Acts

I began reading the Book of Acts a couple of weeks ago mainly because of the show “A.D.: the Bible Continues” on NBC. I realized that this show is covering the Acts of the Apostles and wanted to felt the need to read it. I guess that would be the Spirit nudging me.

Anyway, last week our church held a workshop over a couple of evenings and the presenter kept bringing up the Book of Acts. I thought that was a pretty powerful sign as well.

Sunday, the pastor ended a series with Acts 2. Hmmmmm, another sign!

I promise I am getting somewhere!

Sooo, I am now in Chapter 3 and find myself wanting to re-read what I’ve read in order to continue on into the next chapter. After discussing my struggle with the cares pastor, I find her suggestion to be more helpful: just read it through like a story the first time then go back and read it more in depth.

What I can say with some certainty is that it is in chapter 2 where we find the founding of the church. It amazes me every single day how profound that is and how much of an influence Jesus has in my life. Now, in the workshop last week, there was a question posed (one that I ask myself often): Who am I? Have you ever wondered who you are? Who you are in Christ. It’s a difficult question to answer even now.

I know that I am:

• a daughter of God
• a child of God
• a woman
• a teacher
• a veteran
• a friend
• a sister
• a daughter

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. But to really know who I am in the eyes of God, who I am in Christ, that’s going to take more thought. In life group tonight we discussed this as well. I have even more perspective: Who I am in Christ goes to not just an encounter with Him but when my knowledge of him clicked on in my heart; knowledge not just in the head.

So, who am I?

Eternal Life

I have recently begun a study of Philippians. Now, I am only through Chapter 2 at this point, but I am learning a lot.

One of the things I have learned is something we Christians kind of already know, but do we really understand: God will keep us here until we have completed His work and only then will He bring us home.

Philippians 1:21-25 is what brought this home for me.

²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith… (NIV)

Now, I for one am anxiously awaiting the day I get to meet Jesus face-to-face and be reunited with my family.  But, I also know that God has plans for me and His plans for me have not yet finished. I look forward to learning more about His plans and how He plans to use me. Until then, I will continue to grow in my faith.

Crocus and Faith

I noticed something the other day as I was heading out to work. A little back story: John planted some crocus the weekend before he left. This was a little more than a month ago. Well, the other day I noticed something poking through the soil in the pots.

Crocus VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

While I miss him greatly and know that he may not be back (that is up to God), I am grateful for all he did for me while in my life. These crocus will serve as a reminder of renewal in my life and the love I hold for this man. No matter how hurt and angry I have been over the past few weeks, I know how I feel deep down. I only wish he could have believed the truth of my love for him. Either way, and despite all of the turmoil, I have forgiven him and pray for him to find peace in his life, wherever he may be.

Since he left, I have been meeting with one of my pastor’s on a weekly basis (well, missed 1 week but that’s ok). I am focusing myself on talking with God on a daily basis and working on my faith. I have always believed in Jesus and His sacrifice for my sins; since I was a little girl. I haven’t always walked the right path. This is what I am focused on learning: God’s path for my life.

I don’t know what He holds for my future, but I do know He is allowing the crocus to grow. A sign of His promises to us.

A New Project

I spent part of Saturday with a friend of mine down in Ellenton and Palmetto. We visited Emerson Point Preserve and the Gamble Mansion & Plantation. Here are some pictures:

Emerson Point Preserve & Gamble Mansion VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

You’ll notice in the pictures a stitched piece. I am not sure how old it is, but it’s been preserved nicely.  

Also, while at Gamble Mansion I noticed an interesting item. So, now on my Projects list is “The Gamble Mansion”.

Not the best picture, but you get a general idea.

Not much else to say right now.

 

 

In a separate post, I will leave you with a song that is just amazing!

Sweet Holy Spirit - Newworldson

A Stitching Update

I can’t believe that I haven’t picked up a single project in at least 6 months now! Not that I haven’t wanted to work on anything because I have. I just had a lot of stuff going on in my life and couldn’t seem to find the time to work on any of my WIPs. Not to mention that a lot of my stash is safely packed away in the closet in the spare room. That’s a project that I will have to get to and soon!
But I digress…
Here are some pictures of my WIPs (that I have every intention on making a dent in over the remainder of this year):

As you can see, a couple of them are nearly complete. Hopefully I will be able to get back into these soon!

Oh, and please share my blog with your blogging friends. I would greatly appreciate it! :)

God’s Timing

God’s timing is perfect. There are reasons He makes us wait. He is trying to prepare us for all He has in store for us.

God’s Timing VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Ok, so I am impatient in many ways. I am learning to find myself again after what can only be described as the best and not quite worst 5 months of my life. I had love, or so I thought, from a great guy. At first he treated me well. Took care of our home. Prepared meals for me; including my lunches for work. No, he didn’t have a job outside the home. That was our arrangement since he needed to acclimate to the weather and I made enough to support us. I am not saying he couldn’t get a job if he wanted one. He just didn’t seem to want one; until that one offer came along. I won’t go into details.

I really love this man and thought he was the one God intended for me. I was wrong! I do believe God brought him into my life for a reason. Quite possibly to help me get out of the rut I was in since my dad passed away in 2012. I just know that my feelings are genuine and it’s been a difficult couple of weeks since he left but God does have a plan for me and my life. He has someone chosen just for me. His plan was formed before I even existed. I just have to wait on His timing!

I found this image while looking for others on God’s Timing and thought it perfect to end this post:

(Too bad we can’t use this on Facebook!)