Happy New Year! We hope your Christmas and New Year holidays were
memorable. We enjoyed much family time and peace.
Today I'm sharing a piece from one of the new conference series I'm
teaching this year and the book that I'm writing called, "Forgiving
Him...Forgiving Myself" A Journey of Deepening Intimacy in
Relationships. While we are all considering our New Year's
resolutions, forgiving past hurts is a great place to start! Why not
begin this year with a heart of forgiveness?
I'm very excited about this new conference series and this writing
adventure. Writing is a a little intimidating for me because because
grammatical sentence structure is not my forte! But...that's what
editors are for and I am thankful for having a great one. :)
Steph
Forgiving Him…Forgiving Myself
“I believe I’ve learned the most about forgiveness by personally
applying it to the people I thought deserved it the least”.
-Stephanie Henderson
Let’s be honest, there are some people who, we feel don’t deserve our
forgiveness. They have said or done the ultimate sin; they have
crossed the line once too many times and have brought undeserved pain
into the lives of others. We make statements such as, “They should
not be allowed to breathe air!” At the moment of such intense hurt,
we can feel steadfast in one thought, “I will NEVER forgive them nor
will I EVER forget what they’ve done”.
Forgiveness is tough. Period. While this statement rings true, we
also have to realize the ultimate importance forgiveness plays in
moving forward in healing from our past.
You and I have both read or heard, “forgiveness is two-sided”. I
agree that two-sided forgiveness is the best outcome from unfortunate
circumstances. However, biblical forgiveness is actually one-sided.
In order to exercise biblical forgiveness, I (me, myself and I) must
choose to forgive whether the other party ever chooses to reconcile
the relationship or not. Ouch! It’s one sided.
Matthew 5:44 - But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those
who persecute you,
Matthew 5:45 - that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He
causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous.
Matthew 6:14 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against
anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you
your sins.
Romans 12:20 - On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him, if
he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will
heap burning coals on his head.
Luke 6:35 - But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them
without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be
great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to
the ungrateful and wicked.
Luke 6:36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:37 - "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not
condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into
your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Proverb 20:22 - Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait
for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
-Excerpt from "Forgiving Him...Forgiving Myself"
*Stephanie Henderson
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
"Tis the Season! A Message for Those Hurting During the Holidays.
Christmas is quickly approaching! Our holiday decor is almost complete! Our last bit of decorating will be on our Christmas tree, which will be purchased this next week.
I mentioned to James that I thought I would purchase matching pj's for the family to wear on Christmas Eve, then maybe have an ornament decorating activity for everyone. I wanted to know what he thought of my idea. He listened, then paused and said, "Yes, then maybe we can jump into the time-machine and go back to 1991?" We laughed together and I have since nixed the pj idea. (George will also be relieved!)
While I am a tad overly enthusiastic about the upcoming Christmas season, I do realize there are some, for which this holiday will be painful. I have several friends who have experienced loss this year and the thought of the upcoming holidays can be overwhelming.
The word of God says, "Weeping may endure for the night - but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5. There are seasons where I've wept and others where I have rejoiced! Having wept through holidays myself, my heart becomes more aware of those who may be experiencing sadness / grief this year. I am encouraged with what the Bible says about those who are broken-hearted.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.”
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I
will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives
do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never
permit the righteous to be moved.
As we are all preparing for celebrating Jesus' birth, let us be sensitive to those who may need a word of encouragement, a hug, a special gift or simply a kind word. I am so thankful for the "joy" that comes in the morning.
May the Lord richly bless you all!
Much love,
Steph
--
*Stephanie Henderson
www.stephaniehendersonministries.com*
I mentioned to James that I thought I would purchase matching pj's for the family to wear on Christmas Eve, then maybe have an ornament decorating activity for everyone. I wanted to know what he thought of my idea. He listened, then paused and said, "Yes, then maybe we can jump into the time-machine and go back to 1991?" We laughed together and I have since nixed the pj idea. (George will also be relieved!)
While I am a tad overly enthusiastic about the upcoming Christmas season, I do realize there are some, for which this holiday will be painful. I have several friends who have experienced loss this year and the thought of the upcoming holidays can be overwhelming.
The word of God says, "Weeping may endure for the night - but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5. There are seasons where I've wept and others where I have rejoiced! Having wept through holidays myself, my heart becomes more aware of those who may be experiencing sadness / grief this year. I am encouraged with what the Bible says about those who are broken-hearted.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.”
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I
will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives
do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never
permit the righteous to be moved.
As we are all preparing for celebrating Jesus' birth, let us be sensitive to those who may need a word of encouragement, a hug, a special gift or simply a kind word. I am so thankful for the "joy" that comes in the morning.
May the Lord richly bless you all!
Much love,
Steph
--
*Stephanie Henderson
www.stephaniehendersonministries.com*
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Students, Hope, Encouragement and Promises!
Romans 15:4
"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."
What a powerful scripture! There are several truths captured within this one verse.
1) We are students
The older I become, the more I realize how little I actually know! The scriptures given long ago were given to teach us. They teach us who God is, what His character contains, and how to become more like Him - and so much more!
A few years ago, I was introduced to inductive Bible study by very dear friends, Vic and Carolyn Talbert. Vic and Carolyn are veterans in studying the word of God and I respect them so much. Vic invited me to attend a training of inductive study at Precept Ministries in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kay Arthur has led this ministry for years and given her life to teach others how to study the Word of God. I was excited to have this opportunity.
After about 30 minutes of my first class at Precept, I was elated and touched by the depth in the Word of God that I was taught. I have been reading the Bible since elementary school - but had never heard it taught so simply and yet so richly before. There were texts that I have read literally hundreds of times that suddenly came to life when studying this way. Learning to study inductively has single-handedly transformed not on the way I study but the way I teach in my conferences.
2) The scriptures give us hope and encouragement
We need hope and encouragement! It is so refreshing to know that no matter what I may face, God's Word has already spoken and provided hope / encouragement for my life. Not only that, knowing His Word provides opportunity to speak hope / encouragement into the lives of others.
3) We wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.
I'm not the best at waiting patiently, I must confess. I would like the result now rather than later, please! However, when we exercise patience we are building our character and building trust in the promises of God. It's normal to have an ebb and flow of trust while waiting on God. Some moments I wonder, "will God come through?" and then other moments I have resounding, "Yes! God you are able!" resonating in my heart. The trust factor that is built while waiting teaches me to depend on the Word of God and not circumstances which in turn, brings spiritual maturity that I need.
I love that this scripture says, "God promises TO BE fulfilled" and not, "God's promises MAY BE fulfilled". We can take God at His word and have confidence that He is a man of integrity and will come through with what He's promised. I am so thankful for this.
Are you waiting on a promise to be fulfilled? Do you need the hope and encouragement that comes from the scriptures? Do you need to be a more diligent student in the Word of God?
You have all been so faithful to pray for our family. How can we pray for you??
We love you and are thankful for your prayers, love and concern. We are waiting on the promises of God to be fulfilled in healing our sweet son. Thank you for standing with us.
Steph
"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."
What a powerful scripture! There are several truths captured within this one verse.
1) We are students
The older I become, the more I realize how little I actually know! The scriptures given long ago were given to teach us. They teach us who God is, what His character contains, and how to become more like Him - and so much more!
A few years ago, I was introduced to inductive Bible study by very dear friends, Vic and Carolyn Talbert. Vic and Carolyn are veterans in studying the word of God and I respect them so much. Vic invited me to attend a training of inductive study at Precept Ministries in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kay Arthur has led this ministry for years and given her life to teach others how to study the Word of God. I was excited to have this opportunity.
After about 30 minutes of my first class at Precept, I was elated and touched by the depth in the Word of God that I was taught. I have been reading the Bible since elementary school - but had never heard it taught so simply and yet so richly before. There were texts that I have read literally hundreds of times that suddenly came to life when studying this way. Learning to study inductively has single-handedly transformed not on the way I study but the way I teach in my conferences.
2) The scriptures give us hope and encouragement
We need hope and encouragement! It is so refreshing to know that no matter what I may face, God's Word has already spoken and provided hope / encouragement for my life. Not only that, knowing His Word provides opportunity to speak hope / encouragement into the lives of others.
3) We wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.
I'm not the best at waiting patiently, I must confess. I would like the result now rather than later, please! However, when we exercise patience we are building our character and building trust in the promises of God. It's normal to have an ebb and flow of trust while waiting on God. Some moments I wonder, "will God come through?" and then other moments I have resounding, "Yes! God you are able!" resonating in my heart. The trust factor that is built while waiting teaches me to depend on the Word of God and not circumstances which in turn, brings spiritual maturity that I need.
I love that this scripture says, "God promises TO BE fulfilled" and not, "God's promises MAY BE fulfilled". We can take God at His word and have confidence that He is a man of integrity and will come through with what He's promised. I am so thankful for this.
Are you waiting on a promise to be fulfilled? Do you need the hope and encouragement that comes from the scriptures? Do you need to be a more diligent student in the Word of God?
You have all been so faithful to pray for our family. How can we pray for you??
We love you and are thankful for your prayers, love and concern. We are waiting on the promises of God to be fulfilled in healing our sweet son. Thank you for standing with us.
Steph
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christmas Decorations and the Ultimate Preparation
Winter time in Colorado is my favorite season! This typically susprises people considering I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the seasons included cool weather (Winter - 50 degrees), warm weather (Spring - 60-70 degrees), hot weather (Summer 80+ degrees) and hot, hot, hot weather (90 - 100 degrees). It would "snow" in New Orleans every 10 years or so and would complete close the city due to the cold weather.
The past few days have been rather cold here due to our friends in Canada sharing the air! The weather channels begin giving the updates on the the timing of the weather change, the amount of snow to expect, etc., etc. On Thursday, our temperatures dropped 40 degrees from a lovely 60 degree day to lowering temperatures in the 20's! You could feel the air change and watch as the snow clouds began forming. It was time to make a pot of coffee, light the fireplace and enjoy the season!
While the weather change has begun I have started my Christmas decoration process! Being a decorator, this is not a normal process! It's an involved, detailed methodical plan where perfect color combination's are selected, carefully placed and executed. I love it! I love bringing the Christmas ambiance into our home.
While beginning my decoration planning, I began thinking about Mary (the mother of Jesus) and how she was preparing four weeks prior to the birth of her child. ( I realize that we do not have the exact date of Jesus' birth recorded and many believe Jesus was actually born in the spring, not winter. However, four weeks prior to having a new baby brings much preparation and anticipation in meeting your new baby.) Her situation was unique to any other birth as she was given the responsibility and honor to birthing Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Through scripture we understand that Mary was a very young woman (probably a teenager) and it's difficult to imagine what an extraordinary woman she must have been to have this responsibility trusted to her. She was trusted by God. God knew, in His infinite wisdom, that this young lady was equipped to handle the task.
When we stop and think about the hard things that come into our lives, do we consider that God is trusting us to walk through hardship and bring encouragement to others while accomplishing the task? Often times, we can get stuck in thinking "God, why me?" or "What have I done to deserve this?". I truly believe that we experience difficulty to accomplish many purposes for our lives BUT also because those in our lives are watching how we handle it and seeing a glimpse of God while we walk through.
Mary carried out a very difficult task, not only in the birth of Jesus but mothering him all the way to the cross. Her heart in obeying and honoring God is found in her first encounter when the angel revealed God's plan for her life:
Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”34″How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God.”38″I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
"May it be to me as you have said" was Mary's response to what the Lord was asking her to accomplish. I love the scripture that says, "She was highly favored". In other words, she was trusted. As we know from the Bible stories of Mary, she carried out God's plan beautifully.
Let our answer to the Lord continue to be, "May it be to me as you have said". Yes, Lord, we will do whatever you ask us to do for you. You can trust us - no matter how difficult the task! In verse 37 it says, "For nothing is impossible with God". He is faithful.
Stephanie
The past few days have been rather cold here due to our friends in Canada sharing the air! The weather channels begin giving the updates on the the timing of the weather change, the amount of snow to expect, etc., etc. On Thursday, our temperatures dropped 40 degrees from a lovely 60 degree day to lowering temperatures in the 20's! You could feel the air change and watch as the snow clouds began forming. It was time to make a pot of coffee, light the fireplace and enjoy the season!
While the weather change has begun I have started my Christmas decoration process! Being a decorator, this is not a normal process! It's an involved, detailed methodical plan where perfect color combination's are selected, carefully placed and executed. I love it! I love bringing the Christmas ambiance into our home.
While beginning my decoration planning, I began thinking about Mary (the mother of Jesus) and how she was preparing four weeks prior to the birth of her child. ( I realize that we do not have the exact date of Jesus' birth recorded and many believe Jesus was actually born in the spring, not winter. However, four weeks prior to having a new baby brings much preparation and anticipation in meeting your new baby.) Her situation was unique to any other birth as she was given the responsibility and honor to birthing Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Through scripture we understand that Mary was a very young woman (probably a teenager) and it's difficult to imagine what an extraordinary woman she must have been to have this responsibility trusted to her. She was trusted by God. God knew, in His infinite wisdom, that this young lady was equipped to handle the task.
When we stop and think about the hard things that come into our lives, do we consider that God is trusting us to walk through hardship and bring encouragement to others while accomplishing the task? Often times, we can get stuck in thinking "God, why me?" or "What have I done to deserve this?". I truly believe that we experience difficulty to accomplish many purposes for our lives BUT also because those in our lives are watching how we handle it and seeing a glimpse of God while we walk through.
Mary carried out a very difficult task, not only in the birth of Jesus but mothering him all the way to the cross. Her heart in obeying and honoring God is found in her first encounter when the angel revealed God's plan for her life:
Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”34″How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God.”38″I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
"May it be to me as you have said" was Mary's response to what the Lord was asking her to accomplish. I love the scripture that says, "She was highly favored". In other words, she was trusted. As we know from the Bible stories of Mary, she carried out God's plan beautifully.
Let our answer to the Lord continue to be, "May it be to me as you have said". Yes, Lord, we will do whatever you ask us to do for you. You can trust us - no matter how difficult the task! In verse 37 it says, "For nothing is impossible with God". He is faithful.
Stephanie
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Never Forsaken!
Psalm 91: 14
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me), knowing I will never forsake him, no, never.
I love Psalm 91 in it's entirety and especially love this verse. "I will never forsake him, no, never" is a powerful promise from God.
There are times when life will present circumstances where we may feel forgotten by God. Typically, when life becomes difficult and stressful, it can be tempting to wonder why we are facing difficulty.
I know in my own life, when difficulty arises I will stop and consider where the adversity has originated. It is the result of God desiring more of my attention? Is it the result of sin (consequences). Is it because I have allowed dysfunction / chaos in my life? Is adversity present because there are areas of maturity that I need in order to progress spiritually? Sometimes one aspect can be true and sometimes all aspects can be at work in my life at the same time. Whatever the reason, I dislike pressure from difficult times and will become proactive in getting past the test and enjoying the testimony that will follow.
No matter what may happen in our lives and regardless of the reason, the comfort we have is knowing God promises to never forsake us. He will never leave us - no matter what. He will be with us to provide strength, peace, wisdom, mercy and grace for the challenge, if we allow Him. God is quite intentional in His place in our lives and equally intentional in who we become in the process.
I'm thankful for the presence of God and pray His blessings in your life today.
Steph
--
Stephanie Henderson
www.stephaniehendersonministries.com
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me), knowing I will never forsake him, no, never.
I love Psalm 91 in it's entirety and especially love this verse. "I will never forsake him, no, never" is a powerful promise from God.
There are times when life will present circumstances where we may feel forgotten by God. Typically, when life becomes difficult and stressful, it can be tempting to wonder why we are facing difficulty.
I know in my own life, when difficulty arises I will stop and consider where the adversity has originated. It is the result of God desiring more of my attention? Is it the result of sin (consequences). Is it because I have allowed dysfunction / chaos in my life? Is adversity present because there are areas of maturity that I need in order to progress spiritually? Sometimes one aspect can be true and sometimes all aspects can be at work in my life at the same time. Whatever the reason, I dislike pressure from difficult times and will become proactive in getting past the test and enjoying the testimony that will follow.
No matter what may happen in our lives and regardless of the reason, the comfort we have is knowing God promises to never forsake us. He will never leave us - no matter what. He will be with us to provide strength, peace, wisdom, mercy and grace for the challenge, if we allow Him. God is quite intentional in His place in our lives and equally intentional in who we become in the process.
I'm thankful for the presence of God and pray His blessings in your life today.
Steph
--
Stephanie Henderson
www.stephaniehendersonministries.com
Monday, November 28, 2011
I love Thanksgiving!
A blessed Thanksgiving holiday has successfully come to a close. After 32 pounds of turkey, dressing, sides and a plethora of desserts, we can definitely say that we "celebrated" Thanksgiving! We enjoyed the company of family and friends for the holiday and reflected on many areas for which we are thankful.
One of our family traditions is to share communion together. At the conclusion of our Thanksgiving feast, the glasses were passed with juice and bread was shared as we reflected on the life we are most thankful for...the life of Jesus. The first communion is recorded in the book of Luke, in the New Testament.
Luke 22: 14-20
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
As our family shared the element of communion together, we talked about the love of Jesus and how thankful we were for His blessings. It's a very special time in our family and a tradition that I personally cherish. I love the intimacy that communion brings. I always think of my sweet "Ma" when we share communion.
"Ma" is George's mother who went to heaven a couple of years ago. She loved Thanksgiving! I miss her and miss wearing our aprons together while cooking in her kitchen while she would teach me some of the Henderson recipes. Our last Thanksgiving together, I made sweet potatoes because she loved them so much. During her last weeks with us here on earth, she would enjoy having communion together with her family. It was precious to her. It became even more precious to me while sharing it with her and our family in those final days.
Communion is more than bread and juice. Communion is agreeing together that there is a common bond as believers in Christ as we reflect upon the life of Jesus who was given for us. As a family, communion is where we stop the busyness of everyday life and share hearts and love for one another.
One thing I've learned in recent years is that life truly is short. I've learned to eat on the china rather than saving it for a special occasion. I've learned to forgive more easily and love more intentionally. While not perfect, I have tried to say the words that matter, and keep silent in sharing words that hurt. I've also realized that having a heart of thanksgiving is the secret to a joy-filled life.
In this Thanksgiving season, I am thankful for you. I'm thankful for the life we share together. I am thankful for my amazing husband, beautiful children, loving parents and family. I am most thankful for Jesus and the ability to share communion with the ones I love in remembrance of His sacrifice.
I hope you've had a blessed holiday filled with much Thanksgiving!
Stephanie
One of our family traditions is to share communion together. At the conclusion of our Thanksgiving feast, the glasses were passed with juice and bread was shared as we reflected on the life we are most thankful for...the life of Jesus. The first communion is recorded in the book of Luke, in the New Testament.
Luke 22: 14-20
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
As our family shared the element of communion together, we talked about the love of Jesus and how thankful we were for His blessings. It's a very special time in our family and a tradition that I personally cherish. I love the intimacy that communion brings. I always think of my sweet "Ma" when we share communion.
"Ma" is George's mother who went to heaven a couple of years ago. She loved Thanksgiving! I miss her and miss wearing our aprons together while cooking in her kitchen while she would teach me some of the Henderson recipes. Our last Thanksgiving together, I made sweet potatoes because she loved them so much. During her last weeks with us here on earth, she would enjoy having communion together with her family. It was precious to her. It became even more precious to me while sharing it with her and our family in those final days.
Communion is more than bread and juice. Communion is agreeing together that there is a common bond as believers in Christ as we reflect upon the life of Jesus who was given for us. As a family, communion is where we stop the busyness of everyday life and share hearts and love for one another.
One thing I've learned in recent years is that life truly is short. I've learned to eat on the china rather than saving it for a special occasion. I've learned to forgive more easily and love more intentionally. While not perfect, I have tried to say the words that matter, and keep silent in sharing words that hurt. I've also realized that having a heart of thanksgiving is the secret to a joy-filled life.
In this Thanksgiving season, I am thankful for you. I'm thankful for the life we share together. I am thankful for my amazing husband, beautiful children, loving parents and family. I am most thankful for Jesus and the ability to share communion with the ones I love in remembrance of His sacrifice.
I hope you've had a blessed holiday filled with much Thanksgiving!
Stephanie
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
My Hot Husband Rocks!
My husband, George, has been conducting a business conference for the past few days. The majority of information shared at his conferences focuses on one of George's passions - leadership and leadership transformation. I've attended several of his conferences and take great pride in what he shares because I know the leader he is in our home as well as in the business world. Both are exceptional, in my unbiased opinion. :)
He leads our family through his relationship with the Lord. He prays, spends time learning the Word of God and spending time encouraging all of us to reach our fullest potential. He also leads with the integrity he possesses. Integrity is not something you choose from situation to situation. Integrity is something you choose in your very core that then spills over into other relationships and situations as well. This is true of George!
In honor of the man that leads our family with such passion, I would like to share some scriptures in honor of my amazing husband!
Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.
Exodus 18:21
But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Proverbs 20:7
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
Proverbs 3:32
For the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
George - thank you for being an incredible husband and father. You are the best! I adore you!
--
Stephanie Henderson
He leads our family through his relationship with the Lord. He prays, spends time learning the Word of God and spending time encouraging all of us to reach our fullest potential. He also leads with the integrity he possesses. Integrity is not something you choose from situation to situation. Integrity is something you choose in your very core that then spills over into other relationships and situations as well. This is true of George!
In honor of the man that leads our family with such passion, I would like to share some scriptures in honor of my amazing husband!
Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.
Exodus 18:21
But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Proverbs 20:7
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
Proverbs 3:32
For the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
George - thank you for being an incredible husband and father. You are the best! I adore you!
--
Stephanie Henderson
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