Thanks, give thanks...

I love fall and Thanksgiving. I think it is my favorite time of year. We spend a few days at our family farm "Heritage Acres"... and just soak in God's beautiful creation! My kids love this place. They stay on the go from sun up to sun down. By the time night falls... they are worn out. We cook over the fire, ride 4 wheelers, play football, and other games. Aunts, uncles, cousins... four generations of them all come together that week. It is amazing.

We always have devotion before our meal on Thanksgiving day. This year, my mom shared. I love her and am so thankful for her! But as she spoke, I was overwhelmed with the reminder that our family has such a strong family line of christians. Generation after generation have believed in God, served Him, and lived their life by His Word.

I pray that I am able to leave this same legacy for my family. I pray that when my grandchildren's grandchildren gather for Thanksgiving... that they will recall their family always having a heritage of following the Lord. Of living for Him, serving Him, worshiping Him.

If you know me... you know worship is something that is very dear to my heart. I believe worship is the one thing I can offer up to the Lord at all times! And it is truly a good way to get you through the hard times as well. But I sense God calling me into a deeper sense of worship... really meeting with Him, on a personal one on one time. I've never been "great" at devotions and reading the Word. I love bible studies and have done some wonderful ones, but I think God is calling me to read His love letter to me. To know Him more intimately by just His words.

I hope to share and really get busy on my blogging during this excursion into His presence and His Word. Would you like to join me?

Knowing God...

I have thought a lot about really knowing God. I mean I know about God, I know who He is, I know all the stories... but do I really KNOW Him?

Do I know Him intimately? Do I know every little aspect of who He is and do I still long for Him? Think about when you "fell in love" for the first time... or maybe the last time. Do you remember every aspect, every feature of his face. When you parted, do you remember the smell, the touch? Could you remember and think about every word spoken, every sweet word he whispered in your ear?

We should know our First Love this intimately. Do we remember His voice, His touch, His name, His face? Or has our love grown cold? Has our love affair with the Savior faded? Is it just routine? Is it just something that is "there"... but doesn't move us or make us feel?

I want to know my Savior this well. I want to make sure I find time every day to just sit in His presence... to memorize His Word, His voice, His touch. I want to remember every touch He has given my life. I want to be able to hear His voice, and know any time He calls.

How do we get to know Jesus this well? Spend time with Him. Read His love letters to You. Talk to Him. Adore Him. Worship Him. Lavish in His love for You. Rest in His arms. Taste His blessings.

I love the words of this song. Oh to know You in Your glory. Oh to bow before Your throne. Oh to rest here in Your presence. Oh to worship You alone.

Spend time with your Savior!

Those little blessings...

Just a quick post this morning... it is a rainy, gloomy day! So my morning plans were cancelled.. which is ok! But I was up before everyone else and sat enjoying a cup of coffee. With my current schedule.. that was an unexpected blessing that I really needed. Thank you Lord!

Sometimes change is really hard....

and that is an understatement lately.

Do you wonder sometimes why God doesn't allow us to see past our situation to what the outcome will be in the end? Yes, I know that is where FAITH comes in... but it would be really nice sometimes!

My husband is still out of work, not for lack of trying, goodness! I know he has sent application and resume' one after the other for weeks and months now. Had some great interviews, but for whatever reason... it just hasn't happened. But you know bills still come... so something had to change.

That change has been for me to return to the work world after 11 years. Yes, I have cried a bucket full.... but I know there must be a reason for all of this. Someday I'll look back and go... WOW... God was so amazing! And He is amazing. Even in this trial we seem to find ourselves in.

But some of strange blessings have emerged. At least I see them as blessings... lol. I see my children and even my husband realize how much I mean to them and how much it has meant for me to be home. My kids miss me and love on more a lot more! That is a blessing... for others to realize how much you mean to them. I work with two young ladies who are single mom's. I've already been able to speak some words of truth into their lives... and challenge (in a good way) what decisions they are making for themselves and their kids. I realize that I am capable to doing a lot more than I have been doing. (Now, I'm not sure that is a blessing, but working as much as I have, and still being a wife, mom, teacher, layperson, etc. I am doing more than before.)

So if you happen to read this post.... know that some days are bad. Some days are really good. Some days we question God, some days we just rest in knowing He is there. But EVERYday... He loves us and sees what is to come. He knows what we will face and how we will find blessings in each situation. So don't give up! Don't count yourself out. Get moving, get busy, do more... and know God is always in control!

It has been...

a while since I posted. Life has become so very busy... and it just seems to bet more and more so. But I just wanted to say Hi and let everyone know I am alive.

School has started, and the kids already seem to be doing well. I can't believe how much they have all changed since last year. But most of the change has been good! :)

Well maybe I can update more later! Blessing to all. God is good and He never fails!

Finding peace...

Ok, so I am way behind on my posting about my study on the Psalms of Ascent. It has been amazing so far, and I will post more soon! Beth Moore is just an amazing teacher!

But I do want to share something God is doing IN me... Last week was the Church of God Campmeeting here in Alabama. I went every night and was so very blessed!!!

As I've posted, dh is still out of work... it's been almost seven months now. I have found myself really fretting over it. I was almost consumed with what are we going to do? When will the phone ring? Stressing myself and probably my husband as well!

Well........... One night during the service, God really spoke to me. I realized, that my worry and stressing was hurting me and my relationship with my Creator! How can I trust His Word, and His promises, if I can't trust Him in this one area of my life. He gave me such a sweet peace. I mean.. I know we need a job. I know that we will still have to be careful and diligent in watching our money. But... I just have a peace, that when we really need it... there will be a job!

There is a old hymn... that I've been singing in my head... Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above.....

Thank you Lord, my Savior, my Provider, my Everthing.... thank You for speaking sweet peace to me!

Stepping Up! A journey....

Tonight, I really began to get into my new Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent! I'm excited.... can I say how much I love her teaching and what she brings out of the Word! Wow.

So here are a few thoughts that touched me tonight:

The first "Today's Treasure" was: "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me." Psalm 120:1

Beth has asked that we spend at least a little bit of our day, face down in the floor, praying to our GOD. To demonstrate to Him reverence and surrender.... what a humbling thing for me.

I love this quote by John Calvin: .... I have been accustomed to calling this book (Psalm) 'An Anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul'.... meaning... there is every emotion we can possibly feel somewhere in this book! I think that is so true.... I've always loved Psalms because I can find one for every situation, every feeling, ever time in my life. One of them just "fits". Always.

Another great quote from the study was that God's first priority is a relationship with us... not just an emergency response. I love this, but was convicted of it too.... How often does my time in prayer and seeking MORE of Him, come when I need a 911 call? How much more does He long to have an intimate relationship with me... in the good and the bad!

So far the first Psalm we have walked through is Psalm 120... and it is just amazing how this one tonight really touched on something I'm dealing with in my life.

In this Psalm... David is calling out in distress... He is distressed about the terrible people he is living in the midst of. He is miserable because of some of the people who are causing him stress, etc. Beth points out, that we have people in our life on a regular basis who do not put a high priority on integrity... they play dirty and cause trouble. But part of our "ascent" to getting closer to God, and who He wants us to be... requires that we take the high road.

Is there anyone out there who agrees... the high road is sometimes REALLY hard!?! I know right now in my personal life, there is a family member who... well... you know what I mean. And I confess, I've found myself falling to that persons "way"... Lord, forgive me and help me to take the high road. I know that you will deal with the "yuck" in your own way.... I just have to give the same grace to this person as you would for me... even if it's really hard!

I also learned that Psalm 142: 1-2 gives me permission to give God my complaints... and tell Him my troubles. He already knows... but it's ok for me to hash it all out with Him... instead of duping it on someone else.

Ok... that's my thoughts for tonight.

Tomorrow... moving on to my FAVORITE Psalm of all times... Psalm 121!!!!!

God bless American... Land that I love...

stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the light from above....

Today I am so very thankful for all those men and women who have served this country. To those who died, we will remember. To those who were wounded, we pray for you. For those who served with honor, we salute you.

Our country is still a great place. But we cry out for God to be merciful to us. As decisions and choices are being made that violate Hiw will and plan for us, may God be patient. I pray that those who truly serve the God of all Creation, would stand up and make a difference. Let your voice be heard, before it is silenced forever.

I am also so thankful to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for the ultimate sacrifice given for me and for all. My freedom in Christ is the most important freedom I have been given. I worship and adore you King Jesus. You are worthy of my praise forever.

This song is amazing!

So things have been

crazy and chaotic. Lot's of changes going on in our household. Good mostly, some not so good, but part of life. Some days I would love to know what God was trying to teach me through some of this. Am I a slow learner or something! Wow...

I know that God is always faithful. I know that He always keeps His promise. I know He sees beyond what we ever can. I know that my trust must be in Him... I KNOW all of this.

I just wish that in the flesh, it wasn't so hard to do it!

Ah well more later. I'll be starting a new Bible study next week... so I'll be sharing more.

Blessings to all!

Life has been so busy...

I have neglected my blog. Sorry to those few who read it. :)

So today, I am just going to share a wonderful promise from the Lord! And I will be back to share more soon!

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17

God is so good...

I know it's been a while since I posted, sorry about that. Life in general has been wild and crazy around here.

This will be a short post, but I wanted to just give God praise and glory! My DH has been out of work since December when his company closed. It has been a LONG five months. But God has been so good and so faithful. We have never done without. Our bills have been paid. We have felt a little "squeeze" but nothing like I had anticipated!

Just when I began to worry... something or someone would come our way... showing God's provision through so many avenues! He is soooo good to us.

Today, DH recieved a job offer. A great offer with lot's of added perks. We are blessed beyond all measure. And relieved! But through all this, I am THANKFUL for this time of testing we have gone through. It has taught me to have MORE faith, and MORE trust, and to pray.... God the Almighty, has taught me a few things and for that I am so thankful!

For those who have prayed! Thank you!

Pray without ceasing...

How do we do that? I mean really, I am a wife, and a mom to seven children. I homeschool, I teach music, I lead praise and worship, I do this and that and then some! How do I pray without ceasing?

For me, (and this is not at all theologically based) it is that I continue to be in an attitude that is open for prayer. That I try to do the best I can to follow the Lord, and focus on Him, and allow myself to be open to His "pricking" of my heart to pray.

I have learned that it is ok to say a one sentence prayer, God is listening. It doesn't have to be formal and perfect and eloquent. I can be washing dishes and think, "Lord, Help my daughter to find friends that serve you." Or maybe I am giving my little kids a bath, and say "Lord, thank you for entrusting me with this child. Help me to be a better parent and for them to know Your love above all." I think we too often allow ourselves to get so busy in our "mind" that there isn't an open port for God to whisper into.

Yes, I am a busy mom. I have a lot of responsibilities... but I try to not let my mind get so cluttered with things that do not really affect me or my life. I want to have an open space, even if it's little bitty, where I can still be sensitive to the voice of God.

Thank you Lord. And by the way, please teach me to see my children more like YOU see my children! Amen

(See that was really easy.)

I have been reading...

The Power of a Praying Parent... and it is sucking the life out of me! Well not really, but the prayers and time I have been pouring out on behalf of my children have. I have a unique situation in that I have four teend 14 and up.... then a 7 year gap and 3 children seven and down. I am thankful that I have rediscovered this book on the behalf of all of my children. I pray it chages the future of my youngest three, and prevents some of what I see happening in my older ones. Why didn't someone tell me, that one they hit 12 or so... the beautiful picture of life changes! Not that I love them any less, but the worries change, the faith must increase with that. Wow.... it is hard to be a christian, praying mom.

As I was waiting on one of my older kiddo's, who had an appointment, I read the chapter on "Releasing My Child into God's Hands". Can I just say.... I don't like this chapter. One, it convicted me...which is never comfortable. But it also hurt my heart as I contemplated "releasing" my child. I mean, isn't it our JOB as a parent to protect, guide, protect, teach, protect... well you get the idea. I know when each of them were babies, we commited them to the Lord. But... now, it's more than that. It is releasing God's power and authority over thier life instead of mine, and TRUSTING Him, to take care of them. That is painful....

One of the lines Stormie Omartian wrote is "If we're not positive that God is in control of our child's lives, we will be ruled by fear." Well that pretty much sums up my life! I guess my one question to her is... what about when your child seems to want to follow everything else "but" God. It is easier to release when you know they have a heart towards God. But, daily, I will trust God with my kids. I realize that I may have to keep giving them back to the Lord.... as I do seem to keep taking them back. I don't know that my heart can hold up to this for SEVEN children. Right now, two of them are killing their mama's heart.

But I do know that I have brought them up in the "right" way... and I will pray that what they "know" will stay planted... even if they are playing in the storms.All for today I guess.

Just checking in...

I've been running every direction the past few days.

God is so good. I have to give testimony to His wonderful presence and His grace. I am so thankful that I have such a Almighty Father to run to when times are distressing. He is is my Comfort, my Strength, my Rock.... there is nothing that is to hard for Him to handle.

I am learning that I must lay everything that I love and adore before the throne of God. For it is only through Him that I can believe that all I have done, and all the prayers that I have prayed, will not be forgotten or cast aside when it comes to my children.

More later, must get ready for church soon! :)

I resign...

as a parent! Well not really, but I have decided it is much easier when they are younger! I love all of my children so much. I have done all I know to bring them up in church, and teach them to love the Lord. What do you do.... when you have one who seems to pull against everything you believe... and has no desire to "know" the Lord?

I never really ever entertained this... but it seems to be how it is with one of my older kids. My heart is breaking. I gave them to the Lord, so I know He has a bigger plan than I can even comprehend. But how do you sit by and "trust" .... knowing your heart is breaking?

I have read The Power of a Praying Parent years ago... but last night, God nudged me about 3 am to go pull it out. So I did.

The first verse used in the book, touched my heart... and although I do pray for my children, I realize I have not "poured out my heart" in a while regarding them. Lamentations 2:19 says, "Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children." So, I realize... it's time to get mean and get touch, and do some major "pouring" toward the face of the Lord.

I have made so many mistakes, bad choices, etc when I was younger, but I never felt "away" from God. It was like He was there behind me still pulling me, even when I refused to listen, and did it "my way". I don't see that in the life of my child. It's like nothing moves them, nothing touches them... and it hurts.

Well.... this is the trial of my time right now. Prayer will go on, fighting and warring over my kids. I love them all so much, and do not want to see any "lost" to this world!

Quick Share...

I love Hillsong, so many of their worship and praise songs touch my life. But there is one right now that is my anthem. It's "Desert Song". I'm sharing the lyrics. If you would like to listen to it, you can find a video on Tangle.com or YouTube.com



Verse 1:

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praiseI will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoiceI will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

It's really hard...

to wait. I am definately NOT a patient person. I am trying, but it drives me crazy to not see the "other side" of a situtation. I realize this is not about God, it's about me, and my lack of surrender of certain areas of my life.

Some things are so easy to lay down, my family is the hardest. But I'm learning. My husband's company that he had been with for 8 years closed in December. Right now, we are still without a job. I go through days of complete panic, then I go through days of peace. We haven't "run out" of anything so far. And God has provided through people we don't even know.

I remember stories from my grandmother, about me when I was little. I grew up in the church, my mom and grandmother were my teachers. I knew the Bible when I was very young. According to my grandmother, I had FAITH. She said, If I was told that God would do this or that, or His word said this or that, I believed it. Nothing could change my mind. The past few days I've been looking back over life wondering... when did that change.

I found some answers, and it wasn't God ever failing me, it was me failing God and myself. It's because I chose to do it "my way" instead of waiting for His will in my life. I failed to seek Him. I let my focus be on other "things" instead of Him. My faith is lacking because of me, not Him.

Last Sunday, I just really didn't want to be at church. I am frustrated with so much right now, so many things beyond my control. But I knew I had responsibilites that I must follow through. So as I prepared myself in prayer and reading His word, I read these words of Davids:

Psalm 27

v4. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

v5. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling;
He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

Lord, I want to dwell with YOU. I want to seek YOUR ways in everything. I want to see YOU and not all the "things" of this world. May I put my focus on YOU. May I find you, and dwell in YOU, while I am waiting for the things of this world to come to pass. May "things" not block my view of YOUR true beauty. May "things" never come before YOU in my life.

Song share....

One of my favorite songs right now is - Offering by Paul Baloche. When I first heard this song before Christmas I listened to it over and over again. It touches my heart and leads me into worship with our Almighty King. Read the lyrics. It's beautiful.

The sun cannot compare

The glory of Your love

There is no shadow in Your presence

No mortal man would dare

To stand before Your throne

Before the Holy One of heaven

It's only by your blood

And its only by your mercy Lord, I come

(Chorus)

I bring an offering

Of worship to my King

No one on earth deserves

The praises that I sing

Jesus may you receive

The honor that You're due

O Lord, I bring an offering to you

I bring an offering to you

On with the study...

So I am loving our Wednesday night study on Worship. In our first week, we talked about what worship is. I love this quote: "In worship the church gathers to celebrate God's saving deeds. Through this celebration, God continually brings to the worshiper the benefit of His saving deeds - the forgiveness of sin and the healin gof life, which flows from the saving and healing death and ressurection of Jesus Christ.



Last week we talked about our covenant relationship with God. The covenant he made with Isreal and such. But we also discussed the covenant with God and the church. Unlike many of the covenants with God in the OT the stipulation was that "I will be your God and you will be My people"... the only difference today is that we now have Jesus Christ.



Isreal was never able to keep their commitment... what Jesus does for us we can not do for ourselves. He keeps his agreement. He fulfills the covenant. And in HIS absolute obedience He establishes for us an eternal relationship with God.



This week was about an Offering of Praise... the concept of sacrifice in worship. In the OT, people delt with sin through the sacrifice of animals. Today, our sacrifice was Jesus; the once and for all sacrifice of sin.



So let's think for a moment, if Jesus sacrifice was ALL of Himself, how much should our sacrifice be in worship to Him? When we worship and offer praise... are we coming with our hands empty or are they full of sacrifice. How much did it "cost" us to go to church and to enter before the throne of God? We come to worship Jesus for that once and for all sacrifice... but what are we offering Him back? Aren't we to bring in the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving?... yes we are.

So... what does it cost YOU to worship the ONE who gave everything? Are we coming empty handed to always be "filled"? Or are we coming to lay our "everything"? Just a thought.

Humbled by His grace...

The past few weeks have been so difficult. We have a few family things going on, but foremost, my husbands company closed in December and we are without a job!

I tell my husband that some days are great, I have peace and faith in God to move mountains. Some days I feel like the breath has been knocked out of me. Some days my two brains argue! lol

However, God has already proven Himself true. We are seeing little blessings and provision everywhere that we never expected. We have continued to give, and rest on His Word. I have spent much time in prayer... you know when trouble comes, sometimes your prayer life get's a huge jump start! (not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing) But twice this week alone, we have been blessed by another brother or sister in the Lord.

Thank you God, for loving us so much! Thank you that people put "feet" to your love as well! May I never forget these small deeds, and may I never go without seeing opportunities for me to give back!

Worthy of Worship

This is one of my favorite hymns. It's a newer hymn, but it is a wonderful song and truly "worshipful". He is worthy of so many things! Worship is remembering, remembering what He has done and where we have came from... Lord, You are worthy.

Worthy of Worship


Verse 1
Worthy of worship, worthy of praise,
Worthy of honor and glory
Worthy of all the glad songs we can sing,
Worthy of all of the off’rings we bring.


(Chorus)
You are worth, Father, Creator.
You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful;
Worthy of worship and praise.


Verse 2
Worthy of rev’rence, worthy of fear,
Worthy of love and devotion;
Worthy of bowing and bending of knees,
Worthy of all this and added to these…


Verse 3
Almighty Father, Master and Lord,
King of all kings and Redeemer,
Wonderful Counselor, Comforter, Friend,
Savior and Source of our life without end;

Worship is Amazing...

We started last Wednesday a wonderful study in our adult class on Worship.

I love that in the very first lesson we were reminded that worship is a remembrance and celebration of what God has done. That worship is something we come prepared to do. It isn't something that only happens when the sermon is perfect, the music is perfect, the heating and cooling are perfect.... It isn't something that depends on anything other than YOU and ME.

Worship is amazing. And it can be done anywhere at any time. All you need is a heart thankful and remembering what God has done, what His Son did... and worship should flow!

Blessings. More thoughts on worshp to come.

Good evening!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day of worship. God is amazing isn't He?

We opened with: Lord I Lift Your Name On High

First Set: Overcome (This was led by our youth pastor, he is a wonderful musician.)

Second Set: How Great Is Our God into How Great Thou Art

Worship was a little short today, because we had other things out of the ordinary at the end of service. But God was good and it we had a sweet presence.

Come on over to Fred McKinnon's site and check out the other lists:
http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/01/11/sunday-setlists