Colossians 3: 23 - 24

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

VBS is underway. I am going a totally different direction with it than I anticipated due to unforseen circumstances, but God is good and His hand is in it all. We are doing another Answers in Genesis program, Operation Space. Today it was reaffirmed for my by God as I took the 2 older girls on a field trip to the planetarium and the presenter talked about the meteorite that was 25,000 years old and that no one could have made it, it needed time to form. Also listening to the presentation about the age of stars and such...well, it was clear that these poor children in that room were being fed lies mixed with the truth. It gave me a great teaching time with the girls on our way home about who really did create it all and how we know God really exists. We talked about "age" and how God made some things look older from the beginning. Adam wasn't created a baby, animals were created as adults along with plants and such. The world certainly looks for its own explanation in ways to raise man's intelligence, I guess. As I worked on my Bible study tonight the topic of humility was covered and I suppose that it's one of man's biggest weaknesses. Man doesn't know how to put itself under God, it's our sin nature. We must practice putting God at the top by prayer and staying in the Word (and having good Christian friends holding us accountable helps, too).

Almost back to normal!

It's been exactly six weeks today since my accident. It has been so aggrivating going to the chiro 2 - 3 times per week (though I appreciate my chiro and the definite improvement from going), driving a rental and worrying who will damage it, and waiting for my own van to be repaired. I am happy to say that the dealership called today!! I answered the phone and he asked for me. When I said this is she his response was, "You won't believe it!" I asked if my van was ready and of course it was!! I was able to pick it up shortly afterward! It felt good driving my own van although it was making a high pitched sqeal so I'll probably take it back in the morning. (Go figure!)

I am so thankful for people that have prayed and asked about it from time to time. It showed me that people were thinking of me and hadn't forgotten. :) Now we just have to wait to make the final settlement with the insurance.

I will be so grateful when this is over! I don't understand those people that "fake it" just for the insurance. The inconvenience and work of it all would drive me nuts!!! After this week we should be able to visit the chiro once a week a few times before going back to our normal every other week.

What would you do?

So many churches now consist of many programs to appeal to all levels of interests and ages. Think of all the involvements you have in your church. Lately I've been thinking about the following: If you serve on a committee with other believers, what would you do if others are making decisions based on what seems to be "common sense" or a business like approach, but not a biblical one? Should all programs or committees be able to back every decision biblically? Examples?

A new ruling in Iowa...will it lead the country?

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090403/NEWS/90403010

A new ruling came down in Iowa allowing gay marriage to be legalized. Our nation is in deep need of prayer. As Christians we need to recognize the need for a Savior in the lives of so many and to behave in a way to represent Christ. We are not the judge of mankind, but we are to uphold the truth according to His word.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of Your glory, O Christ, You who are the image of God.

2 Cor. 4:4

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the unglodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom. 5:6-8

Who are we in service of?

My head is still in such a fog from this sinus infection that won't let go! Even as I suffer through this God keeps tugging on my heart with what I believe are His thoughts.

In the past couple of days the idea of service has really been heavy in my mind. Specifically service in our local church. I just filled out an application for our praise team and one of the questions was what are my involvements at Grace (my church). I began listing them. Another question asked about previous music experience. I began naming those. As I think back to those 2 questions I think about all the service opportunities I've had in local churches I have attended. What I am learning is that I have always considered service in my church to be an opportunity and I've always looked for something to enjoy serving in. I shamefully admit there have been times I've turned my back on areas of need simply because I didn't want to do it, or it isn't "my" spritual gift, or for the reason of having too much to do outside of church. I feel I've gotten to a good balance in my life. I've learned my limitations with serving. I cannot serve everywhere there is a need, but I know my spritual gifts and my talents and choose to use those where I can. Spiritual gifts...mine top ones are in administration and teaching. I can use those in women's ministry, designing and administrating VBS, and in some ways with the faith at home initiative we're doing at church. Talents...music, babysitting. :) I love playing piano on praise team and don't mind filling in for nursery. Though I have my hands in several pockets, I stepped back from some things in the last year that were taking too much family time away.

So what does this all really try to say? There can be no doubt that God has gifted each believer with spritual gifts (Acts 2:38, Rom. 1:11). I also believe God has given us talents which could be in music, carpentry, fixing cars, cooking, etc. The real question is how are we using these? Are we using them in our local church as God EXPECTS us to or do we only use them when it suits our needs, our timing, and our purpose? Do we choose not to be on the nursery rotation because we don't like missing a meeting or not volunteer to be a greeter because I don't want to have a commitment? How sad it is!! We are such a self focused society it's no wonder our churches and families are struggling! We have a purpose that God has created us for, but it goes beyond just ourselves. To truly be committed to Christ means it's going to cost something. How much are you willing to pay? How cheap the costs are in America compared to so many others who long just for a printed copy of a Bible and risk their lives to read it. Leaders in today's churches feel they pull teeth sometimes to get all the believers in their church to serve.

What if I am serving in other ways, outside my church and I don't have time to do anything in my church right now? That's great that you serve outside the church, but what would happen if everyone in your local church said that? There would be no service in the church. How long would the church hold together. We all have heard 1 Cor. 12 where Paul discusses the use and variety of gifts. "For the body is not one member, buy many." We serve more completely when we use our gifts and when all believers are exercising their gifts I believe we will truly experience what unity in the body is. I also feel it will help us serve the world around us better.

A couple of questions...
Do you go to church wondering who is going to notice you? Are you waiting to be served? Do you struggle with your place in your church? If you say yes to any of these ask yourself, "In what capacity am I serving others in my church?" Remember, church isn't about you and your "needs" can't be met if you're not fulfilling the responsibility God has given you (gifts).

Where can I serve? Do you step aside because you haven't been asked to serve or don't know what your gifts are? ASK!! You could be waiting forever and again God has given YOU the gift. Even if you don't know what it is, there is always someone that will help you. Ask you pastor, elders, leaders, mentors, someone you feel is spritually mature. Don't be shy. Some day I will answer to God for my life and I want to be able to say I tried to be a good wife, mother, and worker in Your name. Will He say to me, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" I hope so. I will fail many times, but I must take my heart to Him daily in repentance and desire to do His will.

I'm sure I could come up with more, but my head is getting ~~swimmy~~. Please feel free to add your thoughts or refute mine. :) All is said with an honest heart and desire that all my brothers and sisters in Christ will desire to serve Him more.