Ok. Summer time is takin' its toll on my blogging, but I have to share this link today.
If you have a teenager and haven't seen this blog, you need to. Moms of guys and girls- this is a great tool for you to use.
http://www.5conversations.blogspot.com/
Check it out weekly.
Have a great week and I will see you all regularly when school starts back....!
love ya!
dorinda
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Somebody's Knocking at the Door, Someone's Ringing the Bell
Ok. I wrote the title of this post and now I can't get the old song out of my head!!
Does anybody else over 40 remember this song? I think it was the first "rock-n-roll" song I remember hearing.... (I was just a child). Ha!
I do not remember anything else about or of this song except what I wrote in the title, so if it has horrible lyrics or connotations, please pretend I never put that in here. :0)
But...... I have a verse on my heart and that phrase goes with it.
Revelation 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
This is Jesus talking to the church in Laodicea.
1) My question is, why is He outside the door knocking? Why isn't He already INSIDE with the body OF Christ?
Did they boot Him out?
Did they get so busy they forgot about Him?
Or were they all "into" doing the work of the Lord that they left the Lord of the work outside?
2) My second question is, "Why doesn't He have a key?" Why does He have to knock?
3) My third question: He says, "IF anyone hears my voice", shouldn't the church be earnestly seeking HIS voice and HIS direction?
4) My final observation is He is longing to have fellowship with the church. He wants to come over and hang out, eat pizza and drink a diet coke and have m&ms for dessert. Oh, yes! I believe if Jesus came to my house He would bring me a package of plain m&ms and a diet coke! ~ because my friends do that. :0)
Well, I don't know about you but I am RUNNING to the door of my heart! I hope He hasn't been standing out there too long!
Come on IN, Jesus!
:0)
I hope you dwell on this for a bit today! I think I'm gonna share a little bit more on this tomorrow.
love ya!
blessings,
dorinda
Does anybody else over 40 remember this song? I think it was the first "rock-n-roll" song I remember hearing.... (I was just a child). Ha!
I do not remember anything else about or of this song except what I wrote in the title, so if it has horrible lyrics or connotations, please pretend I never put that in here. :0)
But...... I have a verse on my heart and that phrase goes with it.
Revelation 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
This is Jesus talking to the church in Laodicea.
1) My question is, why is He outside the door knocking? Why isn't He already INSIDE with the body OF Christ?
Did they boot Him out?
Did they get so busy they forgot about Him?
Or were they all "into" doing the work of the Lord that they left the Lord of the work outside?
2) My second question is, "Why doesn't He have a key?" Why does He have to knock?
3) My third question: He says, "IF anyone hears my voice", shouldn't the church be earnestly seeking HIS voice and HIS direction?
4) My final observation is He is longing to have fellowship with the church. He wants to come over and hang out, eat pizza and drink a diet coke and have m&ms for dessert. Oh, yes! I believe if Jesus came to my house He would bring me a package of plain m&ms and a diet coke! ~ because my friends do that. :0)
Well, I don't know about you but I am RUNNING to the door of my heart! I hope He hasn't been standing out there too long!
Come on IN, Jesus!
:0)
I hope you dwell on this for a bit today! I think I'm gonna share a little bit more on this tomorrow.
love ya!
blessings,
dorinda
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Stay on Track!
I was so excited to get back into some sort of schedule today!
I got my Bible out. I put my praise and worship music on sat down for a great time with the Lord.
It is time for me to read through Philippians again. I decided I would read the whole book in one setting today and then study it out the rest of the week. So, I am reading happily along, being reminded of my favorite verses as I pass through them.
Screeeeeeeecccchhhhhh!!
What was that?
Who put that verse there?
Has that ALWAYS been there?
I re-read this little hidden verse and there it still was!
Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:16
How have I missed this before?
I just love it when I find a new "treasure"! And today was no exception!
In Philippians 3, Paul is telling the Philippians that we should have no confidence in our flesh. He then goes on to encourage them to "press on to the goal" that Christ has called us to. Then right there he hid this little sentence in there.
The whole paragraph reads this way:
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
The Message version puts it this way:
12I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus. 14I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision--you'll see it yet! 16Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
So what is it Paul is telling us and the Philippians?
Basically - don't back track. Press on and don't go backward. Don't dwell in the past. Don't lose spiritual ground you have already gained, just go forward in your relationship with Christ! Did God give you a victory over that area in your life that you have s-l-o-w-l-y allowed your flesh to fall back into? When God places you on a certain track, stay there and don't go backwards.
I don't know why that verse struck me so hard today. Maybe sometimes it is easy to get comfortable and a little too casual with spiritual things when we are out of our routine. Maybe I need to "LIVE UP" to what I "have already attained". Maybe I need to get back to where He placed me.
As I began reflecting on this verse today in my devotion time, the Holy Spirit, in His perfect way began revealing to me ways that I have not "lived up" to what I have already won.
Ouch!
At the same time, my ipod was playing a song about the Holiness of God.
Thank you Lord that you love me the way I am and that you love me enough to not let me stay that way!
I pray you allow the Holy Spirit to do a progress check in your heart. It's not always fun, but you sure come out better when He is finished!
blessings!
dorinda
I got my Bible out. I put my praise and worship music on sat down for a great time with the Lord.
It is time for me to read through Philippians again. I decided I would read the whole book in one setting today and then study it out the rest of the week. So, I am reading happily along, being reminded of my favorite verses as I pass through them.
Screeeeeeeecccchhhhhh!!
What was that?
Who put that verse there?
Has that ALWAYS been there?
I re-read this little hidden verse and there it still was!
Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:16
How have I missed this before?
I just love it when I find a new "treasure"! And today was no exception!
In Philippians 3, Paul is telling the Philippians that we should have no confidence in our flesh. He then goes on to encourage them to "press on to the goal" that Christ has called us to. Then right there he hid this little sentence in there.
The whole paragraph reads this way:
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
The Message version puts it this way:
12I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus. 14I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision--you'll see it yet! 16Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
So what is it Paul is telling us and the Philippians?
Basically - don't back track. Press on and don't go backward. Don't dwell in the past. Don't lose spiritual ground you have already gained, just go forward in your relationship with Christ! Did God give you a victory over that area in your life that you have s-l-o-w-l-y allowed your flesh to fall back into? When God places you on a certain track, stay there and don't go backwards.
I don't know why that verse struck me so hard today. Maybe sometimes it is easy to get comfortable and a little too casual with spiritual things when we are out of our routine. Maybe I need to "LIVE UP" to what I "have already attained". Maybe I need to get back to where He placed me.
As I began reflecting on this verse today in my devotion time, the Holy Spirit, in His perfect way began revealing to me ways that I have not "lived up" to what I have already won.
Ouch!
At the same time, my ipod was playing a song about the Holiness of God.
Thank you Lord that you love me the way I am and that you love me enough to not let me stay that way!
I pray you allow the Holy Spirit to do a progress check in your heart. It's not always fun, but you sure come out better when He is finished!
blessings!
dorinda
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Happy Birthday DAD!
Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Dad!
70 years ago on July 21st in the stick woods of Arkansas one of the most loving and wonderful man was born. Frank and Etta Rutherford already had two daughters and and two living sons. That day, another boy was born to their family.
They named him, Charles David. Two more sons and another daughter would follow him, making Charles (Charlie to most) smack dab in the center of this big family.
I've heard stories of his mischievousness as a boy. I've heard how he got in trouble one time and grandma was going after him with a switch. He decided he would just burn the house down. He crawled underneath their shotgun house with a box of matches. I'm not sure how or when he got out, but I'm sure he didn't sit down for a while. :)
I've heard how he fell in love with a pretty girl at the Assembly of God church in Hickory Ridge. She wouldn't date him unless he went to her church. So, he went to her church. As soon as she was old enough, they got married.
I've heard lots of stories about Charlie, but I have lots to tell myself. I tell my kids all the time what a wonderful and godly grandfather they have. I tell them how silly he used to act when we had friends over (like standing on his head, sneaking around the house trying to scare us, and many more). I tell how he was and is a great man, a loving man, and a man of awesome integrity.
He is happy, jolly and just plain fun to be around. He loves his wife and kids and absolutely adores all the granddaughters, grandson and the great granddaughters. (Jordan is severely out numbered!)
My sister and I are blessed beyond measure to have two wonderful parents. I am thankful more than words can say to be able to call Charles David Rutherford my father, my "daddy".So, today, July 21st, I wish my wonderful dad "Happy Birthday"!
I love you so much DAD! Thank you for all your wisdom, patience, and love~!
hApPy bIrThDaY!
blessings,
dorinda
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Kids Camp 2009
Arkansas Assemblies of God Kid's Camps and Youth Camps are somewhat of a legend for A/G kids in the state.
I came to this camp for the first time when I was 8. My life has never been the same since. In the 33 years since then (Did I really just put that in here??) I have missed very few summers on these sacred grounds. The last few have probably been my longest stretch of not being here since having children.
I was a little hesitant about returning this year as a counselor- number 1 because it takes a GREAT deal of energy and enthusiasm to be an effective counselor. After I hit 40 my enthusiasm level was there but the physical energy wanes quite a bit! :0)
We drove in on Sunday. My youngest child was so excited to have mom and dad with her. She is the main reason we exerted that effort to be here.
God has once again proved His faithfulness! The glory and power of the Lord have been here in the services and these kids have had a FUN time during the day. Go-Karts, swimming, games, food, fun and friends.
Yesterday morning I woke up and read this scripture:
Psalm 16:7-8
"I bless the Lord who give me counsel, in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right hand I shall not be shaken."
My prayer today is that these beautiful and precious kids will "set the Lord always before them" and may He always be their right hand and not be shaken."
Oh, I could go on and on about church camp! How many memories I have here as a camper and a counselor. Now my kids will have their own memories! They will not "be shaken" if they "set the Lord always before them".
Ok. Gotta stop. I am rambling but I am smiling at the goodness and mercy of my God!
love you all! I can't wait to get back to regular blogging! i miss you!
blessings
dorinda
I came to this camp for the first time when I was 8. My life has never been the same since. In the 33 years since then (Did I really just put that in here??) I have missed very few summers on these sacred grounds. The last few have probably been my longest stretch of not being here since having children.
I was a little hesitant about returning this year as a counselor- number 1 because it takes a GREAT deal of energy and enthusiasm to be an effective counselor. After I hit 40 my enthusiasm level was there but the physical energy wanes quite a bit! :0)
We drove in on Sunday. My youngest child was so excited to have mom and dad with her. She is the main reason we exerted that effort to be here.
God has once again proved His faithfulness! The glory and power of the Lord have been here in the services and these kids have had a FUN time during the day. Go-Karts, swimming, games, food, fun and friends.
Yesterday morning I woke up and read this scripture:
Psalm 16:7-8
"I bless the Lord who give me counsel, in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right hand I shall not be shaken."
My prayer today is that these beautiful and precious kids will "set the Lord always before them" and may He always be their right hand and not be shaken."
Oh, I could go on and on about church camp! How many memories I have here as a camper and a counselor. Now my kids will have their own memories! They will not "be shaken" if they "set the Lord always before them".
Ok. Gotta stop. I am rambling but I am smiling at the goodness and mercy of my God!
love you all! I can't wait to get back to regular blogging! i miss you!
blessings
dorinda
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Power of the Blood and the Power of the Word
Hello!
It seems like I haven't been able to blog consistently in FOREVER! But..... such is the life of a busy working mom in the summer. :)
Today in my personal prayer time I was seeking God's face and His will on some things for our family~ "Do I homeschool my youngest?" "Do I concentrate on my stories in the fall or do I concentrate on finishing my degree?"
Question after question I petitioned before my Lord.
Silence.
So, I prayed a little louder. Maybe He didn't hear me.
I don't know about you, but when I petition the Father, I want an answer RIGHT NOW! Not tomorrow, not next week, but RIGHT NOW. I am sure He must sit in heaven and lovingly roll His eyes at me and whisper, "Wait my child."
Today, I was drawn to His written Word.
I poured over His love letter to me. Searching. Seeking. Surely the answers were going to be written there somewhere..... "Yes, homeschool Taylor." or "Do not homeschool Taylor." Where is that? Haphanai 3:16??? :)
What I did find was He wanted my attention on Him, not my questions, not my petitions. Just to focus on His Grace, His Mercy, His Holiness.
That's when it always happens.
I look into His Holiness and see my selfish nature in its raw and ugly form.
I race back to His Word.
Tears stream down my face.
His Word begins to cleanse and wash and sanctify.
You see, we are washed clean from our sin by the precious Blood of Jesus.
We are washed daily in sanctification by the precious Word.
His Word is Truth and regenerates our soul that has been contaminated by the world we live in. [Ephesians 5:26 "by the washing of water by the Word."] Thank you Jesus for the Word of God! I would hate to see who I would become without the power of the Blood and the Word!
Just some of my rambling thoughts on the Greatness of our God and His Holiness....
blessings!
dorinda
It seems like I haven't been able to blog consistently in FOREVER! But..... such is the life of a busy working mom in the summer. :)
Today in my personal prayer time I was seeking God's face and His will on some things for our family~ "Do I homeschool my youngest?" "Do I concentrate on my stories in the fall or do I concentrate on finishing my degree?"
Question after question I petitioned before my Lord.
Silence.
So, I prayed a little louder. Maybe He didn't hear me.
I don't know about you, but when I petition the Father, I want an answer RIGHT NOW! Not tomorrow, not next week, but RIGHT NOW. I am sure He must sit in heaven and lovingly roll His eyes at me and whisper, "Wait my child."
Today, I was drawn to His written Word.
I poured over His love letter to me. Searching. Seeking. Surely the answers were going to be written there somewhere..... "Yes, homeschool Taylor." or "Do not homeschool Taylor." Where is that? Haphanai 3:16??? :)
What I did find was He wanted my attention on Him, not my questions, not my petitions. Just to focus on His Grace, His Mercy, His Holiness.
That's when it always happens.
I look into His Holiness and see my selfish nature in its raw and ugly form.
I race back to His Word.
Tears stream down my face.
His Word begins to cleanse and wash and sanctify.
You see, we are washed clean from our sin by the precious Blood of Jesus.
We are washed daily in sanctification by the precious Word.
His Word is Truth and regenerates our soul that has been contaminated by the world we live in. [Ephesians 5:26 "by the washing of water by the Word."] Thank you Jesus for the Word of God! I would hate to see who I would become without the power of the Blood and the Word!
Just some of my rambling thoughts on the Greatness of our God and His Holiness....
blessings!
dorinda
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Vacation Memoirs
Blann Vacation 2009
We are on the eve of heading home from a long and wonderful family vacation.
From Memphis to Canada to NYC to DC to Williamsburg, we feel like we have been gone for years, although it has only been two weeks.
We started out with a gusto, anxious to see the sights and experience new adventures. We leave with a heart felt ache for home and the familiar.
We have laughed so hard our sides hurt. We have been cranky. We have even cried. We have stood in awe at the wonders of God's creation.Our first major stop was in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. This was the first time our youngest, Taylor, left the country. Passports in hand we crossed the border into Canada. (Our kids have replayed the border crossing several times re-in acting mine and Rusty's answers to Border Patrol's questions. ~ Hilarious!)Within minutes our mouths gaped open in astonishment at the beauty of the Falls! Even now, I remember the looks on my kids faces as they saw the majesty of God's creation.
From Canada we started long trek number two to New York City where we were meeting our daughter and her family. As much as our kids stood in amazement at the Falls, again they stood in amazement at enormity of the city. What fun we had in NYC! My favorite things were the Statue of Liberty, eating pizza in Times Square, and of course, m&ms world! (It was an m&m collector's dream!)
I have to put the picture in here of the window washer on the Empire State building! Whatever he makes, trust me, it is NOT enough!!
I have to put the picture in here of the window washer on the Empire State building! Whatever he makes, trust me, it is NOT enough!!
After New York City we traveled to our daughter's house outside of DC. We had planned on seeing a few things in DC, but we were exhausted so we took a break and just relaxed before heading to Williamsburg.
The last leg of our journey has been here in Williamsburg. The kids have been in amusement park heaven! We haven't even begin to see all there is to see in this vacation "mecca".
While here in this historical city we have enjoyed our family time together. Our favorite past time has always been going to the movies together. This is where we have cried together. Last night we watched "My Sister's Keeper". Tear Jerker. (There were fewer sibling squables on the way home.) The unsaid emotions were felt more than spoken.
We are a family. Strong. Loving. Diverse. Unified. Our time with our daughter and her family were moments we cherish. Our time with our three at home is priceless. We make memories one moment at a time.
Tomorrow, (0r today for most of you reading this) we will be in our vehicle making a 14 hour trip home. I am certain we will be cranky and short with each other before will pull into West Memphis, but I am also certain deep down we will all cherish each memory we have made in this 2,000+ mile trip.
I look forward to seeing my home, my parents, my sister, my friends, my church family, and MY BED! I look forward to spending more time with this crew I call my family as we continue our journey in life.
For now, I am packing and getting ready to head home! You know you have had a great vacation when you are ready to get back to the routines of life like laundry and cooking and working! And that- we are ready for!
Arkansas! Here we come!
woo hoo!!
blessings!
dorinda
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