Clumsy and Forgiven

Philippians 4:6-10 New International Version (NIV) 6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Thanks for Their Gifts 10  I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Good morning!  You know.  We serve a pretty spectacular God!  Just sayin'  So today is December 15th.  Normally, by now I have all of my Christmas shopping

"Yours O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours O Lord is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you, you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God we give you thanks and praise your glorious name. "-1 Chronicles 29:11-13   Last night , Afton and I were driving in the car as we saw the most magnificent sunset. It was absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful colors of orange, red, gold, and fuchsia painted across the sky. As I usually do...I told God thank you. (for some reason I always have the idea that his beautiful sunsets are painted just for me) Then...we started talking about what an incredible God we serve. He paints the beautiful one of a kind masterpiece in the sky as he hears my complaints and whines and prayers, as he hears billions of other prayers, as he pro

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”-Luke 22:31-32 John 21:15-19 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Reinstates Peter 15  When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16  Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17  The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18  Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretc

Good morning!!!!  This is an email that I sent out to my favorite girls last week.  I thought I would post it here to share! 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 New International Version (NIV)  Thanksgiving 4  I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5  For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— You all know my weirdness…and I am so thankful that you love me anyways!  J   I have a book called 10,000 Gifts.  I have opened this book and have attempted to read it several times.  Last year was the last time I picked it up, and if I remember I finished the first chapter.   In the meantime, I think I have lost the book (surprise, surprise).  Anyways, I’ve been in a kind of funky mood the past few days.  And, to cheer myself up, I thought about my Sunday school class.  They always make me smile and cheer me up.  We started a thankful tree last Sunday.  We talked about giving thanks to God every day, and

1 John 1:9  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ." Today, I read a devotion regarding Peter's denying Jesus.  You know the story...the night before Jesus was crucified, he told Peter that before the rooster crows, Peter would deny him three times.  Peter was appalled at the idea.  He loved Jesus!  He was ready to follow Jesus anywhere, even to death.  But, hours later, Peter did just that.  He denied even knowing Jesus...three times.  And then, Peter heard the crow of the rooster.  He then went out and "wept bitterly".  Was that the end of the road for Peter?  Was that the end of his story?  He messed up pretty bad.  Did Jesus write him off at that point?  No.  Jesus said..."and when you turn back, strengthen your brothers."  (Luke 22:32)  Wow!  So Peter messed up, and still Jesus forgave him and used him.  I have messed up.  I continue to mess up.  I am clumsy.  I con