As the demons cheered, the evil one continued:
“Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God’s creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts and movies instead.
“Keep them busy, busy, busy. And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.
“Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the ‘good’ of the cause.”
“It will work It will work It will work, ” the demons shouted!
It was quite a plan and the demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get more busy and more rushed... Going here and there... Having little time for their God or their families... Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
***
The real question is: has the devil been successful at his scheme?
Does busy really mean:
B eing
U nder
S atan’s
Y oke?
* * *
If you’re not too busy, or even if you are too busy, Selah- think on these things.
RUBUSY? (aRe yoU Being Under Satan's Yoke?)
My thanks to the unknown writer for this message... for making me rethink my priorities. It is my hope and prayer that you, too, will look at your life's patterns- do you need to make some changes? I did!
When I meet Jesus face to face, I want no regrets. I want Him to tell me, "Well done." And I want to turn around and see YOU there, too.
Shalom, Connie
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The deepest heartaches can become heartstrings to God's joy, peace, and love.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Nonessentials of Life- Part 2
Satan's convention message continued:
“Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what’s important, and they’ll become dissatisfied with their wives.
“Keep their wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches, too If they don’t give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment families quickly
“Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas . Give them the Easter Bunny so they won’t talk about the resurrection and power over sin and death.
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
“Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what’s important, and they’ll become dissatisfied with their wives.
“Keep their wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches, too If they don’t give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment families quickly
“Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas . Give them the Easter Bunny so they won’t talk about the resurrection and power over sin and death.
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Nonessentials of Life? Part 1
As I was sorting papers in piles: to keep, to think about, to shred, I found this. (Someone e-mailed it to me 5 years ago; author unknown.) I am going to share the "minutes" of convention a section at a time so we can mull it over and check our status.
World Wide Convention: Opening Message
Satan addressed the world meeting of demons with the tenacity of a used car salesman saying, “We can’t keep Christians from going to church. We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can’t even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior.
“Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don’t have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“This is what I want you to do. Distract them from gaining hold of their savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day.”
“How?” his demons shouted.
“Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,” he answered.
“Tempt them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressure of work.
“Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or CD/cassette player whenever they drive; and to keep the TV, VCR and PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-Biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.
“Fill the coffees tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services, and false hopes.
Selah-
Part 2 tomorrow.
Shalom, Connie
World Wide Convention: Opening Message
Satan addressed the world meeting of demons with the tenacity of a used car salesman saying, “We can’t keep Christians from going to church. We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can’t even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior.
“Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don’t have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“This is what I want you to do. Distract them from gaining hold of their savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day.”
“How?” his demons shouted.
“Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,” he answered.
“Tempt them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressure of work.
“Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or CD/cassette player whenever they drive; and to keep the TV, VCR and PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-Biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.
“Fill the coffees tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services, and false hopes.
Selah-
Part 2 tomorrow.
Shalom, Connie
Friday, April 27, 2007
Selah: Think on this...
As with many things in life, we take our bodies for granted... until a part doesn’t work right.
The hand truly is marvelously made; it is made up of 27 small bones, which are moved by 37 skeletal muscles (plus the tendons that attach them to the bones.) It is the ability for the thumb and fingers to touch that gives us the awesome dexterity that only human beings have.
Just to touch your thumb to the tip of your first finger requires the coordination of 10 bones. When something is between the thumb and first finger, the muscles and tendons in our arm and hand work together, which is orchestrated by our brain, so we can pick up and hold on to that item.
How many things do you just pick up in an hour? In a day? A lot more than you are even aware of... until you cannot pick anything up. Try not using your thumb for one active hour! It's a challenge!
Selah-
Since my hand surgery, these verses express best what I am feeling:
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking. Body and soul, I am marvelously made. I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. (Psalm 139:14-15 The Message)
I am thankful also for my physician's skill, the team that assisted him, the financial arrangements that allowed me to have the surgery now (instead of the 2+ years I thought I would have to wait), the therapist and the many people who have helped with food, transportation, emotional support, and prayer.
Writing and typing, needlework, and everyday tasks beckon me- to be able to do them without pain will be delightful! The present soreness, which keeps me from overdoing, is also a reason for rejoicing. For now, I will wait patiently, as I exercise my hand, knowing that each day I am closer to full function with no pain.
Yes, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made!"
Shalom, Connie
The hand truly is marvelously made; it is made up of 27 small bones, which are moved by 37 skeletal muscles (plus the tendons that attach them to the bones.) It is the ability for the thumb and fingers to touch that gives us the awesome dexterity that only human beings have.
Just to touch your thumb to the tip of your first finger requires the coordination of 10 bones. When something is between the thumb and first finger, the muscles and tendons in our arm and hand work together, which is orchestrated by our brain, so we can pick up and hold on to that item.
How many things do you just pick up in an hour? In a day? A lot more than you are even aware of... until you cannot pick anything up. Try not using your thumb for one active hour! It's a challenge!
Selah-
Since my hand surgery, these verses express best what I am feeling:
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking. Body and soul, I am marvelously made. I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. (Psalm 139:14-15 The Message)
I am thankful also for my physician's skill, the team that assisted him, the financial arrangements that allowed me to have the surgery now (instead of the 2+ years I thought I would have to wait), the therapist and the many people who have helped with food, transportation, emotional support, and prayer.
Writing and typing, needlework, and everyday tasks beckon me- to be able to do them without pain will be delightful! The present soreness, which keeps me from overdoing, is also a reason for rejoicing. For now, I will wait patiently, as I exercise my hand, knowing that each day I am closer to full function with no pain.
Yes, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made!"
Shalom, Connie
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A-Okay!
Prayers Answered: The redness around my right thumb was caused by irritation from the splint being too tight, & no infection resulted.
Today the therapist adjusted the splint & put my hand through the exercises needed to strengthen & re-gain function of my thumb. I am ahead of the usual schedule according to the therapist so I only need to see him once per week. Also an answer to prayer because the costs of therapy visits add up quickly.
I am typing with 2 hands (minus my thumb)!
I am eager to resume my daily writing- look for my next post about our marvelous hands!
Shalom, Connie
Today the therapist adjusted the splint & put my hand through the exercises needed to strengthen & re-gain function of my thumb. I am ahead of the usual schedule according to the therapist so I only need to see him once per week. Also an answer to prayer because the costs of therapy visits add up quickly.
I am typing with 2 hands (minus my thumb)!
I am eager to resume my daily writing- look for my next post about our marvelous hands!
Shalom, Connie
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Quick Update
My thumb is swollen, red and more painful today. Hopefully, the splint just needs to be re-molded and no infection has set in.
Pray with me for continued healing. When this is over I am going to get a manicure!
Shalom, Connie
Thursday, April 19, 2007
OUT!
The purple cast is off and the pin is out of my thumb. ( :
A molded splint has been made to go around my thumb and down the inside of my hand and lower arm. It can be taken off several times a day. Now, we wait to see if I will have a functioning, pain free thumb. I vote: Yes!
For those of you with busy thumbs, I challenge you to try not using them for a few hours. You'll find that they are essential to most things that your hands do. What an awesome body we have!
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. (Psalm 139:14-15 The Message)
I am trusting God, through the surgeon and the physical therapist, to fully heal my right thumb. I am grateful that I no longer have bone rubbing against bone and that the degenerating bone is gone. I look forward to holding my granddaughter again, cooking, washing dishes, doing needlework, hand writing, playing the piano, and more.
My friends, take time today to notice what you're hands are doing for you and others...
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
A molded splint has been made to go around my thumb and down the inside of my hand and lower arm. It can be taken off several times a day. Now, we wait to see if I will have a functioning, pain free thumb. I vote: Yes!
For those of you with busy thumbs, I challenge you to try not using them for a few hours. You'll find that they are essential to most things that your hands do. What an awesome body we have!
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. (Psalm 139:14-15 The Message)
I am trusting God, through the surgeon and the physical therapist, to fully heal my right thumb. I am grateful that I no longer have bone rubbing against bone and that the degenerating bone is gone. I look forward to holding my granddaughter again, cooking, washing dishes, doing needlework, hand writing, playing the piano, and more.
My friends, take time today to notice what you're hands are doing for you and others...
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
Monday, April 16, 2007
Chess Or Books?
I go to Barnes and Nobles to people watch, to write, to read or just for a change of scenery while I indulge in a Chai Tea Latte. I enjoy sitting by the fire on a cold or dreary day even when the dreariness has nothing to do with the weather.
I've been there several times while my right hand, in it's purple cast, has been healing. I have observed bored husbands waiting for their wives to finish shopping, girl friends meeting and giggling, students studying with their laptops ready for that next paper to be written, readers actually engrossed in the book they've curled up with in the overstuffed chairs, pastors talking with couples in a non-threatening atmosphere, realtors going through the long process of "sign here... and here," and men playing chess.
I've decided that I want to learn to play chess because nothing else seems to matter except the game. The world, with all its concerns and cares, is left behind at the entrance.
Although I love to escape life through a good book, there are times when life's distractions override even the best novel. So I want to enter the kingdom of pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, queens and kings so I can set aside my pain, my cast, all the things that are hard to do with one hand including writing.
Anyone willing to teach a one-handed player who needs her gray cells stimulated?
I'm off to B & N; maybe there'll be a chess game in process. Connie
I've been there several times while my right hand, in it's purple cast, has been healing. I have observed bored husbands waiting for their wives to finish shopping, girl friends meeting and giggling, students studying with their laptops ready for that next paper to be written, readers actually engrossed in the book they've curled up with in the overstuffed chairs, pastors talking with couples in a non-threatening atmosphere, realtors going through the long process of "sign here... and here," and men playing chess.
I've decided that I want to learn to play chess because nothing else seems to matter except the game. The world, with all its concerns and cares, is left behind at the entrance.
Although I love to escape life through a good book, there are times when life's distractions override even the best novel. So I want to enter the kingdom of pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, queens and kings so I can set aside my pain, my cast, all the things that are hard to do with one hand including writing.
Anyone willing to teach a one-handed player who needs her gray cells stimulated?
I'm off to B & N; maybe there'll be a chess game in process. Connie
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A Special Moment
This evening, while in a fast food restaurant, a little boy about 3 years old pointed to my bright red tee-shirt. With a smile he said, "Bear!"
The bear on my shirt is about 17 " tall; he's wearing blue jeans, a red, plaid flannel shirt under a jean jacket, & red tennies- quite a friendly fellow.
"Yes, he's my happy bear," I responded as his smile broadened. (I think he's met a few cuddly, comforting bears during his short life.)
Then he saw my bright purple cast & the smile left. His eyes held questions, but he just looked from my cast to my face. When I nodded, he touched the cast and leaned to down see my fingers, and then my thumb, which was hiding inside. Softly I reassured him that my hand and arm were inside also.
Seriously he checked out my left hand- all fingers accounted for there; touching the cast once more his smile returned.
"Soon my hand will be all better and we'll take it off," I quietly explained. Once again he pointed to the bear. I nodded. We both knew that teddy bears make you all better!
If that little fellow has to have his own cast some day, maybe it won't be so scary because an inquisitive little boy and a grandma with a bear on her shirt- had a special moment.
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
The bear on my shirt is about 17 " tall; he's wearing blue jeans, a red, plaid flannel shirt under a jean jacket, & red tennies- quite a friendly fellow.
"Yes, he's my happy bear," I responded as his smile broadened. (I think he's met a few cuddly, comforting bears during his short life.)
Then he saw my bright purple cast & the smile left. His eyes held questions, but he just looked from my cast to my face. When I nodded, he touched the cast and leaned to down see my fingers, and then my thumb, which was hiding inside. Softly I reassured him that my hand and arm were inside also.
Seriously he checked out my left hand- all fingers accounted for there; touching the cast once more his smile returned.
"Soon my hand will be all better and we'll take it off," I quietly explained. Once again he pointed to the bear. I nodded. We both knew that teddy bears make you all better!
If that little fellow has to have his own cast some day, maybe it won't be so scary because an inquisitive little boy and a grandma with a bear on her shirt- had a special moment.
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Worth the Wait!
Mary could wait no longer. She went to anoint Jesus body with the burial herbs and ointments- her last act of love.
All those waiting didn't understand the miracle that Sunday morning when the stone was rolled away. But they had waited in sorrow and fear...
Because they lingered they saw Him face to face! Their lives would never be the same.
As we begin to comprehend that "we might live through Him," we are forever changed.
"And then my heart stands still- I can't believe my eyes! I see now why He hangs between the earth and skies;
Above His head I read- could that be my name? My name?! My name! Behold the Lamb, dying on my cross!*"
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
* from Behold the Lamb music & lyrics by Don Krueger, 1983 Singspiration Music
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Linger... Hang in There... Wait
One of the hardest things for Americans to do is wait. We have been called the Microwave children of the Crockpot God. We want everything NOW! God patiently waits. He, thankfully, takes things slowly but surely.
In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus asked His disciples to wait and pray with Him- they slept; Judas collected his pieces of silver.
Jesus waited after being beaten, bruised and abused for His death sentence- the decision had been made long before, but Jesus waited while Pilate, Herod and the Sanhedrin "decided" His fate.
The soldiers and a few of His followers waited for Him to die.
His followers hid and waited in fear of retaliation.
No one understood that in waiting they would be present for the miracle that Sunday would bring.
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus asked His disciples to wait and pray with Him- they slept; Judas collected his pieces of silver.
Jesus waited after being beaten, bruised and abused for His death sentence- the decision had been made long before, but Jesus waited while Pilate, Herod and the Sanhedrin "decided" His fate.
The soldiers and a few of His followers waited for Him to die.
His followers hid and waited in fear of retaliation.
No one understood that in waiting they would be present for the miracle that Sunday would bring.
Selah-
Shalom, Connie
Friday, April 06, 2007
Who do you call?
When struggling with decisions, who do you call? Why him? Why her?
Recently, I received unexpected sad news. I couldn't even express all of my feelings about this situation. First, I e-mailed my adult son. His right-brained thinking and male perspective always give me a different slant on things. Next I spoke with a few friends who I trusted to be honest with me; yet they would allow me to either rant or be silent- whatever I needed. They listened; they cared; they shared my burden.
I am grieving a loss- not of a person, but of an important opportunity in my life. Having dealt with many tragedies in my life- many worse than this one- I know who will see me through as He always has.
This gentle man carried a cross on this day we call Good Friday. As I accept my loss and move on, I can go to Him who knows His plans for me and what the future holds. He carried that cross for me... for you and He knows suffering from His own earthly experiences.
He says, "Child, I understand; and I am holding your hand as we walk through this valley together. We are just between mountains... we will see the Sonrise together."
As I once again take the hand He offers, I ask you, "Who do you call?"
Selah-
Shalom, He has risen! Connie
Recently, I received unexpected sad news. I couldn't even express all of my feelings about this situation. First, I e-mailed my adult son. His right-brained thinking and male perspective always give me a different slant on things. Next I spoke with a few friends who I trusted to be honest with me; yet they would allow me to either rant or be silent- whatever I needed. They listened; they cared; they shared my burden.
I am grieving a loss- not of a person, but of an important opportunity in my life. Having dealt with many tragedies in my life- many worse than this one- I know who will see me through as He always has.
This gentle man carried a cross on this day we call Good Friday. As I accept my loss and move on, I can go to Him who knows His plans for me and what the future holds. He carried that cross for me... for you and He knows suffering from His own earthly experiences.
He says, "Child, I understand; and I am holding your hand as we walk through this valley together. We are just between mountains... we will see the Sonrise together."
As I once again take the hand He offers, I ask you, "Who do you call?"
Selah-
Shalom, He has risen! Connie
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