just curious

Easter Sunday is on its way. I plan on the usual for Easter, driving down for services at Whispering Pines, then going to mom and dad's for the usual family gathering and a good meal.

Joe has decided that this year he's not going with me to Whispering Pines that morning, he is going to go to Lakeview (our church) and then drive to mom's for dinner.

So, I am faced with a choice. Either I can go ahead and drive down and take Marissa to Whispering Pines or go with Joe to Lakeview and drive down after service (which by the time we leave it's usually close to 1:00).

Is there a right or wrong choice?

I'm still going to do what I want to do, just wanted your responses.

new song

I had every intention of living my life,
without any sin, to live like Christ
But little did I know, the battle had just begun
And with every tear I shed, I pray,
Not my will, but thine be done

Not my will but Thine be done, as You prayed in the garden
Before they took you away
Give me the strength to call on you for the choices I make
Not my will, but Thine be done.

I tried to keep my promises, I tried to keep the faith
Failing You so many times, yet here I stand today
And this one thing I know, more trials will surely come
And with every tear I shed, I pray, Not my will but Thine be done.

*Lord I want to serve you, but the battle rages in me,
The spirit's always willing but the flesh inside is weak.

on keeping the Lord at work

Many of us who work with "the world" have a harder time struggling with our flesh. It is very easy to make it through the day without one thought on Christ. There are many influences that we are under. We are so busy and have to stay focused on the job that by the time we realize it, the day is over.

Our pastors, preachers, and others who do not work at other places tend to forget that we are facing "the world" every day. I'm not stating that men of God are immune to the flesh by any means. I'm just simply saying that I've noticed, in my own life, that those times when I wasn't working I was closer to God. I had the day to pray, read my bible, study, etc... Of course, any time that we are not as involved with the world, we are going to be closer to God if we make a commitment to Him.

I also think that preachers should consider this more when they are giving advice or preaching their messages. We don't have the time to go into an office and study the bible, or just simply pray sometimes. We have a job to do that, for many of us, uses all of our day and we still do not get everything accomplished.

There have been times when I am at work that I know I'm not being the person I should be. I am dealing with people who have lost their patience, manners, care, and respect for any others. I see the world every day and it is very easy to succumb to their way. I find myself being impatient, without manners, uncaring, and disrespectful. I find myself feeling no love for them because they show no love for their fellow man.

We need to pray for those of us who are struggling on our jobs to be a witness, to stop for a few moments throughout the day to focus and pray. We need to take just a moment to say "thank you Lord, please help me through the day."

She searches her heart for love where bitterness and resentment have taken its place.
She cries uncontrollably, her only hope is to seek comfort in her Savior's embrace.

She desires forgiveness for the thoughts deep within her mind,yet they still linger inside.
She questions her faith, knowing not why she can not let go, though she has tried.

She faces another day of sorrow, of frustration, of emotions filled with pain
She struggles, fighting the battle hoping today she will win, only to find she has failed....once again.

on understanding

I have a hard time understanding why, when I'm so heartbroken and torn, that my Lord and Savior allows such pain and agony to persist in my life. Everyone always uses the scripture "wait on the Lord." Is this the only answer?

I have a hard time understanding that while I'm faithful in service that my Lord and Savior allows my service to be so emotionally troubled. I know that the scriptures say that we will suffer. I just don't understand why the suffering is in His house.

I have a hard time understanding that while I have chosen to follow my husband and be supportive in his decisions that he's made, why my Lord and Savior has allowed my marriage to become a constant battle to fight. The scriptures say for the wife to subject herself to her husband, well, I have.

I have a hard time understanding why my emotional suffering is not important enough to my Lord and Savior that He doesn't change the situation. I think of the scripture, "is anything too hard for the LORD?" Well, I know that nothing is, so where is my joy? Where is my peace? Where is my comfort?

I have a hard time understanding.