Those crystal clear, beautiful, precious moments of God's GRACE!

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PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#41
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
113
#41
skylove7 said:
Awww
Praying for those children this morning PennEd
So precious
Thank you for the work you did there :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Sky. The kids were a joy, and it was the first time in my Christian life where I understood Jesus saying:Matthew 11:30New King James Version (NKJV) [SUP]30 [/SUP]For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#42
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
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#42
Miri said:
Brilliant to hear and see.

God bless you for all you do.:)
Click to expand...
Thank you Miri. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways. I am so grateful to Him for allowing me to be a part of His work. The harder part is following Him on a daily basis at home. When the drudgery of work and worldly distractions try and take my eyes off of Him.

But I love Him and trust Him to finish the work he began in me.
 
P

PeacefulWarrior

Guest
#43
#43
I went on a couple 'missions' trips to the DR in my youth.
These videos brought back some fond memories!
Thank you for sharing, PennEd!
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#46
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
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#46
PeacefulWarrior said:
I went on a couple 'missions' trips to the DR in my youth.
These videos brought back some fond memories!
Thank you for sharing, PennEd!
Click to expand...

Awesome! I'd be interested if you were anywhere near I went.
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#47
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
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#47
Here is a video our Church posted from the trip this[video=youtube;vdwXdCpMIVY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdwXdCpMIVY&feature=youtu.be[/video] March. It's a little long but it shows how the Lord is working in people's lives:
 
B

BrotherJustin

Guest
#48
#48
PennEd said:
Awesome! I'd be interested if you were anywhere near I went.
Click to expand...
Hello PennEd! :) I'm back with a new username.

"La Vega" is in my memory--I'm pretty sure we stayed there or near there (was a school for children and was about 15+ years ago). I recall visiting Santiago as well (which is just north of La Vega). Pretty sure we flew in through Santo Domingo or Santiago--I went twice, so might have even been both.
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#49
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
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#49
BrotherJustin said:
Hello PennEd! :) I'm back with a new username.

"La Vega" is in my memory--I'm pretty sure we stayed there or near there (was a school for children and was about 15+ years ago). I recall visiting Santiago as well (which is just north of La Vega). Pretty sure we flew in through Santo Domingo or Santiago--I went twice, so might have even been both.
Click to expand...
Welcome back!

We did a little work in Santiago last year. I hope you were blessed by that trip.

I love the people of the D.R. Next year we are starting from scratch again in Panama, but I will missthe friends and the kids in the D.R.
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#50
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
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#50
The Lord's Grace and mercy is truly remarkable!

I attend a fairly large Church of about 2000. My family started going there about 5 yrs ago. At that time they offered MEN'S basketball on Monday nights. Pickup. There was a woman who went each week and although not terrible she had a lot of trouble keeping up with the men. I remember having conversations with several of the men about how ridiculous it was that a woman kept showing up and messing up the balance of play for the MEN'S basketball. Imagine the GALL of me, basically a new person, saying that against this woman! Back then, we at least had a prayer before we played. As the weeks went on, it became clear that not enough 30+ year old men were showing up so the age of the players dropped to the point that it was almost all late teens early 20s showing up as well as the 30 something year old woman and a couple of die hard middle age guys.

We don't have a gym so the Sanctuary is really a large multi-pupose area, and this is where we played. By this time, there was no Spritual element at all. It was basically an open YMCA gym, and the play got rougher, more intense, and some people only got to play for short periods of time. There was no leadership of any kind. The Church finally pulled the plug on it about a year and a half ago.

Last year I wanted to help with UPWARD basketball, a Christ centered, mostly non-competetive kids league. I had never coached before so I asked if I could be an assisstant. BY CHANCE (yeah right) I was assigned to help the woman who I had complained against!

THIS year I wanted to try head coaching, and BY CHANCE, HER son was assigned to my team and she asked if she could assisst me because she was also coaching her younger daughter's team.

In all honesty, this is one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever known. Going out of her way to help everyone and anyone, with the kind of patience I wish I had.

Now WE are starting up "MEN'S" basketball again with the Church's blessing, and devotionals planned for halftime!

After being such a jerk regarding this woman, who only wanted to go out and play basketball one night a week, the Lord revealed that it was MY heart that needed checking, not hers for showing up to play!

Amazing how God works even what we think are little details of our life for His Glory and our good.
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#51
#51
BrotherJustin said:
Hello PennEd! :) I'm back with a new username.

"La Vega" is in my memory--I'm pretty sure we stayed there or near there (was a school for children and was about 15+ years ago). I recall visiting Santiago as well (which is just north of La Vega). Pretty sure we flew in through Santo Domingo or Santiago--I went twice, so might have even been both.
Click to expand...
PW?? :)

i mourned your loss! and am really glad you're back ♥
 
G

Grandpa

Senior Member
#53
Jun 24, 2011
11,551
3,188
113
#53
I didn't realize it, but people watch what I do.

I came back to the hotel that we go to when we go out of town and there was an old man that needed his tie tied. No one knew how to do it, including the front desk lady so she asked if I knew how. I had my gym clothes on and I was all sweaty but I said yeah I could tie ties.

But it is weird tying a tie on someone else. After trying once and not quite getting it I was able to do it on the 2nd try. He and his wife said thank you and I said sure no problem. I didn't think any thing of it. No big deal.

About 4 months later the same front desk lady was making a comment on how mean we all are who go to that hotel on a regular basis, but she saw me and said except you. I asked why was I an exception? She said that I help little old men who are going to funerals. I said I think you are mistaking me with someone else. I really didn't remember helping any little old man who was going to a funeral. She said don't you remember? You were all sweaty from the gym and you helped that little old man tie his tie?

Oh yeah... I didn't know he was going to a funeral. And it didn't seem like a big deal at the time. It was just a tie...
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#54
#54
Grandpa said:
And it didn't seem like a big deal at the time. It was just a tie...
Click to expand...
not a big deal to you... but a big deal to those around you. God is amazing!

(ps-- i have to make the man sit down so i can reach around to tie a tie :p)
 
M

Miri

Guest
#55
#55
PennEd said:
The Lord's Grace and mercy is truly remarkable!

I attend a fairly large Church of about 2000. My family started going there about 5 yrs ago. At that time they offered MEN'S basketball on Monday nights. Pickup. There was a woman who went each week and although not terrible she had a lot of trouble keeping up with the men. I remember having conversations with several of the men about how ridiculous it was that a woman kept showing up and messing up the balance of play for the MEN'S basketball. Imagine the GALL of me, basically a new person, saying that against this woman! Back then, we at least had a prayer before we played. As the weeks went on, it became clear that not enough 30+ year old men were showing up so the age of the players dropped to the point that it was almost all late teens early 20s showing up as well as the 30 something year old woman and a couple of die hard middle age guys.

We don't have a gym so the Sanctuary is really a large multi-pupose area, and this is where we played. By this time, there was no Spritual element at all. It was basically an open YMCA gym, and the play got rougher, more intense, and some people only got to play for short periods of time. There was no leadership of any kind. The Church finally pulled the plug on it about a year and a half ago.

Last year I wanted to help with UPWARD basketball, a Christ centered, mostly non-competetive kids league. I had never coached before so I asked if I could be an assisstant. BY CHANCE (yeah right) I was assigned to help the woman who I had complained against!

THIS year I wanted to try head coaching, and BY CHANCE, HER son was assigned to my team and she asked if she could assisst me because she was also coaching her younger daughter's team.

In all honesty, this is one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever known. Going out of her way to help everyone and anyone, with the kind of patience I wish I had.

Now WE are starting up "MEN'S" basketball again with the Church's blessing, and devotionals planned for halftime!

After being such a jerk regarding this woman, who only wanted to go out and play basketball one night a week, the Lord revealed that it was MY heart that needed checking, not hers for showing up to play!

Amazing how God works even what we think are little details of our life for His Glory and our good.
Click to expand...


Yep I've learnt never to underestimate anybody. I go to a large church
which has over 300 small house group as well as the larger organised
church events.

Ive learnt that the small timid unassuming people at the back of the church
can one day be the church group leaders.

That little old lady might be asked to lead prayer in the middle of the service.

That shy quiet pretty blond lady might one day be leading a group visiting
Calaise in France where the migrant camps are set up.

That geeky kid might one day be designing all the computer animated back drops
and visual aids.

That 19 year old who has a part time job in a book shop who hardly mutters a
word, might one day be playing lead guitar in the worship team.

Those two young Asian Christian ladies might one day return to India and set up
a Christian book shop with the help and support of the church and become missionaries.

All of the above and many more are real people in my church.


People have their ideas about who to promote, but God has other ideas and it's
wonderful to see individuals finding their niche in a large church. :)
 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#56
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#56
hubby and I are very blessed in so many ways...we have access to many out-door areas,
such as parks, forests, state parks,,one really close to us is almost like a little island haven...
we sometimes take our chairs and just sit and watch the beauty moving all around us...
last-time we were blessed to watch a mother duck teaching her babies how to survive,
in and out of the water...
plus it is always amazing to us to see the different species inter-mingling together in peace....
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#57
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
113
#57
oldethennew said:
hubby and I are very blessed in so many ways...we have access to many out-door areas,
such as parks, forests, state parks,,one really close to us is almost like a little island haven...
we sometimes take our chairs and just sit and watch the beauty moving all around us...
last-time we were blessed to watch a mother duck teaching her babies how to survive,
in and out of the water...
plus it is always amazing to us to see the different species inter-mingling together in peace....
Click to expand...


Yes, important to remember that God's Graces extend much further than the awesome way He works in our life. If we just settle down and view the beauty and Grace in His Creation, wherever we are, it can be stress reliever.
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#58
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
113
#58
Just had a fairly major mess-up at work. We are FDA regulated so even minor mistakes can be a big problem. The Lord graciously handled the situation for me and my manager reacted in an understanding and kind manor.

Thank you Lord! ALL Praises to Your awesome mighty Name!
 
PennEd

PennEd

Senior Member
#59
Apr 22, 2013
12,931
8,662
113
#59
About a half dozen times or so a year I get bad migraines that usually last a couple of days. One started yesterday and today I could feel it coming on stronger. I went out to my car for lunch and said a short prayer to God to alleviate it. I then immediately came here and saw a prayer request that touched my heart to the point I felt emotional about it. I said a prayer for the person, and I'm not sure if the emotions caused a rush of endorphins or what, but the headache is completely gone!

Thank You dear Lord. I love You!
 
notmyown

notmyown

Senior Member
#60
May 26, 2016
4,678
1,118
113
#60
i've had need of endurance lately. :rolleyes:

herniated the S1 disk, and am dealing with sciatica. honestly, i'm accustomed to pain, but this was rocking back and forth weeping pain.

so i cried out to God. i'm always so encouraged by the Psalms.

But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. (Ps 88:13)

Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. (Ps 55:17)

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:2)

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness. (Ps 59:16-17)

thank God, for He enabled me to endure the pain, and now it is abating. :)

the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
 
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