He Is Patient and Loving

³⁸ Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. ³⁹ He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. ⁴⁰ Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 
At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. ⁴² Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42

Funny how the two men who came to care for the body of Jesus was two men who had served Jesus secretly. They loved Jesus. They came to care for the practical things of Jesus, His dead body, his broken pierced beaten body. They came to clean Him, care for Him and give Him a proper Jewish burial. They brought a heavy bag of spices, 75 lbs. of myrrh and aloes, and fresh linens to wrap Jesus’ body. Makes me wonder where was his eleven remaining disciples, the ones that were closest to Him?

Today this passage just spoke to me, I don’t know why but it made me cry. I cried for Joseph and Nicodemus, why? I wondered how they must have felt. Did they feel like they should have done things differently while He was alive? They stepped up to care for the body of their Lord and Savior, certainly not during a time of celebration or victory. Such sorrow they must have felt. I cannot even imagine how Mary felt. Her precious baby boy beaten, tortured knowing very well that He could have done something to stop it! She had witnessed his miracles before; after all she was the one that told Him to do something about the wine at the wedding! That leads me to believe she had seen Him do other miracles before that time. Yet he let them torture him, he allowed death to overcome Him. She had to be grieving and angry at the same time.

I am so thankful that the story doesn’t end there. There is a happy ending. Jesus rose from the dead three days later. He made way for us to have eternal hope, an eternal hope for life beyond the grave. We will get to spend eternity with Jesus. It isn’t over when this life ends. If you know Jesus you get to be reunited with those who have passed before you who loved the Lord. Don’t get so wrapped up in this temporary place that you lose focus on the long term goal. Jesus is for real, not a myth. There is a heaven and a hell. He provided a way for you. He paid for our salvation with His life. Please take advantage of the gift He has already paid for, it wasn’t free; He paid the debt in full with his Life. Please don’t waste the gift that He purchased for you. He loves you so very much. It says in II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

He is waiting patiently for you. He loves you so very much.

Love, the impatient one :)

Shanin

Have You Ever Disowned Him?

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man! Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75 Peter was one of Jesus' close friends, disciple! He spent time with Jesus, he saw His miracles FIRST HAND! He was there! When they took Jesus away after Judas betrayed Him Peter followed at a safe distance. He watched them question Him, slap Him, spit in His face. Then there was the servant girl who recognized Peter, as one of Jesus' followers or friend. At first he just pretended that he had no idea what she was taling about but after the second time, Peter did it. He said, "I don't know the man." Wow. Then even his accent gave him away but Peter denied knowing Jesus again. Immediately the rooster crowed and Peter remembered...what Jesus had told him...you will deny or disown me three times and Peter wept bitterly. How sad. Have you ever disowned Jesus? Have you ever had that moment when you didn't speak up when someone was making fun of Jesus or Christians? You probably cringed inside but didn't say anything. Or even so step away that you swear(like Peter did in verse 74)? Peter didn't even want to sound like Jesus at that moment lest he be associated with Him. You know what I am talking about...trying to belong or fit in so much that you distance yourself from Jesus in silence. We should sound like we hang out with Jesus. We should be recognizable that we belong to Jesus. Our speach or "accent" should sound like Him! You want to know the best part? Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him. Jesus knew that this man, his friend and follower, would claim to not know Him but yet HE STILL LOVED PETER> The same is with us. He knows that there will be times that we will fail, yet HE STILL LOVES US! Does it hurt? You bet. It hurts both Him and us. Peter wept bitterly. I am guessing that he was discusted with himself. He failed his friend, Jesus. It doesn't end there. Peter didn't let it end there. He went on to follow Jesus. After the crucifixition Jesus came back! He visited Peter! He didn't hold it against him, He forgave him. Just like He has forgiven us. When we mess up we can still have a relationship with Jesus. He loves us so much that even when He knows that there will be times that we fail Him that He will never leave us or fail us or even give up on us! So know that just because you have messed up things in the past that there we have forgiveness and we can restore our relationship with Him (JESUS)! He is good like that :) Shanin

God is Faithful

It has been so long since I have blogged! I am so sorry!

Let's play catch up! We had a marvelous Christmas Season. I have since started my winter semester at college and I am already in the sick of school mode :) I celebrated my 31st wedding anniversary with my sweet husband. Then on February 20th I left for an amazing adventure to ISRAEL!

I have to share with you that it was a drenching rain on a very parched and dry heart. I had grown weary with the events in life that took place in the past few years. But I want to share that God is faithful.

Funny thing is that I have never desired to go to the Holy Land. NEVER. My daughter and husband have wanted to go but I never have. God provided the opportunity to go on this journey and I went. I was guarded. I have learned to become guarded and with that some of my shininess has become dulled. But God is fatihful.

We arrived in Tel Aviv in the afternoon but it was 4:55 am Idaho time. We started by going straight to a museum. After the museum we went to our hotel to freshen up, have dinner and then a brief meeting. I was dreading the meeting part. Hmmmm perhaps a symptom of the condition of my heart at the very least wounded. The meeting was brief but wonderful. God spoke to my heart and tears streamed down my face as I quickly wiped them in hopes that no one would notice. God is faithful.So the trip began!

Everyday was packed full of walking and seeing amazing sights and just snippets of devotions about once a day. They were meaningful and appropriate for me! God would speak to me and again I would cry. He confirmed a few things that He promised me at the beginning of the year. He confirmed on something that the Lord had started talking to me about sharing. This is exciting in a couple of ways. Number one the word isn't just for me and number two He always gives me teachings before He opens doors for me to speak again! Years ago I would have never desired to speak but now I love it. And He always gives me the teachings to teach...again God is faithful.

It sounds like I cried a lot on this trip. LOL. But not really but when I did they were cleansing tears. I have to tell you that I hate to cry. The funny thing is that I am a sap so I hate watching a sad movie because my family teases me about crying! smile, even watching the Rug Rats movie! So God gave me this metaforical pedicure while I was there. He soaked me in a wonderful setting and atmosphere. He sanded off the calluses that I had developed to protect myself. He then buffed me up with encouragement and affirmation to prepare me for more ministry. Then He even painted my toenails so to speak by blessing me by my beautiful friends and women of God that I met on the trip. "She (wisdom) will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." Proverbs 4:9 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Proverbs 90:17

My favorite parts of the trip? Capernaum (seeing where Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood and where He healed Jairus's daughter, Sailing across the Sea of Galilee while worshiping, and visiting the excavations of the sites and last but not least riding on my camel across the desert.

All in all an amazing trip of restoration and redemption.

God is faithful!

Shanin

Christmas Fun!

So, for today, how about a fun Christmas meme! Steal it! I stole it from my dear friend Rebekah at Mudane Musings who stole it from someone who stole it from someone else! But make sure that you leave me a comment so I can come read all your Christmas-y answers! I *LOVE* Christmastime and all the wonderfulness that it brings!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Egg Nog in a Chai Salted Carmel Latte!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Everything is wrapped! We take turns opening the gifts. I love to hear the squeals of delight as each one opens their gifts.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?

White. We have white Icicles for outdoors (however we didn't hang them this year) and Our tree has white lights too!

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

Haven't for many years however I used to have a kissing ball that had some dangling from it but we have lost it in one of our moves :)

5. When do you put your decorations up?

Usually the Saturday following Thanksgiving but this year due to schedule conflicts it was a week late!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?

Prime Rib and Cheesecake! hmmmmm My husband is a great cook!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

The only year that I can remember all of my siblings being together for Christmas! It was exciting! And Santa came and left my gifts on the front porch!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I overheard someone talking about "him" in the kitchen.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

We each open one gift and usually I get to choose which one that they open :)

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

When we had kids at home we all did it together. This year my husband put up the tree and I decorated it!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?

I love it for a few days and then I want spring to come early!

12. Can you ice skate?

Yes, but it has been years!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

My engagement ring first and then 29 years later my husband bought me another diamond ring! I love diamonds :)

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Family. I love it when all of my kids are home together and there is lots of noise. Ahh a wonderful type of chaos that only a parent can appreciate fully.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

My husband's cheesecake :) with a cup of coffee.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Hanging with my adult children, hearing them laugh together. The love that is expressed to one another. The opening of the stockings and another favorite is our Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. God is so good.

17. What tops your tree?

I have an angel topper that my dad bought for my mom on their first Christmas together. It is now 71 years old. I cherish it. One day it will go to my daughter, Amber.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?

I like both but I really get excited to give more than to receive. Especially as I get older. The thrill of seeing others' faces light up with their gift is worth it all!

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?

I love Candy Canes however I think that Bob's Candy canes are the BEST!

20. Favorite Christmas show?

ELF! Is my most favorite the second would have to be How Ernest Saves Christmas.

21. Saddest Christmas Song?

There should not be any sad songs at Christmas!Can you say Oxy moron?

22. What is your favorite Christmas song?

The Christmas Song, Silent Night and Who Would Imagine a King.

23. When do you open your Stockings?

On Christmas morning before the presents and breakfast!

Life Changing

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:6-9


I love this passage of scripture. I was excited to see it to be what I was scheduled to read today:) I especially love verse 9 where it says the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Wow! Paul was tortured, beaten and held captive many times and he would and could still minister wherever he was at, at the moment! He still encouraged others! There have been many times where I have been crying in bed and would repeat to myself, whatever things are TRUE, whatever things are NOBLE, whatever things are JUST, whatever things are PURE, whatever things are LOVELY, whatever things are of GOOD REPORT and IF there is ANY VIRTUE and IF THERE IS ANYTHING PRAISEWORTHY...meditate on these things. I think that many times we (especially as women) get sidetracked by our circumstances instead of meditating on the things that are listed. We are emotional women! We tend to FEEL things but no matter HOW we FEEL the truth is we need to focus on Jesus! He is the truth, He is the way and the Light! The world would love to tell us things that are not true, the enemy would love to get us sidetracked and off kilter so that we forget the REAL focus! Jesus! The enemy would love for us to become embittered women instead of women who spend time with the Lord and spend time in WORSHIP!

I want to encourage you! If we read the Word and truly DWELL in His presence then we can speak and know the truth because we will have been soaked in the Word! We will have become steeped in the word just like a good tea bag :) Then when we are having a bad day or the enemy tries to whisper a lie we can say, "NO. The Word of God says, "No weapon formed against me will prosper!" or the word of God says, I am a daughter of the King! The Word of God says that He is my provider! He won't give me a snake when I ask for a loaf of bread :) (my own personal translation!)

If you do not have a daily time to spend in the Word of God I would encourage you to make time. It is so important to dwell in the Word. The only way to know the Word is to spend time in it. It is a process. It doesn't happen overnight, by osmosis, by going to church for one hour a week or because your grandma was a great Christian. The Word of God will equip you to handle any situation that arises. The Word of God comforts you, gives you direction, and solutions that you would never think of on your own. I promise you that the benefits are amazing! If you are the type of person who has a hard time remembering or understanding what you just read then pray and ask Jesus to help you. I was that type of person. By spending time reading the Word of God daily it literally washes you. You will be transformed into a new creation...His creation! You will think more rationally, because you are equipped. You will have peace! This will be life changing for you. It has been life changing for me.

The best part is that it really is a "One SIze FIts All!" It applies to everyone, everywhere.

Shanin

Amazing Love

I love that song! Amazing love, how could it be, that You, my King would die for me. Amazing love, I know it's true, it's my joy to honor You in all I do, let me honor You,

I am so thankful for His perfect love. You see my love is not perfect. I love my husband and kids more than anything but even then it isn't perfect. I have made mistakes (boy have I made mistakes)but I am thankful that I serve the One who buys back my mistakes.

God's love is perfect. His motives are always pure. He looks out for what is in my best interest. He has a plan...this huge plan! I don't always understand it but I just have to trust in Him and His love for me. So when times get tough and you can't see the forest for the trees, know that He has it all under control. I am thankful for that plan. I am thankful for His love and His grace for me. He loves me unconditionally.

I am thankful that He loves me even when I screw up. I am thankful that He paid for everything that I have ever done or will do. I am thankful for Him.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my job and coworkers. I am thankful for my church body. I am thankful for my doctor! (especially this week!)I am thankful for America, the land of the free. I am thankful for my house. I am thankful for my furnace that heats the house...the list goes on and on.

I am most thankful for that Amazing love :) And that He died for me.

Shanin

Worship!

For those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE to worship. I have had this love since I was tiny. I love to worship whenever and wherever I am. I know that I was created to worship without a shadow of doubt. There are many people out there with amazing voices and an abundant amount of talent, or as my friend Will would say, a gratuitous amount of talent, but without a heart of worship that talent is used as performance and not worship. There are countless performers in this world.

When I am leading worship with my worship team I would rather have someone who is just learning their instrument playing with a heart of worship than someone who is a professional and is just there for the performance. There is a huge difference when leading worship. You see, when you come before the Lord with a heart of worship, the other stuff will just fall in place and even if you mess up the Lord knows your heart and is pleased! But if there is no heart behind the worship then it is just songs and music. It may sound good but it is hollow, no depth. So when I am leading worship, I would take, what I call, a raggin muffin band anyday over the professional team. I am so proud of my worship team. We may not be trained professionals but we know how to worship the Lord our God.

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! Psalm 146:1-2 NKJV

This is my declaration and prayer. That I will never lose the passion to worship my Lord as long as I live. A legacy of worship is what I desire to leave behind when I am gone.

Thankful to be chosen by Him,

Shanin