God in Our Lives

June 30, 2009 By: Elmer Category: God in our lives
I always try to keep a positive attitude.
For the most part, I believe that I have a pretty good life and overall there really isn’t a lot for me to be in much of a bad mood about. However, like everyone else, from time to time it happens. The reason for my getting in a bad mood is generally due to life stresses that we all face on a daily basis.
As much as I might try to keep a fairly level head and calm attitude, there are times that it seems that certain things “catch up to me”. However, when they do, I always try to relax and return to the fact that I do have a pretty good life.
Sometimes, even though I have faith that my life is playing out the way that God wants it to, I need a little reassurance to let me know that all is still good. So when I do, I will ask God to give me some kind of sign that whatever I am troubled over is going to be alright.
I am always surprised with the answer that I get.
The other night, while at the end of a vacation, I was a little upset about what seemed to be a lot of little things. I was sitting at a restaurant on the water and had just watched a beautiful sunset. After the sun had set and the sky had darkened, I was thinking about why I was upset and, as I do sometimes, I asked God to give me a sign to let me know that everything was okay. As I asked that, simultaneously a star appeared in the sky and a light from a boat appeared on the horizon. I was wondering if this was supposed to mean something when a thought popped into my head: I am like a boat at sea navigating with a sextant and God is my guiding star.
I started wondering to myself if I was just making this all up in my mind; so, I asked if this was really the sign I was supposed to get. At that moment one of the biggest shooting stars that I have ever seen shot straight across the sky right towards the boat and the star. I knew that I was not alone – God was with me – and that all was going to be alright. So I gave my troubles up to God and enjoyed the rest of my evening.
God gives us signs all of the time. In case we don’t see the signs, we have been told by God that we should not fear anything because He is always with us.
If we look to the bible for how God’s love for us helps us through difficult to troubling times, we can find the following passages:
Psalm 94:18-19 says “When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God does help us navigate through the daily stresses of life and He is always there with us. So next time you are feeling stressed, reflect on the two passages above and ask God for a sign that everything will be okay. Once you do, keep yourself open as you never know how His sign might come to you.

Just Another Day

Fed the dogs, fed the cat, took my shower, woke up Sean, woke up Brennan, followed Sean around the house making sure he was getting ready. Made my coffee.....ok, now I'm awake. Reminded Dave he was driving Sean to STAR testing today. Sleepily, he responded...but did he truly hear me :o) ?  Tried to find clean clothes for Sean, got Brennan dressed. Made breakfast for Sean, and a healthy snack to take to testing. Asked Dave again if it was ok that he take Sean to testing, he seemed soooo tired. He responded with a nod.. no smiles on anyone yet. Packed a snack for Bren and me to take to work. Filled my car with Brennan's Nintendo 64 and all of his games (he will be with me until 2 pm), and some toys he requested. Got Sean up from the couch to brush his teeth and hair.. heard an "ughhhh" come from him.. no one was speaking yet, except for Brennan, who can speak in his sleep and non-stop all day long, and with a happy smile :o) .. Handed Sean his healthy snack and a water and watched Sean and Dave drive away, on their way to Mission Viejo. Finished dressing, makeup (much needed) hair...yes, it's red again. Clothes are fitting a little tight, whew, found something that fit. Made it to the car with time to spare... needed to be at work at 9:30 am. Clicked Brennan in, pulled out of the driveway and we were on our way!!!

All of that in 1-1/2 hour!! We made it.

Now Brennan and I are here at work. Made coffee for our customers, set up Brennan's games. It is slow, so I have time to Blog. Found a cartoon that Brennan loves on Frank's computer (thank you Frank!).

A couple of hours pass... I am shopping for the store... Dave called. His van broke down!! He was on his way to pick up Sean from school! Ok...here we goooooooo... Now I'm AAA service, with a smile of course, and need to really get my smile on because Sean will be upset that he was the last one picked up from school. (embarrassing to a 13 year old), and Dave will be upset, because he let his van run out of gas ( embarrassing for my guy)....San Juan Capo to Mission Viejo in 10 minutes! How did we do that? Thank you Lord. Now to pick up Dave. Yep, he's not on top of the world. Let's go get some gas... let's go home!!

Why am I writing all of this???

Moms! I want you to know, that even if you don't hear it on a daily basis...you are the heart of your home. God has given us this immense task. Your attitude, mood, everything about you sets the tone of your home and of your family, and sometimes just those you find yourself with. Sometimes I feel this is unfair. We have our bad days too. We can't go in our room and have a tantrum and slam the door. We can't get in the car and drive away (fast) when we have little ones at home. Our husbands...as loving as they are, do not understand what we go through on a daily basis. Remember, Men are from Mars, Women from Venus? I never read the book .. the title was enough for me.. yes it is true.

So, who do we go to when we need to be refreshed, affirmed, held, filled? Our husbands, yes, Friends, yes, we need our friends. But, before all others, there is One above all people that we should lean on, lean into, call on, cry to, pray to when we need that steel support to hold us up.

Have you called on Him lately, or are you feeling so down you are like the super slime stuck in the crevices of my carpet? (thanks kids). Maybe you feel you can't breathe, can't find one positive thought today? Have you felt like this for too long? Then my friend, what you have is a syndrome called "Wrong way Pathitis" That's Path "I" Tis. You are not on the right path. You've stepped off somewhere along the way. Can't  remember when? It's ok.. It's not hard to find that path again. I've been there, done that....The direction, the way, is in your Bible.

Follow me.........Here we go....... baby steps...one in front of the other...come on ladies, moms, grandmothers, aunties, all of you...deep calming breathe..now read:

Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; Psalm 37: 7

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. ~I Corinthians 13:4-7

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7

Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of a good report - if there is any virtue and if there is any praise- think on these things. ~Philippians 4:8

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Don't' worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7

GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1

Keep your love for one another at full strength, because love covers a multitude of sins. ~I Peter 4:8

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life. ~Ephesians 6:1-3

How happy is everyone who is in awe of the Lord, who walks in His ways! You will surely eat what your hands have worked for. You will be happy, and it will go well for you...May the Lord bless you from Zion, so that you will see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life, and will see your children's children. ~Psalms 128:1-2, 5-6

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing can separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord! ~Romans 8:38-39

The peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7

Do you, once again, feel the path underneath your feet? If not, maybe that's because our Lord is carrying you through whatever you might be going through. Rest in that embrace and know you are loved. You are His child. He is focused on you. Not the newspaper, the movie, the book, the computer, work...He is focused on you and He will see you through.

Now, in addition to these wonderful words that were gifted to us from on high...yes, I do believe they are inspired and for us today...these words are living and active and relevant for all today as well as yesterday...

And in today's economic times, don't you wish we could put a dollar amount to everything we do? This is one estimate of our economic worth today... wouldn't I love this check!! Oh, the possibilities! :o)

A mother's worth:  she's worth nearly $775,000 per year (up $12,050 from last year), according to Edelman Financial Services' Annual Mother's Day Index(TM). This lighthearted study includes the salaries of the many occupations that a typical mother might hold during the course of a given year.

Mother's day is coming quickly..but this is for all women.. young, old, in-between. ( You young ones, please listen to the older women...believe me they have been where you are today and will have words of wisdom to ease your mind!!)

Women, YOU are wonderful! Loved! Essential! You are laughter, tears, warmth, love. You nuture,calm and protect. You are strength beyond reason. You were designed by the greatest designer there is, God, but you are beyond a designer label. You are an individual (and yet, have the ability to bring many people together), so delicately knit in your mother's womb. God knew you before you were born. The puzzle of DNA that makes you who you are belongs to no other, so unique!  He has plans for you, yes you, even if it is just to relax today! Listen for His Voice, His gentle nudge. He singles you out daily and checks on you, yes you! That is who you are! Wow, you are amazing!!! Rest in that knowledge you beautiful, beautiful child of God. The world would be an empty place without you.

Love you all!

BLOGS n LINKS

Have you checked out the "Favorite Blog or Links" sections? If you have a Blog or a Link you love and would like to share it with all of us, please let me know!  Women helping Women!

Why We Need Girlfriends

It's official. The books have been ordered. Women's Friday morning Bible study will be covering the book mentioned below. "Why We Need Girlfriends." A Christian perspective.

If you would like a book, please let me know and I will be sure to have one for you. They are $13.00 ea. and will cover a 7 week span.

Class starts at 9:30 am in the front bldg. Suite 1001, in the counseling room.

A safe class, a safe space to come and just "be" with wonderful women.

Blessings! See you there!
Marian
949-291-2553

Why We Need Girlfriends

A decision has been made!

For our next Women's Bible Study, we will be reading "Why We Need Girlfriends" by Frankie Sherman. 

This interactive seven-week study highlights the unique relationship of Mary and Elizabeth and gives God's design for friendships between women.

If you click on the title above you will be able to read some wonderful reviews from women just like you and me. I felt this was so important, as we continue to slide into the world of technology, texts, email, we almost don't have to see each other any more. Let's not lose that. We will also delve into the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, and I am very curious to see what Frankie Sherman has to say.  This is her website, just in case you would like to know a little more about her. http://www.frankiedsherman.com/

This coming Friday, we are celebrating that humongous accomplishment of getting through a year of a Beth Moore study "The Patriarchs" it was wonderful, in-depth and intriguing and no one does better than Beth. I am so thankful to those ladies who hung in there until the end. It was wonderful being a part of your life for so long, I can't imagine life without you now.. I hope we can continue to study together.  This coming Friday we are celebrating with a movie by comedienne Anita Renfroe.  We will start up the new study the following week. It will be a shorter study and we will have some time off during the summer to be with our family and friends!

Love and blessings to all.

Imagine

Imagine Yourself at a Women of Faith Weekend!  September 10th and 11th.

We went last year and it was wonderful.. There were about 12 of us. If anyone would like to go, plesae let me know. It would be nice to get a group of women to go.

I felt that last year I was a little too pushy with this.. I was excited..it was my first real job for Women's Ministries.  I don't want to push this year, but rather make it flow...

I am praying that if God puts this on your heart, you will want to go and you will call me. I would love to go with you.

Lord I pray deeply for each and every women that comes to our church, our meetings, our building....I pray for all women that you have your hand on for this Women's Weekend, that you would bring them to me and make us a strong group of like minded women with a heart so strong for you. Bring those who's heart's may not be strong, so they may be strenghtened.

I pray for you guidance and help with this group, their decision, and all of our planning. I know you were so with us last year, it is obvious that you had your hand on us. Please bless us again.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

BRAVO BURGER

The wonderful management at Bravo Burger has offered our church a wonderful surprise. All meals on Sunday are 15% off!!! All that you have to do is bring in your effect flyer that is handed out at church on Sundays and the meal is discounted!!! I'm in! How about you!!?




Thank you so much Bravo Burger!!!

Women's Bible Study - Friday Mornings, 9:30 am

Our last day of our current Bible study will be this coming Friday. In the meantime, we are looking forward to finding a short study that will take us to summer, and then allow us summer break.


I have come across some Bible studies that seem a good fit for us. Most of the 5 star studies listed on Christian Book.com are what we are looking for.. I also thought..if you would like...after we break for summer, if we would like to pick out another one we can do them at home and touch base by email just to share thoughts and keep our minds focused on our Father over the summer months..and with each other. (Can't imagine my summer without you guys!!)
The other study came up when I Googled Bible studies... "Why we need girlfriends." It seems like a very good study.
If you can, please try and look these over and if you are interested in joining our Friday morning study and have input, please let me know!
With love and friendship, in Christ,
Marian

5 STAR BIBLE STUDIES FOR WOMEN FROM CHRISTIAN BOOK.COM
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?N=1112231+5401+4294967215&kw=women's_bible_studies&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&cm_mmc=Google-_-Bible%20Study-_-bible%20study2-_-women's%20bible%20studies&gclid=CPvel9S5y6ACFRUSswod-0Wk0A


Why We Need Girlfriends-A Great Bible Study for Women!
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=why+we+need+girlfriends&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=3289180217&ref=pd_sl_34epcrycr3_e

Life at theeffect!

theweek@theeffect


Monday
March 22
7PM
Sanctuary: Young Adult Worship/Message


Tuesday
March 23
7PM

Recovery Gathering



Wednesday
March 24
6:15PM

Open AA Meeting



Wednesday
March 24
7:30PM

Conversations

Open topic question and discussion.



Thursday
March 25
7:00AM and 9:30AM

Women's AA Meetings



Thursday
March 25
7:00PM

The Artists’ Way



Friday
March 26
9:30AM

Women's Bible Study



Friday
March 26
11:30AM

Women's AA Meeting



Saturday
March 27
9:00AM

How We Heal



Sunday
March 28
10AM

Sunday Gathering

Pancake Breakfast and Potluck @ 11:30AM

Storehouse216 Foodbank @ 11:30AM

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time - 2010


In the US and Canada

Daylight Saving Time always begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
This means that, on March 14, 2010, at 2:00 a.m. - you set the clocks ahead one hour. (Spring forward)


And on Sunday, November 7, 2010, at 2:00 a.m. - you set the clocks back an hour. (Fall back)

Good / Bad

I have my computer back!!  After weeks of it being down...and withdrawals on my part... we're back! Ready to Blog again!

I get emails from beliefnet,com.. and they send some pretty deep and interesting things at times.  Today the email was about being grateful.  Here is a quote:

"Gratitude feels so good because it is the state of mind closest to your natural state in which you were born to live."
-Abraham-Hicks

Now, my question for everyone is.... I hear so often that we are born with sin on our souls... "Born into sin"
How can we be born with gratitude on our hearts and also be born into sin?"

I think this is a really good question for Wednesday night "Conversations" at church!