Harvest Table https://www.metrolife.org The place for ladies to come and gather around the table to share, and read about triumphs of God's grace. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit awhile. There's always a place for you here. Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:04:16 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Welcome to 2018 - God has a lot in Store for You https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/welcome-to-2018 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/welcome-to-2018#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/welcome-to-2018 my utmost for his highest

A new year, an old devotional. This year I have decided to use My Utmost for His Highest as part of my devotional time. I’ve used it before; it’s a favorite. This time, however, I’m using an updated version, which is edited by James Reimann. It has a lovely cover and a place for notes, which I surprisingly am not good at writing down.

This morning I came across something that I wanted to share with you. Today, January 5, 2018, God prompted me to stop and reflect as I read the following: “No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.”

Take time with me to reflect on the changes that God through his Holy Spirit has brought about in your life this past year (and years before). Sometimes his work takes years before we realize that there has been change. Sometimes it takes a mere instant. Funny, but our God who never changes is a god of change, but the change is aimed at his children. He is transforming us into his image. He is changing our perspective from me to Thee. He is cleaning up that new creature that we became when we first came to know him. He’s preparing his bride. Oh, thanks be to God!

As I reflected this morning, I realized that I need to clean up my language. You can wipe that shocked look off of your face, I’m not talking about course language. (Thankfully that has not been an area with which I struggle. My dad scared that out of me as a young girl.) I’m talking about my “who I am” language. I realized that sometimes I find myself thinking like or talking like the old me. I am not the unconfident girl that I once was and that is because of God, specifically the work that He is doing in me. Sometimes I become aware that my mind and my mouth aren’t aligning with each other or with what God has done in me. Some of my words are the result of old habits of speech. So here comes some more change and more gratefulness to God for the work he is doing in me. My confidence is in God. He is the one I need to rely on. Of course, I can be as confident as I want to be and that means nothing if I’m acting in my own strength. But, I am a confident woman now because of Him.

I’d love to hear how God is changing you. Feel free to add a comment or contact me to share your story on this blog. Happy New Year in Christ!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Cor 5:17

 

 

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my utmost for his highest

A new year, an old devotional. This year I have decided to use My Utmost for His Highest as part of my devotional time. I’ve used it before; it’s a favorite. This time, however, I’m using an updated version, which is edited by James Reimann. It has a lovely cover and a place for notes, which I surprisingly am not good at writing down.

This morning I came across something that I wanted to share with you. Today, January 5, 2018, God prompted me to stop and reflect as I read the following: “No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.”

Take time with me to reflect on the changes that God through his Holy Spirit has brought about in your life this past year (and years before). Sometimes his work takes years before we realize that there has been change. Sometimes it takes a mere instant. Funny, but our God who never changes is a god of change, but the change is aimed at his children. He is transforming us into his image. He is changing our perspective from me to Thee. He is cleaning up that new creature that we became when we first came to know him. He’s preparing his bride. Oh, thanks be to God!

As I reflected this morning, I realized that I need to clean up my language. You can wipe that shocked look off of your face, I’m not talking about course language. (Thankfully that has not been an area with which I struggle. My dad scared that out of me as a young girl.) I’m talking about my “who I am” language. I realized that sometimes I find myself thinking like or talking like the old me. I am not the unconfident girl that I once was and that is because of God, specifically the work that He is doing in me. Sometimes I become aware that my mind and my mouth aren’t aligning with each other or with what God has done in me. Some of my words are the result of old habits of speech. So here comes some more change and more gratefulness to God for the work he is doing in me. My confidence is in God. He is the one I need to rely on. Of course, I can be as confident as I want to be and that means nothing if I’m acting in my own strength. But, I am a confident woman now because of Him.

I’d love to hear how God is changing you. Feel free to add a comment or contact me to share your story on this blog. Happy New Year in Christ!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Cor 5:17

 

 

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Facing the Storm https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/facing-the-storm https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/facing-the-storm#comments Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/facing-the-storm Sometimes I realize that I am listening to lies. Thanks be to God for his help and reminders to take every thought captive!

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5

Just last Sunday as I crawled out of bed to get ready to go to church and dragged myself to the coffee pot, this thought went through my mind – I don’t want to go to church.

In case you haven’t figured it out, I am not a morning person. Keeping that in mind, I am all the more amazed and grateful to God that he caused me to realize that I heard a lie. I did want to go to church. That was simply another one of those crazy thoughts that I needed to take captive.

This realization was better than a cup of coffee. I am grateful to God that he is always imparting grace and truth.

Now we as Floridians are glued to the weather channel and the news as we prepare for a very real impending storm. Are we listening to lies that tempt us to fear? Are we filling our head with news and forgetting to fill it with God’s word? That sure is a temptation. If you’re in line for gas, read the word. Pray without ceasing. If you’re searching for supplies, give an encouragement. People are ready to be encouraged. People need the Lord.

Here are two scriptures that have been on my heart lately. I hope they will encourage you during this time when it is so easy to become anxious.

… My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:4

May you be blessed and be a blessing as we face this storm.

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Sometimes I realize that I am listening to lies. Thanks be to God for his help and reminders to take every thought captive!

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5

Just last Sunday as I crawled out of bed to get ready to go to church and dragged myself to the coffee pot, this thought went through my mind – I don’t want to go to church.

In case you haven’t figured it out, I am not a morning person. Keeping that in mind, I am all the more amazed and grateful to God that he caused me to realize that I heard a lie. I did want to go to church. That was simply another one of those crazy thoughts that I needed to take captive.

This realization was better than a cup of coffee. I am grateful to God that he is always imparting grace and truth.

Now we as Floridians are glued to the weather channel and the news as we prepare for a very real impending storm. Are we listening to lies that tempt us to fear? Are we filling our head with news and forgetting to fill it with God’s word? That sure is a temptation. If you’re in line for gas, read the word. Pray without ceasing. If you’re searching for supplies, give an encouragement. People are ready to be encouraged. People need the Lord.

Here are two scriptures that have been on my heart lately. I hope they will encourage you during this time when it is so easy to become anxious.

… My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:4

May you be blessed and be a blessing as we face this storm.

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Fear Not - Recap of July 2017 Metro Life Church Women's Ministry Meeting https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/fear-not--recap-of-july-2017-meeting- https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/fear-not--recap-of-july-2017-meeting-#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2017 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/fear-not--recap-of-july-2017-meeting- Roxanne Gray offers a wonderful summary of our July 30, 2017, meeting. For those in attendance and those not, it will inspire you to take God at his word when he says, "Fear not." Thank you, Roxanne. 

***

fear not 2.JPG

Did you know the phrase “fear not,” and its various synonyms, is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible? God talks about fear often because He knows we all have things we’re afraid of. Some common fears include: death, public speaking, accidents, job loss, rejection, failure, sharks—maybe, for us in Florida—and cockroaches—okay, that one’s totally mine. While everyone is afraid at times, it’s our response to that fear that matters. Even when we don’t know what to do, the advice is often: “Don’t just stand there; do something!” But according to Priscilla Shirer, God says the opposite, “Don’t just do anything, stand there.”

During the Women’s Ministry Meeting, Emily Jessee showed an excerpt of a video by Priscilla Shirer. According to Exodus 14:13-14, Shirer says God gives us four action items when we’re facing our own Red Sea:

  • Be fearless
  • Be still and stand firm
  • Be watchful and see the Salvation of the Lord
  • Be silent

You can view Shirer’s entire message (Going Beyond Ministries with Priscilla Shirer - Fear Not) on YouTube. Click here for that message. 

Signs on the tables around the room each listed one of these common fears:*

  • Fear of What If (future) . . . and If Only (past regret) . . . - 2 Cor. 10:5
  • Fear of Rejection, Abandonment, Betrayal - Job 38:4
  • Fear of Being Found Out - 2 Cor. 5:17
  • Fear of Failure - Rom. 8:38
  • Fear of Death – Heb. 4:15, Heb. 2:15, 1 Cor. 10:13
  • Fear of My Past Catching Up with Me – Rom. 8:28, Rom. 12:2
  • Fear of Not Being Significant – John 3:16
  • Fear of God’s Plan For My Life – Luke 22:42
  • Fear that God Isn’t Real – John 20:29

*Angie Smith, author of What Women Fear, discusses each of these fears in depth and provides prayers to overcome them.

Allison Myers, Erica Craig, Mike Craig, and Anna Kester led praise and worship. Allison related her own battle with fear after she inexplicably lost the strength in her hands and didn’t know if she’d ever be able to use them again. While she was still unable to play her guitar, she wrote “In the Waiting,” a song about her journey. Now that she’s recovered much of her strength, she hopes  to encourage those who are walking through a chronic illness. She performed her song with lyrics being viewed on the screen, reminding us to keep praying and believing for healing because “God is faithful” and “In the waiting, He’s still God.”

In a beautiful interpretive dance, Stephanie Gibson, Kayla McMillan and Tiffany Brown, members of MLC’s Valor Praise Dance Team, led worship to “I Am a Child of God.”

At the close of the evening, each woman received a paper entitled “I give you, Lord, all my fears!” with blank spaces to list every concern. Everyone was encouraged to take their fears to the altar and leave them with God. If you weren’t there, it’s not too late to complete this step. You can give all of your fears to Jesus now. He’s willing and able.

Women’s Ministry Meetings are held on fifth Sundays. Please plan to attend the next meeting on Sunday evening, October 29, 2017.

Finally, we’d like to thank Emily and her faithful team, who serve the women of Metro Life Church and make these events possible.

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Roxanne Gray offers a wonderful summary of our July 30, 2017, meeting. For those in attendance and those not, it will inspire you to take God at his word when he says, "Fear not." Thank you, Roxanne. 

***

fear not 2.JPG

Did you know the phrase “fear not,” and its various synonyms, is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible? God talks about fear often because He knows we all have things we’re afraid of. Some common fears include: death, public speaking, accidents, job loss, rejection, failure, sharks—maybe, for us in Florida—and cockroaches—okay, that one’s totally mine. While everyone is afraid at times, it’s our response to that fear that matters. Even when we don’t know what to do, the advice is often: “Don’t just stand there; do something!” But according to Priscilla Shirer, God says the opposite, “Don’t just do anything, stand there.”

During the Women’s Ministry Meeting, Emily Jessee showed an excerpt of a video by Priscilla Shirer. According to Exodus 14:13-14, Shirer says God gives us four action items when we’re facing our own Red Sea:

  • Be fearless
  • Be still and stand firm
  • Be watchful and see the Salvation of the Lord
  • Be silent

You can view Shirer’s entire message (Going Beyond Ministries with Priscilla Shirer - Fear Not) on YouTube. Click here for that message. 

Signs on the tables around the room each listed one of these common fears:*

  • Fear of What If (future) . . . and If Only (past regret) . . . - 2 Cor. 10:5
  • Fear of Rejection, Abandonment, Betrayal - Job 38:4
  • Fear of Being Found Out - 2 Cor. 5:17
  • Fear of Failure - Rom. 8:38
  • Fear of Death – Heb. 4:15, Heb. 2:15, 1 Cor. 10:13
  • Fear of My Past Catching Up with Me – Rom. 8:28, Rom. 12:2
  • Fear of Not Being Significant – John 3:16
  • Fear of God’s Plan For My Life – Luke 22:42
  • Fear that God Isn’t Real – John 20:29

*Angie Smith, author of What Women Fear, discusses each of these fears in depth and provides prayers to overcome them.

Allison Myers, Erica Craig, Mike Craig, and Anna Kester led praise and worship. Allison related her own battle with fear after she inexplicably lost the strength in her hands and didn’t know if she’d ever be able to use them again. While she was still unable to play her guitar, she wrote “In the Waiting,” a song about her journey. Now that she’s recovered much of her strength, she hopes  to encourage those who are walking through a chronic illness. She performed her song with lyrics being viewed on the screen, reminding us to keep praying and believing for healing because “God is faithful” and “In the waiting, He’s still God.”

In a beautiful interpretive dance, Stephanie Gibson, Kayla McMillan and Tiffany Brown, members of MLC’s Valor Praise Dance Team, led worship to “I Am a Child of God.”

At the close of the evening, each woman received a paper entitled “I give you, Lord, all my fears!” with blank spaces to list every concern. Everyone was encouraged to take their fears to the altar and leave them with God. If you weren’t there, it’s not too late to complete this step. You can give all of your fears to Jesus now. He’s willing and able.

Women’s Ministry Meetings are held on fifth Sundays. Please plan to attend the next meeting on Sunday evening, October 29, 2017.

Finally, we’d like to thank Emily and her faithful team, who serve the women of Metro Life Church and make these events possible.

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Random Acts of Prayer https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/random-acts-of-prayer https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/random-acts-of-prayer#comments Fri, 14 Jul 2017 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/random-acts-of-prayer driving along.JPGYesterday while I was heading across town, not using the highway, I felt prompted by God to keep the radio off and enjoy the silence. 

After a few minutes, He prompted me to pray for those I saw along the way, and I believe it’s a good encouragement for us all. The middle-age woman who pulled up next to me, the guys loading the garbage truck, a couple of joggers, and a young woman on a bicycle – there were more, but that’s all I remember now. But what I do remember is this scripture, which God brought to my mind:

Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.

May I encourage you today to open your eyes and ears to those around you, those whom God has put in your path? Without a spoken word, you can have an impact on their lives, and the blessing comes back to you. I felt as if I were taking a drive with my Heavenly Father. The fellowship was sweet. At one point, I kept praying for things for one woman in particular that I have no way of knowing were pertinent or not, and that doesn’t matter.

We are often encouraged to tell people about Jesus, but let’s expand that a little. We don’t always have the opportunity to speak, but God knows the needs and we get to pray. What a privilege and a delight to be in communion with God like that about folks we will likely never meet.

Until next time,

Bonnie

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driving along.JPGYesterday while I was heading across town, not using the highway, I felt prompted by God to keep the radio off and enjoy the silence. 

After a few minutes, He prompted me to pray for those I saw along the way, and I believe it’s a good encouragement for us all. The middle-age woman who pulled up next to me, the guys loading the garbage truck, a couple of joggers, and a young woman on a bicycle – there were more, but that’s all I remember now. But what I do remember is this scripture, which God brought to my mind:

Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.

May I encourage you today to open your eyes and ears to those around you, those whom God has put in your path? Without a spoken word, you can have an impact on their lives, and the blessing comes back to you. I felt as if I were taking a drive with my Heavenly Father. The fellowship was sweet. At one point, I kept praying for things for one woman in particular that I have no way of knowing were pertinent or not, and that doesn’t matter.

We are often encouraged to tell people about Jesus, but let’s expand that a little. We don’t always have the opportunity to speak, but God knows the needs and we get to pray. What a privilege and a delight to be in communion with God like that about folks we will likely never meet.

Until next time,

Bonnie

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Stirring the Pot https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/stirring-the-pot https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/stirring-the-pot#comments Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/stirring-the-pot This morning during my time with the Lord, I entered into a time of thanksgiving. It was as if God pointed to all of the things that I have to be thankful for. So, I just thanked him. I thanked him for his faithfulness to me, for the light to read my Bible, for my Bible and that I get to read it whenever I want, for the comfortable chair I was sitting in, for the beautiful sky that I see out my window, for friends I have been communicating with, for a long-awaited ending to something tied to my father-in-law’s estate, for the talents he has given me, for the opportunity to encourage others to see the vast blessings that God showers upon us, and more.

But what does that have to do with stirring the pot? Usually when I think of somebody stirring the pot, I think of someone stirring things up to get a reaction – mostly a negative one. Today I want to stir the pot in a positive way. I want to encourage you to stop and take time to thank God for as many things as you can think of. Your list may go on and on. If it doesn’t, then stop and meditate on Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I’d also like to share with you a praise report and a personal story. My husband and I have been praying about the timing of talking to my elderly parents (94 and 89) about moving in with us. Over the last two years, we have prayed and discussed this. They have resisted coming (I get that) but assured us that they would if they needed to. It has weighed heavily on me. Long story short, we realized that the timing was right to talk to them. Then my dad’s hearing aids quit working and we couldn’t talk to them. So, we waited some more until we could get them repaired. We know that God’s timing is perfect; this was a reminder.

Finally, last Saturday, we knew the day had arrived. We told them we were coming up (nothing unusual there). Before we left home, I sat down and opened my Bible to the next place I was going to read, Jeremiah. Chapter 1:17, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” On down to the end of verse 19, “‘…for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.”

I sat there stunned and laughed and laughed. I have to say, I could picture God cracking up laughing at saving Jeremiah 1 for me to read on that particular Saturday. I love him so much.

Now, in case you are wondering, my parents are not the terrifying type, but it is a little scary to have to talk to one’s parents as if you were the parent looking out for them (and a little scary to realize the change in our daily lives that is coming). They have resisted before, but on Saturday, they were open. Bob talked to my dad and I talked to my mom. It went very well. (Thank you to our community group, my sister, and friends for praying.)

Mom and Dad said they would talk and get back with us, but I felt certain that this was going to happen. Late that night, just before we were going to bed, I got a call from my mom that dad was not feeling well – would I come up. Somewhere around midnight she told me that she knew they needed to move in with us. This was a confirmation. Dad had a rough night, but was better in the morning. God moved.

Please join me today (and everyday), in stirring the pot with thankfulness (and laughter - Prov 17:22). Anger and hatred do not stand up well to thankfulness. Be a blessing today.

Until next time,

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This morning during my time with the Lord, I entered into a time of thanksgiving. It was as if God pointed to all of the things that I have to be thankful for. So, I just thanked him. I thanked him for his faithfulness to me, for the light to read my Bible, for my Bible and that I get to read it whenever I want, for the comfortable chair I was sitting in, for the beautiful sky that I see out my window, for friends I have been communicating with, for a long-awaited ending to something tied to my father-in-law’s estate, for the talents he has given me, for the opportunity to encourage others to see the vast blessings that God showers upon us, and more.

But what does that have to do with stirring the pot? Usually when I think of somebody stirring the pot, I think of someone stirring things up to get a reaction – mostly a negative one. Today I want to stir the pot in a positive way. I want to encourage you to stop and take time to thank God for as many things as you can think of. Your list may go on and on. If it doesn’t, then stop and meditate on Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I’d also like to share with you a praise report and a personal story. My husband and I have been praying about the timing of talking to my elderly parents (94 and 89) about moving in with us. Over the last two years, we have prayed and discussed this. They have resisted coming (I get that) but assured us that they would if they needed to. It has weighed heavily on me. Long story short, we realized that the timing was right to talk to them. Then my dad’s hearing aids quit working and we couldn’t talk to them. So, we waited some more until we could get them repaired. We know that God’s timing is perfect; this was a reminder.

Finally, last Saturday, we knew the day had arrived. We told them we were coming up (nothing unusual there). Before we left home, I sat down and opened my Bible to the next place I was going to read, Jeremiah. Chapter 1:17, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” On down to the end of verse 19, “‘…for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.”

I sat there stunned and laughed and laughed. I have to say, I could picture God cracking up laughing at saving Jeremiah 1 for me to read on that particular Saturday. I love him so much.

Now, in case you are wondering, my parents are not the terrifying type, but it is a little scary to have to talk to one’s parents as if you were the parent looking out for them (and a little scary to realize the change in our daily lives that is coming). They have resisted before, but on Saturday, they were open. Bob talked to my dad and I talked to my mom. It went very well. (Thank you to our community group, my sister, and friends for praying.)

Mom and Dad said they would talk and get back with us, but I felt certain that this was going to happen. Late that night, just before we were going to bed, I got a call from my mom that dad was not feeling well – would I come up. Somewhere around midnight she told me that she knew they needed to move in with us. This was a confirmation. Dad had a rough night, but was better in the morning. God moved.

Please join me today (and everyday), in stirring the pot with thankfulness (and laughter - Prov 17:22). Anger and hatred do not stand up well to thankfulness. Be a blessing today.

Until next time,

]]>
Mother's Day is Weird https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/mothers-day-is-weird https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/mothers-day-is-weird#comments Sat, 13 May 2017 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/mothers-day-is-weird I’ve been a mother for nearly 40 years. I’ve gone from celebrating my mom as a child, to the breakfast-in-bed and handprints-on-construction-paper stage of my being a young mom, to the my-kids-are-all-adults stage. Every year it gets weirder, and I struggle with what I should do and how I should feel about Mother’s Day.

I don’t want my kids to feel the pressure of doing something for me because it’s Mother’s Day. I also don’t like the thought that maybe they won’t. The whole thing makes me uncomfortable. Plus, nowadays, my reality is that our multi-generational Mother’s Day get-togethers are a thing of the past. I loved those days. I wielded some control in those times as both a mom and a daughter. And maybe that’s where the problem lies.

This Mother’s Day, I (being the only one of my siblings to live close to our mother) will take my mom out to dinner while my husband stays with my dad, who can’t be left at home alone for any length of time, and he doesn’t get out of the house anymore. Half of my kids have moved away, and they have taken five of my grandchildren with them.

But, I have half of my kids here – and two of my sweet grandchildren. So, how will I look at things? Am I a glass half empty of children or half full of children type of person? And what about those of you who don’t have any of your children close to you? You may say that your glass isn’t half of anything. You may say it’s completely empty, or that you don’t even know where that stupid glass is anymore.

I have been a half-emptier. That has caused sadness and a longing for days gone by.

Now I’m thinking that it could be that you and I both have glasses that are way more than half full if we remind ourselves of the blessings that The Lord has given us. Yes, I need to look up to Jesus. Perhaps that glass is high up there where I need a ladder to access it. Perhaps there isn’t a ladder high enough. That needs to be okay. I can look up and see the blessings. And I can be thankful.

Colossians 2:6-7 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Frankly, at this point in my life, all of the holidays look different than they used to. That shouldn’t be a surprise (but sometimes it still is) because my life looks different, too.

We can gain encouragement from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Philippians 4:12b – I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Notice that word “learned.” It’s okay to have to learn. I remember when my oldest son was learning to read and write. He would get frustrated when he couldn’t get things down on the paper correctly. I told him then, that if he knew how to do those things, he wouldn’t need to learn them. Now I tell myself the same thing. It’s okay to have to learn to be content. Obviously, it doesn’t come naturally. But I am determined to press on to that goal, and I hope that you are as well.

Love and blessings until we meet again,

Bonnie

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I’ve been a mother for nearly 40 years. I’ve gone from celebrating my mom as a child, to the breakfast-in-bed and handprints-on-construction-paper stage of my being a young mom, to the my-kids-are-all-adults stage. Every year it gets weirder, and I struggle with what I should do and how I should feel about Mother’s Day.

I don’t want my kids to feel the pressure of doing something for me because it’s Mother’s Day. I also don’t like the thought that maybe they won’t. The whole thing makes me uncomfortable. Plus, nowadays, my reality is that our multi-generational Mother’s Day get-togethers are a thing of the past. I loved those days. I wielded some control in those times as both a mom and a daughter. And maybe that’s where the problem lies.

This Mother’s Day, I (being the only one of my siblings to live close to our mother) will take my mom out to dinner while my husband stays with my dad, who can’t be left at home alone for any length of time, and he doesn’t get out of the house anymore. Half of my kids have moved away, and they have taken five of my grandchildren with them.

But, I have half of my kids here – and two of my sweet grandchildren. So, how will I look at things? Am I a glass half empty of children or half full of children type of person? And what about those of you who don’t have any of your children close to you? You may say that your glass isn’t half of anything. You may say it’s completely empty, or that you don’t even know where that stupid glass is anymore.

I have been a half-emptier. That has caused sadness and a longing for days gone by.

Now I’m thinking that it could be that you and I both have glasses that are way more than half full if we remind ourselves of the blessings that The Lord has given us. Yes, I need to look up to Jesus. Perhaps that glass is high up there where I need a ladder to access it. Perhaps there isn’t a ladder high enough. That needs to be okay. I can look up and see the blessings. And I can be thankful.

Colossians 2:6-7 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Frankly, at this point in my life, all of the holidays look different than they used to. That shouldn’t be a surprise (but sometimes it still is) because my life looks different, too.

We can gain encouragement from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Philippians 4:12b – I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Notice that word “learned.” It’s okay to have to learn. I remember when my oldest son was learning to read and write. He would get frustrated when he couldn’t get things down on the paper correctly. I told him then, that if he knew how to do those things, he wouldn’t need to learn them. Now I tell myself the same thing. It’s okay to have to learn to be content. Obviously, it doesn’t come naturally. But I am determined to press on to that goal, and I hope that you are as well.

Love and blessings until we meet again,

Bonnie

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Women's Meeting - April 2017 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/womens-meeting---april-2017 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/womens-meeting---april-2017#comments Wed, 03 May 2017 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/womens-meeting---april-2017 In the news lately, we’re hearing a lot about sanctuary cities. The establishment of such cities—for a wide variety of purposes—goes all the way back to the Old Testament. In America today, these are cities who do not fully cooperate with federal efforts to enforce immigration laws. Those who are for sanctuary cities say this policy provides a safe haven for immigrants to access health care and other services. Those opposing say local governments should cooperate with federal authorities.

It’s a hot button issue, for sure, and I’m not taking a stand on it here. However, at our last women’s meeting, I kept thinking how our chapel at Metro Life Church was very much a safe haven.

On the fifth Sundays of the year, Emily Jessee and the many women who help her, work very hard to make our meetings safe places where we can freely seek God and receive ministry from him. These ladies are intentional about every detail.

The theme this past Sunday was “Our True Identity.” A large dirty mirror greeted us in the entry, the smudges reflecting the fact that we don’t always see ourselves as our Heavenly Father sees us. God used all the details of the evening to clarify our vision.

The tables were decorated with small mirrors and those nametags that say, “Hello, I’m _______.” The blanks were filled in with words like Loved, Forgiven, Adopted, and His, sweet reminders of who we really are.

Our growing dance team and two of our musicians led us into worship. God even gifted Allison Myers with a moving original song through which she ministered to us.

Then both Emily Henderson and Emily Jessee graciously opened up and shared their stories with us. Personal testimonies are powerful instruments in God’s hands. They always encourage me as I see how faithful God has been to people I know, despite how hard their journeys have been. The ministry time that followed was rich, as we prayed for one another all around the room.

We too are immigrants in a way. We are not of this world, and we are on our way to our true homes in heaven with our loving Father. How kind of God to provide for us safe places of encouragement and support along the way like Metro Women’s Ministry.

Mark your calendars now for the next meeting: July 30.

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In the news lately, we’re hearing a lot about sanctuary cities. The establishment of such cities—for a wide variety of purposes—goes all the way back to the Old Testament. In America today, these are cities who do not fully cooperate with federal efforts to enforce immigration laws. Those who are for sanctuary cities say this policy provides a safe haven for immigrants to access health care and other services. Those opposing say local governments should cooperate with federal authorities.

It’s a hot button issue, for sure, and I’m not taking a stand on it here. However, at our last women’s meeting, I kept thinking how our chapel at Metro Life Church was very much a safe haven.

On the fifth Sundays of the year, Emily Jessee and the many women who help her, work very hard to make our meetings safe places where we can freely seek God and receive ministry from him. These ladies are intentional about every detail.

The theme this past Sunday was “Our True Identity.” A large dirty mirror greeted us in the entry, the smudges reflecting the fact that we don’t always see ourselves as our Heavenly Father sees us. God used all the details of the evening to clarify our vision.

The tables were decorated with small mirrors and those nametags that say, “Hello, I’m _______.” The blanks were filled in with words like Loved, Forgiven, Adopted, and His, sweet reminders of who we really are.

Our growing dance team and two of our musicians led us into worship. God even gifted Allison Myers with a moving original song through which she ministered to us.

Then both Emily Henderson and Emily Jessee graciously opened up and shared their stories with us. Personal testimonies are powerful instruments in God’s hands. They always encourage me as I see how faithful God has been to people I know, despite how hard their journeys have been. The ministry time that followed was rich, as we prayed for one another all around the room.

We too are immigrants in a way. We are not of this world, and we are on our way to our true homes in heaven with our loving Father. How kind of God to provide for us safe places of encouragement and support along the way like Metro Women’s Ministry.

Mark your calendars now for the next meeting: July 30.

]]>
Awkward Conversations https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/awkward-conversations https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/awkward-conversations#comments Thu, 06 Apr 2017 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/awkward-conversations One thing I have always loved doing with my children and grandchildren is walking around the yard with them and introducing them to nature. There are so many teachable moments and so many new things to wow them.

We can count the trees in the yard, learn colors, and explore smell and texture. When you are two, it’s better than Disney World (in my humble opinion).

As I was showing my two-year-old grandson around our yard, I was struck by how he might be confused by the words I used. Perhaps he thought I had lost it a little when we got up close and personal with an orange tree.

“This is an orange tree,” I said as I pointed to the green leafed tree with a brown trunk.

Then I pointed to the little white orange blossoms and said, “Each of these little flowers will turn into an orange.”

He loves oranges and I think orange is his favorite color, so I can only imagine that he was wondering what kind of joke I was pulling on him. He is the strong, silent type, so he indulged me.

This got me thinking about the way I talk to people, especially people who I don’t know. Do they understand me? When I’m trying to tell them about Jesus do I use “churchy” words that would not create a bridge for communication?

I have been challenged lately to be free in talking to people about Jesus and to invite people to church. I am glad we don’t get letter grades for this, because I definitely need improvement. The Holy Spirit is a patient teacher though, and I am learning that it is really not all about me and how I say things. (Clearly, he does use that, but I need not get all hung up about it.)

The other day I was at Publix and I said yes to the bagger when he offered to help me to my car. He was one of the friendliest young men that I have come across in a long time, and I told him so. My mind was going crazy thinking about how to engage him in a conversation about Jesus. When he turned to go back to the store I blurted out, “Are you a Christian?”

I know, smooth.

He came back to my car and we had a great conversation, proving that eloquence is not the only key to talking about Jesus. I think the main key was being friendly and kind toward him; also known as loving your neighbor. As it turns out, he was a Christian and needed some encouragement. We had a fairly deep though short conversation, and he said he wanted to visit our church.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for him both at Metro Life Church and at Publix. So, who is God putting in your path with whom you can break out in awkward conversation?

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One thing I have always loved doing with my children and grandchildren is walking around the yard with them and introducing them to nature. There are so many teachable moments and so many new things to wow them.

We can count the trees in the yard, learn colors, and explore smell and texture. When you are two, it’s better than Disney World (in my humble opinion).

As I was showing my two-year-old grandson around our yard, I was struck by how he might be confused by the words I used. Perhaps he thought I had lost it a little when we got up close and personal with an orange tree.

“This is an orange tree,” I said as I pointed to the green leafed tree with a brown trunk.

Then I pointed to the little white orange blossoms and said, “Each of these little flowers will turn into an orange.”

He loves oranges and I think orange is his favorite color, so I can only imagine that he was wondering what kind of joke I was pulling on him. He is the strong, silent type, so he indulged me.

This got me thinking about the way I talk to people, especially people who I don’t know. Do they understand me? When I’m trying to tell them about Jesus do I use “churchy” words that would not create a bridge for communication?

I have been challenged lately to be free in talking to people about Jesus and to invite people to church. I am glad we don’t get letter grades for this, because I definitely need improvement. The Holy Spirit is a patient teacher though, and I am learning that it is really not all about me and how I say things. (Clearly, he does use that, but I need not get all hung up about it.)

The other day I was at Publix and I said yes to the bagger when he offered to help me to my car. He was one of the friendliest young men that I have come across in a long time, and I told him so. My mind was going crazy thinking about how to engage him in a conversation about Jesus. When he turned to go back to the store I blurted out, “Are you a Christian?”

I know, smooth.

He came back to my car and we had a great conversation, proving that eloquence is not the only key to talking about Jesus. I think the main key was being friendly and kind toward him; also known as loving your neighbor. As it turns out, he was a Christian and needed some encouragement. We had a fairly deep though short conversation, and he said he wanted to visit our church.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for him both at Metro Life Church and at Publix. So, who is God putting in your path with whom you can break out in awkward conversation?

]]>
Thoughts on Ephesians https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/thoughts-on-ephesians https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/thoughts-on-ephesians#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2017 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/thoughts-on-ephesians On Sunday, Aron encouraged us to read Ephesians to augment our study of Revelation, as one of the letters from Revelation was addressed to them. Reading Ephesians is always an encouragement, but this morning I was especially affected by being reminded about why we are here and that we are a dwelling place for Him.

Eph 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Eph 2:22 – And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Eph 3:16-19 – I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

It amazes me that I (we) are his dwelling place, but it makes more sense to me when I remember that we are God’s workmanship. He made us to be a dwelling place for him. He didn’t just make us to sit there and look pretty, but to do good works that he has prepared for us.

I was trying to absorb this as I read Chapter 3:14-21, Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. It is an excellent example of how to pray, but back up a few verses for a key – 3:12 states “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Well, that continues to blow me away, but I don’t argue with it. Or do I? Do I (we) ever approach God all bound up and with timidity?

When my kids were little, they typically just burst through the door and started talking. Unlike God, I would have to stop them sometimes so I could catch up with their thoughts. With God, he already knows, so why not be bold with him? He already gave us permission.

Now for the final mind-blowing impact of Ephesians of my morning, Eph 3:19 – “to know this love that surpasses knowledge.” That sounds like a contradiction to me. How can I know something that surpasses knowledge? Well, look to Eph 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

He can do immeasurably more than I would ever think, and He measures everything differently than we do. Time, love, faith, works. I encourage you to spend some time in Ephesians this week and see how God will use it in your life so that you will more “know this love that surpasses knowledge.”

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On Sunday, Aron encouraged us to read Ephesians to augment our study of Revelation, as one of the letters from Revelation was addressed to them. Reading Ephesians is always an encouragement, but this morning I was especially affected by being reminded about why we are here and that we are a dwelling place for Him.

Eph 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Eph 2:22 – And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Eph 3:16-19 – I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

It amazes me that I (we) are his dwelling place, but it makes more sense to me when I remember that we are God’s workmanship. He made us to be a dwelling place for him. He didn’t just make us to sit there and look pretty, but to do good works that he has prepared for us.

I was trying to absorb this as I read Chapter 3:14-21, Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. It is an excellent example of how to pray, but back up a few verses for a key – 3:12 states “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Well, that continues to blow me away, but I don’t argue with it. Or do I? Do I (we) ever approach God all bound up and with timidity?

When my kids were little, they typically just burst through the door and started talking. Unlike God, I would have to stop them sometimes so I could catch up with their thoughts. With God, he already knows, so why not be bold with him? He already gave us permission.

Now for the final mind-blowing impact of Ephesians of my morning, Eph 3:19 – “to know this love that surpasses knowledge.” That sounds like a contradiction to me. How can I know something that surpasses knowledge? Well, look to Eph 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

He can do immeasurably more than I would ever think, and He measures everything differently than we do. Time, love, faith, works. I encourage you to spend some time in Ephesians this week and see how God will use it in your life so that you will more “know this love that surpasses knowledge.”

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Let's Take a Closer Look https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/lets-take-a-closer-look https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/lets-take-a-closer-look#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2017 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.metrolife.org/harvest-table/post/lets-take-a-closer-look Valentine’s Day is so much more than just a day to celebrate love. It’s also time to cut back roses. Nothing says love like taking pruning shearers to a rose bush, getting them back in shape and removing all the little shoots that will suck the life out of the better stems and detract from the beauty of the bush.

Most February 15s, I start to think about those lovely roses of mine. I want to do right by them, but it really bothers me to cut them back when they are in bloom. The problem is, if you can call this a problem, they are always in bloom. I am specifically talking about knockout roses. They are so trouble-free that you really don’t have to prune them to get new blooms, and they bloom all the time.

IMG_1606.JPG

But after a while, they do get leggy and some of the blooms end up on the ground. From a distance, they look fine; but when you get up close it’s clear that they need some attention. Just like me. From a distance, you can’t really get to know me, but once you are up close and personal, you will likely see some areas that need attention – pruning, if you will. You will also observe small intricacies that can’t be seen from a distance, like the petals of a rose.

IMG_1614.JPG

Today I decided not to think about it and grabbed my shearers. I was kind of ruthless. I tried not to think of myself as a flower murderer but a flower resuscitator. After a few cuts, I kept looking at the flowers on the ground and knew I had to save a few so I got a vase and now I’m enjoying them inside the house.

IMG_1615.JPG

The funny thing is, the roses never complain. In fact, they will reward me with more roses in a matter of a few weeks and never mention the pain that I put them through. What happy, grateful plants they are! I want to be like a rose.

How close do you let people get to you?

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Valentine’s Day is so much more than just a day to celebrate love. It’s also time to cut back roses. Nothing says love like taking pruning shearers to a rose bush, getting them back in shape and removing all the little shoots that will suck the life out of the better stems and detract from the beauty of the bush.

Most February 15s, I start to think about those lovely roses of mine. I want to do right by them, but it really bothers me to cut them back when they are in bloom. The problem is, if you can call this a problem, they are always in bloom. I am specifically talking about knockout roses. They are so trouble-free that you really don’t have to prune them to get new blooms, and they bloom all the time.

IMG_1606.JPG

But after a while, they do get leggy and some of the blooms end up on the ground. From a distance, they look fine; but when you get up close it’s clear that they need some attention. Just like me. From a distance, you can’t really get to know me, but once you are up close and personal, you will likely see some areas that need attention – pruning, if you will. You will also observe small intricacies that can’t be seen from a distance, like the petals of a rose.

IMG_1614.JPG

Today I decided not to think about it and grabbed my shearers. I was kind of ruthless. I tried not to think of myself as a flower murderer but a flower resuscitator. After a few cuts, I kept looking at the flowers on the ground and knew I had to save a few so I got a vase and now I’m enjoying them inside the house.

IMG_1615.JPG

The funny thing is, the roses never complain. In fact, they will reward me with more roses in a matter of a few weeks and never mention the pain that I put them through. What happy, grateful plants they are! I want to be like a rose.

How close do you let people get to you?

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