3.27.2011

Words I Like...

glean: to gather slowly and laboriously, bit by bit; to learn, discover, or find out, usually little by little or slowly.

Ruth gathered in the field of her kinsman redeemer, her bridegroom.

Do I do the same with my Kinsman Redeemer and Bridegroom?

There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered him, “The Lord bless you!” Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.” Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.” So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.” Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back. And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.” So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied.

RUTH 2

3.22.2011

30 Day Song Challenge:Day Three:Makes Me Happy

Oops! Too much homework...forgot to post my happy song!!!


I'm a smilin!

3.20.2011

30 Day Song Challenge:Day Two:Least Favorite Song

Oh dear! I don't know why, but I can't stand this song...sorry if there are any lovers out there!!

What is the point...

...of serving someone if it is not for the glory of the Lord? This has been a common theme my thoughts since quitting my job back in September. I have a heart that loves to serve. It may not always be in a way that people take notice of or appreciate, but the desire to serve and give of myself is what sparks passion in my heart.

How do I reconcile the passion to serve with a shy or introverted personality? I challenge that aspect of my personality. I take action that makes me step outside my box where I am comfortable. I focus on the fact that the need of the people is greater than anything I might feel.

But is that where it ends? If so, there is a huge disconnect. Where is the Lord in all of it? Am I simply challenging my flesh or am I allowing the Lord to show me that He is my strength and the One who calls me out of who I think I am? Do I rely on my own ability to take action steps or do I know that the Lord will present specific opportunities each and every day to step out in FAITH? Do I just see a physical need or do I see a spiritual need that only the Lord can fill?

These are things I must keep in mind as the path of service is laid before me.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 323-24

3.19.2011

30 Day Song Challenge:Day One:Favorite Song

Honestly, I'm not sure if I have a favorite song. There are so many I like and that remind me of different times in life that it seems odd to pick a "favorite" out of them all...like picking a memory that I like best of all! I digress.

This song is one that I remember from a very poignant time in my life. It was a time of great growth, deep friendships, and learning what it meant to really and truly love the Lord. The memories that flood in when I hear this song: brokenness (in a good way), challenge, seeing friends step forward in faith, intimacy, THANKFULNESS.

Not only are there the memories, there is ultimately the message of the song. When I was nothing the Lord redeemed my soul. I didn't just have nothing, I had a deficit. But He can do all things. He saved me from death.

Thank you Lord for giving your Son for me. I had nothing and you had everything.
Thank you Jesus for sacrificing your life for me. You were sinless but you paid my debt.