You are Now In Bedford Falls

 (our church bulletin)

I’ve always loved the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Usually sometime before Christmas every year I get my dvd out and watch it, with Kleenex in hand. This year, I didn’t even have a chance to get my dvd out. First, it was shown on TV this past Saturday, followed by a sermon series on Sunday, aptly named “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The stage in our church sanctuary was even set up to look surrealistically like we had walked onto the movie set itself. There’s even a sign that says “You Are Now In Bedford Falls”.

  (Source of all photos here)

I wasn’t sure where our pastor was planning on taking this theme in his sermon. There are lots of good lessons to be learned in the movie, from appreciating what we have in life, to realizing how much we affect those in our lives.  It didn’t take long to put together the lesson we were to learn.  It was a difficult pill for me to swallow. (Ever feel like a sermon is given specifically for you? This was one of those.) I’m an all or nothing type of girl, so when I feel the call to do something, I usually want to dive in head first without seeking confirmation from God or others. But, God often has other plans, which can be very frustrating for this impatient woman!!! 

In the movie, George had so many dreams and plans for his life (college, travel, bachelorhood, getting rich, etc.), all of which didn’t pan out the way he had hoped. Just like many people, he became so frustrated with how his life turned out, that he was ready to end it all, just to get away from it. 

That was, until ‘ole Clarence the Angel (my favorite character in the movie) came along. Things changed drastically, when George realized one thing. What he thought were his hopes and dreams were actually false interpretations of what the world could provide for him. Ultimately, the best place for him was right at home: with his family, friends, and faithful investors in his savings and loan business. It took everyone digging down deep (in their pockets) to also confirm what he had learned, that night with Clarence.  God always confirms what He wants for our lives.

Why do I so often find myself rushing off to do something, thinking it is God’s will just because I really want to do it? That could actually get me into a lot of trouble, and a few times, it has. God has a plan for all of our lives. Some are called into the mission field. Others serve those at their work, in their home, or in their neighborhood. Wherever God leads and opens those doors, they have to be within His will, in His timing, and where He chooses. That’s why it’s so important that we have a close and personal daily relationship with God. Otherwise, we may confuse our (and the world’s) view of where we are to go and what we are to do in our lives. Our future hopes and dreams need to depend on His will alone for our lives. It really is ALL ABOUT HIM!

-Lord, give me patience and wisdom to see when and where You want me to go in my life.  Only then can I find true joy and contentment.

Counting His grace and my blessings:

326.   My family, getting to their destinations safely, after a big snowstorm.

327.    God, reminding me of all the times that He has led me in my past, even though I sometimes forget and doubt his leading, now.

328.   That my husband is so patient with me.

329.  All the amazing names given to describe God in the Bible

330. Sleigh Rides on a chilly winter night.

331. A live nativity; remembering how our Lord came into the world

332. Family pictures

333. Being goofy with my hubby and son

334. Friendly neighbors, delivering homemade cookies to everyone in the neighborhood.

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Multitudes on Mondays

I AM...THE BEGINNING AND THE END

I am neither a Greek, nor Hebrew language scholar, but I've seen the symbols many times throughout my life. Sororities and fraternities use them. Products and businesses are named after them. Today, I am reminded that this is how God described Himself in the Bible

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

 Revelation 1:8

The first symbol is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Aleph, and the second is the last letter of the Greek alphabet, Omega.  Not only does this symbolize the One who has come and will come again, it also emphasizes the continuity of God's work in history throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

I've been listening to a lot of Christmas music the past few weeks. My all-time favorite musician/recording artist is Chris Tomlin. He is so talented and such a humble, yet godly person!! I recently got his Christmas album called "Glory in the Highest." The song that the album title comes from is one of my favorite songs. Chris describes what he wrote the song for in a short YouTube interview, below.

Here is the full song......to get the best effect, I pull up the full screen, plug it into my speakers(or use earphones) and blast it loud. This helps to totally focus on God. Can't help but get into the worship of it!! (If you get a chance to buy the cd, it's totally worth it!)

 

In His Love, 

Ann
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Women Living Well Wednesday