Safe and Beautiful on a Sunday

I always love Sundays and today was no exception. Having accepted the call and the pastors' nomination of me as church Prayer Team Leader or Coordinator, I was seeking the Lord's leading as to who I should talk with about the three Prayer Teams I'll be recruiting for and overseeing: Altar Prayer Team; Intercessory Prayer Team and Front Lines Prayer Team which will meet before services to do a prayer walk of the facility, and hold a brief prayer meeting just prior to the service. I have begun putting together the details and guidelines for each team and hope to have them ready to brain storm over at least by Wednesday.

Mike's message was on our positional condition after salvation and he did an effectively convincing presentation on a difficult concept. Even very mature believers can easily fall back to trying to "earn" God's blessings and favor. We like to keep a mental tally of all our good deeds so we can assure ourselves of God's acceptance and our place with Him in eternity. Madness! Grace is Grace is Grace! I am so glad I don't have to merit His favor, for I could never make it, nor could I hope to please Him enough to even elicit a condescending smile, let alone a real favor or an answer to any prayer I've ever directed His way. Instead, He tells me that His love is unconditional. He loves me just because I am me. 

There were a few downsides to this glorious Sunday. (1) Richard came home from work with a cold. (2) The patio pet door we need costs $160. (3) Jill's bus ticket has doubled in price and neither of us can afford it just now. I suggested some alternatives and am praying for Our Lord to creatively tender a solution. (4) The power is out for the third time this evening. This time the blackout has lasted over an hour thus far, BUT our faithful, whole house generator is running like a champ. We're the only house around with any lights.

I don't have a Book installment tonight. I'm still proofing that, but I have an extra to post anyway:

_______________________________

Staying Safe

Here's a very useful site which keeps you informed about recalls, safety issues etc. and also locates sex offender in your area with info. A map of your neighborhood shows your home in relation to nearby residences of convicted sex offender. Info also includes the conviction charges and dates as well as any known aliases. Works nation wide.  Check it out:

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

_______________________________

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have
to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm
professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm
admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm no t claiming to be perfect, My
flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.. I
have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a
simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Send this to your beautiful Christian sisters!!! I LOVE YOU :)