Sunday, September 30, 2007

Tired?

I watched the lesson on tiredness on the Flamingo Road Church website last night and learned about being tired. Pastor Troy Gramling stressed that he was talking about mental and spiritual tiredness and not the type of tiredness we experience after a hard day's work.

I really do wish that I could put into words in this blog the exact words he used in his lesson. However, the good thing is that his "teachings" are archived and it is possible to watch it on the Flamingo Road Church website.

He gave examples on how the stress in our everyday lives can make us tired and in turn, make us physically ill. This tiredness can be a result of the changes in our lives. The "Teaching Outline" uses the Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Scale to show how certain life events can affect us. Some events can be good and some can be bad. Nevertheless, all changes and/or events will cause stress.

He also talked about when we are experiencing this stress and tiredness in our lives, the enemy [the devil] uses this opportunity to attack us and entice us to make poor decisions which may forever change our lives.

Pastor Troy told us that we need friends during this time for moral support but there are times when these people may not be available. He asked what happens when you try to lean against something when it is not there. The answer is that we fall. He went on to say that the only way to be guaranteed support all the time is to take these changes which are causing us stress to Jesus because He is always there and will not let us fall.

"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice." Psalm 55:16-17 (NIV)




Saturday, September 29, 2007

A Touch of Fall

I lived in South Florida for a couple of months and missed the changes of the seasons. The heat and humidity seemed to be present morning, noon, and night. This is good for people who enjoy the warm weather year round but I enjoy the refreshing coolness of Fall. The magnificant sight of the leaves on the trees changing from green to rich yellows and oranges during this time of year is also an event that I look forward to.

I walked outside this morning and felt the cool, crisp morning. I watched the gentle breeze blow the limbs on the trees across the way and could hear the rustle of the leaves as they begin their Fall transition. I remembered how suppressing the heat felt all summer and how wonderful it is to feel crispness in the air. I thanked God for this beautiful day. I thought about what a wonderful gift from God it is to be able to enjoy the things in life that we normally take for granted and hardly even notice in our busy lives.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Thinking About My Favorite Book

You know that life can throw you many curve balls and you are continously ducking. Well, when this happens to me and I start feeling angry and/or insecure, I pray, read the Bible and refer to my favorite book - The Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee. It is an excellent reference source that helps me while I am searching the Bible for a scripture that will give me answers and will lift me up. The examples, references and explanations in McGee's book show me that I am not alone and that God has already prepared the way for my journey through life. I just need to trust Him and realize that He is always here to guide me. I was introduced to this book while attending Flamingo Road Church in Cooper City, FL. Pastor Troy Gramling suggested this book and believe me, it never gathers dust because I am constantly reading it.

Pastor Troy Gramling is now doing a series of teachings on most of the emotions and problems we face that make our life's journey bumpier than it has to be. Last weekend, it was on anger and this weekend; I believe, it is about being tired. His Saturday and Sunday teachings are live on the internet. If anyone is interested about finding help with your problems, check out the Flamingo Road Church website for the times and lots more information.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

mynakedpastor.com

I have been watching mynakedpastor.com for over a week now. This is the innovative idea of Pastor Troy Gramling and the gifted staff at Flamingo Road Church in Cooper City, FL. They decided to show the lives of Troy, his family and staff live for almost 24/7.

They have the same emotions, trials and tribulations as the rest of us. They show that being a Christian doesn't make you and your lives perfect. However, they do show us that we need to turn our problems over to God. Pastor Troy takes questions about problems you may have and helps by showing where you may find the answers in God's words in the Bible. The discussion part is called the naked couch and it is at 8:00 P. M. He also has a devotional early each morning at 5:00. I find the discussions and devotionals uplifting and his daily routine, especially the traveling, very entertaining. If you haven't already watched the live video, please try it - you'll like it.

Flamingo Road Church also has live internet services on Saturday night and Sundays. Check out the Flamingo Road Church website for all of internet worship services.

My Daily Prayer

My Heavenly Father

I thank you for this day. I am blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me.

I know that when I can't pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

I pray for my daughter and grandchildren and all my friends. I pray for each member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes.

I thank you that I believe. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know you intimately.

Forgive me for everything I have done, said or thought that is not pleasing to you. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Help me not to whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me make the best of each day and to clear my mind so that I can hear from you.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen