Ever have one of those days where you just want to get away from everyone and rest?This morning I learned In Mark 6:31 that Jesus says, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest." He and the disciples had that days form of paparazzi flocking after them so they took off in a boat to find a quieter spot. So many people saw t hem leaving and they ran along the shore to meet them when they got out. Jesus thought of them as sheep without a shepherd and He had COMPASSION on them and ended up teaching to them. Later when the disciples were even more tired they became hungry and started wondering where they would get food to feed everyone from? First off they were doubting already that God could provide and second they were not having compassion because they asked for Jesus to send the crowds AWAY so they could eat instead of offering or having faith that He would provide and having Compassion upon these people who desperately were seeking the words of Jesus. I believe in my own mind that the disciples sometimes took Jesus for granted and didn't see what a wonderful person they were blessed to be hanging out with. I wonder though in our lives do we take Jesus for granted and doubt that He could bring us through something that seems impossible? I know I have. I want to start being even more compassionate to others. Compassion has never been one of my strongholds so I have to daily ask the Lord to help me with it. If it's something you struggle with, give it over to God and see what miraculous thing He can do with you. Let yourself be used as an instrument for His glory.
Matthew 9:36 states, "But when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. "
Just remember...he can take your five loaves and two fish and turn them into enough to feed 5,000! Let's be tenderhearted towards one another so that Christ's light will shine through us and we will have the "paparazzi" following us wanting to learn more about Him.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Breakfast:Open daily
Do I wear the red shirt or the black shirt today? Do I eat cheerios or corn flakes? Do I buy this item on sale or save my money for something I more desperately need? The list of daily decisions could go on and on. This morning I asked God to show me me something from His word and that was a decision I made when I prayed. If you choose honey o's instead of the other two cereals it's not going to be that much effect or if you change your mind about the two shirt colors and decide to go with brown it's not going to be a major decision breaker but when you ask God for something and He shares it with you and you choose to go against His will that can make for a rough day. We have the right to choose where we want to spend eternity. If you are speaking with someone and they do not believe in a God or salvation but rather that Jesus was just another man walking on this earth and that God can not save us ask them, "what if they're right?" See what they respond with, but be sure to then ask them, "what if they're wrong?" What if Jesus was a man but he died on a cross to save you/me/the world and He is yearning for us to reach out to Him and ask him for that salvation and to partake in His daily blessings and an eternity with Him. How much of life would be wasted thinking you were right when all along your view was distorted? It is now that we need to be praying so much for those around us who may not know Christ or may just think he could not save or give any hope for everlasting life. I've spent a good portion of my life running away from God and trying to make myself decide that I didn't need Him or that He wasn't there because of certain scenarios that had occurred. The problem with that always was, that HE WAS STILL THERE and still is daily. He is always reaching down and has his loving arms open to us and is begging us to make the right decisions to follow him and to bring others with us. I heard someone this past weekend talk about how we can go to bible studies, read daily, pray and pump ourselves full of biblical knowledge but if we are not choosing to go out and share it with others then we are infected with "theological obesity". What decision is God asking me to make today? I pray this morning that He will give me a new set of eyes to start my day with that I may see others in the way He sees them and that the choices I make will glorify Him and not self or others. Down to the words that come out of my mouth and the thoughts that fly through my head. There is a song we sang as a child, "Just two choices on the shelf, Oh what could the choices be, pleasing God or pleasing self, Oh I would more like Jesus be!!" How awesome to please Him rather then ourselves. It sure brings me more joy each day and I can tell on the days or moments when I decide to do things my way. They always go awry and I end up in a bigger mess then I was to begin with. We need to be digesting into our hearts GOD and his Word so that when situations arise and decisions need to be made it is our natural instinct at that point to choose How he would deem fit!
I have felt God leading me the last few weeks into different church ministries and also for praying more openly. It seems like something that would be easy for me, a talker, a natural people person, but it hasn't always been. I've battled with it for years. God has given me such a desire and joy though lately to put Him first and please Him by jumping in at church and serving in any place they need help. I chose for so long to sit back and just watch others serve. It is/was high time I changed my decision and Oh the joy that comes when we choose what He wants. He makes no mistakes and is certain to give us that extra blessing we need and confirmation that will get us through knowing we chose properly. I have been praying more in my own quiet time as well as in public settings and it's not as scary as it was at first. When you choose to follow His leading He gives you what you need...it's taking that first step that is the hardest. But once you are on His path He promises to not leave us or forsake us, so why is it that we choose to do that to Him?? I pray that I would purpose to not let any sort of fears get in the way today of choosing right. Lord, may you be glorified in my every thought, action and words today. Bless all who are striving to please you but may not always do so. Continue to bring them back to you and to help them see where wrongful decisions take us/them and that being in your Will is such a healthier, more joyous place to remain.
So now it's breakfast time...hmm....cheerios or toast and eggs??? I don't think there is any wrong decision here except to choose not to choose and then I would go hungry. I am so greatful for a full breakfast bar that is open daily to come to in His word...Breakfast without Him causes deep hunger, so whether eggs or cereal be sure to eat something today!!
I have felt God leading me the last few weeks into different church ministries and also for praying more openly. It seems like something that would be easy for me, a talker, a natural people person, but it hasn't always been. I've battled with it for years. God has given me such a desire and joy though lately to put Him first and please Him by jumping in at church and serving in any place they need help. I chose for so long to sit back and just watch others serve. It is/was high time I changed my decision and Oh the joy that comes when we choose what He wants. He makes no mistakes and is certain to give us that extra blessing we need and confirmation that will get us through knowing we chose properly. I have been praying more in my own quiet time as well as in public settings and it's not as scary as it was at first. When you choose to follow His leading He gives you what you need...it's taking that first step that is the hardest. But once you are on His path He promises to not leave us or forsake us, so why is it that we choose to do that to Him?? I pray that I would purpose to not let any sort of fears get in the way today of choosing right. Lord, may you be glorified in my every thought, action and words today. Bless all who are striving to please you but may not always do so. Continue to bring them back to you and to help them see where wrongful decisions take us/them and that being in your Will is such a healthier, more joyous place to remain.
So now it's breakfast time...hmm....cheerios or toast and eggs??? I don't think there is any wrong decision here except to choose not to choose and then I would go hungry. I am so greatful for a full breakfast bar that is open daily to come to in His word...Breakfast without Him causes deep hunger, so whether eggs or cereal be sure to eat something today!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Maintenance is coming tomorrow to do a routine check of filters, fire alarms, etc....I have been scurrying around cleaning up things and making sure the hallways were free of clutter so they can walk through without tripping on toys/clothes. I want to make it presentable when they come. As I am writing this I am now thinking, "what if we put as much effort into our spiritual lives with making sure hallways were free of clutter and cobwebs as we do with our physical"??? I wonder what our lives would be like. Instead of rushing around to clean bathrooms we were rushing around to get our bible and read it so we could clean out our minds from impurities that might be lurking about. Just a thought...I hadn't planned on taking this direction with this blog, but God had different plans when he struck me with that thought and led me to write it! :) YAY GOD!
I visited the endodontist today for a root canal consult and was praising the Lord when the dr. told me it did not need retreated, only capped! This will save us quite a bit of money also hassle, pain and time! My next step is wisdom teeth extraction . I will keep you updated on how/when that is/goes.
This afternoon I went to a friends house and helped her organize her room. I enjoyed spending time just chatting with her and getting to know her better as we cleaned. she plays guitar so we sat down and sang some songs when we finished up cleaning and it was so nice to just sit back, start singing and worshipping from her room. You need not be in a church or at a church function to worship and praise God. After I left there I came home and spent the evening playing with the kids. Kyler had learned his lesson last night about hitting and throwing fits so I was proud to say none of that occurred tonight. Also, BOTH boys have implemented in and been using EACH TIME the new interrupt rule. Where they grab my arm/wrist to get my attention instead of hollering out, mom mom mooooooooommmmmmmmmmm.....once they do this I acknowledge them within a minute or two and address the situation. This causes less stress and screaming and teaches manners and respect. I am so greatful to Michelle for sharing this with me! I am praying it continues to work. My husband even followed it yesterday when I was talking to someone and he wanted to talk to me too. LOL.
I am so tired but I am dying to start up on this new book...it's Dobsons', bringing up BOYS...I've had it for awhile but just haven't read it all the way through so i am just going to start over cuz it's been awhile since I began reading it. could use a fresh start!
Hoping for a good nights rest tonight and the ability to get up and go walking tomorrow. I've not been since last week...
going to go enjoy lying my head on the pillow and passing out for a few hours! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I visited the endodontist today for a root canal consult and was praising the Lord when the dr. told me it did not need retreated, only capped! This will save us quite a bit of money also hassle, pain and time! My next step is wisdom teeth extraction . I will keep you updated on how/when that is/goes.
This afternoon I went to a friends house and helped her organize her room. I enjoyed spending time just chatting with her and getting to know her better as we cleaned. she plays guitar so we sat down and sang some songs when we finished up cleaning and it was so nice to just sit back, start singing and worshipping from her room. You need not be in a church or at a church function to worship and praise God. After I left there I came home and spent the evening playing with the kids. Kyler had learned his lesson last night about hitting and throwing fits so I was proud to say none of that occurred tonight. Also, BOTH boys have implemented in and been using EACH TIME the new interrupt rule. Where they grab my arm/wrist to get my attention instead of hollering out, mom mom mooooooooommmmmmmmmmm.....once they do this I acknowledge them within a minute or two and address the situation. This causes less stress and screaming and teaches manners and respect. I am so greatful to Michelle for sharing this with me! I am praying it continues to work. My husband even followed it yesterday when I was talking to someone and he wanted to talk to me too. LOL.
I am so tired but I am dying to start up on this new book...it's Dobsons', bringing up BOYS...I've had it for awhile but just haven't read it all the way through so i am just going to start over cuz it's been awhile since I began reading it. could use a fresh start!
Hoping for a good nights rest tonight and the ability to get up and go walking tomorrow. I've not been since last week...
going to go enjoy lying my head on the pillow and passing out for a few hours! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Needs a ruler
Ever had one of those days where your parenting was off by 3/4 of an inch the whole day? Mine started out waking up groggy to darkness outside which makes it even harder to get up. I heard little footsteps then peeled my eyes open to see Kyler standing right in front of my bed saying, "mom, it's time to get up and play!!" I rolled over, looked at the clock and told him "give me 5 more minutes" My poor children's concept of time will be messed up because my 5 minutes becomes 20. Once up Cade got up too. We decided he needed his hair cut because it was getting shaggy. Up until this morning he had been all for this idea. For some reason he chose this morning to have an emotional meltdown over it to the point where the back of his neck was all splotchy and red and looked like fingerprints. This upset me because it appeared we abused him when this isn't the case. sam and I made it clear to him that he couldn't get up and run off until the haircut was finished and he had taken a shower. He didn't care if his hair was cut all the way or not he just wanted to be done. Sometimes arguing comes naturally with a 6 year old but it gets me NOWHERE fast. I am learning to speak my case, and leave it at that. It is because I say so, you do because we say. Instead of mommy's nurturing explanations all the time. This is easier said then done at times. I just end up feeling as if I owe them something if I am too stern, yet I know they need that firmness and consistency. Thank goodness we are taking a parenting course through the church. And I am reading Dobson's BRINGING UP BOYS. And mom and dad had gotten us a cd collection called, total transformation I have been listening to latelythat has handy tips/advice on different behaviors.
Ok, so we get ready for church and leave and we no longer are out of the parking spot when Kyler begans a massive cryfest over not having a toy in the car. I threw a pair of socks back to him and told him to play with those. This did not accomplish anything at all (note to self). Cade found a toy and gave to Kyler and instead of me going back and taking it away as I should have because of the fit he threw I let myself be content since he was being quiet and I was already a little frazzled from the earlier event. Church was wonderful, was good seeing everyone, kids did well in their classes, we helped pick up afterwards and they even played in the gym for a bit...no problems. THEN, I was talking to the pastor's wife and Kyler comes up and wants to show me "peter pan" on the bulletin board. He began interrupting and then screaming for my attention. My natural response is to look down at him and find out what he wants but I knew this was not the best choice. I tried ignoring it and that didn't work so I ended up naturally responding. I had my hands full and was helping pick things up so I couldn't be drug off to look at the board he so desperately wanted me to see. Plus, I was STILL TALKING..imagine that.... :)
thankfully, Michelle in her sweet kind way shared with me the interrupting rule where the child is taught to grab the arm when they want something and wait till we respond. She helped me assess the situation and I had Kyler apologize to me for his screamfit, he attempted to say sorry to her and ended up just hugging and then i gave him a second chance to take me in and show me the board without screaming. This played out well...until we got to pizza hut and both kid began interrupting. I had explained the rule in the car, shouldn't they of GOTTEN IT??? They both finally started grabbing my arm but Cade would end up talking while he was grabbing. I'm not sure if they ever mastered it but they did do a little better by the end of the day. (you might wanna ask Michelle what her opinion was on the matter. lol)
the rest of the afternoon was pretty decent with no mistakes in it...until around 5:45 when Kyler decided he would punch cade repeatedly because he didn't win the tic tac toe game. I had already warned them once about fighting and said they would be going to bed early if it occurred. I sent Kyler straight to his bed and he has beenthere since. Aside from getting up to go pee. Cade turned out to be very very wonderful and loving and fun tonight. We did playdoh and drawing and legos together with very good conversation and no arguing or backtalking or whining. he said I was a sorta funny mom at one point...I asked him if that was ok and he said, "yeah, I like that you are so silly, but you aren't as silly as you were when you were a kid". I always tell the boys stories from my childhood that were goofy so because I am not pranking the babysitters, eating stinkbugs,sliding off of roofs in the winter time and drawing on the walls I am not as funny...but, thankfully still can be labeled "sorta funny". I guess I'll take it!
Somedays I think I want the supernanny over here and then others I can't fathom comparing myself to some of the families on that show. "we aren't near as bad as they are". In retrospect I shouldn't be comparing to others but should be continuing to see how to better my children's spiritual conditions as well as learning the basic tools for teaching obedience, listening skills and for myself remembering to BE CONSISTENT and reasonable. I will say that I am always asking them what Jesus would think of that attitude and reminding them that it makes him sad when we disobey.
I't sonly 8:30 but at 7 when Cade wanted to make playdoh lego karate men I was about to fall asleep on the table so of course now that everyone is in bed it's time for me to finish my last three chapters of my book and then head off to dreamland myself.
If I could pick two highlights of my day it will be "the new interrupting rule lesson" and when my voice was really really highpitched and squeaky and Cade was cracking up laughing from it and I actually thought for a moment that it had stuck this way cuz I kept trying to talk regular and it stayed in squeaky mode" lol.
I am hoping that tomorrow my parenting won't be off by any inches, but....I am expecting a few milimmeters at least. Guess I better go find my ruler!! :)
Ok, so we get ready for church and leave and we no longer are out of the parking spot when Kyler begans a massive cryfest over not having a toy in the car. I threw a pair of socks back to him and told him to play with those. This did not accomplish anything at all (note to self). Cade found a toy and gave to Kyler and instead of me going back and taking it away as I should have because of the fit he threw I let myself be content since he was being quiet and I was already a little frazzled from the earlier event. Church was wonderful, was good seeing everyone, kids did well in their classes, we helped pick up afterwards and they even played in the gym for a bit...no problems. THEN, I was talking to the pastor's wife and Kyler comes up and wants to show me "peter pan" on the bulletin board. He began interrupting and then screaming for my attention. My natural response is to look down at him and find out what he wants but I knew this was not the best choice. I tried ignoring it and that didn't work so I ended up naturally responding. I had my hands full and was helping pick things up so I couldn't be drug off to look at the board he so desperately wanted me to see. Plus, I was STILL TALKING..imagine that.... :)
thankfully, Michelle in her sweet kind way shared with me the interrupting rule where the child is taught to grab the arm when they want something and wait till we respond. She helped me assess the situation and I had Kyler apologize to me for his screamfit, he attempted to say sorry to her and ended up just hugging and then i gave him a second chance to take me in and show me the board without screaming. This played out well...until we got to pizza hut and both kid began interrupting. I had explained the rule in the car, shouldn't they of GOTTEN IT??? They both finally started grabbing my arm but Cade would end up talking while he was grabbing. I'm not sure if they ever mastered it but they did do a little better by the end of the day. (you might wanna ask Michelle what her opinion was on the matter. lol)
the rest of the afternoon was pretty decent with no mistakes in it...until around 5:45 when Kyler decided he would punch cade repeatedly because he didn't win the tic tac toe game. I had already warned them once about fighting and said they would be going to bed early if it occurred. I sent Kyler straight to his bed and he has beenthere since. Aside from getting up to go pee. Cade turned out to be very very wonderful and loving and fun tonight. We did playdoh and drawing and legos together with very good conversation and no arguing or backtalking or whining. he said I was a sorta funny mom at one point...I asked him if that was ok and he said, "yeah, I like that you are so silly, but you aren't as silly as you were when you were a kid". I always tell the boys stories from my childhood that were goofy so because I am not pranking the babysitters, eating stinkbugs,sliding off of roofs in the winter time and drawing on the walls I am not as funny...but, thankfully still can be labeled "sorta funny". I guess I'll take it!
Somedays I think I want the supernanny over here and then others I can't fathom comparing myself to some of the families on that show. "we aren't near as bad as they are". In retrospect I shouldn't be comparing to others but should be continuing to see how to better my children's spiritual conditions as well as learning the basic tools for teaching obedience, listening skills and for myself remembering to BE CONSISTENT and reasonable. I will say that I am always asking them what Jesus would think of that attitude and reminding them that it makes him sad when we disobey.
I't sonly 8:30 but at 7 when Cade wanted to make playdoh lego karate men I was about to fall asleep on the table so of course now that everyone is in bed it's time for me to finish my last three chapters of my book and then head off to dreamland myself.
If I could pick two highlights of my day it will be "the new interrupting rule lesson" and when my voice was really really highpitched and squeaky and Cade was cracking up laughing from it and I actually thought for a moment that it had stuck this way cuz I kept trying to talk regular and it stayed in squeaky mode" lol.
I am hoping that tomorrow my parenting won't be off by any inches, but....I am expecting a few milimmeters at least. Guess I better go find my ruler!! :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Ready or Not....
God is a 24/7 maintenance lifeline who deserves to be thanked/praised daily!!!
I went to a Mentoring class today at the conference and I am so glad I did because I have been feeling God leading me into some sort of mentoring or counseling services lately. I still am not 100% sure what but He is leading me in the direction of where He wants me at and is still doing a work in me to prepare me for His calling. We all leave imprints on people whether good or bad. Here is the list of "imprints" that the leader of class presented that we should follow.
The imprint of love for GOD
The imprint of consistent PRAYER (knee pads...down on one knee, offers protection)
The imprint of studying God's WORD
The imprint of loving people to CHRIST (handing out tracts)
The imprint of a noble life- PURPOSE (gifts/talents)
The imprint of TEACHABILITY (books)
The imprint of PERSERVERANCE (running shoes, run the race set before you...)
The imprint of reckless abandon to GOD (overflowing fountain)
I am working on a list of practical things I can do for my Mentee. I am also thinking of things I can ask a mentor. We ought always to be learning from others.
All in all the conference was great. Music was excellent and sessions were fabulous. I truly enjoyed hearing Carrie's story of hurt and recovery. If you are not familiar with Carrie Mcdonnall I reccomend you research the story. It's quite a powerful one. Her book is called FACING TERROR.
I was thankful today to God for providing me with a ride home. The people I had ridden with left early and I wanted to stay for the whole seminar so I asked in a class if anyone lived near where I did if they would be willing to drive me home. It just turned out that the lady sitting next to me lived in my area so she offered and ended up dropping me off at home and invited the kids to their AWANA program at the church right down the street. She was an elderly woman and had such a kind soul. It's just amazing how God supplies all our needs.
This evening I have spent 6 1/2 minutes in a closet behind ballgowns waiting to be found by the kids in our hide and seek game. LOL. Spent the rest of the time on computer, reading and making dinner. I am so exhausted I am heading to bed early tonight.. Church in the a.m. Looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow!
I went to a Mentoring class today at the conference and I am so glad I did because I have been feeling God leading me into some sort of mentoring or counseling services lately. I still am not 100% sure what but He is leading me in the direction of where He wants me at and is still doing a work in me to prepare me for His calling. We all leave imprints on people whether good or bad. Here is the list of "imprints" that the leader of class presented that we should follow.
The imprint of love for GOD
The imprint of consistent PRAYER (knee pads...down on one knee, offers protection)
The imprint of studying God's WORD
The imprint of loving people to CHRIST (handing out tracts)
The imprint of a noble life- PURPOSE (gifts/talents)
The imprint of TEACHABILITY (books)
The imprint of PERSERVERANCE (running shoes, run the race set before you...)
The imprint of reckless abandon to GOD (overflowing fountain)
I am working on a list of practical things I can do for my Mentee. I am also thinking of things I can ask a mentor. We ought always to be learning from others.
All in all the conference was great. Music was excellent and sessions were fabulous. I truly enjoyed hearing Carrie's story of hurt and recovery. If you are not familiar with Carrie Mcdonnall I reccomend you research the story. It's quite a powerful one. Her book is called FACING TERROR.
I was thankful today to God for providing me with a ride home. The people I had ridden with left early and I wanted to stay for the whole seminar so I asked in a class if anyone lived near where I did if they would be willing to drive me home. It just turned out that the lady sitting next to me lived in my area so she offered and ended up dropping me off at home and invited the kids to their AWANA program at the church right down the street. She was an elderly woman and had such a kind soul. It's just amazing how God supplies all our needs.
This evening I have spent 6 1/2 minutes in a closet behind ballgowns waiting to be found by the kids in our hide and seek game. LOL. Spent the rest of the time on computer, reading and making dinner. I am so exhausted I am heading to bed early tonight.. Church in the a.m. Looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow!
Surgery anyone?
We've all driven past or seen on the news a collision sight on the side or middle of the road. I used to get impatient when stuck in traffic and then would drive past and feel guilty that I had been feeling that way. I've since changed my attitude to one of prayer for those who may be injured and I thank God now for his safety he gave TO ME and how if I had been 2 minutes further down the road I would have been in that COLLISION. How great is our God that He brings us through our daily activities just in His perfect timing. I learned today at the conference that CHANGE TAKES PLACE WHEN NEEDS MEET PROBLEMS, in the same sense that a problem of a car wreck gets a need met via ambulance, dr.'s, and God's healing. These two factors COLLIDE with each other. We ought to be meeting the needs of others around us. Being a light and laser surgery to this dark blind world is what our purpose on earth is as christians. When we follow God's leading to reach out we are being servants. And God says in his word in Matthew 25:21 "well done, my good and faithful servant." One thing imparticular that God spoke to me about this weekend was how we can be servants with the wrong motives. I can say I have been that before and I pray that I can strive to be truly heartfelt in each of the occurrences that I serve for someone, sing a song or drop money in the offering plate.
Another key aspect I was taught was how we are called to Love to see through God's eyes the people around us. I think of the song, GIVE ME YOUR EYES.
"give me your eyes for just one second, give me your eyes so I can see, everything that I am missing, give me your love for humanity, Give me your arms for the brokenhearted, Ones that are far beyond my reach, give me your heart for the ones forgotten, give me your eyes so I can see!!" HOW VERY TRUE are these words? We should be begging God DAILY to look at the world through his eyes. Imagine the changes that would be made in our lives as well as people around us if we chose to reach out in a Christ like manner and look further into someone as you are passing by them realizing that maybe just maybe they had a death in the family that morning and just needed someone to say Hi and be an encouragement to them. Perhaps you are on a bus and you see someone with their head hung down and what's inside their mind is that they feel life is no longer worth living but when we stand to get out we just walk past them like it's nothing. We ought to be noticing people's hurts and body language so that we can be Jesus to them. Obviously we can't tell them to touch the hem of our jeans or shirt and be healed, but we can show them in the Word how they can be eternally healed from a life of captivity and pain.
If we can convey Christ to those who don't know him or have a misconception about Him then we have Loved like He loves and have abandoned ourself and God is well pleased.
I am headed to the dr. for an eye transplant. Who is with me?
Another key aspect I was taught was how we are called to Love to see through God's eyes the people around us. I think of the song, GIVE ME YOUR EYES.
"give me your eyes for just one second, give me your eyes so I can see, everything that I am missing, give me your love for humanity, Give me your arms for the brokenhearted, Ones that are far beyond my reach, give me your heart for the ones forgotten, give me your eyes so I can see!!" HOW VERY TRUE are these words? We should be begging God DAILY to look at the world through his eyes. Imagine the changes that would be made in our lives as well as people around us if we chose to reach out in a Christ like manner and look further into someone as you are passing by them realizing that maybe just maybe they had a death in the family that morning and just needed someone to say Hi and be an encouragement to them. Perhaps you are on a bus and you see someone with their head hung down and what's inside their mind is that they feel life is no longer worth living but when we stand to get out we just walk past them like it's nothing. We ought to be noticing people's hurts and body language so that we can be Jesus to them. Obviously we can't tell them to touch the hem of our jeans or shirt and be healed, but we can show them in the Word how they can be eternally healed from a life of captivity and pain.
If we can convey Christ to those who don't know him or have a misconception about Him then we have Loved like He loves and have abandoned ourself and God is well pleased.
I am headed to the dr. for an eye transplant. Who is with me?
Friday, September 25, 2009
turn down the volume...
How often do we serve without any mindset of needing praise or someone noticing what we had done? How LOUDLY do we serve? Perhaps we ought to turn down the volume a few notches and stick to the task at hand which is serving Christ with a humbled unselfish spirit that does not long to bring praise to self but only to God. Someone who will clean a dirty bathroom at a church and will be whistling while they work instead of grumbling or bragging about what they are doing. I want to be a better servant from this day out. Lord use me, teach me and deepen my desire for reaching out to others. Help me to see when I need to be reaching out. May I not ever once refuse your voice when it speaks to me. I will obey right away. Thank you Jesus for bringing me home safe tonight from conference and I pray and ask that you give us traveling mercies there again tomorrow and that each woman there would be open minded and hearted and ready to dive into your word and learn.
I'll be needing some coffee though that early in the a.m. yawn...it's bedtime now...past midnight and this thing starts at 8 tomorrow morning. this was a long day...it's officially over!
I'll be needing some coffee though that early in the a.m. yawn...it's bedtime now...past midnight and this thing starts at 8 tomorrow morning. this was a long day...it's officially over!
Eye on the sparrow
Everything that could seem wrong seemed it this morning. I had started to doubt even that I could be used of God and the change in my life couldn't be real because I was not worthy to be singing praises and writing devotional blogs on here or being joyful. surely this was some sort of put on to get attention. THIS IS WHAT SATAN WAS TRYING TO DAMAGE ME WITH!! . He also was trying to tempt me with smoking. (I share this because I had said in a previous blog that I would keep people updated on how this goes...it's still a battle that i deal with off and on so I appreciate the prayers..) God sent a distraction via a phone call from a friend right at the moment I was contemplating asking someone to borrow a cigarette. That silly that I would of gone out of my way to go knock on my neighbors door, ruin my testimony and borrow their cigarrettes.(I didn't end up going though)..If anything I should be knocking on their door sharing Christ with them instead of them sharing smokes with me. It's been such a stronghold for me and a place that I can't be..for me smoking has/did become a sin. for others it might not be...but for me it is. so, if I had done it I would have been sinning. I am just thankful that He placed the right person at the righ ttime and the strength to overcome all the battles I was dealing with. Get back, Satan..I know that God has given me a new song and a new joy, hope and peace and He is allowing me to use what gifts he gave me for HIS GLORY. No longer for mine. Stop putting those thoughts in my head because You are no longer going to get control in those thoughts~!
A friend of mine told me to read Micah chapter 7. It is a whole story about misery turned to hope. I was so encouraged by it along with my prayer time and a nice card that came in the mail from someone we don't even really know. It was relating to a sparrow and how we are more valuable then them. I believe that His eye is always on the sparrow so I know he watches over me as well. This is a hope we can cling to that no matter what He will always be there. I plan on going through the rest of my day with a smile and peace over me. I am looking forward to tonight's conference. BREATHLESS. Check it out. Her name is Carrie Mcdonnall and what a story she has. www.carryonministries.org I can't wait to listen to her speak tonight and be open to what God wants to show me!!
A friend of mine told me to read Micah chapter 7. It is a whole story about misery turned to hope. I was so encouraged by it along with my prayer time and a nice card that came in the mail from someone we don't even really know. It was relating to a sparrow and how we are more valuable then them. I believe that His eye is always on the sparrow so I know he watches over me as well. This is a hope we can cling to that no matter what He will always be there. I plan on going through the rest of my day with a smile and peace over me. I am looking forward to tonight's conference. BREATHLESS. Check it out. Her name is Carrie Mcdonnall and what a story she has. www.carryonministries.org I can't wait to listen to her speak tonight and be open to what God wants to show me!!
Battle Mode
I'm amazed at how God knows exactly what we are going to be battling on given day and already has something set up to get us through it and cause us to trust in HIM. how simple this would be right now to just throw my hands up and say I am done perservering just because of the way "i feel". But, that would be selfish, wrong and not to mention I would be missing out on so many blessings and would fall back in a pit just like that and would be staring up at God wondering how I did that again. And I'm sure I would see Satan standing there laughing at me saying, "ha ha ha I made you fall again..." I am here to say that I AM NOT GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN...not today...and I plan and am trying to take one day at a time so FOR TODAY I am asking God to fight it for me because I am too weak right now. His word gives me strength and endurance that I am going to grasp onto right now while praying that he gives me some answers concerning specific things on my mind. I am desiring a peace and a healing in this matter.
I am thankful I don't have a lot of things I need to do today . this will give me more time to spend reading and soul searching. I am praying that Satan backs off all the way, in fact just from the time I've been writing this and reading verses off and on during this I am feeling God's presence even greater than it was earlier. so, PTL for that. He and I are in battle mode and I am so glad He is on my side. We plan on winning this!! :) will keep you posted.
I am thankful I don't have a lot of things I need to do today . this will give me more time to spend reading and soul searching. I am praying that Satan backs off all the way, in fact just from the time I've been writing this and reading verses off and on during this I am feeling God's presence even greater than it was earlier. so, PTL for that. He and I are in battle mode and I am so glad He is on my side. We plan on winning this!! :) will keep you posted.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Lady Liberty
Through you the blind will see, through you the mute will sing, through you the dead will rise, through you all hearts will praise, through you the darkness flees, through you my heart screams, "I am free". I am freeee to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for you, I am free.
Freedom, such a wonderful thing. That's what the will of God amounts to. Freedom from oppression, hurts, anger, bitterness, poverty and sickness and sin. Jesus came to provide freedom for us all. The problem falls in when there are others who do not know of this freedom. We are not all created to be a missionary in a foreign country but, we are commanded to go and preach the gospel in the world around us...we can be a witness in our neighborhood or our own surroundings/environment.
In 2 Corinthians 3;17 it says, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Jesus wants to do the will of the Father here on earth but he does it through us.
I think of the Statue of Liberty holding up her torch. Let your light so shine!! I often question the will of God. I need to begin carrying it out instead. In John 14:12 it says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. he will do even greater t hings than these, because I am going to the Father." What an awesome reminder how faith is a producer of true actions not just statements.
My bible reading this morning was from Isaiah 61 (whole chapter). It is talking about the Lord anointing us to preach good news to the poor, release prisoners form darkness, proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, comfort all who mourn and it goes on and on. I urge you to read it. In verse 10 a) it says, "I delight greatly in the LORD my soul rejoices in my God." v.11 - For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations!" How amazing that by taking steps of faith to obey His calling and will for our lives we can be a part of those seeds growing and the freedom of people all across the earth being reborn. I can't wait to recruit some more followers who will someday stand with me singing, "I am free" in front of our Heavenly Father. what a joyous site that will be!
Freedom, such a wonderful thing. That's what the will of God amounts to. Freedom from oppression, hurts, anger, bitterness, poverty and sickness and sin. Jesus came to provide freedom for us all. The problem falls in when there are others who do not know of this freedom. We are not all created to be a missionary in a foreign country but, we are commanded to go and preach the gospel in the world around us...we can be a witness in our neighborhood or our own surroundings/environment.
In 2 Corinthians 3;17 it says, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Jesus wants to do the will of the Father here on earth but he does it through us.
I think of the Statue of Liberty holding up her torch. Let your light so shine!! I often question the will of God. I need to begin carrying it out instead. In John 14:12 it says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. he will do even greater t hings than these, because I am going to the Father." What an awesome reminder how faith is a producer of true actions not just statements.
My bible reading this morning was from Isaiah 61 (whole chapter). It is talking about the Lord anointing us to preach good news to the poor, release prisoners form darkness, proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, comfort all who mourn and it goes on and on. I urge you to read it. In verse 10 a) it says, "I delight greatly in the LORD my soul rejoices in my God." v.11 - For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations!" How amazing that by taking steps of faith to obey His calling and will for our lives we can be a part of those seeds growing and the freedom of people all across the earth being reborn. I can't wait to recruit some more followers who will someday stand with me singing, "I am free" in front of our Heavenly Father. what a joyous site that will be!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Knock Knock
The first thing I think of when I hear the word Newlyweds is, "new love". Newlyweds are always talking about one another and spending time with each other. They can't seem to get enough of the other person or what their thoughts and words are. Take, "Billy and Jane" (my made up characters) for instance: Billy loves Jane with his whole heart, she makes him happy, she completes him and she knows his thoughts somedays when he doesn't even know them, she finishes his sentences and she is beautiful. Why would he not want to marry her? he wants to spend every last waking minute now with her so he gets down on one knee and proposes. She gladly accepts knowing how happy He is going to make her. He has been there for her through some pretty tough times and she knows she can not live her life without Him either.
3 months after the wedding things are GREAT...they are happier then ever and still spending lots of time with each other although work has gotten back under way so it has cut out a small portion of the time they were alloted when they were dating. Billy and Jane have a very good relationship for the next few years. One day Billy came home and announced he had lost his job. Jane was devestated. She immediately began to worry and wonder how they were going to pay their bills, etc. Billy tried and tried to find a new job but for months was not able to. Jane's spending habits had to be cut back which caused some stress for her as shopping was often her stress reliever. She became resentful towards Billy and slowly began being more interested in friends at work. She even started talking to another guy although it never led to anything it was still a mental process she was going through of disconnecting from Billy. billy too grew cold and frustrated at himself, at her and at God. His prayers had gone from "Lord, thank you for this beautiful home and wife and job you have provided for me to have" to "Lord, why do I not have a job now? You know I can't provide for my family without it, I am going to get MY home taken away from me if you do not help me find something soon. and my wife she's all over the place these days. I have no clue what is going on and I am starting to get upset with it and not even care. "
As you can tell both of their hearts had grown distant from one another and in turn from God. Isn't it true that we too in our christian lives can be SO ON FIRE for God at the start of a relationship with Him or at a church service where everyone is making decisions and we too want to dedicate our entire lives to the mission/ministry of Christ. We will be willing to go to Africa or Asia just as the missionary up front was speaking about. We even go home and start reading up on it and thinking about it or praying about it. Or we often get in a good few weeks, sometimes even months or years of sticking to whatever decisions we made but then something occurs that knocks our embers off the burning pile and singes them on the dirt below.
I am currently in my reconnecting with God/connecting with Him FOR THE FIRST time for REAL in my life. I grew up being taught the bible and going to church but it never was as real to me as it has been in the past month and a half since God has been working in and through me. What a transformation. I look at where my life was 6 months ago...a deep dark ugly nasty pit of regret, hate, discouragement and no hope for anything. Was on the brink of losing my marriage and my family. This is my ON FIRE time so to say. I believe that I am in need of rekindling the fire daily so as to not let this fire burn out. I know how easy it is to fall and grow lukewarm and lose interest in the things that once were desirable. Right now I can't imagine not having this joy and this vibrance for God and life, but it can happen in the blink of an eye. Satan can come in and work his little tricks and put someone in your life who can pull you down or something that occurs that causes you to doubt and the doubt turns to fear and the fear turns to worry and the worry to regret , pain, anguish, and so on...we've all had hurtful situations occur.
In James 4:8 it states, "Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you." So, if we are DAILY doing this and keeping God in our routine for our pattern of life it will be easier to withstand the devil when he seeks to devour us. We will be able to hold onto that newlywed type of faith, hope and love that we once had/I currently still have. I ask that anyone reading this keep me in their prayers because I know how quickly I can falter and I need encouragement, as we all do. I pray that each of you and myself would be encouragers to one another and lift one another up in the Lord daily so that the FIRE for HIM will continue to shine brightly and keep you with that WARM feeling all year round for year after year.
Jane ended up in a car accident and badly injured on the way home from work one day. billy rushed to the hospital and there by her side cried out to God to save her from dying and that he would do anything if He would just allow her to live. He would give his life back over and rekindle that flame with God and with his wife. She ended up living and Billy went on to become a preacher and she a pastors wife. They daily commit to one another now and rekindle their marriage flame as a part of daily routine. To this day he wishes he had not had to have something so devestating happen to bring him to his knees, but is greatful for where God has brought he and Jane through it all.
Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with h im, and he with me." the Lord is knocking on our doors today asking us to rekindle the flame. Will we be like billy and Jane who lost their flame and got it back after something serious occurred? Or will we get back into the routine of daily seeking Him so that it does not take something drastic in life to bring us to our knees?
I pray for a daily "newlywed" type of faith and love for my Savior!
3 months after the wedding things are GREAT...they are happier then ever and still spending lots of time with each other although work has gotten back under way so it has cut out a small portion of the time they were alloted when they were dating. Billy and Jane have a very good relationship for the next few years. One day Billy came home and announced he had lost his job. Jane was devestated. She immediately began to worry and wonder how they were going to pay their bills, etc. Billy tried and tried to find a new job but for months was not able to. Jane's spending habits had to be cut back which caused some stress for her as shopping was often her stress reliever. She became resentful towards Billy and slowly began being more interested in friends at work. She even started talking to another guy although it never led to anything it was still a mental process she was going through of disconnecting from Billy. billy too grew cold and frustrated at himself, at her and at God. His prayers had gone from "Lord, thank you for this beautiful home and wife and job you have provided for me to have" to "Lord, why do I not have a job now? You know I can't provide for my family without it, I am going to get MY home taken away from me if you do not help me find something soon. and my wife she's all over the place these days. I have no clue what is going on and I am starting to get upset with it and not even care. "
As you can tell both of their hearts had grown distant from one another and in turn from God. Isn't it true that we too in our christian lives can be SO ON FIRE for God at the start of a relationship with Him or at a church service where everyone is making decisions and we too want to dedicate our entire lives to the mission/ministry of Christ. We will be willing to go to Africa or Asia just as the missionary up front was speaking about. We even go home and start reading up on it and thinking about it or praying about it. Or we often get in a good few weeks, sometimes even months or years of sticking to whatever decisions we made but then something occurs that knocks our embers off the burning pile and singes them on the dirt below.
I am currently in my reconnecting with God/connecting with Him FOR THE FIRST time for REAL in my life. I grew up being taught the bible and going to church but it never was as real to me as it has been in the past month and a half since God has been working in and through me. What a transformation. I look at where my life was 6 months ago...a deep dark ugly nasty pit of regret, hate, discouragement and no hope for anything. Was on the brink of losing my marriage and my family. This is my ON FIRE time so to say. I believe that I am in need of rekindling the fire daily so as to not let this fire burn out. I know how easy it is to fall and grow lukewarm and lose interest in the things that once were desirable. Right now I can't imagine not having this joy and this vibrance for God and life, but it can happen in the blink of an eye. Satan can come in and work his little tricks and put someone in your life who can pull you down or something that occurs that causes you to doubt and the doubt turns to fear and the fear turns to worry and the worry to regret , pain, anguish, and so on...we've all had hurtful situations occur.
In James 4:8 it states, "Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you." So, if we are DAILY doing this and keeping God in our routine for our pattern of life it will be easier to withstand the devil when he seeks to devour us. We will be able to hold onto that newlywed type of faith, hope and love that we once had/I currently still have. I ask that anyone reading this keep me in their prayers because I know how quickly I can falter and I need encouragement, as we all do. I pray that each of you and myself would be encouragers to one another and lift one another up in the Lord daily so that the FIRE for HIM will continue to shine brightly and keep you with that WARM feeling all year round for year after year.
Jane ended up in a car accident and badly injured on the way home from work one day. billy rushed to the hospital and there by her side cried out to God to save her from dying and that he would do anything if He would just allow her to live. He would give his life back over and rekindle that flame with God and with his wife. She ended up living and Billy went on to become a preacher and she a pastors wife. They daily commit to one another now and rekindle their marriage flame as a part of daily routine. To this day he wishes he had not had to have something so devestating happen to bring him to his knees, but is greatful for where God has brought he and Jane through it all.
Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with h im, and he with me." the Lord is knocking on our doors today asking us to rekindle the flame. Will we be like billy and Jane who lost their flame and got it back after something serious occurred? Or will we get back into the routine of daily seeking Him so that it does not take something drastic in life to bring us to our knees?
I pray for a daily "newlywed" type of faith and love for my Savior!
Monday, September 21, 2009
and you'll grow, grow, grow!!
A few years ago I visited Sequoia National Park and was simply taken back in breathtaking awe at the sights of the trees and roots that were coming out of the ground. The size was just massive and it was not just ONE but they were everywhere I looked. I began to think, these trees did not just occur this way overnight...they have taken years of growth and care to get them to be this way. But how awesome that one tree could produce more and more just from it's seeds falling off scattering across the ground. What happens when we personally sprinkle a seed into the soil is beyond amazing. This tiny little speck becomes a tall beautiful plant, tree, bush, etc...We stand back and do not often give that speck the awe that it deserves. How can something so tiny produce something so big and continue to produce over and over? I hope that today you can consider yourself a tiny seed that God has planted on this earth to help reproduce more and more fruit over and in abundance. It only takes a small step for God to be able to use me. It's continuing to daily strive to water myself, give myself sunshine in God's word and in prayer that will keep me growing full and live to where I can be an effect on others whether it be for shade purposes so they can sit under or fruit that they can partake in or flowers that they can place on their table and sit back and admire. Either way we are all specks that ought to be digging into the ground of God's word/soil and implanting ourselves there and forming our roots so that we can remain firm and strong when the winds and storms come blowing by. We want people to pick off of our branches and our petals/leaves for their purposes. I am so greatful to God for designing me with this "ability" (given only by Him) to be able to reach out to others one step at a time. In so doing I am building my own plant in my own life and stretching higher and higher into the sky getting closer and closer to the kingdom. Just as even the tallest tree in the world reaches nowhere near Heaven we too will never be fully as tall as we can be until we have arrived in our heavenly home. We ought not to compare our lives or our fruits with others around us . (hers is rotting and mine are fresh and luscious to the eyes and taste, etc..) We ought always to compare our leaves, berries, flowers with God and although we are continuing to grow and flourish and spread out across the open land we can not let our good production go to our head. I must always continue to give God the glory for His allowing me to reach out to others and be used by Him. It can be in so many different ways. A kind word, a simple gesture, simply saying hello, telling someone you are praying for them and then making sure you do, helping someone across the street, picking something up for someone when they drop it, holding open a door, leaving a tract at the dinner table in the restaurant, thanking God for your food while out to eat (what a testimony that is), being ready to help whenever it is needed at church or home or work, keeping a positive attitude, keeping God first so that when people see you they WANT what YOU HAVE... In Luke 13:18-19 it says, "What is the kingdom of God? like? What shall I compare it to? It is lik ea mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." How many birds will you allow to perch in your branches today? Daily strive to grow one root at a time instead of planting the seed and the next morning waking up wondering why there isn't a huge tree in your front yard yet. Begin to act as though the Word of God is true EVERY hour of the day regardless of what winds may blow through your path or how someone might make you feel. Keep adding to your faith and to your growth by daily watering, getting some sunlight and reaching out to others. Don't expect overnight results, God sure doesn't. Unless He is the one answering a prayer and decides to have an overnight miracle performed! This makes me think of the song, "Read your bible, pray every day and you'll grow grow grow...neglect your bible forget to pray and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink"....if you neglect God's word, prayer and reaching out then you will surely whither up and just as a plant who doesn't get water and sun shrivels and dies so too will your spiritual life and effectiveness of your outreach. If you continue to seek God then eventually your faith is going to bigger than any tree in Sequoia National Park. And THAT IS PRETTY BIG...go google those trees if you haven't seen em yet. They are incredible! You too are incredible and do not forget it!
Need a hand?
Anyone need a hand? How about toes, foot, arm, leg, knee, eye, nose, fingers, ears and mouth to go along with that?? If I had to say what body part I was I would pick the hand for sure. I am always waving at people, and using my hands to pick up things, do dishes, clean, etc...I need all the other parts too but it would be hard to operate without hands. Think how hard it would be if you were missing a hand or a toe or a foot. Our bodies work better when all of the parts are functioning. So it is in a church body. We depend on one another as pieces of a body to complete us and the church. I remember as a kid we would fold our hands and say, "Here's the church (put our pointer fingers up) here's the steeple, open the house and see all the people (wiggle all fingers around after opening up hands). :) What happens though when you fold your hands the regular way and try it. You open them up and there are NO PEOPLE inside. A building is no good if there is no one to occupy it. It remains stagnant, dormant and unused. We can also become this way if we let ourselves not be used of God. Each member of the church ought to be allowing God to work in and through their lives to direct them as to what functioning part they are in the body. In I Corinthians 12:13-20 it says, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free. We were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body. It would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? but in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where woud the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but ONE BODY.
It goes on to say, "The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" and the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
Just as this is true so it is true in the church. We need each other. For encouragement, for growth, for accountability, for spiritual food, for our spiritual livelihoods. We first off need Christ to be the center of our body and when each limb, part is working in accordance to His word how healthy of a church body it will be.
So, next time you hear the song, The toe bone connected to the heel bone,The heel bone connected to the foot bone, The foot bone connected to the leg bone,The leg bone connected to the knee bone,The knee bone connected to the thigh bone,The thigh bone connected to the back bone,The back bone connected to the neck bone,The neck bone connected to the head bone,Oh, hear the word of the Lord! Be sure to LISTEN to the Word of the Lord intently and strive to be a dedicated member/body part/bone of Christ's body in the church and never feel as if you are alone or have to hop on one foot to get somewhere or do something with one hand because you can reach out with that hand and allow someone else (another hand/foot) to be used of God.
Hands down, putting God first is always the key to any situation! :)
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body. It would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? but in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where woud the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but ONE BODY.
It goes on to say, "The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" and the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
Just as this is true so it is true in the church. We need each other. For encouragement, for growth, for accountability, for spiritual food, for our spiritual livelihoods. We first off need Christ to be the center of our body and when each limb, part is working in accordance to His word how healthy of a church body it will be.
So, next time you hear the song, The toe bone connected to the heel bone,The heel bone connected to the foot bone, The foot bone connected to the leg bone,The leg bone connected to the knee bone,The knee bone connected to the thigh bone,The thigh bone connected to the back bone,The back bone connected to the neck bone,The neck bone connected to the head bone,Oh, hear the word of the Lord! Be sure to LISTEN to the Word of the Lord intently and strive to be a dedicated member/body part/bone of Christ's body in the church and never feel as if you are alone or have to hop on one foot to get somewhere or do something with one hand because you can reach out with that hand and allow someone else (another hand/foot) to be used of God.
Hands down, putting God first is always the key to any situation! :)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
No more snooze button.
beep beep beep...that ever annoying sound that awakens us from dreams and a deep nights rest. It's the sign of a new day, a fresh start and an opportunity to be who God created us to be on this day not the day before, but THIS DAY. Put the previous days' woes, sorrows and cares behind you and awaken to new truths and excitement! It's time for me to get serious about starting my day off properly. Besides the bowl of cheerios that promises to reduce my cholesterol I am finding that I can not go through a day without my bowl of Biblios which gives me the spiritual strength I need as well as reducing my fears, frets, worries and attacks for the day. I've not been doing this morning reading/getting up routine for very long so I am not here to be better than anyone else, I am just simply stating that it makes such a difference when I purpose to get up those few minutes/or even hour earlier so that I can (first have my coffee or else I'm just not gonna be able to make any sense at all) and then I can open up the Word and find out what God is trying to teach me on this day. It infiltrates me in such a joyous way and gives me this extra boost of energy that will propel me through the activities of my day!!!
In Psalm 63:1, 6 it says, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee....I will remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." Note that it says EARLY will I seek thee. This to me means God seeks to have our attention all day long but he wants us to give him the very start of it so that He can utilize what time we have to make it more efficient for us. If I wait till evening to do my devotions/prayer time I find that I am going to bed blessed but can not look back over my day and see as many blessings or joy from that day because I did not put him First. Obviously if afternoon or evening is the only time you have and you already are getting up early for work or whatever then this is better than not having any quiet time, but I assure you that when you give God your best He will in turn give you His!
This morning as I opened up to Hebrews 4 I was given the reminder that We have a great high priest who has gone through similar temptations as we have, yet he was without sin. We are to approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In verse 12 it says that the Word of God is living and active. sharper than any double edged sword. Penetrating to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. That is pretty deep if you ask me!! And if I have the control over allowing this godly penetration to seep into my veins then I consider that a very blessed thing and want to take advantage of that daily. If I throw Him to the side then I fear I am stuck in a day on my own and I have learned from mistake after mistake that I can't live this life on my own. I refuse to anymore.
I have been writing out verses on sticky notes/cards and carrying them with me (typically one a day) so that when I am confronted with a "sticky" situation or an attack by Satan I can pull it out or go to God in prayer and ask for His healing and his power to lift me up out of that moment and set my feet on solid ground. If I do not have these truths or this knowledge of how to fix an issue then I will be stuck once again in a vicious cycle which is a place I am dreading ever being again!
Just think, if you are a car mechanic you are going to study up on how to fix cars, if you are a baker you are constantly learning new ways to make new things and create better cakes and pastries, if you are a teacher you must review your lessons so that you can be able to perform better when approached with a question or a situation by a student. In any job or task that we do we must have the knowledge to do it. So is our christian life. No God, no peace, Know God, Know Peace. Desire to put him first today and just see what kind of blessings you have and the change of attitude you are implanted with! :)
It's seriously serious!! So, next time you start to roll over and hit that buzzer remember it's just God waking you up asking you to come talk to Him so he can give you a gift that you can take with you all day long! Don't hesitate to have your coffee first though...
In Psalm 63:1, 6 it says, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee....I will remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." Note that it says EARLY will I seek thee. This to me means God seeks to have our attention all day long but he wants us to give him the very start of it so that He can utilize what time we have to make it more efficient for us. If I wait till evening to do my devotions/prayer time I find that I am going to bed blessed but can not look back over my day and see as many blessings or joy from that day because I did not put him First. Obviously if afternoon or evening is the only time you have and you already are getting up early for work or whatever then this is better than not having any quiet time, but I assure you that when you give God your best He will in turn give you His!
This morning as I opened up to Hebrews 4 I was given the reminder that We have a great high priest who has gone through similar temptations as we have, yet he was without sin. We are to approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In verse 12 it says that the Word of God is living and active. sharper than any double edged sword. Penetrating to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. That is pretty deep if you ask me!! And if I have the control over allowing this godly penetration to seep into my veins then I consider that a very blessed thing and want to take advantage of that daily. If I throw Him to the side then I fear I am stuck in a day on my own and I have learned from mistake after mistake that I can't live this life on my own. I refuse to anymore.
I have been writing out verses on sticky notes/cards and carrying them with me (typically one a day) so that when I am confronted with a "sticky" situation or an attack by Satan I can pull it out or go to God in prayer and ask for His healing and his power to lift me up out of that moment and set my feet on solid ground. If I do not have these truths or this knowledge of how to fix an issue then I will be stuck once again in a vicious cycle which is a place I am dreading ever being again!
Just think, if you are a car mechanic you are going to study up on how to fix cars, if you are a baker you are constantly learning new ways to make new things and create better cakes and pastries, if you are a teacher you must review your lessons so that you can be able to perform better when approached with a question or a situation by a student. In any job or task that we do we must have the knowledge to do it. So is our christian life. No God, no peace, Know God, Know Peace. Desire to put him first today and just see what kind of blessings you have and the change of attitude you are implanted with! :)
It's seriously serious!! So, next time you start to roll over and hit that buzzer remember it's just God waking you up asking you to come talk to Him so he can give you a gift that you can take with you all day long! Don't hesitate to have your coffee first though...
Teacher says...
everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its' wings! In Psalm 91:11 it says, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
I'm thinking that angels are not truly like what we envision them with little diapers and halos and cupid arrows flying around all over the place. And as far as ringing a bell to give them wings is concerned I would say that's just a line from a movie! I do believe in angels though but not those kind. I believe in the all powerful angels sent down from heaven sometimes in forms of other people in our daily lives as well as the ones that are invisible to the eye of those not being protected at the time. I personally have never seen one, but can say that I have had guardian angels watching over me numerous times when I've been in dangerous situations. In Acts 12 is the story of Peter's amazing escape from prison. An angel APPEARED before him but none of the guards saw him or the angel walk out. How miraculous that was and had to of been for Peter at the time. It even states that he thought it was only a vision/dream that it was occurring. God obviously had more plans for Peter then to be stuck in a prison for life. I remember quite a few years ago when I was on a motorcycle with a random person I had met and they were driving furiously fast in an unknown territory. How irresponsible of me to even be on that cycle not to mention out of God's will at the time. God, in his infinite grace saw fit to spare me from an accident though even when I was not where I needed to be with Him. He knew that He had something more in store for me and PRAISE HIM that I have finally come to grips with that and am daily striving to allow him to take me on his ride through this life instead of someone whom I dont' know. The more I am on this ride the further I desire to go but am choosing to not go too fast or else I will surely crash.
We ought to be saying, "Thank you Father for giving your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways."
Ironically the song, "I believe there are angels among us" just came on the radio!!! How very true that is; I can't wait till we are in heaven singing praises with them all!!
next time you ring a bell don't think of giving an angel it's wings but rather of God's protection He provides us and the "wings" he gives us to continue in this journey we call earthly life!
I'm thinking that angels are not truly like what we envision them with little diapers and halos and cupid arrows flying around all over the place. And as far as ringing a bell to give them wings is concerned I would say that's just a line from a movie! I do believe in angels though but not those kind. I believe in the all powerful angels sent down from heaven sometimes in forms of other people in our daily lives as well as the ones that are invisible to the eye of those not being protected at the time. I personally have never seen one, but can say that I have had guardian angels watching over me numerous times when I've been in dangerous situations. In Acts 12 is the story of Peter's amazing escape from prison. An angel APPEARED before him but none of the guards saw him or the angel walk out. How miraculous that was and had to of been for Peter at the time. It even states that he thought it was only a vision/dream that it was occurring. God obviously had more plans for Peter then to be stuck in a prison for life. I remember quite a few years ago when I was on a motorcycle with a random person I had met and they were driving furiously fast in an unknown territory. How irresponsible of me to even be on that cycle not to mention out of God's will at the time. God, in his infinite grace saw fit to spare me from an accident though even when I was not where I needed to be with Him. He knew that He had something more in store for me and PRAISE HIM that I have finally come to grips with that and am daily striving to allow him to take me on his ride through this life instead of someone whom I dont' know. The more I am on this ride the further I desire to go but am choosing to not go too fast or else I will surely crash.
We ought to be saying, "Thank you Father for giving your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways."
Ironically the song, "I believe there are angels among us" just came on the radio!!! How very true that is; I can't wait till we are in heaven singing praises with them all!!
next time you ring a bell don't think of giving an angel it's wings but rather of God's protection He provides us and the "wings" he gives us to continue in this journey we call earthly life!
Friday, September 18, 2009
emotionally drained
I am so thankful for such a wonderful powerful God who offers peace in trying times. He gives us direction and conviction of places we need to be and people we need to seek out at certain times and he blesses us for taking steps of faith. I will say though that today was a long day for me. We had a parenting/marriage counselor in our home for almost 4 hours and although I knew she was coming I didn't intend on her being there so long but we had so much in common and Sam and I were talking and a lot of issues were brought up that we h adn't touched on in a while and so there was some more healing that took place today along with some tears and triggered emotions in the wrong direction causing arguing, etc. I am glad though that God has this marriage in His hand and it did not get out of control.
I have a close friend I am lifting in prayer tonight and will continue to do so as I know God is a God who does not turn his back on us if we choose to seek Him. I fully know I can't live this life without Him anymore and I am not quite sure how I managed to survive for so long without Him truly in my life. ??? was hanging on by a thread I guess.
My body is screaming at me to go lay down and my mind wants to stay awake. It's such a battle for me to sleep. I feel like so many things are a struggle for me and I don't want to fall back into the pit of alcoholism or smoking or lavish shopping addiction but I am aware that if I do not stay aware of it it could happen again. I am taking one day at a time but am ok with people knowing my downside or my vulnerability that is. Perhaps it is more a weak spot that satan can come in and attack me at and he knows right where to try it at. after having a four hour conversation half of it on alcohol with our marriage counselor/parenting program lady I was starting to be stressed otu from it and feeling the urge to drink...but didn't want to...just knew the urge was there so I crushed it and moved on. then we were at restaurant and there were signs everywhere for discount beer night/mixed drink specials etc....this too was a temptation and a battle that I had to say no to. I ordered pepsi and struggled through it but felt a peace after i resisted. for me I dno't honestly believe that I could just drink a beer .... or a glass of wine it would or has in past gone on and on. I ha ven't drank in a few weeks but when i was drinking it was addictive in many different ways, shapes and forms. even while the lady was in our home talking about all of this and stresseing me out I said, "if you had a beer here right now I would maybe take a drink of it" but of course we didn't it was just speaking metaphorically I guess...
so anyways...our conversation ended up really well stated and she did a great job of bringing out what we needed to know and have in our marriage to stay stable. I look forward to meeting up with her again soon. I am being designed now for what he has for me. I just hope he can let me go to bed first then w can work on all the other stuff!!! :)
I have a close friend I am lifting in prayer tonight and will continue to do so as I know God is a God who does not turn his back on us if we choose to seek Him. I fully know I can't live this life without Him anymore and I am not quite sure how I managed to survive for so long without Him truly in my life. ??? was hanging on by a thread I guess.
My body is screaming at me to go lay down and my mind wants to stay awake. It's such a battle for me to sleep. I feel like so many things are a struggle for me and I don't want to fall back into the pit of alcoholism or smoking or lavish shopping addiction but I am aware that if I do not stay aware of it it could happen again. I am taking one day at a time but am ok with people knowing my downside or my vulnerability that is. Perhaps it is more a weak spot that satan can come in and attack me at and he knows right where to try it at. after having a four hour conversation half of it on alcohol with our marriage counselor/parenting program lady I was starting to be stressed otu from it and feeling the urge to drink...but didn't want to...just knew the urge was there so I crushed it and moved on. then we were at restaurant and there were signs everywhere for discount beer night/mixed drink specials etc....this too was a temptation and a battle that I had to say no to. I ordered pepsi and struggled through it but felt a peace after i resisted. for me I dno't honestly believe that I could just drink a beer .... or a glass of wine it would or has in past gone on and on. I ha ven't drank in a few weeks but when i was drinking it was addictive in many different ways, shapes and forms. even while the lady was in our home talking about all of this and stresseing me out I said, "if you had a beer here right now I would maybe take a drink of it" but of course we didn't it was just speaking metaphorically I guess...
so anyways...our conversation ended up really well stated and she did a great job of bringing out what we needed to know and have in our marriage to stay stable. I look forward to meeting up with her again soon. I am being designed now for what he has for me. I just hope he can let me go to bed first then w can work on all the other stuff!!! :)
DO RE MI
Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, when you read you begin with A B C when you sing you begin with DO RE MI... One of my all time favorite songs. I only bring it up because today I opened up my daily devotional and it was a passage from Genesis 1. THE VERY BEGINNING. I wondered, "how am I going to learn anything from this? I already know that God made us and I believe in creation and how everything came into existence. I've heard the stories of Adam and Eve countless times, what more is there to get?" As I was reading in Genesis 1:27 I came across the all famous verse, "So God created man in his OWN image, in the image of God he created him. male and female he created them." Why did God create us? Was it to have someone to dominate over? If it were then why did He create us IN HIS IMAGE? I believe and know wholeheartedly that God is full of love and needed/needs to give that love to someone/all of us. He longs for us to be accepting of it as well and to show it back to Him in our daily actions and lives. I never realized until this morning after reading and God speaking to me that He could have given all of His love to the angels but he chose us instead. Not the animals or the fish or the plants and the trees. He chose US. you, me. How amazing is that when you really begin to think about it? If I had all the power and love to give in the world I'm not sure if I would be able to hand it out to people whom I knew were not going to be acceptive of it at times and were going to spit in my face and say wrongful things about me. Praise the Lord God did not have this mindset. He has a desire to fellowship with someone like Himself, so I need to be daring to believe that I am someone special and a ONE OF A KIND creation. The linguistic definition of DOMINATOR is "to be connected with (a subordinate node) either directly by a single downward branch or indirectly by a sequence of downward branches." Now, I'm not big into linguistics or into it all for that matter but what I see from this and I hope someone will correct me if this can't be interpreted this way but I like to think outside the box. I see God as a DOMINATOR in this sense because He is the vine and we are the branches, and as we reach out to others and share God's love with them we add branches to the family tree and continue adding them in a sequenced pattern so to say.
So, why did God create me? So that He would have someone whom He could talk to and love and although I like to talk I sure haven't done enough of it over the years to the one who designed and formed me specifically for Him. Lord, I pray that from this moment on I would be reminded daily of your love for me and the critical need to speak with you about my inhibitions, thoughts, desires and requests. That I would feel comfortable knowing you are waiting to hear from me and you long to share yourself with me as well. Thank you for being this awesome loving God who in a loving vinelike sense does dominate and branch out to us when you did not have to. I pray that I would spread your word and your love to someone new today and if it be your will they become a part of this family tree. Bless each person who reads your word commits to abide by it and chooses to love you with their whole heart that you created for them. I ask this in your name, Amen.
So, why did God create me? So that He would have someone whom He could talk to and love and although I like to talk I sure haven't done enough of it over the years to the one who designed and formed me specifically for Him. Lord, I pray that from this moment on I would be reminded daily of your love for me and the critical need to speak with you about my inhibitions, thoughts, desires and requests. That I would feel comfortable knowing you are waiting to hear from me and you long to share yourself with me as well. Thank you for being this awesome loving God who in a loving vinelike sense does dominate and branch out to us when you did not have to. I pray that I would spread your word and your love to someone new today and if it be your will they become a part of this family tree. Bless each person who reads your word commits to abide by it and chooses to love you with their whole heart that you created for them. I ask this in your name, Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
anything...
What's anything got to do with anything? let's first come to terms with what "anything" means. websters dictionary defines it as:
1. pronoun
any thing whatever; something, no matter what: Do you have anything for a toothache?
(OH I HOPE THEY WILL WHEN I GET MY ROOT CANAL DONE AND TEETH EXTRACTED)
2.NOUN
a thing of any kind.
–adverb
3.
in any degree; to any extent; in any way; at all: Does it taste anything like chocolate? —Idioms
4.
anything but, in no degree or respect; not in the least: The plans were anything but definite.
5.
anything goes, any type of conduct, dress, speech, etc., is considered acceptable or valid or is likely to be encountered and tolerated: That resort is a place where anything goes
Now that we have established what "anything" is/can be, we can start breaking each one of these meanings down. anything, something, no matter what...I'm not so sure those three go together.
lets try it in their sentence they used above. : Do you have no matter what for that tooth ache?
WRONGGGGGG Do you have something for that toothache? proper but we are trying to use the word anything. I would ask, "can you just give me a vikadin please for this toothache.
the second thing it poses is a thing of any kind. anydog anywoman anychild anytoothbrush, anyemail, anyfriend, anyhair, anyletters, any pencils.... so, this determines that things are dogs, women, children, toothbrushes, etc....women and children are not things though...we are people...we are anyONES. but that's a different topic.
ok, next is in any degree or respect not in the least, does it taste anything like chocolate?
so anything means degrees and respect now? does it taste in any degree like chocolate? hmmm that sorta makes sense...not sure about the respect one...
moving on.
anything but in no degree or respect....so everything except ??? or anything but?
anything now goes, any type of conduct, dress, etc..is considered acceptable or valid. I think that a lot of nothings should not be accepted not anythings. :) that opens up a can or worms there for a big ole mess.
so, have we concluded ANYTHING from all this mumbo jumbo?
I honestly believe that Anything you ask in His name He will supply. It might not be exactly what you wanted but He will give you what you need. Anything else we need to discuss?
we can all thank Sioby for this lovely discussion on ANYTHING. :) teach her to give me an actual topic next time. lol
1. pronoun
any thing whatever; something, no matter what: Do you have anything for a toothache?
(OH I HOPE THEY WILL WHEN I GET MY ROOT CANAL DONE AND TEETH EXTRACTED)
2.NOUN
a thing of any kind.
–adverb
3.
in any degree; to any extent; in any way; at all: Does it taste anything like chocolate? —Idioms
4.
anything but, in no degree or respect; not in the least: The plans were anything but definite.
5.
anything goes, any type of conduct, dress, speech, etc., is considered acceptable or valid or is likely to be encountered and tolerated: That resort is a place where anything goes
Now that we have established what "anything" is/can be, we can start breaking each one of these meanings down. anything, something, no matter what...I'm not so sure those three go together.
lets try it in their sentence they used above. : Do you have no matter what for that tooth ache?
WRONGGGGGG Do you have something for that toothache? proper but we are trying to use the word anything. I would ask, "can you just give me a vikadin please for this toothache.
the second thing it poses is a thing of any kind. anydog anywoman anychild anytoothbrush, anyemail, anyfriend, anyhair, anyletters, any pencils.... so, this determines that things are dogs, women, children, toothbrushes, etc....women and children are not things though...we are people...we are anyONES. but that's a different topic.
ok, next is in any degree or respect not in the least, does it taste anything like chocolate?
so anything means degrees and respect now? does it taste in any degree like chocolate? hmmm that sorta makes sense...not sure about the respect one...
moving on.
anything but in no degree or respect....so everything except ??? or anything but?
anything now goes, any type of conduct, dress, etc..is considered acceptable or valid. I think that a lot of nothings should not be accepted not anythings. :) that opens up a can or worms there for a big ole mess.
so, have we concluded ANYTHING from all this mumbo jumbo?
I honestly believe that Anything you ask in His name He will supply. It might not be exactly what you wanted but He will give you what you need. Anything else we need to discuss?
we can all thank Sioby for this lovely discussion on ANYTHING. :) teach her to give me an actual topic next time. lol
Giant going down.
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho...OHHHHH Joshua fought the battle of Jerichoooooooo and the walls came tumbling DOWNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!
What walls do I have up that need to come down? How can I live a life of faith if I am not willing to take courageous steps forward? Sometimes our battles seem so insurmountable but if we would just trust in God to carry us through He would knock those GIANTS down and it would build our faith in Him. But we often choose to run away and we wander for 40 years aimlessly in a desert. In the Wizard of Oz the "cowardly lion" is seeking courage from the GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ...What he doesnt' realize is that He had it the whole time he just was choosing not to use it. Just as anything is a daily choice so are steps of faith and being courageous and brave. We have to mentally and spiritually set out each and every day to stay open to what God is telling us and if He speaks to us about leaping forward or even taking a baby step we had BETTER LISTEN and do it or we will be walking in a vicious circle.
I have always been so worried/afraid of what other people will think if they see me reading the bible, prayer book, or praying in public. To the point where I would quit or hide the book about prayer, etc....Since this turning around period in my life I have been purposely carrying those books with me to stores or appt's or to the park and hold them up proudly. I spend my morning after my walk, in outloud prayer in my living room ,and where I would have been embarrassed if even my husband walked in and saw me praying, and would peek out every so often; I am now instead on my knees in sincere adoration and so caught up in being in front of my Heavenly Father that I could have a room full of people and not be worried. Now, literally starting out in a crowd of people to pray outloud is a different story...It's always been very difficult for me to do that, but I learned two weeks ago at church that BOLDNESS is a key factor and it ties into this lesson completely. I stepped out that morning in a prayer group after not having prayed outloud in two years and I spoke words that although they were scattery and sounded uneloquent (if that's a word) they were spoken from my heart. Learning about BOLDNESS and stepping out in Faith is not going to automatically make me this professional pray-er in public but if I devote to taking a stand for Christ then I won't care what I sound like to the world around me.
In Joshua 1:7 it says, "Be thou strong and very courageous that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."
The next time God asks you to march into battle and all you see are GIANTS you remember that the Word of God is your sword and He is your shield and you need nothing more to cause those Giants to go down!
What walls do I have up that need to come down? How can I live a life of faith if I am not willing to take courageous steps forward? Sometimes our battles seem so insurmountable but if we would just trust in God to carry us through He would knock those GIANTS down and it would build our faith in Him. But we often choose to run away and we wander for 40 years aimlessly in a desert. In the Wizard of Oz the "cowardly lion" is seeking courage from the GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ...What he doesnt' realize is that He had it the whole time he just was choosing not to use it. Just as anything is a daily choice so are steps of faith and being courageous and brave. We have to mentally and spiritually set out each and every day to stay open to what God is telling us and if He speaks to us about leaping forward or even taking a baby step we had BETTER LISTEN and do it or we will be walking in a vicious circle.
I have always been so worried/afraid of what other people will think if they see me reading the bible, prayer book, or praying in public. To the point where I would quit or hide the book about prayer, etc....Since this turning around period in my life I have been purposely carrying those books with me to stores or appt's or to the park and hold them up proudly. I spend my morning after my walk, in outloud prayer in my living room ,and where I would have been embarrassed if even my husband walked in and saw me praying, and would peek out every so often; I am now instead on my knees in sincere adoration and so caught up in being in front of my Heavenly Father that I could have a room full of people and not be worried. Now, literally starting out in a crowd of people to pray outloud is a different story...It's always been very difficult for me to do that, but I learned two weeks ago at church that BOLDNESS is a key factor and it ties into this lesson completely. I stepped out that morning in a prayer group after not having prayed outloud in two years and I spoke words that although they were scattery and sounded uneloquent (if that's a word) they were spoken from my heart. Learning about BOLDNESS and stepping out in Faith is not going to automatically make me this professional pray-er in public but if I devote to taking a stand for Christ then I won't care what I sound like to the world around me.
In Joshua 1:7 it says, "Be thou strong and very courageous that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."
The next time God asks you to march into battle and all you see are GIANTS you remember that the Word of God is your sword and He is your shield and you need nothing more to cause those Giants to go down!
Chill Pill
Everything is going fine until something isn't. From the karate meltdown last night to the broken shoe cryfest this morning to my husband running behind stressing me out making me think he wasn't going to get Cade to the bus in time I am feeling attacked by Satan because HE knows that stress is what causes my actions, thoughts, words and attitude to be altered in a negative pattern. After Sam left the house I just stood there thinking, "ok, what did that stressfest just accomplish?" NOTHING...I handed it over to God and have vowed to make it a daily thing that I give over to Him. Why worry when I can pray. I recall an old song with those lyrics..."Why worry when you can pray, trust Jesus, he'll be your stay, don't be a doubting Thomas, rest fully on his promise, why worry,worry worry worry...when you can pray!" So, After I gave it over to God I called Sam and apologized for acting so ridiculously and in turn he apologized for not being as sensitive, etc...TAKE THAT SATAN..hi yah
Now to get through the next 12 hours of the day with happy and joyful thoughts!! I am thankful that God and his still reminders and words in his Word can act as my CHILL PILL! I need to take a daily dose of it for sure!
Now to get through the next 12 hours of the day with happy and joyful thoughts!! I am thankful that God and his still reminders and words in his Word can act as my CHILL PILL! I need to take a daily dose of it for sure!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I was too tired to write about this last night. I love my husband, but this is too funny not to share. After much "discussion" yesterday he ended up going alone to the grocery store but didn't leave until 5:30 or 6 ish last night. Oh, and before I forget..didn't get home till 8:45 (or right around there)... I will admit the list was pretty long but I'm the type of person that will go in, grab what I need and get the things that aren't on the list too that are on my list in my head and then get out of there. He has a type A personality so he can't just grab an item; esp. if it's on a list and I have written pillsbury biscuits. What I learned last night was that I need to just write BISCUITS, DOESN'T MATTER WHAT BRAND, ...JUST NOT CRESCENT ROLLS. I just counted 11 texts JUST ASKING ABOUT THE BISCUITS. And 23 texts altogether the whole time he was in store. Each aisle, each thing on list he would text me and ask, "what kind of tostitos?" I'm like, i dont' know..the kind you eat..just grab some...the cheap ones. lol. "they are out of sea critter nuggets" OK...SO JUST GET ANOTHER KIND... "what the heck are bagel bites?" JUST GET MINI BAGELS LIKE I SAID WHEN YOU WERE AT HOME SINCE IT'S TOO HARD TO FIND BAGEL BITES. "did you want lysol wipes or spray?" SPRAY...REMEMBER WE WERE OUT AND WHEN WE WERE AT STORE THE OTHER DAY WE WERE GONNA GET WIPES BUT THEN I SAID, 'OH WE HAVE A BUNCH ALREADY'
"they are out of cinnamon cream cheese...what kind do you want instead?" HEHEHEHEHEHE
I told him it was a very stressful grocery shopping experience for me and I wasn't even there!!
He always amazes me though and comes home with everything on the list down to the t. Mom was telling me a story about this lady who wrote out a list and numbered it and sent her hubby to the store. He came home with 1 tomato 2 benadryll's 3 bags of chips 4 5 lb bags of sugar(20 lbs of sugar. lol) and SO ON....all the way to like ten or so. I was cracking up.
I also love that my husband has a mind built in a tetris mode. He can take all the stuff in the cabinets and fridge and look at it and somehow puzzle piece it up into the cabinets to where it looks so organized, everything has it's perfect spot. If I do it I have to hurry and close the cabinet door and put a sticky note on it that says, "be careful when opening this cuz stuff will fall out" He and I are so different it's hilarious. I guess that's what makes our marriage so unique. opposites attract and I am finally starting to come around to where I am attracted to him. For those of you who know me well enough you know I've struggled with that our whole marriage. I am finally at a point where I LOVE MYSELF and love the creation that God made me to be and in turn am loving the man that God placed into my life and am finding how we fit together in different ways, shapes and forms!
I have a dentist appointment today for the second time in two weeks. I am not looking forward to the fluoride stuff they are going to put on my teeth, but at least I will be squeaky clean afterwards. They are probably going to notice a stupendous change on my teeth from first time they saw them because I went out and bought one of those EXPENSIVE (6.00) spin brush toothbrushes guaranteed to remove all plaque and nastiness from the crevices. I do need to go use it again before I go and should probably floss too. They will be very happy to know I took out my piercings and quit smoking. Last time I was there the dental asst. was trying to figure out what it was on the xray. She thought I had some rare type of metal screw in my mouth. LOL.
I'm staring at 4 different books I am currently reading and hoping that I can get home early enough to still have some free time to read up on them before the boys get back from school.
Cade has his first Karate class tonight and so I ask prayer for that to go well. He gets very nervous/shy/acts out at new events. I am praying that this will be something that can help him with his self esteem and discipline as well, not to mention just being involved in a team event. I am excited to take pictures though....well, scratch that...I could backspace but I'd rather just write "over it". Sam just called and convinced me that it would be better if He just took him so that Cade wasn't trying to run and sit with us, disobey instructor, etc. Mommy has a tendency to be a lil more lenient. so, I am going to send camera with Sam while I sit at home just waiting to hear how it went....guess there is always TEXTING! "what's he doing now?" "is he kicking yet?" "did he break a board with his head?" "what kind of outfits are they putting him in?" "do they think he will be black belt material?" HEHEHEHEHEH
have a great day all. I'm off to get my teeth cleaned!
"they are out of cinnamon cream cheese...what kind do you want instead?" HEHEHEHEHEHE
I told him it was a very stressful grocery shopping experience for me and I wasn't even there!!
He always amazes me though and comes home with everything on the list down to the t. Mom was telling me a story about this lady who wrote out a list and numbered it and sent her hubby to the store. He came home with 1 tomato 2 benadryll's 3 bags of chips 4 5 lb bags of sugar(20 lbs of sugar. lol) and SO ON....all the way to like ten or so. I was cracking up.
I also love that my husband has a mind built in a tetris mode. He can take all the stuff in the cabinets and fridge and look at it and somehow puzzle piece it up into the cabinets to where it looks so organized, everything has it's perfect spot. If I do it I have to hurry and close the cabinet door and put a sticky note on it that says, "be careful when opening this cuz stuff will fall out" He and I are so different it's hilarious. I guess that's what makes our marriage so unique. opposites attract and I am finally starting to come around to where I am attracted to him. For those of you who know me well enough you know I've struggled with that our whole marriage. I am finally at a point where I LOVE MYSELF and love the creation that God made me to be and in turn am loving the man that God placed into my life and am finding how we fit together in different ways, shapes and forms!
I have a dentist appointment today for the second time in two weeks. I am not looking forward to the fluoride stuff they are going to put on my teeth, but at least I will be squeaky clean afterwards. They are probably going to notice a stupendous change on my teeth from first time they saw them because I went out and bought one of those EXPENSIVE (6.00) spin brush toothbrushes guaranteed to remove all plaque and nastiness from the crevices. I do need to go use it again before I go and should probably floss too. They will be very happy to know I took out my piercings and quit smoking. Last time I was there the dental asst. was trying to figure out what it was on the xray. She thought I had some rare type of metal screw in my mouth. LOL.
I'm staring at 4 different books I am currently reading and hoping that I can get home early enough to still have some free time to read up on them before the boys get back from school.
Cade has his first Karate class tonight and so I ask prayer for that to go well. He gets very nervous/shy/acts out at new events. I am praying that this will be something that can help him with his self esteem and discipline as well, not to mention just being involved in a team event. I am excited to take pictures though....well, scratch that...I could backspace but I'd rather just write "over it". Sam just called and convinced me that it would be better if He just took him so that Cade wasn't trying to run and sit with us, disobey instructor, etc. Mommy has a tendency to be a lil more lenient. so, I am going to send camera with Sam while I sit at home just waiting to hear how it went....guess there is always TEXTING! "what's he doing now?" "is he kicking yet?" "did he break a board with his head?" "what kind of outfits are they putting him in?" "do they think he will be black belt material?" HEHEHEHEHEH
have a great day all. I'm off to get my teeth cleaned!
Vote for God
I'm not big into politics, or never have been but as I get older I am realizing that no matter whether you vote or not it DOES make a difference in everyone's life. Sometimes I admit I have voted just for people who I know friends of mine are voting for because I did not know enough about the candidate themself to make a conscious decision. We are commanded to PRAY for our country and those who are in election, whether we agree with their views or not.
I will say that at first today when I read this devotional I was questioning what it had to do with me or why I was having to read about voting when clearly there HAD to be something else better that God wanted to teach me...right? vote..ok God, I've got it...now what? pray for leaders, CHECK..already do that....
As I continued to read on praying that God would show me something he opened my eyes to the fact that not only are we to be voting for candidates on earth but we ought to be voting for God in our own lives and electing him as leader/supreme ruler of our hearts. And after electing Him not just idly stand by and listen to messages halfheartedly or think, "well that doesn't pertain to me so I will just "change the channel" ... we need to STAND up and be counted by the power of the living God and be bold enough to share our spiritual views with other people as well. People are always bound to disagree with something, whether it be politics, religion, finances, etc...but, this should not frighten us away from putting up our signs in our front yard (if it is legal in your county) and letting people know what you believe in and which dot on the paper you are going to fill in and will continue to fill in.
As I mentioned earlier, don't let the obvious slip from your prayers or your thoughts....PRAY DAILY (not just when election time is upon us) FOR THE LEADERS, FOR THE COUNTRY, for the spiritual warfare we are encountering that God may continue to intercede via us...his messengers. Pray that we will not be influenced by natural reactions and natural responses to cleverly designed commercials and ideas.
God is not talking to people in burning bushes these days so it's our job as members of the election council to be the deliverer of what God promises to do in this world, our hearts and our futures. God does want change but it can't occur unless we are willing to take the first step and share that with others. Remember to always be Thankful for Him giving you wisdom and clarity to declare His name to others and to lift them up in prayer. I Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty. "
I'm not ashamed to wear my I VOTED FOR GOD sticker proudly upon my shirt. I hope that you all will wear one with me!
I will say that at first today when I read this devotional I was questioning what it had to do with me or why I was having to read about voting when clearly there HAD to be something else better that God wanted to teach me...right? vote..ok God, I've got it...now what? pray for leaders, CHECK..already do that....
As I continued to read on praying that God would show me something he opened my eyes to the fact that not only are we to be voting for candidates on earth but we ought to be voting for God in our own lives and electing him as leader/supreme ruler of our hearts. And after electing Him not just idly stand by and listen to messages halfheartedly or think, "well that doesn't pertain to me so I will just "change the channel" ... we need to STAND up and be counted by the power of the living God and be bold enough to share our spiritual views with other people as well. People are always bound to disagree with something, whether it be politics, religion, finances, etc...but, this should not frighten us away from putting up our signs in our front yard (if it is legal in your county) and letting people know what you believe in and which dot on the paper you are going to fill in and will continue to fill in.
As I mentioned earlier, don't let the obvious slip from your prayers or your thoughts....PRAY DAILY (not just when election time is upon us) FOR THE LEADERS, FOR THE COUNTRY, for the spiritual warfare we are encountering that God may continue to intercede via us...his messengers. Pray that we will not be influenced by natural reactions and natural responses to cleverly designed commercials and ideas.
God is not talking to people in burning bushes these days so it's our job as members of the election council to be the deliverer of what God promises to do in this world, our hearts and our futures. God does want change but it can't occur unless we are willing to take the first step and share that with others. Remember to always be Thankful for Him giving you wisdom and clarity to declare His name to others and to lift them up in prayer. I Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty. "
I'm not ashamed to wear my I VOTED FOR GOD sticker proudly upon my shirt. I hope that you all will wear one with me!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
High Maintenance?
Stylish, prim, proper, hair done, nails done, going tanning, designer clothing, designer perfumes, purses, shoes.,nice luxurious homes, luscious gardens,fancy cars...the list goes on and on....these are things that although innocent in themselves are typically associated with "high maintenance." I remember a few years back when the only way I could feel good about myself was if I had brand name clothes on, my nails done and went tanning and hair was perfect. Through doing this over and over each month I ended up spending and wasting so much money trying to fill that void of happiness I was missing. I was me underneath it all just had resorted to being called HIGH MAINTENANCE and needing a lot more effort and time to supply my needs. If consumed by anything other then God's word it can become detrimental. What if we put into our spiritual lives the effort and time that we place on our physical being. We get so wrapped up in maintaining our homes and lives that we have NO TIME left to maintain our spirits.
I've found myself in that place many times and what I am learning and have learned in the past is that it was/is time to simplify my/your life when it gets to this point. Check the account to see if spiritually we can afford it.
2 Timothy 2:4 says, "Do not get entangled in the affairs of this life." NOTHING is as important as spending daily time with God in His word and in prayer.
Just in the past week if I am not able to have my prayer time and devotional time of a morning it throws off my day and I feel lost until that time that I can have it. This does not mean that I am saying, "thou shalt have devotions at wee hours of the morning" My free time is actually in the afternoon so some days it has worked out better to do it then so I can focus more on what I am learning/praying. But, there is power in seeking Him early in the morning and it gives me a sense of joy to feel spiritually maintained at the beginning of the day but I must realize that I am bound to have a leaky faucet somewhere along the line of the afternoon so I need to be sure to carry a wrench and tool bag with me just in case.
Mark 4:19 states, "The cares and anxieties of the world, and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and fasle glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless. "
So next time I get in that mood of wanting nothing but to go tanning or get my hair done or to buy something new for this home I will be reminded that I need to go to the First Bank of Christ to make sure I have the assets available!!
I've found myself in that place many times and what I am learning and have learned in the past is that it was/is time to simplify my/your life when it gets to this point. Check the account to see if spiritually we can afford it.
2 Timothy 2:4 says, "Do not get entangled in the affairs of this life." NOTHING is as important as spending daily time with God in His word and in prayer.
Just in the past week if I am not able to have my prayer time and devotional time of a morning it throws off my day and I feel lost until that time that I can have it. This does not mean that I am saying, "thou shalt have devotions at wee hours of the morning" My free time is actually in the afternoon so some days it has worked out better to do it then so I can focus more on what I am learning/praying. But, there is power in seeking Him early in the morning and it gives me a sense of joy to feel spiritually maintained at the beginning of the day but I must realize that I am bound to have a leaky faucet somewhere along the line of the afternoon so I need to be sure to carry a wrench and tool bag with me just in case.
Mark 4:19 states, "The cares and anxieties of the world, and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and fasle glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless. "
So next time I get in that mood of wanting nothing but to go tanning or get my hair done or to buy something new for this home I will be reminded that I need to go to the First Bank of Christ to make sure I have the assets available!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
If I could turn back time
Most of us know the ever popular song from the 80's "If I could turn back time"
If I could turn back time If I could find a way I'd take back those words that hurt you and you'd stay. I don't know why I did the things I did; I don't know why I said the things I said. Pride's like a knife it can cut deep inside. Words are like weapons they wound sometimes. I didn't really mean to hurt you, I didn't wanna see you go; I know I made you cry, but baby...
[Chorus:]If I could turn back time ,If I could find a way ,I'd take back those words that hurt you And you'd stay If I could reach the stars I'd give them all to you Then you'd love me, love me Like you used to doIf I could turn back time...
Often I find myself quoting the main line of this song in retrospect to wanting to go back and change things of my past and wishing I had listened to great speaker, parents, authoritative figures in my life because I wouldn't have made as many mistakes along the way if I had. Pride wouldn't have been such an issue, I wouldn't of made as many people cry along the way, My words like weapons would of become more healing then hurtful and people would maybe LOVE ME LOVE ME more . But alas, I can't. Thank the Lord that we can throw all of our past hurts, neglects, words, thoughts and wrongful actions at His feet and He wipes them out as far as the east is to the west and remembers them no more. He does though continue to give us instruction. In Proverbs 9:8-9 it says, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser, teach a righteous man...and he will increase in learning."
If there is one thing I can do NOW in life to make myself not look back ten years from now wishing I could turn back time, it would be, "to accelerate my spiritual growth and learn to take correction from the Spirit of God and from His people who were called to be the messengers of his Word.
It's so easy to listen when the preacher talks about something that "we already have going right in our life" because we feel we do not need change there, but when he/she begans speaking on something that we do falter in we get defensive and build up a wall. In proverbs 1:7 God says, "only fools strike out at, or despise correction.:" I sure don't wanna be labeled a fool in anyone's book, esp. God's. Now, crazy, goofy, quirky...I'll take that..but not foolish. I am endeavoring to go from here on out and listen intently to the spirits calling in my life and what He would have for me and if it means hearing some things that cause me to feel guilty or under conviction then so be it. It's a molding/chiseling process that we all should be GREATFUL God allows us to go through. He is just purifying us so we can come forth as GOLD.
someone once said, "If you think you've already arrived, then you aren't going anywhere" If you choose to stay where you are at then be prepared to be regretful in a few years. We ought to always be comparing ourselves with God and not others. I pray today that I would not be foolish, would take instruction well, and would size up my life/heart with the Heavenly Father and not the leaders of the church that we often put on unmountable pedastools.
If you want to bring a smile to your face along with someone else then remember to THANK THE PREACHER or the person who instructed you in your spiritual journey. If you do that you will come out ahead every time!
If I could turn back time If I could find a way I'd take back those words that hurt you and you'd stay. I don't know why I did the things I did; I don't know why I said the things I said. Pride's like a knife it can cut deep inside. Words are like weapons they wound sometimes. I didn't really mean to hurt you, I didn't wanna see you go; I know I made you cry, but baby...
[Chorus:]If I could turn back time ,If I could find a way ,I'd take back those words that hurt you And you'd stay If I could reach the stars I'd give them all to you Then you'd love me, love me Like you used to doIf I could turn back time...
Often I find myself quoting the main line of this song in retrospect to wanting to go back and change things of my past and wishing I had listened to great speaker, parents, authoritative figures in my life because I wouldn't have made as many mistakes along the way if I had. Pride wouldn't have been such an issue, I wouldn't of made as many people cry along the way, My words like weapons would of become more healing then hurtful and people would maybe LOVE ME LOVE ME more . But alas, I can't. Thank the Lord that we can throw all of our past hurts, neglects, words, thoughts and wrongful actions at His feet and He wipes them out as far as the east is to the west and remembers them no more. He does though continue to give us instruction. In Proverbs 9:8-9 it says, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser, teach a righteous man...and he will increase in learning."
If there is one thing I can do NOW in life to make myself not look back ten years from now wishing I could turn back time, it would be, "to accelerate my spiritual growth and learn to take correction from the Spirit of God and from His people who were called to be the messengers of his Word.
It's so easy to listen when the preacher talks about something that "we already have going right in our life" because we feel we do not need change there, but when he/she begans speaking on something that we do falter in we get defensive and build up a wall. In proverbs 1:7 God says, "only fools strike out at, or despise correction.:" I sure don't wanna be labeled a fool in anyone's book, esp. God's. Now, crazy, goofy, quirky...I'll take that..but not foolish. I am endeavoring to go from here on out and listen intently to the spirits calling in my life and what He would have for me and if it means hearing some things that cause me to feel guilty or under conviction then so be it. It's a molding/chiseling process that we all should be GREATFUL God allows us to go through. He is just purifying us so we can come forth as GOLD.
someone once said, "If you think you've already arrived, then you aren't going anywhere" If you choose to stay where you are at then be prepared to be regretful in a few years. We ought to always be comparing ourselves with God and not others. I pray today that I would not be foolish, would take instruction well, and would size up my life/heart with the Heavenly Father and not the leaders of the church that we often put on unmountable pedastools.
If you want to bring a smile to your face along with someone else then remember to THANK THE PREACHER or the person who instructed you in your spiritual journey. If you do that you will come out ahead every time!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Do unto others..
First off, you must LOVE yourself for this lesson to play out as God would will it to. In Luke 6:27-31 it says, "but I tell you who hear me, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking it. give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. do to others as you would have them do to you." If you do not care a bout yourself then you will go around not caring about others. Take pride in the creation that you are. God did not make a mistake when he formed you. He took careful consideration to think through each dna strand, molecule and brain cell he instilled in you. So lift your head up high, do not be proud in a vain sense, but take delight in what He has molded you to be for Him.
I actually have always thought that I did a pretty good job about not getting upset at people for little things. In fact, I tend to say things like, "Lord, thank you for that stoplight you made me get stuck at because I saw the accident down the road that you kept me safe from". " Bless that person who thought it would be a game or challenge to steal from me. " Now, there have been times I have prayed, "Lord, if it be your will allow that p erson that just flew around me in a rage in his car to get pulled over by a cop up ahead..." then as I am driving past I laugh "ha ha ha" as I see hi m sitting there with the highway patrol. Is this loving those as ourself? Technically no, but I think if we would all be honest we could admit we have done that or worse from time to time. God is looking for people who are bold enough to turn the other cheek and give a soft answer and show Christ in our actions instead of what people are expecting to see. How will we ever reach a dying lost community if we are responding in trying situations the same way they would? There is a point I do believe that you can not let someone take advantage of you. But that's another story....Stay smart about it and safe, but let your light shine and instead of getting upset pray that God would give you a love for that person and an understanding of why they did what they did. remember...God hates sin/bad but loves the sinner. For ALL (yes, us...all of us) have sinned and come short of the glory of God. so see...we ain't no better then anyone else out there...We just know we have forgiveness and intercession when we do fail. and we have a home in heaven ready and waiting for us. Now, won't it be so much better if we have some company to fill the mansion with?? I challenge myself and anyone reading this to reach out to one or two people this week and show true christian love to them. If it doesn't change their hearts just sit back and watch what it does for your own! bite your tongue, grit your teeth, whatever it takes...but rise to the challenge. I'll keep you posted on where mine falls into play . Just hoping it isn't some crazy person driving and texting and swerving...I have a hard time with swervers.... :) Lord bless those who annoy me when i am trying to keep my family safe and trying to get from one place to another and they opt to take the more dangerous driving technique. Keep them safe from an accident but bring them to an understanding of the harm they are causing out there! Amen! :) :)
I actually have always thought that I did a pretty good job about not getting upset at people for little things. In fact, I tend to say things like, "Lord, thank you for that stoplight you made me get stuck at because I saw the accident down the road that you kept me safe from". " Bless that person who thought it would be a game or challenge to steal from me. " Now, there have been times I have prayed, "Lord, if it be your will allow that p erson that just flew around me in a rage in his car to get pulled over by a cop up ahead..." then as I am driving past I laugh "ha ha ha" as I see hi m sitting there with the highway patrol. Is this loving those as ourself? Technically no, but I think if we would all be honest we could admit we have done that or worse from time to time. God is looking for people who are bold enough to turn the other cheek and give a soft answer and show Christ in our actions instead of what people are expecting to see. How will we ever reach a dying lost community if we are responding in trying situations the same way they would? There is a point I do believe that you can not let someone take advantage of you. But that's another story....Stay smart about it and safe, but let your light shine and instead of getting upset pray that God would give you a love for that person and an understanding of why they did what they did. remember...God hates sin/bad but loves the sinner. For ALL (yes, us...all of us) have sinned and come short of the glory of God. so see...we ain't no better then anyone else out there...We just know we have forgiveness and intercession when we do fail. and we have a home in heaven ready and waiting for us. Now, won't it be so much better if we have some company to fill the mansion with?? I challenge myself and anyone reading this to reach out to one or two people this week and show true christian love to them. If it doesn't change their hearts just sit back and watch what it does for your own! bite your tongue, grit your teeth, whatever it takes...but rise to the challenge. I'll keep you posted on where mine falls into play . Just hoping it isn't some crazy person driving and texting and swerving...I have a hard time with swervers.... :) Lord bless those who annoy me when i am trying to keep my family safe and trying to get from one place to another and they opt to take the more dangerous driving technique. Keep them safe from an accident but bring them to an understanding of the harm they are causing out there! Amen! :) :)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Circle of Trust
I am so thankful we went tonight. It was such a blessing meeting new people and seeing some we had already been friends with. We learned a lot just from having discussions on being parents and I was able to let my guard down and feel comfortable enough sharing my faults in my inconsistency with my kids and ways I make promises/can't keep them or make "threats" that I can't carry out. (We are leaving this mall if you guys act up)...when in actuality I should of said, "we are not getting a cookie like we usually do at the great cookie factory if you act up.." need to react more reasonably. We also learned something we already knew just hadn't been doing as much....Come together as husband and wife and set up the boundaries, limits, rules before the problems happen so we aren't shouting out unrealistic expectations and badgering each other about why they chose that disciplinary course of action. If we are on the same page it will be easier to train up a child in the way he should go. Michelle and John implemented in the idea of the circle of trust and getting outside it is like getting outside God's will. It's scary outside the circle....I think I am going to buy a posterboard and draw a big circle so that we can all fit inside of it and build huge high gates with electric fencing around it so no one can get out!!! :)
I ended up finding a silly beard/mask and monster gloves so I pretended I was attacking pastor's wife. ha ha ha. I love how family oriented they are and down to earth it can be just sitting around talking and feeling comfy letting out real life issues. I feel so much joy these days and life brought back inside of me that hasn't been there in a long time. I love all my friends from past, present , future but it's so exciting when God drops people in your life who He uses to change you(me) from inside out.
Been a long good day. Better end it with hooray for another sunday tomorrow!! Can't wait to get up and worship once again!!! Praying the Lord gives me a good nights rest tonight.
Lord thank you for my beautiful children and for the blessing they are in my life. I am so fortunate and undeserving to have them but you being so wonderful entrusted them to my husband and I. May we follow your guidance in training them to do your will and do our best to direct t hem in the right paths. If/when they go off track allow us to not get flustered but to come back to you for the answers we need to help them find t heir way back home into your circle of trust Lord. I praise you for my husband and everything he does for us as a family. I praise you for the gifts and talents you have given each of us and I ask that we would not take them for granted but would use them for YOUR GLORY not ours. Bless each of our friends old and new tonight and wake us all up refreshed and ready to stand in your presence in adoration of you. In your heavenly name, I ask this, AMEN.
I ended up finding a silly beard/mask and monster gloves so I pretended I was attacking pastor's wife. ha ha ha. I love how family oriented they are and down to earth it can be just sitting around talking and feeling comfy letting out real life issues. I feel so much joy these days and life brought back inside of me that hasn't been there in a long time. I love all my friends from past, present , future but it's so exciting when God drops people in your life who He uses to change you(me) from inside out.
Been a long good day. Better end it with hooray for another sunday tomorrow!! Can't wait to get up and worship once again!!! Praying the Lord gives me a good nights rest tonight.
Lord thank you for my beautiful children and for the blessing they are in my life. I am so fortunate and undeserving to have them but you being so wonderful entrusted them to my husband and I. May we follow your guidance in training them to do your will and do our best to direct t hem in the right paths. If/when they go off track allow us to not get flustered but to come back to you for the answers we need to help them find t heir way back home into your circle of trust Lord. I praise you for my husband and everything he does for us as a family. I praise you for the gifts and talents you have given each of us and I ask that we would not take them for granted but would use them for YOUR GLORY not ours. Bless each of our friends old and new tonight and wake us all up refreshed and ready to stand in your presence in adoration of you. In your heavenly name, I ask this, AMEN.
I'm thankful we are going to a parenting course tonight because it's as if Satan has attacked Sam and I alllllll day today with parenting issues. I've even been reading a christian Power of a Praying Parent book so as to "be a better parent". I realize by reading it it doesn't make me a better parent, but it gives me the insight to do so. My devotional today didn't have a lot to do with this but it was so heavy on my heart I needed to share it. Why, why , why do I often go against what my husband tells the kids? why do I take their side??? What is it in me that still holds a grudge against him that I feel so devious as to argue a point as if I were the kids defense lawyer in a trial? Is it selfishness? Is it that I think some of his rules are idiotic? perhaps a little of both...but, why do I feel like I have to always conform my ways and why do the boys not listen to me as well as they listen to him? would this be different if we had a girl? Somedays I think "golly, i fwe had a lil girl he would know the feeling of that giving in and being lenient at times feeling is concerned" He always says, "no, I would be just as hard on a girl and I would not fall into vulnerability because of it". I want to be a good nurturing parent but one that is able to follow through with discipline as well. I just feel like some days I am a broken record that doesn't get listened to at all. And then the minute, my husband says something the kids obey it. also, I feel like a broken record at times around my husband too...I get so tired of repeating myself. I get so tired of repeating myself. I get so tired of repeating myself. got it? :)
So, the scripture reading today was Romans 8:24-25 "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? but if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." I was a bit confused on this one...but...
It's about changing our image from the inside out. It was speaking more of physical image in the sense of if you feel fat you start believing it, etc... Well, I feel like my inner image of myself needs changed too...from feeling inadequate to be a proper mom to feeling qualified for this job God gave me on earth. I am raising future husbands so I pray that as my own mind, thoughts and actions change that I too would roll that over onto the children and they would see by role model good and not bad and would in turn make this battle easier. I pray that Sam and I can get on a same parenting basis ALL THE TIME...not just when we are discussing it...but at all times...I pray we do not fight tonight at this discussion, because I am feeling a b it crankier/grumpy today for some reason. I still feel blessed and joyful, just have a grumpy jacket on that is stuck on me and I can't get it off.
So, the scripture reading today was Romans 8:24-25 "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? but if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." I was a bit confused on this one...but...
It's about changing our image from the inside out. It was speaking more of physical image in the sense of if you feel fat you start believing it, etc... Well, I feel like my inner image of myself needs changed too...from feeling inadequate to be a proper mom to feeling qualified for this job God gave me on earth. I am raising future husbands so I pray that as my own mind, thoughts and actions change that I too would roll that over onto the children and they would see by role model good and not bad and would in turn make this battle easier. I pray that Sam and I can get on a same parenting basis ALL THE TIME...not just when we are discussing it...but at all times...I pray we do not fight tonight at this discussion, because I am feeling a b it crankier/grumpy today for some reason. I still feel blessed and joyful, just have a grumpy jacket on that is stuck on me and I can't get it off.
Friday, September 11, 2009
DO NOT DISTURB
Or Rather, "Don't be Disturbed" I truly enjoy the quiet peace of the day when I can just open my heart and share outloud to God my burdens, requests and finally for the first time in my life I am starting to be "in His presence" when I close my eyes to pray. And it's as if when I have no words to say, He gives me some to offer up. The devil tries distracting during prayer by phone ringing, people outside making noise, etc...but God kept me focused today on Him and what I wanted to say to Him that He already knew, but longs to hear come out of my mouth.
I was amazed when I opened up my daily devotional to today's date and had just finished lifting up a past "friend" whom is no longer in my life. I prayed for quite a while for she and her family and for her heart and for me to be a better example if ever given the chance to talk to her again. It was within this friendship that my marriage was almost ruined and I had prayed about that before opening up the devotional book. so, to my amazement the lesson was on, "people in our lives who try to steal from us or rob us of a good marriage, family life, etc..." In Psalms 33;10 it states, "The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought; he maketh the devices of the people of none effect."
When I make God my stronghold in time of trouble, no one can overcome me. I have been letting the memories and worries of this friend cloud my view of moving on and letting go for quite a while. I keep thinking that if we were still friends she would still be trying to change my mind about being with my husband. But I have learned that God is on my side and that gives me the advantage!! NO matter what someone says to me or about me if I keep God first and foremost then good thoughts will continue to come out of my mouth and heart and mind. "the mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his god is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (psalm 37:30-31)
I can not let this disturb me anymore. My sign is up on the door. Lord, continue to rise up thoughts of you in my heart and mind that I may rebuke the evil from taking root in my heart again.
I was amazed when I opened up my daily devotional to today's date and had just finished lifting up a past "friend" whom is no longer in my life. I prayed for quite a while for she and her family and for her heart and for me to be a better example if ever given the chance to talk to her again. It was within this friendship that my marriage was almost ruined and I had prayed about that before opening up the devotional book. so, to my amazement the lesson was on, "people in our lives who try to steal from us or rob us of a good marriage, family life, etc..." In Psalms 33;10 it states, "The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought; he maketh the devices of the people of none effect."
When I make God my stronghold in time of trouble, no one can overcome me. I have been letting the memories and worries of this friend cloud my view of moving on and letting go for quite a while. I keep thinking that if we were still friends she would still be trying to change my mind about being with my husband. But I have learned that God is on my side and that gives me the advantage!! NO matter what someone says to me or about me if I keep God first and foremost then good thoughts will continue to come out of my mouth and heart and mind. "the mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his god is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (psalm 37:30-31)
I can not let this disturb me anymore. My sign is up on the door. Lord, continue to rise up thoughts of you in my heart and mind that I may rebuke the evil from taking root in my heart again.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Still small Voice
I'm beginning to not believe in the word "coincidence" these days. Rather I am thinking there is a reason for everything because God works things out in such neat ways that I am in awe.
We recently moved and I had put all of my study books into storage because at the time I could of cared less about reading them/staying on top of them. I've been wanting to get them out for the last week but not sure where they are at in the shed and we are living on a tight budget these days so I didn't/wasn't able to go buy a new one quite yet. I went to a friends house this morning and noticed she had an our daily bread sitting out and I asked her if I could borrow it. Not telling her anymore of the story she got up and went and brought me three different study books for women. Something small, but God provided. I get home and finally was able to have some quiet time after getting Kyler off to the bus and I opened the book and it is panned out by dates. I felt compelled to go ahead and flip to today's date as opposed to starting at the beginning of the book. It was refreshing when I began reading about promptings and still small voices because I am at the beginning of my journey and have been hearing these convictions the past week and I know they weren't of me. I was reminded in this lesson that the Holy Spirit brings promptings to our mind at all different times and the more we listen to them the more we will be quick to hear and obey them. Even if they are as small as, "go say hi to that person sitting alone" or, "say a prayer right now for so and so" I've never spent time in prayer the way I should but slowly I am being prompted to do so. I get to a point though where I feel I might be too overbearing with my words and may turn some people away or they may think I am trying to be better then them. This is not what I am intending or trying to do. I am simply taking an old dirty worn out pair of shoes off and replacing them with a brand new pair and relearning how to tie the laces on them. If listening and obeying (even if it seems odd) brings me a blessing and a peace then the worries and fears of what people will think of me will be removed.
I was just telling my husband yesterday that we need to start praying for what God has for us in the future, where he wants us to pick for our place to move to, and pretty much pray about any big/little decisions in life and although I hear the words coming out of my mouth I think he and I both are still having a hard time believing I am saying this stuff and actually following through with it. It gives me such joy though to have a husband who will sit and pray with me and do a devotional as well. I will admit I was embarrassed at first to share any of this with him but our marriage has been through so much that we are at a point where we can only go forward because if we go back we will be in a muck of mess that we do not want to be in. I have so many red flags that go up now regarding different things/lessons I have learned over the past year. I feel as if Satan is going to try to throw more obstacles in my way because of my past weakness/failure to make right choices. All I can do is purpose to set out my day to listen to the Holy Spirits' voice and if I do this who can be against me?????
I John 2:27 states, "But the anointing which ye have received of God abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth.".
I am still Erica just with less baggage now! It's as if being on earth is a vacation and I am living out of suitcases and won't be completely free of them until we get to Heaven someday and can lay them at His feet!
We recently moved and I had put all of my study books into storage because at the time I could of cared less about reading them/staying on top of them. I've been wanting to get them out for the last week but not sure where they are at in the shed and we are living on a tight budget these days so I didn't/wasn't able to go buy a new one quite yet. I went to a friends house this morning and noticed she had an our daily bread sitting out and I asked her if I could borrow it. Not telling her anymore of the story she got up and went and brought me three different study books for women. Something small, but God provided. I get home and finally was able to have some quiet time after getting Kyler off to the bus and I opened the book and it is panned out by dates. I felt compelled to go ahead and flip to today's date as opposed to starting at the beginning of the book. It was refreshing when I began reading about promptings and still small voices because I am at the beginning of my journey and have been hearing these convictions the past week and I know they weren't of me. I was reminded in this lesson that the Holy Spirit brings promptings to our mind at all different times and the more we listen to them the more we will be quick to hear and obey them. Even if they are as small as, "go say hi to that person sitting alone" or, "say a prayer right now for so and so" I've never spent time in prayer the way I should but slowly I am being prompted to do so. I get to a point though where I feel I might be too overbearing with my words and may turn some people away or they may think I am trying to be better then them. This is not what I am intending or trying to do. I am simply taking an old dirty worn out pair of shoes off and replacing them with a brand new pair and relearning how to tie the laces on them. If listening and obeying (even if it seems odd) brings me a blessing and a peace then the worries and fears of what people will think of me will be removed.
I was just telling my husband yesterday that we need to start praying for what God has for us in the future, where he wants us to pick for our place to move to, and pretty much pray about any big/little decisions in life and although I hear the words coming out of my mouth I think he and I both are still having a hard time believing I am saying this stuff and actually following through with it. It gives me such joy though to have a husband who will sit and pray with me and do a devotional as well. I will admit I was embarrassed at first to share any of this with him but our marriage has been through so much that we are at a point where we can only go forward because if we go back we will be in a muck of mess that we do not want to be in. I have so many red flags that go up now regarding different things/lessons I have learned over the past year. I feel as if Satan is going to try to throw more obstacles in my way because of my past weakness/failure to make right choices. All I can do is purpose to set out my day to listen to the Holy Spirits' voice and if I do this who can be against me?????
I John 2:27 states, "But the anointing which ye have received of God abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth.".
I am still Erica just with less baggage now! It's as if being on earth is a vacation and I am living out of suitcases and won't be completely free of them until we get to Heaven someday and can lay them at His feet!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Digging up and out!
So often in life I've made promises to myself to commit to something and stick with it and in my head it looks great, easy, gonna work out, etc. until it DOESN'T. Life is an up and down process the whole way and what I've been learning over the course of the past few months is even when I've given up on myself there is a God who is still there encouraging me to keep going and to rest in His arms and that He loves me regardless of the situation. He is my restorer of marriage, my healer of hurts and my ticket to a neverending life spent with Him.
In the past few days I am learning a lot about who I was created to be and have been given a joy that I have never owned before. I am purposing to use this blog as my daily journal entry as I strive to learn something new every day. This morning the verse I came across was Ephesians 5:8 "For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now youa re full of light from the Lord and your behavior should show it. For this light witithin you produces only what is good and right and true. "
I learned this morning not to brag about my changes or accomplishments but I will share some of my convictions just over the past few days. It is as if I am a new person and it feels weird, yet wonderful all at the same time.
God laid it on my heart to remove my piercings two days ago (tongue, belly button, monroe and nose). This is a personal conviction in which I am not condoning anyone who has these and am not turning goody two shoe, but for me these were keeping me stagnant and in a place t ha tI could not move forward. I was holding onto past hurts, memories and Satan was using that as a tool to keep me in the pit that I had been in. God handed me a shovel thankfully and I bashed Satan over the head and am beginning to dig myself out of this hole I have lived in for so long. I am seeing the top more and more each day and wondering why this has been so difficult to stay up there. I have concluded that it was never a change of heart but rather just of actions to justify it in my head that I was "doing what was right or what appeared proper." I realized that my body is a temple that He abides in. This next one is hard to share because I held onto it for many different reasons and have purposed so many times to quit but never have made it as far as I have now. I laid my smoking and occasional excessive drinking at his feet and although was worried about how I would get through a day without smoking I have begun reading verses when I felt the urge to light up and it has changed my desire for what I thought I needed to get through a day. I am purposing today and from this point on to never feel as if I have reached the top of this hole completely and I pray that I can continue to be chiseled away at and molded into what I was created to be/do. My thoughts have changed, my mind and heart are constantly wanting to sing, I'm for once in my life not ashamed to post something like this out of fear that someone whom I have partied with or thought I was "cool" will no longer like me now because they think I have gone wacky or something. I am not ashamed and I am proud to make that statement and only hope that I can continue to make right decisions and be what I need to be to others who have been so much to me when I needed them most.
I love the verse because it speaks the truth. "once full of darkness now you are full of light"
Please pray for me that I will NOT trip and fall all the way back down into the pit, but rather would stay on top and be reminded of why and how I got there to begin with and realize going back down is hurting my back and my hands from trying to scramble around and climb and dig with that shovel. Lord keep me afloat and on my knees daily. Place in me more of a desire to reach out to others in a way that would not cause them to think I was looking down on them now and allow me to not only be blessed by them but to be a blessing in the process so that yo would be honored in it. Amen.
In the past few days I am learning a lot about who I was created to be and have been given a joy that I have never owned before. I am purposing to use this blog as my daily journal entry as I strive to learn something new every day. This morning the verse I came across was Ephesians 5:8 "For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now youa re full of light from the Lord and your behavior should show it. For this light witithin you produces only what is good and right and true. "
I learned this morning not to brag about my changes or accomplishments but I will share some of my convictions just over the past few days. It is as if I am a new person and it feels weird, yet wonderful all at the same time.
God laid it on my heart to remove my piercings two days ago (tongue, belly button, monroe and nose). This is a personal conviction in which I am not condoning anyone who has these and am not turning goody two shoe, but for me these were keeping me stagnant and in a place t ha tI could not move forward. I was holding onto past hurts, memories and Satan was using that as a tool to keep me in the pit that I had been in. God handed me a shovel thankfully and I bashed Satan over the head and am beginning to dig myself out of this hole I have lived in for so long. I am seeing the top more and more each day and wondering why this has been so difficult to stay up there. I have concluded that it was never a change of heart but rather just of actions to justify it in my head that I was "doing what was right or what appeared proper." I realized that my body is a temple that He abides in. This next one is hard to share because I held onto it for many different reasons and have purposed so many times to quit but never have made it as far as I have now. I laid my smoking and occasional excessive drinking at his feet and although was worried about how I would get through a day without smoking I have begun reading verses when I felt the urge to light up and it has changed my desire for what I thought I needed to get through a day. I am purposing today and from this point on to never feel as if I have reached the top of this hole completely and I pray that I can continue to be chiseled away at and molded into what I was created to be/do. My thoughts have changed, my mind and heart are constantly wanting to sing, I'm for once in my life not ashamed to post something like this out of fear that someone whom I have partied with or thought I was "cool" will no longer like me now because they think I have gone wacky or something. I am not ashamed and I am proud to make that statement and only hope that I can continue to make right decisions and be what I need to be to others who have been so much to me when I needed them most.
I love the verse because it speaks the truth. "once full of darkness now you are full of light"
Please pray for me that I will NOT trip and fall all the way back down into the pit, but rather would stay on top and be reminded of why and how I got there to begin with and realize going back down is hurting my back and my hands from trying to scramble around and climb and dig with that shovel. Lord keep me afloat and on my knees daily. Place in me more of a desire to reach out to others in a way that would not cause them to think I was looking down on them now and allow me to not only be blessed by them but to be a blessing in the process so that yo would be honored in it. Amen.
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