God is still in control! Times being as they are, this is always the starting point of HOPE! No matter how things look, no matter how you FEEL, God is STILL in control!
We have just walked with our Mom, Mary , through major surgery...heart valve replacement. It is incredibible to think that on Monday, June 22 the Doctor cut her open, and held her heart in his hand, outside of her body, and by Wednesday June 24th she was up and walking! The Doctor may have done the surgery as an instrument used by God, but it is God HIMSELF who does all healing...for His purpose and His glory! So, today I give all the glory to my God for the Helaing of this precious woman. We now have an opportunity to lavish her with our love and appreciation longer...so we best take advantage of that fact! She is here to do a job for her Master and He is not finished with her yet and I am excited to see her strength return and to see what opportunities He sends her way to continue to do what He has called her to do...encourage others, be that family prayer warrior, and just love on all those around her to show forth His glory into their lives.
I am also very much in awe of my God for the work He is doing in, for and through my sons.
Travis, at USCG Bootcamp for the next 7 weeks...Hang in there son. You went through Marine Corp Boot...you can do this. God had granted the desire of your heart by opening this door to re-enter Military life and to remain close to you lovely wife...we will see you at graduation August 7 in Cape May NJ and be just as proud as when you graduated from Marine Corp Boot!
And for Dustin...washing the feet of the homeless in Hollywood! That is SO you! God has brought you to the very palce you heart longed to go when you were in High School BUT with a different goal and purpose! Hollywood Master's website states it well...to "Bring the Heart of God to the Heart of Hollywood"...and you are going to be doing just that with the strong foundations laid by your dad and I and Pastor Lloyd Ziegler of MCUSA...we love this man for pouring into your life and the lives of countless young people who now at taking the Hope of God into the heart of the world!
GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL...so I (we) are waiting to see what He has in store for us here at Living Word inWisconsin...if I know my God any at all...it will be a complete surprise and perfect for us!
Looking forward...never backwards...always in Hope,
Susi
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Life is moving to fast!
James 4:8- "Draw near to God and He will Draw near to you."
WOW! It is hard to believe I havn't written on this blog for over a year! Where has the time gone? Does anyone else since that time is moving way to fast these days?
Alot has happened in this last year...friends have passed away, loved ones have moved on to other lives in different places, I have grown a year older ( don't laugh, so have you!). And still I feel like things are moving to fast for me. I remember when I was a child and could not wait for summer break to begin...it seemed like the school year lasted FOREVER! And then summer break was over before I got a chance to do all the things I wanted to do! So I guess this restlessness is part of life.
If it is a part of life to have this restless feeling what is the purpose of it? Could it be that we are restless because we KNOW that there is more to look forward to and that we are anticipating the time when time will hold not meaning? When eternity will be in the presence of the One and Only Person who has ever loved us fully? This is the kind of anticipation a Bride has before her wedding...uh. WE are called the Bride of Christ for a reason and maybe He is responsible for placing this restless feeling inside of each of us. The problem would seem to be that we all reach out to other means to fulfill this restlessness.
So today, I will try to focus on reaching out, drawing closer to my BrideGroom...and maybe some of this reslessness will subside for a time. But I don't want to push it away or replace the One I am restless for.
Dear Lord, Help me draw into You today. To find that place of sweet release in Your presence so that I can go forward in this world and accomplish what you would have me accomplish. Help me not give into the reslessness of my heart except in keeping my heart focused on You.
WOW! It is hard to believe I havn't written on this blog for over a year! Where has the time gone? Does anyone else since that time is moving way to fast these days?
Alot has happened in this last year...friends have passed away, loved ones have moved on to other lives in different places, I have grown a year older ( don't laugh, so have you!). And still I feel like things are moving to fast for me. I remember when I was a child and could not wait for summer break to begin...it seemed like the school year lasted FOREVER! And then summer break was over before I got a chance to do all the things I wanted to do! So I guess this restlessness is part of life.
If it is a part of life to have this restless feeling what is the purpose of it? Could it be that we are restless because we KNOW that there is more to look forward to and that we are anticipating the time when time will hold not meaning? When eternity will be in the presence of the One and Only Person who has ever loved us fully? This is the kind of anticipation a Bride has before her wedding...uh. WE are called the Bride of Christ for a reason and maybe He is responsible for placing this restless feeling inside of each of us. The problem would seem to be that we all reach out to other means to fulfill this restlessness.
So today, I will try to focus on reaching out, drawing closer to my BrideGroom...and maybe some of this reslessness will subside for a time. But I don't want to push it away or replace the One I am restless for.
Dear Lord, Help me draw into You today. To find that place of sweet release in Your presence so that I can go forward in this world and accomplish what you would have me accomplish. Help me not give into the reslessness of my heart except in keeping my heart focused on You.
Friday, February 1, 2008
To Much WHITE STUFF!!!
Well, here we are again...stuck in the snow! Have had over 60inches of snow this season...4 new inches overnight. Wednesday the temps were about -25 and even school was cancelled! So this is a typical Wisconsin winter! We had it easy the first couple of years here...broke us in...what is the mesquito situation going to be like this year??? Makes me wonder....don't even go there!
The first snow is always so nice to see. All clean, and crisp! Everything here turns white...and when the heavy frost hits you can see each detail on the trees. Spectacular! We experienced our first ice storms, and freezing fog this year! Wow is that ever a scary event! Can't see anything more than 10 feet in front of you! But when all is said and done, it leaves a beautiful landscape. Changes the texture of everything! The thing I missed these last few days are the birds...they took to their warm nests. But they are back today, feeding and chirping...getting ready for the next round of snow later today.
I seems to me that in our busy pace of life we get in such a mode of moving that winter is just an interruption! I truly believe that God gave us winter to hibernate with the rest of the world! The earth is resting under a thick blanket of snow, most animals move at a slower pace, and in the spring the new life bursts forth with such exuberance that it can be blinding sometimes! Maybe that is what God intended for us humans as well. After a restful winter to burst forth with such joy and enthuiasm that we put all other creation to shame! But in these fast paced days, that is not the case. We just keep plodding along, fighting the slowdown and wind up exhausted not exuberant, joyless instead of joyful and less than enthuisastic about life! Maybe we should all just slow down, take a deep breath and stop fighting what out bodies and our spirits are trying to tell us...this is a time for rest before the work...a time where the roots go deep and take nourishment from unknown resources...or known if you are in relationship with the God of the Universe!
So, I choose not to be lazy, but not to be so busy as to miss this time of rest...I am anticipating New things to grow in the spring...and I believe energy will be needed to susustain that growth!
I choose to rest in my Creators design for me...to prepare myself for the new that is coming!
To quote a Christmas Sone...'GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN..."
Susi
The first snow is always so nice to see. All clean, and crisp! Everything here turns white...and when the heavy frost hits you can see each detail on the trees. Spectacular! We experienced our first ice storms, and freezing fog this year! Wow is that ever a scary event! Can't see anything more than 10 feet in front of you! But when all is said and done, it leaves a beautiful landscape. Changes the texture of everything! The thing I missed these last few days are the birds...they took to their warm nests. But they are back today, feeding and chirping...getting ready for the next round of snow later today.
I seems to me that in our busy pace of life we get in such a mode of moving that winter is just an interruption! I truly believe that God gave us winter to hibernate with the rest of the world! The earth is resting under a thick blanket of snow, most animals move at a slower pace, and in the spring the new life bursts forth with such exuberance that it can be blinding sometimes! Maybe that is what God intended for us humans as well. After a restful winter to burst forth with such joy and enthuiasm that we put all other creation to shame! But in these fast paced days, that is not the case. We just keep plodding along, fighting the slowdown and wind up exhausted not exuberant, joyless instead of joyful and less than enthuisastic about life! Maybe we should all just slow down, take a deep breath and stop fighting what out bodies and our spirits are trying to tell us...this is a time for rest before the work...a time where the roots go deep and take nourishment from unknown resources...or known if you are in relationship with the God of the Universe!
So, I choose not to be lazy, but not to be so busy as to miss this time of rest...I am anticipating New things to grow in the spring...and I believe energy will be needed to susustain that growth!
I choose to rest in my Creators design for me...to prepare myself for the new that is coming!
To quote a Christmas Sone...'GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN..."
Susi
Monday, January 21, 2008
How do I let go.....
Just sitting here thinking about a conversation I had with my son, Dustin, last night. I wnet on his blogspot and read that he is thinking about that same conversation! This is a hard transition for both of us right now. One is trying to spread his wings and fly higher with God...the other at a point a testing faith by letting him do just that!
i love this son...as I love both my boys...and it is here that I need to rely on the fact that he is now an adult and accountable to God...not me or his dad. He has to make is decission and choices based on that relationship. I may not always agree with his choices...he may do things that I would not even consider...but that does not and will not ever change the fact of my love fo him!
It is here that my faith is put to the test. Releasing him into God's capable hands was easy when I knew that he was in a safe enviroment...Master's Commission...but when he is now out on his own and having to make these same decission I need to trust that God is still there...speaking to him...and that he is capable of hearing from God just as much and in some cases more clearly , than I am!
The bottom line is...Do I trust God truly, fully, completle with my sons best interest? Do I trust that Dustin has a relationship with God that goes deep and that it is foundation for all his decisions? Do I trust God to teach him the lessons of life he now needs to learn and just give advice from my side? Do I trust that God is working in him and will help him sort out all the side before he makes decisions? Do I trust my son in God's hands more than in my own? Do I believe and trust this young man of God with his own life?
The answer is...YES to ALL the above...and this is said with more than words...from my heart and deeper...he is a man of God...God has placed a call upon his life that I have no right to question! I just need to be there for him to bounce things off of, give advice when asked, and not be offended if he choses differantly than my advice would chose! I love him and this is my stand! I love and Trust God and this is where I will stand firm agaisnt anyone who would try to deter him from the call of God on his life!
To Him who is able to do above and beyond all we can think or imagine...be glory and honor for now and forever...He is MORE than enough for my son and for me!!!!
God's best to you, Dustin...I am standing with you and on my knees for you,
Mom
i love this son...as I love both my boys...and it is here that I need to rely on the fact that he is now an adult and accountable to God...not me or his dad. He has to make is decission and choices based on that relationship. I may not always agree with his choices...he may do things that I would not even consider...but that does not and will not ever change the fact of my love fo him!
It is here that my faith is put to the test. Releasing him into God's capable hands was easy when I knew that he was in a safe enviroment...Master's Commission...but when he is now out on his own and having to make these same decission I need to trust that God is still there...speaking to him...and that he is capable of hearing from God just as much and in some cases more clearly , than I am!
The bottom line is...Do I trust God truly, fully, completle with my sons best interest? Do I trust that Dustin has a relationship with God that goes deep and that it is foundation for all his decisions? Do I trust God to teach him the lessons of life he now needs to learn and just give advice from my side? Do I trust that God is working in him and will help him sort out all the side before he makes decisions? Do I trust my son in God's hands more than in my own? Do I believe and trust this young man of God with his own life?
The answer is...YES to ALL the above...and this is said with more than words...from my heart and deeper...he is a man of God...God has placed a call upon his life that I have no right to question! I just need to be there for him to bounce things off of, give advice when asked, and not be offended if he choses differantly than my advice would chose! I love him and this is my stand! I love and Trust God and this is where I will stand firm agaisnt anyone who would try to deter him from the call of God on his life!
To Him who is able to do above and beyond all we can think or imagine...be glory and honor for now and forever...He is MORE than enough for my son and for me!!!!
God's best to you, Dustin...I am standing with you and on my knees for you,
Mom
Friday, December 7, 2007
Serendipity...delightful surprises!
Ever had a thought enter your mind that seemed to come out of no-where? Did it surprise you with it's uniqueness? Did it make you catch your breath? I have had this happen more than once...many times to be exact! It is one of those Delightful Surprises...special gift from God to make me realize that there is Someone bigger than me who rules the universe.
Take the snowstorms happening here in Wisconsin and the upper mid-west right now! At church we are in the second week of a production called Brodhead to Bethlehem, as mentioned in the previous blog. Last week we cancelled the Saturday production because of storms...not only snow but sleet, freezing rain, ice...not a pretty picture or something you intentionally go out in! Had only 25 people walk through on Sunday...and now another storm is predicted to hit again on Saturday and Sunday and multiples for the week following!
Normally I would be stressed to the max...look at all the time and expense we have gone through these last few weeks to get this together...and with a cast of over 80 people yet! I would be pleading with God to give us a break, after all, this is for you! But I have this amazing sense of calm right now. This is something we cannot control so why worry? If we have to cancel or close early for the safety of those involved, we will...God will still be there! He will still be glorified by our attitude...probably more so by our attitude than by the actual production, as fine as it is!
You see, I have discovered that my attitude plays a big part in my Glorifying God! Jesus had the best attitude in the world and He faced much worse than snow storms! He faced angry crowds, religious leaders bent on destroying Him, cruel Kings and Roman guards, and even death on a cross...all for ME! And He did it with the greatest attitude! He is to be my example...so...I choose not to sweat the things I have no control over! He is Still God, He is Still in control...even of the snowstorms and other storms of life are still in His capable hands!
So, the delightful, serendiptious surprises of God...the assurance and peace that no matter what He sees all, knows all, and works all things out best for all and for His glory...keep me on my knees with a grateful heart. A heart at peace in the midst of storm, a strong heart that rises up to fight the battles that need to be fought and the assured heart that My God is a good God and that His love for me will never be based on what I do...but on Who He is...
Amazing!
Love ya,
Susi G
Take the snowstorms happening here in Wisconsin and the upper mid-west right now! At church we are in the second week of a production called Brodhead to Bethlehem, as mentioned in the previous blog. Last week we cancelled the Saturday production because of storms...not only snow but sleet, freezing rain, ice...not a pretty picture or something you intentionally go out in! Had only 25 people walk through on Sunday...and now another storm is predicted to hit again on Saturday and Sunday and multiples for the week following!
Normally I would be stressed to the max...look at all the time and expense we have gone through these last few weeks to get this together...and with a cast of over 80 people yet! I would be pleading with God to give us a break, after all, this is for you! But I have this amazing sense of calm right now. This is something we cannot control so why worry? If we have to cancel or close early for the safety of those involved, we will...God will still be there! He will still be glorified by our attitude...probably more so by our attitude than by the actual production, as fine as it is!
You see, I have discovered that my attitude plays a big part in my Glorifying God! Jesus had the best attitude in the world and He faced much worse than snow storms! He faced angry crowds, religious leaders bent on destroying Him, cruel Kings and Roman guards, and even death on a cross...all for ME! And He did it with the greatest attitude! He is to be my example...so...I choose not to sweat the things I have no control over! He is Still God, He is Still in control...even of the snowstorms and other storms of life are still in His capable hands!
So, the delightful, serendiptious surprises of God...the assurance and peace that no matter what He sees all, knows all, and works all things out best for all and for His glory...keep me on my knees with a grateful heart. A heart at peace in the midst of storm, a strong heart that rises up to fight the battles that need to be fought and the assured heart that My God is a good God and that His love for me will never be based on what I do...but on Who He is...
Amazing!
Love ya,
Susi G
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Collecting Thoughts
Well...It is official...I have enter the Technology Age! And at my age, that is a big step. I doubt if many will read this page of Drifting Thoughts...but who knows, maybe I can encourage a few chuckles to come forth from time to time and brighten someone's day!
As for Collecting my thoughts...it seems like a good place to start as they are all over the place these days! With the Christmas season upon us, shopping (which, by the way I did over 90% on line so I am feeling a little giddy about not going to the Malls!), anyway, I want this year to focus more on the true meaning of the season! I put up a few decorations right after Thanksgiving...a few meaning the bears and birds, and a small trio of trees...but the Holiday Spirit has yet to catch me this year. Maybe it is because this will be the first year that hubby and I will be on our own...no boys coming home this year. That is ok, but a little disconcerting to me right now. And still not knowing people in this new place in Wisconsin...what will Christmas be like?
Sure I am in the middle of coordinating a rather large scale Christmas production at church...that has kept me busy and my thoughts occupied for several months now...but now that it is coming to an end, what is next? Nothing wrong with a quiet Christmas...except the quiet! I guess this is the season of my life that is upon me...and I am not sure how to handle it.
So much for causing a chuckle...I will try harder next time...I will also really, really try to find peace in the quiet...a luxury that so many people seem to be missing. I will learn to appreciate this new season and grow from it into the next one...whatever that may be.
But for now I will focus on the True Spirit of the season...Jesus is the Reason and it is in Him I will find the comfort of this quiet season peaceful!
Standing firm...on one leg...
Susi G
As for Collecting my thoughts...it seems like a good place to start as they are all over the place these days! With the Christmas season upon us, shopping (which, by the way I did over 90% on line so I am feeling a little giddy about not going to the Malls!), anyway, I want this year to focus more on the true meaning of the season! I put up a few decorations right after Thanksgiving...a few meaning the bears and birds, and a small trio of trees...but the Holiday Spirit has yet to catch me this year. Maybe it is because this will be the first year that hubby and I will be on our own...no boys coming home this year. That is ok, but a little disconcerting to me right now. And still not knowing people in this new place in Wisconsin...what will Christmas be like?
Sure I am in the middle of coordinating a rather large scale Christmas production at church...that has kept me busy and my thoughts occupied for several months now...but now that it is coming to an end, what is next? Nothing wrong with a quiet Christmas...except the quiet! I guess this is the season of my life that is upon me...and I am not sure how to handle it.
So much for causing a chuckle...I will try harder next time...I will also really, really try to find peace in the quiet...a luxury that so many people seem to be missing. I will learn to appreciate this new season and grow from it into the next one...whatever that may be.
But for now I will focus on the True Spirit of the season...Jesus is the Reason and it is in Him I will find the comfort of this quiet season peaceful!
Standing firm...on one leg...
Susi G
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