orphans. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" James 1:27. That God's heart is in adoption- that as His kids He has adopted us.

2) Learning more on my guitar- love the guitar

3) Enjoying my first full year with my work with infants and toddlers- how I enjoy them and how much they teach me!

4)Of course there is mention of Ohio State- getting to go to two OSU games and getting to meet Jim Tressell!! What a man of integrity and humility! I just love the story of Troy Smith and Jim Tressell- I love that two years ago I would have NEVER thought that Troy would have been even a candidate for the Heisman. I love that as Jim disciplined him two years ago, by sitting him out of the bowl game, he didn't give up on him; he gave him another chance. I love how their relationship has fostered and the respect and love that they have for one another- such a great representation of the Father and His kids.

As I look to 2007- may the Lord help me to continue to seek Him- to not let time just slip by, but making the most of the days He has given. To continue to believe my Lord for great and mighty things. I don't want to limit Him, but to let Him be exalted. May He have His way by His grace. Some goals: to finish and train for a triathlon, new direction for ministry :)