Puppies. Smiles and giggles. Laughter and joy.
We picked up Champ today. We got the name from a former UGA football player, Champ Bailey. We thought about current players and Knowshon, Massaquoi and AJ came to mind, but they didn't seem to fit. We got it down to Baxter (not sure where that came from but it sounded like a cute name) and Champ. When we saw him Champ seemed to fit. He is such a doll. He snorts, especially when he is playing ball. The only time he has barked is when the cat wasn't being friendly (no surprise there!). He is going to be so much fun. I am looking forward to getting to know him and find out who he is.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
I was honored today. Rejoice Marriage Ministries used a devotional I had written as part of their daily "Charlyne Cares" devotionals. God can use the most unlikely of people or circumstances in our lives to bring about good. It is hard for me to understand, but I know that everything that happens to me first must pass through the loving hands of God. Have a blessed Easter!
Unlikely Prophet
As we approach Easter, the Gospels refer to many who were involved in the events that led up to the crucifixion. Those that would first come to mind are Jesus, His disciples, Mary, Pilate and the soldiers. My thoughts didn't turn to Caiaphas, the high priest, but in my reading of the Gospel of John, I see that he played a major role in this story.
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert." Luke 3:1-2
A story we may all be familiar with is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew when He was told that Lazarus was sick, that Lazarus would die and He would call to Lazarus to bring him back to life. There were many Jews who were with Mary and Martha during this time. After Lazarus came out of the grave, many of those Jews put their trust in Jesus. However, not all believed in the power of Jesus. They went, instead, to the meeting of the Sanhedrin.
"But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one." John 11:46-52
This is where Caiaphas enters the story in a bigger way. It isinteresting to me that John could recognize that Caiaphas had prophesied about the saving of not only the Jewish nation, but also the scattered children of God. Caiaphas did not intend, when he spoke, to proclaim that Jesus was the Savior. His intent was to get rid of Jesus so that the Romans would not overtake the Jews.
"But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him." John 11:57
We hear again of Caiaphas, after Jesus had been arrested.
" Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people." John 18:12-14
John emphasizes again what Caiaphas had said, "it would be good if one man died for the people." Caiaphas, being a Pharisee, was more concerned about honoring the laws of God instead of honoring God. He was part of the Sanhedrin that "voted" to have Jesus put to death. Caiaphas is used as evil in the plot to kill Jesus. But God used him to prophesy about Jesus.
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Matthew 7:22-23
God can use anyone and anything to accomplish His purpose. Even though we may not understand how something that appears to be so horrible can be used to bring glory to God, all we have to do is look to the Cross of Jesus. To fulfill God's plan of salvation, Jesus had to suffer and die. I can't think of anything that I have been through that can compare to what Jesus has done for me. This is the resurrection that we celebrate, not only at Easter, but all year long.
Unlikely Prophet
As we approach Easter, the Gospels refer to many who were involved in the events that led up to the crucifixion. Those that would first come to mind are Jesus, His disciples, Mary, Pilate and the soldiers. My thoughts didn't turn to Caiaphas, the high priest, but in my reading of the Gospel of John, I see that he played a major role in this story.
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert." Luke 3:1-2
A story we may all be familiar with is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew when He was told that Lazarus was sick, that Lazarus would die and He would call to Lazarus to bring him back to life. There were many Jews who were with Mary and Martha during this time. After Lazarus came out of the grave, many of those Jews put their trust in Jesus. However, not all believed in the power of Jesus. They went, instead, to the meeting of the Sanhedrin.
"But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one." John 11:46-52
This is where Caiaphas enters the story in a bigger way. It isinteresting to me that John could recognize that Caiaphas had prophesied about the saving of not only the Jewish nation, but also the scattered children of God. Caiaphas did not intend, when he spoke, to proclaim that Jesus was the Savior. His intent was to get rid of Jesus so that the Romans would not overtake the Jews.
"But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him." John 11:57
We hear again of Caiaphas, after Jesus had been arrested.
" Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people." John 18:12-14
John emphasizes again what Caiaphas had said, "it would be good if one man died for the people." Caiaphas, being a Pharisee, was more concerned about honoring the laws of God instead of honoring God. He was part of the Sanhedrin that "voted" to have Jesus put to death. Caiaphas is used as evil in the plot to kill Jesus. But God used him to prophesy about Jesus.
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Matthew 7:22-23
God can use anyone and anything to accomplish His purpose. Even though we may not understand how something that appears to be so horrible can be used to bring glory to God, all we have to do is look to the Cross of Jesus. To fulfill God's plan of salvation, Jesus had to suffer and die. I can't think of anything that I have been through that can compare to what Jesus has done for me. This is the resurrection that we celebrate, not only at Easter, but all year long.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Impossible Dream
As I was reading through Genesis, once again I was inspired by the story of Joseph. There were some interesting things I had not considered about Joseph's life. Did you know that he was 17 when he first received the dream that revealed to him that his brothers would bow down to him? His brothers didn’t share in his enthusiasm. As we see it, he was the child of the covenant.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. Gen 37:3-5
Joseph’s brothers didn't see God's hand in this situation. They wanted to make sure that his dream never happened. They took matters into their own hands.
Many events in Joseph’s life happened in the next 13 years. He was a sold into slavery in Egypt.
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. Gen 39:2-4
Potiphar’s wife took notice of Joseph. He ran from her presence to keep his ways pure. He was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.
Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, ... But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. Gen 39:20-22
In prison, Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners. He was able to interpret the dreams of the cupbearer and baker. He remained in God’s service, even in prison.
Two years later Pharaoh had a dream. He inquired of all his officials and none of them could give the interpretation to the dream. The cupbearer remembered Joseph.
"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Gen 41:16
Because Joseph was able to tell Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams, he was promoted from prisoner in the morning to second in command in the afternoon. Talk about suddenly!!
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." Gen 41:39-40
So at the age of 30, Joseph was put in charge of preparing for the years of plenty and the years of famine as the dreams of Pharaoh revealed.
Joseph was about 39 years old when the brothers came to Egypt to buy food for their family, because the famine was so severe. Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him.
They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well." And they bowed low to pay him honor. Gen 43:28
The dream Joseph received as a 17 year old was not fulfilled for about 22 years. That is a long time, in human terms, to wait. We obviously wouldn't have heard of Joseph's story if he had told the Lord, "it's been too long” or “I can't do this anymore” or “it’s too hard”, etc. Joseph was used in a mighty way by God because he was willing to be faithful and was willing to wait on the Lord and His timing.
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Gen 50:19-21
My challenge to you is to look Satan in the face and tell him “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God’s word to you is “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children”. Don’t be afraid. Dreams (visions & calls from the Lord) do come true, even when they seem impossible.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
As I was reading through Genesis, once again I was inspired by the story of Joseph. There were some interesting things I had not considered about Joseph's life. Did you know that he was 17 when he first received the dream that revealed to him that his brothers would bow down to him? His brothers didn’t share in his enthusiasm. As we see it, he was the child of the covenant.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. Gen 37:3-5
Joseph’s brothers didn't see God's hand in this situation. They wanted to make sure that his dream never happened. They took matters into their own hands.
Many events in Joseph’s life happened in the next 13 years. He was a sold into slavery in Egypt.
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. Gen 39:2-4
Potiphar’s wife took notice of Joseph. He ran from her presence to keep his ways pure. He was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.
Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, ... But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. Gen 39:20-22
In prison, Joseph was put in charge of the other prisoners. He was able to interpret the dreams of the cupbearer and baker. He remained in God’s service, even in prison.
Two years later Pharaoh had a dream. He inquired of all his officials and none of them could give the interpretation to the dream. The cupbearer remembered Joseph.
"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Gen 41:16
Because Joseph was able to tell Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams, he was promoted from prisoner in the morning to second in command in the afternoon. Talk about suddenly!!
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." Gen 41:39-40
So at the age of 30, Joseph was put in charge of preparing for the years of plenty and the years of famine as the dreams of Pharaoh revealed.
Joseph was about 39 years old when the brothers came to Egypt to buy food for their family, because the famine was so severe. Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him.
They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well." And they bowed low to pay him honor. Gen 43:28
The dream Joseph received as a 17 year old was not fulfilled for about 22 years. That is a long time, in human terms, to wait. We obviously wouldn't have heard of Joseph's story if he had told the Lord, "it's been too long” or “I can't do this anymore” or “it’s too hard”, etc. Joseph was used in a mighty way by God because he was willing to be faithful and was willing to wait on the Lord and His timing.
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Gen 50:19-21
My challenge to you is to look Satan in the face and tell him “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God’s word to you is “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children”. Don’t be afraid. Dreams (visions & calls from the Lord) do come true, even when they seem impossible.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Thursday, February 14, 2008
A Confirmation from My God
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph 3:17
Isn’t this verse awesome? This tells me that My God loves me so much that He delights in me. He loves me so much that He will quiet me with His love. He loves me so much that He rejoices over me with singing. WOW!
I was trying to encourage some of my friends today with a devotional from Proverbs 31. The Lord placed it upon my heart to include this verse. I wanted them to know that they are special; they are Princesses and He rejoices over them. I felt like on this day of love that those who have felt rejected here on earth, really needed to hear that God is so full of love that He can’t leave us or forsake us. He is so full of love that He sent His one and only Son to be the valentine for the whole world. He said “I love you” written with the blood of Jesus.
After I sent out this message, I opened my e-mail again and there was a message from Kacey, with a note, “God sent me a valentine to give just to you”. The verse above was included. What a confirmation.
Isn’t this verse awesome? This tells me that My God loves me so much that He delights in me. He loves me so much that He will quiet me with His love. He loves me so much that He rejoices over me with singing. WOW!
I was trying to encourage some of my friends today with a devotional from Proverbs 31. The Lord placed it upon my heart to include this verse. I wanted them to know that they are special; they are Princesses and He rejoices over them. I felt like on this day of love that those who have felt rejected here on earth, really needed to hear that God is so full of love that He can’t leave us or forsake us. He is so full of love that He sent His one and only Son to be the valentine for the whole world. He said “I love you” written with the blood of Jesus.
After I sent out this message, I opened my e-mail again and there was a message from Kacey, with a note, “God sent me a valentine to give just to you”. The verse above was included. What a confirmation.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Touched by the Master
Have you ever had one of those moments, either painful or delightful, when you knew that you were in the center of God’s will for your life? Have you ever felt the presence of the Lord so strongly, that you wept? If you know me well, you know that crying comes easier to me these days. I cry at the Kleenex commercials. My girls always look at me at the end of Extreme Home Makeover to make sure that it was touching to me (then they laugh, sometimes to themselves, but other times so I have to notice). It is okay with me. I realize after many years of taking on every emotion that could be thought of and instead of dealing with them and expressing them in a healthful way, I internalized. I didn’t cry or yell or take a walk or talk it out, I just shut down. I guess the seemingly excess tears I shed now are from years of not releasing them at all.
I experienced one of those God moments yesterday as I went to church. Kacey was leading worship at Calvary Chapel in Plantation. It was not because she was singing, even though I was so honored to be able to be present. While all of the music was inspirational, one of the songs touched me deeply. One of the songs was sung just for me. The message was presented and even though it dealt with an area of struggle in my life, the message was just for me. It was an appointment with Majesty. It was an appointment that left me wanting to hide under the seats, but at the same time wanted to sing at the top of lungs for my Creator to take notice of me. My Creator is so great that He planned this service with the purpose of ministering to me. All I can say is WOW!
I experienced one of those God moments yesterday as I went to church. Kacey was leading worship at Calvary Chapel in Plantation. It was not because she was singing, even though I was so honored to be able to be present. While all of the music was inspirational, one of the songs touched me deeply. One of the songs was sung just for me. The message was presented and even though it dealt with an area of struggle in my life, the message was just for me. It was an appointment with Majesty. It was an appointment that left me wanting to hide under the seats, but at the same time wanted to sing at the top of lungs for my Creator to take notice of me. My Creator is so great that He planned this service with the purpose of ministering to me. All I can say is WOW!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Bring The Rain
A friend of mine shared this video with me. It is powerful. I didn’t really understand about God’s true provisions and His infinite mercy, until the storms of life took me to the brink of myself. You don’t realize how much Jesus you need, until Jesus is all you have. Storms in our lives must first pass through the loving hands of God. His promises are true.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
I often pray that God will take away whatever circumstance that is detouring me from who God wants me to be. Little do I realize, that since He has allowed the circumstance, then He will be honored and glorified through the storms that I must endure and will use me to be His hands and feet for others. I don’t know that we will ever understand all of God’s plan for our lives, but He will use every minute of your life, if you will surrender it to Him.
My prayer is expressed today in the chorus of this song.
Bring me joy, bring me peace,
Bring the chance to be free,
Bring me anything that brings You glory.
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain,
But if that’s what it takes to praise You,
Jesus bring the rain
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