August 31, 2011
August 30, 2011
Not Looking Forward to...
Going to work tonight. It's been pretty cruddy lately and I am praying for a new job to come soon. We have been very busy due to the storms. And right now I am lying on the couch so tired that I am trying to get up some motivation to get dressed. This scripture came to me yesterday and I wanted to share. It gives us such great promise! 2 Peter 3:8-13
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 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.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
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| Guess I should get moving and figure out what I will do with my day!!! |
August 22, 2011
James and the Obstacle Course
Anyone with kids, grandkids, or even if you just know a kid have all seen those wonderful blow up bounce obstacle courses. They make most kids scream with excitement and utter anticipation (which can make some kids actually shake waiting for their turn.) Other more "timid" or I should say "smart" kids turn from the mere sight of them and run away tucked in between their parents legs. I found this description of the "Mega Obstacle Course" at Inflatable 2000. We are proud to present the inflatable 58' Obstacle Course. . The race is on! This course includes items to jump through, a 6' wall to climb over and slide down, holes to jump though and barrels to climb through. Two participants head for the starting line. In front of them stands an inflatable barrier of vinyl. The race is around walls, ramps, through tubes, around inflated pillars and through giant rings. The two racers try desperately to maneuver their way through the course to see who can cross the finish line first. They include climb through wall, biff n bash poles, rope climb and slide. Two sides offer double the capacity, and large size will draw attention from every angle.
While this description may sound appealing to most adrenaline pumped kids, it far too much resembles the way I can feel about life. Always dodging the next wall or barrier, trying to figure out the best way to win today's "race," strategizing for the holes to jump through, barrels to climb, and slides to fall down. Bouncing from one pilar to the next in a whirlwind of dizzyness.
But unlike the obstacle course, life never allows us to know what is up ahead. We face today's challenges and then wait for tomorrow's.
There are many sermons on having "unshakeable faith." Knowing that whatever "obstacles" God brings to us we are always prepared knowing he is in control. I wish I had that peace, the peace a child has in knowing that the obstacle course does not waver each time they go through. Having faith that comes in trusting a mere inflatable full of air. When the one we should trust in has much more power than that inflatable. Having a faith that does not waver, can withstand all challenges or obstacles life deals us, and gives us peace to face each day.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Let perseverence finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
In James 1:12 Blessed be the man that perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. WOW what hope that brings!
Our obstacle course isn't about "winning" a competition or a race. Our obstacle course gives us the promise of eternal life. But we must have that "unshakeable faith," an unwavering, concrete foundation that is in the Word that our Lord Jesus Christ laid before us through his scarred hands.
August 3, 2011
Embarrassed, Humility, and Shame
I have been MIA and neglecting my blog lately. I have been busy with Real Life Stories and getting the introduction letter out. Those finally were sent and now I have a meeting Aug. 11th so pray people show up who want to volunteer. Here is the letter I sent...without the letterhead obviously.
July 22, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
Losing a loved one is never easy. When the loss is sudden or tragic you are never prepared. And in the many difficult days ahead it is hard to know how to cope and where to turn.
Real Life Stories (RLS) is founded on the purpose to provide community outreach for the survivors of loved ones lost too soon. The goal is to establish a community where God’s Word provides hope, strength, comfort, peace, and support.
Real Life Stories will be focused in the South Atlanta area. There are very few resources available to those who are facing one of the hardest or the hardest struggle of their life. At a time when you feel hopeless you need someone who can walk beside you, lend an ear, and give you hope in the face of tragedy. The only answers we will find were written centuries ago and still hold true today. Providing each of us with the way to get through it, the courage to go on, and the place where you will find rest.
Care Packages, testimonials, meetings, remembrance cards, and support are a few services RLS wishes to provide. Those left to grieve need to know there is a place where they “fit” in, a place where their story matters.
Life is full of busyness but knowing that you have set aside the time to help someone who is hurting, showing them your passion and care will bring tremendous fulfillment and can bring you comfort in the things you are struggling with.
If you feel like this may be something you are interested in helping with, volunteering a small part of your time, or become fully committed to I invite you to meet with us August 11, 2011 6:30pm at Dogwood Church 975 Hwy 74S Tyrone, GA 30290. We need people like you to donate time, energy, and experience in a variety of areas. We plan to discuss ways to start our mission and see how many would like to be involved.
We are also in need of those who are able and willing to provide some sponsorship to support this ministry with startup costs. Those who can help will receive a Real Life Stories T-Shirt as our thank you.
The need for this is unfortunately far too big. It’s written on every front page newspaper and on our televisions every night. Together, we hope to make a difference in many lives and in many different ways.
To contact Real Life Stories with any questions you may have or for help with a donation please contact us by phone, email, or by mail.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Heather Grijalva
678-588-7594
heather@rlsministries.org
Thought you might like to check it out and give me any feedback/suggestions.
We also went on family vacation last week to Panama City, FL. The girls had so much fun. I will post some pics later.
I have embarrassed myself pretty bad. Its one of those "you can't take back" foot in the mouth things.
Wikipedia defines it as "Embarrassment is an emotional state experienced upon having a socially or professionally unacceptable act or condition witnessed by or revealed to others. Usually some amount of loss of honour or dignity is involved, " Which pretty much sums up my embarrassing moment. A huge amount of dignity lost and the unacceptable act was witnessed or shall I say revealed by others.
I've not only embarrassed myself but my husband as well, which hurts the most. It could potentially make others believe that I may or "am" some crazy person who has lost their mind. But in the moment I felt as if I were losing it. Humiliated is more of what the outcome of this has been. I found this prayer on Forever Notebook
Prayer
“Father in Heaven. Help me to rise above my feelings, lay aside my personal plans, and do things Your way. Forgive me for my disobedience and help me to apply Your instruction to every aspect of my life. Help me to love as You love. Help me to forgive as You forgive. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen”
I just might need to pray this one for a while.
Full of humility, embarrassment and shame I will hope for forgiveness and seek God's direction for my faults.
My award for the day!
July 22, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
Losing a loved one is never easy. When the loss is sudden or tragic you are never prepared. And in the many difficult days ahead it is hard to know how to cope and where to turn.
Real Life Stories (RLS) is founded on the purpose to provide community outreach for the survivors of loved ones lost too soon. The goal is to establish a community where God’s Word provides hope, strength, comfort, peace, and support.
Real Life Stories will be focused in the South Atlanta area. There are very few resources available to those who are facing one of the hardest or the hardest struggle of their life. At a time when you feel hopeless you need someone who can walk beside you, lend an ear, and give you hope in the face of tragedy. The only answers we will find were written centuries ago and still hold true today. Providing each of us with the way to get through it, the courage to go on, and the place where you will find rest.
Care Packages, testimonials, meetings, remembrance cards, and support are a few services RLS wishes to provide. Those left to grieve need to know there is a place where they “fit” in, a place where their story matters.
Life is full of busyness but knowing that you have set aside the time to help someone who is hurting, showing them your passion and care will bring tremendous fulfillment and can bring you comfort in the things you are struggling with.
If you feel like this may be something you are interested in helping with, volunteering a small part of your time, or become fully committed to I invite you to meet with us August 11, 2011 6:30pm at Dogwood Church 975 Hwy 74S Tyrone, GA 30290. We need people like you to donate time, energy, and experience in a variety of areas. We plan to discuss ways to start our mission and see how many would like to be involved.
We are also in need of those who are able and willing to provide some sponsorship to support this ministry with startup costs. Those who can help will receive a Real Life Stories T-Shirt as our thank you.
The need for this is unfortunately far too big. It’s written on every front page newspaper and on our televisions every night. Together, we hope to make a difference in many lives and in many different ways.
To contact Real Life Stories with any questions you may have or for help with a donation please contact us by phone, email, or by mail.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Real Life Stories
Heather Grijalva
678-588-7594
heather@rlsministries.org
Thought you might like to check it out and give me any feedback/suggestions.
We also went on family vacation last week to Panama City, FL. The girls had so much fun. I will post some pics later.
I have embarrassed myself pretty bad. Its one of those "you can't take back" foot in the mouth things.
Wikipedia defines it as "Embarrassment is an emotional state experienced upon having a socially or professionally unacceptable act or condition witnessed by or revealed to others. Usually some amount of loss of honour or dignity is involved, " Which pretty much sums up my embarrassing moment. A huge amount of dignity lost and the unacceptable act was witnessed or shall I say revealed by others.
I've not only embarrassed myself but my husband as well, which hurts the most. It could potentially make others believe that I may or "am" some crazy person who has lost their mind. But in the moment I felt as if I were losing it. Humiliated is more of what the outcome of this has been. I found this prayer on Forever Notebook
Prayer
“Father in Heaven. Help me to rise above my feelings, lay aside my personal plans, and do things Your way. Forgive me for my disobedience and help me to apply Your instruction to every aspect of my life. Help me to love as You love. Help me to forgive as You forgive. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen”
I just might need to pray this one for a while.
Full of humility, embarrassment and shame I will hope for forgiveness and seek God's direction for my faults.
My award for the day!
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