| Author | Message | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2531 Registered: 3-2004  |
After all this cult talk I thought a positive subject was in order. As I thought about it I decided to ask what did God do for you within the last week that keeps you growing? For myself, I have been looking for a Bible class, that studies right out of the Bible instead of using someone's book with questions and predetermined texts with the answers. I found it at the local Baptist church. So on Sunday morning I am at the Bible class at 9:30 AM, then I drive to my church for corporate worship and my volunteer work. I do enjoy meeting people as they enter the church. I also enjoy writing on CARM because then I have to go to the Bible to help me with what I want to post. So, What has God done for you this past week, that keeps you growing? It is always amazing to me how Awesome God is. Diana | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 527 Registered: 7-2004  |
A great comment from our pastor during his sermon this week. "We don't sing the song, 'they will know we are Christians by our holiness;' no the song that we sing is "they will know we are Christians by our love!" | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 174 Registered: 12-2004 |
Diana, Now you are a mind reader, as I was contemplating a similar post idea. This weekend was a real blessing for me. In our community of Kelowna,B.C. we have a beautiful walking area called the Mission Creek Greenway(check their website). A couple of weeks ago I suggested to my wive that we explore it from one end to the other. The hike meanders along the creek for a 20 mile round trip. My pedometer for the day was 51,000 steps(ouch!). We survived better than I envisoned and had a great day of team building. Sunday evening we had the privilege of hearing the wonderful Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra at my church home Trinity Baptist. This was their only Canadian stop on their spring tour. What an amazing group of Christian singers and musicians. Combined there were about 125 of them. If any of you are living around Lynden,WA, Seattle,Wa, Micminnville,OR or Chico,CA they will be presenting their concert in your community over the next few evenings. Make a point of hearing them, they are terrific. We serve an awesome God, and have a wonderful saviour Jesus. Randy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3950 Registered: 12-2003  |
Wow, Randy--you got to hear APU's choir and orchestra! They are so good! I am beyond grateful that God oversaw the composition of this next Proclamation. I was praying for Him to provide/show me what companion pieces to run with Verle Streifling's Biblical Inerrancy article, and basically at the 11th hour, I found, by different methods, two excellent pieces. We also have Rick and Sheryl's faith story in this issueóit is profound, and it fit amazingly well with the rest of the issue. I'm in awe of how God brings these issues together. And you want to know the final "surprise" which was totally of God? Yesterday morning I was getting ready for church, and I realized that the DaVinci Code movie is being released this week; this issue on Biblical Inerrancy and Ellen's White's inspiration will be coming out within the next weeks. I had not thought AT ALL about the coinciding of these things. I can't even tell you exactly how it came to be that this topic was for this particular issue. God knewóit is His doing! I praise Him. Colleen | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 678 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thanks, Diana - I LOVE your question... This week in my Bible study of Jacob (who most of his life lived with sufferings and trials related to the consequences of the deception of his father, Isaac, and his brother, Esau) I learned a great attribute of God. So many difficults stemmed from Jacob's deception (being deceived by his FIL, Laban, deception of his sons selling his beloved Joseph), yet our sovereign God used those consequences in building the Godly father of the nation of Israel. The principle the teaching leader used in describing God's molding of us through our difficulties has stuck with me all week long -- "God loves us just the way we are BUT He loves us too much to leave us that way"! Praise God for His unchanging, long-suffering love! You're right, Colleen! It is His doing! Denise | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1391 Registered: 7-2003 |
Well, it has been a very stressful week in my family. It was a very difficult mother's day. My mother had her biopsy and while one part was malignant, the other on her liver was not. My brother had a healthy baby boy and I got to take my mother to spend an hour with my daughter. Last night, the musical trio, The Martins, were at a local church and I took my mother to hear them. The male of the group had stayed at my mother's B&B a few weeks ago and he and his wife were very excited to see her. We both enjoyed the music and I was reminded that even though I feel very alone right now, God is still there. One of the songs they did had a line about not remembering which came first, the storm clouds or the rain....and I could relate to that question. Today, mother's surgeon said everything hinges on whether or not the tumor has grown into the blood vessels in the pancreas, which they could not detect from the endoscopic ultrasound. Tomorrow my mother has her surgery. If it is a short surgery (4 hours), it means they could not remove the tumor because of the vessel invasion. If it is the long surgery (12 hours), it means they were able to remove the tumor and will basically double the average survival time. My dad and step-mom went on a cruise and came back safely. She is taking my boys tomorrow night for me, and even taking my middle son for a long ago scheduled dental appointment so I can stay at the hospital. It is a lot mentally and emotionally. Through it all, though, my faith remains strong. It is a very surreal thing. I am ready to recognize his faithfulness in the things I cannot see and wait with great anticipation for the day my locust years get restored. I am thankful for hope beyond the circumstances of today. I am thankful for this place to come and find solice even when it has nothing to do with adventism. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1658 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks for the inspiring stories all! Diana, I am glad you found a Bible study that studies from the Bible--instead of someone else's book! Randy, I am glad you got to hear the APU orchestra and chorus. The Lord continues to shower his grace on my wife Marti with improved hearing, and with evidence of spiritual healing as well. Praise God--indeed! Stan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1659 Registered: 3-2005 |
Melissa, Just saw your post--my prayers continue for your mom. It does sound more hopeful than previously. Stan | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 680 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thanks, Melissa for sharing your faith through your circumstances. I am praying for you and your mother. Specifically, for God to arrange your busy, stressful days to spend time alone with Him to find the strength to keep going. His strength is sufficent! Denise | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3955 Registered: 12-2003 |
Melissa, I'm also praying for you. I'm praying that you will experience Sabbath rest as you go through tomorrow. He will hold your heart. Colleen | ||
| Leigh Registered user Username: Leigh Post Number: 86 Registered: 2-2003 |
Praying for you and your mom, Melissa. Leigh | ||
| Leigh Registered user Username: Leigh Post Number: 87 Registered: 2-2003 |
Last week, our pastor related this story about Aggie Hurst during his sermon. I've been thinking of it all week. It has been a great reminder to me of God's soverienty and faithfulness even in the worst of circumstances. http://www.epm.org/articles/AggHurst.htm Our pastor and his family are going through a very difficult time right now. Our pastor's wife has 4th stage breast cancer. Their youngest child is 13. Blessings to you all, Leigh | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3961 Registered: 12-2003 |
Leigh, I'm praying now for your pastor and his family. How very sad. Colleen | ||
| Hoytster Registered user Username: Hoytster Post Number: 126 Registered: 9-2003 |
What an opportune topic! I'm an infrequent poster, but I lurk here at intervals, because there is a lot of joy here. This thread is a good example. Y'all may recall that I've been in a custody fight over my 8-year-old son -- which has been on-going for five years. He turns 13 in June! It's been very sad and very difficult. I've had minimal time with him all these years. I think he has suffered and continues to suffer. But God is generous beyond measure! A week ago, my bride and I went to the ultrasound and saw our little boy at age 18 weeks. I'm happy to say that he has all his toes and fingers (the technology is incredible). They can detect about half of Downs and 90% of spinal bifida (sp?), and neither were observed, so that's great. Seeing my son fully formed (except for his lungs, apparently) made it all very real. It's really Isaiah, but for me it was Handel's Messiah first, and I hope it not rude to apply it in this case: Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given!! My bride and I feel truly blessed by God. - Hoytster | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2533 Registered: 3-2004 |
Melissa, I continue to pray for you and your mother. Leigh, I will put your pastor and his wife on my prayer list. Hoyster, I am so glad you and your wife are to have a baby. Modern technology is fantastic. Now you can see your boy before he is born. Keep us posted. Our God is always AWESOME. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3966 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hoyster, thank you for sharing this experience with us. Your application is not rude; life is an indescribable miracle. What a wonderful thing! I have to admit I have a soft spot for sons! Colleen | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 216 Registered: 4-2005  |
Melissa and Leigh, Your situations are in my prayers. Rom 8:27-30 shows that sovereign God's purpose is worked into every life situation, circumstance, event, experience - both good and bad - for those who are His elect. The Holy Spirit knows the secret thoughts of Jehovah God - FATHER, and so Jesus prays to the Father for us with the Holy Spirit, according to the FATHER'S secret purpose for each individual and each personal situation. That love transcends human ability to scratch the surface of understanding. My heart was blessed this week while reading 2 Cor 5:21. I have also been blessed by ministering to a mother here in Bakersfield, whose 16 year old innocent son, was killed by a gang member, who thought he had drugs he wanted. Shot him right in the face. I've never met the mother but know she is an SDA. Also my supper was interrupted by a young man asking for gas. I took what gas I had in my lawn-mower fuel can, drove him to where his car was parked and presented a mini-gospel presentation - - the one that has to be spoken as about a gallone and ahalf of gas is poured out - the GGP = Gallon Gospel Presentation. And placed my arm about him and had a prayer. His life is a mess. He has Jesus confused with religious legalism. Mellisa, "God comforts the depressed" 2 Cor 7:6 NASB | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 242 Registered: 6-2005 |
God has given me periods of peace and a very real sense of His presence in the middle of a very painful marital separation. He has sent me friends to pray with, cry with, and even those who will speak truth to me, confront me, when I am reacting "in the flesh". He has held me close, even blessed me as promised, as I have endured "shunning" from people at my former SDA church and my sons SDA church school. My son came to church with me on mothers day, and really was impressed with the way the kids worshipped at my church, and contrasted it to the SDA church he attends. I had a God arranged and totally surprising encounter at my sons SDA school with another parent that I barely know. We both mentioned that God had ordained the meeting, and were so grateful for the connection, and His prompting in a seredipitous discussion. Three beautiful days in a row, to climb Kennesaw mountain with my dogs, and soak up Gods presence. A totally amazing aha moment in my independent study of Hebrews 9. I actually jumped up out of my seat when reading the last verse. The way the Word is becomming so clear to me through the revelation of the Holy Spirit just leaves me speechless. He is amazing Diana, Lori | ||
| Wooliee Registered user Username: Wooliee Post Number: 83 Registered: 6-2005 |
This happened a few weeks ago, but my 86 year old grandfather gave his life to the Lord. How awesome is that? Everytime I think of it I am reminded how God never, never, never gives up on his children. I would appreciate your prayers for him, as he is having surgery today. Hoytster, congratulations! Melissa and Leigh I am praying for your requests, and Lori you too. Julie | ||
| Leigh Registered user Username: Leigh Post Number: 88 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thank you to all who are praying for this precious family. I am so blessed to know them and to be a part of their church family. Their faith and strength are a testimony to the grace of God. Last night at our home group meeting, our leader called our pastor and his wife (the leader prearranged this to make sure it would be a good time) and we prayed for them over the phone and sang her favorite song "This the Power of the Cross, Christ became sin for us....." Our pastor said that he is so thankful that through fellowship the church family is holding his family's arms up when they don't have the strength. It is so wonderful to see our church come together to support not only the spiritual needs, but also the physical day to day needs of the family- meals, cleaning, transportation, etc. It has been a blessing to me to be a part of this ministry. Last night the Lord impressed me to share these verses with our pastor and his wife. I want to post it here for those of you going through valleys: Psalm 62 5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Even though I don't post much anymore, I still pray for you all and for this forum. Blessings, Leigh | ||
| Leigh Registered user Username: Leigh Post Number: 89 Registered: 2-2003 |
Praying for your Grandfather, Julie, and continueing to pray for you, Lori, and Melissa for you and your mother. Leigh | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1394 Registered: 7-2003 |
thanks to everyone. My mother is considered to be doing better than expected. She still feels like she got hit by a truck and then run over by a bull dozer, but she moved her arms more today, which is all she can move, and sat up a couple of times. Tomorrow they anticipate moving her from ICU and that frightens us given the low nursing ratio. We are trying to figure out a schedule for people to be with her around the clock. Unfortunately, with my little ones at home, I just can't be there. She's had lots of friends volunteer to be there, we just need one to volunteer coordinating who will be there when. There are lots of things going on and I know God is working in this situation in ways I cannot see. I am truly thankful tonight for many things, though my heart is also grieved as well. I am thankful that we don't fear death. That my mother is a Christian and believes her life is in God's hands, not the doctors. I'm thankful for my aunt here in town who has stepped up and practically lived there since Mom went in on Tuesday. I'm thankful for a work schedule that has allowed me to slip out here and there during the day to be there with her, and that she's only 15 minutes away. I'm thankful for the excellent medical facility KU has and the staff. That there is a doctor who routinely does these procedures on staff and has 20 years experience. Some of the things God is doing is too personal to go into, but I am thankful that he is not finished with me yet. I'm not sure what he's doing exactly, but I'm content he has a plan and a purpose. And at least today, I am comfortable with that knowledge. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1684 Registered: 3-2005 |
Praise God Melissa, for what He is doing. My prayers continue. Stan |
