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| Friday, September 16, 2005 | |
Just another reminder that In the Spirit of Grace is moving! If you are subscribed to the RSS feed, please make sure to update your feed information. The new RSS feed is at:
http://inthespiritofgrace.com/?feed=rss2
At the main site (http://www.inthespiritofgrace.com), you will also find easy to use quick link buttons so that you can subscribe via MyMSN, MyYahoo, Bloglines, & newsgator! Scroll down a little bit, and look on the right hand side of the page.
Finally, if you aren't quite sure about using a feed reader, but, would rather have *email* notifications of when the site is updated, that is available on the new site as well! Simply scroll down, and you will find an subscribe via email form underneath the calendar on the right hand side of the new site!
I am very excited about the new system, and know that you will be too! Make sure to stop by and check it out:
http://www.InTheSpiritofGrace.com
All new posts will be at our new location, so make sure to update your feed and bookmarks, today, so that you don't miss a beat!
Dei gratia,
Dee
| Monday, September 12, 2005 | |
In the Spirit of Grace is moving! This decision was reached after quite a bit of prayer, and was a result of several things.
I am so excited about this move, I can't wait to get settled! I am currently moving old posts over to our "new home", and plan to have that completed within the next week.
Our new home comes with beautiful "decoration" - providing you a gift to your senses (no more stark white!) while you read your favorite posts, along with easier archive access.
Please update your feeds & bookmarks! The new URL for In the Spirit of Grace is:
http://www.InTheSpiritOfGrace.com
For now, we are simply posting the old posts from here along with their original publishing date, however, in the future, we will be going through and actually "time stamping" the old posts to their appropriate dates.
Unfortunately, the comments will not be moving with us! If you have a favorite post that you would like to comment on, please visit our new site, and add your thoughts!
See you there!
Dei gratia,
Dee
| Friday, September 02, 2005 | |
 "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked,
And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible."
~Jeremiah 15:21 (NKJV)
This morning, as I watch the fifth day of devastation and utter chaos in the hurricane torn south, my heart aches. The Spirit has blessed me with a compassion that seems to have no end. But, even in this, as I pray for the people in the south who are suffering. As I urge you to donate to a reputable relief organization, Jeremiah rings in my mind.
God will redeem these suffering people from the grip of the most terrible. Please allow the Spirit to work through you for God's purpose.
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:
if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
or ministry, let us use it in our ministering;
he who teaches, in teaching;
he who exhorts, in exhortation;
he who gives, with liberality;
he who leads, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."
~Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)
Do whatever you can do to ease the suffering. Don't turn a blind eye. Don't get involved in the blame game of who is responsible for why things aren't going according to what you think they should go. Don't waste your time. Don't waste your energy. Don't let the evil one distract you from the important work that uses your precious gifts.
For your convenience, here is a short list of charities that need your help for these souls in the south:
UMCOR - While this is a denominationally related charity, it is my first choice for giving because 100% of the donations are given to disaster relief efforts.
Salvation Army
American Red Cross
Operation Blessing International
Dei gratia,
Dee
I'm continually shocked and amazed at how much of a hidden fortune I must have when I check my email each day. I didn't know one person could have so many bank accounts at so many different banks. And, I didn't even know that I had them. I must be wealthy and not even know it.
Truth be told, it's just more spam mail - trying to see if they can get someone to fall for their tricks, give important account information, and unwittingly provide the thieves with all the information they need to know to commit fraud.
I don't open the emails. I just click the delete key, and go on with my day. but, I really don't understand how someone can participate in that sort of activity without any apparent guilt or achknowledgement that what they are doing is wrong.
Deep down, I believe they know it's wrong - maybe it's not so deep down. But, I suspect, they justify it to themselves this way or that, and thereby alleviate any guilt they may feel for stealing and defrauding innocent, unsuspecting people.
But, I think this justification (not the good kind) is one that is pretty common for us as humans. We may break this commandment or that - and we simply shrug it off, justifying it to ourselves.
This is where grace comes in. We need to resist that urge to get into the flesh and justify our wrong doing. We need to humble ourselves enough to accept that we must ask forgiveness when we do wrong...and try not to do wrong again. We need to get out of our flesh, and invite the Spirit to dwell within us, cheerfully accepting His correction.
And, when we get those SPAM emails, asking us for our account information, wouldn't it be wonderful it we could just say a little prayer for the fraudster, that they correct their ways and get right with God as we delete their email from our system?
Dei gratia,
Dee
There is still time to sponsor In the Spirit of Grace's campaign for Heifer International! Simply click on the link that says "In the Spirit of Grace / Heifer international" over on the right hand side of this page, under the blogathon banner! Sponsors can pledge until August 9.
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Last week, I heard the most interesting thing on the news. Not interesting as in "I-can't-pull-myself-away", but, interesting as in "why-are-they-worrying-about-this".
I heard that the ACLU is bringing suit because having people swear in (in court) on a Holy Bible is directly conflicting with the idea of freedom of religion.
As I got thinking about it (I tuned out part of the report, because my mind got going with the train of thought) - I thought, you know....why would it matter to people who aren't Jewish or Christian what they are swearing in on? I mean, really....they shouldn't care if they are swearing to the Living God if they don't even believe in Him right?
And, if the ACLU wins....what about aetheists? Won't they be left out? I mean, what would they swear on? And, not only that, but, what would a jury think of their testimony? After all, they don't believe there is a higher power in the universe - they don't have a higher authority to answer to....so, wouldn't they be *less credible* in the mind of a juror - whether the juror is Christian, Jewish, or Muslim - or, really, ANY religious affiliation?
I'm not sure this suit was thought clear through. And, I can't help but wonder who prompted it. Were those people thinking it clear through?
Kind of makes you wonder if some people have way too much time on their hands.Dei gratia,
Dee
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Earlier, I was thinking about when I was in boot camp. It was about 16 years ago, but, I will never forget standing for inspection on a very hot, exceptionally humid day.
This was nothing new, but, I had not been eating real well, I suspect (getting used to eating in a few minutes was *interesting* to say the least.) Or maybe I hadn't had enough fluids....but, either way, I was apparently looking pretty bad physically (although, I must have been squared away uniform wise, because I passed the inspection).
As our company commander walked down the aisle toward me, I remember feeling a little light headed. Then she came to stand in front of me, did the inspection, and then told me "Pull yourself together, Phipps." It wasn't long after that, mayber a few minutes, when I passed out. I wasn't sweating - even in the terrible heat, and right away, they knew that I was suffering from heat stroke.
I will never forget her saying "Pull yourself together" - as if I could prevent myself from the impending loss of consciousness.
But, as I look back on the past 16 years, I think about all the times I told myself to pull myself together.
And, every time I tell myself that, my CC's voice rings in my head...."Pull yourself together, Phipps."
I think one of the things that has make such a big impact on me since becoming a Christian is knowing that it's not about me pulling myself together. It's about me surrendering my sinful ways - surrendering my flesh - and allowing the Lord to work through me. Essentially, I know that I need to let the Lord pull "myself" together.
Of course, I also know that I can prevent that from happening. The Spirit will not force himself upon any of us....we must consent to His presence, and allow him to do His work. But, it's such a relief to know that it's not all up to me any longer.
I still have times when I hear myself saying "Pull yourself together, Phipps", however, instead of bristling when I hear it, instead, I smile and know that all I have to do is surrender, and allow the Spirit to do His good work...I'm not alone any longer....and my relationship with Jesus Christ has given me the hope that comes from knowing that I don't have to worry about "pulling myself together" ever again.
Dei gratia,
Dee
There is still time to sponsor In the Spirit of Grace's campaign for Heifer International! Simply click on the link, on the right hand side of this page (under the calendar) that says "In the Spirit of Grace/Heifer International" and made your donation. Every dollar counts, and donations can be as little as 1 dollar.
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
I've had a few people private message me and ask why I chose Heifer International, rather than one of the other charities that I believe in.
First, a few of the other charities that were mentioned were:
1. Gospel for Asia - (http://www.gfa.org) - This really is one of my favorite Christian charities. However, because I already give regularly to GFA, I chose not to choose this as my main charity.
2. Lupus Foundation of America - (http://www.lupus.org/) - another natural choice, and a charity that I really believe in and donate to regularly. I donate a percentage of my monthly sales to LFA, and wanted to give another charity - a Christian based charity, some "air time".
3. Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization - (http://www.y-me.org) - yet another awesome charity - and definitely one that is relevant, considering my mom is currently undergoing chemotherapy to treat her breast cancer. However, as in # 2, I donate a percentage of my monthly sales to Y-Me, and thought it only appropriate to choose a Christian charity for Blogathon 2005.
4. Umcor (http://www.umcor.org) - This is another awesome charity - however, because it's denominational specific, I didn't feel like it was the right one.
All in all, I was lead to do this campaign for Heifer International - what they do - their giving, their work is absolutely awesome and TOTALLY changing lives for not just a handful - but, for many!
Dei gratia,
Dee
If you would like to sponsor our campaign for Heifer International, simply click on the "In The Spirit of Grace/Heifer International" link on the right hand side of this page (under the calendar).
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Well, the first 8 hours are gone of the 24 hour blogathon! I can't hardly believe it - on one hand, it doesn't seem like it's been 8 hours...and on the other hand, my body feels like it's been about 36.
I still have quite a bit to do on my list, and, I've got to figure out what to cook for dinner - AND how to cook it in between posts!
I suspect this first 8 hours was the easiest for me. I am starting to feel *really* tired. And, sitting in this chair is starting to not be very much fun. That's probably a side effect of the lupus or the prednisone. Don't know which - but, I know my body gets sore and tired much sooner now than it did before. But, I am determined. And, I know the Lord will carry me through the rest of this!
So, for the next half hour, I am going to take a look at my laptop again and see if I can get it to speed up enough for me to post from there - that would help greatly, since the chair I use for the laptop is much more comfortable AND relieves stress/strains on my joints that office chairs cause.
Then, I suspect I will have to make myself learn about my new site - otherwise, it will never get done!
Here's what's still on my list:
1. sketch new purse/briefcase prototype
2. Image editting: new products from the last few months (and post the new images)
3. Write Catalog descriptions
4. get started on the last 3 prototypes for the new product line.
5. Cook dinner
6. Work on laptop
7. Figure out website and get it live.
8. fill out registration for my daughter
9. fill out questionairre for VA
10. Write testimonials for a few of my subcontractors.
11. PRAY - coming up on my evening prayer time...and I sure need a short break!
See ya in 30!
Dei gratia,
Dee
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
When I first started writing & teaching, I really struggled. It wasn't that I wasn't sure of my faith. I was. I will tell you - that one night, the one explanation - everything just clicked for me, and I haven't seriously doubted my surrender to Christ ever since.
But, I will tell you, when I first started stepping out in faith and reaching out to others, I struggled. I kept thinking...."But, I am so young" (relatively, mind you - young as in - I'm not old enough to be an "elder")
However, God doesn't care how old we are, we can still be an instrument in His great hands. He has a purpose for each of us - and we must just follow let go of our "hangups" and excuses, and simply follow His lead.
"Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak."
~Jeremiah 1:7 (NKJV)
Yes, I am younger than some people who teach and write. however, I am not the youngest - and my age shouldn't matter - I didn't realize it, but, I was using it as an excuse, as a crutch. I simply needed to go to all the Lord sends me and speak whatever He commands, and so do you. Don't let anything stop you from following wherever the Lord sends you!
Dei gratia,
Dee
It's
still not to late to sponsor In The Spirit of Grace's campaign for
Blogathon 2005 - raising money for Heifer International. Simply look
over to the right side of this page, and you will see the blogathon
banner. Directly underneath, you will find a link that says "In The
Spirit of Grace/Heifer International" - click on that to make a
donation - every dollar counts!
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
I have a confession!
I've spent the last half hour finding anything to do OTHER than work on learning this stuff for my website. hehehehehe I was desperate - I was even in the kitchen trying to FIND something to clean!
Having a cool drink of water right now, and then I will be back at it...trying to shake off the lack of sleep fuzz. : )
See ya in 30!
Dei gratia,
Dee
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Alright....I'm not sure this task will last long - really.
I need to work on the new website - it's designed, it's ready to go - now, I just need to figure out how to work it.
Have you ever had the feeling you were reading a foreign language - even though you knew what you were reading was your native language? That's sort of the feeling I had this morning, as I perused the instructions for working on the new website.
Now, it's not that I'm not technically capable - I used to work as a computer/web programmer. But, I'll tell you what - it's just not where my mind is at any longer.
I suspect that sometimes, when we talk to people who are not walking with God - whether they are long-stumbling Christians, or people who have not had the joy of knowing Christ, they feel the same way - like we are talking in a completely different language.
"Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.'"
~Luke 9:35 (NKJV)
Christ made sure that even though he wasn't talking down to people, and even though people didn't always understand what he was saying (after all, some of us still grapple with the meaning of parables) - He always used *terminology* and examples of things that people were familiar with - no matter what their upbringing or training.
While I don't suggest that you start talking in parables, I think we need to follow Christ's lead in speaking with others. We shouldn't make them decipher our "foreign language"....we need to make sure that while we aren't talking "down" to them, we are not using terminology that may not be familiar to them.
Did you know that "simple" phrases, like "Born again" are confusing - even to Christians who are actively walking with God. What do you think those phrases do to non-Christians or marginal Christians when they send Christians who are actively walking with God into a tailspin of confusion?
Just something to think about!
I am going to dive into this foreign language of technical stuff....see you in 30!
Dei gratia,
Dee
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
What do you think of your feet?
Do you think of your feet???
Until last fall, I had never really given alot of thought to my feet. I mean, they get me from here to there (as long as the rest of me is cooperating!), but, I certainly wasn't going to take pictures of them and frame it!
Last fall, though, I went to a conference in Kansas City. One of the talks was about - you guessed it - feet!
And, you know what we decided? Your feet are beautiful - if you are hiding them behind the chair, thinking - "Not *my* feet"...I beg to differ!
"And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"~Romans 10:15 (NIV)
So, while you may not be ready to frame a picture of them, remember how beautiful the Lord & the receivers of the good news of Christ think your feet are - yes, even your FEET, and rejoice in knowing that "travelled" feet are quite beautiful!
Oh, by the way, credit has to go to the Spirit on this one. This scripture has been put in front of me twice today by Him, I knew there had to be a purpose! hehehehe, and strike another thing off my list - church multimedia presentation - corrected!!
Dei gratia,
Dee
P.S. Ready to sponsor yet? Simply look over to the right side of the page, and click on the "In the Spirit of Grace/Heifer International" link to sponsor In The Spirit of Grace as we raise funds for Heifer International during Blogathon 2005!
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Have you ever watched the show on TLC (I think there is another version on BBC) called "What Not To Wear"? I'm not a fan of reality TV or makeover shows, for that matter, but, I really do enjoy my Saturday afternoons, when I get to sit and watch the show. I think what captures me is that I can totally empathize with many of the people that are on the show! I mean, to be brutally honest, I prefer being a lily of the valley - they do not worry about how they will be clothed. And, it shows. But, honestly, what I am wearing is not my main concern.
On the other hand, if I were ever on the show, there would probably be a problem. First of all, it seems to me that the fashion "gurus" on the show are a little too concerned about showing plenty of skin on *everyone* they makeover. And, second, I would feel so guilty spending that much money on clothes for myself! $5000 for *clothes* - I just can't imagine.....
I think that I wouldn't even spent that much on clothes ack when I actually spent many hours planning what I would wear! It just seems very foreign to me!
What say you - would you go on a show like that and turn yourself over to a couple of strangers (I do have to admit that they have good fashion sense - they know how to dress different body types, and that is part of the reason that I watch the show....I'm enthralled by that skill.
So, let me know what you would do....would you go or would you stay?
Be back in 30 - have to switch back to the "big" computer since my laptop is lagging so bad!
Dei gratia,
Dee
There is still time - you can still sponsor this campaign fto raise money for Heifer international. Simply click on the link "In The Spirit Of Grace/Heifer International" on the right side of this blog!
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Don't laugh.
I got my new electronics installed - except that now I have a "situation" on my hands (other than the fact that I'm really tired! LOL)
You see, I ordered Vonage. I got my package and installed it. But, last night, when I went after "supplies" for being at the computer all day today (you know, the essentials - snacks, coffee & creamer), I had a brief instant where I found myself in the phone aisle at the store.
Of course, when I realized I'd wandered into the phone aisle, I thought "What am I doing here??" (I need lists, my memory isn't what it used to be) and promptly turned around and walked out of the aisle.
I needed a phone for my new line. I totally forgot that I needed a phone for my new line! (ok, now, you need to quiet down a little bit, I can hear you laughing from here!)
Isn't it funny how we can be trying to keep so many things in our heads all at once, that something seems to spontaneously fall out and get lost? Unfortunately, sometimes that happens when we get caught up in worldly pursuits - somehow, we seem to forget that God is responsible for every single thing we have, and is worthy beyond measure of being the center of our life. Somehow, He gets "lost" in the shuffle, and spontaneously (albeit, hopefully, temporary) falls out of our heads and hearts?
Sort of like my phone. Oh well, there is always tomorrow after my long, long nap!Dei gratia,
Dee
| Saturday, August 06, 2005 | |
Alright, now you've done it...you are just going to have to follow me around for a little while. I'm still cleaning (although, I will tell you, I can see HALF my desk right now!!), but, I went after the mail, and I got two things.
The first thing was a package I've been waiting for all week! So glad I got it - my hands are hurting so much, I didn't know what I was going to do if it didn't get here.
The second thing was - electronics! Gotta love that. So, I'm going to keep cleaning, and while I'm doing that, I'm going to attempt to hook up my new electronic gadget - hoping that I don't lose my internet connection while I'm doing it!
Hope is a really interesting thing. Hope gives us momentum to keep moving forward - reaching out. Our hope, our Lord, gives us the momentum to keep moving forward.
Now....back to cleaning and hoping!See you in 30!Dei gratia,
Dee
P.S. There is still time to sponsor my campaign for Heifer International! Simply look over on the right hand side of the page, and you will see a link to sponsor this campaign, as well as the current donations & number of sponsors already.
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