Last week I posted a picture from my high school year book. My senior year in high school took place in ( are you ready......) 197...
Here is the music of the 70's in 6 minutes. Enjoy....
Here is a little more music humor.....
Monday, October 14, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Reflection from my message today at NRN!
This morning at NRN we celebrated a great day in the LORD! Thanks to all who made the annual Pig Pickin' a HUGE SUCCESS!
I believe God spoke to us last Sunday as I had prepared a message from the current teaching series and was unable to preach the sermon due to a moving of the Lord in our worship. Each Sunday as I stand before our church family I strive to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Today I shared the message God laid upon my heart. It came from the current teaching series:
Imagine a group of believers that Jesus dictated a letter of COMFORT and ENCOURAGEMENT. Even the way in which He identified Himself must have uplifted these persecuted followers who daily faced the treat of death: “I am the first and last, who was dead, and has come to life.” This is the church inSmyrna
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna
The name “Smyrna
2 Corinthians 4:17 (The Message) “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”
Here is a testimony of a dear friend who is facing at time of suffering and has a wonderful testimony of the Lord's strength and of her faith.
I found my first lump in my breast in the middle of January 2009. I had an ultrasound of it and the doctors said not to worry. It was normal for someone my age and fit the criteria for fibroadenoma. I went back to have another ultrasound in August to check on the size. It had grown from 6mm to 9mm. That's not much in 6 months, so the doctors again said that we would wait and see. I should come again next April or May 2010. It's a good thing I didn't wait! In October while my husband was traveling back to the States, I found a second lump and 3 weeks later when I made another appointment for the ultrasound, a third lump. I had an ultrasound and mammogram on November 10th. Two days later, I met with an oncologist who did another ultrasound, mammogram, ultrasound of the liver, chest x-ray, and a biopsy of the 1st and 2nd lumps. The first lump had grown to 16mm. It had almost doubled in three months!
The results came back on November 20th. I have breast cancer. It is aggressively growing.
Just before this last appointment, God gave me a verse to claim throughout this journey: Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord your God who holds you in his right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you." First of all--God is God, second, he's already been holding me (before the doctors ever began examining me), and third, HE will help me.
We will stay here in Brno, Czech Republic to have all of our doctor visits and treatments. It is the best choice for us at this stage of life. I am the proud mom of three kids--ages 9, 7, and 4. Our kids will have fewer disruptions than if we headed back to live in the States. So, may God go with us.
I believe God spoke to us last Sunday as I had prepared a message from the current teaching series and was unable to preach the sermon due to a moving of the Lord in our worship. Each Sunday as I stand before our church family I strive to be sensitive to the leading of the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Today I shared the message God laid upon my heart. It came from the current teaching series:
Imagine a group of believers that Jesus dictated a letter of COMFORT and ENCOURAGEMENT. Even the way in which He identified Himself must have uplifted these persecuted followers who daily faced the treat of death: “I am the first and last, who was dead, and has come to life.” This is the church in
These are the words
of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life
again. 9 I know your afflictions and your
poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they
are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do
not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put
some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten
days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you
life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all
by the second death.” Revelation 2:8-11
The name “
2 Corinthians 4:17 (The Message) “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”
Here is a testimony of a dear friend who is facing at time of suffering and has a wonderful testimony of the Lord's strength and of her faith.
Sharron and I met Crystal when she was a student at Indiana Wesleyan University. She married Matthew Blake and they serve as missionaries with the Wesleyan Church.
In November 2009 when began her Caringbridge journal with these words:
I'm not sure how to begin. How does one begin to share from the heart
the uncertainties that come from the diagnosis of cancer? Here is her story:
I believe God is a good
God. I believe that He is carrying me and my family through this
journey. This is so important to me because at only 35 years old, I
was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on November 20, 2009. My
husband and I live in the Czech Republic. We are here to share about the
hope we have in Christ Jesus. My hope continues to be in God who is much
greater than I can imagine. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.I found my first lump in my breast in the middle of January 2009. I had an ultrasound of it and the doctors said not to worry. It was normal for someone my age and fit the criteria for fibroadenoma. I went back to have another ultrasound in August to check on the size. It had grown from 6mm to 9mm. That's not much in 6 months, so the doctors again said that we would wait and see. I should come again next April or May 2010. It's a good thing I didn't wait! In October while my husband was traveling back to the States, I found a second lump and 3 weeks later when I made another appointment for the ultrasound, a third lump. I had an ultrasound and mammogram on November 10th. Two days later, I met with an oncologist who did another ultrasound, mammogram, ultrasound of the liver, chest x-ray, and a biopsy of the 1st and 2nd lumps. The first lump had grown to 16mm. It had almost doubled in three months!
The results came back on November 20th. I have breast cancer. It is aggressively growing.
Just before this last appointment, God gave me a verse to claim throughout this journey: Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord your God who holds you in his right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you." First of all--God is God, second, he's already been holding me (before the doctors ever began examining me), and third, HE will help me.
We will stay here in Brno, Czech Republic to have all of our doctor visits and treatments. It is the best choice for us at this stage of life. I am the proud mom of three kids--ages 9, 7, and 4. Our kids will have fewer disruptions than if we headed back to live in the States. So, may God go with us.
Thank you for joining
our journey!
And the journey
continues on... on June 20, 2012, my cancer came back...this time in my
bones. I believe that God touched and healed me from breast cancer...and
while I am surprised that it came back...I know that God isn't. I look
forward to seeing how God is going to show his power and heal me again...while
at the same time revealing HIS plan for my life. I still believe that our
God is an awesome God and I am so thankful that HE directs, comforts, and cares
for me. My hope is that one day everyone will know that there is a God
and that through Jesus Christ; we can live in Heaven for all of eternity...if
we believe, and ask God to forgive the bad in our lives. He is merciful
and so amazing!
Let's continue on this
journey...
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Preparing for Worship at NRN on our Annual Pig Pickin' Sunday - October 13, 2013
As we prepare for worship tomorrow at NRN I hope we have made that phone call; email; text message or tweet to invite a friend, neighbor, work associate, family member - somebody - everybody - to church tomorrow. Let us go out into the field and bring forth the harvest by inviting guest to the table of the Lord. I promise an invitation for salvation will be given and lives will be changed and transformed before our very eyes.
Here is the worship set that is prepared for tomorrow... enjoy and be blessed as you sing to the Lord:
We begin by putting our hands together and sing loud to our Great God....
Friday, October 11, 2013
Are you ready for this coming Sunday at NRN! Pig Pickin' Sunday is near....
Join us this Sunday at NRN! This Sunday could be a great day of worship and celebration as you invite your friends, work associates, neighbors and family members. I am praying we reach our goal of over 100 adults in worship! This is easily achievable as every regular attender commits to be in attendance and if you bring a guest.
Who will you invite to church for this Sunday?
I know we are not "Rocky River" ...but I think you get the point.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Nurture a grateful heart - Change the channel
You and I were created to be thankful. Deep down inside our
hearts and minds, we know we're supposed to be content. Unfortunately, envy,
resentments, and various circumstances of life can derail us along the way.
Most people would find that the complaints outweigh the praises.
I don't think anybody is grumpy on purpose. Nobody intends to be
ungrateful. Discontentment sneaks up on us and attacks us from behind. Often,
we don't even realize when we are being a negative pain in the neck!
The Bible recognizes this fact of human nature, and reminds us
to "Give thanks in all circumstances." (I Thess. 5:17)
Here are a few
thoughts for those who wish to nurture a grateful heart:
1) Declare war on petty negativism!
As soon as you are aware of its nasty presence in your heart,
evict it immediately and lock the door. Why keep a smelly skunk in the house?
2) Count your blessings.
There are many things going right in your life. Focus on these,
rather than the annoyances.
3) Refuse to compare yourself with others.
The comparison trap breeds selfishness, self-pity and greed.
4) Change the channel!
Your mind can broadcast the day's events through Channel
P (positive) or Channel N (negative). You get to choose
your announcer. In our house, if someone is being a grouch, it's not uncommon
for somebody else to say, "It's time to change to Channel P!"
5) Keep God at the center, and you will not dwell on
the garbage.
A person who habitually complains, gossips, and criticizes needs
a spiritual tune-up!
6) Commit yourself to encouraging others.
As you focus on
helping others, your heart will be filled with sunshine! I've never met a
negative encourager.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Preparing for prayer this evening at 6:30 - Join us!
This evening at 6:30pm we gather for a time of prayer at NRN. Here is a primer for our time together....
Consider the importance of Corporate Prayer. This is when the family of God meets together in unity and prayer.
A church is never more like the New
Testament church than when it is praying.
A congregation without a prayer meeting is essentially defective in its organization, and
so must be limited in its efficiency. The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
A dynamic praying church must be built from the inside out, employing all four levels of
prayer: the secret closet, the family altar, small group praying and finally, the
congregational setting. Developing your Secret Closet of Prayer, Richard Burr, p 19.
An ounce of believing prayer is worth a ton of edifying talk. John Cowan
A prayerless man is proud and independent, and any church that neglects corporate
prayer is sadly no better. Only God's humble and needy children take the time to pray.
Everyone else is just going through the motions and naively trusting in their own
strength! David Smithers
As prayer meetings fail in a congregation, so will the ministrations of the pastor become
unfruitful, the preaching of the word fail to convert sinners and promote holiness in the
professors of religion. The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
At other times what divine impressions of holiness have you felt in public worship in the
congregation when this has been performed with holy skill and fervency and prayer you
have received more solid edification than from the whole sermon? How dead have you
been to all sinful temptations, and how much devoted to God? Do you not long to be
able to pray in this way in your households and in your own room?
A congregation without a prayer meeting is essentially defective in its organization, and
so must be limited in its efficiency. The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
A dynamic praying church must be built from the inside out, employing all four levels of
prayer: the secret closet, the family altar, small group praying and finally, the
congregational setting. Developing your Secret Closet of Prayer, Richard Burr, p 19.
An ounce of believing prayer is worth a ton of edifying talk. John Cowan
A prayerless man is proud and independent, and any church that neglects corporate
prayer is sadly no better. Only God's humble and needy children take the time to pray.
Everyone else is just going through the motions and naively trusting in their own
strength! David Smithers
As prayer meetings fail in a congregation, so will the ministrations of the pastor become
unfruitful, the preaching of the word fail to convert sinners and promote holiness in the
professors of religion. The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
At other times what divine impressions of holiness have you felt in public worship in the
congregation when this has been performed with holy skill and fervency and prayer you
have received more solid edification than from the whole sermon? How dead have you
been to all sinful temptations, and how much devoted to God? Do you not long to be
able to pray in this way in your households and in your own room?
A Guide to Prayer, Isaac Watts, 174
By importunity something else is meant than passionate dictation and stormy
pertinacity--imposing our egoist will on God, and treating Him as a mysterious but
manageable power that we may coerce and exploit. The Soul of Prayer, P.T. Forsyth
Even though we may not take part audibly in the action, yet if we are there in a right
spirit - there really to wait upon God, we marvelously help the tone of a meeting.
CHM
Far less of the disbelief in prayer is due to a scientific view of nature's uniformity than to
the slipshod kind of prayer that men hear from us in public worship; it is often but
journalese sent heavenwards, or phrase-making to carry on.
By importunity something else is meant than passionate dictation and stormy
pertinacity--imposing our egoist will on God, and treating Him as a mysterious but
manageable power that we may coerce and exploit. The Soul of Prayer, P.T. Forsyth
Even though we may not take part audibly in the action, yet if we are there in a right
spirit - there really to wait upon God, we marvelously help the tone of a meeting.
CHM
Far less of the disbelief in prayer is due to a scientific view of nature's uniformity than to
the slipshod kind of prayer that men hear from us in public worship; it is often but
journalese sent heavenwards, or phrase-making to carry on.
The
Soul of Prayer, P.T. Forsyth
Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear
the famed C. H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students
were greeted by a man who asked, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you
like to see the heating plant of this church?” They were not particularly interested, for it
was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented.
The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their
guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.” Surprised, the students saw 700 people
bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the
auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was
none other than Charles Spurgeon.
God has appointed prayer as his way of dispensing, and our way of obtaining all
promised good. The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
History confirms the truth that wherever evangelical and vital religion flourish, there lives
the earnest gatherings for social prayer.
Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear
the famed C. H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students
were greeted by a man who asked, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you
like to see the heating plant of this church?” They were not particularly interested, for it
was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented.
The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their
guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.” Surprised, the students saw 700 people
bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the
auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was
none other than Charles Spurgeon.
God has appointed prayer as his way of dispensing, and our way of obtaining all
promised good. The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
History confirms the truth that wherever evangelical and vital religion flourish, there lives
the earnest gatherings for social prayer.
The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J.
B. Johnston
If added power attends the united prayer of two or three, what mighty triumphs there will
be when hundreds of thousands of consistent members of the Church are with one
accord day by day making intercession for the extension of Christ's Kingdom.
John R. Mott
If one Jacob can prevail over the angel, then what could several Jacobs accomplish?
If you want to see how popular the church is, attend Sunday morning worship. If you
want to see how popular the pastor is, attend Sunday evening. if you want to see how
popular God is, attend the prayer meeting.
If added power attends the united prayer of two or three, what mighty triumphs there will
be when hundreds of thousands of consistent members of the Church are with one
accord day by day making intercession for the extension of Christ's Kingdom.
John R. Mott
If one Jacob can prevail over the angel, then what could several Jacobs accomplish?
If you want to see how popular the church is, attend Sunday morning worship. If you
want to see how popular the pastor is, attend Sunday evening. if you want to see how
popular God is, attend the prayer meeting.
Everything
by Prayer Armin Gesswein, Fred Hartley, page 123
If we pray among a select society of Christians, we draw near to God with holy
boldness, something like what we use in our duties of secret worship. We have reason
to take more freedom among fellow saints and whose hearts have felt many of the same
workings as our own. A Guide to Prayer, Isaac Watts, p 58
I have often said it would be a thing very desirable and very likely to be followed with a
great blessing, if there could be some contrivance, that there should be an agreement of
all God’s people in America, that are well affected to this work, to keep a Day of Fasting
and Prayer to God; wherein we should all unite on the same day…Some perhaps may
think its being all on the same day, is a circumstance of no great consequence; but I can’
t be of that mind…It seems to me, it would mightily encourage and animate God’s saints,
in humbly and earnestly seeking God, for such blessings which concerns them all; and
that it would be much for the rejoicing of all, to think, that at the same time, such
multitudes of God’s dear children, far and near, were sending up their cries to the same
common Father, for the same motives. Jonathan Edwards, 1742
In the prayer meeting, as nowhere else, are Christian graces thus brought together with
powerful reactionary and reflective force.
If we pray among a select society of Christians, we draw near to God with holy
boldness, something like what we use in our duties of secret worship. We have reason
to take more freedom among fellow saints and whose hearts have felt many of the same
workings as our own. A Guide to Prayer, Isaac Watts, p 58
I have often said it would be a thing very desirable and very likely to be followed with a
great blessing, if there could be some contrivance, that there should be an agreement of
all God’s people in America, that are well affected to this work, to keep a Day of Fasting
and Prayer to God; wherein we should all unite on the same day…Some perhaps may
think its being all on the same day, is a circumstance of no great consequence; but I can’
t be of that mind…It seems to me, it would mightily encourage and animate God’s saints,
in humbly and earnestly seeking God, for such blessings which concerns them all; and
that it would be much for the rejoicing of all, to think, that at the same time, such
multitudes of God’s dear children, far and near, were sending up their cries to the same
common Father, for the same motives. Jonathan Edwards, 1742
In the prayer meeting, as nowhere else, are Christian graces thus brought together with
powerful reactionary and reflective force.
The Prayer Meeting and Its History, J. B. Johnston
Let methods be changed, therefore, if necessary, that prayer may be given its true
place. Let there be days set apart for intercession; let the original purpose of the
monthly concert of prayer for missions be given a larger place; let missionary prayer
cycles be used by families and by individual Christians; let the best literature on prayer
be circulated among the members of the Church; let special sermons on the Subject of
intercession be preached. By these and by all other practical means a larger, deeper,
wider spirit of prayer should be cultivated in the churches. John R. Mott
Nothing is more calculated to begat a spirit of prayer than to unite in social prayer with
one who has the Spirit himself. Mighty Prevailing Prayer, Wesley Duewel
Oh Christians, go more to the prayer meetings… Brownlow North
Prayer is the proper work of the heart; yet in this present state, in secret as well as in social prayer, the language of the lips is an excellent aid in this part of worship.
Let methods be changed, therefore, if necessary, that prayer may be given its true
place. Let there be days set apart for intercession; let the original purpose of the
monthly concert of prayer for missions be given a larger place; let missionary prayer
cycles be used by families and by individual Christians; let the best literature on prayer
be circulated among the members of the Church; let special sermons on the Subject of
intercession be preached. By these and by all other practical means a larger, deeper,
wider spirit of prayer should be cultivated in the churches. John R. Mott
Nothing is more calculated to begat a spirit of prayer than to unite in social prayer with
one who has the Spirit himself. Mighty Prevailing Prayer, Wesley Duewel
Oh Christians, go more to the prayer meetings… Brownlow North
Prayer is the proper work of the heart; yet in this present state, in secret as well as in social prayer, the language of the lips is an excellent aid in this part of worship.
A Guide
to Prayer, Isaac Watts, p 68
Why not join us this evening at 6:30pm for an experience in worship and prayer? Hope to see YOU.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
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