Cross the Threshold

Do you ever feel stuck? Or maybe more like your life keeps repeating the same day, moment or mistake?

 Maybe this is in your job, marriage, parenting, or daily life? Are you stuck spiritually, emotionally, physically or financially?

I don’t have the answers for you. I am not sure of what God has planned for your life or journey; I do know that ours will not be the same. Below I would like to offer one of my experiences as encouragement.

Lately this is where I come back to.  I continue to circle back again and again. Why am I here again? Haven’t I struggled with this enough? Why must I wait, grow or both? I know God has something for me. I have been patient! I have grown! I am ready.  I thought I learned this or did this or I thought I was finished. Hmm…that’s it – I thought I was finished. 

You see I was ready for a break.  I couldn’t handle the work anymore.  I didn’t want to put in the effort. I was tired, overwhelmed and exhausted. “I am not good enough!” and “I can’t possibly do that” were the lies that were on repeat in my head.  I told God “I’m done.”

He answered. 

Being the tender father He is, He replied, “It is your choice. I will not force you.  I will open the door, but I will not make you go through it.  But you will not know what I have for you if you do not go through the door."

So I sat with these options.  I prayed. I was still. I prepared. I decided to physically open the door and cross the threshold. As I stepped over that piece of aluminum I prayed and asked for the Holy Spirit’s presence and for God’s will to be done. 

You see God has given me a gift and a purpose.  It is not one that most understand or think is righteous. In fact some will say the opposite.  But I know that even if I never know the why or how or purpose, God has provided this place for me.  It is a place where the work doesn’t feel like work.  Where I hope I can shine and share his light and love. He continues to teach me, refresh me, change me and refine me. And I have realized – I am not finished.

As I said before, your journey is not the same as mine, however I believe that God puts people in our lives at different times and places for His purpose.  I hope that maybe this will encourage you to silence the lies, to not give up or to cross the threshold. Take that one step. Do not race or rush. Cross the threshold decisively with hopeful expectation of what Our Father has waiting for you.

Humbly offered by Jodie Wilson

The Fog

Driving in the fog is like a trust building exercise.  You have to be cautious, alert, pay attention and then you have to trust.  Trust that the road is there, trust that a car or deer is not headed toward you and trust that it is safe to drive 25, 35, 55 or 75 mph. How crazy is this!? How come I can trust when I cannot see however I can become SO concerned, worked up, full of anxiety and blind over small unimportant daily things?  Why is it so hard for me to turn to God, pray and willingly give my worry or troubles to him? How is it that I can hop into the car and drive without concern when death is an imminent danger and possible outcome? But worry about what people think of me, how I look, if I am 'right' or if I am 'doing enough' trip me up again and again.

Let me say that I do pray for safety and protection when I drive, but not every time.  I don't have an answer for why I do this, besides possibly - I am human and a sinner. I am trying to repent from my worry so I may face the Lord and rest in his presence.  This does not mean it will be easy.  It does mean I will not be alone!  I am going to challenge myself to a trust experience.  I want to trust God to lead me.  I am going to prayerfully discern after prayerfully listening so that I may follow.  You see I have discovered that I am not called to be (and I do not want to be) a leader.  But I am called to be a follower.  I am a follower of Christ. 
Now I need to practice.

Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

written and submitted by Jodie Wilson

Enough?

I know I know, it has been awhile and I know the title is almost the same. However, if you will stay with me for just a bit I think it will work.

It is THE HOLIDAY season.  Advent is almost here, turkeys are running scared or already in our refrigerators.  Plans have been made for Thanksgiving and are starting to take shape for Christmas. To do lists as well as shopping list have been started or possibly already checked off. Do you have enough time? Or does it feel like you have enough time? Will everything be accomplished?  Will dinner turn out right? Will you have enough food?  Will you have enough money to pay for everything?

Sometimes the irony of my thoughts and worries this time of year, cause me to laugh at myself and shake my head at my lack of trust and faith.  Christmas is when Jesus came to us.  When he came to us.  He is enough.  His grace is enough.  How do I forget so fast what the real meaning of this season is all about?  How is it so easy for me to take my gaze off of my Savior.  This world is full of bright and shiny things.  Full of LOUD distractions.  So many things can demand our attention.  But we have to choose.  We have to choose to be satisfied and content in our Heavenly Father.  We also have to trust him to provide for us, and see us through the hard and struggling times.

I wish you rest and peace and a FULLY blessed Holiday season!
God Bless
Jodie Wilson

Enough

Isn't it interesting how one word can mean so many things?  Either by definition or by the words that surround it when it is said.  Even the tone of voice can change the meaning of a word. I was inspired by another post today. It brought me back to thoughts I have had before but are easy to forget.  In our lives we tend to ask for a lot.  Now maybe this causes you to recoil, saying, "Not me."  Well bear with me and read on and ponder on the following.  Here are a few things that I tend to ask the Lord for without adjusting my expectations: 
1. Our (my) daily bread
You see I tend to want the whole buffet or at least a piece of chocolate after the bread, but that is not what Jesus instructs us to pray.  Our daily bread will suffice, it will be enough.
2. Fill my cup
"Lord, please fill my cup!" I have asked this over and over.  When a very wise friend pointed out that in order for my cup to be filled by Jesus I needed to empty it first. You see sometimes I try to fill my own cup with things, whether that be commitments or stuff, it doesn't work.  Plus in order for the Lord to fill my cup with 100% Him, it needs to be empty. An empty cup doesn't always feel good.  Sometimes it hurts and feels well empty, but if you allow God to fill your cup to the top, it will be enough.
Today I am going to send you on a trip instead of a full post I want to share with you this : I get enough. 

These words are enough.  

God Bless ~Jodie Wilson

Do You Listen to God? Really Listen?

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

John 9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

I am like this man in these verses.  Except for one thing.  I ask, I hear but then I stop.  I normally only listen to what I want to hear or what fits into my schedule.  Just recently God told me "You are walking around with mud on your eyes."  You see, I ask - hope- trust and follow the 'putting mud on my eyes' part, but I do not follow the 'wash in the pool' part.  So then I walk around blind.  EXTRA BLIND! Not only can I not see, but I also have mud covering my eyes and any possibility of seeing.  

Then I wonder why?  "Why must I stumble and fall?  Why must I face challenges? Especially when I am following you Lord!  I am doing what you asked!" I angrily shout.  I become frustrated and disappointed at and with God. "Why?" I ask over and over.  "What more do you want? or What I am supposed to do next?" 

God so gently reminds me. "Follow me, - Fully. Trust me, Fully. Listen to me, - Fully.  Surrender to me - Fully.  LET ME LOVE YOU -FULLY!"

I struggle with this daily. Daily I have to remind myself.  I have to focus and not become distracted.  Not become distracted by this world or my wants.  I have to recommit everyday, sometimes over and over again throughout the day.  How many times do I act like a child?  I throw tantrums.  Kicking and screaming, fighting God's loving arms.  As a person I know how it feels to have my love or care for someone rejected.  As a mother I have experienced my child struggling, making decisions or choices I know will lead to pain or fight  my loving arms that are only trying to comfort.  Oh how much that can hurt my heart!  But the feeling when my child relents.  When the sobs calm and my child settles into my hug or when the person you have been loving or caring for receives it, fully accepts your gift.  Oh the calm, the peace. How much greater is God's love? We cannot fathom.  The same is true for His peace it is indescribable. A peace that passes understanding.

How many times have I been the child? Too many to count. I am the child. I will most likely continue to act this way. I am human, and I am a sinner.  But I am HIS child.  I am a child of God!  There is always a place of rest, a place to be comforted, a lap to climb into.  I lose sight sometimes of the way to get there. Sometimes Satan distracts, tempts, hides or makes the way difficult. Sometimes I feel the world hides the way.  Sometimes I, myself, am in the way. I make excuses; "I don't have enough time. I don't know the way."

But truly I know the way. 

Isaiah 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Jeremiah 29:12-14 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

This is ALL I need to do.  Call.  Ask and He is there.

Then I need to Fully Listen and Follow. It is truly amazing how bright it is once I have washed away the mud!  As we prepare for the coming of Christ, may we wash all the mud away everyday.  May we turn our face FULLY towards Him.  May we turn our eyes upon Jesus and be amazed at how bright and beautiful He truly is! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always welcoming me with open arms no matter how big of a tantrum I throw.  Please help me Father to daily wash the mud off my eyes and prepare my heart to accept the love and wonderful gift of your son Jesus.

written by and submitted by Jodie Wilson

Have you heard His voice? Do you hear God’s voice?

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

God’s voice, His voice, what does that make you think of?  Do you have memory or experience?

I feel that God’s voice is sometimes viewed as more of an illusion.  Rather than a real experience or a real audible sound it is something that is just out of our reach or maybe in our imagination.  I think Hollywood has encouraged this thought process.  If you do not hear God’s voice as in the Ten Commandments or if it is not booming or distinctly clear as in Oh God!, then maybe it was not really God?

I believe that God is always clear, but that we don’t fully understand.  I believe that God is loud enough, whether it is a shout or a whisper.  I also believe that we have an active part in hearing God’s voice.  We have to listen.  We have to quiet our life.  In all of the noise and busyness we have to focus on Him.  When we focus on Him then we can recognize His voice.  Just as one wise child said a few Sunday ago, “If the sheep hear another voice they may be worried.”  Oh how many times I have listened to the other voices in my life and I have worried.  The devil is great at impressions and an amazing impersonator.  He can tempt us, trick us and mislead us.  God does not do or will not do any of these.  So this is where we have to take the time and use discernment.  Discernment can be hard.  The background noise of life can be LOUD and overwhelming.  We have to make the choice to find a place to, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10.  But if I am honest there is a peace that passes understanding, when I listen and follow God, the worry simply is not there.  Sometimes I feel silly when I look back at my actions and choices and worries.  Why did I invest all of the time and energy worrying? Why didn’t I just listen and follow?    

I would like to challenge you to take the time to spend time with God.  Be in His word, in prayer, in quiet, in peace, in conversation and most important in relationship with our Lord and Heavenly Father.

Dear Lord, please help me to quiet myself. Lord, please quiet my mind, heart and the world around me.  Father, help me to focus on you and put the effort and time in to our relationship that it needs to grow and flourish.  In your name Amen.

Written and submitted by Jodie Wilson

New Beginnings...

***This post is taken from Morning Praise and written by Terrie Ruff****

Behold I make all things new. Revelations 21:5

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

The warmth from the October sun felt good as a I walked in a nearby park.  The gentle breeze made the weather seem perfect and refreshing as I soaked in nature's abundance.  With each lap I smiled as I felt the hardened brown leaves under my feet, each making a unique crunching sound.  Very soon these leaves, which looked so fragile and lifeless, would be replaced by the new, green, lively leaves of spring.
New beginnings.Those who don't have a relationship with Christ come to mind.  They too seem hardened, fragile, and lifeless as the brown leaves of fall.  They too are often stepped upon by the weight of our uncaring, unloving, and lack of acceptance, or, as one pastor stated, the weight of our "long memories"- our unwillingness to forgive and forget mistakes of the past.  They are often treated like the brown leaves we gather and disregard because there is no use for something in which we so no potential.  Yet Jesus commissions us to love unconditionally and see the good, the potential in others.  We should see others through His eyes, who knows that failures are never final!  He always wants us, and as His ambassadors we must follow His example.  We must gather into our arms those without a relationship with Him, and provide a covering, a shelter of safety, love and acceptance.
A special friend reminds me daily of how such a covering can aid in rebuilding and reconciliation.  Many have seen him as a failure because of past mistakes made before he had a committed walk with God.  But now he has a circle of Christian friends who love and accept him just as he is, no strings attached.  He has friends who believe in the God of second chances, the God of new beginnings.  Although it's fall and the leaves of nature are brown, fragile and lifeless, in the life of my precious friend it's spring!
I'm smiling again and walking with more rapid stride, my eyes filled with tears of joy as I witness God's gift of restoration and reconciliation.  What an awesome privilege to have been chosen to be a part of such an experience!  My friend is becoming a new creature in Christ!  I marvel at God's gift of a new beginning.
By Terrie Ruff

He is the Vine...

Many times as I have traveled through the image on the front of the current bulletin for this sermon series, I have started a blog post.  Well at least in my head I have.  The image reminds me of what I see almost on a daily basis, fields.  My children already know how to spot grapes growing in the fields or vineyards and as the corn grows higher and the soy beans grow lush, the grapes grow beautiful, green and thick.  Growing up in Southwest Michigan the smell of grapes in the fall is something you come to know and possibly expect.  I even now excitedly await for the first time.  The first time in September when you drive by and catch that beautiful whiff of grapes!  It is almost indescribable. 

But do you know how to care for grapes?  How you must prune then back every year in order for more fruit to produce and so there is not too much shade in the following year.  The most common mistake made is not pruning enough or hard enough.  Knowing how to prune grapes can make the difference between a good crop and a bad one. When pruning grapes, you’ll want to cut off as much of the old wood as possible. This will encourage the growth of new wood, which is where the fruit is produced.  Grapes should be pruned during their dormancy, usually in late winter. When it comes to pruning grapes, the most common mistake people make is not pruning hard enough. Light pruning doesn’t promote adequate fruiting whereas heavy pruning provides the greatest quality of grapes.

Okay, so I am not going to teach you how to plant or take care of your own vineyard, but when I read this I could not help but think how this applies to our faith.  In John 15:1 Jesus says “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.”  Have you ever found yourself stuck in your faith?  Maybe not stuck but unsure of what to do next, or perhaps you are perfectly comfortable in where you are in your relationship with God.  I have found that when I am comfortable, it is my dormant season and time for a pruning.  The tricky part is when I reach this place is that I have to wait.  Because you see, I am not my own gardener.  I have to wait to see how, where and when the Lord is going to prune me.   Many times this pruning bends me, stretches me, sometimes it hurts me.  However, the Lord knows how to prune that I may heal and bear more fruit.  I must be patient, while waiting to be pruned and while I heal or grow from the pruning.  I also have to trust that God knows what he is doing, loves me, will do what is best for me and that he will be by my side during this time.  See the branch does not just grow plentiful fruit on its own.  If left to its own, it actually continues to grow less and less fruit.  I am that way as well.  I need my master gardener, THE MASTER GARDENER.  Not so that I may produce the most or taste the best or even look the best, but so I may share him through me.  So that by looking at me or knowing me they also know him.  Truly KNOW him, not just of him. 

I challenge you to take a step back and look at where God may have pruned in your life recently or in the past.  He is encouraging new growth and fruit in and through you, but you have to let him.

Prayer:  Dear Father, my Master Gardener please help me to allow you to encourage new growth and fruit through me.  Lord help me to be patient and also to trust you. Help me to rest and find peace when pruning is not welcome or understood, Lord when it hurts help me to turn to you.  Father help me to receive your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control so that I may know you and make you known. Amen

Written and submitted by Jodie Wilson 

Interruptions

Have you ever had one of those days where you can't seem to finish anything, even a thought or sentence without being interrupted?  Maybe the doorbell or timer goes off.  Maybe the phone is ringing, or someone keeps texting you or maybe a child needs your help or needs to "just to tell you something."  Sometimes interruptions happen.  It can become frustrating when all you need to do or finish is this one thing.  Right now my life feels like this more than I would like to admit. In the constant doing for someone or chores that need to be done, I feel like I am on this hamster wheel, but I am not going very fast I am just spinning in circles.  The interruptions are like a reset button and I have to climb back on the wheel to get it spinning again and start all over.  

As Pentecost is coming I wonder what the apostles thought when the violent wind came in and what appeared to be tongues of fire where suddenly over their heads.  I can picture Peter looking at John and James about to say,"Who forgot to close the window?" as the fire appeared. And then what an amazing thing happened they were able to speak so that all gathered in Jerusalem could understand. "But wait, Lord!  This language thing is great but we had things to do, to discuss, to plan." I wonder if this thought crossed any of the apostles' minds. I wonder how many time I have said "But wait, Lord!" myself.

Sometimes I welcome those interruptions.  That smiling face so sweet and excited about the tower that he just built all by himself or that phone call from a friend I haven't spoken to in too long.  I am trying to fully enjoy the blessings and gifts God has given me.  But sometimes I fill my schedule with so many things that I think God interrupts my plans to remind me that I need to be present in the now.  I believe this is God's way of telling me to scale back a bit. So this summer that is my goal.  I am going to try to step off the hamster wheel, quiet that constant whirring that has been in my head and be fully present not only in my life but with him.  I am sure I will still be interrupted, but I am going to try to see the daily constant interruptions as opportunities that God has given to me.  
How about you?  What is God trying to tell you in the daily interruptions? 


Prayer
Lord, please help me to turn every interruption into an opportunity to show and share your love.  Forgive me for putting my wants first.  Help me to fully enjoy every day as a gift from you and to be patient, while I listen and wait for you to lead me.

Written by Jodie Wilson

Acts 2 - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[g] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Check out the other pages to see what is new and check out the calendar at harbertcommunitychurch.org

Preparing...

Many of you know that I am expecting a baby in just a few weeks.  As the due date becomes closer and closer am preparing for the upcoming somewhat upheaval of our household and daily lives.  While some preparing or "nesting," as it is referred to in the 'pregnancy guidebooks,' has been fun and exciting, at times I start to let it become overbearing and overwhelming.  I feel like this is a common feeling when we prepare.  Almost any event, be it a holiday, a marriage, pregnancy, a new job or a big move can start off with excitement and anticipation, but often times that can turn into this feeling of "There are SO MANY preparations (things) to do!!!"  Personally this happens to me and I often realize it is because I have forgotten to ask for help.  I have forgotten to ask for His help.  When I begin to feel that overwhelming weight and pressure of "I can't do it all!" I have come to realize that I have not asked my Heavenly Father for help.  I cannot do 'it all,' but I especially cannot without his help and guidance.  There is an amazing relief that I feel after I ask for help from the Lord. I still may not accomplish my entire "to do" list, but what I do accomplish is with his help and I find that I am not nearly as concerned at what may not have gotten done.  

One of my favorite hymns is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."*  This song truly speaks to me.  Why must I continue to think I can do this on my own.  God does not expect or even want me to try to go it alone.  The opposite actually.  God still wants us to prepare.  And there are many things that we should prepare for, but I would challenge you approach preparing for whatever may be next in your life, with Hebrews 12:1-3 in mind.  When I read Hebrews 12:1-3; I picture throwing off these chains that have been weighing me down and holding me back and running full force, feeling so light, the wind in my hair, with my eyes fixed on Jesus as he is standing arms outstretched waiting for me.    I pray that you will run as well, light and free and fast straight into the arms of our Savior.

- written by Jodie Wilson

*reimagined and arranged by Jamin Bradley

Hebrews 12 (NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

1 Peter 5:7 (NET) "...by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you."

Take a look around see what is new and updated.  We hope to see you soon at Harbert Community Church!

Not a House but a Home...

Lately I have been feeling like a house of cards.  If I am balanced ever so carefully, I can be beautifully intricate, rise to amazing heights and simply amaze.  But that balance is so easily upset one breeze, however faint or shake of the table and I fall, hard, fast and into a messy heap(and most of the time my heap includes tears).  I feel flat, defeated, inadequate and so unorganized.  Like a mess of cards scattered every which way some facing up, others facing down, not good for anything except to sort through, clean up and possibly start (building or playing with) again.  Normally I find that one of many things have happened in order for my house to fall.  My foundation is not where it should be, or maybe I am building for the wrong reasons or maybe I am not supposed to be building at all and instead God has something for me in the clean up, the sorting through or the slow process of starting again. 

A few weeks ago Pastor Britta asked the children during the children's message what a church is?  The response was that is was a building to keep us safe.  Did you catch that?  A building. Sometimes I find that I am to concerned about my "House" and I neglect, ignore or don't even bother with my HOME.  My home is in Christ, with the Lord and my Savior.  When my focus is on other things, worldly things or even (gasp!) church ministry things, if my foundation is not in God and I am not based in the word, I am not home.  When I do not start where I should I become so unstable and the enemy can easily knock me down.

Harbert Community Church is in a time of transition.  Now more than ever we need to work on our home.  When we as a church family are hurting we need to take special care for each other.  A hymn came to my mind when that children's sermon took place and later during another sermon and discussion.  The hymn is "We Are theChurch" by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh.  I encourage you to follow the link and read or sing through the song. I encourage you (and me!) to focus on our HOME and not worry so much about the house.  Houses will eventually be destroyed, but our Home in Christ is Forever!

- written by Jodie Wilson

Isaiah 32:18-20 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be...

So will you please join us as we try to continue building not a house, but a Home at Harbert Community Church.  Reach out to someone new, or that you don't know very well, step out of your comfort zone and offer to volunteer, but most importantly welcome everyone into our HOME.

Don't forget to check out what is going on this fall at HCC!

Women's Morning Bible Study        HCC Women's Luncheon
Holiday Bazaar

May We Run

Isaiah 41:10  "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Many runners will tell you if you ask them, what they repeat as their mantra when they run long distances to help them along.  Sometimes I repeat, "Forward. Upward. Forward. Upward.". The visualization of those two things propels me well, forward and upward.  But more often than not, I recite Bible passages. These passages don't necessarily have anything to do with running, but are good to ponder and focus on instead of the discomfort of running for hours.  A common passage I like to recite is Isaiah 41:10. I have always been motivated by it and like to repeat it a few times and really dwell on what this passage means.

Often in our lives we are fearful of things to come or things that are happening.  We are dismayed when we think about the predicaments of our lives. But God tells us not to fear!  He is with us. We aren't alone in our trials.  He is handling this for us.  Don't dismay. Be hopeful.  He is our God.  He strengthens us and helps us through all difficulties in our lives.  He holds us up with his righteous right hand.  We are carried in the palm of his amazing hand.

When I'm running I visualize him literally holding me in his hand.  I picture him strengthening me and running that distance with me.  It is a metaphor for my life.  He doesn't just carry me on my runs, he carries me through my entire life- parenting my children, interacting with my community, working on my relationship with my husband, caring for and loving my parents and friends.  He is with me and I need not fear in any circumstance. He is my God.

-written by Kristen Kaspar

May we learn to run.  Not in fear but fully trusting that the Lord is with us, providing strength and holding us up with his hand.

In the Midst...

            I heard the mom’s tight voice just down the aisle from me in the store.  Speaking to her toddler, who was seated in a shopping cart being pushed by his grandmother, the mom said, “You better be nice in here, or you’ll be sorry!” 

            Whenever I’m out in a public place and hear a child on the receiving end of an adult’s anger, it makes me cringe.  If this is what goes on when they are out in public, what is life like in the privacy of their own home?  On this particular day, it was as if I could not escape the situation.  They were practically following me around the store.

            The cute little guy was giggling and having a great time with his grandma, who was doing a good job of entertaining him while the mom shopped.  His legs flipping back and forth, he jabbered and pointed, while grandma toured the store with him.  In his tiny hands he held a Kindle, which his mother had given him to “play” with.  A moment later, there was a clunk, followed by crying.

            The grandmother soothingly said, “That’s okay, honey.  It was an accident.”  The little boy whimpered, “I sorry.”  The mom’s voice rose as she reprimanded her son for dropping the Kindle, while the grandma came to his defense.  “He said he was sorry, honey.  If it slips out of his hands, what is he supposed to do?”

            “Mom!  I just got this back after having it repaired the first time!”  And then, turning to her sobbing son, she said, “Quit your crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!”

            Meanwhile, my brain evaluated several exit ramps.  Should I saunter over to the mom and say, perhaps in a smooth Laura Dean accent, “Love him when he’s little, ma’am; he’s gonna grow up before you know it.”  Or, should I go grab one of those cute tractor books I saw on the way in to the store and place it in the boy’s chunky hands, flash the mom a beautiful Lindsay Small smile and wink at the grandma?  I also considered using my own mother’s reaction to such a scene, which would be an audible tsk of the tongue, followed by a heavy sigh and departure.

            But unfortunately, I did nothing.  I stopped long enough to notice the worn, dirty coat the mom was wearing, the exasperation in her voice.  I noticed too the gentle hands of the grandma.  Who was I to think I knew exactly what was going on here?  More often than not, there is much more to a story.

            Instead I found myself saying a prayer for the little boy, the grandma, and the frustrated mother.  God was right here in the midst of all this drama.  Just as He has always been with me in my times of frustration, fatigue, and impatience as a mother.  I remember well those times when my children were the least lovable, because it was at those times that they needed my love the most. 

            All three of these people needed Jesus at that point.  And, quite frankly, so did I.  

- written by Debbie Reith

Romans 14:13 "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."

I would like to add that Debbie did not "do nothing," as said above.  

She prayed.  May we remember the "I sorry" of the little boy and pray instead of passing judgement on others.  May we also learn to fully rest in the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Time...

How is it that one little word can conjure up so many thoughts and feelings?  There are many definitions of time, just as there are many feelings the word time brings to mind.  After reading through all of the definitions given by Merriam-Webster if I had to summarize time, it would be: when something happens.

   Time frustrates me.  I think the reason why is that I cannot control it.  No matter if I yell to "Hurry Up!" or if I try to slow time down.  It doesn't work.  Either I need more time or I cannot wait for time to pass more quickly.  Maybe the passing of time makes me feel stressed or rushed.  For instance when there is a deadline in place, especially if I am running behind.  But then I also may wish to stretch out a certain time that I am enjoying so much I don't want it to end.  Maybe I am so anxious or excited about an upcoming event that I am the one early with time to spare and I want the time to speed up.  You see I personally have NO control over time itself.  It keeps going, at its own pace.  Here is the thing though, I can control what I do with my time.

   Lately, I have been reminded over and over that you never know what time may bring.  Maybe it will be an end or a new beginning.  Something you never saw coming or maybe you had an inkling.   Even though we do not know what the future holds, God does.   I have to give my time to God.   I have to be willing to let go and listen, wait then follow.  Many have heard or are familiar with Jeremiah 29:11.  But I encourage you to look at the verses that follow, read at least to verse 13.  How will you seek God with your time?

   At the end of the day I will most likely not be upset that I played with my children or took time to talk to a friend even if the laundry is not done.  I hardly ever truly wish for time to go by faster, even if I have wished for nap time or bed time to come sooner.  But I think this is what God has shown me.   I have to be willing to wait and be patient, yet also ready to let go and continue to move on.  For me I have learned to slow down my pace, sit back look at what God has given me and take the time not only to be thankful but also enjoy.  While time still frustrates this type A personality frequently,  I try to live in the moment and enjoy the pace whether it be frantic or Relaxed. 

I challenge you to enjoy this amazing journey of time and always remember God is right by your side.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

written by Jodie Wilson

Check out the most up to date information on the upcoming 

Women's Retreat and Everything Else that is going on at HCC.  

You can find Harbert Community Church website or calendar here.

The Perfect Gift...

Well, here we are again – Christmas!  Time to start making lists of all you have to do to be ready for the big day.  Buy those Christmas cards early and get them addressed and in the mail.  Start baking Christmas cookies and sweet breads for neighbors.  Don’t forget to pick up stocking items.  Oh my, what am I forgetting? It isn’t even Thanksgiving and all you see are Christmas decorations and newspaper ads encouraging you to buy the perfect gift. But what is the perfect gift, and who could afford it even if you knew what it was?  But wait, God gave us the perfect gift when he gave us his Son.  Maybe this is the gift we can give to others, and what better time than Christmas when we celebrate the birth of that wonderful gift to us.  Perhaps the gift you can give is simply a hug, or a phone call to a lonely widow.  Maybe a smile to that grumpy person next to you in line at the check-out counter would be the gift that person needs.  Reading a story to a shut-in, or baby-sitting for a harried mom might be just the thing.  Whatever gift you choose to give, remember the only perfect gift came from God and by sharing the lessons his Son taught us, we are sharing Him.  What better gift could anyone give?  Choose to share the perfect gift this Christmas.

Philemon 1:6 You are generous because of your faith.  And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ.

written by Ginny McCord

Serve, Seek, Connect and Don't Be Afraid...

As we enter in to a new season it is all too easy to get caught up, once again, in the busy thing we call "Life." Summer's easy schedule or maybe non-schedule is gone and back is the daily schedule and calendar that fills up all too fast.  Lately as my own calendar has begun to fill up I have found it both frustrating and amusing that even though I might be busy somehow I feel less connected.  In a world where we are connected all the time, literally at our fingertips, with others, how could I feel less connected?  Well sometimes I think that we forget what it really means to connect with someone.  A few definitions of connect are as follows* to join, link or fasten or to establish communication between.  Even those words can seem to ring a bit hollow for me, except that last part.  Establish communication, this to me is what it means to connect.  All to often I go about my day, connecting to my email, my bank balance, my job, even my family before I remember or even think about connecting to God.  It is kind of like I am saying "Oh, don't worry Lord, I can handle my life,"  ... until I can't.  At least I can't by myself.  I need to connect with God daily, even more than that, my relationship with him works better when he and I are in constant conversation.  I also need to connect with others.  Whether it be friends, family, my husband or maybe a stranger, I find that when I am connected with God, he shows me the places and gives me the time to freely and fully connect with others.  So I will leave you with this; God is never too busy for us so do not be afraid to connect, seek or serve.  
 "Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5  

~ written by Jodie Wilson
*definition from dictionary.reference.com

Now that Fall is officially around the corner, we here at Harbert Community Church Women's Ministry are also entering many new beginnings.  Take a look around to see what is new and where God might be calling you.  

Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime!

As we are in the heat of the summer remember to take some time and enjoy God's creation.  Many of us are so lucky to be apart of it everyday and sometimes we forget how truly amazing it is.  So we encourage you to take some time to just be and relax.  
Looking ahead we have some great events that are coming up:
The Women's Annual Salad Luncheon
Women's Prayer
Momologie
Evening Bible Study
Morning Bible Study
Women's Fall Portage Lake Retreat
and Our Holiday Bazaar

We hope to see you soon!

Welcome Women

We are pleased to present our premier HCC Women's Ministry blog!  Technology is moving fast and we are trying our best to keep up.  Many upcoming events are in the works so please follow us and an email will be sent to you as information is posted!