Today I had the pleasure of working in the "field" at work. We drove a particular route and counted Eagles. Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. While counting these majestic birds we also kept track of the number of a few other birds such as ravens, magpies to name a few.
Before I actually spotted my first official eagle sighting, I would look at these cool hawks and say, "Look there is a big boy!" And the wildlife biologist would say, "No that is a such and such hawk." Disappointed I would keep looking. Then I finally saw "him." He was a BIG BOY! LOL I would never mistake a hawk (unless it was at a great distance) for an eagle again! They almost missed him! I was the one who saw him! He was HUGE! I don't know how they didn't see him! Then my boss said something that was true but stood out to me. He said, "You won't see them unless you are looking for them."
Hmmmm...it is kind of that way with God. He is always there. There are days that He is right there and you see Him right in front of you. There are other days that you have to "look for Him" in order to see Him or what He is doing in your life.
While staring at these amazing birds through my binoculars I had a hard time not breaking into worship with song! LOL I am sure that the three men that I was with would have appreciated that! Instead I hummed quietly to myself and had a nice talk with God.
God is so awesome. He created everyone of those beautiful species. He designed their coloring and markings. He taught them how to hunt,fish and soar. It truly is breath taking. I thought of the scripture that says, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Lord help me to always look for You all of the time. At all times and everywhere. Help me to remember to wait on You. Thank you for renewing our strength so that I will not grow weary. You are awesome.
Love,
Shanin
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Personal Ministry in Spite of the Masses and Circumstances! He Cares!
40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”
When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
54 But He put them all outside,took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56 NKJV
Now this passage is a little long for a blog, I know, however I included it all for a purpose. There was this man named Jairus who came to Jesus and pleaded for help from Him for his daughter, who was only twelve and dying. Jesus agreed to go with Jairus to pray for his daughter but the crowds were huge and many were clamouring for his attention and help. In the midst of these crowds a woman, who was also desperate for healing reached out and touched his clothing. Now Jesus, asked, "Who touched me?" The disciples were like, who didn't touch you? We're surrounded by people. But Jesus knew that someone touched Him and he took the time to find out and talked to the woman.
In the meantime Jairus's people came and said for them not to bother it was too late, that his daughter was dead. How devastating. But it wasn't! Jesus' timing was different than ours. He was big enough to take time for the woman who was bleeding out and death wasn't going to cheat them either.Jesus told Jairus to not worry, only believe and his daughter would be made well. Even Jesus didn't let the surrounding circumstances take center stage. When He got there He only let Peter, James, John and the parents go into the room with Him. He told all of the mourners and hysterical people to stop crying that she was not dead. Now all of those people stopped crying long enough to ridicule Jesus, because they "knew" that she was dead.
How often do we get so focused on the circumstances that we panic, or cry and if anyone tries to speak some hope into our situations that we are quick to say, "You have no idea what it is like?" hmmmm....
Jesus placed the disbelievers outside and then picked up the little girl's hand and called for her to arise! She did! Jesus then instructed for the parents to get the girl something to eat.
Let's examine this from a few different angles. Jesus' timing was not their timing but He was still able to meet all of their needs! He had time to not only heal the woman who reached out to touch Him but to minister to her personally too. He reassured Jairus not to worry. He then went with Jairus to his house. He took the people who were freaking out, out of the room. He then , despite the bleak appearing circumstances, healed the little girl and made sure that her physical needs were met afterwards too! The passage says that her parents were astonished! How often does God surprise us even when we've asked for something? It might not get answered the way we thought but He always answers. Sometimes we need to separate ourselves from those who are freaking out and won't focus on Jesus. Why? Because if it is causing us to concentrate on the crisis or circumstance instead of on Jesus then it isn't good for us. Remove yourself from a fear ridden environment. Fear is not of the Lord! Speak His truth outloud if you have too, sing or worship! It will help you to readjust your focal point! We need to remember that Jesus does not have to fit in our box or to be confined by our rules. He is God!
So be of good cheer! Have great faith! Jesus will minister to us! He has time for all of us! He is big enough for every situation and circumstance!He is control of the situation. He is GREAT!
Loving His Word,
Shanin
But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”
When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
54 But He put them all outside,took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:40-56 NKJV
Now this passage is a little long for a blog, I know, however I included it all for a purpose. There was this man named Jairus who came to Jesus and pleaded for help from Him for his daughter, who was only twelve and dying. Jesus agreed to go with Jairus to pray for his daughter but the crowds were huge and many were clamouring for his attention and help. In the midst of these crowds a woman, who was also desperate for healing reached out and touched his clothing. Now Jesus, asked, "Who touched me?" The disciples were like, who didn't touch you? We're surrounded by people. But Jesus knew that someone touched Him and he took the time to find out and talked to the woman.
In the meantime Jairus's people came and said for them not to bother it was too late, that his daughter was dead. How devastating. But it wasn't! Jesus' timing was different than ours. He was big enough to take time for the woman who was bleeding out and death wasn't going to cheat them either.Jesus told Jairus to not worry, only believe and his daughter would be made well. Even Jesus didn't let the surrounding circumstances take center stage. When He got there He only let Peter, James, John and the parents go into the room with Him. He told all of the mourners and hysterical people to stop crying that she was not dead. Now all of those people stopped crying long enough to ridicule Jesus, because they "knew" that she was dead.
How often do we get so focused on the circumstances that we panic, or cry and if anyone tries to speak some hope into our situations that we are quick to say, "You have no idea what it is like?" hmmmm....
Jesus placed the disbelievers outside and then picked up the little girl's hand and called for her to arise! She did! Jesus then instructed for the parents to get the girl something to eat.
Let's examine this from a few different angles. Jesus' timing was not their timing but He was still able to meet all of their needs! He had time to not only heal the woman who reached out to touch Him but to minister to her personally too. He reassured Jairus not to worry. He then went with Jairus to his house. He took the people who were freaking out, out of the room. He then , despite the bleak appearing circumstances, healed the little girl and made sure that her physical needs were met afterwards too! The passage says that her parents were astonished! How often does God surprise us even when we've asked for something? It might not get answered the way we thought but He always answers. Sometimes we need to separate ourselves from those who are freaking out and won't focus on Jesus. Why? Because if it is causing us to concentrate on the crisis or circumstance instead of on Jesus then it isn't good for us. Remove yourself from a fear ridden environment. Fear is not of the Lord! Speak His truth outloud if you have too, sing or worship! It will help you to readjust your focal point! We need to remember that Jesus does not have to fit in our box or to be confined by our rules. He is God!
So be of good cheer! Have great faith! Jesus will minister to us! He has time for all of us! He is big enough for every situation and circumstance!He is control of the situation. He is GREAT!
Loving His Word,
Shanin
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Celebration Time!
Just had to share some great news with you all! Drum roll please...
I passed my Math Final! Woo Hoo! I got a "B" for my grade! I am so happy! It is the best Christmas Present so far!
Another reason to celebrate...all of my kids will be home for Christmas! I am so excited to see them all together. Jason Lee and Aubs will be driving all night to get here but they should arrive in the wee hours of Christmas morn. I am really looking forward to worshipping with them together in church on Sunday morning.
There is a scripture that says something like, "Her children will rise up and call her blessed." I cannot even begin to describe how it pleases a mother's heart to see all of her kids serving Jesus and it is icing on the cake when you get to see them all worshipping together! I am indeed blessed.
There are so many reasons to celebrate this season. The birth of our Savior, passing grades, and being reunited with our kids. God is so good.
Rejoicing,
Shanin
I passed my Math Final! Woo Hoo! I got a "B" for my grade! I am so happy! It is the best Christmas Present so far!
Another reason to celebrate...all of my kids will be home for Christmas! I am so excited to see them all together. Jason Lee and Aubs will be driving all night to get here but they should arrive in the wee hours of Christmas morn. I am really looking forward to worshipping with them together in church on Sunday morning.
There is a scripture that says something like, "Her children will rise up and call her blessed." I cannot even begin to describe how it pleases a mother's heart to see all of her kids serving Jesus and it is icing on the cake when you get to see them all worshipping together! I am indeed blessed.
There are so many reasons to celebrate this season. The birth of our Savior, passing grades, and being reunited with our kids. God is so good.
Rejoicing,
Shanin
Monday, December 20, 2010
Woah Baby!
I remember when I was about to have a baby for the first time. I washed all of her clothing, set up her nursery, made sure that I had plenty of diapers, bottles and preregistered at the hospital. On December the 20th, the event happened! Oh how excited we were for our baby girl. The hospital was ready and clean...
How different my experience was than from the birth of Jesus. Mary was young, married to Joseph although the consummation hadn't happened yet. I am sure she was scared and unsure of what the future would hold. She was given a few directions from the angel that visited. Then the census was taking place and she had to ride on a donkey all of the way to Bethlehem! Not in a luxury car...I am sure that the ride alone was enough to start the onset of labor. Then there was the news of not a vacancy in town. That would be the straw that would break this mama's back! I would have cried!!! Joseph found at least a barn or stable with some clean straw. I cannot even imagine how Joseph felt. He must have felt so awful not being able to provide a nice place for his wife that was having the baby. A stinky old stable. Far from the clean or sterile hospital I had with the cool gift baskets. No flowers to be delivered from the florists.
Announcements made? I had mine ready to send out to everyone! My husband called the local radio station to tell them how excited he was! He had just had the most beautiful baby girl born! They laughed and congratulated him on the air. The announcement for Mary's baby was somewhat different than mine. It had been announced by Solomon hundreds of years before and then there were the angel visitations. Yeah, that's normal :) Then finally the angels that appeared singing to the shepherds. The shepherds were the lower classed people, not exactly the socialite page in the paper.
Visitors? Oh, there were visitors. The shepherds showed up, great more animals... however they came to worship this child. I wonder how that made Mary and Joseph feel? I am sure there were a million things going through their heads that day. This precious little boy in her arms...the son of God. The Savior of the world. The Hope for all generations. I am not for sure if Mary even had an inkling of what was to behold for their little family's future but it would break her heart. He came to save the world in exchange for His life and a mother's heart.
Take a moment to think about the birth of Christ this season. It wasn't just a cute center piece for your fireplace mantle. It was a life changing event for Mary and Joseph and the whole world, including you and I.
Have a Very Merry Christmas,
Shanin
How different my experience was than from the birth of Jesus. Mary was young, married to Joseph although the consummation hadn't happened yet. I am sure she was scared and unsure of what the future would hold. She was given a few directions from the angel that visited. Then the census was taking place and she had to ride on a donkey all of the way to Bethlehem! Not in a luxury car...I am sure that the ride alone was enough to start the onset of labor. Then there was the news of not a vacancy in town. That would be the straw that would break this mama's back! I would have cried!!! Joseph found at least a barn or stable with some clean straw. I cannot even imagine how Joseph felt. He must have felt so awful not being able to provide a nice place for his wife that was having the baby. A stinky old stable. Far from the clean or sterile hospital I had with the cool gift baskets. No flowers to be delivered from the florists.
Announcements made? I had mine ready to send out to everyone! My husband called the local radio station to tell them how excited he was! He had just had the most beautiful baby girl born! They laughed and congratulated him on the air. The announcement for Mary's baby was somewhat different than mine. It had been announced by Solomon hundreds of years before and then there were the angel visitations. Yeah, that's normal :) Then finally the angels that appeared singing to the shepherds. The shepherds were the lower classed people, not exactly the socialite page in the paper.
Visitors? Oh, there were visitors. The shepherds showed up, great more animals... however they came to worship this child. I wonder how that made Mary and Joseph feel? I am sure there were a million things going through their heads that day. This precious little boy in her arms...the son of God. The Savior of the world. The Hope for all generations. I am not for sure if Mary even had an inkling of what was to behold for their little family's future but it would break her heart. He came to save the world in exchange for His life and a mother's heart.
Take a moment to think about the birth of Christ this season. It wasn't just a cute center piece for your fireplace mantle. It was a life changing event for Mary and Joseph and the whole world, including you and I.
Have a Very Merry Christmas,
Shanin
Monday, November 22, 2010
Created for a Purpose
Have you ever stopped to think why or for what purpose were you created? I have. When I lead worship or just sit in the quiet and play the piano and sing, I know why I was created. I was created for worship!
I remember one night when my kids were little. I was a tired mama and my husband was at the mill sacrificing and providing a living for his family. I had spent my day cleaning and raising my brood. The evening came and I was conversing with God. Well, actually probably more whining than anything :) and I told God, "I don't get it! You gave me a voice and a desire to sing and I have no place to use it."
I will never forget His response."Shanin, when you sing songs about Me to your babies, you are doing what I want for you to do!" From that moment on I cherished everytime I sang to my kids and with my kids. I realized that, that was my ministry at that time in my life. I loved it when they would sing at the top of their lungs in the car, I loved it when I would say a word and they could sing a song with that word in it! What a change in my heart and vision! In one instant I realized that it didn't matter how big my ministry was but that I was simply to do it well! I raised worshippers for the King! Wow what an honor!
Now I get to lead my grandchildren in worship. I remember dancing with Hannah when she was seven months old to "Fields of Grace." I am truly blessed. For I was created for a purpose and so are you! You have a purpose and ministry on this earth. It might not seem big to you but it is HUGE to God.
Singing with Purpose!
Shanin
I remember one night when my kids were little. I was a tired mama and my husband was at the mill sacrificing and providing a living for his family. I had spent my day cleaning and raising my brood. The evening came and I was conversing with God. Well, actually probably more whining than anything :) and I told God, "I don't get it! You gave me a voice and a desire to sing and I have no place to use it."
I will never forget His response."Shanin, when you sing songs about Me to your babies, you are doing what I want for you to do!" From that moment on I cherished everytime I sang to my kids and with my kids. I realized that, that was my ministry at that time in my life. I loved it when they would sing at the top of their lungs in the car, I loved it when I would say a word and they could sing a song with that word in it! What a change in my heart and vision! In one instant I realized that it didn't matter how big my ministry was but that I was simply to do it well! I raised worshippers for the King! Wow what an honor!
Now I get to lead my grandchildren in worship. I remember dancing with Hannah when she was seven months old to "Fields of Grace." I am truly blessed. For I was created for a purpose and so are you! You have a purpose and ministry on this earth. It might not seem big to you but it is HUGE to God.
Singing with Purpose!
Shanin
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thankful
I am so blessed by this wonderful family that I have been given. The love of my life and I were blessed with three awesome kids by birth and then we were blessed with three more by marraige of our daughter and sons. Later in life we were blessed a fourth time by adding another daughter and three instant grandkids in addition to our two grandgirls! Above and beyond our full quiver we had a few extras, along the way, added to our brood. Occassionly we get to hear from one of them here and there, which always blesses us.
Today I am thankful because I found out that one of my "football" boys is coming home for Thanksgiving. God has given me a special love for this young man. He is a good friend to my youngest son. I love it when Jason and I get to see him. What fun it will be to have the "boys" watching football together and enjoying a feast in celebration of Thanksgiving! It makes my heart, well...just happy!
Thank You Lord for blessing us with such a great family!
Shanin
Today I am thankful because I found out that one of my "football" boys is coming home for Thanksgiving. God has given me a special love for this young man. He is a good friend to my youngest son. I love it when Jason and I get to see him. What fun it will be to have the "boys" watching football together and enjoying a feast in celebration of Thanksgiving! It makes my heart, well...just happy!
Thank You Lord for blessing us with such a great family!
Shanin
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ahhhh November!
I am so excited! We had our harvest party this weekend and it was a huge success! Now that October is over I get to look forward to November and December! My two favorite holidays are fastly approaching.
Today I am sitting at my computer, sipping a chai tea and listening to Christmas music. I know, it is a tad early but I started a month or so ago. I only listen to instrumentals as of now because it is a little too soon for the whole carol! LOL I love the holidays. I love giving to others. I love making crafts, I love cooking or baking. It brings back such strong memories of good times with my husband and kids when they were little. How fast time flies by. Now I get to make new memories with my adult children and young grandchildren.
So in the honor of Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for! My family, my church family and friends, my job. I am thankful for beautiful music and a hot cup of tea. I am thankful for great memories of days gone by and for the opportunities of future memory making. I am so very thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior and God.
I challenge each and everyone of you to take a few moments to reflect and to be thankful. We are so very blessed.
Thanking Him Today,
Shanin
Today I am sitting at my computer, sipping a chai tea and listening to Christmas music. I know, it is a tad early but I started a month or so ago. I only listen to instrumentals as of now because it is a little too soon for the whole carol! LOL I love the holidays. I love giving to others. I love making crafts, I love cooking or baking. It brings back such strong memories of good times with my husband and kids when they were little. How fast time flies by. Now I get to make new memories with my adult children and young grandchildren.
So in the honor of Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for! My family, my church family and friends, my job. I am thankful for beautiful music and a hot cup of tea. I am thankful for great memories of days gone by and for the opportunities of future memory making. I am so very thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior and God.
I challenge each and everyone of you to take a few moments to reflect and to be thankful. We are so very blessed.
Thanking Him Today,
Shanin
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