Gasp!
Is this real?
Never have I seen such waters of blue,
Yet somehow green at the same time.
Stripes of deep hues,
give me a hint and a clue.
Crash!Roar!
Travailing waves of rushing passion,
Yet in between each one,
A whisper from the deep,
Gives me a message for my heart to keep.
A treasure not found
Out far and beyond
But before me still and simple.
Eyes as blue as those rising crests
Smiles as bright as those milky waves.
Little legs frolicking with simple joy
Also long limbs skimming across the shore
On flat wooden boards
Amazed by how they have grown
These are moments only eternity can afford
Giggles and squeals
stir joy and delight
As we make sand cakes and shell cookies
And chase playful gulls until they take flight.
Treasures of children and family
These are riches of eternal tides
Life may seem to toss us to and fro
At times as the waves of violent seas
But the serenity of the Father's Love
Is demonstrated within family.
The treasures of the deep are deeper than they seem
Looking beside or in front
They are closer than we realize
Portals of His glory
Blast through their playful laughter
and His grace rains through their tears.
May I never take for granted
All the gifts our King has granted.
My heart heaves with grateful breaths
for the wealth encased, yet released
from the Heart of such an elaborate Giver.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
A Hidden Place
It is Thursday, May 24th at 3:30 in the afternoon. We have been on Emerald Isle, N.C. for 4 days now. This is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen. I had never heard of the Crystal Coast or of Emerald Isle. However several weeks ago I just started surfing the net in hopes of coming across a nice, peaceful place for our family to travel for vacation.
We have had crystal blue skies everyday since we have been here. The ocean is almost as blue as the sky, but a deeper shade. The caps on the ocean are so white they look like waves of milk. I have been enjoying this hidden place mostly because it has been simple. What a blessing to lay on the bed and look out the window in the mornings at God's beautiful creation. What a gift it is to be away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta Ga with my wonderful husband and beautiful 9 children.
My heart almost weeps with delight as I hear the little ones squealing with joy as they run to the waves and then away again as if they are playing chase with the tide.
My heart swells with joy as I look into their smiling faces and I think to myself, "Their faces are portals of God's glory and grace" Many times we tend to look in bigger places for God's manifest presence. We think we need to get away to some place where we have heard that God's presence hangs out. This may be true.
However, when I look into the faces of my children and when I gaze upon my husband's loving countenance, I see heavenly portals in a place we often forget to look.
God's portals are not primarily in secluded spots like mountain terrains or ocean get aways, they are in the gift of family. Oh if we could really get back to that place of family where God really shows up. Before we left to come here, I was frustrated and felt I needed to get away. Maybe we all needed this vacation. However, as I gaze out over the Crystal Coast of N.C., I have renewed clarity. Family is what matters. My family is my safe place and my hidden place. I am grateful. I am blessed. God is faithful and His portals of favor are open over me.
YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL!
THEREFORE MY SOUL KEEPS THEM.
THE ENTRANCE OF YOUR WORDS GIVES LIGHT!
IT GIVES UNDERSTANDING TO THE SIMPLE!
PSALM 119:129-130
Father, thank you for this time you have given our family to get away and to spend simple time together. You truly have blessed us with a beautiful place to reflect upon Your goodness and beauty. Most of all Lord, thank you for the reminders of the depth and the importance of family. Thank you for showing me more of Your glory in my children's faces and my husband's tender smile. As I grow in gratefulness, may my own heart be an open portal where Your light will further touch my family and those you put in my path. May my children and my husband also reflect more of Your glory and grace as You continue to draw us closer to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
We have had crystal blue skies everyday since we have been here. The ocean is almost as blue as the sky, but a deeper shade. The caps on the ocean are so white they look like waves of milk. I have been enjoying this hidden place mostly because it has been simple. What a blessing to lay on the bed and look out the window in the mornings at God's beautiful creation. What a gift it is to be away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta Ga with my wonderful husband and beautiful 9 children.
My heart almost weeps with delight as I hear the little ones squealing with joy as they run to the waves and then away again as if they are playing chase with the tide.
My heart swells with joy as I look into their smiling faces and I think to myself, "Their faces are portals of God's glory and grace" Many times we tend to look in bigger places for God's manifest presence. We think we need to get away to some place where we have heard that God's presence hangs out. This may be true.
However, when I look into the faces of my children and when I gaze upon my husband's loving countenance, I see heavenly portals in a place we often forget to look.
God's portals are not primarily in secluded spots like mountain terrains or ocean get aways, they are in the gift of family. Oh if we could really get back to that place of family where God really shows up. Before we left to come here, I was frustrated and felt I needed to get away. Maybe we all needed this vacation. However, as I gaze out over the Crystal Coast of N.C., I have renewed clarity. Family is what matters. My family is my safe place and my hidden place. I am grateful. I am blessed. God is faithful and His portals of favor are open over me.
YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL!
THEREFORE MY SOUL KEEPS THEM.
THE ENTRANCE OF YOUR WORDS GIVES LIGHT!
IT GIVES UNDERSTANDING TO THE SIMPLE!
PSALM 119:129-130
Father, thank you for this time you have given our family to get away and to spend simple time together. You truly have blessed us with a beautiful place to reflect upon Your goodness and beauty. Most of all Lord, thank you for the reminders of the depth and the importance of family. Thank you for showing me more of Your glory in my children's faces and my husband's tender smile. As I grow in gratefulness, may my own heart be an open portal where Your light will further touch my family and those you put in my path. May my children and my husband also reflect more of Your glory and grace as You continue to draw us closer to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Is Change a Choice?
Have you ever had a sudden change of events in your life which you had no control over? Maybe you were laid off from your job and had to sell your home and move to a new community. Or you found out you were expecting a new baby in a time when your finances were low. It was not a "convenient" time for a new baby to enter into your family. Some changes are difficult and others are delightful. However, change is inevitable.
About a year and a half ago, our family faced some major changes which left us feeling disoriented for a season. We had to file bankruptcy, we foreclosed on our house, had no savings, found out we were expecting baby number 9, and moved across the city to a rental home. This sudden change of events was like a whirlwind that came in and disrupted our already busy lives.
Most of us will experience winds of change throughout our lives. The personal one I shared was not an easy one. It was painfully embarrassing and confusing. When one is going through financial trials, it is a sure set up for wrong judgements from some outsiders looking in. However, I look back and see all of the blessings which came through it. God truly does work all things together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Many times we go through hardship and we blame the devil or we blame ourselves. In some situations both could be true. However, I am learning to also ask the question, "Is it You God?"
When we humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to change us and work In and through us, many times we do not truly know what we are inviting. There are times when change comes in like a violent wind and messes things up in our lives. Change is not a choice in that aspect. It will visit even without our invitation.
There is another question however. Is there a choice we have to make internally, when the changes come? The answer is yes. We can choose to move with the wind ,and trust the God who controls the gusts of change. A picture of this would be a tall oak tree swaying and bending in the midst of the storm. If the roots are strong and deep the tree stays. In fact if you study the internal functioning of tree growth, you will learn that there is actual movement going on inside the trunk of a tree when it is moving in the wind. Wind actually helps trees to grow.
On the other hand, when external change comes and everything inwardly is disturbed, we can choose to stiffen ourselves against the wind. If a tree does not bend, the trunk can very well snap in half. Have you ever felt yourself resisting the trials in your life and you just kind of stiffen up inside? You feel resentful, angry, hurt, and confused. These are all normal emotions, however the key is that we do not stay that way and allow ourselves to bend with the wind that we may grow into that tall and strong oak of righteousness .
I am feeling that in this season, winds of change are blowing. Some of us are feeling a bit "chilly" from the gusts. Some of us are even a bit disoriented and wondering which which way is up. However, we have a choice. We can resist the direction of the wind and walk against it as we wrap our sweaters of self protection and go on about our way. Or we can choose to fly as the wind of God's spirit comes behind us, lifting us and moving us to where God is moving.
My heart of flesh sometimes wants to run against the wind, but with God's grace, I am turning with the wind and allowing Him to cover me with His garments of grace that I may fly with Him.
Lord, I thank you that you understand my struggles. You are patient with me. You know how hard it is at times for me to adjust to Your movements and stirrings. It is uncomfortable sometimes. Give me grace to bend into You and help me to make the right choice inwardly to lean into the adjustments You are making in my life. You are transforming me from glory to glory, but I realize I have to allow you to change me. when I feel tempted to stiffen against Your wind, remind me Lord that I can let go and let You change me. You are the God who never changes, but you are constantly working in me that I will mirror the beauty of Your Son. Let your winds blow on and in me. I want to sway in your love with graceful abandon!! Amen.
About a year and a half ago, our family faced some major changes which left us feeling disoriented for a season. We had to file bankruptcy, we foreclosed on our house, had no savings, found out we were expecting baby number 9, and moved across the city to a rental home. This sudden change of events was like a whirlwind that came in and disrupted our already busy lives.
Most of us will experience winds of change throughout our lives. The personal one I shared was not an easy one. It was painfully embarrassing and confusing. When one is going through financial trials, it is a sure set up for wrong judgements from some outsiders looking in. However, I look back and see all of the blessings which came through it. God truly does work all things together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Many times we go through hardship and we blame the devil or we blame ourselves. In some situations both could be true. However, I am learning to also ask the question, "Is it You God?"
When we humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to change us and work In and through us, many times we do not truly know what we are inviting. There are times when change comes in like a violent wind and messes things up in our lives. Change is not a choice in that aspect. It will visit even without our invitation.
There is another question however. Is there a choice we have to make internally, when the changes come? The answer is yes. We can choose to move with the wind ,and trust the God who controls the gusts of change. A picture of this would be a tall oak tree swaying and bending in the midst of the storm. If the roots are strong and deep the tree stays. In fact if you study the internal functioning of tree growth, you will learn that there is actual movement going on inside the trunk of a tree when it is moving in the wind. Wind actually helps trees to grow.
On the other hand, when external change comes and everything inwardly is disturbed, we can choose to stiffen ourselves against the wind. If a tree does not bend, the trunk can very well snap in half. Have you ever felt yourself resisting the trials in your life and you just kind of stiffen up inside? You feel resentful, angry, hurt, and confused. These are all normal emotions, however the key is that we do not stay that way and allow ourselves to bend with the wind that we may grow into that tall and strong oak of righteousness .
I am feeling that in this season, winds of change are blowing. Some of us are feeling a bit "chilly" from the gusts. Some of us are even a bit disoriented and wondering which which way is up. However, we have a choice. We can resist the direction of the wind and walk against it as we wrap our sweaters of self protection and go on about our way. Or we can choose to fly as the wind of God's spirit comes behind us, lifting us and moving us to where God is moving.
My heart of flesh sometimes wants to run against the wind, but with God's grace, I am turning with the wind and allowing Him to cover me with His garments of grace that I may fly with Him.
Lord, I thank you that you understand my struggles. You are patient with me. You know how hard it is at times for me to adjust to Your movements and stirrings. It is uncomfortable sometimes. Give me grace to bend into You and help me to make the right choice inwardly to lean into the adjustments You are making in my life. You are transforming me from glory to glory, but I realize I have to allow you to change me. when I feel tempted to stiffen against Your wind, remind me Lord that I can let go and let You change me. You are the God who never changes, but you are constantly working in me that I will mirror the beauty of Your Son. Let your winds blow on and in me. I want to sway in your love with graceful abandon!! Amen.
Monday, May 14, 2007
The Detriment of Exclusivity
There are not many feelings worse than a feeling of disconnection and not belonging. As I have never been very athletic except in a couple of areas, I was always one of the last picked to be a team member in grade school. I will never forget the humiliation of being in the group of the least chosen for kick ball during PE. Because I was a scrawny little girl I could not kick the ball very far. Therefore, I was not a desirable candidate for a team. On a lighter note, I blame that on my six foot one brother who ate all the ice cream at breakfast. My mother had to hide my snacks. I have forgiven you Chris! :)
In being a mother of 9 children, I would be deceiving myself if I said that none of my children have ever felt excluded. There have been times when a board game was being played and one of the children were not invited to play. There have been times when a couple of the children were invited to go somewhere and the other was not. In addition, I am sure I have spent more time with a few of the children in a given day than I have with another. Little ones notice this and it is harmful to their hearts.
Being the imperfect parents we are , we will not get it right every time. However, we must humble ourselves to recognize our shortcomings and ask for God's grace to grow and improve in our weak areas. Many times I have had to ask my children for forgiveness in hurting them by making them feel excluded from me and the rest of the family. There have also been many family talks where we have had to repent to one another for not being more sensitive to each other.
Sometimes I have found the older ones excluding the younger, less mature ones because they have "better" things to do. I have many times caught myself doing the same things as I get so busy at times. Most of the time we do not think about the hurt this causes and the detriment that occurs in their emotional and spiritual growth.
The family is a beautiful picture for all of life's course. If husbands and wives, sisters and bothers, parents and children can learn within the God designed unit of family for successful living, so much of the calamities in society could be avoided. If we cannot stick out the storms in family then how can we have a healthy church , community, and nation?
It is so easy to fall into the pattern of exclusivity. It is a comfortable place to be in the familiar with familiar people we have bonded with and grown with over a period of time. However God has a plan which is opposite to this. His desire is that we grow healthy in family that we may reach out to include instead of exclude others. We should always be open for new members and new relationships.
This brings me to ponder the glory of each new child that comes into a family. If we have one child, it is hard for us to see and understand how we could love and cherish the second child as much as the first. All of our time and energy has gone into the one child. How could my heart possible hold another heart? But this is one way we learn the love of the Lord. He always has room for more. If His heart is in us and we are created in His image, we are designed by Him to do the same on a smaller scale.
When I look at all nine of my children, I am amazed at how God has enlarged my heart to love and cherish them all in a way that is not my own. Likewise, as we are members of God's family, the concept is the same. We should never exclude others He joins to our body because we are too preoccupied with the same relationships we have always had. If we are not growing up and reaching out, our branches are not spreading and then our growth becomes stunted.
We should continually make it a practice to humble ourselves before the Lord in this area as parents and leaders. As parents we lead our children. As leaders in other areas we set the course for those who follow us. They will either grow up to be just like us or they will disconnect from us. Repentance begins with us. Humility begins with us. Lord, let it begin with me.
Lord, make me a blessing . I come to you with a broken heart that I have played the part many times of excluding others because of different reasons. Sometimes I am too busy and distracted. Sometimes I am puffed up and think I do not have time to mess with the weaknesses of others. Sometimes I am just plain insensitive. Lord, wash and cleanse my heart that I may carry other's hearts within mine. Teach me to love and to see all people as equally important in your eyes. When I touch the life of another, a child, and elderly person, a hurting sister, remind me Lord that I am laying my hand upon you and that I am not only blessing them, but also You. Amen
In being a mother of 9 children, I would be deceiving myself if I said that none of my children have ever felt excluded. There have been times when a board game was being played and one of the children were not invited to play. There have been times when a couple of the children were invited to go somewhere and the other was not. In addition, I am sure I have spent more time with a few of the children in a given day than I have with another. Little ones notice this and it is harmful to their hearts.
Being the imperfect parents we are , we will not get it right every time. However, we must humble ourselves to recognize our shortcomings and ask for God's grace to grow and improve in our weak areas. Many times I have had to ask my children for forgiveness in hurting them by making them feel excluded from me and the rest of the family. There have also been many family talks where we have had to repent to one another for not being more sensitive to each other.
Sometimes I have found the older ones excluding the younger, less mature ones because they have "better" things to do. I have many times caught myself doing the same things as I get so busy at times. Most of the time we do not think about the hurt this causes and the detriment that occurs in their emotional and spiritual growth.
The family is a beautiful picture for all of life's course. If husbands and wives, sisters and bothers, parents and children can learn within the God designed unit of family for successful living, so much of the calamities in society could be avoided. If we cannot stick out the storms in family then how can we have a healthy church , community, and nation?
It is so easy to fall into the pattern of exclusivity. It is a comfortable place to be in the familiar with familiar people we have bonded with and grown with over a period of time. However God has a plan which is opposite to this. His desire is that we grow healthy in family that we may reach out to include instead of exclude others. We should always be open for new members and new relationships.
This brings me to ponder the glory of each new child that comes into a family. If we have one child, it is hard for us to see and understand how we could love and cherish the second child as much as the first. All of our time and energy has gone into the one child. How could my heart possible hold another heart? But this is one way we learn the love of the Lord. He always has room for more. If His heart is in us and we are created in His image, we are designed by Him to do the same on a smaller scale.
When I look at all nine of my children, I am amazed at how God has enlarged my heart to love and cherish them all in a way that is not my own. Likewise, as we are members of God's family, the concept is the same. We should never exclude others He joins to our body because we are too preoccupied with the same relationships we have always had. If we are not growing up and reaching out, our branches are not spreading and then our growth becomes stunted.
We should continually make it a practice to humble ourselves before the Lord in this area as parents and leaders. As parents we lead our children. As leaders in other areas we set the course for those who follow us. They will either grow up to be just like us or they will disconnect from us. Repentance begins with us. Humility begins with us. Lord, let it begin with me.
Lord, make me a blessing . I come to you with a broken heart that I have played the part many times of excluding others because of different reasons. Sometimes I am too busy and distracted. Sometimes I am puffed up and think I do not have time to mess with the weaknesses of others. Sometimes I am just plain insensitive. Lord, wash and cleanse my heart that I may carry other's hearts within mine. Teach me to love and to see all people as equally important in your eyes. When I touch the life of another, a child, and elderly person, a hurting sister, remind me Lord that I am laying my hand upon you and that I am not only blessing them, but also You. Amen
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Happy Mother's Day Momma
I would like to honor my mother on Mother's day by writing about her. I always believed my Mother was and still is so smart, she could have graduated college with a MBA and been the CEO of a large successful corporation. She has always been organized, yet gracious. She has always used her time wisely, yet has taken time to just sit and listen to others.
My mother was a stay home mom most of her younger years. She did work as a librarian's assistant when my brother and I were in school. So she was home when we were home. She was always there and she always showed she cared about our lives. I will never forget all of the wonderful home cooked meals she made every single night. The meals were not frozen Stouffer's meals, but rich and filling foods that gave me comfort. Every course was like a letter that said, "I love you."
My mother cares when others hurt and is quick to defend the wounded heart. I recall a difficult time in my life when Momma was not only my Mother, but she was my best friend. We had just moved to a new town and I had entered the jungle of the so "loving" sixth grade class. It was difficult making friends because all of the sixth grade girls were in their own groups of companions and stood their ground when it came to any possibility of letting anyone new in. It was a season in my life that I learned a tremendous lesson about life.
At the beginning of the sixth grade year, I would come home from school in tears because the kids were so cruel and unaccepting. I had never felt so rejected in my life. I cannot express the magnitude of comfort I felt each day to come home where I knew my Momma would be.
She would hug me and talk to me. In addition, she would give me sound wisdom in how to deal with the adversity. Little did she know, that her words left a deep mark in my heart that I carry to this day. Simple but powerful, this is what she said.
"Do not worry so much about the ones you are trying to be friends with. I am sure there are others that feel left out just like you and need a friend. Look for those people and make friends with them."And you know that is exactly what I did. I continued to be kind to the ones who were mean, but I no longer focused on them so much. I started looking around, outside of myself, and saw that my mother was right. There were others who felt the same and were seemingly "rejects like me."
By the time I entered high school, I had many friends. No , I never hung out with the popular group. I was never voted cheerleader or Homecoming Queen, but I had plenty of genuine friends.
by the end of my Senior year, the senior class took a vote of the classmates they wanted to elect as senior superlatives. I was voted by my class the friendliest and most courteous.
It was all because of the seeds of wisdom my mother planted in my heart in the painful place of sixth grade. This day, I hold fast to those words. The most serious emotional and spiritual problem individuals struggle with is rejection. We live in a world where divorce is rampant, father's are absent, and discipline is not a priority. This tragedy is that our country's kids are growing into adults with serious rejection issues and they need so much healing.
I am so thankful for my mother. Because of her, my heart is still looking for the hurting and rejected. This is God's heart. I believe as time moves along, we will see God raising up "rejects" to be some of the most powerful leaders that ever existed. I want to be friends with rejects!
Thank you Momma for imparting truth into my heart that will carry me throughout my entire life. The seeds you have sown will sprout through all the generations in your grandchildren and their children. Thank you for being a mother who demonstrates what true beauty is.
I love you!!! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Ange
My mother was a stay home mom most of her younger years. She did work as a librarian's assistant when my brother and I were in school. So she was home when we were home. She was always there and she always showed she cared about our lives. I will never forget all of the wonderful home cooked meals she made every single night. The meals were not frozen Stouffer's meals, but rich and filling foods that gave me comfort. Every course was like a letter that said, "I love you."
My mother cares when others hurt and is quick to defend the wounded heart. I recall a difficult time in my life when Momma was not only my Mother, but she was my best friend. We had just moved to a new town and I had entered the jungle of the so "loving" sixth grade class. It was difficult making friends because all of the sixth grade girls were in their own groups of companions and stood their ground when it came to any possibility of letting anyone new in. It was a season in my life that I learned a tremendous lesson about life.
At the beginning of the sixth grade year, I would come home from school in tears because the kids were so cruel and unaccepting. I had never felt so rejected in my life. I cannot express the magnitude of comfort I felt each day to come home where I knew my Momma would be.
She would hug me and talk to me. In addition, she would give me sound wisdom in how to deal with the adversity. Little did she know, that her words left a deep mark in my heart that I carry to this day. Simple but powerful, this is what she said.
"Do not worry so much about the ones you are trying to be friends with. I am sure there are others that feel left out just like you and need a friend. Look for those people and make friends with them."And you know that is exactly what I did. I continued to be kind to the ones who were mean, but I no longer focused on them so much. I started looking around, outside of myself, and saw that my mother was right. There were others who felt the same and were seemingly "rejects like me."
By the time I entered high school, I had many friends. No , I never hung out with the popular group. I was never voted cheerleader or Homecoming Queen, but I had plenty of genuine friends.
by the end of my Senior year, the senior class took a vote of the classmates they wanted to elect as senior superlatives. I was voted by my class the friendliest and most courteous.
It was all because of the seeds of wisdom my mother planted in my heart in the painful place of sixth grade. This day, I hold fast to those words. The most serious emotional and spiritual problem individuals struggle with is rejection. We live in a world where divorce is rampant, father's are absent, and discipline is not a priority. This tragedy is that our country's kids are growing into adults with serious rejection issues and they need so much healing.
I am so thankful for my mother. Because of her, my heart is still looking for the hurting and rejected. This is God's heart. I believe as time moves along, we will see God raising up "rejects" to be some of the most powerful leaders that ever existed. I want to be friends with rejects!
Thank you Momma for imparting truth into my heart that will carry me throughout my entire life. The seeds you have sown will sprout through all the generations in your grandchildren and their children. Thank you for being a mother who demonstrates what true beauty is.
I love you!!! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Ange
Why I Love Him
John and I have been married for 22 years and will be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary this summer. God has really been doing a deep work in our marriage these last couple of months. Even though it has been difficult and we have gotten into some knock down drag outs, I love him more that ever. I feel like we tend to get so focused on ourselves that we steal from ourselves the valuable thoughts and admiration that we have in our spouses. I am learning that the more I watch my husband and his life, the more I realize that I want t be more like him in so many ways. I just blogged yesterday and so did John. I encourage you to read what he wrote as I admire his thoughts and wisdom. He has such a practical side that keeps me in balance.
Our anniversary is not until August, but I do not want to wait. I want to write 23 things about my husband that I admire. All of us wives should practice focusing on all of the God given strengths our husbands have and cut out the complaining. I am here to declare to the world that I am blessed. I may sound prideful and my reply to that I YES!!! I am. I am proud to be married to John Cogburn and here is why..............................
1. He is patient
2.He is kind.
3.He is funny
4.He is full of joy.
5.He hardly ever complains.
6.He is gentle.
7.He carries peace in his heart and it shows in his countenance.
8. He is successful because he honors the Lord with his life.
9. He is very affectionate with his children and me.
10. He is faithful.
11. He sees the best in others.
12. He is wise.
13.He never, ever, loses his temper.
14. He is understanding and works at being understanding even when he does not understand.
15. He is strong.
16. He completes what he starts.
17. He is a man of his word.
18. He is humble.
19. He is an encourager.
20. He constantly serves me, his children and others.
21. He is handsome.
22.He perseveres in adversity.
23. He is my earthly hero.
I am so blessed. Thank you Lord for all of the things in my husband that reflect your heart and glory. thank you John for being who you are. I love you. Ange
Our anniversary is not until August, but I do not want to wait. I want to write 23 things about my husband that I admire. All of us wives should practice focusing on all of the God given strengths our husbands have and cut out the complaining. I am here to declare to the world that I am blessed. I may sound prideful and my reply to that I YES!!! I am. I am proud to be married to John Cogburn and here is why..............................
1. He is patient
2.He is kind.
3.He is funny
4.He is full of joy.
5.He hardly ever complains.
6.He is gentle.
7.He carries peace in his heart and it shows in his countenance.
8. He is successful because he honors the Lord with his life.
9. He is very affectionate with his children and me.
10. He is faithful.
11. He sees the best in others.
12. He is wise.
13.He never, ever, loses his temper.
14. He is understanding and works at being understanding even when he does not understand.
15. He is strong.
16. He completes what he starts.
17. He is a man of his word.
18. He is humble.
19. He is an encourager.
20. He constantly serves me, his children and others.
21. He is handsome.
22.He perseveres in adversity.
23. He is my earthly hero.
I am so blessed. Thank you Lord for all of the things in my husband that reflect your heart and glory. thank you John for being who you are. I love you. Ange
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
What's on My Heart?
Do you realize that I have never blogged in my life!!
This is an historic moment. My first blog!
It is my first blog, and I don’t know what to write. So, to help myself, I will ask myself a question.
What is on your heart?
What is on my heart?
Here’s a question:
What would you do if your life could be simple again?
Have you ever thought about that question? Do you remember when life was simple?
Sometimes I look at my kids, especially the real young ones and I think to myself, man if I could just be that age again. But, of course, know everything I know now. Can you imagine how simple life would be?
Sometimes, I look at my teenage boys and think, man, if I could have it to do all over again and be one of them. But, of course, know everything I know now.
Do you see the pattern unfolding here? It’s one of… to be that, but, to know this. Obviously, this is a God-designed impossibility.
Do you ever wonder why teenagers think they know everything and you (assuming you’re an adult reading this, possibly a parent yourself), know nothing. Sometimes, we might be inclined to think that this is the work of Satan himself. - A ploy of the enemy to frustrate parents and drive a wedge between them and their children. - A lifelong plot to separate us from our legacy and render us unable to impact them for the future.
The truth, I believe, is that this is actually the work of God!
Think about it. If children listened to everything we said, followed it word-for-word, step-by-step, knowing what we know, but with them having the opportunity to start fresh and new and do everything right, their lives would be simple. This would be great. In fact, I’m convinced that if my kids would listen to me, they could avoid every mistake I’ve ever made and their lives would be perfect. In fact, I’m convinced that I could help my kids be millionaires by the time their 40, just by listening to me and doing everything I say, avoiding all the mistakes I’ve made in my life. They would have a wonderful, carefree life, I think to myself.
But, where would that leave them. Would it make them happy? Would they truly be able to think for themselves? Would their lives truly be simple? Or would they be constantly looking for the answers to life’s questions from me?
Can you believe what we’ve witnessed in the news over the past few days? Paris Hilton, poster child for the simple life. Already a millionheiress before she was ever born, able to go through life not worrying about a thing. Now, going to jail for her petty wrongdoings. Is she able to think for herself? Or is everything we’ve watched her do over the past few years really just episodes she construed to get attention. To really have the simple life – a life that truly would allow her to think for herself, to make a contribution to society that few but her can make – will she ever be able to accomplish this? The truth is she’s probably never been allowed to think for herself.
You see, it is God’s design that our children think for themselves. For it is our duty to lead them to green pastures, but it is up to them to ask the questions, think for themselves and enjoy the view.
The next time you struggle with something in life, realize this. God wants us to have the simple life. The life of leaning on him for everything – and thinking for ourselves.
by John
A little side note:
You will notice from time to time when something appears on the site from me how vastly different it may be from what you hear from Ange. Ange and I are at totally different ends of the spectrum when it comes to certain things. I often joke with people that if e-Harmony.com would have existed 25 years ago and Ange and I both signed up at the same time, our names probably wouldn’t have matched up. As you can imagine, being as different as we are comes with it’s challenges. But, I believe God put us together by design. As two different people work out their differences, true harmony can be demonstrated in them as they illuminate so many different areas of life together and influence different kinds of people together. This is the beauty of God bringing you together with someone different than you and allowing the two of you to shine on the hearts of others in His name. So, if you are struggling in this area with you spouse, persevere! It has probably been designed by God.
This is an historic moment. My first blog!
It is my first blog, and I don’t know what to write. So, to help myself, I will ask myself a question.
What is on your heart?
What is on my heart?
Here’s a question:
What would you do if your life could be simple again?
Have you ever thought about that question? Do you remember when life was simple?
Sometimes I look at my kids, especially the real young ones and I think to myself, man if I could just be that age again. But, of course, know everything I know now. Can you imagine how simple life would be?
Sometimes, I look at my teenage boys and think, man, if I could have it to do all over again and be one of them. But, of course, know everything I know now.
Do you see the pattern unfolding here? It’s one of… to be that, but, to know this. Obviously, this is a God-designed impossibility.
Do you ever wonder why teenagers think they know everything and you (assuming you’re an adult reading this, possibly a parent yourself), know nothing. Sometimes, we might be inclined to think that this is the work of Satan himself. - A ploy of the enemy to frustrate parents and drive a wedge between them and their children. - A lifelong plot to separate us from our legacy and render us unable to impact them for the future.
The truth, I believe, is that this is actually the work of God!
Think about it. If children listened to everything we said, followed it word-for-word, step-by-step, knowing what we know, but with them having the opportunity to start fresh and new and do everything right, their lives would be simple. This would be great. In fact, I’m convinced that if my kids would listen to me, they could avoid every mistake I’ve ever made and their lives would be perfect. In fact, I’m convinced that I could help my kids be millionaires by the time their 40, just by listening to me and doing everything I say, avoiding all the mistakes I’ve made in my life. They would have a wonderful, carefree life, I think to myself.
But, where would that leave them. Would it make them happy? Would they truly be able to think for themselves? Would their lives truly be simple? Or would they be constantly looking for the answers to life’s questions from me?
Can you believe what we’ve witnessed in the news over the past few days? Paris Hilton, poster child for the simple life. Already a millionheiress before she was ever born, able to go through life not worrying about a thing. Now, going to jail for her petty wrongdoings. Is she able to think for herself? Or is everything we’ve watched her do over the past few years really just episodes she construed to get attention. To really have the simple life – a life that truly would allow her to think for herself, to make a contribution to society that few but her can make – will she ever be able to accomplish this? The truth is she’s probably never been allowed to think for herself.
You see, it is God’s design that our children think for themselves. For it is our duty to lead them to green pastures, but it is up to them to ask the questions, think for themselves and enjoy the view.
The next time you struggle with something in life, realize this. God wants us to have the simple life. The life of leaning on him for everything – and thinking for ourselves.
by John
A little side note:
You will notice from time to time when something appears on the site from me how vastly different it may be from what you hear from Ange. Ange and I are at totally different ends of the spectrum when it comes to certain things. I often joke with people that if e-Harmony.com would have existed 25 years ago and Ange and I both signed up at the same time, our names probably wouldn’t have matched up. As you can imagine, being as different as we are comes with it’s challenges. But, I believe God put us together by design. As two different people work out their differences, true harmony can be demonstrated in them as they illuminate so many different areas of life together and influence different kinds of people together. This is the beauty of God bringing you together with someone different than you and allowing the two of you to shine on the hearts of others in His name. So, if you are struggling in this area with you spouse, persevere! It has probably been designed by God.
A GIFT AFTER TEARS
AS A CLAP OF THUNDER WITHIN THE HEAVENLY VAPORS
AS A JAGGED LIGHTENING BOLT STABBING AND DIVIDING IT'S PATH'S MASSES
THE POINT OF MY PEN BRINGS A VOICE
BIRTHING CLARITY TO INTERNAL WRESTLINGS
AND DIVINE LONGINGS TOO ENORMOUS FOR LIMITED MEDITATIONS.
THE STROKES I APPLY ARE AS A NEEDLE THREADING AND MENDING
WOUNDED PLACES LEFT EXPOSED IN QUESTS FOR VULNERABILITY
IT HAS BLED TO CLEANSE THAT WHICH NEVER CONTAINED LIFE
AS THOUGH DEATH CAME TO VISIT, GRIEF WAS PRESENT.
MY GUIDED HAND MOVES WITH LIFE WITHIN AND BEYOND ME
ANOTHER HAND THAT TOUCHES ETERNITY MERGES WITH MY OWN
ONE THAT PARTED WATERS AND RAISED THE DEAD
MOVES MOUNTAINS OF FEAR AND DOUBT WHICH THREATEN TO HINDER
NEW LIFE HAS BEEN BIRTHED WITHIN MY CREATED AND CREATIVE BEING
MY PEN IS THE SCOPE WHICH MAGNIFIES DIVINITY IN MY HEART
THE DREAM THAT WAS WOUNDED IS NOT DYING
HOPES WERE SEEDS ONLY NEEDING TO BE WATERED
BY THE FOUNTAIN FLOWING FROM CREATION'S MAKER
MIXED WITH BOTTLED TEARS FROM A HEAVY SPIRIT
SPROUTS OF LIFE HAVE SEEDS TO SPREAD
SORROW LASTING ONLY FOR AN EVENING
SHELLS ARE SOFTENING AS CREATIVE RAINS FLOW FROM A TINY ROD
THE WORDS ARE BLOOMS DELIVERED TO ROOMS IN THE HEART
A SMILE IS BORN AND JOY IS ETERNALLY IMPARTED
SALVATION IS THE DREAM THAT HAS COME TRUE
REDEEMING CONCEIVED LIES THAT ALL IS LOST
THAT THE DREAMS ARE NOT REAL
IT IS THE DREAM THAT FEEDS THE STREAM OF THE HEARTS
NOT MY DREAM, BUT HEAVEN'S HOPE
PROVIDED WITH ABANDON TO ALLOW ALL TO RECEIVE
DREAMS MEANT TO COME TRUE AND SHED UPON ONES YET TO BE
CARESSING LIVES AHEAD THAT THE FUTURE MAY TAKE HOLD
THAT ALL OF LIFE IS NEVER IN VAIN
AND LOVE IS WAITING FOR OPEN HEARTS
MAYBE ONES CUT OPEN FROM LIFE'S WOUNDS
TO RECEIVE THE DREAM THAT ORIGINATED IN THE MASTER'S WOMB.
This poem seems strange to me. But it came out of my heart this morning. In the womb of the morning came a fruit that is new to my taste. Something ripe from the tree of life hidden in my inner garden. God and me creating together!! It is what we were created to do.
AS A JAGGED LIGHTENING BOLT STABBING AND DIVIDING IT'S PATH'S MASSES
THE POINT OF MY PEN BRINGS A VOICE
BIRTHING CLARITY TO INTERNAL WRESTLINGS
AND DIVINE LONGINGS TOO ENORMOUS FOR LIMITED MEDITATIONS.
THE STROKES I APPLY ARE AS A NEEDLE THREADING AND MENDING
WOUNDED PLACES LEFT EXPOSED IN QUESTS FOR VULNERABILITY
IT HAS BLED TO CLEANSE THAT WHICH NEVER CONTAINED LIFE
AS THOUGH DEATH CAME TO VISIT, GRIEF WAS PRESENT.
MY GUIDED HAND MOVES WITH LIFE WITHIN AND BEYOND ME
ANOTHER HAND THAT TOUCHES ETERNITY MERGES WITH MY OWN
ONE THAT PARTED WATERS AND RAISED THE DEAD
MOVES MOUNTAINS OF FEAR AND DOUBT WHICH THREATEN TO HINDER
NEW LIFE HAS BEEN BIRTHED WITHIN MY CREATED AND CREATIVE BEING
MY PEN IS THE SCOPE WHICH MAGNIFIES DIVINITY IN MY HEART
THE DREAM THAT WAS WOUNDED IS NOT DYING
HOPES WERE SEEDS ONLY NEEDING TO BE WATERED
BY THE FOUNTAIN FLOWING FROM CREATION'S MAKER
MIXED WITH BOTTLED TEARS FROM A HEAVY SPIRIT
SPROUTS OF LIFE HAVE SEEDS TO SPREAD
SORROW LASTING ONLY FOR AN EVENING
SHELLS ARE SOFTENING AS CREATIVE RAINS FLOW FROM A TINY ROD
THE WORDS ARE BLOOMS DELIVERED TO ROOMS IN THE HEART
A SMILE IS BORN AND JOY IS ETERNALLY IMPARTED
SALVATION IS THE DREAM THAT HAS COME TRUE
REDEEMING CONCEIVED LIES THAT ALL IS LOST
THAT THE DREAMS ARE NOT REAL
IT IS THE DREAM THAT FEEDS THE STREAM OF THE HEARTS
NOT MY DREAM, BUT HEAVEN'S HOPE
PROVIDED WITH ABANDON TO ALLOW ALL TO RECEIVE
DREAMS MEANT TO COME TRUE AND SHED UPON ONES YET TO BE
CARESSING LIVES AHEAD THAT THE FUTURE MAY TAKE HOLD
THAT ALL OF LIFE IS NEVER IN VAIN
AND LOVE IS WAITING FOR OPEN HEARTS
MAYBE ONES CUT OPEN FROM LIFE'S WOUNDS
TO RECEIVE THE DREAM THAT ORIGINATED IN THE MASTER'S WOMB.
This poem seems strange to me. But it came out of my heart this morning. In the womb of the morning came a fruit that is new to my taste. Something ripe from the tree of life hidden in my inner garden. God and me creating together!! It is what we were created to do.
Friday, May 4, 2007
It is Okay
I just want to share something personal that has been on my heart this week. There was a realization in my heart that over the last several days I have been condemning myself for the very things God has put in my heart. I have made a decision that I will not apologize for things I am not supposed to apologize for. What am I saying and what do I mean?
Well lately I have been asking the Lord to show me the truth and to show me the lie. The truth is I care about people! I love people because I love God. When people are struggling and going through tough stuff, I feel things very deeply for them. Many times I weep and feel sad and grieve for them. God says, "It is okay"
When many voices come, the truth can easily get distorted in my mind when I am listening too closely. The voices include things like "Be careful, do not get too involved." , "This is not your burden to carry.", " You have enough to do at home to be so concerned about others.", "All that stuff can jump off onto you and then you become oppressed."
I appreciate the good intentions of others, but I have been listening to lies and the truth is, " It is okay."
It is okay to care
To love too much
As the world might say
As the well meaning may imply
Loving too much is harmful
The risk of feeling too deeply
The chances of getting dirty
In the nit and grit of anothers pain
Feeling accused of being too emotional
Never again will I believe the lie
Jesus wept.
I will weep without apology.
His tears of grief
For those He loves
To bear a burden is a gift
To bear a burden is worship
To carry His heart and anothers heart is a joy
To other's I may seem depressed at times,
Or even out of balance
Maybe there is a fear
Judgement is fear displayed
In the heart
Of one who struggles to be free
Yes I am emotional
And I get weary.
It is okay.
I go back to my Source
The joy of My Lord
Quickly, He replenishes me
With the moisture of Grace
I am made to love
And created to feel,
Destined to carry
His Heart in Mine.
It is good and
It is okay.
Lord,
Thank you for Your truth. Your truth aways goes back to one name and one word. Jesus and Love. Thank you for allowing me to feel. Thank you for the privilege of letting me participate in your emotions. May my tears glorify You always especially when they are misunderstood.
Lord, You are my hero. Amen.
Posted by Ange
Well lately I have been asking the Lord to show me the truth and to show me the lie. The truth is I care about people! I love people because I love God. When people are struggling and going through tough stuff, I feel things very deeply for them. Many times I weep and feel sad and grieve for them. God says, "It is okay"
When many voices come, the truth can easily get distorted in my mind when I am listening too closely. The voices include things like "Be careful, do not get too involved." , "This is not your burden to carry.", " You have enough to do at home to be so concerned about others.", "All that stuff can jump off onto you and then you become oppressed."
I appreciate the good intentions of others, but I have been listening to lies and the truth is, " It is okay."
It is okay to care
To love too much
As the world might say
As the well meaning may imply
Loving too much is harmful
The risk of feeling too deeply
The chances of getting dirty
In the nit and grit of anothers pain
Feeling accused of being too emotional
Never again will I believe the lie
Jesus wept.
I will weep without apology.
His tears of grief
For those He loves
To bear a burden is a gift
To bear a burden is worship
To carry His heart and anothers heart is a joy
To other's I may seem depressed at times,
Or even out of balance
Maybe there is a fear
Judgement is fear displayed
In the heart
Of one who struggles to be free
Yes I am emotional
And I get weary.
It is okay.
I go back to my Source
The joy of My Lord
Quickly, He replenishes me
With the moisture of Grace
I am made to love
And created to feel,
Destined to carry
His Heart in Mine.
It is good and
It is okay.
Lord,
Thank you for Your truth. Your truth aways goes back to one name and one word. Jesus and Love. Thank you for allowing me to feel. Thank you for the privilege of letting me participate in your emotions. May my tears glorify You always especially when they are misunderstood.
Lord, You are my hero. Amen.
Posted by Ange
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