On My Journey

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Reflections: Sunday, 28 October 2007

God With Me
A friend ask me this question--

Was there EVER in your Christian walk when you thought for a second or a minute or even a day when God wasn't there for you??
I have never thought of this before. I have been thinking about this question. As I have been looking back over my Christian walk, here is some of my thoughts.

I have been on this journey with the LORD for 14 years. I cannot recall thinking that Jesus has not be there for me. The thought haven't cross my thinking.

There have been some tough times in my life to where I was drawn deeper to speak to the LORD. But doubting that He was not there was not the issue. I have been talking to God for a long. Well before I got into a REAL relationship with Him 14 years ago.

I started talking to God in my 20's. That has been over 20 years ago. There were many times in my life when I was in need of things to happen in my life.

I prayed to God during those times. What I did, became a habit. I always thought that God heard me even though I did not hear or have a rely to what I asked Him about. But I keep having talking to Him.

Here is an example: This happened about a few years after I got saved. When I was in a lot of pain at nights and could not sleep in my bed, I would talk to God. I recall one time that I said Lord, I know that You are not causing this pain. You would not do this to me. You love me.

Through all this pain, I gain more of God in my life view. I try not to let what I was going through, get to me. As long as kept talking to God, I keep going. I didn't know what was causing this pains in my life, but I keep talking to God.

About 10 or 11 years before I became a Christian, there were times when I heard replies. A Voice that guided me to do some things. Then from these experiences, this guidance draw me deeper into things that led me deeper into the things of God.

If you are in Christ, remember that God is with you when you don't think so or feel His presence. May you continue on in your journey. Keep believing that He will show up along your path of life. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Peace to You,
"Susie"

Friday, November 1, 2013

Reflections: Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Singing During Hard Times Too
I hope that you are still singing songs unto the LORD today. No matter what season of life you may be in. Sing unto the LORD always. Amen.

I was in the Upper Room this morning praying. As I was praying from my prayer journal, my thoughts drifted off. And I wonder some a bit. Then a song came to my thinking. I reflect back on that song. Every now and then this song pops into me thinking.

Here is a testimony relating to this song.
One day in October 1999, I came home from Church on a Friday Night. My mother was sick. She told me that she was getting ready to go to the Emergency Room. Some of my siblings took her.

Within an hour, I got a call from one of my brothers. He said that our mother had an heart attack. It turned out to be congested heart failure for the second time.

My mind was running with worry. I called a friend from Church. She prayed with me for my mother.

After I got off the phone. I started to an emotional cry. Then something within me rose up. And I started to sing a song. I had recently learned this song in Church.

The song was "Let The Peace of God Reign." I kept singing that song over and over again until I got peace. I sung the song with tears running down my face. (This song continues to minister to me till this day.)

There are some things I started to do as I sing this song. I do not sing the song as it was written. Back then I add my mother's name to the song instead of the word I, mine, me and my. Every time we sung this song in Church, I would sing it not as it was written. PEACE comes to me.
Here is that song. I was singing it off on on today.
Let The Peace of God Reign. (I added some words to it.)

Father of Life, draw me closer, Lord, my heart is set on You.
(Help) me run the race of time. With Your life enfolding mine.
And let the peace of God, let it reign.

Oh, Holy Spirit You're my comfort,
Strengthen me, hold my head up high.
(As) I stand upon Your truth, Bringing glory (All to) You
And let the peace of God, Let it reign.

The chorus
O LORD, I hunger, for more of You,
(Come) Rise up within me, let me know, Your truth.
O Holy Spirit, (You) saturate my soul,
(so that Your) life, (my) God, (that) fills me now,
(So that) Your healing power, (that brings me life) and (makes) me whole
(O) let (Your) peace (O) God, (Come) let it reign.

As I was praying this morning I was adding names as I sung this song. Let the PEACE of God Reign.... Here the actual song.
Let The Peace Of God Reign
English Lyrics
Father of life draw me closer
Lord, my heart is set on You
Let me run the race of time
With Your life enfolding mine
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

Oh Holy Spirit, You're my comfort
Strengthen me, hold my head up high
And I stand upon Your truth
Bringing glory unto You
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

Oh Lord I hunger for more of You
Rise up within me let me know Your truth
Oh Holy Spirit saturate my soul
And let the life of God fill me now
Let Your healing power breathe life and
Make me whole
And let the peace of God let it reign

Some of my thoughts:
When there are times when we don't know what to do, even when we don't know what to say or pray...Try SINGING unto the LORD. Sing a new song. Sing in the Spirit and Pray in the Spirit.

From My Book Of THANKS:
Father God, I am so thankful that You bring us life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. LORD Jesus, I am so thankful that in times of uncertainty, You come and comfort us. Holy Spirit, I am so thankful that a song can rise up within us so that we can give God praise.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

What Do I Want People To Say About Me?

Note: Wednesday, 26 October 2011

What Do I Want People To Say About Me?
Everyone wants people to say good things about us. But what are those good things? We want people to see the good in us. Those things that bring out our character.

We want to become the person we would like others to see. It's what people are saying about us. It brings the good or evn the bad things about us out. May we believe the best for otheres.

I want people to say that I care about things in life. I want to people to see that I'm a caring person. And that I like to be a friend. I don't like to be a bore or trouble to anyone.

I like that people note things about me. The things that bring out my good points. This does bring encouragement to me. It's good that people uplift others.

I tend to speak to people who are willing to speak to me. I don't force myself to speak to people who I think don't want to carry on a conversation. I try to respect others wishes. I hope that others will respect me too.

I hope that people speak good of me when I'm not around. I've heard of others who knows some of my family members. And what I hear is good things said about myself. That's very good to know.

I feel wonderful when I hear what others say about me from other people. I get a smile inside of me. There is a good feeling that people do like me.

May we say good things about others. May we sow seeds of good. May we know gossip about others. May we speak the good of others behind closed doors. May the LORD guide us into what we should say about others. May the word be with care and not harm in Jesus' Name Amen.

Thanks for reading.What Do I Want People To Say About Me?
In all that people can see the love of Jesus in me.

Stay On The Journey,Susan

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Church: Our Purpose

Reflections: Some of My Thoughts:

Monday, 22 October 2007

Yesterday in Church as I was walking, I saw about eight Xanga bloggers who are on my Word of Life blogring. Three of them I was in a position to gave hugs. One of them had surgery. As I hugged her I told her that I was praying for her.
She was so blessed by hearing those words. Just a hug and an encouraging word from another can lift them up. Church is more than just going to hearing a message or sermon from our pastors.

Then I was reading my subscriptions. I came across...

queenofchocolate

Random thoughts for my church friends

She ask some questions (see her blogsite.) Here's my comment from what she asked. I added more thoughts as I reflected on what I wrote:

I have been thinking about the Church also. What is my purpose in going and being apart of what CHURCH is? You ask good questions. We all can answer them in the ways that we believe.

We need one another as The Body of Christ. CHURCH is a necessary part of our Christian walk. We do have our own parts as Christians. Our Sunday Church gatherings should not just stop on that day.

There are 6 other days that we need to live as well...We wake up in the Kingdom of God daily. We are not just Christians on Sundays. Our private life and public life should show or reflect our Christlike image.

Yeah, Church should be a place were we are comfortable. We should have the atmosphere of friendliness there. There are relationships in our Church community that we grow and learn from one another as believers.

Church a place "where every body knows your name"...Yeah, I wear a name tag. We all have our uniqueness that stands out. [| :0)

About encouragement: I have learn to encourage myself. For example: There are times when we need encouragement and that person or friend is not there for us. Even pastors and so forth need encouragement as well.

But again coming to church we have friends that bring us encouragement. It's from those who surround us. We all are encouragers. It's who we can communicate with and relate to the brings out the best in us.
When I come to Church, I always feel encouraged. There is someone there to hug me, always. There is someone there to talk to me, always. That gives me that assurance that JESUS Loves ME. I can see Jesus in the people I communicate with.

Jesus is and is in the Church. His presence is there when the Body of Believer gather together. There is a Big different when we come together. We cannot get it all in very small gatherings.

Yesterday in both of our Church services, the Spirit of the LORD was in the House. The 2nd gathering was different. The Holy Spirit was moving in a different way. But the glory of the LORD was there. I was aware of the presence of God in Church. And so were others.

I see Church in a new way now. Pastor Brian's three Sunday's messages added more to my thinking about the CHURCH. Jesus is on the MOVE. May we move with Him.
The next time that you get the opportunity to gather together in the HOUSE of the LORD, Think. Ask yourself questions such as Why am I here? What's my purpose?

We, the people who gather together are the Church. It's not the building. It is assembling of the saints of God.

There are many reasons why I go to Church. I have a purpose in being there. You should too. May we discover more as we come together as a Body of Christ. Have A GREAT Day!
Peace Be With You,
"Susie"

From My Book Of Remembrance:I am thankful that we can ponder while others can comment. I am thankful that God has blessed us with COURAGE. I am thankful that our Father God has given us His COVENANT Blessings.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

What Does Church Membership Mean To Me?

Sunday, 15 February 2009

What Does Church Membership Mean To Me?
Happy Day to you. Hope that you Have A Great Week! Enjoy!

A few weeks ago, I have heard this question from Word of Life's BIG screen during some of the announcements. What Does Word Of Life Church Membership Mean To You?
I thought about membership. There are benefits in membership / partnership. There are some things that a member should be doing. There are things a member should know.

What do members do? What are the benefits in membership? How can a church benefit by having people be a member in a church? What do others and I gain by being a member of the body of Christ?

I've been a member of WOLC since October 17, 1993. I've been through some seasons of times and sickness while my stay at WOLC. I'm thankful that I've been a member in the church. I am thankful for the people in the church who have shown concern to my family and as well as myself.

I am thankful that I didn't have to go through some things alone. God has blessed me with people from His church to be a part of my life. I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for the friendship that I have met along my journey through membership as the church. Some friends were just for a season. There are some friends that have gone on. I am thankful that we crossed paths.

I've been thinking about membership in the church. To be honest with you, I am still learning what it means to be a member of a church. I don't know everything that there is about membership. Here are some things that come to me.

What Does WOLC Membership Mean to Me? It's were I can connect with the people of God. I have connections with the Kingdom of God. I can fellowship with those who believe in God. I can share my life with friends. I can grow in the LORD. I have a place to go where I can be built up.

I can be a blessings to those who are around me. I have the opportunity to hear the word of God. I have a place to worship God in public. I can be used of God in His kingdom.

There is a diversity of people that come to WOLC. There are many who come from different backgrounds. That's nice to experience the variety of people who belong to God. God is our God.

We as members we should pray for the leaders in the church. We should pray for one another. We should edify and built one another up. We should come to gather and assemble as the corporate church.

We should paid our tithes. We should give our offerings. We should worship God together. We should take communion together. And the list goes on.

There is much that's there by being apart of the body of Christ, His church. I have a place where I can honor God. I have a church family to be apart of.

I am thankful that I am able to come to WOLC. No matter what season I am in, I will be welcomed by my friends. I can take shelter from the storms of life. That's pleasing to know.

On My Journey Of Transformation:What Does Church Membership Mean To ME?

Blessings, Peace, Mercy and Grace,
~Susan~

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Church Connection Day Anniversary

Notes Reflections Wednesday, 17 October 2007

Church Connection Day Anniversary

It happened at High Noon on this date back in 1993. The invitation door was open for those who wanted to join Church at Word of Life. As I walked through that door, I became one of the 1000th person to join Word of Life Church on that 3rd Sunday in October.
Back then, I had been going to Church for only a month. On Saturday, September 18, one day after my very first visit to Word of Life, I told my mother that I got saved the night before. She told me that I should have been going to Church 10 years ago.

I thought to myself.... Was I too late getting in here? I believe that my life had changed and that my attitude about Church had been altered when I met Jesus. My mind had changed. I knew that it was high time for me to start going to Church. But WHO'S Church? and Where???

I had 3 Churches to choose from. There were two Baptist Churches were some of my family were going. Or I could have joined WOLC two days after my Conversion Day. But I HAD TO PRAY ABOUT THIS ONE. I had to see what I was getting myself into.

In the meanwhile, I continued to attend WOLC both on Friday Nights and Sunday Mornings gatherings. I didn't start going to Church until I started going to Word of Life Church. I did not grow up in a Church.

It did not take to long for me to make my decision to which Church to hook up with. But it actually took a month to join Church. I had to wait for that invitation in order to get in.

I was thinking more toward the Church where I met Jesus. But I had thoughts of what would my mother think? Why didn't I join her Church? Was my Mother's Church good enough for me?

I prayed about which Church to join. What came to my spirit was to "join the Church were I felt comfortable." It made sense to me. That brought me peace to which Church to join. The peace of God was with me.

This was one of my decision, I believe that led me toward the Church I should join. That day came on Sunday the 17th of October 1993. I had already set my mind and my heart in motion to join Word Of Life Church on that day. The invitation came about high noon.

What I remember about that time I got connected to Church at Word of Life, my knees bucked. I was shaking when the invitation to join Church was open. My heart was beating fast. I had to calm myself down. I did make my way up the the platform.

As we came forth, we gathered in a circle on the platform. I remember the person who I was standing on my left side. Her name, Peri Zahnd who happens to be Pastor Brian's wife.

We all introduced ourselves. I was the only one in the group that had to say my name twice. I spoke softly. I need to speak up.

After our introduction, we held hands, bowed our heads and we prayed. And then we became a member of a Church through Word of Life. Finally I can say that I have a Church to attend. I can call Word of Life Church, my home Church, where I gather in the House of the LORD. And I can say that I have a pastor.

Then after we filled out the information card, Peri greeted each one of us. Then it was time to take our pictures. I had to get my picture taken twice. Part of my head was not in the photo.

I even ask if I could have the photo. It's a polaroid picture. I missed placed it as we moved here. It will show up.

Back then our photos where displayed out in the entrance area near the sanctuary. This was so that other members of the Church could know that we were new members of the Church. That was a good way to connect a name with a face.

Over my years as a greeter and even more these few weeks, I have adopted a new attitude and awareness about The Church. For a long while I have been seeing and greeting people as apart of The CHURCH of GOD.

We are of ONE Big Church, not one individual set of churches. This common union that the Body of CHRIST has, is that we serve the same Almighty and Living GOD. I try to respect people as apart of God Creation.

As I reflect back over my past 14 years as being connected with The Church, I have been yearning to learn more about Jesus. I am wanting to discover a lot about the things of God. And how to live as I should since I began my Christian journey.

Being Apart of Church Community; through fellowship with my family, the people of God, interacting with my Church family, friends, spending quiet time with my Father God and reading my Bible to name a few.

I continue to grow and change as I am in my personal relationship with our Lord God. There are milestones and markers that I cross every year. The Church Life has become something new to me.

I have found a new meaning about the Church and LIFE, as I am making my way on this path of life that God is leading me on. I am wanting to know more and more about Jesus as I am doing life in The kingdom of God.

To me, Being Connected with a Church means: Being Connected with Christ Jesus. However you can be in a Church and not be connect with Jesus. It's through the Conversion experience that makes the connection. I confessed that Jesus is the LORD and SAVIOR of my life. He is my LIFE. Thank You JESUS for Your Life and Your Church.

From my Book of Remembrance: I am very thankful that God's Spirit led me to the Church where His Spirit dwells. I am thankful that God introduced Himself to me at Word of Life Church. I am thankful that God has never left me.

I am thankful that God's Spirit dwell in The Church. I am thankful that God has given me His gift of a pastor and the five fold ministry. I am thankful for my pastor, Pastor Brian, Peri and my Church family.

I am thankful that God gives me the COURAGE to share some of my life's journey through blogging so others can hear of His goodness and mercy that He grants me in my life. I am thankful that our Father God has blessed all of His children with His COVENANT Blessings.

Some of My Thoughts:
My Conversion decision to be a follower of Jesus led me to be Connected with His Church. As I was finishing up this blog yesterday, I had a thought to add My Conversion Testimony to this posting.

As I was in the process of completing this, I noticed that someone click on My Conversion Testimony: The Uncut Version. Thanks for taking the time to read how God has been working in my life. He will complete what He has started.

Also every time when the invitation door is open for those who want to be connected with the Church of GOD through Word of Life Church, I tend to look around to see who raises their hands. It's good to see people to join CHURCH. Church is the place to gather and be in the presence of God and His people.

I thank our Heavenly Father that people are being added to His Church and being Converted daily. There are over 4000 people who are connected to the Church through Word of Life Church. Thousands are making a decision to follow Christ: A Landmark for Salvation and A House of Friends.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Life's Reflections: Some Of My Thoughts

Memories Sunday, 14 October 2007

Life's Reflection: Some Of My Thoughts
I thank all of you who believe in me.
I believe in you, my friends.

From My Book of Remembrance:
I thank You , Heavenly Father for being committed to complete the work that You have started in me. I thank You, Lord Jesus for working FAVOR in my life that has been release for me to walk into. I thank You, Lord God for the blessing of COURAGE. I thank You, Father God for Your COVENANT Blessings.
My Thoughts: Keep the focus on what you are doing.
A few weeks ago, I was watching Joyce Meyer Ministry on T.V. Sister Joyce was showing us an illustration that she was trying to get across to us. I could relate to what she was saying. She communicated this very well.

Sister Joyce called two members from her ministry team to come on the platform One was her husband. The other person's name was Chris; He was to represent the devil, who come to attack us at times. And Joyce's husband, Dave was to represent God who watches over us. Joyce represented the believer in Christ Jesus.

The believer in Christ Jesus was called "Susie- Super Christian." Yeah, I just had to laugh when I heard the name "Susie". That's how I related so well to what Joyce was talking about. It hit home.

"Susie Super Christian" is reading her Bible. She going to church. Doing what a Christian has set out to do and so forth on this road of life with Jesus. When all of a sudden the devil comes to attack " Susie Super Christian."

What does "Susie Super Christian" do? She starts fighting with the devil. Where does this leave "Susie Super Christian"? She is getting her eyes off what she is suppose to be doing. She is not focusing on what God has called her to do. She is all uptight, upset and frustrated about what is going on.

Then Joyce was getting this point across. If we believers in Christ Jesus will stay stable in what we are doing in our lives, then God will come and take care of us and what the devil or whatever is doing to us. If we continue to keep standing in faith, keep doing our best to be patience, keep waiting on God, and keep praising His name, our Father God will step in (This is better said than done.)

Joyce also said that some of the things that come into our lives are not always from the devil. There are times, when such happenings could come by chances. This brings situations into our lives. There are times when God brings some things in to our lives to test us. We grow from these experiences.

Then there are times when we bring things in our lives ourselves. (I can be a witness to that.) One way is to be putting on too much "doings" in our daily schedules.

This can bring a load on us. This can lead us to frustration. We can get all bent out of shape over things that we could have avoided by just saying NO!! Or think about what we are getting ourselves into.

Whatever the source of our "happenings" in our lives, we should have some peace of stability in what we are doing. If we have so much to do and very little time for God in our lives, we are opening the door for things, not to go our way. We can welcome in TROUBLE. We don't need more trouble in our lives.
I have been trying to simplify my life more. I have cut out some things in my life that I do not have to do. I am asking myself, what is important? What is it that I really want to do that? Do I need to do that? Is that really necessary? Where is my time and energy going? I have been seeking the LORD for wisdom and what path should I take.

Since then, I have put to the test what those things are; What is stealing my joy, time and energy... I have discovered some of those stealers. I have found a lot more peace of mind. I am not guilty in some of the things that I have let go and given to the LORD. I have been learning how to lay my burdens down now.

I have been enjoying myself a lot more. I am having less stress on some matters that use to bug me. Some got to me at times. Now, I have Peace of Mind. That soo GOOD. May the LORD continue to guide me on my pathway. (I have learned that I don't have to be apart of the crowd all the time.)

Special note:I believe that some of "you kind of know me" by now. I thought to share this with you all. Some will relate to what I am about to say. And some won't.

But first I will say that I got a chance to see and talk with some of my Word of Life Bloggers Buddies, today. Cathy, Cyndy, Lynnflo, Yeah, I was looking hard for you, Becky. I was not in my triangle in between the 2nd service. But I kept looking for you. You found me. Ms. Emily, I was glad to see you too.

Ms. Emmy, I am not a "party phooper." I was serious about what I said to you girls. What I was talking to you about. You guys need to be praying for me.

I am going through a healing process about "Church Gatherings", such as Octoberfest etc. It's been a while since I came to such of an event. Where did all started...The attack came in about 1998, 1999 time before the Labor Day Picnic gatherings.

When I heard of the news that we won't have gatherings on Labor Day, I GOT SO HAPPY! I thought that this "thing" would leave me. Then Octoberfest came into being. It did not. I can testify that I have been getting better as time has progress.

I was planning on coming to this Octoberfest this year. I changed my mind. Something came about. Then I began to cut down on some of what I use to do. I can hear some say, O GET OVER IT. Forgive and go on with your life.

That's what I have been trying to do. I have forgiven what happened and doing my best to keep going on with my life. I cannot change what happened. I truly want to wipe away what it was, out of my thinking forever.

The last time I came to our church picnic was in the year 2000. In 1999 my thoughts were not there. I made it through the picnic. I talked my self to come in the year 2000.

When I came back in 2002, I think. It was for the gathering with the people and Jewish friends who built Word of Life Church's Upper Room. I thank God that it was on the inside. I don't like outside gatherings that much. But I can endure when I really want to.

I have come a long ways since 2002. This year when the Octoberfest was announced, I did think about coming. I believe that I did not miss out on anything. I had a good time not being there.

I believe that I don't have to explain myself to you. One of my friends who was setting by me during the 2nd service said that she was not going to go to the Octoberfest either. Her reason was that her husband was not there.

I could have explain to to my friend why I was not going. My mind would not be where I was. It's  like when there was some months of time when my body was in church but my mind was not. I believe that was a healing time for me. And so is this time for me now.

I believe at times there are times to keep my mouth shut and just keep going on about my life. I believe that God is working a mighty work in me. Jesus has brought me through a lot of "matters" in my life. I believe He will brought me out of this one too.

It's all learning experiences in life. Test in life that I have been going through. My faith has been strengthen. I am growing in the process. I am more at rest and moving on into what lays ahead for me.

Will I go to the next Octoberfest at Word of Life Church in 2008 or beyond? I am not worried about that.  When the announcements comes AGAIN, I will make my decision. In the meanwhile, I am going about my life, entering in and enjoying life and what God has set before me.

P.S. I had a WONDERFUL Day, today. Hope that you did too.