My Awake Journey

When was the last time?

2012-01-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

"Mommy, you have to hear about my dream." Annalise said quietly from the bathroom door early yesterday morning. Her almost seven year old face was still squinting from the bright light after being cozy in her dark room all night long.

"What's that, baby?" I asked, wondering what could have had her out of bed so early.

"Well, in my dream, I was up in a room talking to a little girl. She was scared to pray and so I told her not to be scared. I told her that she could talk to God about her sin. I told her that God loves her and that he isn't scary. Then, I prayed with her so she could have Jesus in her heart like me."

Inside, my heart was leaping in my chest but I tried really hard not to over react so that she would continue her story. "Then what?"

"I walked with her downstairs and there were even MORE kids who were scared to talk to God. I helped them all pray so that they could know about Jesus..." she paused and then said, "Mommy, in my dream I told people about Jesus and prayed with them. It was a really good dream."

She smiled at me and I gave her a big hug.

"Do you understand how exciting this is, Annalise? You used to be scared to talk to God, remember? And, now, you know what it feels like to tell other kids how to pray to God without being scared."

"I know, Mommy. It's not scary anymore."

I hugged her again and she ran off to start her day.

I was so thankful for that moment with Annalise because that dream turned a light on inside of her heart.

She realized how to tell people about Jesus and that she can pray with others to help them know Jesus more.

My mind flashed back to another conversation we had had during a homeschool lesson a few weeks ago. She was reading in her Bible book about the nativity story and how the angels had told Mary and the shepherds to not be afraid. As she read aloud to me, she looked up and said, "Mommy, the angels said to not be afraid. Do you think they would tell me to not be afraid?"

"Yes! Jesus himself would tell you to not be afraid to come to Him! He wants you to talk to Him and pray to Him. He loves you, Annalise."

And, now she had this precious dream where she wasn't afraid. She was not only brave enough to pray herself, she was brave enough to share her faith with others.

Maybe that was God leading her heart towards full time ministry or missions. Maybe it was just a moment where God encouraged her to be bold with her faith. Maybe it was just a simple dream.

But whatever the reason for the dream, it was a big moment for Annalise. And a wonderful lesson in faith.

When was the last time you asked God to help you not to be afraid?

When was the last time you were encouraged to boldly share your faith with others?

When was the last time you dreamed of sharing Jesus and leading people in prayer?

When was the last time...?

The Theme of My Song

2012-01-12T20:40:00.000-05:00

I was reading Psalm 119 tonight and was amazed again at the beauty of God's Word.

It is the new year and we've all spent some time in prayerful evaluation of our hearts.

Some of us have even chosen a word or phrase to set the tone for 2012.

Did you know David did that too?

Only, his word, or theme as he says it, wasn't just for one year. It was for his life.

I love how David puts it in Psalm 119:54.

He says, "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge."

How precious is that thought...

God's decrees, His laws, His commands for our lives should be our theme.

Not just our theme, but the theme of our song. our life song.

wherever we are, wherever we live, whatever season of life...

God's ways should be the theme of our songs. the word of our lives.

I love when God's Word jumps out, is applicable to my day and challenging as I move forward!

Precious Promise

2012-01-07T22:56:00.000-05:00

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14

This is one of my favorite verses in scripture. The Israelites were backed up to the Red Sea. The Egyptian army was approaching fast and furious. What did Moses tell the fearful children of God?

Be still.

You don't have to do anything.

Just be still and trust.

He will fight the battle for you.

In His time. In His way.

Be still.

*linking up with Barbie @ My Freshly Brewed Life

A Winter Snow

2011-12-16T18:16:00.002-05:00

We are a blessed people with a loving God...

Where the Bible falls open...

2011-12-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

I have been having trouble sleeping lately.

I'm really not sure why...

Thoughts of being sick, concerns about finances, busyness of homeschooling, events at church, upcoming holidays, normal everyday activities like laundry and shopping... so much going on in my mind each day.

Of course, I know to lay all of those things before the Lord.

I bring them to Him in prayer, knowing that I can cast all of my cares on Him.

Worrying about it all will do nothing.

I can trust my God to provide for all my needs.

But for some reason, even knowing all the right things to tell myself and to pray, my mind can still run out of control in the middle of the night.

You know what happens.

You wake up. You can't get back to sleep. You think of one thing that leads to one more thing and all of the sudden, you are planning and replanning your week. You are writing things in your mental notebook and telling people things on your mental recorder.

Yeah. that kind of stuff.

Well, that has been happening over here... I can't seem to shut my mind off.

I try... but I can't. My body forgets that it is night time and I'm supposed to be asleep, not trying to remember to buy so and so that last minute gift.

What a frustrating feeling!

As I laid in bed a few nights ago, my thoughts reeling in my head, I started thinking about peace.

What I was feeling was NOT peace.

So, I started reminding myself about verses that I knew dealt with SLEEP and PEACE.

A few of my favorites are Psalm 3 and Isaiah 26.

Have you read them lately?

They says wonderful things like, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me." and "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." and "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You." and "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is Rock eternal."

Read those a few times over!

So, those verses were running through my mind and I knew I needed to refresh my mind by reading them again in scripture.

I got out my Bible this morning and do you know where my Bible fell open?

Not like, I just stuck my finger in to see where it would open, but where it just naturally falls open?

Isaiah 26.

I'd never noticed that before. My Bible automatically falls to that page. It has a break in the binding there. It has to open there. It will open there every time.

I realized, "That is where my Bible falls open... to verses about peace."

So cool... then, I found a new phrase that I'd missed before. Isaiah 26:12 says, "Lord, you establish peace for us."

God establishes peace for me!

I don't have to try and manufacture it in my head by saying, "I've given it to the Lord." or "I've prayed about it." or "I know God will provide."

I can't make peace happen for myself!

God is the provider of peace.

Peace that is real and true and right and, well... peaceful.

Sleep in heavenly peace? Peace on earth? God provides that to us! He establishes it in us.

He establishes it FOR us.

A new prayer to pray, "Lord, establish peace in MY MIND and MY HEART tonight."

Do you need something from the Lord today?

Where does your Bible "fall open"?

Only by His Strength

2011-12-10T21:07:00.001-05:00

Today, I was reading from Zechariah 4.

At the time of this writing, the Jews had returned to Judah and were in the process of rebuilding the temple of the Lord.

The first 8 chapters of Zechariah are words of encouragement to God's people.

They were discouraged because they faced great challenges and obstacles as they worked on the difficult task of rebuilding. They were tired of the process.

I love the wording of chapter 4...

Verse 6 says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty."

Reminder #1 - It wouldn't be by their own strength that they finish the temple. No, it would be by the strength of the Spirit of the Lord.

Zechariah 4 goes on to say, "What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground."

God was saying, "What is a mountain? That is nothing compared to me! I can make that level and I will see this temple completed through you. Don't worry... I've got it under my complete control. And when it is done, you will know that I did it."

Reminder #2 - God is bigger than any mountain or struggle we face.

Then we read, "Who despises the day of the small things?"

The building of the temple was tedious work. It required great attention to detail and perfection. The people were tired of the little things, the small work, the menial tasks. It was getting old. and fast.

Reminder #3 - Don't despise the small stuff. God sees eternal value in the little things we do for Him. He has purpose for the everyday menial tasks we perform each day as we build His kingdom and live in service to Him.

Go back to verse 6. It is by His strength that the mountains are moved and the tasks are completed!

We are tools that He can use. Do not get discouraged in the process... let God work through you!

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I also posted over at Seeds of Faith this week. Come on over and visit!

A Day Off

2011-11-15T15:27:00.001-05:00

I recently took a day off.

A day off of

twitter
facebook
blogging
email
google reader
pinterest

I didn't even check the weather.

My computer did not even get turned on.

I didn't know what so and so was cooking for dinner. I didn't know where so and so went shopping. I didn't know what so and so got from Starbucks. I see the latest picture or the most recent post from anyone.

I took a day off.

Not because I was busy

or because I was traveling

or because I didn't have internet access.

or because I couldn't get my laptop to work.

Nope. I took a day off because I needed to take a day off.

To be quiet.

To read.

To clean.

To journal where no one else could see.

To listen to worship music.

To close off every other voice in my head except His.

Have you taken a day off lately?

Greater Joy

2011-11-10T08:32:00.002-05:00

I was reading in Psalm this week and it made me think about true joy.

Where is joy found?

What is true joy?

Who can have true joy?

Do I have true joy?

Psalm 4:6 says, "Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"

Isn't that what our world is asking?

....................... you can find the rest of this post at Seeds of Faith!

Book Review: Shadow in Serenity

2011-11-02T12:14:00.000-04:00

I was contacted about reviewing the new Terri Blackstock book called Shadow in Serenity.

I was thrilled!

I love Terri Blackstock books.

I had high expectations for this book and it met every one.

This simple yet engaging story of two people who are at different parts of the same journey is a wonderful message for us all.

Forgiveness, brokenness, integrity, faithfulness, family and love are all themes of this Shadow in Serenity.

"Never having had a real family, Brisco becomes comfortable in the quaint, welcoming town, and the lure of the townspeople love may be just what he needs to change his criminal ways. Despite Carny's anger towards Brisco and her attempts to expose his scam to the townspeople, Carny learns the truth about the man behind that suave smile. It would take a miracle to change him, but she's seen that kind of redemption firsthand."

I love stories with miracles. Stories that remind us that God is for everyone and that He has the power to change any heart. We must never assume that someone is beyond saving or changing! God's grace is enough.

I would encourage you to get ahold of this book. You will quickly get tied up in this amazing story and in the precious lives of a town that is willing to forgive.

Book Review: Relentless

2011-10-31T16:16:00.000-04:00

I have been reading Relentless by John Bevere.

I loved the paragraph on the back cover.

Christians were never meant to “just get by.” You were created to rise above adversity and display greatness! In this compelling book, best-selling author John Bevere explores what it takes to finish well. More than a strategy for survival, Relentless offers you a fresh new mind-set, one that enthusiastically declares with the apostle Paul, “I delight in difficulties.” Its biblically grounded truths will equip you to flourish in every season of life.

John Bevere says, “God doesn’t author hardship but uses it to strengthen us for greater conquests. He never leads us into a storm that He doesn’t give us the power to overcome.”

and he says, "You already have what it takes to finish well!"

When life is hard, it is really difficult to think about finishing well. Sometimes, it is just getting through today.

As a whole, this book was thought provoking and challenging. It was encouraging and uplifting.

I do have to say that I didn't always agree with his wording or his interpretation of scripture. And, at times, I was concerned about the level of power he gives to people and not to God.

But, the simple message of the book is true.

We do need to be relentless in our passion for Christ.

We must press on toward the goal of Heaven and push through even when life is hard.

That is something we all can be challenged with!

To be identified with Christ

2011-10-22T11:59:00.002-04:00

This week, I've been studying Luke 9:23-26.

Where Jesus is describing how we should follow Him.

He gives us a few things to do.

1. Deny yourself
2. Take up your cross daily
3. loose your life
4. Do not be ashamed

Those are some very churchy, well-known phrases so let's break them down.

Deny yourself

Say no to wrong. say no to sin. say no to your sinful nature. Be able to tell yourself no. Do not participate in things that are evil. Do not let even a hint of evil in your life.

(not to be mistaken with perfection. God isn't asking us to be perfect but to make conscious RIGHT choices. on a daily basis)

Take up your cross daily

When you see a cross, what does it say to you?

It probably reminds you of Jesus, of how Jesus died on the cross. It is a symbol that represents Jesus.

The Cross is something that identifies people with Jesus.

Are WE a symbol that represents Jesus?

Do we carry ourselves in a way that identifies us as a follower of Jesus?

When people see the daily decisions in our lives, do they see Jesus?

Loose your life

Are you willing to let go of your agenda, your thoughts, your goals, your dreams to follow after God?

Will you let go of your own ideas and let God have control?

Will you let go of your understanding, your interpretation and let God reveal His word to you? Will you let Him show you how to live for Him?

Identifying with Him means following Him and following Him means loosing your life.

Loosing your life here on earth means saving your life for eternity.

Do not be ashamed

Doing those first three things is going to be hard.

It is going to mean making difficult decisions and hard calls. It is going to mean being different from those around you in noticeable ways.

It is going to mean speaking up for what is right and standing alone when everyone around you is choosing to do wrong.

We can not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. We must be willing to show our love for God with our life.

Living in ways that people can see. Walking in ways that shout, "I'm a follower of Christ!"

Now, you may think, "I'm an adult. I don't deal with this anymore." or "This sounds like something that they preach in youth group."

Well, what are you teaching YOUR kids?

Are you living in a way that shows THEM how to be identified with Christ?

Are you setting boundaries and standards for your family that show those around you that your family is different?

This is so heavy on my heart right now because we are in the midst of this with our girls.

Teaching them to stand alone.

To do what is right.

To be identified with Christ in noticeable ways.

And it is so hard. So difficult.

But so incredibly important.

Book Review: The Christmas Singing

2011-10-18T08:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I took some time to just read a book.

A comfy, cozy, girl book.

I received The Christmas Singing in the mail from Blogging for Books and grabbed some coffee to dig right in.

From the book description:

"After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?
Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration."

I always enjoy Cindy Woodsmall's books and this was no exception.

Her characters were loveable, real and perfect for this story.

Although this story takes place at Christmas, you could read it anytime of the year and learn from the characters mistakes, joys and struggles.

The Christmas Singing is a quick page turner and one of those stories that leaves you smiling.

The ending is precious and full of hope.

I love books with a restoration theme and this story fits that perfectly.

Going to Him

2011-10-17T16:39:00.000-04:00

We are slowly moving out of the fit-throwing stage.

finally

My girls know that throwing a fit will get them nowhere.

We have taught them from a very young age to use their words. to talk instead of whine. to ask for help instead of act in anger.

Well, the other night, Abby decided to throw a huge fit.

kicking. screaming. angry words. hitting her bed.

yeah. that kind of fit.

She knew it was wrong and she did it anyway. She was mad and she acted on it.

After some discipline and talking, she had calmed down.

But then she started crying. Tears and shaking kind of crying.

"What is wrong, Abby? It's all over. You don't have to cry again."

"But Mommy... I feel so bad. I feel sorry!"

"Honey, we already talked about it. It's over."

"But I want to talk to God!"

With that she began to pray... in her small 5 year old voice she cried out to Him for forgiveness.

Her words were simple and at times, they didn't make sense. But to her, this prayer was everything.

She needed to make it right with God. Because she knew that her sin separated her from Him.

"God, I wish that you would forgive me. I feel so sorry. I don't want to do that again. I wish I won't do that again...."

Her prayer was sweet and right.

I was one proud Mom.

She did something wrong, she made it right with her family and then she made it right with God.

I tucked her in to bed and turned off the light.

The next afternoon she crawled up on my lap.

"Mommy, I have to tell you something."

"What, baby?"

"You know when I wished that God would forgive me?"

"You mean last night when you prayed about your fit?"

"Yeah. When you turned off the light, I heard God's angels singing to me that God loves me and that He forgives me."

She hopped off my lap and went on her way.

I was beyond blessed.

It was one of those God moments that you pray for, that you long to see come to pass in your child's life.

I want her to know He is real and that He hears her cries.

He did that. He revealed himself to her and she will never forget that moment.

What can we learn from her sweet story?

We can cry out to Him. When we have sin that separates us from Him, we can run to Him. We can pray and make things right, knowing that He hears us and He loves us.

Have you made things right with God lately?

Being Different

2011-10-11T15:27:00.000-04:00

There are times in our walk with Christ that we are called to be different.

Times when we are going to be set apart from those around us.

It isn't going to be fun.

It isn't going to be easy.

But, it is the right thing to do.

Times when we have to say, "No, I haven't seen that show." or "I've never heard of that singer." or "Yeah, that isn't something that our family participates in."

I know if those are hard things for me to say or do, they are going to be hard things for my kids to say or do as well.

"But, Mommy, everyone around me is doing it!"

"All my friends watch that show."

"They are allowed to do that!"

When my children speak those phrases, I have an opportunity to encourage them in the Lord. To push them to run the race with perseverance. To challenge them to walk close to the Lord no matter the cost. To remind them that Jesus himself said that we would face struggle for aligning ourselves with His name.

I have to set the example of "Hey, it's ok to be different from the world. In fact, we SHOULD be different from the world."

Why?

Because when people see a difference in us, it gives us an opportunity to share the gospel.

When those around us see that we are different, they will want to know why. They will ask questions.

We will get to be a light for Jesus.

If we did everything like the people around us... listened to the same music, watched the same shows, celebrated the same holidays, talked the same way, lived the same way... we wouldn't be different.

They wouldn't know we were set apart.

They wouldn't see a light.

Choosing to be different means being different enough for people to notice.

Choosing to be different says, "God you can use me in this way. I want to be set apart to serve you. I want to be a light in a dark world."

I don't want to live like the world around me.

I want to be holy, as You are Holy.

I'm not talking about perfection or walking around judging everyone.

Not that at all.

I'm talking about making a clear decision to learn the word, apply the word and obey the word.

Even if it is counter-culture. Even if it is harsh. Even if it is lonely.

There is strength, power and encouragement in God's Word for Christians to live lives set apart for the Glory of God.

I want to raise my girls in a way that builds a foundation of strength for them to make godly decisions in an ungodly world.

I want their sensitivity to evil to be heightened. I want them to sense God's presence and His blessing when they choose Him over sin. I want them to follow the Spirit's leading, to be light in the dark, to be obedient even if they stand alone.

Are you willing to be different?

Harsh Words

2011-10-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

I was recently reading in Matthew 23 as I studied for my Sunday School lesson.

I am teaching from the book Not A Fan and this was the focus chapter for the week.

Matthew 23 is one of the last sermons Jesus preached while on this earth. He was speaking specifically to the Sanhedrin, a group of men made up of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They were the religious leaders of the day.

And Jesus was preaching right at them.

You know how sometimes you feel like a sermon was just for you or it spoke directly to your situation?

Yeah, Jesus was doing that. Only it was about as direct as Jesus could get. Jesus knew the hearts of the people he was preaching to. He knew their faults, their character flaws and their spiritual weaknesses. He didn't hold back. He spoke to what he saw in their hearts.

Can you imagine sitting in a room and allowing Jesus to preach directly at YOU, knowing he can see into your secret places?

Wow.

This chapter in scripture is called The Seven Woes.

Seven major issues Jesus saw in the religious leaders.

These issues were big, they were harsh and they were real.

Jesus called them out.

Jesus used words like "hypocrites", "son of hell", "blind guides", "fools", "greed and self-indulgence", "white-washed tombs", "unclean", "full of wickedness", "snakes", "brood of vipers", and murderers.

Again. wow. This was serious business.

Why does Jesus use such harsh words here? Why does he call them out in this way?

He wants them to wake up and see what he sees inside of them. He doesn't want them to continue in their fallen ways. He wants them to see that they are dirty on the inside even though they spend hours a day being clean on the outside. He wants them to realize that they are allowing the people to walk in the bondage of guilt, pushing laws on them and rules on them without really teaching why the laws were important. They were all about laws and they refused to love. They saw faults in everyone else but couldn't see the faults in themselves.

So many contradictions and misconceptions were being taught and forced upon the people by the Sanhedrin and Jesus was telling them as clearly as he could that this was wrong. They were wrong.

The religious leaders were good at pretending to be righteous when really their hearts were far from God, rebellious and unrepentant.

A dangerous place to be.

Playing church. Pretending goodness. Saying the right things. Doing the right things. Forgetting love. forgiveness. hope. and redemption. Grace.

But what I really love about this chapter is that although it is incredibly harsh and forces us to look at the inside of our hearts, it is also so characteristically our loving God.

Loving? really? Where in all of that harsh preaching do you see love?

First, we have to understand Jesus' motivation for speaking so directly.

1. He loved the Sanhedrin. They needed to hear the truth and Jesus was one man who could deliver it to them.

2. He loved the people. The Sanhedrin was leading them down a lifestyle of religion instead of relationship. He wanted the Sanhedrin to stop misrepresenting the law and it's purpose in the lives of God's people.

Next. we have to look at the end of this chapter.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."

Read that again. Now picture a hen and her chicks. So loving, soft, protective, right, safe. Exactly what God longs to be to us.

He mourns over the fact the his people continuously reject his loving advances and they choose to take the hard road every time.

He would rather act in love! He is love.

And because love is such an incredible piece of who He is to us, it is out of His love that He will act on our behalf, even harshly, to get our attention.

Don't forget to look for His love. Choose relationship over religion. Learn from God's Word and apply it to your life. Ask God to speak directly to you and show you a clear picture of your heart.

Walking With God

2011-09-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

I shared some of my journey last night with the women at our church. I talked about what God taught me and is teaching me, using this specific lesson about walking with God right where He has me.

Thought I'd repost it today...

Original Post:

I am still reading "Walking with God on the Road you Never Wanted to Travel" by Mark Atteberry.

The chapter starts with this portion of scripture.

Numbers 9:17-23 says, "17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. 22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses."

Is that not powerful? A people following the exact command of God? Moving when He says move and waiting when He says wait. They were obedient to God, following His leading and direction.

They knew where they were going, they knew the point of destination. They could have skipped ahead and said, "That cloud isn't going to keep me here in the wilderness. I'm done with this! Let's go to the Promised Land. Let's go now!"

And, if they had done that, it would have resulted in complete failure. God would not have been with them. God had something to accomplish in them during their time in the dessert. Hurrying ahead of God would have been disastrous.

"Satan can use your sense of urgency against you." - Mark Atteberry

Wow. Read that again. How often do we feel a sense of urgency? In our "do it now, have it now" society, we are often hurrying ahead full blast and seem to forget seeking God, waiting for Him and His direction. When we have a struggle or a pain or an obstacle in our path, our first thought is usually immediate deliverance. I am not saying that we shouldn't go to God and ask for His help, we definitely should! That is part of being His child! But, God isn't always going to answer immediately by delivering us completely. He might be in the midst of doing something great in us through the trial.

Don't be tempted to take short cuts and move ahead of where God has you right now.

Why?

1. Reflect on the benefits of slowing down. Wait. Be patient. Think it through and Seek God. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength"

2. Remember what you have been called to do. Micah 6:8 says, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Walk with God! Not run ahead, walk WITH Him.

3. Reject the counsel of people who urge you to hurry up. Isaiah 30:18 says, "Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Sometimes God takes time for a reason. Sometimes we remain in our current circumstance for a purpose. Whether for us or for those watching us walk this road, we can't skip ahead of what God wants to DO THROUGH the circumstance. He is working in us, through us and in those around us.

There isn't always something wrong with us if God chooses to answer us with the word "wait". He can do so much in that time of waiting on Him. We are blessed when we choose to obey by waiting, by walking with Him.

Mark Atteberry ends the chapter like this.

"Starting today, the pressure's off. You can relax. Take a deep breath and simply walk with the God who loves you! Go at God's pace."

There are things that I am waiting on. Things I want God to do TODAY.

But, the pressure's off. I'm choosing to go at God's pace and wait on Him. These things will happen in His time, not mine and I will rejoice in the process.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

**originally posted April 25, 2010

Book Review: Mercy Comes Morning

2011-08-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

I just reviewed Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren.

From the back of the book, "Krista Mueller is in a good place. She’s got a successful career as a professor of history; she’s respected and well-liked; and she lives hundreds of miles from her hometown and the distant mother she could never please. It’s been more than a decade since Alzheimer’s disease first claimed Charlotte Mueller’s mind, but Krista has dutifully kept her mother in a first-class nursing home.

Now Charlotte is dying of heart failure and, surprised by her own emotions, Krista rushes to Taos, New Mexico, to sit at her estranged mother’s side as she slips away. Battling feelings of loss, abandonment, and relief, Krista is also unsettled by her proximity to Dane McConnell, director of the nursing home—and, once upon a time, her first love. Dane’s kind and gentle spirit—and a surprising discovery about her mother—make Krista wonder if she can at last close the distance between her and her mother … and open the part of her heart she thought was lost forever."

The description of the book, though, does little to really describe the emotion and lesson of this book.

I love Lisa Tawn Bergren's books and this story reminded me why I enjoy her writings so much.

Her characters are real and deep. She doesn't sugarcoat the rough spots of life and the trials that we all face.

She speaks of God's love and His tender mercies through all of life's situations.

The story of Krista and her mom is all of those things. I nearly wept at the end as I thought about all of the people in my life who I shared moments with, people who I may not ever see again, friends or family who may not yet know Christ, people who I may have left something unsaid or undone... Krista gets a moment with her mom at the end of this book to share forgiveness and apologies and love.

But, we may not always get that moment.

We need to be willing and ready to allow God to heal our hearts and help us offer forgiveness to those in our lives who may have hurt us or wronged us in some way.

We must not allow pride or hurt or anger keep us from reconciling with the people around us.

This book is one that will cause you to pray, seek God and think about His great mercy.

Proverbs 1 - Enticement

2011-08-01T08:39:00.000-04:00

Everything about our culture is made to entice.

Advertisements, commercials, store displays, window signs, posters, catalogs... they are all meant to entice us.

We are enticed by these things which tell us what to watch, what to read, what to do, what to say and how to act.

If effects us and it effects our families.

Unfortunately, in our culture, so much of these enticements are wrong. They are full of sinful pleasures and wrong desires and hurtful practices.

They all lead us down a very dangerous road.

Proverbs 1 talks about the enticement of sin.

"My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, "Come along with us..." My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush in to sin..." Proverbs 1:10-11, 15-16

God's wisdom warns us against the sinful path. When sin entices, do not follow it.

You see, we each have a nature in us that wants to go down the sinful path. We are all tempted to sin.

All. of. us.

But James 1:14-16 tells us, "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged way and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers."

The path of sin is clearly pointed out in scripture and the warnings are clear against it.

Don't allow the enticement of sin to take root in your heart. Look away, turn away, say no and take God's path for your life.

"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:30

What God Sees

2011-07-14T08:47:00.000-04:00

I had my eyes opened this week.

God lovingly and patiently showed me a sweet picture of how He sees me as His daughter.

We had a storm come through our town last Monday. The storm was scary. Lots of wind, hail, rain, thunder and lightening.

We woke up the next morning to see our tree broken and fallen on our house.

My girls don't get afraid of storms and they usually sleep pretty well even through the loud noises but my middle daughter, Annalise, gets nervous.

Even the next morning, Annalise was still acting nervous.

She gets nervous when anything changes or she senses trouble or she feels the tiniest bit scared. If we are in a new situation or seeing something different, she gets nervous.

She doesn't have the words to say, "Mommy, I'm nervous." But, her actions tell me she is nervous without her using any words at all.

... to read the rest of this post, join me at Seeds of Faith today!

Attributes of God - Omnipresent

2011-06-15T21:28:00.000-04:00

We serve an omnipresent God. What does that tell us about God?

The omnipresence of God tells us that He is everywhere at the same time.

He is always present. For everyone. Everywhere.

Proverbs 15:3 says, "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

He sees it all. He is always watching over the people of the earth.

One of my very favorite Psalms is Psalm 121. This is a Psalm of Ascent.

Psalm 121 begins by saying, "He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber."

Then, it ends with a comforting promise from our omnipresent God. Psalm 121:7-8 says, "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

He sees our coming and going. He sees our life, the good and the bad. He is ever watchful of us.

Our God is a seeing God. He is alive and present in our midst. Every day, every hour of our life.

There are moments where we can't sense Him with us. We don't understand what is happening in our lives and we don't see His hand at work. Those moments take faith. The faith to trust that God is still there even when we can't see Him.

But, there are other moments when we sense His presence so completely. Moments that make us want to get on our knees in worship of Him.

I had one of those moments a few weeks ago.

We were on one of our long bike rides to the park. We were prepared. I had packed water and snacks. The girls had sun screen on. They each wore a helmet and good shoes. Their bike tires were aired up and everything was double checked. As their parents, we try to make these potentially dangerous activities as safe as we possibly can.

I hadn't been on the route we were taking before. I didn't know where we were going or what was ahead. We stick to back roads or trails as much as possible but this time, because of the park we were going to, we had to be on a main road for part of our ride. Jeremy was in front with Elayna and I was riding behind with Annalise. She was a bike's length ahead of me. I looked up to see that the grass had ended and the sidewalk dropped off at the road. No safe grass between my 6 year old on her bike and the passing cars.

I watched horrified as she swerved in her innocent little 6 year old way within inches of the edge of the sidewalk. A car rushed past just as she corrected herself and got a safe distance from the edge. My heart was in my stomach and I felt sick. I almost watched my daughter being hit by a car. There was nothing I could have done, no way I could have helped her. I didn't have time to yell at her to get away from the road. No preparing her for the danger ahead. The tiny portion without grass was over in less than 5 seconds but in those 5 seconds, we almost faced a terrible, terrible accident.

When that car flew past and we once again entered the safety of grass-padded sidewalk, I felt the wind from that car.

The wind rushed over my face and I knew, then and there, that God was in this place. He was RIGHT there guiding Annalise, keeping her precious body from harm. He saw what was coming and He acted on our behalf. He saved her life and saved my eyes from horror. In that moment, God was SO REAL I could touch Him.

There was a deep acknowledgement in my soul that He was present with us on that bike ride. I thanked Him over and over during the remainder of our ride.

He sees things we can't see and His presence is real whether we can sense Him or not.

Jacob had a moment like this when he fell asleep and had the dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. When he woke up from his dream he said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it."

That is how I felt on the road that day. Surely the Lord was in that place at that moment before I was even aware of the danger.

Our God is omnipresent. He is everywhere at the same time for all of us. He never sleeps. He never rests. He is always available to us. We can trust Him to be present whether we feel Him or not.

Attributes of God - Omnipotent

2011-06-14T15:47:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favorite words about God.

Our God is omnipotent. What a big, powerful word!

Omnipotent – almighty or infinite power, having very great or unlimited authority and power

This attribute of God tells us that there is no end to God’s power. He had all power and is all power.

We see God’s omnipotence from the very beginning of the Bible. Creation is an act of His ultimate power.

God spoke and the world came into being. God breathed and dirt took a breath. God said it. It happened. He powerfully made something out of nothing.

All through the Bible we see acts of His creative power displayed for us.

In Genesis 18:14, we have the story where an angel comes to Abraham and Sarah to tell them that they are going to have a baby. Sarah actually laughs. After everything she knew to be true about God, she laughed. The angel turns and says, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”

What an incredible question! Of course, NOTHING is too difficult for the Lord!

The angel's clear and convicting response challenges us to ask the same question to ourselves whenever we are facing an impossible situation.

When we face the impossible, we should turn to God. Psalm 62:2 says “From the ends of the Earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”

When our heart grows faint and we see impossibilities all around, we need to call out to the Rock that is higher, the Rock that is our refuge, our protector against the problem.

Why?

The most powerful Most High God is on our side.

He is on our side and we can trust Him with our situation. He is omnipotent. All powerful. He longs to use that power for our benefit.

Later in God's Word, in Matthew 14:13, the disciples presented Jesus with an impossible situation. They saw 5000 hungry men and their families and told Jesus to send them away to find food. But Jesus had a different plan. He gave the disciples a task. He told them to feed the people.

What did the disciples do? They offered Jesus what they had - a small lunch.

Then Jesus, in His mighty power, finished the task for the disciples. He took what they willingly offered and made it into enough. More than enough. He completed the task in abundance.

He displayed His power using the disciples' impossible situation.

Jeremiah 32:17, 27 says it like this. “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you…" The Lord responds, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

We need to grasp the fact that NOTHING is too hard for our omnipotent God.

So often, He gives us a task or life presents us with a situation and we run because it seems too hard. But God calls us to obey, to run to Him for the answers.

We can depend on God, no matter what is happening in our lives.

Pray Philippians 4:13 daily, in the face of opposition and struggle.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Ask yourself "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"

No. Nothing.

We CAN do everything BECAUSE of HIS omnipotence.

Attributes of God - Omniscient

2011-06-13T14:45:00.001-04:00

In week 2 of our study, we are looking at the Omniscience, Omnipotence and Omnipresence of God.

These are three of my favorite words. They describe so fully what we can not even begin to understand about our big God!

How can these words describe something that we can't understand? That is just how BIG God is to us.

For today though, we are only going to look at the first one.

The attribute of omniscience.

Omniscient - having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness or understanding; perceiving all things; ALL-wise and ALL-knowing

The first 6 verses of Psalm 139 share with us God's all-wise and all-knowing character.

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

He has already searched us and he knows us. He knows when we go, what we think, what we do and what we say. We can't even begin to fully understand what this means nor can we comprehend a being who can fully know everything about us.

There never will be a moment when we are beyond His comprehension.

Psalm 147:5 says, "His understanding has no limit." and Isaiah 40:28 says, "His understanding no one can fathom."

The Bible is filled with details of God’s knowledge.

He knows the number and names of all the stars (Psalm 147:4)

He knows every sparrow (Matthew 10:29)

He knows every bird of the mountains and every wild beast in the fields (Psalm 50:11)

He knows us and everything about us. (Psalm 139:13)

There are no secrets with God (Psalm 44:21)

He knows what is to come (John 16:13)

He knows everything by the very essence of His being. He knows these things without mistakes or without being taught. (Romans 11:33-34)

He sees what man cannot see, the heart (I Samuel 16:7)

He sees us from the moment of conception (Jeremiah 1:5)

He sees us before we see Him (John 1:48)

He knows what we do before we do it (Luke 22:24)

This list is small in comparison to what God's word tells us about our omniscient God.

God has perfect knowledge of everything - past, present, future - nothing lies outside His scope.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by this knowledge, we can take comfort in the fact that God knows us that well. We can rest in the knowledge that He knows all things.

When David wrote Psalm 139, he started the passage by telling God that he knew God had already searched his heart. David knew God already knew the details of his heart.

But even with that understanding, David still ends that passage with these two verses.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Even though David knew God searches us regardless of our willingness, David includes this prayer because he wants to tell God that he IS willing to be searched.

In fact, David WANTS to be searched by God. He wants God to test him, to reveal anything offensive in him and to show him the right way.

David trusted enough to willingly open his heart to his omniscient God.

Will you willing to open your heart to God?

Book Review: A Vision of Lucy

2011-06-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

I just read "A Vision of Lucy" by Margaret Brownley.

This is book 3 in a cute and enjoyable series about the little town of Rocky Creek.

Margaret Brownley has developed some funny, quirky characters for this series and it has been fun to read about their growth from book to book.

I love a book that can make me laugh, cry and think deeply about a topic.

The topic of this book is forgiveness.

"Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.

Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he’ll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has—as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.

God’s arms are around this unlikely couple as they discover the truth about long-held assumptions and the importance of forgiveness."

This book was very powerful in its description of what is possible when people forgive. How one horrible act can effect so many people lives for a long time if it is left undealt with or unforgiven.

I truly enjoyed this last book in the Rocky Creek series! I know you will love all 3!

Listen to Him

2011-06-09T13:45:00.000-04:00

Before Easter, I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew.

I have read through the Gospels before but I love how each time we read through God's Word, He shows us something NEW!

I was in Matthew 17 which tells us about Jesus bringing Peter, James and John up on a high mountain. This chapter is called "The Transfiguration" because we see Jesus transformed. His glory shines through, his face shines like the sun and his clothes became white like light. Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah while Peter, James and John stand and watch.

Now, Peter had a great idea. He was so excited about what he was seeing that he said, "Hey, I'll build a shelter for everyone! This is such a great place to be!"

The fact that he wanted to build a shelter tells us that Peter and his friends were expecting to stay awhile in the presence of Jesus and Moses and Elijah. They were thrilled with what they saw and wanted it to last.

But, while Peter was still sharing his idea, a voice spoke from the clouds.

The voice of God the Father spoke familiar words. Words that we heard when Jesus was being baptised by John the Baptist. But this time, God adds 3 words.

These 3 words had previously gone unnoticed, but when I was reading Matthew 17 this time, they jumped right off the page at me.

When God speaks in the clouds he says, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. LISTEN TO HIM!"

Did you realized those words were there?

God is telling us to listen to Jesus! God is giving authority from heaven to Jesus on Earth. God is validating Jesus' ministry and His position as the Son of God.

In those simple words, we are challenged to not just hear the words of Jesus but to listen to them with our heart and obey with our actions.

You see, Jesus IS the Word. He is the Word living in flesh among us.

John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."

Then in verse 14 John says, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Peter, James and John saw the glory of God that day. An experience on a mountain top that they assumed would be a long trip, became a short moment of seeing Jesus in all His heavenly glory as they heard the voice of God admonish them to listen to what Jesus has to say. He is the Son of God and speaks with all authority.

Are you listening to Him today?

The Attributes of God: Week 1

2011-06-08T08:58:00.001-04:00

I was studying for my licensing test and I saw the term "Attributes of God". Now, on a basic level, I know what that means. But in digging deeper, I realized that this term is vast in its meaning and multi-level in its description.

Attribute (n) – qualities belonging to someone or something, an inherent characteristic, an object closely associated with a person or thing, an object used for identification

Attribute (v) – to regard as resulting from a specified cause; consider as caused by something indicated

Looking long and hard at those definitions really widens the scope of what we can call an attribute of God or what we can attribute to Him.

There are two categories of the Attributes of God:

Natural – inward to Himself – Who HE IS

Ex: Omniscient, Immutable, Transcendent, Infinite, Self-Existent

Moral – outward to His Creation – Who He is TO US

Ex: Righteous, Loving, Just, Wise, Faithful, Holy, Wrathful

There is SO much to learn about God and who He is to us.

We need to be challenged each day to get into the Word of God and learn more about Him. He has given us a complete picture in His Word. We have the tool we need to know Him intimately and personally.

So, you might ask, why do we need to know the Attributes of God?

I love how Charles Spurgeon puts it.

“The word, the character, and the actions of God should be evermore before our eyes; we should learn, consider, and reverence them. Men forget what they do not wish to remember, but the excellent attributes of the Most High are objects of the believer's affectionate and delighted admiration. We should keep the image of God so constantly before us that we become in our measure conformed unto it. This inner love to the right must be the main spring of Christian integrity in our public walk. The fountain must be filled with love to holiness and then the streams which issue from it will be pure and gracious."

We need to know our God. When we choose not to know our God or ignore what we know to be true about God, we can be influenced by an ungodly culture.

Daniel 11 tells us that in the last days, that is what will happen.

There will come someone who will speak what is false and those who aren't living for God, those who don't KNOW Him, will be fooled.

Daniel 11:32 “With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”

You see, when that person comes, the people will already be living in violation of the covenant because they didn’t know God. They won't KNOW Him well enough to sense what is true and what is false.

What an important reminder to exist in a close relationship with God.

Another important reminder comes from Moses in Exodus 33. Moses was walking an incredible journey with God. A man who grew up as an Egyptian, who didn't know Hebrew like he should have, a man who had murdered and had even married into a foreign culture... this was the man God asked to lead His people. And, Moses did so with a humble heart knowing he wasn't the strongest speaker or the smartest Hebrew or the most righteous of the people. He knew he NEEDED to KNOW God before he could finish this enormous task.

In Exodus 33:13 Moses prays, “Teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favor with you.”

He knew that the key to finding favor with God, to living in right relationship with God, was to know God more and more. To learn His ways and discover how to know Him personally.

Later in verse 18 he says, “Now, show me your glory!”

Moses wanted all of God that he could get! He wanted the most of what God gives. He saw the value in knowing God.

God showed Him His glory so Moses could know Him. And, He has given us His Son Jesus, in the flesh, living as a man, still fully God. We have the Word and the testimony of those who saw the Living Word walk among them.

We can see Him in the Word, all of the Word. Every book of the Bible speaks to His glory and shows us an attribute of who He is.

Micah 6:8 says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

He has shown us, by His own example, what is good and how to walk with Him. To be able to walk humbly with Him, we need to know who He is. When we see the full picture of who He is, it will effect the way we live and think and speak.

Who is our God?

Who are we committing to live for?

Who do we seek?

Amos 5:4-6 says, “This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel:

“Seek me and live;
do not seek Bethel,
do not go to Gilgal,
do not journey to Beersheba.
For Gilgal will surely go into exile,
and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.”
Seek the LORD and live,
or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire;
it will devour,
and Bethel will have no one to quench it.”

Do you see it? We need to seek Him, nothing else. We can't live by anything or anyone else.

We must know our God personally to live eternally.

In knowing Him, we can become more like Him and know Him when we see Him. We won't be fooled by the false things of this world.

Micah 4:5 says, “They can walk in their gods, But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God.”

What does it mean to walk in His name?

We must look to Jesus.

Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

We do not want to grow weary and lose heart like the people in Daniel 11:32. They broke covenant with God, violated the covenant by failing to know God more. We must look to Jesus and consider Him each day. Setting His example before us, studying the attibutes of who He is so we can walk humbly with Him.

Study hard, His attributes are vast and deep and great. We will dive into the Natural Attributes next week. This will be a 13 week study. Study with me?

I'll leave you with this song that is a perfect reminder that the greatness of our God can be seen in every book of the Bible.

Book Review: The Promise of an Angel

2011-05-23T12:50:00.000-04:00

I wasn't sure I would like this book. I didn't know how angels would work in an Amish book but I was pleasantly surprised.

It held my attention and the story was fulfilling. The characters show real human doubt when it comes to spiritual things or moments when God works outside the box of how we think He should work.

The story and the characters really made me think about how I would react if someone claimed to have seen an angel or heard from God in that way.

The critical part of me knows that I would doubt but there is also a part of me that would hope to have the faith to believe that God can work in whatever way He chooses to work in our lives.

It was encouraging to see this Amish community's faith built because of the testimony of this one family who experienced tragedy, heartbreak and healing.

I'm sure you will enjoy this story by Ruth Reid.

*I was sent this book to review by booksneeze

Book Review: Lillies in Moonlight

2011-05-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

I really loved reading this book! The main character, Lilly, has an excitement for life that is contagious. She is fun, carefree and independant. But she is missing one thing... love. The true kind of love that can only come from God.

Her story is amazing and I loved how the author brought her to a place where she knew she needed God. Nothing else in this life can fill the void in our hearts but the love of our heavenly father.

Another character in the book is a man who was burned in the war. Cullen doesn't have the same zest for living that he sees in Lilly. He realizes that although he knows God and prays to Him, God wants him to enjoy living!

As the two character find healing that God brings, their stories become one.

This is a fun read and includes some great life lessons!

I was sent this book to review by the Blogging for Books program.

Book Review: Too Rich for a Bride

2011-04-25T13:06:00.000-04:00

This book was sent to me to review by the Blogging for Books program through Waterbrook Press.

This is book 2 of a series so I had to visit the library to get book 1.

I had a hard time getting into these books. I didn't feel that the characters were well developed and the story was very simple and easy to guess.

But, the message of this series is clear... forgiveness, hope, learning to love and trust God for the future.

Too Rich for a Bride is about Ida Sinclair who joins her 2 sisters in Cripple Creek, Colorado. She had a job and is fighting to be successful in a place where women do not normally hold jobs in business.

"With a head more suited to bookkeeping than a bridal veil, Ida's dreams include big business - not beaus."

This was a very easy read and again, was almost too simple for me to get excited about reading more. Although I did enjoy the biblical message woven into both of these stories.

Red Letters

2011-04-22T18:03:00.000-04:00

There is love in the red letters
There is truth in the red letters
There is hope for the hopeless
Peace and forgiveness
There is life in the red letters
In the red letters

Blog Review: How to Be God's Little Princess

2011-04-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

This book is super cute from the moment you see the cover.

Having 3 girls who are all in princess mode right now, I was excited to see what Sheila Walsh has to say to my girls about being God's Princesses!

In this book, she talks about dressing like a princess, dining with royal success, being media wise, becoming a perfectly polite princess, how a princess sports a good attitude and the last chapter, my favorite, knowing when you need an inner beauty makeover.

Such great topics for girls!

I want my girls to know how to be godly princesses on the outside AND on the inside.

This book also includes fun crafts, quizzes and other activities to help young princesses blossom into beautiful women of God.

I know this book will be a resource to me and to my girls in the coming years!

I Want to see Jesus

2011-04-19T09:05:00.000-04:00

He died for MY sin.

My mistakes.
My bad decisions.
My failures.

again and again His forgiveness is there.

so real.
so free.
so given.

The Beatitudes: A Prayer

2011-04-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3-12

"Lord, help me to be a person who lives according to the Beatitudes. Someone who recognizes You in my life. Help my heart breaks for the things that break Your heart. Help me to be humble and submissive to Your plan for my life. I want to have an intense desire for more of You in my life. Let me hunger and thirst for You. Help me to be a person who shows mercy to those who have sinned against me and to those who are hurting just as You have shown me mercy. Let my heart be pure before You, let it beat like Yours. Help me to live as I have been set free from the bondage of sin. Thank you, that I have been reconciled to You and can live in peace with You. Help me to be a catalyst who helps others find that same supernatural peace. I know that Your Word is never changing. Help me to stand for You no matter what. That I will be able to rejoice in the face of suffering, knowing that You are with me and that You are worthy of it all."

Our God Thinks of Everything...

2011-04-06T15:52:00.002-04:00

In Jentezen Franklin's book about Fasting, he talks about how fasting is an incredibly important and powerful spiritual discipline that many of us overlook.

In the past year and a half, God has been really moving in my life in the area of fasting.

Which is miraculous, because God starting dealing with my heart about my diet and how I found comfort in food, refusing to obey His call to fast, way before I got sick and was put on a gluten free diet.

God is so faithful. Had I not been obedient to read Jentezen Franklin's book, go on a fast or experience the freedom of a Daniel Fast, the transition to gluten free eating would have been much, much harder.

A testimony to our ever thoughtful God...

I've learned that fasting isn't optional.

Jentezen Franklin shares from a passage in Matthew 6 which details three duties of every Christian. These things are giving, praying and fasting. Jesus said, "When you give..." and "When you pray..." and "When you fast..." He didn't say IF you fast, he said WHEN you fast. He expected we would be fasting as we are giving and praying. We should be giving as much attention to fasting as we do to giving and praying.

Amazing...

Jentezen Franklin says, "When giving, praying and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken."

Then he asks a question, "Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast?"

God, in His creative thoughtfulness, came up with a spiritual discipline that benefits us!

It doesn't just benefit us spiritually, which is truly the point, but when we fast for God, it benefits us physically, mentally and relationally.

How?

Fasting breaks through unhealthy habits and brings the focus back to God and His Word in ALL areas of life.

God knew what He was doing when He called us to fast.

All we need to do is obey.

Book Review: Reggie

2011-04-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

"You can't change your past, but you can change your future."

This quote is on the front cover of the book.

Such an incredible truth. Our pasts do not define us. God can redeem it all and do something amazing with our lives!

This book is about Reggie Dabbs. He is an inspirational speaker, telling his story to millions of people around the world and this time, he wrote it all down.

"Reggie Dabbs's life changed when in the second grade he realized his parents were not his real parents, and that his birth was the result of a twenty-dollar deal his sixteen year old unwed mother made to secure the food she needed for her three other children. Interwoven with humorous and thought-provoking anecdotes and illustrations, as well as stories from the Bible and his travels around the world, this is the true, chronological story of Reggie and his message for students and adults alike that they are powerless to change their past, but they possess a unique potential to change their future." - book description from Amazon

I have heard Reggie speak and he is an amazing teacher of the word as he shares what God has done in his life to help the next generation. God is working in this man's life and it was a privilege to read his story!

Book Review: Mine is the Night

2011-04-04T17:02:00.000-04:00

I just read Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

I loved this book!

"Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland."

I love books that mirror Bible stories and this is one that kept me reading! I stayed up way too late each night.

This book really shows how God can take the events that happen in our lives, use them for our good and redeem the past to create a beautiful future for us. God is faithful!

Romans 16 - Final Greetings and Warnings

2011-03-31T09:26:00.000-04:00

Today, on our last day of this Romans study, we are looking at Romans 16.

In this chapter, Paul gives final greetings to different people in the church.

But, then he ends the chapter with warnings.

Important warnings that we need to still heed today.

Romans 16:17-19 says, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil."

Wow, three very important points.

Be careful and watch out for people who, with smooth talk and flattery, deceive you with things that are contrary to what you know the word of God says to us! How do you do make sure you are ready? KNOW the word of God! Study it, apply it and live it. Then you will be prepared to pick out those who are leading you astray from the truth of the Bible.
Be wise about what is good... Again... Know the word! Find your wisdom in God! Choose what is good and healthy and clean for your life. Be wise in these things. Be familiar with these things!
Be innocent about what is evil... Avoid foolishly exposing yourself to things that are not of God. Satan will use these opportunities to tempt you and trouble you. We don't need to be exposed to all things and know everything about sin or evil things. We do not need to "educate" our children about evil things so that they can learn to "cope" in this world. In fact, we should be doing everything in our power to keep our children and ourselves as innocent as possible from the things of the world. We are responsible for what goes into their minds and our minds.

So, as we end our study, ask yourself these questions.

Are you on guard and in the word to protect yourself from being lead down an ungodly path?

Are you becoming wise in things that are GOOD?

Are you protecting your children and yourself from evil so that you can remain innocent of it?

Such important questions to ask ourselves in the world we live.

Thank you for following along on this Romans Journey with myself and Christina!

I plan to take a few days off from writing here but then start back up next week as I walk through a 21 day fast with our church and focus on the book Made to Crave. Not sure what I'll post each day, but I plan to use this blog as a way to keep myself accountable in this next journey!

Romans 15 - A Missionary Heart

2011-03-30T15:43:00.000-04:00

In Romans 15:14-33 we see Paul's heart.

Paul has the heart of a missionary.

He wants ALL the world to hear about the Good News of Christ.

He didn't want to keep preaching it where it had already been preached.

Paul wanted to preach to those who were as of yet completely unreached!

He wanted to go where the gospel had not gone.

"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known..." Romans 15:20

He was devoting his life to that end.

Traveling, preaching, writing, telling all in the midst of being beaten, imprisoned, mocked and questioned.

Remember, the early church was convinced that Jesus was coming back for them in their lifetime! They didn't expect to have very long to tell people about Christ.

They felt and urgency to spread the Truth.

We still know that He is coming soon. He may even come in OUR lifetimes!

Knowing that He is coming, do we still feel that urgency today? Or, have we lost the feeling of being convinced of His coming and become slow in our efforts to reach the lost? Do we feel the passion to go where the gospel has not yet been preached? Whether through prayer, money or actually going ourselves?

Do we have a missionary heart like Paul?

Now, you can sit back and say, "Well, no. I don't because I'm called to other things."

And that is good!

But, as Christians, as the body of Christ, we can not forget that the Great Commission was spoken to EVERYONE!

In Mark 16:15 Jesus says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

We are ALL called to GO. No matter what our occupation, place of service or season in life, we are ALL called to obey the Great Commission.

To have a missionary heart like Paul.

Romans 15 - Encouragement

2011-03-29T08:29:00.000-04:00

After talking about some pretty harsh things for the past few chapters, Paul brings it all back together in Romans 15.

He is reminding the people that they worship the same God. They can put their differences aside and worship together with one heart and one mouth. Jew and Gentile alike.

Not only can they worship together, but he admonishes them to accept each other just as Christ accepted them.

At this point in the chapter, Paul starts quoting the Old Testament books. Psalms, Deuteronomy, Isaiah... Showing them that it was God's plan for them to come together and worship as one.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

What a beautiful verse!

He is our God of hope and He promises to fill us with His supernatural joy and peace when we trust fully in Him. He will not only fill us, but He will pour even more in our lives, fill us to overflowing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What an encouragment to all believers. We all can worship together as one and experience the blessings of God when we put our trust in Him.

Romans 14 - A Stumbling Block

2011-03-28T08:06:00.001-04:00

The end of Romans 14 is SO good!

Yesterday, we talked about not judging others because we will all stand before God one day.

Today, I want to deal with the more personal side of the topic of judging.

There are great truths wrapped up in these small verses. Verses that are often misread and misused.

Paul is not okaying sin here.

This passage is talking about debatable issues like if it was ok to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols or if they should continue to celebrate certain Jewish holidays. Paul is NOT talking about things that effect our mind and our bodies. Things that are morally questionable, activities and behaviors, are clearly spoken to as sin throughout the Bible. Certain forms of entertainment, obscene language, sexually suggestive media... those things do not go in and out of the body like food. They remain in our minds and hearts, effecting our judgment, our thoughts and our actions.

In Romans 14, Paul is clarifying where our true focus should be. Paul gets gut level on this one. He does not mince words or soften the truth. He puts it all out there.

The Romans were so concerned about trivial matters like what foods people were eating and what special days people were recognizing. They were wrapped up in proving others wrong instead of remembering that they should be more focused on getting their own lives right with God. They should be more concerned about how their personal relationship with God is impacting those around them.

"The law of Christian love will cause a person to abstain from anything that might lead others into sin or harm." - firebible

To get his point across Paul says, "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way."

Stop trying to prove whether or not it is ok to eat certain things or celebrate certain days. You should be more focused on how YOU are acting! Is what you are doing causing your brother to stumble? Are you hindering the gospel by arguing about trivial things? Are you engaging in something just to show you are right, even at the cost of your brother's walk with God?

Paul goes farther and says, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall."

In our world, where sin is prevalent and available everywhere we go, we must be even more careful with our conduct. The risk of influencing another Christian to fall by our own actions is too high, the cost too great.

Take that idea even farther by considering the non-Christians in our lives. How can we be different or set apart for Christ if we are engaging in the things everyone is doing? If they are able to justify their ungodly behaviors by the things we participate in or allow in our own lives, is that not causing them to continue to stumble? When our lives should be lights that lead them out of sin and guide them to the cross?

Romans 14:17-18 tells us this, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men."

The Romans were missing the point of what it means to live for Christ. They were concerned with debatable issues and Paul was encouraging them to put that all aside and live for God. To live in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14 - We will all stand

2011-03-27T07:38:00.000-04:00

So far in Romans, we have looked at the saving power of Jesus, the free gift of salvation to all who believe, the unbelievable reality of God's grace and mercy to us and our status as children of God. We have also talked about why we should live for God and how we should live for God. Paul spoke directly to sin in our lives and called us to wake up because Jesus is coming soon!

Today, in our study, Paul encourages the Roman church in another way.

Romans 14 is all about judging each other. Looking down on our fellow believers for debatable things. Criticising or putting down those in Christ who may not believe exactly like you or feel as strongly as you about a certain issue. Christians should not argue over these things!

Paul wants to make sure that the Roman church knows that they need to stop doing this because in the end, we all will stand before God. Who are we to judge each other? Only God is our judge. Only He sees the hearts of men.

Romans 14:4 says, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Then verse 7 says, "For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone." and the end of verse 10 says, "For we will all stand before God's judgment seat."

Then even more powerfully, Paul says, "It is written: As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God."

We will all stand in account for our lives before God one day. We will all see Him face to face.

This isn't to say that we can't see fruit in each other's lives or see the heart of people through their actions. But it is not our place to judge their eternity.

That is God's job... His place in the life of His servant.

Romans 13 - The Day is Near

2011-03-26T17:17:00.001-04:00

Romans 13 is, once again, full of things we can do to live a life for Christ.

And, again, they are very practical things:

Do not have outstanding debt - be wise with your money!
Love one another -

demonstrated in both positive ways (things we should do) and negative ways (things we should not do)
the "do not" commandments are for the safety of ourselves and for the safety of others. refrain from doing them out of love for your brothers and sisters in Christ

Behave decently - stay completetly away from drunkeness, sexual sin, debauchery, dissension and jealousy

I love Romans 13:11 because it reminds us that our time here on earth is short! We do not have all the time in the world to let go of sin and embrace living for God!

When we stand before God, what will we say? How will we answer for our time on this earth?

It says, "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here..."

We need to wake up! This idea of spiritually waking up from our lives as they are and asking God to help us be more aware of His presence is where I got the name for My Awake Journey. I have been in this journey of waking up since Elayna was born in 2003. Learning God's Word, hiding it in my heart, studying the Bible like never before, asking God to take my relationship with Him to a more passionate and real level... waking up to who I should be in Christ! Knowing what I believe, being able to speak out about what I believe, believing that the power of the Holy Spirit will help make me more like Christ. That God's Word and Living for Him is so much more than a list of "do's" and "don'ts"!! There is complete freedom is choosing God's way over the sinful ways of this world. Saying no to sin is a good thing and God is faithful to encourage us along the way! God cares so much more about our heart being awake to Him than He does to outward acts that mean nothing to us.

The attitude of the heart and the acts that people see in our lives should match up out of our deep love and true devotion for God.

How do we do that?

Romans 13:14 says, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

We need to stop focusing on and living in our sinful ways. Stop justifying and making excuses for refusing to make positive, right choices. Decide today to clothe yourself with Christ. Give God permission to start working in your heart!

My bible notes say it like this. "We must be so united and identified with Christ that we imitate his example as our pattern for living. This means that we adopt his values and principles, obey his commands and become like him. This calls for a complete rejection of immoral behavior and the acts of the sinful nature. Christians must demonstrate outwardly the spiritual changes that have taken place inwardly."

Why? Because the day of His return is coming near... will you be ready?

Romans 13 - Practical Living

2011-03-25T08:04:00.000-04:00

Romans 13 is a very practical chapter in scripture.

Some of the very basic things in our lives are controlled, moderated, supported and driven by the country in which we live. Leaders all around us, in all areas of life, are making decisions that effect the who, what, when, where and why of how we live.

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul hit on that very subject.

Paul says in verse 7, "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Basically, God commands us as Christians to respect and honor those around us and especially those above us. God knows that order protects us and keeps us from doing wrong. Order depends on those involved being obedient and submitting to those trying to keep order. In most parts of our world, order is built in the form of government.

We must be willing to submit.

Even when government officials are handling themselves in an ungodly manner, we are still called to handle ourselves with grace and respect.

Paul was a prime example of this during his many encounters with the law, courts, rulers and governments.

We may not agree, but to the best of our earthly ability, we need to obey the laws of the land in which we live.

We do have options when we do disagree with authority. The main option is prayer. I Timothy 2:1-3 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..."

When I think of this idea of submission to authority, I think of David.

I Samuel 24 tells us that Saul, in the midst of chasing down David to kill him, goes into a cave to go to the bathroom. David, being in the cave and seeing Saul, slips in and cuts off a piece of Saul's robe.

Now, David had the opportunity to kill Saul right there. But he wouldn't have done that and so, just to let Saul know that he hadn't been alone in that cave, David takes out his knife and takes off a corner of Saul's robe. A warning, maybe. A way to get Saul's attention... whatever his reasoning, David quickly realizes that what he did was wrong.

The Bible says that, "Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.”

He could have stood back and said something like, "Well, I could have killed him or hurt him but I didn't. I didn't do anything wrong." No, instead of justifying his actions towards Saul, he allowed the Holy Spirit to convict him of this small act against the King of Israel, God's chosen one.

How often do we get bad attitudes or have wrong thoughts about those in authority over us? Do our actions ever reflect those thoughts? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to convict and correct those thoughts and actions? Are you praying for those in leadership over you even if they aren't the best of leaders?

Some great questions to ask ourselves from this very practical portion of Scripture!

Romans 12 - Do Not Conform

2011-03-24T09:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we talked about the "why" of living a life for God.

Today, I want to talk about the "how". The ways that Romans 12 gives us to succeed at living in a way that is pleasing to God.

Romans 12:2 gives us one of the very best and basic tips of all. It says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Wow, just that statement alone gives us so many great ways to live for God!

Let go of the WORLD! Allow God to set you free from patterns that are not of God. Walk away from the sin that so easily entangles you and seek God's pleasing and perfect will for your life.

Again, HOW do we do that?

My firebible notes say, "Instead of conforming to the world's values and lifestyles, our minds must continually be renewed and transformed to God's way of thinking. This can only happen as we spend time reading and meditating on his Word. This will allow our visions, values, behaviors and plans to be directed by God's eternal truth, rather than by the world's temporary and deceptive pattern."

Romans 12 goes on to detail areas of our life that are often conformed by the thinkings of this world. Areas that we should allow God's Word to shine a light on so that we can be a light in our world.

Breaking the pattern of conforming to the world makes us stand out for Christ. It puts the spotlight on us and gives us an opportunity to be set apart from the world. It opens the doors for people to say, "You are different. Why? How?"

So, what are some conforming areas that are dealt with in this chapter?

pride - verse 3 - thinking more of yourself than you ought to
knowing who we are in Christ - verse 4 - remembering that we do not all have the same function in the body of Christ
different gifts - verse 6-8 - use your talents for God, serve God with excellence in whatever your individual giftings are and do it with a good attitude

Now, I could list the rest of the chapter in bullet points but I want you to read the rest as it is in scripture...

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:9-21

Amazing... so many "how's" packed into those short verses.

I want to challenge you. Break apart those verses. Get a notebook and make a list of the many things Paul points out. Where are you conforming? Are there areas that you ignore? Is there an attitude or an action that you know has been shaped by the pattern of this world and not by the truth of God's Word?

Choose one thing to work on today! Allow God to help you stop conforming and be willing to stand up and be set apart for Him.

Romans 12 - Do It All In His Name

2011-03-23T08:45:00.000-04:00

Romans 12 is one of my favorite chapters in all of scripture and it is my favorite chapter in all of Romans.

Why?

Because it teaches us how to live as God desires us to live. It gives us a guideline for how we should act out of our love for the God who saved us from sin.

I am taking a class right now on the Prison Epistles and I'm learning a lot about the letters written by Paul to the churches of that day.

You see, Christians believed that Christ's return would happen at any moment. They expected Him to come back within their lifetime. There was no need for teachings about how they should be living because they didn't expect to be here living for very long! They fully believed that He was coming back very soon!

And, we know that He is coming soon, but for the early church, the fact that He hadn't returned yet was causing some trouble for them.

They needed instruction on how to keep the faith, on how to persevere in their faith, on how to treat those in the faith and how to treat those who were still unbelieving.

They needed guidance to live their lives while waiting for the return of Christ.

And, so do we. The epistles written by Paul and this chapter in Romans along with many other places in God's Word, give us some of that direction and guidance.

The book that I'm reading for my class makes a very important point when we talk about these guidelines for living. It says, "Rather than a directory of rules, Paul leaves an important principle with his readers: Everything they do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (NIBC, Patzia)

That sounds like something we should ALL keep in the front of our minds as we go about our days.

Romans 12:1 tell us, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

When we view how we live, how we relate to others, how we act when no one is looking, how we blog, how we text, how we... you fill in the blank, we have to remember this basic principle from scripture to do it ALL for the Lord.

Romans 12 reminds us that by doing that, by using our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, it is a spiritual act of worship to our heavenly Father.

Are you doing it all in His Name?

Book Review: The Bridge of Peace

2011-03-22T11:02:00.001-04:00

I recently read "The Bridge of Peace" by Cindy Woodsmall.

I enjoyed this book and the message it portrays.

"Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching." - from the back of the book

She has not let her birthmark stop her from being who she knows that God has called her to be.

What a wonderful message for all women. We may not have a birthmark on our face but we all have imperfections on the outside that we would wish away if we could. Many of us also have inward challenges... things from our past or hurts from a job or family struggles that might keep us from moving forward in what God has for us. The message of this book is clear: Let God use YOU! and allow Him to help you work through both inward and outward "marks".

Now, I was a little confused at the start of this book because I didn't realize that I was jumping in on book 2 of a series. There were characters that I didn't know and history that I needed to fully understand this book. So, I wish I would have read book 1 first!

But, after I got into the book, I was able to enjoy the story and finally felt like I knew the characters.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for sending me this book to review!

Romans 11 - Doxology

2011-03-22T08:51:00.000-04:00

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen."

Romans 11:33-36

I love these 4 verses!

What an incredible declaration about our God!

What an incredible description of our God!

The word that Paul uses for these verses is the word "doxology". This word comes from two Greek words. Doxa which means "glory or praise" and legein which means "to speak".

In other words, these verses speak of the glory of God.

Read these verses again as you speak of His glory!

Romans 11 - Grafted In

2011-03-21T07:54:00.000-04:00

Romans 11 gives us a picture of the nation of Israel as an olive tree.

We have this nation of people that God has chosen. A nation that God has cherished, protected, accepted, and, at times rejected, mourned over, rejoiced over, guided, set free and loved.

This nation of people who have been some of the most persecuted people in history. Rulers, countries, races and religions have tried to wipe them off the earth and yet, there is not a time in history that goes unmarked by the Jewish people.

A remnant always survives.

God always protects his people.

His blessing is on them.

He will bring them out victorious every time.

But, in the moment that this nation should have recognized and accepted their Savior, King Jesus, they failed to see Him for who He really was. They did not believe that He was who He said He was.

They remained in unbelief.

So, God made salvation available to the Gentiles.

In this picture of the olive tree, the unbelieving branches of the Jewish people were cut off and the believing Gentile people were grafted in!

God connected the two people groups making them one nation, one tree, one body before Him.

This amazing picture also comes with a warning.

Yes, we can be grafted in to the family of God but Paul warns us that we can also be cut off from the family of God.

If God cut off parts of the original tree for their unbelief, doesn't it make sense that He would be just as able to cut off the grafted branches just the same?

Romans 11:21 says, "For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either."

Paul goes on with that warning by saying, "Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off."

What does that mean?

It means that the terrible possibility exists that God will cut off:

those who do not continue in kindness and character of Christ
those who reject God's ways and conform to the patterns and practices and beliefs of this world

How do we remain a part of the tree?

We must stay true to our faith, holding up the standards of God's word and being willing to be set apart for the things of God.

We must make every effort to stay faithful to God's Word, not allowing our standards and thoughts to be shaped by the culture around us.

Through God's grace and mercy, we stay in right relationship with God.

And, the hope in this is that God has a place for those branches that have been cut off should they come back into a believing relationship with God!

Remember, God loves the Jewish people and He has a plan for them as His children.

Romans 11:23-24 "And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!"

God has plans to graft back in the remnants of Israel, as well as all people, who come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Just as God has plans to graft in all who come to believe on the name of Jesus to be saved from their sin.

Such a merciful picture of our just and faithful God!

Romans 10 - Tell Them

2011-03-20T08:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we talked about having a burden for the lost. Praying Romans 10:1 for someone that God has placed on your heart.

Today, we read about how Paul was challenging the Roman people to have a burden for the lost.

He asks them, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"

Good questions!

How?

Paul even goes so far to say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

There is beauty in bringing the news of the gospel to those around us.
We need to go! We need to be active and willing to share the gospel with the lost. We need to allow God to use our feet to carry His word to people.

Everywhere. Here AND around the world.

We all have a part in the spread of the gospel across the entire world. So that ALL can hear and know about the gift of salvation.

Romans 10 - My Heart's Desire

2011-03-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

Romans 10 is all about God's plan of salvation.

Not just about our own salvation, but loving people enough to care about their salvation.

Christina blogged about this thought in her first Romans 9 post. Paul showed in the beginning of Romans 9 his great love for the lost.

Paul shows his love for the lost again in the very first verse of Romans 10.

He says, "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved."

He cared SO much that the Israelites continued to believe that they could earn their righteousness through obedience to the law. They were not getting that it is through faith in Christ that they could be truly saved! And it is breaking Paul's heart because it is breaking God's heart.

Paul's heart's desire was to see the lost saved. His prayer to God was to see the lost saved. In fact, Paul was giving his life to see the lost saved.

He tells the Romans in this letter that "if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord." AND believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be SAVED!"

He goes on to say, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

He wants the Israelite people and the Gentile people to know that there is no difference between them to God. Romans 10:13 says, "for EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Everyone.

God did not make it difficult to be saved. Everyone can be saved.

Paul felt the burden to tell them. To bring the good news to all people.

Romans 10:1 was Paul's heart. His heart was for the Israelites.

What is your heart? Who has God laid on your heart to seek Him for their salvation?

Do you feel burdened?

If you were writing Romans 10:1, whose name would you insert?

"My heart's desire and prayer to God for ____________________ is that they may be saved."

Romans 9 - What if?

2011-03-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

In the end of Romans 9, Paul speaks directly to some of the questions circulating in the christian church at that time.

Questions like "Who does God have mercy on?" and "Why does it seem like God shows patience to some and not to others?" and "How can Gentiles be saved?" and "What part does the law play in righteousness?"

It all basically boils down to one answer from Paul in Romans 9:20-21.

Paul says, "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?"

He goes on to say, "What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?"

In other words, Paul is saying we are the clay, He is the potter. We don't have the right to tell God what to do and question why He does it. What if God does do these things? He is GOD!
God is sovereign. He has the ultimate power to do as He chooses. He will use certain people for specific purposes and others for other purposes. He doesn't have to answer to anyone.

And, when you know the God we serve, this is easy to accept.

We serve a God who holds to the highest moral principle.

We serve a God who is just.

We serve a God who is merciful.

We serve a God who loves us.

We serve a God who is holy.

We serve a God who is not faulted with human reasoning but is fully equipped with all wisdom.

We serve a God who is compassionate towards His people.

We serve a God who sees the big picture through all generations.

We do not have to fear our God.

What if He does do some things that we don't understand? We can trust His heart and His hand to guide us, lead us and direct us in His perfect will for our lives.

Romans 9 - A Purpose

2011-03-17T08:45:00.001-04:00

The beginning of Romans 9 is somewhat difficult to understand.

Paul, in anguish over those who have not yet accepted Christ, explains that God will have mercy on whom He chooses. We are all children of God and we all can claim the promises of God.

God's merciful purpose is for all to repent and choose Him.

Using the lives of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau and even Pharoah, Paul reminds us that God will achieve His purpose in the lives of His people.

Romans 9:16 says, "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."

My bible notes write it like this, "He has purposed and chose to have mercy on all people. But it is up to people how they will respond to God's love and mercy."

You see, God has a purpose for all of us. He has a reason for our being, a plan at work in us.

Like God said to Pharoah, "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

I believe that He says that to all of us.

He raised each of us up for a purpose.

He longs to display His power in us so that His name can be glorified in all the earth.

What a merciful, wonderful God who would choose to use us in His great plan!

But, we must submit to the process and plan that He has for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 promises us His plan will be good.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

He has our good in mind! We can trust His plan and allow Him to fulfill His merciful purpose in us.

Romans 8 - Promises

2011-03-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

We serve such an amazing God!

The end of Romans 8 is full of incredible promises from Him to us as believers.

He is going to work ALL THINGS for good for those who love Him. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God promises to bring good from difficulties, troubles, persecutions and sufferings. He will use all of it for His glory when we submit our lives and our hearts to Him.
Jesus is interceding for us. "Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Jesus has taken his rightful place of honor and authority with his father in heaven. We can be sure that he is continually interceding for us according to God's will for our lives.
We are more than conquerrors through Christ. "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Jesus already won the victory for us. The victory over sin and death and the grave. We will triumph because He is with us.
Nothing can separate us from God's love. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing. No one. God's love is always there, always available, always saving us. Now, we can choose to walk away from His love but His love never changes. He love is a promise we have as followers of Christ.

What wonderful promises we have as children of God!

He offers to bring good from all things, to intercede for us before the Father in heaven, to allow us to be victorious with Him, and to never let anything separate us from His love.

I'm so thankful...

Romans 8 - Mind Set

2011-03-15T07:38:00.000-04:00

There is so much in Romans 8 but I want to write about verse 5.

"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

This is a principle that I am still learning. A character trait that God is still growing in my heart.

Keeping my mind on Him.

It is so easy to be distracted by stress, pride, struggles, disappointments, hurts, failures, busyness...

Life is distracting. Sin is distracting. Satan is all about keeping our eyes focused on ANYTHING but God.

One of my favorite verses in scripture is found in 2 Corinthians 4:18. It says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The things of this life WILL pass away! Only the things of God are lasting. Only He is eternal.

When I take my eyes off of Jesus, I will sink in the cares of this world. Life becomes overwhelming.

But, when our eyes are on Him, when our mind is set on what God desires, all things are possible!

We have hope when our eyes are on Him.

And, the world thinks we are crazy. Why do we think about things that aren't seen? How can we believe in a God we can't see or touch?

Mercy Me has a song called "Crazy" and it talks about this same thought.

My favorite lyric in the song says, "It would be crazy to choose this world over eternity."

Yes, it would be crazy to set our minds on what we desire, on what this world has to offer, on what is temporary. Crazy to choose what we see now over the eternity that God has planned for us.

Keeping our minds set on God will help us walk this life in the Spirit with eternity always in view.

Romans 7 - Thanks be to God!

2011-03-14T08:20:00.001-04:00

The second half of Romans 7 is called "Struggling with Sin."

Paul is describing a human's natural tendancy towards sin. Even when we want to do what is good and know what is good, we often do the opposite. He talks about the right and wrong war that goes on inside of us. How it is a loosing battle.

Paul's words here can be confusing and there are a few different interpretations of what Paul was trying to say through this chapter.

I don't think that Paul continued to battle with sin in this way at this point in his ministry or that he still felt that he was a prisoner to sin. I tend to see Paul in this chapter talking about his time before his moment with God on the road to Damascas, how he felt in his life before he gave his life to Christ.

You see, in Acts 26, Paul said "according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee."

He lived as a Pharisee before he was saved! Adhering to every law, every practice, every religious activity. He was in the strictest sect of his day!

He felt this "right and wrong" battle going on all the time. At that time in his life, he still believed that obedience to the law bought him righteousness and, he was willing to persecute anyone who felt otherwise.

But, on the road to Damascas, he realized that there was so much more to living a life for God.

Trying to live by the law in your own power is exhausting and hopeless. Paul was feeling all of that as a Pharisee.

In Romans 7:21-23 he says, "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?"

Our bodies know that they will never win the battle against sin. Nothing can be done in our own strength to rescue us.

But, in this chapter, Paul wants the Roman church to know that there is HOPE!

In verse 24, he says, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Can't you just hear him proclaiming that to the people? Or see how he would have written it all in capital letters and underlined it for good measure!

He was FREE! And, he wanted to share his freedom in Christ.

Through God we can be set FREE! We don't have to try to obey the law in our own strength and try to earn righteousness. Jesus did that for us on the cross! We can give our lives to God and obey the law with His help out of our love for Him. Not living hopelessly on our own, but victoriously with Christ.

Yes, Thanks be to God!

Romans 7 - Bear Fruit

2011-03-13T07:15:00.000-04:00

Romans 7:4 "So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God."

So far in our Romans study, we have talked and read a lot about being dead to sin. How the law sheds light on sin. How we must choose to live in the knowledge of being set free from all sin.

Why?

The answer is found in Romans 7.

"... in order that we might bear fruit TO God."

Not just FOR God, but TO God.

We must offer our lives and the fruit we can bear TO Him as a sacrifice.

Because of what He did on the cross for us, we can now live in freedom from sin. With that freedom, we can live lives that are pleasing TO God.

The freedom that we have in Christ leads us to obey God not out of duty or so that others can see, but out of true love and gratitude for what He has done for us.

So, we can bear fruit TO God.

Romans 6 - Slaves

2011-03-12T21:27:00.001-05:00

The second half of Romans 6 talks about the two choices we have in life.

Live as a slave to sin which results in death

Live as a slave to righteousness which results in eternal life

I love Romans 6:21-23. "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Think back to a time when you were choosing sin. Whether you have been saved your whole life like me or you gave your life to Christ at a later time... was there a moment when you were living in a way that was in direct disobedience to God? I'm sure there is... we all have been caught in a season of one sin or another.

Now that you look back to that time, do you see any lasting benefit to what took place?

Was that sin worth the cost?

No... in fact the cost is too great.

But, when you choose to live as a slave to righteousness, living in obedience to God, the benefits are incredible!

There is no comparison between the results of sin and the benefits of serving God.

My moment of choice came at the end of my senior year of high school. I could follow God's path for my life or make choices based on what the people around me were saying and doing.

I'm so thankful that the Holy Spirit breathed a warning into my heart like only He can do and saved me from making the wrong choice. I'm thankful that my heart was tender and sensitive enough to hear His quiet words of wisdom and direction. I knew it was my moment to decide who I would serve. I was at the fork in the road and my God so lovingly saved me.

The song that God used in that moment of my life to speak to my heart was "This is the Air I Breathe"

In the form of a question... "Am I the air you breathe? Am I your daily bread?"

Can you answer that question? Have you answered that question? Is your heart sensitive enough to the Spirit's voice to hear His quiet direction?

Romans 6 - Freed from Sin

2011-03-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

Oh, this is a good chapter!

Romans 6 will take away any excuse you have for still hanging on to any willful sin in your life.

We have NO excuse to remain in sin. As believers, we have been set free by Jesus' death on the cross. We died with Him to sin. It has no place in our lives.

What is sin?

transgression or wrongdoing or offense against God
selfishness - pursuing our own interests over God's
hostility against God
disobedience to God's Word
moral corruption - taking pleasure in evil

That is what we died to. That is what we choose to die to daily.

Romans 6:6-7 says, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin."

We have been set free from that kind of sin!

With the power of Christ in us, we can daily overcome sin. We can have victory over every area of sin in our lives.

I wish you could see this chapter in my Bible. I have underlined verses, written in the margins, and read it over and over. What peace to know that with God, we can have victory!

ALL areas of sin. Not just the easy ones to overcome but ALL areas of sin. We have been set free through the power of God.

Sin that we ignore. Sin that we don't even realize is sin until someone or the Holy Spirit points it out. Sin that we have tried to let go of but find ourselves in once again. Sin that ensnares us through physical or mental addiction. Sin that we write off as "That's just how I am" or "That won't ever change". ALL sin can be overcome through Christ at work in us.

My firebible notes say it like this. "From this point on, followers of Christ must not allow their old form of existence and their old way of doing things to dominate their lives and bodies... they can experience a NEW LIFE as God intended... If you are a true follower of Christ, you have died to sin... But in order to experience ongoing victory over sin, you must consider yourself dead to sin not only in principle but also in practice."

Did you catch that last part?

We can't just preach it and teach it, we must practice it!

How do we practice being dead to sin?

When something is dead, it is DEAD and GONE! It has no life, no power. We must choose to let it go and not pick it back up again. Don't put yourself in a position to be where that sin can be found. We must work on developing godly disciplines in our lives daily by reading the Bible, going to church, praying and interacting with godly friends. We must live like that sin is DEAD!

Romans 6:11-14 reminds us that sin is no longer our master. It says, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

Count yourself ALIVE in Christ! Sin does not rule you anymore. God does! Offer yourself as an instrument for His glory and just watch how God will help you overcome those persistant areas of willful sin in your heart.

Ask God to show you your excuses today for sin in your life. With Christ, those excuses have no power over you.

We have been freed from sin!

Romans 5 - An Incredible Demonstration

2011-03-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

There is a very well known verse in Romans 5.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

A perfect demonstration of love.

demonstration - the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, something serving as proof or supporting evidence

To a people undeserving.

He proved His love, gave solid proof of it's existance, and became the supporting evidence that He would give His life for us.

Sinners, still in their sin, mocking Him at the foot of the cross, misunderstanding Him in generations past and rejecting Him for generations to come.

But, He did it anyway.

The most incredible demonstration of love this world has ever known.

The only demonstration of love we could ever need.

He died for an imperfect people.

He died to bring right relationship between Himself and us.

Amazing.

Enjoying these moments with you...

2011-03-10T07:56:00.000-05:00

I was right in the middle of cooking dinner.

Food out. Dishes getting dirty. Trying to set the table.

The girls were arguing in the play room about a toy, and, it being dinner time, I was getting a little tired of saying "mom" things.

The noise level in the play room was rising and so was my heart rate.

Jeremy came around the corner of the kitchen, took me in his arms and said the sweetest thing I could have heard at that moment.

"I love enjoying life with you."

Enjoying? Me? Right now?

Did he not hear the fiasco taking place in the play room?

..................

you can read the rest of this post over at Seeds of Faith today!

Romans 5 - Rejoice in Suffering

2011-03-09T07:46:00.001-05:00

The other morning in our homeschool lesson, we were studying Elayna's Junior Bible Quiz questions.

The question was "Why did the apostles rejoice after being beaten for preaching the gospel?"

The answer is "Because they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus' name." (Acts 5:40-42)

She stopped me and said, "What does that mean?"

Her question brought about a wonderful discussion of why we would rejoice in our suffering.

Romans 5 talks about this as well.

Why do we or should we rejoice in the face of suffering?

Verses 1 and 2 talk about rejoicing because we have been justified through faith. Verse 3 goes on to say, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings..."

why?

"because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope."

Perseverance - strength and maturity

Character - a proven character

Hope - a hope that is focused on eternity. a hope that doesn't think so but it KNOWS SO

Suffering produces a strong, confidant knowing that God will fulfill His promises to us.

Our suffering causes us to look past our pain and see God's presence in our situation and stay focused on the certainty of our relationship with Him.

Suffering produces perseverance, character and hope that might not be developed any other way. It refines and purifies and strengthens the deepest parts of our heart.

Elayna looked at me at the end of our discussion and said, "Mom, I was reading my Bible the other day and I read a verse that reminds me of this. It is Proverbs 17:3 and it says, "Fire tests silver. Heat tests gold. But the Lord tests our hearts." It's kind of like that isn't it?"

She got it. God had prepared her heart for the discussion we had that day. She understood why we can rejoice in our suffering.

Oh it isn't fun. Fire and heat never are but what they produce has an eternal value.

Romans 4 - Against all hope...

2011-03-08T07:31:00.000-05:00

I am seeing this chapter with new eyes.

Romans 4 reminds us of an incredibly old story, a story from the very beginning of the Bible in the book of Genesis.

Abraham and Sarah

They had a promise from God. The promise of a son. Of a nation of people that would come from that son.

They were old. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90. That is old! Too old to have children and too old to even imagine beginning a family that would produce untold numbers of offspring.

But, they held a promise from God deep in their hearts.

Romans 4:18 tells us that "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed..." He believed against all odds. Right in the face of the hard facts of life. In spite of his circumstances, Abraham had HOPE.

Even though they were old, in verses 20-21, we see that Abraham "did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."

Read that verse again!

Abraham

did NOT waver (verse 19 says, "without weakening of his faith)
was strengthened in his faith
gave glory to God
was fully persuaded that God was powerful enough to fulfill His promise

Because of his faith, God delivered. He came through and gave them a son.

They had a son named Isaac through whom a nation was born.

Amazing...

In God's own way and timing, He fulfilled his promise to Abraham.

What are you going through right now that requires that kind of hope in the face of all the odds against you? What has God promised that you are still waiting to see Him fulfill? What prayers are yet unanswered? What dreams are yet unrealized? What time is still unredeemed? What hope are you still hoping for?

Can you, like Abraham say

that you will not waver
that you are being strengthened in your faith
that you are giving glory to God
that you are fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised to do

Against all hope, remember that Abraham hoped. Against all hope, remember that God is faithful and He always fulfills His word.

Romans 4 - Blessed

2011-03-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

Today I want to look at Romans 4:7-8.

"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

I love these two verses because of the wording.

BLESSED

How blessed we are to have our sins forgiven by God!

In these verses, Paul is quoting King David. David first wrote these words in Psalm 32.

Both Paul and David wanted to get across the message that we are blessed to be forgiven. When we sincerely repent to God for our sins, we can be counted as righteous.

Not because of anything that we have done or said but because of God's grace and mercy.

God loves us. He forgives us when we ask. No sin is too great... no transgression too impossible.

When we turn from our sin in true repentance, we can trust that God does not only forgive our sin, but He forgets our sin and He does not count our sin against us.

How blessed we are!

Romans 3 - ALL

2011-03-06T07:42:00.000-05:00

We can't do a Romans study and not talk about Romans 3:23.

It says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."

But it is the verses around that well-known phrase that help us understand Paul's reason for this passage of scripture.

Romans 3:22-26 tells us that, "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

This paints a picture for us.

Imagine man walking side by side with God. Sin enters the world. Man's communion with God is broken. Man is separated from God by sin.

God has a plan.

His Son, Jesus, will die for the sins of the world.

He will die so that the sins of man can be forgiven.

He will die so that man's relationship with God can be redeemed.

He will die an unjust death so that man can be justified by our faith.

God's plan covered all sin, over all time, in all nations across the world.

God's plan was for ALL who would believe in Him.

All have sinned. All can believe. All can be saved.

We all can be freely justified by God's loving mercy and grace.

All of us.

Romans 3 - No Fear

2011-03-05T07:34:00.000-05:00

In Romans 3, Paul establishes the fact that ALL haved sinned.

Jews and non-jews alike are in spiritual slavery to sin. Everyone.

Paul describes our sinful nature in Romans 3:10-18. He says, there is no one righteous, not even one. We are all guilty and deserve the penalty of death. We all tend to conform to the ways of this world and are prone to selfishness.

But one phrase stood out to me from those verses.

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

No fear of God...

What is that? What is fear of God? Why should we fear God?

To fear God means "to have an intense awe and reverence, which keeps us aware of our accountability to the Almighty God." (firebible)

Read that again and let the meaning sink into your heart.

Why does sin continue? Why do people go through their lives in sin? Why does the sinful nature seem so free in our society today?

There is no fear of God. No true, deep, real respect for or accountability to the Almighty God.

Proverbs 16:6 says, "Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil."

When there is no fear of God, sin continues. We fail to avoid sin.

When we fear God, we allow God's Word to hold us accountable and we are more conscious of His presence in our daily lives. We avoid evil because good is at the forefront of our minds and we have true love and respect for God. We realize that His plan is greater and His ways are better. We recognize Him as Lord of our life. Our selfish plans fade in the light of what He is doing in us.

Romans 3:20 says, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."

When we have a healthy fear of God, we avoid evil and obey the law because we are more conscious of the sin in and around us.

As this thought settles in my heart, I'm reminded to daily rededicate my heart to fearing God. To living in constant acknowledgement of His presence in my life. To obedience in all areas. To greater sensitivity and consciousness of the sin in this world and my human tendancy to fall. To rededicate my mind to the study of God's Word so that I can be built up in the fear of God. I want to be what and who God has created me to be and not settle for the selfish plans of this earth.

Romans 3 is a calling to having a greater fear of God in our lives so that we will refuse to participate in or approve of sin.

Will you allow these things to settle in your heart?

Romans 2 - If you... then...

2011-03-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

In the second half of Romans 2, Paul is really getting the Roman church to think.

To think about what they say.

To think about what they do.

Verse 17 starts with a winning statement. It says, "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew..."

Paul goes on to describe many of the Jews of the day.

They felt they were superior to other people because they knew the law and because they were God's chosen ones. They were the teachers and speakers and wisemen of the day. They got to tell people what to do and how to do it. They had great spiritual responsibility in their communities. Paul's sermon in these verses displays the self-righteous attitude of many of the Jewish people.

The Jews had big words and great outward acts to show their devotion to God. But, as my firebible notes read, "For many, there was little or no connection between what they professed and what they practiced - their beliefs did not affect their behavior."

Wow. Paul saw right through their words and their actions. He saw that they didn't mean what they said in their hearts. What they knew of the law did not affect their behavior. Many of them were preaching, teaching and speaking against sins while still commiting either that same sin or other sins.

Pauls says, "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God." Romans 8:28-29

How can we apply that to our lives today?

Obviously, not all of us are pastors or pastor's wives or board members or sunday school teachers.

But, even if you don't hold that kind of leadership position in your local church, chances are you are in some form of leadership whether it is in your job or as a parent or as a friend.

We all have a sphere of influence. People who listen to us and come to us for advice or help.

Do we practice what we preach?

Do we walk the walk?

Do our kids see us going against God's Word after we just admonished them for the same thing?

Do the people in our work places know we are Christians by our words and yet they see us participate in the exact same actitivites and lifestyles as they do?

Is there is a difference in us that comes from our hearts? Is there a work being done by the Holy Spirit in our lives and DOES it affect our behavior?

Apply verses 28-29 to those circumstances. A person can't just be a Christian in words. Our world needs us to be Christians from the heart.

God has called us to be who we profess to be and He has promised to do the work on our hearts for us as we submit to His plan for our lives.

Romans 2 - God's Searchlight

2011-03-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

So far in our Romans Study, we have talked about the GOOD NEWS of salvation and the Wrath of God towards sin.

Romans 2:1-16 brings the two topics together in such a beautiful way. Paul has written about the supernatural power of salvation and about how all sin is deserving of God's wrath.

Now he brings the two together.

I can just hear Paul saying, "People, don't worry about everybody else or spend your time wondering about who is obeying the law and who is not. Please don't judge each other! Only God can do that! Focus on yourself and make sure you are right with God!"

He really wanted the Roman church to understand this point.

"So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgement?" Romans 2:3

My firebible notes for this verse state, "Before Christians attempt to influence the world to a better way of living, they must place themselves under God's searchlight so he can expose, purify and reform their lives, making them worthy examples of his life to the world."

We all will be judged by God. We have no right to judge each other.

Verses 6-8 give us Paul's simple explanation. "God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."

We need to put ourselves under the searchlight of our heavenly Father and ask him to shine His light on our hearts. What does He see? Are you allowing Him to look?

Romans 1 - The Wrath of God

2011-03-02T09:08:00.004-05:00

Did I just type that title?

Am I really going to post about the wrath of God?

Yes, I am! Why? Because yesterday, we talked about the GOOD NEWS of the gospel. The amazing truth of God's grace and mercy for us. That was Paul's purpose for writing the book of Romans.

But, to get across the point of how unbelievable and amazing and supernatural the gospel can be in our lives, we must understand that we can not save ourselves and the depth to which sin can keep us from God.

We can not do anything in our own strength to make ourselves righteous or holy in the sight of a righteous and holy God.

We are human and we would fail miserably.

We can not fully appreciate God's forgiveness until we fully appreciate the eternal consequences of ALL SIN.

We quite often hear things like, "We shouldn't try to scare people into heaven with talk of God's wrath, death, hell, fire and brimstone. Christians should be more positive, talking about God's love and His blessings! Talking about hell and sin gives Christians and God a bad name!"

In our culture, there is a fear of talking about sin because it can make us seem legalistic and judgemental.

Obviously, Paul did NOT have that same fear.

In Romans 1:18-32, he tells it like it is. He calls sin, sin. And, he does not water down the truth of God's wrath and anger towards sin.

The wrath of God can be defined as, "not a capricious, impulsive, arbitrary outburst of anger, but the settled determined response of a holy God against sin."

In other words, God's wrath isn't acted out in an angry outburst. His wrath is a part of His holiness. He can't go against WHO HE IS and He must follow through with the punishment of sin.

He does not lie. He does not change. He does not allow sin in His presence. So, willful sin in our lives will keep us from the presence of God. It is that simple. And, this chapter speaks specifically to willful sin.

Now, what is willful sin? In this chapter, Paul is talking about 2 things. 2 very important and convicting parts of willful sin.

The first is Choosing to sin -

Romans 1:21-23 "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immoral God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." Verse 25 says, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. Amen."

These verses are talking about people who choose the pleasures of this world over the truth of God. They live in immoral and disrespectful ways. They put things of this earth before the God who created them. They choose to sin. And, they know what they are doing.

Choosing to sin will bring about God's wrath and cause you to be separated from His presence.

The second part of willful sin is Approving of sin -

This one is very scary and not easy to blog about. How do we approve of sin? Of course, we would all say that we do not approve of sin.

But, do we really know what Paul meant when he made that bold statement in verse 32?

"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."

Approve means "to speak or think favorably of; or consider agreeable or good; judge favorably; confirm or sanction."

Prepare to allow God to speak through this verse. In what ways are you approving of sin? In what ways to you confirm, speak or think favorably or even sanction in your home or life? How are you "entertained" by sin even if you aren't exactly committing the sin?

I've heard it said, "Well, I am mature enough of a Christian to watch this show. I'm not going to go out and do the things they do." or "I love this music... I know it isn't God's plan for relationships but it speaks to me." or "I know this movie says God's name in vain but that isn't as bad as some swear words." or "Just because I go to that store, doesn't mean I'm buying the bad stuff." or "We just watch that or do that after the kids go to bed." or "Just because I hear swearing doesn't mean I'm going to swear." or "Just because I like this show doesn't mean I approve of homosexuality." or "Just because I hang out here doesn't mean I'm drinking with them." I could go on and on and on. With things I've said or things I've heard. I'm sure your list could grow as well.

We all make excuses for things we call "guilty pleasures" or "my one thing" or you name it.

Did you ever consider that just watching sin, even though you aren't really participating in the sin, is actually approving of that sin in the way that Paul was talking about in this chapter of Romans?

I see on twitter and facebook "Don't judge me... I'm watching my guilty pleasure. I love this show!" or "I'm going to read my guilty pleasure!"

What does that mean? WILLFUL SIN! We are choosing to either engage in or approve of SIN. By watching it, supporting it through media and television and our money and calling attention to it in our lives.

This is stuff we can not play around with. Sin is sin to God. Paul did not mince words with us.

And, we can be thankful to God for the hope and the GOOD NEWS this book brings to us! Yes, we sin! Yes, we are human and we can fail but YES! we serve a God who is bigger than our guilty pleasures! We serve a God who is loving and full of grace and mercy. He longs to meet us right where we are and love us and extend to us the mighty gift of salvation.

We do not have to be left in the sin of our own choosing. We can run to the throne of God's grace so that we never choose to experience His wrath.

Don't forget to visit Christina for her Romans post!

Romans 1 - The Good News

2011-03-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

I have to start this very first post in our Romans study with the very first few verses of Romans 1. These verses are the heartbeat behind everything Paul has to say throughout this amazing letter to the Roman church.

"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:1-7

Paul has one of the most miraculous, incredible testimonies I've ever heard. In Acts 26, Paul shares with King Agrippa about how God completely changed the direction and focus of his life with a clear and beautiful demonstration of the true Gospel. He went from persecuting and killing Christians to sharing in their faith and even leading more people into the faith of Jesus Christ.

Paul had experienced a supernatural transformation. He experienced lasting and encompassing grace and mercy and peace.

His letter to the Roman church wasn't to correct or rebuke, like some of his letters to other churches. This letter to the Romans was purely to give them teaching and direction on the truth and power of salvation through Jesus Christ. He wanted to instruct them on the reality of sin but the even greater reality that there is HOPE and GOOD NEWS available through God! He wanted to tell them about what he had personally experienced and make sure they understood what the gift of salvation means to those who believe. That supernatural transformation is available to all peoples.

John Maxwell says, "He brought the good news that, in Christ, sin can be forgiven, selfishness can be overcome, guilt can be removed, anxiety can be alleviated and people can, indeed, have hope and eternal glory."

What a powerful statement! And, we know that God can do all of those things and more!

In those first 7 verses, Paul says that he had been set apart for the Gospel of Christ, that we are called to belong to Jesus and that we too can receive grace and peace from God our Father in heaven.

Paul goes on in verse 9 to tell us that he serves God with his whole heart. Then, verse 16 shows us how deeply Paul meant that statement.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

He isn't afraid to serve God with his whole heart! He is not ashamed of the gospel in a day where merely mentioning the name of Jesus could get you arrested. He knew that the power of God is for everyone! Our God is mighty to save! Why then should we be afraid to share the GOOD NEWS! The GOOD NEWS is for everyone!

Step out and share the GOOD NEWS today!
Don't forget to visit Christina's Roman's 1 post!

Book Review: Seek Me with all your Heart

2011-02-28T16:23:00.001-05:00

"A groundbreaking series takes Amish readers where they've never gone before . . . Colorado. Emily Detweiler’s family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there.

David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Nevermind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.

Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?"

I LOVED this book. It was simple, beautiful, inspiring and a wonderfully written story of love and faith.

The stories of the main characters blend together and create a great book that I literally finished in one afternoon. I couldn't put it down. I have been waiting for a good book to read and this was it!

Thanks to Booksneeze for sending me this book to review!

Book Review: Deadly Ties

2011-02-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

I recently received this book from Blogging for Books to review.

This is from the back of the book:

"HER ENEMY WILL STOP AT NOTHING FOR CONTROL… SHE WILL RISK EVERYTHING FOR FREEDOM. A horrific crime shatters Lisa Harper’s idyllic childhood. Her father is dead and her desperate mother, Annie, quickly marries Dutch Hauk, an abusive monster who soon reveals his hatred for Lisa. To protect her, Annie defies her ruthless husband and forfeits custody to a trusted friend. Enraged, Dutch vows to keep Annie and Lisa apart—and he does. Years later, though keenly aware of Dutch’s evil intent, Lisa and her mother seize a chance to be a family, safe in a home where love dwells. But they fail to fathom how far Dutch will go to keep his vow.

Determined to control his women, Dutch proves resourceful. His associates in crime are feared at the highest levels across the globe—and for Lisa they plan a fate worse than death. Yet she too has formidable connections, including former Special Operations Officer Mark Taylor. Burdened by his own traumatic past, Mark has loved Lisa from afar. Now, for Lisa and her mother to survive, Mark must risk his life—and even more difficult for him, he must trust God. All as one question haunts them: Can Mark and Lisa untangle these deadly ties before it’s too late?"

Ah! ok... this book had my attention from page one. It is well written and full of suspense. I loved it. Not just for the great story line but also for the message of God's love that this book displays.

The two main characters have had really hard lives and it is not easy for them to believe that God really does love them. Through the book, they learn that God has been using the difficult things that happened to them to shape them and prepare them for His plan and purpose in their lives.

What a wonderful lesson for us all to remember!

A Quiet Influence

2011-02-26T20:02:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is National Women's Ministries Day for the Assemblies of God.

I saw this logo that they sent out for the promotion of the day and I loved it.

I love the verse.

"Cultivate inner beauty..."

This has been part of my journey for sure. Not just looking good or acting good and seeming good in front of other people but really cultivating what God sees on the INSIDE

"gentle, gracious..."

Motives. Thoughts. Heart Condition... all of it. Each inner part working in gentleness and graciousness.

"the kind that God delights in..."

Who am I trying to impress? Who am I aiming to please? Who's opinion matters most?

Is God delighting in the inward parts of me?

"Lord create in me a Quiet Influence... inner beauty that is gentle and gracious, the kind that You delight in..."

New March Bible Study - Romans

2011-02-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

My friend Christina @ Get Joy and I have been doing a Bible studies together for the past few years.

In March 2009 and 2010, we blogged from the book of Proverbs. Last November, we did a study on GEPC.

This year, we wanted to take on a new challenge for the month of March.

Romans

This book has 16 chapters so we plan to spend two days on each one. I'm sure we will find lots of great verses to blog about each day!

Feel free to join in with us... everyday, every few days or just once or twice! Make sure you let us know in the comments that you have joined in so we can visit your blog and read your Romans posts. Christina also made a super cute springy button for us to use for our study.

We look forward to studying God's Word with YOU this spring!

Calling in His Name

2011-02-24T19:26:00.000-05:00

Wait I know you got a broken heart

Love will meet you where you are

Yeah, you're never too far

From a miracle

Wait and call upon the only name

that's strong enough to heal your pain

You're never too late for a miracle

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

So thankful that we can call on His name.

That He hears us.

That He knows us.

That we can call on His name and know that He is going to meet us right where we are.

Come Awake!

2011-02-21T20:13:00.000-05:00

This song is so powerful...

Come awake, Christ has risen from the dead, we are one with Him again...

You can download it for free on KLOVE right now!

Book Review: Indivisible

2011-02-16T15:40:00.000-05:00

I received Indivisible from Blogging for Books.

I was excited to see a Kristen Heitzmann book in their list of books to review. I love her books. They are interesting, full of deep characters and suspence.

The backbone of this book is forgiveness. Being able to forgive others and forgive yourself. To be able to let go of the past and let God do something great in your future.

Once again, Kristen weaves her characters in such a way that keeps you guessing until the end. I'm never really sure where she is going and how she is going to get me there by the end of the book. But she always delivers a powerful story with a powerful message and this book did not disappoint me!

The two main characters have a terrible past. They have hurt others and been hurt by those closest to them. They have experienced betrayal and have betrayed. The story is about them finding their way back to God and back together. But mixed into their stories are other characters and mysteries that keep you flipping the pages.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for sending me this book to review!

Worship

2011-02-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

Psalm 13:6 "I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me."

Hillsong, Desperation, Sara Pearsons...

What is playing for you these days?

Sink Verses: Help

2011-02-04T09:07:00.001-05:00

I've been soaking in one word these past few weeks.

HELP

Where does my help come from?

Oh, we look in so many different areas for help... doctors, parents, friends, pastors, churches, programs... but, although those can be valid resources for us, God IS our help.

He is the only one who can help us in the truest sense of the word.

Help is defined as "to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need; contribute strength or means to; render assistance to; cooperate effectively with; aid; assist, save, rescue"

God is the only one who can really, fully HELP us like that!

My firebible notes say, "We must never view family, friends or wealth as our ultimate source of help in this life. That position belongs to God. He is the only complete source for meeting our needs physically and spiritually. We must trust Him with all our hearts and depend on Him for mercy and help in our times of need."

I put together a new list of Sink Verses for us all focusing on the word HELP.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies." Psalm 118:7

"In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." Psalm 18:6

"I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2

"O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." Psalm 30:2

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake." Psalm 79:9

"You who fear him, trust in the LORD— he is their help and shield." Psalm 115:11

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

He is our help. He is the place we can run. And, we can run their first. He wants to help us in every sense of the word.

Do you trust Him to be your help?

Feel free to print this list of Sink Verses and post them somewhere in your house to read and memorize each day.

Book Review: The Shelter of God's Promises

2011-02-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful book by Sheila Walsh.

I chose this book to review because I am going through a sickness that the doctors can't figure out. There is a possibility of MS hanging over these sypmtoms and I wanted to read more about the promises of God.

Because I know He promises us good things and that we can rest in the shelter of His promises.

Sheila Walsh does an amazing job choosing scriptures and Bible stories to illustrate each promise.

From the very beginning, where she describes her journey in the mountains and how God led her to a cleft in the rock in the middle of the night during a storm, I have connected with the simple and promising writing of this book.

"Sheila Walsh searches scripture for what God has promised us, what God's promises mean and how encounters with Christ are the eternal fulfillment of His unrelenting commitment to us."

I love what she says on page 12. "That's the foundation of this book (the Bible). When God makes us a promise, He can never break it."

His promises are the firm foundation we can stand on in the midst of the storms of life.

I love how each promise is clearly written and clearly described for us to understand.

God promises aren't always what we think they should be and He doesn't always fulfill his promises in the way we think He should. But, we can be sure that He will answer according to His timing, His will and His character. We can trust Him.

So, no matter what you are walking through, you can trust the promises of God to be true for your life!

No Words

2011-01-24T13:29:00.000-05:00

Sometimes there are no words.

Sometimes the problems are too big.

Sometimes the situations are too hard.

Complicated.

Hurting people, broken families, difficult sickness and disease.

Lately, I have been thinking about all the needs around me. The needs in my life, the needs of those close to me, the needs of people all around me. So many incredible needs.

I've found, that sometimes in the midst of incredible needs, I tend to back away from God instead of running towards Him.

Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a deliberate "I'm walking away!" kind of thing but more of a slow, unplanned expression of "God, I don't even know how to word these needs and you really know them anyway... so I'm just not sure what to say or what to pray..." kind of thing.

Have you ever experienced a time in your life where the needs were just that big? So big you couldn't even find the words?

The needs overwhelm yet we know God is faithful, enduring, all-knowing and ever-present. But even knowing that about our God, it is hard to pray.

When thinking about the needs around me, a small piece of a Casting Crowns song flitted through my heart.

The phrase is from Jesus, Hold Me Now and it says, "Lord, I just looked up today and realized how far away I am from where You are..."

"Oh," I prayed, "I'm so sorry, Lord. I've done that haven't I?"

In my loss for words, I often fail to run to Him. I sometimes find myself looking up just to realize how far I am from the One who can help me.

We have only ONE place to run when the needs overwhelm us. When we feel like the needs are too big for words, too great to pray, too complicated to express... still run to God. Cling to Him. Remember that He is big enough to shoulder our great needs whether we put it into words or not. He really does know them anyway but He wants to hold us and help us. We can lay the needs at His feet and trust that He is working good in each situation.

We don't have to shy away, we can run full on into His loving arms.

Even when we don't have the words...

Let God see your heart.

He Deserves...

2011-01-17T14:58:00.002-05:00

This morning in the car, I listened to this song by Natalie Grant.

"You Deserve"

And, it hit me once again how much He DOES deserve.

Natalie Grant sang the words and my heart cried out to the One who deserves it all.

How can I come bringing no more than this

You are the Lord, you're wrapped in holiness

Here I am before you now, here I am

You deserve every mountain falling

You deserve every ocean reaching

You deserve all creation crying out your worth

You deserve all of heaven singing

You deserve every nation rising

I have heard all you want is my love

How can I be the one your heart aches for

Still can't believe you say that I am yours

Here I am before you now , Here I am...

All that He deserves and He wants us in return. Our lives, Our love, Our hearts... Us.

Amazing, isn't it?

3 Important Words

2011-01-12T15:57:00.000-05:00

I recently read Mark Batterson's new book, "Soul Print".

It is in the chapter titled "Scene 1: Holy Confidence" that I found 3 very important words.

Three words that Mark Batterson actually got from someone else: Oswald Chambers. And, who knows... Oswald Chambers may have heard those words from someone who had walked before him.

Mark was reading Oswald Chamber's biography and he read these 3 words, "Let God Engineer."

Those words were freeing and life changing for Mark Batterson and they were freeing and life changing for me.

Let God Engineer.

I love just thinking about what that means. Releasing all things to God and letting Him have His way.

Mark Batterson writes on page 37, "Most of our emotional problems are symptoms of one deep-rooted spiritual problem: lack of trust in the sovereign God."

Oh, how exhausting it is to try to hold it all in place on our own! To try to orchestrate our days and schedule the timing of our lives. In doing that, we are saying to God, "I can do this. I don't need your help. Really, I can do it!"

Who? What? When? Where? is bred into us from early english lessons in elementary school. We map out, write down, organize and think through every tiny area of our jobs, our homes, our relationships... But trying to pencil in answers to everything long into adulthood creates an unhealthy sense of control. A false security in our own abilities to keep everything going on our own.

Saying, "Let God engineer!" is incredibly freeing! He is Sovereign and we must give Him control. We must submit our lives to His ultimate plan. He is worthy of our trust.

It becomes not about our own confidence but about trust in a Holy God.

Can you say those words? Can you let go and let God engineer?

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

My Favorite Bible Story

2011-01-09T09:45:00.002-05:00

Over the years, different Bible stories have meant different things to me.

My "favorite" one changes with the seasons of my life.

When I am in a season of standing up for what is right, I look to the example of Daniel.

When I am discouraged, I look to Psalms.

When I need wisdom, I go to Proverbs.

When I'm facing a challenge, I look to David.

When I feel unable to do what God is asking of me, I look to Jeremiah.

When I wonder what Jesus would do, I read about His life on this earth.

I could go on and on... God's Word is alive and active and has something for absolutely everything we face in our lives.

If you have been reading this blog, you know that 2010 was a year of sickness for me. 2011 is proving to be just as challenging. No answers, no reasons, lots of guess-work.

I am praying for healing. Friends are praying for healing. Our church is praying for healing. Family is praying for healing.

So many prayers being lifted up on my behalf.

I know God answers prayer. I have sought the Lord and I know He has heard my cries for help.

But, He hasn't answered yet in the way I want Him to. Although in the waiting, I am growing, learning, and hearing Him in new ways. I am learning to pray even when the answer hasn't come. I am learning to persevere in the storm. To trust at much deeper levels.

I want the growth. I want the life lessons that happen in seasons of waiting. Seasons of trusting.

I know those are good lessons, but I also want healing. I want strength and energy to flow back through my body. I want to remember what it feels like to feel good!

And, I know my God is powerful enough to heal.

Power. That is a word that my girl's devotional book has been talking about. My God is Powerful!

The verse last night was Psalm 105:2 which says, "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

That chapter goes on to list many of the wonders and miracles that God has done for the nation of Israel.

The story that went with that memory verse is found in Joshua 10:1-15. Do you know it?

It is titled, "The Sun Stands Still". Joshua is coming to the aid of Gibeon, a city that has 5 kings coming against it. Joshua and his army march all night long to reach Gibeon. In verse 8 God says to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”

God goes on to throw the enemy into confusion and hurl down hailstones from the sky. The Bible tells us that more of the enemy died by hailstones than by sword. God was faithfully fulfilling His promise of help to Joshua.

But then we see a prayer prayed by Joshua to God before the people. A prayer that resulted in a miracle unlike anything that had happened before or since.

"Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”

He prayed for time. For sunlight to be extended so they could fight in the light of day.

Joshua 10:13 says, "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies."

God answered in a miraculous, POWERFUL and extraordinary way.

That is my favorite Bible story today. The truth from God's word that I needed to remember, praise and proclaim. My God is all powerful. He has control over the sun and the moon and everything above and beneath them. This sickness is no match for Him. With God, I will overcome.

How GREAT is our God!

Because, like the prophet Habakkuk says in chapter 3 of his book, no matter what, healing or not, sickness or health, good times or bad, I will rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in Him because He is God.

"I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

Book Review: Soul Print

2011-01-07T12:08:00.001-05:00

I received Soul Print by Mark Batterson from Blogging for Books/WaterBrookMultnomah Press.

I reviewed Mark Batterson's previous book last year. Primal was one of my top books of 2010. I actually did many posts and deeper study about Primal.

Soul Print is a book that I know will rank at the top of my 2011 books.

This book is simple, profound, deep, written well, convicting and a must read for all Christians who want to grow in their personal relationship with God.

From the outside, the book looks to have a "self-help" feel but in Mark Batterson's words, "Make no mistake, this is no self-help book. Self-help is nothing more than idolatry dressed up in a rented tuxedo. So let me be blunt: you aren't good enough or gifted enough to get where God wants you to go. Not without His help. But here's the good news: there is nothing God cannot do in you and through you if you simply yeild your life to Him. All of it. All of you."

I learned so much and felt encouraged as Mark Batterson shares his personal story through the pages of his book.

The book also has a study guide in the back of the book which is very helpful. Be sure to have a journal and a pen handy when you finish each chapter!

Mark Batterson writes a wonderful book that will help you discover your divine destiny and give you the tools to put God at the center instead of self.

Book Review: Voices of the Faithful Book 2

2011-01-07T11:09:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was able to review Voices of the Faithful Book 1 by Beth Moore. I was so excited about that book that I just had to review book 2!

Beth Moore and Kim P. Davis deliver again with a full year's worth (or if your like me, I read many more than one story at a time) of inspiring stories. Stories of courage, strength, and God-given faith from Christians serving around the world.

This is another book to have on your shelf for those moments when you need encouragement from those who have gone before you. It is a great gift book for someone in your life who loves missions, missionary stories or needs to know that God is moving around the world in the lives of the faithful!

I love that it is devotional style. The stories are short and each one has a scripture and a prayer to go with it. This book could be used in so many ways! You can read one a day or soak up many stories in one sitting.

Definitely a book that I am thankful to own! Thanks Booksneeze, for allowing me to review this amazing book.

A Kid's Song

2010-12-30T16:10:00.003-05:00

"Mommy, will you leave the door open? I am afraid of the dark."

As moms, we hear that sentence often enough. Our kids are scared of the dark and they want us to help them see light. They want to know that nothing is going to hurt them in the dark, no monsters are hiding in the closet, and the room is clear of all things that go bump in the night.

With my girls, I have been careful to not let them be afraid of the dark. I've shyed away from night lights or hall lights or "monster spray" because I want them to know that they are safe because Jesus is with them. He is the same whether it is dark or light. If they feel scared, they can pray and He will comfort them.

I'm teaching them to rely on HIS peace. Not a worldly comfort.

This morning, I was getting ready and thinking about the health problems I've been having. If I think too much about it, my mind wanders to what could be wrong, to what maybe the doctors haven't found. That what is lurking around the corner is worse than what I've already been through.

FEAR

- Cancer
- Disease
- Life-long sickness

Fear of the unknown.

As I was thinking of those things this morning, a song popped into my head.

Since we are children's pastors, I know a lot of kids songs and the song that popped into my head was a kids song.

It's called "Sometimes I Feel Afraid". A great song to sing in kids church! My favorite part of the song is about monsters in the dark. We do a fun motion with our hands and the kids always laugh.

But this morning when it popped into my head, I slowly sang the words and realized that I was like a kid who was afraid of the dark. A kid who is afraid of the monster that might be there.

The truth of these words hit me in the heart...

"Sometimes I feel afraid of things I can not see.

Of monsters in the dark who might be chasing after me.

And then, I remember there's no need to be afraid!

Because my God He is big, He's gigantic, He's enormous

He is powerful and strong, He is amazing and He's awesome

And there's nothing in this world that he couldn't pulverize!

So I know I've got nothing to fear, no! no!

So I know I've got nothing to fear."

Our God is big and strong and amazing and awesome!

Whatever is in the dark for me, He sees it.

I need to take my own advice, let go of fear and cling to HIS peace.

So, read those words slowly to yourself and let them sink into your fear! Allow God to give you His peace in whatever life situation you might find yourself in today.

Joy to the World

2010-12-21T17:46:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and JOY to the World!

Different Thoughts, Same Message

2010-12-20T13:06:00.001-05:00

I have anticipated today.

My follow up appointment with the ENT surgeon.

In my prayers leading up to this appointment, I wanted to see healing. I wanted to experience the supernatural. I wanted my "messed up" (doctor's words) ear canals to be anatomically correct. I wanted the doctor to be amazed at the power of prayer. I wanted those who have been praying to know that God still answers prayer. I wanted a verbal announcement of a healing to my ears. I wanted the surgeon to look in my ears and stand back in disbelief.

I so desperately wanted it to be over. All over. Today.

I woke up this morning still achy, tired and the same as always. While getting ready to go, I kept thinking, "But God... you still have time. Are they healed? Is this the day?"

"Increase my faith... Let YOU be seen today!"

I got to the doctor's office, waited and was called back to the room. I heard the doctor out in the hallway, "Oh, I remember her ears. Really difficult case."

He came in the room and quickly checked my ears. "They are looking okay. The tubes aren't plugged. Wow. Your ear canals are really something."

He called for a hearing test, which I passed just fine. He basically said, "Give it time and I'll see you in June."

I don't want to see you in June. My God is going to fix this because no one even knows what "it" really is and no doctor knows how to fix "it." My God does know "it" and He can fix "it".

But why didn't He fix "it" today?

Why?

I know my God is greater, stronger, higher than any other. I know I'm going to the right place. I know my prayers are being heard. I know I serve a mighty God of compassion and love.

I don't question any of those things. But, in my human mind, today seemed like a pretty good day! Let the surgeon declare that he was amazed at the healing in my ears and let me be able to say, "My God healed me!"

That didn't happen. Why? What other purpose could all of this have? What do I still need to learn? What lessons are still waiting for me to walk through?

And, you know? As I ask these questions, God is so faithful to answer.

With this RT on twitter from Rick Warren:

@RickWarren God's power in your life is determined by whether you pray in just special times or all the time. Prayerlessness limits God

Have I been limiting God? Do I only pray when I'm desperate or do I pray without ceasing like the word asks me to do?

God answered through this post on Matt Hammit's blog... a new song that he is writing. A song about grace.

The reason for our suffering

Is to help us realize

That in sickness and in death

We are helpless without Christ

And the reason for our blindness

Is for Jesus to open our eyes

Bless the Lord

This is grace, this is grace

When we walk through the dark night

This is grace, this is grace

So we wait for the sunrise

How I long for the sunrise

The one’s who are marked by suffering

Are the one’s who have found their joy

As conquerors in all these things

Struck down, but not destroyed

Bless the Lord

This is grace

I'm experiencing God's grace in this season of waiting for the sunrise. Although the sunrise seemed like it could happen today, I'll keep trusting and waiting for God's timing.

Then, I came across this post on facebook from Pastor Steven Furtick called "Strange Packaging".
The post says...

Sometimes God interprets our prayers in strange ways.

Sometimes you pray for something and God gives it to you, but the package doesn’t look like what you prayed for.

You prayed for humility. You got demoted.

You prayed for contentment in Christ. You stayed single longer than you wanted.

You prayed for the ability to love unconditionally. You married someone who was imperfect that made it possible.

You prayed for God to be enough. You were put in a bleak circumstance where He had to be.

You prayed for increased faith. You found yourself in a situation that required it.

You prayed for patience. You got in-laws.

This might tempt you to not pray for these things at all. But that would be your loss. Not your gain. I love 2 Peter 1:8. Peter tells us that if we possess qualities like those above, “they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The package might not look like you thought it would. But it’s going to help you become the person you should.

Our best prayers are often the ones that the Holy Spirit interprets, filters, and presents to God in such a way that it gives us exactly what we need even if it’s not exactly what we want (Romans 8:27). Or gives us what we want in a way that we don’t want or couldn’t have imagined.

God’s packaging is precise. He’s been at the business of answering prayers for a long time and He knows what He’s doing.

Keep praying and trust that what you get is exactly what you need and asked for. Even if you didn’t know it at the time.

All a collection of different thoughts, from different sources all with the same message.

It might not look like you think it should. It might not happen when you think it should. But God is working and doing something good while you wait. The struggles of this life have purpose and are being used by a loving God to grow us into His likeness.

As I left the doctor's office today, I was thinking of other things and went to pray for something entirely different than my ears and the terrible thought of, "Why should I pray? Does God really answer?" entered my mind.

Quickly, knowing that was a thought to take captive and not dwell on, I said to myself, "I'm going to pray anyway. My God does hear and He is in control whether I experienced healing today in the way that I thought I should or not."

I know you might not be going through a physical struggle like I am, but I know that the same message that encourages me will encourage you.

Be encouraged today!

Was He a boy like me?

2010-12-16T11:56:00.002-05:00

So precious... a new favorite Christmas song for my girls and I

Book Review: Voices of the Faithful

2010-12-14T14:37:00.002-05:00

I just received Beth Moore's Voices of the Faithful from Booksneeze.com to review.

I was really excited to get this book to review because it is a one year devotional with a focus on missions.

The cover says, "Inspiring stories of courage from Christians serving around the world."

Although you are only supposed to read one story per day, I found myself reading many at a time. The stories are encouraging, inspiring and uplifting.

"Loving the world as God does involves extreme sacrifice. It also had radical effects, demonstrated in these 366 true accounts of fellow believers from around the world." - back cover

Reading these challenging moments and extreme sacrificial stories of people living in the harsh places of world puts our life here in perspective. They are sharing their faith in those places, we can share our faith here. God can meet their needs there, He can meet our needs here.

I would encourage you to get your hands on this book. Read one a day or a few at a time. Either way, you'll be blessed!

I am Counting on God

2010-12-11T09:22:00.002-05:00

Joy unspeakable that won't go away

And just enough strength

To live for today

So I never have to worry

What tomorrow will bring

'Cause my faith is on solid rock

I am counting on God

- Desperation Band

So incredible.

Dancing in the kitchen with my little girls while cooking dinner allowing the words of this song penetrate my soul.

There little voices singing "I am counting on God!"

My faith is on SOLID Rock! And I do not have to worry about anything. I can COUNT on my God!

Who am I?

2010-12-10T13:21:00.001-05:00

I am pressing in. Praying through like never before. Waking in the night to seek Him. Spending time crying out to Him before I go to sleep. Praying throughout my day, sensing this deep need to ask for His touch in a more persistant, consistant way.

This week has been spiritually intense for me... starting on Sunday morning when I couldn't even make through my Sunday School lesson without crying.

God is doing something. I know it.

Last night, in my prayer time before bed, I just felt so unworthy. We have been praying for healing for almost 12 months.

I have been sick for 12 months. I know that may not seem like that long to some of you who have suffered for longer than I, but for me - normally very healthy - this has been a trial.

I have been sick. People have been praying. Why haven't I gotten better? Am I unworthy?

A long stretch of dependance on God in a way I wouldn't have otherwise experienced.

In that moment of prayer, I was feeling unworthy, insignificant and maybe even a little sorry for myself.

Those are feelings that, in the light of day, I can take captive and put in perspective but at night... it is different.

Night and darkness make our feelings feel stronger, deeper somehow. Have you ever experienced that?

You know the sayings, "Everything will feel better in the morning." or "The sun will come out tomorrow."

As I was praying and telling God how I felt, I saw a picture of myself as a parent. I was hearing my girls tell me that they felt unworthy of my love. In that moment, I knew what God was feeling as I prayed.

Of course, we are unworthy! We don't deserve the love of God and there is nothing we can do to make ourselves worthy. He loves us because we are HIS CHILD! Nothing on this earth can change that.

Psalm 144:3 says, "O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?"

Who are we? We are His children.

And, He cares for us and thinks of us. We are on His mind and He cares about our lives.

Psalm 145:13-21 says, "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

He is loving toward all He has made! He loves me and He is loving towards me. He is near when I call to Him and He watches over me.

I'm so thankful for that reminder today. When I feel unworthy of His love, He is right there loving me no matter what is happening in my life at that moment.

I can trust that He is righteous and faithful and has my best in mind.

My prayer, my problem, my sickness isn't too much for Him to handle.
My cries are heard and He cares about my life.

No matter what you are facing right now, however many seemingly unanswered prayers you are praying or how unworthy you feel of God's attention, be assured that He hears your prayers, He is near to you and you have His attention.

Sink Verse from the Psalms of Ascent

2010-12-07T13:57:00.000-05:00

If you are new to My Awake Journey, you might not know about Sink Verses.

I wrote this guest post for the Stay-At-Home Missionary and out of that post came what I call "Sink Verses".

Today, in processing some of what God is teaching me, I was studying the Psalms of Ascent (I wrote about them here back in September) and came up with a new list of Sink Verses from these passages of Scripture.

A list you may want to print and put by your sink, or a place you often stand in your house, a place where you can soak in God's Word to you heart and mind!

Sink Verses from the Psalms of Ascent (NIV)

"I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me." Psalm 120:1

"I life up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 124:8

"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore." Psalm 125:2

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways." Psalm 128:1

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy." Psalm 130:1-2

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul..." Psalm 131:2a

"O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore." Psalm 131:3

"May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion." Psalm 134:3

I know many of these are the cry of my heart right now. I hope they are an encouragement to you as well.

You Are the One

2010-12-06T15:32:00.002-05:00

Am I really up to the Challenge?

2010-12-05T19:13:00.000-05:00

I wrote this post last January after a time away, a time of reflection and prayer about where I have been and where I am going in my relationship with Christ.

When I wrote that post, I had no idea what the year 2010 would hold for me. I was healthy, strong, growing and thriving in those moments of prayer... But, 2010 held a different story.

It would hold repeated ear infections.

MS symptoms. Numbness in my face and on the left half of my body.

Doctors appointments.

Medications.

Surgerys.

Pain and struggle.

A walk down the road of sickness, a road like none I've ever experienced.

Strained relationships. Struggles in ministry. Growth in our marriage. New seasons in parenting. Feeling the financial pull of medical bills.

Praying for a deeper understanding of prayer, fasting, relationship...

Changing my diet to gluten free.

Disruption in how I eat, shop, fellowship and think.

Weakness.

Need.

2010 hit me from all areas. I had no idea the road or the journey I would take in this new year.

In 2010, the refining process was beginning anew, the heat was turned up, the fire was stoked and God was molding me once more.

I left my retreat last January feeling challenged to stay in the refining process, to be refined with joy, to flourish and grow in the process and to be still and know that HE is God.

How little I knew of the process I was committing myself to endure.

Not that I believe God caused any of these awful things to occur over the last year but I do know that He has allowed circumstances in which I can grow to where He wants me to be. Things that will challenge me where I need to flourish and grow.

As Lisa Whelchel says, "In answer to my prayer, God orchestrated the perfect storm... Looking back, I see how God had to hit me from every angle in order to crack the wall I had designed with elaborate defense mechanisms."

The end of my post in January 2010 says, "I left Innkeepers feeling refreshed yet strongly challenged. My prayer as I drove home was that God would solidify in my heart what He is doing and let Him direct my every step. As He continues to refine and try me, that I would be up to the challenge."

So, where am I one year later?

I have learned a few things:

the refining process is a very long process
God is still solidifying things in my heart
I am still learning to let Him direct my steps
I can not be up to the challenge on my own
not every prayer gets answered in my timing or way
Only God can get me through
Depending on Him is the only way to be refined
being still and knowing that He is God is much more difficult when you are physically, mentally, financially and relationally burdened
allowing God to teach you how to be still and recognize Him is worth every minute

This year has been 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

A growing process like nothing I've ever known...

Speaking, teaching, preaching, sharing my story in the midst. Saying "Yes!" to be used by God even when I don't have every answer and I am running on half-strength.

God is more real today than He was 12 months ago.

I am more in love with Him today than I was 12 months ago.

God is trying my reins and although I'm NOT up to the challenge, HE IS!

When I am on half-strength, He is working to the full in ME!

I am going to Innkeepers again this January... I am going to face that picture in the little prayer chapel. I am going to ask God to keep me in the process. To heal and to guide and to touch. To open doors and direct my path in ways that I can't imagine. I want to be used of Him as He continues to refine me.

I don't know what 2011 will look like, what challenges and victories I will experience but I know that God is able to carry me through them all.

Even if I'm not up to the challenge...

Thankful...

2010-11-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

Feeling thankful today for my husband who leads our family. He is not perfect, nor am I. We don't always get it right and there are days that things are still not what they should be. But, he is a man who seeks God and for that I am incredibly thankful. I am in love with this man and I trust God to lead him in the way our family should go.