FGHart

Al, please stop eating frogs.

Posted on June 15, 2009 by Fran Hart

Yes, that’s the head of a frog. And one limb. Laying on the floor in my closet.

Take a closer look. Just the head here. The special-effects required to fake something this gross are beyond my capability. I am capable of taking a close-up of a disembodied froghead, though.

Yes, I knew Al had something he was chasing/playing with/torturing to death. Yes, I knew Al had killed the frog. No, I didn’t remove the little corpse. Yes, I did mention to my husband that there was a dead frog in my closet. And then…there was just a head. And one limb. That’ll teach me.

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Sunday’s Study: Judges 6

Posted on June 14, 2009 by Fran Hart

Judges tells repeatedly of the Israelites cyclical relationship with God: doing evil, falling into the Pit, crying out for mercy, being redeemed by God’s grace. In Judges 6, God sends Gideon, the “least” family member of the smallest tribe to defeat the Mideonites. Although a mighty warrior, Gideon is humble and faithful. He obeys God’s call…albeit after asking for some “proof” that God is who He says He is.

Gideon is a great example for us today. God is who He says He is. He knows His plans for us. He calls us to be obedient and equips us for anything/everything He asks us to do. Take for example…a video post. Not my cup of tea, I assure you. It would have been easy for me to skip this post today. I had so many interruptions, distractions, personal challenges. Yet, like Gideon, I carried forth in faith. When God says “go” it’s best to go.

God bless,

Posted in Bible, Judges, Sunday Study | 2 Comments

Café Chat June 13th

Posted on June 13, 2009 by Fran Hart

Today’s Topic:

Is there a deep hurt in your life/heart that you have not let God heal yet? If yes, are you ready to let God begin the work of healing your heart?

For those of you that answered “no” to the question above, has there been a hurt from your past that God has healed? If so, was the healing instant or a process?

I am blessed in my spiritual health these days. I am happy to report a well-being that allows me to answer “no” to the first question. In February I posted about an incident when God graced me with almost instant relief from my emotional pain. Another trial was a process – on both sides. The wounds built up over time and the healing took time. Over the period of a few months, there were a number of discussions with my small group that left me believing the group was better off without me. I prayed about it long and hard. My feelings had been hurt in that I truly believed these women didn’t actually like me. They might love me as we’re commissioned to love one another, like sisters love one another, but I suspected that I was an irritant like a burr under the saddle.

Fortunately, about that time work got very busy and I was not able to join our weekly discussions. God at work? I have no doubt. Time and distance allowed me to spend time in conversation with our Father. His consolations for me? “I am your God. My opinion of you is all that matters. Seek my approval and none other. I love you. You are mine.” Over and over, on and on. “I am your counselor. I am your friend. Keep your eyes on me. Look to me when you are lost and I will guide you.”

After a while, I found that I was healed. And coincidentally (not!) work lightened up and I was able to rejoin my friends. I know that as an obedient child of God I may occasionally be called to say something that convicts one of my sisters. Not because I’m being hurtful but because we are meant to be accountable to one another. Their words back to me may or may not be based on an emotional reaction. If I’m hurt, I must take it to God and let the Spirit guide me to a place of healing – either accepting the words as counsel or rejecting them by His counsel.

Posted in Cafe Chat | 4 Comments

Then Sings My Soul – What Could Be Better by 33 Miles

Posted on June 13, 2009 by Fran Hart

It’s been a great week. The AWI conference was “all that and more”. Squeezing the sessions into an already busy week was a challenge, but the rewards were well worth the effort. Being able to walk out of my corporate cubicle into the work environment drenched in the Spirit, spreading the Spirit, spreading the joy and wonder of God’s love by simply being open – what a blessing! It’s what I imagine when I think of living out God’s kingdom here on earth.

None of the petty stuff, the office politics, the immediate “crises” of today’s emergencies…none of that is what’s important. Living in the Spirit, listening to God, walking with Jesus – that’s what’s important. It carries me when I’m too tired to walk. It lets me dance on the streets of gold in my heart and soul at the end of a week of meetings and conference calls and all of the patience I can muster. What Could be Better?

What Could Be Better
by 33 Miles

I’ve heard it said today
Is all we’re given
Tomorrow may not come
So you better start living
I guess it all depends
On your point of view

Pardon me if I
Just don’t listen
To everything the world
Say’s I’m missing
There’s nothing here and now
I’m gonna hold on to

Chorus:
I’m living in the days ahead
I’m already dancing on the streets of gold
Can’t stop celebrating in my soul
I’m living in the days ahead
Nothing on earth could ever compare
Can’t wait for the day when I get there
When I see Jesus face to face
Tell me what could be better
Tell me what could be better

If home is where the heart is then I’m in Heaven
It’s the promise of tomorrow
That I’ve been given
Who is waiting there I am living for

He’s everything I love
And I believe in
And I can hardly wait
Just to see Him
And hear Him say well done
I couldn’t ask for more

Chorus:

Life is full of ups and downs
Inside outs, round and rounds
Can’t blame me for dreaming about it

Chorus:

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Thirst for Wisdom

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Fran Hart

“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” (Proverbs 16:33)

Wow! I really needed to hear this tonight. I tend to think I’ve got way more control than I actually do. I feel very compelled to make changes but I’m not sure what changes to make. I don’t want to start randomly throwing things out there, but maybe in the end, it’s more about throwing the dice than worrying about how they will fall.

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Tips for Better Living

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Fran Hart

When God is nudging, resistance is unwise. I’ve been seeking wisdom as part of my lifestyle so I’m not falling into that trap!

The AWI webinar has been awesome so far (we’re 2 days in, 2 to go). I’ve been empowered, blessed and called to do a makeover on this website. Stay tuned!

As a complement to “A Mother’s Angst” I’m considering changing the banner to “Our Father’s Grace”. What do you think?

Posted in Tips for Better Living | 2 Comments

Monday Blueprint Madness

Posted on June 9, 2009 by Fran Hart

Yet another ill-conceived bathroom brings to mind an important principle of life: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

I’m not saying that life is in the toilet! Don’t get me wrong – I believe that sometimes taking the narrow road is difficult but necessary.

Today I was able to participate in most of the 4 sessions for Day 1 of “A Woman Inspired.” There were many interruptions on my end and occasional technical difficulties – but I am truly blessed to be able to join this forum. I’m uplifted by the message of faith shared amongst the women participants. It’s a narrow road I’m walking and I’m grateful for every minute of it.

Posted in Blueprint Madness | 3 Comments

Chefmate Popcorn Popper

Posted on June 9, 2009 by Fran Hart

This is truly an unexpected form of entertainment. I’m pretty sure it shouldn’t work this way. I did find online reviews from folks who clearly had a similar experience. Note to self: Read reviews BEFORE purchasing new toys.

Posted in Note to Self | Comments Off

Sunday’s Study: Judges 4

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Fran Hart

Continuing in the study of Judges. Today, we cover the story of Deborah: judge and prophetess. Deborah (which means “the Bee”) and Jael (which means “mountain goat”) help to deliver the Israelites into peaceful living in the land flowing with milk and honey.

I love that God gave women a chance to shine. And the pun, oh I love the pun. (Get it? Land of milk and honey, delivered by the Mountain Goat and the Bee?)

God is filling me with a passion for the Old Testament. Thank you for coming along on this fascinating journey. This is really better than anything you can find on television!

Posted in Bible, Judges, Sunday Study | 1 Comment

Then Sings My Soul – Every Time I Breathe by Big Daddy Weave

Posted on June 6, 2009 by Fran Hart

I’ve been working on “transforming my mind, heart and soul” since a series of sermons our priest gave at the start of Easter season. I’ve come a long way in my faith journey as a result. Part of the process has been taking intentional time to talk with God. Not “to God” mind you, but “with God”. Listening for the Spirit. Obeying. God is always right, so arguments are not very productive – but God is interested in what I have to say. It makes for a fascinating dynamic.

One down side is that the closer I feel to God during my quiet time, the harder it is to go out into the world. The trick is to remember that I’m carrying His light, His love, His warm embrace into the world with me. And may His glory shine from my face! Alleluia!

Every Time I Breathe
Big Daddy Weave

I am sure all of heaven’s heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard

But day by day
Without fail
I’m finding everything I need
And everything that You are
To me

Chorus:
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it’s true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Now how could I after knowing One so great
Respond to You in any way
That’s less than all I have to give
But by Your grace I want to love You not with what
I say
But everyday
In a way that my life is lived

Wrapped in Your mercy I want to live and never leave
I am held by how humble
Yet overwhelmed by Your majesty
Captured by grace and now I’m finding
I am free
You are marvelous God
And knowing You is everything

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments