Fellowship ~ Kiononia

Our hostess

According to reference.com, the spiritual meaning of kiononia has such a multitude of meanings that no single English word is adequate to express its depth and richness.

Today's brunch and fellowship was a very special time.  It was  a joy to listen and share what God has been teaching us in our BSF study of the book of Isaiah.  Our challenge and joy...applying the truth in our daily lives.   

Our group

Watching a Royal Wedding

Every weekday morning, I am exercising on the elliptical machine. 

The beginning of my work out... 

Watching the wedding...

My personal highlights...Listening to the Hymn,  Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Words: Williams Williams (Bristol, England) Translated from Welsh to English by Peter Williams..

The scripture reading was from  Romans 12

Listening to the message,  I heard the familiar parts of a traditional Christian ceremony.  

The end of my workout... 

After the workout... getting ready to walk the dog... then shower. 

I wonder... Did Penny watch the wedding?

A Happy Celebration

 Happy Birthday 

Jerry 

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday Book Club S.I.S.T.E.R.S

Saturday Book Club Discussion ~ The Help

God's Love for all nations

One of the most familiar scriptures of the Bible is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)  God's love transforms individuals... We love God and want to share His love with others.

  Our classroom enrollment  reflects the diversity of our world.  Maps are displayed across the classroom... United States, China, Iran, Mexico, a World Map, and the Middle East... One interesting map title: Crucible of History

Crucible is defined as a place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful, intellectual, social, economic, or political forces.
Sadly this definition does not include a spiritual component.  As we observe Holy Week, the central figure of the week is Jesus Christ, His  death burial, and resurrection.

Back to the John 3;16...

A few faces from today's class

Christ in the Passover

Seder Plate

As Christians pursue the truth of God’s word, we discover significance of the Passover. Several years ago, I participated in my first Passover Seder in Nashville.  At my first Passover, I began to understand the significance of Passover for Christians .  

“ For Christ our Passover also has also been sacrificed.  Let us therefore celebrate the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” 
I Corinthian 5: 7-8 

Message about the Passover Seder

Celebrating People In Action ~ Volunteers

Volunteers from tonight's dinner.

Rookie of the Year Volunteer

This year's theme of National Volunteer Week is Celebrating People in Action April 10 ~ 16, 2011.
This afternoon, I attended an Award Luncheon for the District 6th Altrusa International, Inc.  Clubs were recognized for collecting books for low income children... collecting Spanish Language Books for children in Honduras... boots for children in Romania...  helping set up apartments at the Hope Center for women who are working to help residents become stable and move back into the community and support sobriety.
Volunteers helped at Salvation Army, Lexington Rescue Mission, and several literacy projects.

This evening, I was a part of celebration at Marriott  Griffin Gate where family and friends celebrated YMCA Black Achievers youth and adult volunteers.
Celebrations... applause, certificates, awards, and scholarships.... a shadow of a upcoming celebration....

Friday Evening Banquet

Sharing

"Sharing is one of the most challenging  social skills for all children to learn.  The limits are so unclear.
Moms and dads don't share their cars with their neighbors, and yet kids are suppose to."  Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

I agree...sharing is often difficult in a preschool classroom. One simple solution may be to  teaching by example.   What are some ways we can share with neighbors?  What about carpooling?  Maybe organize meals for sick neighbor...or do grocery shopping for a neighbor...or sitting with someone in the hospital.

What does it mean to follow God?

How does my relationship with God shape my everyday life?  I pray in big and small ways, my life is defined by a love for God.  How do I spend my time... my resources... and energy... my day.

When I began this blog, I chose as my goal, sharing how I seek to live a life in obedience and service to God.  Thus the title ... A God - Filled Life.

I, Paul, have been called and sent by Jesus, the Messiah, according to God’s plan along with my friend Sosthenes, I send this letter to you in God’s church in Corinth, believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life. I include my greeting all who call out to Jesus, wherever they live.  He’s their Master as well as ours!  I Corinthians 1: 1 – 3   ( The Message) 

Love

Love is a fabric 

which never fades,

no matter how

often it is washed in

the waters of adversity 

and grief.

 ~ Anonymous ~

Servants

  How do you describe a servant?   According to Merriam Webster’s on line dictionary, the definition of a servant is, one that serves others < a public servant>  especially one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer.  

To me what is more interesting regarding the definition of servant is the theme of servant in the Bible.  I am not a theologian, but I am amazed at this theme in the Bible.  Here is such a short list : Suffering Servant Isaiah 52: 23, Servant of the Lord, Master Servant John 13:12, Unmerciful Servant, the list goes on and on in Old and New Testament. Using Biblegateway.com may serve as a valuable resource for you.

Here  are Jesus’s words are recorded in the 
Gospel of Mark:41-45  
When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. Jesus got them together to settle things down. "You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around," he said, "and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage."Mark 10:42-45 (The Message)

This week, I had the opportunity to serve with others Christians who minister to young mothers.  Jesus is our perfect Savior and model of how to serve. 

Job Search

Yesterday, I completed an online job application for a local business.  Today, I had a telephone interview.  This interview lasted about 10 minutes.    This was my second telephone interview.  Interesting, I don’t often talk about the things I think I do well.   Now, I have to prepare for my face-to-face interview.  

After my telephone interview, hubby takes me to lunch!

Spring Cleaning

Do you enjoy spring cleaning?  Or, do you enlist professional help?  I'm preparing to begin spring cleaning. Having a clean home is very satisfying.  Once the hard work is over, I enjoy the pleasure of organized closets, clean windows, and freshly steamed cleaned carpets.   On my list today, I have my weekly cleaning list.  A clean laundry room.... brings a smile to my face.   Rats, I see something on the floor.