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!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 27, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
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.)
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.)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
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.
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.
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