Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged. Where has the summer gone?
Looking forward to getting started with Hebrews. I'm trying to get the lesson posted in a way that can be printed off more easily. So excuse my posting and deleting, please. I'll figure it out eventually.
We'll meet on Tuesday, Sept. 6 @ 8:00am. We'll start at Mc D's on 248 and discuss a meeting place then. I have the first four lessons ready. Go ahead and do Lesson 1 for next week.
I have a big event coming up. My first 5K!! This Saturday! Doug & I have been running (I use that term very loosely) for the past year and a half. It's time to push my limits! Last week, we actually ran the 3 miles that we think will be the course. And survived!! I'm excited and just a little scared. But I think it will be a great time. It's a fund raiser for K-Life and I'm sure we'll know a lot of people there.
Oh yeah, you may have gotten an email from my hotmail account last month. I apologize for that. I got hacked and have lost all contact info. Lost my whole account. So my new e-mail address is LoriWhite201@gmail.com . If you would, please send me a little note so that I have your address in my new mail. Thanks! :)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Anxiety can be a problem...
We went camping last night. It cooled all the way down to 70 degrees. One of us really had a problem with that. As a matter of fact, she really had a problem with everything about camping. She was so anxious about the whole thing, that her behavior became a problem for everyone involved. She couldn't sit still on the ride over to Chadwick. She became irrationally snippy about the bugs flying around. She couldn't wait to get into the tent and feel safe. But when we finally did go to bed, at 9:40, she could not stop panting!!! That's right, Sophie has anxiety about camping.
She had to ride in the backseat of Barrett's truck with me. She couldn't sit still and slobbered all over!! She was constantly looking around to make sure that we were all still together. She becomes a totally different dog when we go camping. She doesn't bark, doesn't even make a sound at all the night noises. She is very uneasy.
It made me wonder about my behavior - when God wants me to step out of my comfort zone. When I have time between services, do I walk around the church, panting uncontrollable because I don't know who to talk to. (figuratively speaking) Do I fidget and seem distracted when He wants me to speak to a stranger at the store? Do I snip at the kids or their friends when our schedules collide?
All things to think about....
She had to ride in the backseat of Barrett's truck with me. She couldn't sit still and slobbered all over!! She was constantly looking around to make sure that we were all still together. She becomes a totally different dog when we go camping. She doesn't bark, doesn't even make a sound at all the night noises. She is very uneasy.
It made me wonder about my behavior - when God wants me to step out of my comfort zone. When I have time between services, do I walk around the church, panting uncontrollable because I don't know who to talk to. (figuratively speaking) Do I fidget and seem distracted when He wants me to speak to a stranger at the store? Do I snip at the kids or their friends when our schedules collide?
All things to think about....
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
How's your hearing?
I think my hearing is pretty good. Then I try to remember exactly what was said.....and maybe I didn't hear so well. I have an idea of what was said, but I can't repeat it word-for-word. This creates problems, as you can imagine. It's an age old problem. We just read about it in Genesis 3. The crafty old serpent asks,"Did God really say...".
This summer we're going to take a look at what Jesus really said. We will focus on John 12-17. This is after His public ministry, when He is preparing the disciples for the main event. Everything up to this point has been about convincing people that Jesus is the son of God. Now Jesus will try to get the disciples to understand that God's plan for salvation is just about to be completed. The fulfillment of all the prophesies is at hand. It's a passage that will be very familiar to us, but we will try to look deeper and understand in a fresh way the plan that Jesus spells out for his very special friends. We'll see the promises He makes, the comfort He gives and the peace that only He can supply.
So go ahead and read though these six chapters. Read it in different translations. Think about it and ask questions. We are going to have great discussion!! Of that, I am sure!!
This summer we're going to take a look at what Jesus really said. We will focus on John 12-17. This is after His public ministry, when He is preparing the disciples for the main event. Everything up to this point has been about convincing people that Jesus is the son of God. Now Jesus will try to get the disciples to understand that God's plan for salvation is just about to be completed. The fulfillment of all the prophesies is at hand. It's a passage that will be very familiar to us, but we will try to look deeper and understand in a fresh way the plan that Jesus spells out for his very special friends. We'll see the promises He makes, the comfort He gives and the peace that only He can supply.
So go ahead and read though these six chapters. Read it in different translations. Think about it and ask questions. We are going to have great discussion!! Of that, I am sure!!
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Garden of Eden
This lesson may take two weeks....There are a lot of questions that I have about this story. And maybe it's because I am a mom. But, if you tell a child to not do something, that is the very first thing the child is going to do as soon as your back is turned!!
Sometimes it's better to not even mention it. Like leaving the soda in the garage refrigerator. What are the chances that they will expend the energy to even walk out into the garage? Your secret stash is almost guaranteed! But then for some odd reason, they just happen to be looking for something and open the refrigerator door. Jackpot! They can't resist!
Paul talks about this same issue in Romans 7. Struggling with sin...basically he says that knowing what sin is only makes the desire to sin stronger within us. Why?...because that's human nature. Romans7:15 says "For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate... I do." (Uuuugh!) Who will rescue me from this body of death?
Fortunately, he gives us the answer in the next few verses. 8:2 says, "through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life has set me free from the law of sin and death." (8:10) " But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you!" I don't have to live by my human nature anymore! I can chose to live by the Spirit!
And that is Good News!!
Sometimes it's better to not even mention it. Like leaving the soda in the garage refrigerator. What are the chances that they will expend the energy to even walk out into the garage? Your secret stash is almost guaranteed! But then for some odd reason, they just happen to be looking for something and open the refrigerator door. Jackpot! They can't resist!
Paul talks about this same issue in Romans 7. Struggling with sin...basically he says that knowing what sin is only makes the desire to sin stronger within us. Why?...because that's human nature. Romans7:15 says "For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate... I do." (Uuuugh!) Who will rescue me from this body of death?
Fortunately, he gives us the answer in the next few verses. 8:2 says, "through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life has set me free from the law of sin and death." (8:10) " But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you!" I don't have to live by my human nature anymore! I can chose to live by the Spirit!
And that is Good News!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
My Herb Garden
I have an herb garden....well, I have an herb garden planter. It's four clay jars stacked in a pile. Really cute. But so far, I haven't been successful in growing anything in it. I have seeds planted now, though. And I'm hopeful.
Every time I walk by it, I wonder if I need to do anything for it. Does it need more water? Should I move it outside? Did I plant the seeds deep enough? I know it's going to take a little time to get going, but still I wonder if there is anything I can do to help it along.
Maybe that's how God feels about me. He has given me everything I need....His Word (to know Him more), a loving family, great church, friends that build me up...But when will I take off and GROW?! I'm so glad He is patient! I'm so glad that He is the gardener. (John 15:1) That gives me hope!
Every time I walk by it, I wonder if I need to do anything for it. Does it need more water? Should I move it outside? Did I plant the seeds deep enough? I know it's going to take a little time to get going, but still I wonder if there is anything I can do to help it along.
Maybe that's how God feels about me. He has given me everything I need....His Word (to know Him more), a loving family, great church, friends that build me up...But when will I take off and GROW?! I'm so glad He is patient! I'm so glad that He is the gardener. (John 15:1) That gives me hope!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Little Duckies
My neighbor has a pair of ducks. They roam all over our yard, eating who knows what from between the blades of grass. They are fun to watch. Sophie and the cat will watch them from our deck for hours. But yesterday, I spent quite a bit of time watching them too.
I first noticed them because of the noises they were making. There was a steady low quacking, with sudden outbursts. It almost sounded conversational. They were nosing around in the pine needles quite a bit. Gathering little pieces of "stuff" and bringing it back to one particular spot. They were nesting! The female would settle in, then get up and search for things to add to the nest. As soon as she would leave the nest, the male would run over and sit in it. She would head back in that direction and he would move out.
Now these ducks are pets. They have a little fenced area where they spend the night. Their owners watch over them and keep them watered and fed. There's really no way that they could lay an egg and hatch it in my backyard because they have to go home at night. But they were doing what they are designed to do. Making a nest in a secure spot and laying an egg. Just like the seed in Lesson 1, it does what it is designed to do. Grow into a plant; stalk, head and the full kernel.
Don't you think it's safe to say, that if God has designed these creatures with a specific purpose in mind, he certainly has a purpose for our lives? We may have goals and dreams that we are working toward each day. But we will only reach a complete and perfect joy when we allow Him to lead us into the specific plan He has for us.
I first noticed them because of the noises they were making. There was a steady low quacking, with sudden outbursts. It almost sounded conversational. They were nosing around in the pine needles quite a bit. Gathering little pieces of "stuff" and bringing it back to one particular spot. They were nesting! The female would settle in, then get up and search for things to add to the nest. As soon as she would leave the nest, the male would run over and sit in it. She would head back in that direction and he would move out.
Now these ducks are pets. They have a little fenced area where they spend the night. Their owners watch over them and keep them watered and fed. There's really no way that they could lay an egg and hatch it in my backyard because they have to go home at night. But they were doing what they are designed to do. Making a nest in a secure spot and laying an egg. Just like the seed in Lesson 1, it does what it is designed to do. Grow into a plant; stalk, head and the full kernel.
Don't you think it's safe to say, that if God has designed these creatures with a specific purpose in mind, he certainly has a purpose for our lives? We may have goals and dreams that we are working toward each day. But we will only reach a complete and perfect joy when we allow Him to lead us into the specific plan He has for us.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Spring has Sprung!
I think it's finally here. Every year I like to share a little poem about Spring with my friends. I wanted to do it 2 weeks ago when I thought we were done with winter. Glad I waited, because that was a false alarm!!
Spring
The golden rays of sun
The sharp smell of the green grass
The bright sight of the red tulips
smell so delicate
Rainbows spread their beautiful colors
The clear drops of rain
Drop to the earth below
Spring is like a dream in heaven
Dovie White
January 2001
Getting ready for this new study, The Word about Gardening, has been fun for me. And a little confusing. Jesus speaks to the people in parables. And so, it takes some insight to really get the message. But that is what is so exciting. It's a Living Word and speaks to each of us individually!!
God uses the simple things to teach us. And even though we may not have green thumbs, almost everyone has a certain knowledge about how things grow. The kingdom of God, the Power of God and the Love of God are all described in terms relating to gardening. So as we get our hands dirty in our earthly gardens over the next few weeks, let's be sure to look for ways that God is teaching us about the spiritual garden.
Spring
The golden rays of sun
The sharp smell of the green grass
The bright sight of the red tulips
smell so delicate
Rainbows spread their beautiful colors
The clear drops of rain
Drop to the earth below
Spring is like a dream in heaven
Dovie White
January 2001
Getting ready for this new study, The Word about Gardening, has been fun for me. And a little confusing. Jesus speaks to the people in parables. And so, it takes some insight to really get the message. But that is what is so exciting. It's a Living Word and speaks to each of us individually!!
God uses the simple things to teach us. And even though we may not have green thumbs, almost everyone has a certain knowledge about how things grow. The kingdom of God, the Power of God and the Love of God are all described in terms relating to gardening. So as we get our hands dirty in our earthly gardens over the next few weeks, let's be sure to look for ways that God is teaching us about the spiritual garden.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
It comes in threes.
Haven't you heard that. Bad things come in threes. And it seems like that is how it plays out. Well, I just read the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. Three shows up there!
Balaam is called upon to put a curse on the Israelites. God tells him no, the Israelites are my chosen people. Leave them alone (paraphrased). But after a second group comes to beg for Balaam's help, God permits him to go. However, Balaam can only say what God permits him to say.
Balaam has God's permission to travel back to the land of Moab with the princes of Balak (the guy that needs help conquering the Israelites). So he is not anticipating any problems with his trip. But, for some unknown reason, Balaam's donkey veers off the road, into a field. Naturally, Balaam does what any donkey-rider would do. He beats her into submission and goes on his way.
Soon, the path they are traveling comes to a very narrow spot. Balaam's donkey presses close to the wall of the passage and crushes Balaam's foot. This makes for an angry rider! He beats her again.
A third time, the donkey behaves in an unacceptable manner (she just lies down and refuses to move). Balaam has just about had it! He beats her again and then....he gets the shock of his life. His donkey talks back to him. She asks,"What have I done to make you beat me three times? Am I not your donkey? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" (Numbers 22:30) And then, God opens Balaam's eyes to see the danger that the donkey has saved him from. An angel of the Lord was in the path, prepared to kill Balaam.
The angel had a message for Balaam. Really a repeat of what God had already told him. "Speak only what I tell you." Drastic measures to get the message heard. Aren't you glad that God will go to such measures to get our attention? I am, because I know that I'm not a good listener. I'm not proud of that fact. I want to be a better listener and move when God puts something on my heart.
But in the event that God ever uses Sophie (my puppy) to get a message to me, you'll be the first to know!!
Balaam is called upon to put a curse on the Israelites. God tells him no, the Israelites are my chosen people. Leave them alone (paraphrased). But after a second group comes to beg for Balaam's help, God permits him to go. However, Balaam can only say what God permits him to say.
Balaam has God's permission to travel back to the land of Moab with the princes of Balak (the guy that needs help conquering the Israelites). So he is not anticipating any problems with his trip. But, for some unknown reason, Balaam's donkey veers off the road, into a field. Naturally, Balaam does what any donkey-rider would do. He beats her into submission and goes on his way.
Soon, the path they are traveling comes to a very narrow spot. Balaam's donkey presses close to the wall of the passage and crushes Balaam's foot. This makes for an angry rider! He beats her again.
A third time, the donkey behaves in an unacceptable manner (she just lies down and refuses to move). Balaam has just about had it! He beats her again and then....he gets the shock of his life. His donkey talks back to him. She asks,"What have I done to make you beat me three times? Am I not your donkey? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" (Numbers 22:30) And then, God opens Balaam's eyes to see the danger that the donkey has saved him from. An angel of the Lord was in the path, prepared to kill Balaam.
The angel had a message for Balaam. Really a repeat of what God had already told him. "Speak only what I tell you." Drastic measures to get the message heard. Aren't you glad that God will go to such measures to get our attention? I am, because I know that I'm not a good listener. I'm not proud of that fact. I want to be a better listener and move when God puts something on my heart.
But in the event that God ever uses Sophie (my puppy) to get a message to me, you'll be the first to know!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Victories in Our Lives
Victories take many forms. The Branson Men's Basketball team has experienced victory on the court this year and will play in a Championship game tonight. The people of Egypt recently experienced victory that they hope will lead to more freedoms in their country. Just last week, my cousin received victory over a drug addiction that plagued him most of his life. While studying about Nehemiah's victory, I came across this quote....
"Every victory in our life should take us deeper into praise. If we are not praising God more, and more deeply, with each passing year, are we really having much victory? Maybe we are making it "through" tough times - but coming out more bitter and sour than ever. That is not God's victory! His victory leads to a sweeter spirit, and deeper praise! "
David Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible
The victory of finishing the Jerusalem wall in 52 days was clearly a God victory. It couldn't have been done by man alone. This makes me stop and consider my own victories in life. What good are my victories? I want to be a part of God's victories!
Now, I believe, everyday I am engaged in what will be another of God's victories. My part, as Mom, is to train my children in God's ways. To love and encourage them. To live a life that centers around God, not one that only lets God in on Sundays and holidays. (Duet. 12..loosely paraphrased) My children are some of God's Victories. Some of his finest work! (A little bragging? Shouldn't we all feel that way?)
So again, I look at my life. God has carried me through some tough things. He has shown me victories in my life. And as I rely on him more and more, I see how truly great He is. I see how He loves me. And I see that the victories that matter are the ones that cause me to praise Him more!
So again, I look at my life. God has carried me through some tough things. He has shown me victories in my life. And as I rely on him more and more, I see how truly great He is. I see how He loves me. And I see that the victories that matter are the ones that cause me to praise Him more!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Inward Ugliness
There are some things in the Bible that I just don't understand. How could multiple wives be a good idea? That's just stupidity. Why would Lot offer up his virgin daughters? That's just wrong! And I don't get this slavery issue, in Nehemiah 5.
The common folks are having a tough time in a rough economy. Their families are in crisis. They are mortgaging their fields to get grain, borrowing money to pay taxes AND subjecting their children to slavery! Why? Because their "brethren", the nobles and officials, are demanding it for selfish gain. Now, I understand the wrongfulness of the rich...Greed. What I don't understand is the regulations of the slavery issue.
In Leviticus 25:39-46, the guidelines for slavery are given. It clearly states that the Israelites are not to be sold as slaves. They are God's servants so "do not rule over them ruthlessly". (25:42-43) But...you can buy male and female slaves from the nations around you. And apparently you can treat them ruthlessly, if you want. There is no warning about how you treat them. Slavery was common in the world at the time, I guess. And human behavior is the same in all men. But treating another human (or work beast, for that matter) ruthlessly is wrong. It's an outward expression of an inward ugliness.
The outward expressions of man's inward ugliness is seen in our world everyday. You can certainly see it on the world news, but you can also see it in our own small town. Kids in homes that aren't safe, families without homes at all, and the empty eyes of those all around us. We have what the world needs. We have the relationship that they are missing. We must reach out and tell others about the love of Christ and how He, alone, can change the inward ugliness to righteousness and beauty!
The common folks are having a tough time in a rough economy. Their families are in crisis. They are mortgaging their fields to get grain, borrowing money to pay taxes AND subjecting their children to slavery! Why? Because their "brethren", the nobles and officials, are demanding it for selfish gain. Now, I understand the wrongfulness of the rich...Greed. What I don't understand is the regulations of the slavery issue.
In Leviticus 25:39-46, the guidelines for slavery are given. It clearly states that the Israelites are not to be sold as slaves. They are God's servants so "do not rule over them ruthlessly". (25:42-43) But...you can buy male and female slaves from the nations around you. And apparently you can treat them ruthlessly, if you want. There is no warning about how you treat them. Slavery was common in the world at the time, I guess. And human behavior is the same in all men. But treating another human (or work beast, for that matter) ruthlessly is wrong. It's an outward expression of an inward ugliness.
The outward expressions of man's inward ugliness is seen in our world everyday. You can certainly see it on the world news, but you can also see it in our own small town. Kids in homes that aren't safe, families without homes at all, and the empty eyes of those all around us. We have what the world needs. We have the relationship that they are missing. We must reach out and tell others about the love of Christ and how He, alone, can change the inward ugliness to righteousness and beauty!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Did Nehemiah skype?
Early this morning I was reading about the opposition that Nehemiah faced with his wall project. Now, this opposition began long before the work really started. It began when Sanballat (the Horonite) heard about Nehemiah's concern for Jerusalem. According to few articles that I found, Sanballat was a Samraitan and a leader of the Persian Empire (probably the Samaritan Governor). So I guess he was informed about all-things political. But still....
Nehemiah was in Susa and by my map, Jerusalem is a good 2.5 inches away. That's least 800 miles as the crow flies, but more like 1300 miles as the camel walks. If Sanballat was in Susa, then I can see how he would hear the news so quickly and try to shut Nehemiah down. But...if Sanballat was in Samaria (just north of Jerusalem), how did he get the news about Nehemiah's plan so quickly?
A little later in the morning, Dovie came in to ask if I wanted to say hi to our friend Mindy. Mindy is in Cambodia right now, on a mission trip working to stop human trafficking. We skyped. I know what Mindy is doing right now. I don't have to wait for someone to travel 8400 miles(approximately) to tell me what Mindy is up to.
Our world is really smaller than we think. We can be in touch with people all around the world with just a click of a mouse. Oh that I would have concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ like Nehemiah did.
Nehemiah was in Susa and by my map, Jerusalem is a good 2.5 inches away. That's least 800 miles as the crow flies, but more like 1300 miles as the camel walks. If Sanballat was in Susa, then I can see how he would hear the news so quickly and try to shut Nehemiah down. But...if Sanballat was in Samaria (just north of Jerusalem), how did he get the news about Nehemiah's plan so quickly?
A little later in the morning, Dovie came in to ask if I wanted to say hi to our friend Mindy. Mindy is in Cambodia right now, on a mission trip working to stop human trafficking. We skyped. I know what Mindy is doing right now. I don't have to wait for someone to travel 8400 miles(approximately) to tell me what Mindy is up to.
Our world is really smaller than we think. We can be in touch with people all around the world with just a click of a mouse. Oh that I would have concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ like Nehemiah did.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I'm new at this...
Well, this is new for me. I'm thinking outside of my box. Trying new things. So be patient with me....please.
I enjoy being in a woman's group. I'm always up for good discussion. I like "doing life" with my friends. I love the Word of God and nothing is more exciting than to see spiritual growth in the making. That's what Tuesday mornings have been for me. I've been meeting with my friends for the last 5 years. The groups varies, the day may change. But the idea is still the same. Getting to know my God in a deeper way by digging into his word and sharing thoughts with my friends.
That's what this blog is about. A new step for Tuesdays. We'll still be meeting for study on Tuesday mornings (starting at Clocker's, but the venue may change). But I'll also have the lessons and points of discussion posted each week. I hope that you will share ideas here, as well.
So, here's to something new!!
I enjoy being in a woman's group. I'm always up for good discussion. I like "doing life" with my friends. I love the Word of God and nothing is more exciting than to see spiritual growth in the making. That's what Tuesday mornings have been for me. I've been meeting with my friends for the last 5 years. The groups varies, the day may change. But the idea is still the same. Getting to know my God in a deeper way by digging into his word and sharing thoughts with my friends.
That's what this blog is about. A new step for Tuesdays. We'll still be meeting for study on Tuesday mornings (starting at Clocker's, but the venue may change). But I'll also have the lessons and points of discussion posted each week. I hope that you will share ideas here, as well.
So, here's to something new!!
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