The Best Marriage Ever!

Have you ever heard this one before???

"Marriages are made in Heaven. But no one ever said it's like Heaven!"

A dear friend of mine once told me that.

Who ever thought I'd find a great example of the perfect marriage in the Honolulu Advertiser?

...The best marriage ever...

Mauna Loa meets Hershey.
Introducing: Hershey's Mauna Loa Kisses
Read Honolulu Advertiser Article

On a more serious note, marriage is something that must not be taken lightly. And this includes dating, as I have learned, experienced, and suffered the consequences myself. I mistakenly thought that I was only putting my own future on the line when I chose to disobey God's command to marry a fellow believer...now that I'm a mother of 2 boys, I wish I had thought of them before making a decision that would also change their lives forever.

I'm not a marriage counselor, however, I do know from experience that there are many things to consider before dating, courtship, and marriage. Do consider this: Your present actions and decisions will not only affect you, but also, the lives of others, especially those who have yet to be born, those who are counting on you to make the right decisions for them.

Don't be so short-sighted and self-centered when making decisions. Don't be afraid (or in my case, learn to be humble) to ask for advice--that is, Godly advice. Consider pre-marital counseling. Best of all, seek God first in all that you do.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

What Is The Purpose Of Life?

Stan Connolly & family, missionaries to Puerto Rico, spoke about "The Purpose of Life" in church today. While he recognized the burden God placed in his heart for foreign missions earlier on in life, it wasn't until he was 40 years old that God called him to full-time missions. God had been preparing him for this all along!

I also have my moments when I wonder what God's purpose is for my life. I always want to be "in-the-know", and I always want things to make sense, now! I'm no better than a kid sitting in the back seat shouting, "Are we there, yet???" Time and again, God gently reminds me that it's not about my timing, but His! Besides, His way is always perfect, and time has proven that mine isn't. I have to trust Him, like Joseph did when he was unjustly thrown in prison (as I taught in Junior Church to the 4 & 5-year-old's today).

So, what is life all about? What is the purpose of life?

To find, follow, and finish the will of God in your life.

1. Finding the will of God

- Immerse yourself in the Word of God.

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."-

- Immerse yourself in the work of Christ and the Church.

2. Following the will of God

- Step out by faith into the unknown.

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

- No one is exempt from the Great Commission.

- Our mission is to reach the lost.
This is a fast-growing population. Stan Connolly provided some alarming statistics. You can request for this information by emailing him at stan.connolly@bbfimissions.com.

3. Finishing the will of God

Matthew 6:20-21 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:"

James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

2 Timothy 4:7, 8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Conclusion:

• Never fear the will of God, for He has already gone before us to prepare the way.
• He is still journeying beside and with us!
  
  Genesis 21: 22b "God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:"

Children Are A Gift From God

Scripture Passage: Psalm 127

As challenging parenting can be,
At the end of the day...
Wait a second...
Where's Thing 1???

Simply Breathtaking!

I thank God for the privilege to have lived in Hawaii for 7 years. I long to return someday, but I clearly know that He has brought me to Florida for a reason. He has a perfect plan for me! I just have to sit back 'n relax (as if I were still in paradise) as I rest on His promises and trust Him to complete His work through me!

For now, it doesn't hurt to daydream about Hawaii and appreciate pictures of His creation :)

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

Kane'ohe Botanical Garden - Oahu, Hawaii

I can still remember going hiking up Makapu'u Point while 3 months pregnant :)


Now this makes me want to go check out Kauai!!!

Still?

According to Keirsey's Temperament Sorter, I'm a Rational Fieldmarshal. Sounds pretty scary! The results haven't changed since I first did the assessment in 2003.

Even the Bible says:
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14

Our Pastor in Hawaii would always joke: "Our uniqueness makes some of us more fearful than wonderful!"

Regardless of our uniqueness and differences, as Christians, we are charged to glorify God in all that we do...

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20

ENTJ - The "Chief" Temperament: NT (Intellectual)

Primary Function: Extraverted Thinking Population: 3% (4.5% male, 1.5% female)

Full ENTJ Profile >> (description, famous people, careers...)

Extraverted Introverted 89% 11% Sensing Intuition 26% 74% Thinking Feeling 89% 11% Judging Perceiving 74% 26%

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Time For A Change?

"We turn to God when our foundations are shaking,
only to learn that it is God Who is shaking them."
~Author Unknown

Meditating On:
Psalm 139

God's Perfect Plan

This picture was taken at the Orlando International Airport while waiting with Joy due to flight delays.

My 2 boys: so young, full of life, and full of energy! As I look at their pictures, I can't help but wonder what life is going to be like for them when they reach my age (and beyond). I know it won't be very long! There are just way too many things to plan ahead for! While I like to do my own planning most of the time, it's also very nice when you're able to rely on someone you trust to plan things for you, for a change.

Then I realized: God had already drawn out the plans for our lives a long time ago! It's a done deal! He loves and cares for us deeply, and knows us well enough to masterfully create a plan that is designed especially for us. All we got to do is follow His plan, follow His leading, and follow His example.

"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Are you a true follower of Christ? Here's the truth: it's either you are, or you are not. James 4:4 clearly states:

"...Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Whose side are you on?

Crossroads

Last week was undoubtedly overloaded with much activity of all sorts. Quite a few of these activities include accepting (vs. embracing) responsibilities that really don't belong to me. I praise God for bringing His Word to memory:

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Luke 12:48

This morning's devotional also included some great thoughts to ponder:

You have money to give because you have been blessed, you have the ability to help because you have your health, and you have time to help because your life was taken down a different path. Humble are those who believe that while God could use sticks and stones to carry out His will, He mysteriously and patiently chooses to work through us.

I want God to continue to choose to work through me.

We've now reached the middle of 2008. I find myself at another major crossroad. There is a lot at stake. Thankfully, God is always there, no matter what I do, where I go, or what I say! Today, He gave me Proverbs 16 to meditate upon.

When making decisions, I tend to take a step back so as not to get "emotionally absorbed." At the same time, I don't want to be too logical or rational that I end up missing out on a lot of things. Where/how can I find that balance?

• I go to my Source, God.
• I go to His Book, the Bible.
• I go to His presence humbly, in prayer.

I need clarity of thought! By God's grace, despite all the complexities life brings, this is possible.

Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."

I don't want to make the wrong turn, let alone, miss a step, for to do so would mean not pleasing God and missing out on His great blessings. Especially this week, I pray that I would allow God to light my path.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Lord, thank You for the many blessings you've bestowed upon me. Keep me humble, keep me sensitive to Your leading, and continue to use me to serve others with a cheerful heart, regardless of the sacrifice. Give me wisdom as I embark on another journey, and may You use me again as a channel of your many blessings to others. May this endeavor, whatever it is that You would have me to choose, bring even more glory to You, and only You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Precious Little Moments

Family

I have been praying for my family even more so this week, as we rely on God for further direction. Yesterday, He gave me Psalm 127. Today, He gave me Psalm 128 and 1 Peter 3.

I was hoping to get an answer regarding a "where-to" question, but it seems as if He is directing me with a "how-to".

This will be a very interesting journey...especially because I don't know what's coming my way.

With that said, God's promise came to mind:
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

Next Stop: Hawai'i?

These pictures were taken 1.5 - 2 years ago during a trip to Waikoloa.
Diego and Gabriel with their cousin, Marcus.

Fishing Lessons at Clearwater

Clearwater Beach took my breath away!!!

I can't deny that I love the beach, but of all beach front properties, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is the very best--move over, Hawaii (this includes the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Royal Lahaina Resort, Sheraton Waikiki, and Turtle Bay Resort)!!! I've never looked at pictures over and over again...not this much!

Emerald blue waters, sugar-white sand, beautiful birds of all sorts, playful dolphins, a nice, crisp gulf breeze at night, a rejuvenating sunrise, a soothing sunset...and the abundance of water sports, need I say more?! The drive alone was captivating! I must say, we had the most fun feeding the birds from our balcony (they like chips, too)! I find the birds in Clearwater friendlier than the ones in Seattle! :)

Overall, it was a great getaway! I got up at 6:30AM Friday morning, and spent some quiet time with the Lord while appreciating the view of the Gulf of Mexico and Pier 60 from both sides of the balcony. Our Creator is so great and masterfully creative! He simply spoke without lifting a finger, and look at the world He created! I'm so thankful He didn't just give us the "minimum-necessary" as a means to survive; He has given us so much more to enjoy. Truly, I can say:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

I also enjoyed Friday night with my cousins. While they live only 3 minutes away from my hotel, they decided to just crash in. I'm glad I eventually allowed them to disturb my peace and tranquility. We enjoyed walking on the sand to burn off all the food we ate (seriously), then just sitting back and relaxing while enjoying the breeze, watching the waves and my boys playing in the sand.

The simple things in life are far better than what the world has to offer, especially on a Friday night! Yet, we must be very careful: Satan has a way of making the things of this world seem so much more enticing, so much more tempting. Scripture warns:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

The Bible uses a very good analogy. God knows that I learn much quicker using symbols, pictures, and direct observation, so He gave me another analogy: fishing. As I pondered this thought, I realized that Satan, too, knows about the basic principles of fishing.

I've always wanted to go fishing (or at least, catch just one big fish). Upon arriving at my cousin's condo, I went straight to the dock, grabbed a fishing pole, and to the best of my ability (and limited attention span), waited for some fish to bite. Not long after, my eyes had gotten fixated on some other "big fish"--I saw a group of dolphins goin' a-fishin'--so I immediately jumped in the boat and went after the "big fish"! We had so much fun! This was way better than SeaWorld!

By day's end, it was time to calculate the results: my 6-year-old son had caught 19, and as for me...well, 0. I didn't even meet my minimum requirement of "just one". So my son knows how to fish and so do the pelicans and dolphins. What about me? I reassured myself by saying the same thing I'd tell my children: "You can always do better next time."

I was then asked: "Did you use the right bait?"

I thought to myself: "What bait??? Bait is bait and fish are fish. What's the difference?"

"In order to catch the right fish, you've got to use the right bait."

Satan sure knows this principle well! In hindsight, I can now see how he cunningly devised and packaged my temptations in such a way that would make me bite easily. It doesn't matter if he always used the same tricks or "fishing techniques", he just knew exactly which bait to use and when and where to find me!

As Christians, we must be aware that while we are out fishing for souls, the Devil is also out on a serious mission to fish us out big time!

If we say "No" to temptation, we are promised that we will receive the Crown of Life; this is one of the five crowns Scripture mentions that a believer may receive for serving Christ. While studying the book of James in Bible College last semester, we discussed the 10 Steps to Victory in Spiritual Warfare:

1) You humble yourself before God in order to receive His grace. God will give us victory if we humble ourselves, but He will literally fight against us if we are proud. James (4:6)

2) You submit to God. (James 4:7a)

3) You resist the devil and he flees from you. (James 4:7b)

4) You draw near to God and He draws near to you. (James 4:8a)

5) You cleanse your actions ("hands"). (James 4:8b)

6) You purify your attitudes ("heart"). (James 4:8d)
A pure heart is one that loves God, one that is not doubleminded.

7) You mourn over your sin and humble yourself before God again (to check the pride which we are tempted with as we begin to experience victories). (James 4:9-10)

8) You refuse to speak evil or judge another because your realization of your own sinfulness makes this impossible. (James 4:11-12)

9) You live in daily submission to and dependence upon God recognizing your own mortality and God's eternal sovereignty. (James 4:13-16)

10) You do what you know is right to do. (James 4:17)

I guess the trip to Clearwater gave a different twist on the lesson about fishing: a valuable lesson about learning how to catch fish while being careful about not getting caught yourself!

So, what comes after a lesson? A test. An opportunity. Whatever this may be, I pray that I would be able to pass it victoriously and give God the glory.

Personal Reminders

I'm posting this as a reminder for myself not to forget about my passion for art and music composition (may this compliment my moments of spiritual reflection). Life has been so busy and hectic, that such noise has prevented me from these activities. It has been a while.

Why am I having another moment? I received an email from a long-time friend, Cashmer, who reminded me of many things. Thanks, Cash!

May God use my other talents as a form of expression, but more importantly, as a means to encourage others to praise and bless His Name!

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:8,15,21,31

About Comforting Others

My sister-in-law's surgery is happening today, in just a few moments. Here's a good reminder:

...As you have been comforted, pass on the comfort you have received. Whether you write a hymn, send a card, or speak a kind word, it's all part of God's plan for alleviating pain in a world over-wrought with grief.
- excerpt from 365 Daily Devotions for Women by Jewell Johnson

So You Want To Be Beautiful?

Becoming a Pearl
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

It takes an oyster somewhere between three and six years to produce a perfect pearl. The process begins with a small piece of sand or other irritant entering the oyster. The oyster then coats it with layers of nacre which, after years of this process, we come to know as a pearl, like we see on necklaces in jewelry stores.

Like the sand in an oyster, God uses a little irritation in our life to create beauty. A friend once told me that she never prayed for her children to be happy. For if they were always happy, she said, how would they ever develop character and experience personal growth?

Going through trying times is not pleasant, and James does not tell us to pretend we are happy in the midst of it, but to consider it an opportunity for joy. God gives us a promise that we can “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3b-4). It is through the hurt, pain and ugliness that, oftentimes, God creates beauty in each of us. Without the irritation, God cannot create in us a beautiful final product.

It is said that not all oysters produce perfect pearls naturally. In every three tons of oysters, you are likely to find only three or four that make a perfect pearl. When we embrace the struggle or irritation in our lives, God uses it to make us into something beautiful. When we run from or ignore our pain it is hard for us to learn from it and see God’s hand in it. Embracing the rough times and trusting God will ultimately help you become all God is training you to be.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How have you seen God use trials in your life to create beauty in you?

2. We will all face struggles. What can you do in your life to learn from those trials?

FURTHER READING :
Romans 5:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5; 1 Peter 1:6-9

Kelly McFadden currently works at Mariners Church Southern California. She and her husband Michael are the new parents of Campbell McFadden.

HomeWord
Encouraging Parents…Building Families

June 2008: Weekend Getaway

Clearwater Beach, FL. It's been 8 years since I've last been to this beautiful place. And now, I find myself looking forward to this last-minute weekend getaway. May it be a time to reflect and thank God for His goodness.

Growing Pains

Metal is heated, beaten, and plunged into cold water as part of the process to make a strong piece of steel. In the same way, trials are necessary to develop a strong Christian.
- excerpt from 365 Daily Devotions for Women, by Jewell Johnson

Last week was quite an interesting week! God used it to help me uncover a need that I should start praying for. Instead of asking, "Why me, Lord?", I must ask: "What do You want me to learn?"

God has spoken to me over and over again this week through His Word:

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

God has also used my circumstances, prayer, the church, and even my friends to speak to me! Last night, Alissa text me to read Chapter 25 of the Purpose-Driven Life...and it compliments everything that has been taking place in my life, lately. I have included certain sections from the chapter, below.

BUILDING CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER

We are jewels, shaped with the hammer and chisel of adversity. If a jeweler's hammer isn't strong enough to chip off our rough edges, God will use a sledgehammer. If we're really stubborn (that's me!), He uses a jackhammer. He will use whatever it takes.

Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and fiber. Paul said, "We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character." What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you. Your circumstances are temporary, but your character will last forever.

The Bible often compares trials to a metal refiner's fire that burns away impurities. Peter said, "These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. The purity of faith is worth more than gold." James said, "Under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors."

It is vital that you stay focused on God's plan, not your pain or problem. That is how Jesus endured the pain on the cross, and we are urged to follow His example. Corrie ten Boom, who suffered in a Nazi death camp, explained the power of focus: "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest!" Your focus will determine your feelings.

The secret of endurance is to remember that your pain is temporary but your reward will be eternal. Don't give in to short-term thinking. Stay focused on the end result: "If we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later."

Character building is a slow process. Whenever we try to avoid or escape the difficulties in life, we short-circuit the process, delay our growth, and actually end up with a worse kind of pain--the worthless type that accompanies denial and avoidance (ouch--that's me, again).

You know you are maturing when you begin to see the hand of God in the random, baffling, and seemingly pointless circumstances of life. Don't give up, grow up!

Why Does History Repeat Itself?

I'm sure you've heard this one before: History repeats itself!

Strangely enough, I find myself being in an extremely similar situation that I had been in, 8 years ago. Similar faces, similar places, similar distractions, similar timing...and 2 weeks from now (Lord willing), the same address! The thing is, I do not want similar results.

In my case, this is happening because I have not completely learned my lessons to the fullest. I believe God is presenting me with yet another opportunity to go through this, and this time, come out victorious. I can clearly see that God is specifically working on one facet of my life that is quite underdeveloped: MY HEART.

God is working on my heart from all different directions.

A heart for God (in progress), a heart for others (in progress), what about a heart for...finding a significant other (not applicable), or even reconnecting with my ex (out of order!)? Now, that's really digging deep into the core of my emotions! While neither of the two have even nearly crossed my mind, I can't help but ask: Why, Lord? Why now? I'm doing just fine.

It seemed fine, until I got into a conversation with a very good friend. Quite frankly, I had never expected to become friends with this person earlier this year, nor had I imagined opening up to anyone (simply because I never saw the need)! I have never engaged in such a deep, open conversation in a very, very long time. At the end of the discussion, I walked away thinking, "Something's wrong, and I need to fix it!". Wake-up call: I can never truly say I'm doing just fine...apart from God's mercy and grace!!!

God used a true friend to be His messenger...one who came at a time when I didn't ask for a friend to talk to. After all, when things are fine, who needs a friend, right? WRONG! Since I've known him, I began to seek God even more. God places people in our lives, for a reason and for His purpose.

So, going back to "history repeating itself"...I may be faced with similar faces, places, distractions, and timing, but the difference is this: my desire to be more like God is stronger than it ever was before, and I so desperately want to remain in the center of His will for the rest of my life. God alone can enable me to break free from whatever bondage that besets me, and He alone has the power to make me victorious!

Eight years ago, I thought I was doing just fine. I even thought that I was doing okay, spiritually...as Satan whispered in my ear. God sent many messengers to me back then, but I chose not to heed them because of pride and arrogance. He sent another one today, and this time, I'm glad I opened my eyes, my heart, to what He had to say.

Take a closer look at your life. Is history repeating itself? Do you want the same results? If not, allow God to change that for you. When is the best time get started? There's no time like the present!

"So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12