<![CDATA[The Sounding Board Teaching Ministries - Cookie's Blog & A Daily Word to start your day!]]>Mon, 21 May 2012 03:15:19 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[It's time to get your feet wet....]]>Mon, 21 May 2012 19:31:05 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/its-time-to-get-your-feet-wet.html"And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord--the Lord of all the
earth--set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be shut off
and stand up in a heap."
Joshua 3:13
It's been a full weekend....I hope that each of you enjoyed the same weather we have been blessed to have over the past several days.  Of course with great temperatures comes a mountain of yard work and lists of "to dos", but we finished the weekend with a day of rest on Sunday.  After all, God rested on the seventh day, right? 

After attending a great time of worship and study at church we headed to Pasta Too, one of our favorite Italian restaurants.  Remember, we are currently remodeling our ktichen and Gary usually cooks pasta and homemade sauce on Sundays.  Hence, we did the next best thing....Pasta Too.  My mom hadn't experienced this eatery and our son, Nicholas, joined us.  It was a beautiful day and we posed for a picture outside the restaurant since Mom, Nicholas and I are having 'big" birthdays this year.  We are blessed to be turning 30, 60 and 90...I'll let you figure out who is turning what!  We were missing a family member and that was our little Lucy Anne who was born in January so basically she's the "zero" in our special grouping of "30 years apart"!

Since I have this blog as a daily devotional thought, I would like to leave you with a little something I heard this morning.  In fact, I hope to do more of an indepth series on the faith of Joshua in the future.  But this morning the scripture stemmed from Joshua, chapter 3, when the priests were getting ready to cross the flood waters of the Jordan River carrying the Ark of the Covenant.  Starting with verse 13, "And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord--the Lord of all the earth--set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be shut off and stand up in a heap."

Now if you are anything like me, I would be thinking about those flood waters and the fact that I need to get to the other side with this incredibly precious item hoisted on my shoulders along with three other people.  Not to mention the only persons allowed to touch the ark have to be of the priestly Levi tribe. In addition, we are looking at wildly swirling waters while being told to place our feet into the Jordan River resulting in the waters shutting off and standing up in heap downstream??

There are so many lessons to be gleaned from these verses and the entire book of Joshua, but for now just think about the amazing, incredible God we serve!  Even in the midst of a flood, if we follow his commands and instructions, the waters will separate and we will be allowed through on dry ground.  But sometimes it can only happen IF we do as we are told; no questions, no attitude, no dispute or debate....just obedience.  Sounds simple, doesn't it?  but read again the inserted six words, "The Lord of all the earth"....that's who gave the command, that's who gave the instructions and that's who will see us safely through the flood waters to the other side.  Is there any other response but to trust and obey?  God bless, my friends!
]]><![CDATA[And the hummer returns....]]>Sun, 20 May 2012 18:52:25 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/and-the-hummer-returns.html"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6 Picture
With all this diggin' in the dirt for the past two days, we took a break while Gary got the hummingbird feeder prepared for the return of our little buddies.  As we sat on the deck after grilling some hot dogs, Gary looked over at the feeder and behold after only ten minutes, a hummingbird had found our feeder!

I don't know what it is about hummingbirds that intrigue me, but I love these little creatures.  How God made such tiny little guys whose wings beat 50-83 times per second is amazing.  This year I purchased a red flowering plant that has been placed at the bottom of the feeder and hopefully this vibrant color will attract additional hummers to our backyard.

It was another "wow" moment as I stood amazed at God's creative abilities.  Yes, He is God and He can do or create anything, but when I stop to take in these beautiful wonders, I am so glad that God tends to miniscule details.  He loved me enough to send Jesus Christ to save me from eternal destruction and allow me to live on this lovely earth until He calls me to my heavenly home.  And I'm only a speck in this huge universe!  If you get a moment, write a comment about something you have noticed this weekend that has hugged your heart with joy and given you reason to praise our Lord Jesus!  May God bless you all with a restful Sunday and an opportunity to worship Christ! 
]]><![CDATA[Diggin' in the dirt with Jesus....]]>Sat, 19 May 2012 21:00:58 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/diggin-in-the-dirt-with-jesus.html"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it''  Psalm 24:1 Picture
For the past two days I have been "diggin' in the dirt" and planting, weeding and trimming my flowers and bushes.  It's been a wonderful time of enjoying nature and the beauty of the Lord's creation.  At each day's end I am exhausted, but it's a "good" tired.  Being filled with sunshine and high doses of Vitamin D puts a smile on my face and more energy in my tank!  I continue to be in awe at the glorious display of colors the Lord provides for the enjoyment of his children each Spring as the earth is reborn.

So take some time this weekend to enjoy the great outdoors.  Although there might be non-stop activity on your schedule, take a break with your Bible....find a quiet spot to read your favorite chapter or take a walk without your ipod and drink in the sounds of nature.  It will be worth your time, my friend; God is waiting for you.....  . 
]]><![CDATA[Chaotic to calm]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 21:15:45 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/chaotic-to-calm.html"Then he got into the boat and his disciples with him.  Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us!  We're going to drown!'  He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?'  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."  Matthew 8:23-26

Unexpectedly, I recently listened to an evangelist on the radio.  Now this is a very uncommon practice for me since  I unusually prefer the opportunity to "think about life" on my commutes in complete silence.  However, all things are ordained by God and as I listened I understood why.  Lately it appears that most individuals with whom I come in contact are going through rough spots on life's journey.  Although the situations vary, they are needing to talk with a friend, pray and know that God is near. 

As I gleaned from the advice shared by the radio evangelist, I was again reminded that our Lord and Savior is in the midst of each crisis we face.  The story is a familiar one that most of us have read countless times, but here is a little "nugget" from what I heard.   The reading from Matthew is written to share with us that on an ordinary day, after a long day of ministry with Jesus, the disciples climbed aboard a boat to simply ride to the other side.  We can all relate to this scenerio.  How many times after a long, hard day have we gotten into our cars or mode of transportation to "de-stress" on a ride home?  Then suddenly everything changes.  Maybe there is an accident that you didn't cause, but involved you, or possibly you received a call from home or a report from a doctor's office with test results you weren't expecting.  The operative word from the scripture in Matthew and our life's journey is suddenly. 

Humans don't care for "suddenly".  In fact, I do much better when I am semi-informed of the oncoming event, but that's not how God allows life to unfold at times.  How do we handle the suddenly occurrences of this earthly journey?  The disciples couldn't believe that Jesus was sleeping through this storm!  Didn't he feel the waves?  Wasn't he experiencing the wild rocking of the boat?  Were his ears hearing the wind raging?  Where was he?

That's usually our first inclination to ask the Lord where in the world are you anyway?  Don't you see what is going on with me?  Are you listening, seeing, knowing where I am and what's happening to me?  I am full of fear here, Jesus!  I am sinking with the ship in the midst of this trial.  But rather than fill the air with questions, it's at this point we need to cry out for the Lord to help us.  Tell him what is going on and ask that he fill your heart and soul with peace that only he can give.  Yes, he knows what is happening, but he wants to hear from us personally.  Jesus was sleeping in the boat, but when requested to help, he did so.  Maybe our answers from him aren't exactly what we planned, but remember God has the birds' eyeview.  He will transform us from feelings of fear to building our faith.  Every trial will strengthen our spiritual resolve.

God allows the storms to strengthen us.  He will rescue us from sinking situations to place our feet on solid ground. So hang in there, my friends.  The storm always gives way to the morning sun and the beauty that fills the earth following our soul's immersion in the anointing waters of God's plan.  Allow God's baptism of trials to fill your heart and soul with blessings of beauty to share with others that will be following behind you.

God bless, my friends!  Have a relaxing ride home after a long week of work!

  ]]><![CDATA[Being thankful in all things.....]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 21:15:36 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/being-thankful-in-all-things.html"Honor your father and mother ---which is the first commandment with a promise--that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  Ephesians 6:2-3

At times we get pretty wrapped up in the situations of life and don't take time to stop and "smell the roses".....I want to thank a couple of my girlfriends for putting the important things of life into perspective.  In the midst of my dad's recent surgery and current stint in rehab, my husband and I brought my 90 year old mom home to Pittsburgh with us.  As I juggle so many balls in the air I wonder which one will fall first, both of my girlfriends have reminded me that I need to enjoy the blessing of still having my folks when both of them no longer have theirs. 

So I thank my friends for that simple reminder.  My mom rode 6 1/2 hours to Pittsburgh like a true champ.  She loves to travel and was amazing the entire trip.   I am looking forward to sitting on the swing with her just sharing memories and making new ones.  We are going to talk about flowers and she'll sit in a chair and watch me dig in the dirt as I plant my new roses and other transplants from Virginia.  Of course, we'll add going to lunch and taking short walks.....

Of course, I will continue to juggle balls, but if one falls while I'm spending time with my mom....well, I'll pick it up later!  God bless, my friends!]]><![CDATA[Remembering a friend.....]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 21:09:48 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/remembering-a-friend.html"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the laws of the Lord.  Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."  Psalm 119:1-2

On this date in 2010, my friend, Nancy Stock, went to be with the Lord.  Nancy was a beautiful Christian lady with a giving, beautiful heart.  We became fast friends and I looked to her as a "mom away from home" when it came to Christian issues.  Nancy gave me a devotional book that I love dearly entitled, Prayer, Praise & Promises by Warren Wiersbe.  She had enjoyed this particular devotional and thought I would equally be blessed by its contents.  This manuscript covers the entire book of Psalms in a year.  Each entry brings a new perspective as to what I am experiencing and gives me a "nugget" to digest even though I've read it four times!  God's Word is truly LIVING and able to transform!

Thank you, Nancy, for the legacy you left behind and especially for the gift that keeps on giving (my gift of Warren Wiersbe's book)!  Let's invest in another's spiritual walk and not only bless, but be blessed.  Have a wonderful day blessed by God, my friends!

]]><![CDATA[Doing good works....even as an elder?]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 13:20:45 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/doing-good-workseven-as-an-elder.html"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God's wormanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:8--10

I heard from a Sunday School teacher, "Salvation is not a rocking chair, it's a tool box."  Pretty clever statement, don't you think?  When we accept Jesus as our Savior and commit our lives to Him, salvation immediately is given.  In our excitement, we share the good news with others hoping they will take advantage of God's free gift of eternal life.  Our actions, deeds, words and the way we live the rest of our lives is the "good works" part of the scripture from Ephesians. 

There might be those that gravitate to a "rocking chair" or its equivalent as the years roll by thinking they have done all they can do for the Lord as health issues multiply.  Dear ones, God never intented his children, regardless of age, to sit in an idol state.  Yes, our energy levels decrease, but our love for Jesus should continue to increase.  If you must rock, do so as you share the Word with another person perhaps over a cup of tea or coffee.  Send a card by snail mail, but if your eyesight prevents it, call them on the telephone.  There is so much work left to do and the elders of our churches and communities need to be utilized to continue passing on their faith and wisdom. 

It is a precious gift of God to be given salvation and an additional present to grow old in these human bodies.  Let's use the talents given us as tools to bring others to the "box" of salvation and life eternal!  ]]><![CDATA[Rejoicing in the day....regardless!]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 08:58:49 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit50.html"This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

I am finding that this verse of scripture isn't always "felt", but it is always "true"....  Currently we are walking through the waters of trying to get my dad healthy enough to transfer to a rehab facility following back surgery last Thursday in Virginia.  This has not been an easy path to walk, in fact at times it feels like we're crawling, but I'm sure the Lord has a plan. 

In the meantime, our home in Pittsburgh is undergoing a kitchen remodel and it has caused a domino effect throughout the house.  I am needing to bring my mother home with me for at least two weeks due to her macular degeneration.  My goal was to get home by Tuesday or Wednesday, but my dad's kidney numbers are up....and I'm getting pretty physically tired. 

This devotional thought isn't meant to gather sympathy, it's simply meant to share so others will know we all have struggles and in whatever circumstances exist for us, this is the day the Lord has made and we need to rejoice and be glad in it.  Why?  Well, if we count our blessings, I'm sure they will outweigh the stresses we feel.  Although it's raining in Virginia today, I understand there has been a great need for this heavenly shower.  The flowers are blooming, the trees are lush and green and my dad is in a wonderful hospital with kind and knowledgeable nurses and doctors.  Plus I haven't gotten ill reports from my neighbor in Pittsburgh who is "overseeing" the workmen going in and out of my house. 

God is good and He has a plan.  Sometimes we don't know what it is and where it will lead, but He will give us the gas in our tanks to continue to our destination under that final journey when we head to our heavenly home!  So, rejoice my friends, God has made this day and blessed it before our eyes opened to its beauty and majesty!  God bless, my friends!]]><![CDATA[Happy Mother's Day]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 15:45:00 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/happy-mothers-day.htmlI Samuel, chapters 1 and 2 records the story of Hannah who longed to have a child.  After many years of requesting, God opened her womb and Hannah gave birth to Samuel.  But there was a promise made by Hannah to God in return for giving birth.  “And she (Hannah) made a vow, saying, O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.” (I Samuel 1:11)

This is a day we remember our mothers; the sacrifices, love, encouragement, support, hugs, kisses and constant concern shown us whether we deserved it or not.  As moms, may God receive the glory and praise for allowing us a role in the miracle of life.  May we be willing, as Hannah taught, to pray that these blessings of the Lord will bring honor to Him whether we gave birth to a child or have played a life-changing part in his/her
  life.  
 


  

]]><![CDATA[A thank you to all website readers....]]>Sat, 12 May 2012 02:31:46 -0800http://www.thesoundingboardteachingministries.com/1/post/2012/05/a-thank-you-to-all-website-readers.html"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

On this Saturday morning, I would like to thank each of you who faithfully read this website's daily word.  Your comments are so encouraging and supportive and I can't begin to express my gratitude.  As I have mentioned before, an online ministry can be a bit lonely at times.  But often when I feel a little discouraged, a comment will come my way and just bless my heart.  It's as if the Lord knows my need and sends a little angel messenger to keep me going.

If you would like to contact me, please use the comment button above, or if you privately would like to send me a note, please use the website address under my contact information link on the website.  Hearing from you guys is a blessing.  I pray that you will enjoy your weekend, find time to relax, refresh your spirit and have an extra cup of coffee or tea on a sunny porch as the morning gets warmer and sun rises high in the sky.  I hope the weekend is filled with mothers and children getting together and if this is a time when you experience sadness over the passing of your own mother, may God grant your heart sweet memories. 

Dear Lord, thank you for each of these sweet individuals who take time out of their busy lives and schedules to read what you lay on my heart.  May these never be my words, but yours as you send messages to your children through this website.  May all the honor and glory go directly to the throne of grace and mercy.  In Jesus' name, Amen!]]>