Taken from Philippians 3: 12-16; As Paul reiterates, "Not that I have already reached the goal or am I already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Paul goes on to say, "I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do, Forgetting what is behind and reaching toward what lies ahead, I pursue my goal, the prize promised by God's heavenly call on my life. Therefore all of us who claim to be mature should think this way, And if you think differently about anything, God, Himself will reveal this also, if we ask Him to. In any case we should strive to live up to the Truth we have attained."
The saying goes, "we should not become so Heavenly minded that we are no earthly good." But yet,
Let us not become so bogged down in the affairs of this world, that we forget where our citizenship is. We have a joint citizenship, if you will, so we have a responsibility to be the best 'citizens' we can here as we prepare for our eternal home.
What about me? When my goal is Heaven, am I valuing knowing Christ more than anything else?
When Heaven is my goal, I will endeavor to grow toward maturity in Christ, worthy of that upward call.
When Heaven is my goal, I will seek to serve Christ by serving others well as an Ambassador, and model for others who are learning, but have not arrived yet. Thanks be to God for HIS unspeakable Joy.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Michael's memory of fishing with his dad in the pond on Papaw's pastureland
One childhood memory which rushes to mind is my first time fishing with my Dad. I was roughly five years old. The start of a great memory was on a Friday afternoon when my Dad came home with a small, child's fishing pole.
My Mother and sisters were leaving for Rock Eagle for the weekend. During the evening, my Dad instructed me on casting the three-foot long line and tackle using a plastic yellow weight instead of a hook. I must have waved that small stick for hours.
The next morning we arose bright and early to set off for the "lake" which was actually a small pond in my grandfather's cow pasture.
My diminutive heart throbbed with ecstasy. I sprung down from my Dad's seemingly towering truck, wand in hand. Dad worked a cricket onto the barb with his puissant hands and we started casting. I would pull my thin arm back past my head, pause momentarily, press the black button on top of my pole with my petite thumb, and thrust my arm forward. The line, float, fish-hook and cricket would sail through the air and hit the water with a sploosh as the reel spun. After waiting impatiently for about 30 seconds, I would reel in my line and cast off again. After several minutes, I felt a slight tug against my tiny hands. The end of my pole began to nod up and down and the small orange and white ball on the surface of the water began to bounce. Then my pole bent steadily and the ball went under. My dad rushed over to assist me in my struggle. I slowly rotated the miniature crank on the reel, putting all my weight into it. My Dad grabbed the net and scooped up my 6-inch trophy out of the water. I did it! I caught a fish! WOW! I breathed heavily with excitement as I watched my catch dropped into the wire, under-water basket. Once again, I began to fish, but this time with even more enthusiasm.
After several more hours and one more fish, we departed from our marine battleground. We rode home with the thrill of victory in our hearts.
My Mother and sisters were leaving for Rock Eagle for the weekend. During the evening, my Dad instructed me on casting the three-foot long line and tackle using a plastic yellow weight instead of a hook. I must have waved that small stick for hours.
The next morning we arose bright and early to set off for the "lake" which was actually a small pond in my grandfather's cow pasture.
My diminutive heart throbbed with ecstasy. I sprung down from my Dad's seemingly towering truck, wand in hand. Dad worked a cricket onto the barb with his puissant hands and we started casting. I would pull my thin arm back past my head, pause momentarily, press the black button on top of my pole with my petite thumb, and thrust my arm forward. The line, float, fish-hook and cricket would sail through the air and hit the water with a sploosh as the reel spun. After waiting impatiently for about 30 seconds, I would reel in my line and cast off again. After several minutes, I felt a slight tug against my tiny hands. The end of my pole began to nod up and down and the small orange and white ball on the surface of the water began to bounce. Then my pole bent steadily and the ball went under. My dad rushed over to assist me in my struggle. I slowly rotated the miniature crank on the reel, putting all my weight into it. My Dad grabbed the net and scooped up my 6-inch trophy out of the water. I did it! I caught a fish! WOW! I breathed heavily with excitement as I watched my catch dropped into the wire, under-water basket. Once again, I began to fish, but this time with even more enthusiasm.
After several more hours and one more fish, we departed from our marine battleground. We rode home with the thrill of victory in our hearts.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friends are friends forever
We used to sing a song called, "Friends are friends forever" if the Lord is Lord of them.
I am blessed to have such a friend. Rhonda and I first met as Seniors in High School.
She was in Dekalb county, I in Gwinnett, North Gwinnett to be exact. We worked together as cashiers at a discount department store called, Treasure Island, on Buford Hwy at 285. I would go to school 1/2 day my senior year and then had this job after school. During Christmas that year I worked 6-10p.m. most nights. Rhonda and I became classmates in Sunday School at Hebron about 12 years ago. While at one of our socials, we were discussing where we had worked in the past. Unbeknown st to either of us, we realized we had worked together our senior year. We have resumed our friendship and continue to teach together. As I reminisce I am convinced that God's hands are visible all through the tapestry that is our lives. Rhonda is like family to me, someone I can share with, cry with, laugh with, be myself with and above all pray with. I know I can count on her and I believe she knows she can count on me.
The song lyrics are true. "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them.
Thanks Rhonda for blessing me with your friendship.
Just keeping track
I am blessed to have such a friend. Rhonda and I first met as Seniors in High School.
She was in Dekalb county, I in Gwinnett, North Gwinnett to be exact. We worked together as cashiers at a discount department store called, Treasure Island, on Buford Hwy at 285. I would go to school 1/2 day my senior year and then had this job after school. During Christmas that year I worked 6-10p.m. most nights. Rhonda and I became classmates in Sunday School at Hebron about 12 years ago. While at one of our socials, we were discussing where we had worked in the past. Unbeknown st to either of us, we realized we had worked together our senior year. We have resumed our friendship and continue to teach together. As I reminisce I am convinced that God's hands are visible all through the tapestry that is our lives. Rhonda is like family to me, someone I can share with, cry with, laugh with, be myself with and above all pray with. I know I can count on her and I believe she knows she can count on me.
The song lyrics are true. "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them.
Thanks Rhonda for blessing me with your friendship.
Just keeping track
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Keeping track of childhood and high school friends
For the last few months a fire has been lit under me, for a class reunion. Oh my, I cannot believe how many years it has been since my senior year at good ole North Gwinnett.
Some of us have kept in touch frequently during those years, celebrating birthdays, our own and our children, together. Some of us have had the pleasure of having our children in the same school we went to, but lost touch since our kids got out of school. Then there are some of us who have reconnected through the luxury of facebook.
Even though I was not a class officer, I am taking this thing and running with it. I am a stay-at-home, childcare provider, so I have lots of time on my hands, and thankfully, with all appreciation to my whiz of a son, I have my own computer. So former classmates, beware! I am out to try to find you.
Two of my fellow classmates and I met yesterday and started. With yearbooks in hand, we talked about everyone of the 96 people who graduated with us. There were less than 15 that one of us did not know something about their whereabouts or someway to get in touch with them. Sadly enough, I have found out that at least 5 of our friends are deceased, no longer with us. Some of them have lost one or both of their parents, a spouse, and children. Some of them live out of state, and some stayed in Gwinnett or surrounding area. Some have children in the Military and are on foreign soil, fighting for the freedoms we enjoy. Some of North's sons and daughters (possibly) have given the ultimate sacrifice for country. I don't know of any of my classmates, but if I find out they did, I want to honor them.
While meeting with Sandra and Arlene, we had the best time. I was complimented with one of the sweetest statements, "I seem like a lady who is comfortable in my own skin." Wow. I spent 12 years of my life with several of my classmates having gone from 1st grade - graduation with them. Being a small, rural community back in the 60's, we were simple and poor, by many standards, but I am finding we were rich and wise. For we value what is important, and found that what really matters is faith, family and friends. I consider myself very rich, because I have all three.
I am having such a good time with this and looking so forward to when we can get together again. I love you class of '71, just "keeping track all over again."
Some of us have kept in touch frequently during those years, celebrating birthdays, our own and our children, together. Some of us have had the pleasure of having our children in the same school we went to, but lost touch since our kids got out of school. Then there are some of us who have reconnected through the luxury of facebook.
Even though I was not a class officer, I am taking this thing and running with it. I am a stay-at-home, childcare provider, so I have lots of time on my hands, and thankfully, with all appreciation to my whiz of a son, I have my own computer. So former classmates, beware! I am out to try to find you.
Two of my fellow classmates and I met yesterday and started. With yearbooks in hand, we talked about everyone of the 96 people who graduated with us. There were less than 15 that one of us did not know something about their whereabouts or someway to get in touch with them. Sadly enough, I have found out that at least 5 of our friends are deceased, no longer with us. Some of them have lost one or both of their parents, a spouse, and children. Some of them live out of state, and some stayed in Gwinnett or surrounding area. Some have children in the Military and are on foreign soil, fighting for the freedoms we enjoy. Some of North's sons and daughters (possibly) have given the ultimate sacrifice for country. I don't know of any of my classmates, but if I find out they did, I want to honor them.
While meeting with Sandra and Arlene, we had the best time. I was complimented with one of the sweetest statements, "I seem like a lady who is comfortable in my own skin." Wow. I spent 12 years of my life with several of my classmates having gone from 1st grade - graduation with them. Being a small, rural community back in the 60's, we were simple and poor, by many standards, but I am finding we were rich and wise. For we value what is important, and found that what really matters is faith, family and friends. I consider myself very rich, because I have all three.
I am having such a good time with this and looking so forward to when we can get together again. I love you class of '71, just "keeping track all over again."
Monday, December 13, 2010
Remembering what in life is important
My Purpose Driven devotional this morning reminded me to adopt an attitude of what in life is important, to remember, if you will, that when we die, we don't leave home, but we are going home. To remind myself those I miss so much, are home and I should be glad for them and not feel so sorry for myself, that I would ever wish them back here. God is so Good and His mercy endures forever. With Hope and that Blessed Assurance I really can face my tomorrows. No matter what that may bring or what it has in store, I will trust, I must choose to trust the Lord. I know in Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him. For in my Father's House there are many, many rooms. Jesus said, I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again, that where I am, there you may also be." Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on earth Good will to all. Let not your heart be troubled. He has come that we may have life and have it more abundantly. What really matters should be eternal, not eternally useless. (Purpose Driven Life) Do I want to lay up treasures in Heaven, where thieves cannot steal, and nothing can destroy, or am I laying up treasures here, where nothing lasts? Jesus said, For those who seek me, will find me. Is this my desire?
I am grateful for those who have gone before me, who sought to teach me His Way, the Way of Truth and Life. For indeed they have gone home, and one day we will join them. So this Christmas, I can remember with fondness their legacy and rejoice in their Homegoing. Just keeping track.
I am grateful for those who have gone before me, who sought to teach me His Way, the Way of Truth and Life. For indeed they have gone home, and one day we will join them. So this Christmas, I can remember with fondness their legacy and rejoice in their Homegoing. Just keeping track.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Keeping your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail.
The last two days I have been to Athens to St. Mary's hospital. My uncle is there. He was taken Sunday evening. my cousins thought he was having a stroke, (very scary) Early in the morning Monday they moved him to ICU, decided he was having a heart attack. Well I took my Dad to see him yesterday and today. This uncle is my Mom's brother. He is a very special person to my dad, as well as me. Anyway today he seemed better, more like himself. He was talking more and laughing. While we were there he had to be taken for a CAT scan and MRI. then had ultra sound on his legs. Now they are saying he will have heart cath and possible open heart surgery. Praying for peace and wisdom for all the family to make decisions. My grandfather, his Dad always had a joke about serious things, my uncle is no different. He was saying "I had a skitty scat scan," that is how my grandfather would talk about the cats around the yard. Also a "jack hammer was going over his chest" that was how it sounded to him, the MRI.
Anyway today we drove Daddy's vehicle and he has a CD of old gospel hymns. One of them has lyrics that say "Life is like a mountain railroad." one line says, "Keep your hand on the throttle, and your eye on the rail." Well my grandmother used to say that to me, especially after I started dating my husband. He lived in Dacula and to get to his house from where I lived in Hog Mountain, I had to go Dacula Rd. She and my Dad referred to this road as "Sims' Creek road." It was then a deserted and little traveled road. She would tell me, "Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail." I often wondered where she got that from. Now I know, that old song. That CD has a lot of songs on it I remember her singing and playing on her organ. 'What a Friend we Have in Jesus.' Amazing Grace' 'In the Garden.' 'On the Wings of a Dove'
So friends, 'Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail as you go along.' That is what I am doing.
Anyway today we drove Daddy's vehicle and he has a CD of old gospel hymns. One of them has lyrics that say "Life is like a mountain railroad." one line says, "Keep your hand on the throttle, and your eye on the rail." Well my grandmother used to say that to me, especially after I started dating my husband. He lived in Dacula and to get to his house from where I lived in Hog Mountain, I had to go Dacula Rd. She and my Dad referred to this road as "Sims' Creek road." It was then a deserted and little traveled road. She would tell me, "Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail." I often wondered where she got that from. Now I know, that old song. That CD has a lot of songs on it I remember her singing and playing on her organ. 'What a Friend we Have in Jesus.' Amazing Grace' 'In the Garden.' 'On the Wings of a Dove'
So friends, 'Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail as you go along.' That is what I am doing.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Where are my roots set?
As I was reading an email from one of my daughters, I was reminded just how thankful I am for my family. Even though my roots run deep in North Georgia, I am reminded that they go even further than this little plot of dirt. Scientist are now thinking we all come from the continent of Africa, the area around the Mediterranean. The Bible has always told that. I am always interested in "where my family came from", but not only 'where we came from,' where we are going. I am reading over one part of my Family Tree. (more exactly, my maternal grandfather) Just because this one I have the most info on, thanks to a wonderful cousin. She has compiled a lot of info and spent a lot of time tracing our roots. We have several pages that she compiled in 2000, then another part in 2003, she is still digging too.
I had the privilege to attend Homecoming at Bethlehem First Baptist today. Tremendous praise and worship, God's anointing, God's message through a splendid young man, whom I had the opportunity to witness his life as a child and teen. His legacy from his precious parents, one of whom is now in Heaven, and the other as friend and fellow follower of Christ, has afforded me the knowledge of how God works when we are obedient and (as he put it) "aware of God's Presence".
I came away blessed beyond measure, and renewed in my belief that God is indeed in the here and now, and IS already where we are headed. So I am encouraged by the scripture, 'don't grow weary in well-doing, because in due season we shall receive our reward.
At my home church this morning I was able to go to a ladies' Sunday School class. Ephesians 1-4, Paul was trying to teach the church about working in unity, both Jews and Gentiles, to achieve His Purpose. So my challenge as I walk and work in this life, 'do I work in unity with my family of believers, to accomplish HIS Purpose, or do I work to achieve my own agenda." Our choir sang "Feels Like Redemption." After all, that is really what our life is all about. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up I will draw all people unto Myself." Do I walk like I believe that?
Keeping track
I had the privilege to attend Homecoming at Bethlehem First Baptist today. Tremendous praise and worship, God's anointing, God's message through a splendid young man, whom I had the opportunity to witness his life as a child and teen. His legacy from his precious parents, one of whom is now in Heaven, and the other as friend and fellow follower of Christ, has afforded me the knowledge of how God works when we are obedient and (as he put it) "aware of God's Presence".
I came away blessed beyond measure, and renewed in my belief that God is indeed in the here and now, and IS already where we are headed. So I am encouraged by the scripture, 'don't grow weary in well-doing, because in due season we shall receive our reward.
At my home church this morning I was able to go to a ladies' Sunday School class. Ephesians 1-4, Paul was trying to teach the church about working in unity, both Jews and Gentiles, to achieve His Purpose. So my challenge as I walk and work in this life, 'do I work in unity with my family of believers, to accomplish HIS Purpose, or do I work to achieve my own agenda." Our choir sang "Feels Like Redemption." After all, that is really what our life is all about. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up I will draw all people unto Myself." Do I walk like I believe that?
Keeping track
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