What is so funny?
I do not understand the cartoons, the jokes and the flippant references concerning a certain medical disorder.
This disorder is very serious and not one to be tossed about with cartoons, jokes, flippant remarks and tagging. Those who do this do not understand the condition.
My husband has diabetes and must take insulin injections along with pills for his disorder. Thru these years, I have never heard or seen anyone make a joke or cartoon or flippant remark about him having this condition. He is tagged as a diabetic but not in a derogatory way, only for his good and safety.
The condition I am speaking of is the Bi Polar disorder and thus the question for our discussion, “What is so funny?”
The brain is a very complex organ in the body. It is even more complex than the pancreas. Why is it, we understand the pancreas and not the brain?
Bi Polar disorder needs medication. The medication is like insulin to the pancreas for the diabetic. It is very important that someone with this disorder regularly take their medication. Often after taking the medication for awhile they feel better and stop taking the medication. This is dangerous. Someone with this condition must be under the loving care of a good physician who may monitor them and make sure they are on a therapeutic dose of medication, just as a Doctor would monitor a diabetic.
Not all Bi Polar disorders are the same. This condition manifests itself differently for different people and there are different types. Many times the person with this disorder will say and do things they would never do otherwise. This condition is also possible for healing.
If you are a person with Bi Polar disorder it is not funny.1st a diagnosis must be made and this is only made by a physician. That is why it is wrong to tag someone as having this disorder without an actual diagnosis. Then there are specific medications that are prescribed for this medical condition and that is up to the Doctor. That is one reason the flippant responses and tagging etc. bother me. “Oh, he/she must be bi polar” just because they say or do something that does not meet with your definition of “normal.” For example, if they say one thing one time and another the next, perhaps even in the same conversation does not mean they are Bi polar. In the same manner, if a person lashes out or acts out because they have had a bad day does not make them Bi polar. We all have our moments. The common person on the street cannot diagnose this disorder.
Years ago, I went through a very deep depression due to many circumstances. I remember going to see my physician to tell him of my extreme sadness. Being a Godly man, he knew I was extremely depressed and said he would put me on an anti depressant for 1 month or so and see if anything improved. I mentioned to him that I had read an article on a young lady who had Bi polar disorder and said I could really relate to what she was going thru. This particular lady had ended up committing suicide. My Doctor wisely said, if after a month or so, I did not see any change in my feelings, he would like for me to see another physician to perhaps talk about the Bi polar condition. God in His perfect timing brought all of this about in a dramatic way that changed my life forever (long story) and I ended up being diagnosed with this disorder.
Now, let me tell you why it is no laughing matter (as the title of this article ask “What’s so funny?”) 1st of all, you must get past the stigma of such a diagnosis. For a long period of time, I felt like everyone was treating me like I had leprosy and I needed to run thru the streets and cup my hand over my mouth and scream “Unclean, unclean or unstable, unstable”! 2ndly, I had to get the proper medication. I could not be put on Lithium due to my thyroid cancer so was put on Depacote. Just like any medication there are side effects that you must get used to. I remember one of them being a shaking of my hands for writing when I was on a certain level of the medication. Then there are the Doctor’s visits to make sure you are on a therapeutic dose. 3rd there are all the emotions as life does not change just because you have a diagnosis! There is all the shame of how you acted out, of things you said or did before you had the diagnosis and the medication and the people who changed their opinion of you for what you had done, not knowing how you were dying inside. I still have some to this day who have not forgiven me but I must move on.
So, you see, it really is not funny but rather something to be taken seriously and understood. I am not on a band wagon or wanting to portray myself as a martyr or expert, in fact this is one of the 1st times I have ever spoken out about it after all these many years. My heart’s cry is that people need to be educated on this disorder. This is so very important and there are many people out there who need real help. I have found healing in my life emotionally thru the power of the cross (thus our ministry of CrossPower). I am off all strong medication and have been for many years. I still have feelings of the Bi polar and have to be careful of my emotions as I could still really get very low or high emotionally if I did not put into practice the truth of the cross. But you see, years ago, I was so depressed that I could not even process the truth of Scripture and I needed help thru medication to help my brain heal enough to be able to understand and process those life freeing truths. There was nothing wrong with that, just like there is nothing wrong with my husband being a diabetic and having to take insulin.
I thank God for His healing in my life and give Him all the Glory. I felt compelled to write this blog today and maybe it was for you. Perhaps you are going thru the same thing and are wondering what in the world is going on in your life. Perhaps you have a friend or loved one struggling right now. Whatever the situation, find help or be of help to someone because, believe me, to you or to them…it is not funny! Be understanding and not critical. If it is you, allow God to heal you thru His Word and those physicians He has provided for us here on earth. He is the God Who is able to do exceeding, abundantly Above all that we ask or think! God bless you.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Acceptable ?
When you were a child, did you Mother or Father ever have to say to you,"That kind of talk or attitude is just not acceptable!" Maybe you have had to say that to your child.
Have you ever had your mouth washed out with soap or had to do that to your child. That cleansing is not fun!
In today's world, I am dismayed by the language that is used everyday both by the young and the old. I also realize that there is very little difference between the language of this world and the language of those who profess Christ! The use of profanity in every other sentence is so prevalent. It has become so common place that no one even blinks. Certain words are used to describe even the most special things...for example "A New Year" etc.! The very life and blessings that the Lord bestows so freely on us, we often curse.
Why? How did we let these words creep into our everyday language? What has happened to integrity? What has happened to our respect and our shame at speaking such words.
I am reminded of the Scripture, I learned as a child. Psalm 19:14 which says:
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer."
What are you speaking? What are you thinking? Is it your prayer that your very words and thoughts would be acceptable to your Redeemer? Do you want to be different from this world? Do you want to be an example of pleasing Christ?
Let's make this verse our prayer every day!
Have you ever had your mouth washed out with soap or had to do that to your child. That cleansing is not fun!
In today's world, I am dismayed by the language that is used everyday both by the young and the old. I also realize that there is very little difference between the language of this world and the language of those who profess Christ! The use of profanity in every other sentence is so prevalent. It has become so common place that no one even blinks. Certain words are used to describe even the most special things...for example "A New Year" etc.! The very life and blessings that the Lord bestows so freely on us, we often curse.
Why? How did we let these words creep into our everyday language? What has happened to integrity? What has happened to our respect and our shame at speaking such words.
I am reminded of the Scripture, I learned as a child. Psalm 19:14 which says:
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer."
What are you speaking? What are you thinking? Is it your prayer that your very words and thoughts would be acceptable to your Redeemer? Do you want to be different from this world? Do you want to be an example of pleasing Christ?
Let's make this verse our prayer every day!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
No Assurance, really?
There is NO ASSURANCE in this world!
For example, the people going to the premier, midnight showing of the new Batman movie never expected what happened to them that night! They had their ticket, popcorn, candy and beverage and were out for a fun time. A husband and wife expecting a baby never expect to get the news that the baby has died in the womb. While traveling to Disney World this summer, I never expected to get a text saying my 13 year old Grandson was being rushed to a hospital after being hit by a car! A friend of that Grandson never expected to be killed while riding an ATV on a Sunday afternoon. Job loss, health loss,financial loss and the list goes on and on..No assurance!
The other day, I was thinking about the song blind Fanny Crosby wrote entitled " Blessed Assurance." That is what we have in Jesus and that is the only assurance we have in this life. When we have accepted Christ as our own personal Saviour, we have the assurance of victory here on earth (as long as we do things God's way) and a Home in Heaven forever! Not only that but we have blessed assurance every moment of our life in Christ! It does not mean we will not experience loss or heartache or trials but we know, that we know, that we know, Jesus is working all things for our good and He will take care of us.
I wrote down some of the assurance we have in Christ. These truths blessed me and I pray they bless you also!
B BEYOND COMPREHENSION
L LIMITLESS
E ETERNAL
S SACRIFICIAL
S SUPER-NATURAL
E EVERLASTING
D DIVINE
A ALL NEEDS MET
S SOVEREIGN GOD
S SUSTAINING GRACE
U UNDENIABLE FAITHFULNESS
A ABIDING LOVE
N NEVER ENDING MERCY
C CARING SAVIOR
E ENDLESS THOUGHTS TOWARDS ME
May we live today and every day in the Blessed Assurance of our Living Lord, Who loved us and gave Himself for us!! Blessed Assurance, Jesus in mine!!!
For example, the people going to the premier, midnight showing of the new Batman movie never expected what happened to them that night! They had their ticket, popcorn, candy and beverage and were out for a fun time. A husband and wife expecting a baby never expect to get the news that the baby has died in the womb. While traveling to Disney World this summer, I never expected to get a text saying my 13 year old Grandson was being rushed to a hospital after being hit by a car! A friend of that Grandson never expected to be killed while riding an ATV on a Sunday afternoon. Job loss, health loss,financial loss and the list goes on and on..No assurance!
The other day, I was thinking about the song blind Fanny Crosby wrote entitled " Blessed Assurance." That is what we have in Jesus and that is the only assurance we have in this life. When we have accepted Christ as our own personal Saviour, we have the assurance of victory here on earth (as long as we do things God's way) and a Home in Heaven forever! Not only that but we have blessed assurance every moment of our life in Christ! It does not mean we will not experience loss or heartache or trials but we know, that we know, that we know, Jesus is working all things for our good and He will take care of us.
I wrote down some of the assurance we have in Christ. These truths blessed me and I pray they bless you also!
B BEYOND COMPREHENSION
L LIMITLESS
E ETERNAL
S SACRIFICIAL
S SUPER-NATURAL
E EVERLASTING
D DIVINE
A ALL NEEDS MET
S SOVEREIGN GOD
S SUSTAINING GRACE
U UNDENIABLE FAITHFULNESS
A ABIDING LOVE
N NEVER ENDING MERCY
C CARING SAVIOR
E ENDLESS THOUGHTS TOWARDS ME
May we live today and every day in the Blessed Assurance of our Living Lord, Who loved us and gave Himself for us!! Blessed Assurance, Jesus in mine!!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
REST IN PEACE MENTALITY
Lately I have noticed that when a death occurs….expected, unexpected, tragic or timely…the response from young and old alike has been “Rest in Peace.”
I am somewhat taken back by this. I really believe we are living now in a “Rest in Peace” world and we have a "rest in peace" mentality.
This expression is used to wish eternal rest and peace to someone who has died.
Let’s think about some things for just a few minutes.
1.Can one really “rest in peace” if one was never saved?
2.Are we so out of touch with the need of someone’s salvation that we can just glibly say “rest in peace?”
3.Is there any peace outside of Christ?
Let’s look at death for a few moments.
The Bible says that we must live somewhere forever after death. Those two places are Heaven or hell. There is no peace or rest in hell. hell is a place of constant torment..beyond anything we could even imagine. Heaven on the other hand is a place of rest and peace in the very presence of Jesus. What qualifies one to "rest in peace?"
The only way we can be sure of a home in Heaven is if sometime during our life we asked Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. We acknowledge that we are a sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus paid that price for us on the cross. We repent of our sins and ask Jesus to save us and be our very life.John 3:16,17 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Unless a person has done what the Bible says to do, they cannot go to Heaven,therefore they cannot "rest in peace."
True peace and rest are only found in Christ.
There is a saying that says, “Know God, Know peace…
No God, No peace.
My question is this: Are we "resting peacefully" while others are around us who will not rest in peace in the next life?
We have been given the most sacred of all opportunities and that is to share with others how they may “rest in peace” after this life is over.
If you say this statement, I am not condemning you…I just believe we need to think deeply about what we are really saying and the person we are saying it about.
Are you busy telling others about Jesus and how they can "rest in peace" after this life.
All of us know precious people who have passed from this life and we are not sure where they are spending eternity. If you are like me, that grieves my heart. So what do we do? I believe we need to be caring and concerned for the families and friends of those people who are still here on earth. People we might still have an opportunity to reach for Christ. Just because we have some or many that we have not reached out to does not mean we wallow in our guilt of not sharing but instead be about God's business and tell their loved ones. We cannot reach everyone but I really believe that God has given us all a sphere of influence. What are you doing with yours?
Maybe you are reading this and you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior. Please make this most important decision and you too may enjoy "resting in peace" for all eternity.
John 14:27
Lately I have noticed that when a death occurs….expected, unexpected, tragic or timely…the response from young and old alike has been “Rest in Peace.”
I am somewhat taken back by this. I really believe we are living now in a “Rest in Peace” world and we have a "rest in peace" mentality.
This expression is used to wish eternal rest and peace to someone who has died.
Let’s think about some things for just a few minutes.
1.Can one really “rest in peace” if one was never saved?
2.Are we so out of touch with the need of someone’s salvation that we can just glibly say “rest in peace?”
3.Is there any peace outside of Christ?
Let’s look at death for a few moments.
The Bible says that we must live somewhere forever after death. Those two places are Heaven or hell. There is no peace or rest in hell. hell is a place of constant torment..beyond anything we could even imagine. Heaven on the other hand is a place of rest and peace in the very presence of Jesus. What qualifies one to "rest in peace?"
The only way we can be sure of a home in Heaven is if sometime during our life we asked Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. We acknowledge that we are a sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus paid that price for us on the cross. We repent of our sins and ask Jesus to save us and be our very life.John 3:16,17 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Unless a person has done what the Bible says to do, they cannot go to Heaven,therefore they cannot "rest in peace."
True peace and rest are only found in Christ.
There is a saying that says, “Know God, Know peace…
No God, No peace.
My question is this: Are we "resting peacefully" while others are around us who will not rest in peace in the next life?
We have been given the most sacred of all opportunities and that is to share with others how they may “rest in peace” after this life is over.
If you say this statement, I am not condemning you…I just believe we need to think deeply about what we are really saying and the person we are saying it about.
Are you busy telling others about Jesus and how they can "rest in peace" after this life.
All of us know precious people who have passed from this life and we are not sure where they are spending eternity. If you are like me, that grieves my heart. So what do we do? I believe we need to be caring and concerned for the families and friends of those people who are still here on earth. People we might still have an opportunity to reach for Christ. Just because we have some or many that we have not reached out to does not mean we wallow in our guilt of not sharing but instead be about God's business and tell their loved ones. We cannot reach everyone but I really believe that God has given us all a sphere of influence. What are you doing with yours?
Maybe you are reading this and you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior. Please make this most important decision and you too may enjoy "resting in peace" for all eternity.
John 14:27
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thanks Living..A month of Thankfulness
Nov.1st.....I am thankful for the Father...my Heavenly Father....my perfect Father.
Nov. 2nd.......I am thankful for the Son...Jesus..The Author and Finisher of my faith...
Nov. 3rd.......I am thankful for the Holy Spirit...Who comforts and convicts me and guides me in every way.
November 4th...the month of "I am thankful for"..I am thankful for the day I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. I was 8 years old. My Mother had shared the plan of salvation with me and taken me to church since I was a baby. But on a Sunday evening at church, I knew I had to make that decision myself and I went forward and knelt at an old fashioned altar and ask Jesus to save me and be my very life! I will never get over that day...Thank you, Lord.
Nov 5th....in the "I am thankful for month"....Today I am thankful for the Bible...the very Word of God. It is my instruction book for life here on earth. Thru the years, I have claimed and been blessed by God's Word. My Love letter from God!!
November 6th in the month of "I am thankful for". Today my thanks is 3 fold. I am thankful for an empty cross, an empty tomb and a risen Lord! Not only did Jesus die for me, but He lives for me and I serve a risen Saviour....Praise His Name!
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me and He lives within my heart!
November 7th in the "I am thankful for month"...Today I am thankful for God's calling upon my life. It was very definite and I could take you back to the Sunday morning when I presented myself along with a few other young people to declare that I was surrendering my life to full time service for the Lord. It was late in my 6th grade year of school. I also remember distinctly feeling that I would be a pastor's wife. Of course, all of us as Christians are called to a life of "full time service" but some of us ..it is our very living. Bob and I have served in ministry now for almost 42 years!
Nov.8th in the "I am thankful for month"..Today I am thankful for the privilege and power of prayer. What would I do, if I could not go boldly before the Throne of Grace. "Oh what needless pain we bear..all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!"
Nov. 9th in the "I am thankful month"...Today I am thankful for CrossPower Ministries. Bob and I founded CrossPower a little over 10 years ago. God has blessed this ministry beyond measure! Today's world is hungry for the message of the cross. I also praise Him for the many other ministries He allowed us to be apart of over the years. Teaching school, Associate Pastor in New Philadelphia, Ohio, youth pastor in Wichita, Ks. founding a new church, Calvary Bible Baptist in Westerville, Ohio. Each one a real blessing.
Nov.10th in the "I am thankful for month"..today I am thankful for the "peace of God that passes all understanding!" Today my heart is heavy burdened but claiming that peace and believing that God is in Control and He is Able to do exceeding, abundantly Above All that I ask or think. Thank you Lord!
Nov. 11th in the "I am thankful for month"...today I am thankful for my parents...Harry and Beulah Forgan. So loving, giving, caring, nurturing..supplied my every need. So happy,singing,smiling,welcoming,reaching out to others. Can't wait to see them again in Heaven!! Thank you, Lord for giving me these parents!! What a heritage!! Also thankful for Godly Mother and Father in law!
Nov.12th in the "I am thankful for month"..Today I am thankful for the Victory we have "in Christ"...both here in the "nasty now and now" and 'sweet by and by!!
Nov.13th in the "I am thankful for" month...today I am thankful for the Freedom we have to so freely to go to church, carry a Bible and walk right in! No hiding, nothing in secret...just open worship of the Lord! My, I think, we really take this freedom for granted...someday..we might now have it...better take advantage of it now!!!
Nov. 14th in the "I am thankful for" month...today I am thankful for my Sister, Carol Forgan Hartong and my Brother, Harry Wilson Forgan. Also, along with that, I am thankful for their spouses, children and grandchildren. Family is so important. Also thankful for loving sister and brothers-in law!!
Nov. 15th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today, I am thankful for our Son, Tim Burney and his wife, Mandy Burney. Tim is the 1st child we were blessed with and what a privilege it is to have him in our life. He "lights up our life!" We love Mandy as a Daughter and are very close. My verse for them...Eph.3:20..The Lord is Able to do exceeding, abundantly Above all that we ask or think. This is the verse I claimed when God gave Tim to us as our child and I continue to claim for both thru all these years! We are blessed!
Nov. 16th in the " I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for our 2nd born child, Angela Burney Fabich and her husband, Andy Fabich. Angela and I are very close and we love Andy just like a Son. They both have been a real blessing to us. The verse I claimed for Angela when God gave her to us is Lev. 20:26. " And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be mine. This is my prayer for both of them!
Nov.17th in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for our 3rd child, Amy Burney Ransdell and her husband , Dan Ransdell. Amy and I are also very close and is newly married to Dan whom we have welcomed into our family as a Son. The verse claimed for Amy is the same I claimed for Angela (as they are twins) when God gave Amy to us and that is Lev. 20:26. I am now claiming it for both Amy and Dan.
Nov. 18th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for my wonderful Husband, Bob Burney. He is 36 (backwards) today! He is my best Friend and Love. One of the things I love most about him is that he constantly rehearses in my ears the truth of God's Word for victorious living. He has been a excellent example of faithfulness to God, to me and to his family!
Nov. 19th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our youngest Grandchild, Moriah Lynn Fabich. Moriah was born this year and is the 1st Grandchild that I was not there for her birth! I really missed being right there. She is growing so fast and I am looking forward to spending time with her again over Thanksgiving.
Nov.20th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Hannah Joy Fabich. She is a big, bouncy, active 2 and1/2 year old...with lots of spunk. Her middle name is after me. I was there for her birth. Anxious to visit with her over Thanksgiving.
Nov. 21st in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for Abigail Marie Fabich. Abigail is 4 and 1/2 and I was there for her birth. Abigail and I became very close one summer when she stayed with me while her Mom and Dad went on a trip. She loves to be a princess and loves to play. Can't wait to see her again at Thanksgiving.
Nov.22nd in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for my grandson, Micah Drew Fabich. Micah is soon to be 7. I was there for his birth. Micah is very active and very smart. One of my favorite times with Micah was when he sat and read passages from the Bible to me. Looking forward to seeing him over Thanksgiving.
Nov.23rd in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Grand daughter, Arielle Pearl Burney. Arielle's middle name is after my Mother which thrills me. I was there for Arielle's birth. A little girl into a house full of brothers! She is a true Princess, a real beauty and so much fun. Grandma Girl and Grandma Boy love her so much!
Nov. 24th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Grandson Cyrus Wilson Leonard Burney. I was there for his birth. His middle name Wilson is after my Dad and Leonard is after Mandy's Dad. Cyrus has the most beautiful face and kind eyes. He is so loving and so much fun. He is quite a sports guy. We love him so much!!
Nov. 25th in the " I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for our Grandson, Bryior Timothy Burney. I was there for his birth. Bryior is 13 years old today! Bryior is witty, intelligent, fun, athletic, loving and we are so proud of him. I pray his 13th birthday will just be the beginning of wonderful teenage years!
Nov. 26th in the " I am thankful for" month .....Today I am thankful for our Grandson Josiah Paul Burney. 17 years ago Josiah is the child who made us Grandparents!! There will always be a special bond between Josiah and us. I was there for his birth. Josiah to this day is kind and loving. He is talented in so many ways and I know God's hand is upon him for great things. We love him so very much.
Nov 27th in the " I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for my life verse. Ps. 104:33 is the verse I have claimed for my life verse. It says "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live, I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." I pray I always remember to sing!
Nov. 28th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for the Bible verse the Lord gave to Bob and me for our marriage. It is Psalm 33:21 and says, "For our heart shall rejoice in Him, for we have trusted in His Holy Name." We rejoice for all thru our marriage ..good times and hard times...we knew we could trust that Name that is ABOVE All Names.
Nov.29th in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for Friends. I have observed over the years that 1,000's of people pass thru your life and might appear as friends but in reality there are very few who are true friends..those that would be there for you no matter what. All the people who have passed thru my life have influenced me in one way or another but today I am especially thankful for the friends who have remained in my life.
Nov. 30th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful that the God on the mountain is still God in the valley, the God in the good times is still God in the bad times, the God in the abundant times is still God in the lean times, the God in the happy times is still God in the sad times, the God in the easy times is still God in the hard times, the God in the calm times is still God in the anxious times. Jesus Christ the same Yesterday, Today and Forever..Praise His Name!
It has been such a blessing for me to write down what I am thankful for each day of the month. It sure makes you think and reflect on what really matters in life! I could go on and on.
I challenge you to do the same...or even just make a "thankfulness list". It helps to get it out and read it on days when you are feeling down. Think of this: GOD inhabits our praise!!
May we always have an attitude of gratitude!!
·
Nov. 2nd.......I am thankful for the Son...Jesus..The Author and Finisher of my faith...
Nov. 3rd.......I am thankful for the Holy Spirit...Who comforts and convicts me and guides me in every way.
November 4th...the month of "I am thankful for"..I am thankful for the day I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. I was 8 years old. My Mother had shared the plan of salvation with me and taken me to church since I was a baby. But on a Sunday evening at church, I knew I had to make that decision myself and I went forward and knelt at an old fashioned altar and ask Jesus to save me and be my very life! I will never get over that day...Thank you, Lord.
Nov 5th....in the "I am thankful for month"....Today I am thankful for the Bible...the very Word of God. It is my instruction book for life here on earth. Thru the years, I have claimed and been blessed by God's Word. My Love letter from God!!
November 6th in the month of "I am thankful for". Today my thanks is 3 fold. I am thankful for an empty cross, an empty tomb and a risen Lord! Not only did Jesus die for me, but He lives for me and I serve a risen Saviour....Praise His Name!
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me and He lives within my heart!
November 7th in the "I am thankful for month"...Today I am thankful for God's calling upon my life. It was very definite and I could take you back to the Sunday morning when I presented myself along with a few other young people to declare that I was surrendering my life to full time service for the Lord. It was late in my 6th grade year of school. I also remember distinctly feeling that I would be a pastor's wife. Of course, all of us as Christians are called to a life of "full time service" but some of us ..it is our very living. Bob and I have served in ministry now for almost 42 years!
Nov.8th in the "I am thankful for month"..Today I am thankful for the privilege and power of prayer. What would I do, if I could not go boldly before the Throne of Grace. "Oh what needless pain we bear..all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!"
Nov. 9th in the "I am thankful month"...Today I am thankful for CrossPower Ministries. Bob and I founded CrossPower a little over 10 years ago. God has blessed this ministry beyond measure! Today's world is hungry for the message of the cross. I also praise Him for the many other ministries He allowed us to be apart of over the years. Teaching school, Associate Pastor in New Philadelphia, Ohio, youth pastor in Wichita, Ks. founding a new church, Calvary Bible Baptist in Westerville, Ohio. Each one a real blessing.
Nov.10th in the "I am thankful for month"..today I am thankful for the "peace of God that passes all understanding!" Today my heart is heavy burdened but claiming that peace and believing that God is in Control and He is Able to do exceeding, abundantly Above All that I ask or think. Thank you Lord!
Nov. 11th in the "I am thankful for month"...today I am thankful for my parents...Harry and Beulah Forgan. So loving, giving, caring, nurturing..supplied my every need. So happy,singing,smiling,welcoming,reaching out to others. Can't wait to see them again in Heaven!! Thank you, Lord for giving me these parents!! What a heritage!! Also thankful for Godly Mother and Father in law!
Nov.12th in the "I am thankful for month"..Today I am thankful for the Victory we have "in Christ"...both here in the "nasty now and now" and 'sweet by and by!!
Nov.13th in the "I am thankful for" month...today I am thankful for the Freedom we have to so freely to go to church, carry a Bible and walk right in! No hiding, nothing in secret...just open worship of the Lord! My, I think, we really take this freedom for granted...someday..we might now have it...better take advantage of it now!!!
Nov. 14th in the "I am thankful for" month...today I am thankful for my Sister, Carol Forgan Hartong and my Brother, Harry Wilson Forgan. Also, along with that, I am thankful for their spouses, children and grandchildren. Family is so important. Also thankful for loving sister and brothers-in law!!
Nov. 15th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today, I am thankful for our Son, Tim Burney and his wife, Mandy Burney. Tim is the 1st child we were blessed with and what a privilege it is to have him in our life. He "lights up our life!" We love Mandy as a Daughter and are very close. My verse for them...Eph.3:20..The Lord is Able to do exceeding, abundantly Above all that we ask or think. This is the verse I claimed when God gave Tim to us as our child and I continue to claim for both thru all these years! We are blessed!
Nov. 16th in the " I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for our 2nd born child, Angela Burney Fabich and her husband, Andy Fabich. Angela and I are very close and we love Andy just like a Son. They both have been a real blessing to us. The verse I claimed for Angela when God gave her to us is Lev. 20:26. " And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be mine. This is my prayer for both of them!
Nov.17th in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for our 3rd child, Amy Burney Ransdell and her husband , Dan Ransdell. Amy and I are also very close and is newly married to Dan whom we have welcomed into our family as a Son. The verse claimed for Amy is the same I claimed for Angela (as they are twins) when God gave Amy to us and that is Lev. 20:26. I am now claiming it for both Amy and Dan.
Nov. 18th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for my wonderful Husband, Bob Burney. He is 36 (backwards) today! He is my best Friend and Love. One of the things I love most about him is that he constantly rehearses in my ears the truth of God's Word for victorious living. He has been a excellent example of faithfulness to God, to me and to his family!
Nov. 19th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our youngest Grandchild, Moriah Lynn Fabich. Moriah was born this year and is the 1st Grandchild that I was not there for her birth! I really missed being right there. She is growing so fast and I am looking forward to spending time with her again over Thanksgiving.
Nov.20th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Hannah Joy Fabich. She is a big, bouncy, active 2 and1/2 year old...with lots of spunk. Her middle name is after me. I was there for her birth. Anxious to visit with her over Thanksgiving.
Nov. 21st in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for Abigail Marie Fabich. Abigail is 4 and 1/2 and I was there for her birth. Abigail and I became very close one summer when she stayed with me while her Mom and Dad went on a trip. She loves to be a princess and loves to play. Can't wait to see her again at Thanksgiving.
Nov.22nd in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for my grandson, Micah Drew Fabich. Micah is soon to be 7. I was there for his birth. Micah is very active and very smart. One of my favorite times with Micah was when he sat and read passages from the Bible to me. Looking forward to seeing him over Thanksgiving.
Nov.23rd in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Grand daughter, Arielle Pearl Burney. Arielle's middle name is after my Mother which thrills me. I was there for Arielle's birth. A little girl into a house full of brothers! She is a true Princess, a real beauty and so much fun. Grandma Girl and Grandma Boy love her so much!
Nov. 24th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Grandson Cyrus Wilson Leonard Burney. I was there for his birth. His middle name Wilson is after my Dad and Leonard is after Mandy's Dad. Cyrus has the most beautiful face and kind eyes. He is so loving and so much fun. He is quite a sports guy. We love him so much!!
Nov. 25th in the " I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for our Grandson, Bryior Timothy Burney. I was there for his birth. Bryior is 13 years old today! Bryior is witty, intelligent, fun, athletic, loving and we are so proud of him. I pray his 13th birthday will just be the beginning of wonderful teenage years!
Nov. 26th in the " I am thankful for" month .....Today I am thankful for our Grandson Josiah Paul Burney. 17 years ago Josiah is the child who made us Grandparents!! There will always be a special bond between Josiah and us. I was there for his birth. Josiah to this day is kind and loving. He is talented in so many ways and I know God's hand is upon him for great things. We love him so very much.
Nov 27th in the " I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for my life verse. Ps. 104:33 is the verse I have claimed for my life verse. It says "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live, I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." I pray I always remember to sing!
Nov. 28th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for the Bible verse the Lord gave to Bob and me for our marriage. It is Psalm 33:21 and says, "For our heart shall rejoice in Him, for we have trusted in His Holy Name." We rejoice for all thru our marriage ..good times and hard times...we knew we could trust that Name that is ABOVE All Names.
Nov.29th in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for Friends. I have observed over the years that 1,000's of people pass thru your life and might appear as friends but in reality there are very few who are true friends..those that would be there for you no matter what. All the people who have passed thru my life have influenced me in one way or another but today I am especially thankful for the friends who have remained in my life.
Nov. 30th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful that the God on the mountain is still God in the valley, the God in the good times is still God in the bad times, the God in the abundant times is still God in the lean times, the God in the happy times is still God in the sad times, the God in the easy times is still God in the hard times, the God in the calm times is still God in the anxious times. Jesus Christ the same Yesterday, Today and Forever..Praise His Name!
It has been such a blessing for me to write down what I am thankful for each day of the month. It sure makes you think and reflect on what really matters in life! I could go on and on.
I challenge you to do the same...or even just make a "thankfulness list". It helps to get it out and read it on days when you are feeling down. Think of this: GOD inhabits our praise!!
May we always have an attitude of gratitude!!
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
2011 A New Year
One of my favorite "end of the year" things to do is to get my new calendars for the new year. I did exactly that the other day. As usual, I went to my favorite mall and I knew the exact spot I wanted to look for my calendars. Waiting until the end of the old year means you will probably find your new calendar for 50 percent off..which is a good thing! I need one for my kitchen, my office room and a daily planner. There are certain designs I like and then I must narrow it down to the exact ones I want to purchase. Crazy, but I always look to see what the picture is for the month of March since it is my birthday month. After I study them carefully, I make the purchase and bring them home.
What a thrill to take off the wrapping and feel the freshness of an unmarked calendar. They all have that big piece of cardboard in the middle to keep them from wrinkle. I always save that cardboard for some craft projects. Next I take my calendars to their prospective spots and hang them up. Each month it gives me great pleasure to turn the page to the next month. Before you know it, we will all be out getting our new calendars for 2012!
Let's talk about the freshness of a new year, as fresh as a new unmarked calendar.
As we unwrap our New Year, let us do it with much prayer. One of my favorite things to say to someone on their birthday is that "I pray for God's best upon their year." I think this is a good prayer for our New Year..God's best for our year. After all, if it is God's best for us then it will be a good year. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, He sees the first and the last. Like as a tapestry,He is weaving you and me to someday be just like Him.
God knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to hurt us...but we must remember they are His plans. We have no control over the plans for our New Year, but our plan needs to be to live in the center of His will and His way. As the song says, 'Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know WHO holds tomorrow and I know WHO holds my hand.'
Just as the new calendar is without spot or blemish, so we as Christians are to strive to live our lives each day. When we do mess up a day thru a wrong choice, an unkind word, a bad attitude, not spending time with our LORD, we quickly confess our sin and move on again. Teach us, Oh Lord, to number our days and to live them for Your Glory.
What a thrill to take off the wrapping and feel the freshness of an unmarked calendar. They all have that big piece of cardboard in the middle to keep them from wrinkle. I always save that cardboard for some craft projects. Next I take my calendars to their prospective spots and hang them up. Each month it gives me great pleasure to turn the page to the next month. Before you know it, we will all be out getting our new calendars for 2012!
Let's talk about the freshness of a new year, as fresh as a new unmarked calendar.
As we unwrap our New Year, let us do it with much prayer. One of my favorite things to say to someone on their birthday is that "I pray for God's best upon their year." I think this is a good prayer for our New Year..God's best for our year. After all, if it is God's best for us then it will be a good year. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, He sees the first and the last. Like as a tapestry,He is weaving you and me to someday be just like Him.
God knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to hurt us...but we must remember they are His plans. We have no control over the plans for our New Year, but our plan needs to be to live in the center of His will and His way. As the song says, 'Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know WHO holds tomorrow and I know WHO holds my hand.'
Just as the new calendar is without spot or blemish, so we as Christians are to strive to live our lives each day. When we do mess up a day thru a wrong choice, an unkind word, a bad attitude, not spending time with our LORD, we quickly confess our sin and move on again. Teach us, Oh Lord, to number our days and to live them for Your Glory.
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