Thursday, October 21, 2010

Church Note #1



First, I will start with some fun Fall pictures. We recently had a family cookout in the park. It was a beautiful afternoon... one of the last mildly warm days we might see in quite some time. Enjoy the pictures, and then I'm going to start something new.

Ollie and me
Lola Mae... a few tears
Beau's marshmallow... golden
Typical Naomi
More S'more Making
5 on a slide!
:)
Tillie swinging
The crazy part about this is that I remember going down this slide when I was her age. Does that make me old?
Oh Sylvia.
Swinging high!

Over the past several months, whenever I attend a church service or bible study, I have been diligent about taking notes. The reason being is largely in part to the way I learn; I learn best visually. If I record a thought on paper and then revisit it later, it does two things: 1) refreshes my memory and 2) gives me a visual cue as to why the thought stuck out to me.

So... I keep this blank paper pad in my Bible and it goes with me everywhere. As I fill up pieces of paper, I paperclip them together and keep the notes with one another. Periodically, I'll thumb through them and be reminded of an excellent thought or wonderful Truth from the Word. Recently, I concluded that I should do more than just review; I should share what I learn.

As often as it moves me, I will blog about a few notes on these papers. I'll probably choose them randomly, because, well, I like to be random.

Tonight's Note:
July 14, 2010

"God specializes in problems to reveal His power and Love."

I remember now that the minister stood up and shared this thought at the beginning of his message. It was very powerful. So often as Christians, we wonder, "Why?" and the cliche question, "How could a loving God allow this?"

The answer is in the quote above. It is IN these problems and these times of trial that God's power and love come forth and His glory is revealed. I don't think God purposely strikes people dead to prove a point, but then again, He could if He wanted to. And it's in scenarios like that... the ones that catch us off guard, make us rub our chins, and wonder what the purpose is... it's in those times that the only thing left to do is to turn to God. And if Christ is in our hearts, He will deliver in a bigger way than we could ever imagine.

The wrap-up of this message was shared by another minister with this:
The Gospel in 3 words:
Faith
Forgiveness
Future

First it takes faith in God. When that is established, we recognize Jesus' death on the cross as payment for our sins, and we reap the peace of God's forgiveness. Lastly, we have a future of living for Christ and hope of eternity in our lives because of the gift we've been given.

A great summary of the Truth! Are we sharing it?

Love you all!

T

1 comment:

Tami said...

Taryn...
Hey there! Great pictures! Love fall time...girl after my own heart. Your nieces and nephews are really quite striking!!! What a good looking group (tears and all!). :)
I love your insights into God's word too...love to hear your thoughts! Lastly, I saw your mom tonight at the Restmore volunteer dinner (I think it was Restmor's dinner...wow, that terrible that I don't know). Anyway, I told my sister after she walked away that everytime I've been around her, I think she seems like such a neat person!! She's great...as are you, friend! :)
Have a great weekend!