A New and Fresh Beginning

I love the new year.  I don’t make resolutions.  I do pray and commit myself to the Lord afresh. His mercies are new everyday and His love never fails.

As the New Year approaches, I am continuing to pray for clear direction in many areas.  I know that the Lord will be faithful. I know that as I put my hand to the plow, if it’s God’s plow, the work will not overtake me and I will find joy, peace and rest while carrying and walking out the burden Christ has laid on my heart.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

What a beautiful picture! I want to live life in obedience to God…carrying His light load as he carries my cares and worries.

Happy New Year to you all!  May your Year be FULL and INTENTIONAL!

In the Presence of Hunger

The last couple days have been pensive here. No negative happenings spurred the inquisitive and contemplative time…quite contrary actually…my sweet husband has been HUNGRY!

HUNGRY? I know, what can cause so much contemplation?  Well..he isn’t hungry physically. He’s hungry for the Truth that is only found in the Word Of God.   As he has read and prayed and pondered and wrestled and prayed and read and pondered, I have had such a difficult time reading his expressions and body language. It’s funny how our very countenance is changed by the presence of God.

Just as Moses’ countenance was change after he met with God on the mountain, so is our countenance changed when we earnestly seek and find God. 

I am thankful for a husband who still seeks to KNOW the Living God.  Who studies “to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.  I also love that he is humble and will be very embarrassed that I wrote such admirable things about him…but they are true.

He is a wonderful example of a husband, father and friend…but He has spurred me to hunger this week as well.

May we all be changed to look more like Christ.  May we glow with His presence like Moses so others may wonder and marvel at God’s awesomeness.

Merry Christmas to you all!

   Katie

Resolve

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."   Psalms 118:24

I love that the Word of God is alive and fresh!  I love that every time I read it, it speaks to me. This is the day the  Lord has made...I've always loved this verse.  I've often quoted this verse as a reminder that everyday is a gift from God and my thanks to Him should be on my lips from the moment I rise to the moment I sleep.

Today, as I was reading Psalms, I read the same words but saw the need to emphasize WILL...we WILL rejoice and be glad in it. The Lord is good ALL the time but I don't always rejoice in His handy work.  Not because I don't appreciated it, notice it, or love it...but because I don't intentionally resolve to voice my rejoicing!  It is a choice....as with all areas of our lives.  To say I WILL rejoice...I WILL honor Christ...I WILL look to the King of Kings for my needs, desires and daily food.

The living Word of God...speaking to me again, about intentionality, resolve, choices...How sweet it is to know the King Of Kings, Lord of Lords loves me enough to write His words in paper form to love on me, correct me and raise me up in His power and grace.

I pray that today I WILL rejoice and be glad...no matter what the day holds for me.

There IS Hope...

I love the Biblical accounts of Mary as she was being filled with the Lord...her journey...her obedience...Josephs obedience!  What an awesome testimony and heritage she left for the world...being found righteous in the sight of the God Almighty. God had an Awesome plan laid for Mary and Joseph's life.  He has a plan for each of us as well...each one just as important as Mary and Joseph's, for it is the same.  The call to follow Him...to show His Love and Grace to those around us...to teach our Children about His great Love and Sacrifice...to be Obedient in walking after His ways, with His character and His heart of compassion.

 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."Jeremiah 29:11-13

I am not always obedient, not even in the little things sometimes, but I know that God is merciful, and if I am seeking Him, He will change this heart of mine into a willing and obedient heart, that He may find pleasure in my actions. Meanwhile, I thank the Lord for the 'hope and future' that He has orchestrated for me, and YOU, as followers of Christ. This year, I am being intentional to enjoy the Christmas Season.  I have a wonderful family around me, whether immediate, extended or my family of friends and I am rejoicing before the Lord for the Symphony of people he orchestrates in my life! 

Take time to thank the Lord for being Jesus (Saviour), Emmanuel (God With Us), today.  Even when Life is difficult and despairing, he IS with us. It's WHO and WHY He IS.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Intentionality

Intentionality...to be purposeful on purpose. This is how I defined Intentional to my children today as we discussed Christmas.  I asked them "Why do we celebrate Christmas." They answered "to honor Christ's birth."  I then asked them "What do we do to honor Christ's birth?"  And they reminded me how we read the Biblical account of the birth of Christ, sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and even have a birthday cake.  Then I posed yet another question..."How many times do we do that during the Christmas season?"

ONCE, on Christmas!

Being intentional about not participating in the secular bustle of Christmas, has NOT, by default, made us intentional about celebrating and honoring the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. Sure, we talk about Jesus...but that is NORMAL in our home.  It is our daily conversation.  We try to focus on others and how we can bless them with gifts instead of making lists and being self centered during this season. BUT, we have to purposefully make a choice to be purposeful! We must choose to, on purpose, honor Christ. As a parent, I want to have traditions that kindle a flame for Christ...middle ground is gray, stagnant water and can lull us to sleep!

This year we have been brainstorming ways we can be intentional about honoring Christ this season...what that means and how to tangibly remember the Awesome God we serve. I know as we seek to bring honor to Jesus, he will show us how!

I am still learning. I don't care for the middle ground. I am pressing in.  As I draw near to God...He chastens me.  He burns away the chafe. He purifies me more...and yet I see my need for Him grow stronger.

Go Light Your World

This Song is on my Heart tonight. The video is a little dated...but the Words Are Powerful!

Go Light Your World...Even your Hometown!

Martha...AGAIN!

The last few weeks I have been praying and pressing in to seek after God with a whole heart.  One of devotion, compassion, zeal and intent.  Tonight, as I listened to the message at church...I was completely caught off guard by the enemy.

Tonight's message was about having the Fire of God burn in us.  That it is a choice we must willingly make to be a Holy and Living Sacrifice.  It's our choice to be consumed with God's Holy Fire.

Here enters the subtle...almost slipped by me...attack!  "Did I turn on the coffee pot?"  There you have it!  Right in the middle of this powerful and challenging message I am wondering about the coffee pot!!!!  GIVE ME A BREAK!

Martha, AGAIN!  Martha is just like you and me. She had guests in her home and was trying to be a hospitable hostess. I think the enemy just consumed her with her responsibilities in order to blind her from the LIFE that was sitting in her living room.

Don't let life sneak up and steal the LIFE that is meant for you!  Pray and put on the armour so you can extinguish the fiery darts...even if the look like the coffee pot!

What Do I LOOK Like?

The last couple of days I have been drenched in the presence of a Holy and Loving God.  He has allowed me the privilege of praying for people I know, and even those I do not.  I have been reading a great book...it's been stepping on my toes, but that is good, too. I have been reading one of my favorite blogs.

In all these different avenues of my life...God is speaking to me. Showing me new things. Building a heart of compassion in me.  I am seeing differently. Feeling differently. Wanting to LOOK differently.

I have so many whispers in my heart from God.  So many seeds that want to grow, and are...little by little. I have come so far in my walk, yet I have so far to go. I fail. I get up. The Lord gingerly whispers again to my spirit.

I am pondering the holidays quickly approaching. Thanksgiving...Christmas...A New Year...What do I look like to those who spend time with me, even if for the minutest moment?  Do I look different from the masses?  Do I show God's splendor in my expressions? Does my Home point to the creator?  Do people See JESUS when they see me, or do they see hypocrisy?  Of course there is a little of that in everyone...we are after all, human and in being so...we are less than perfect.  Do I talk the talk and forget my walk? Do I live out my passions, convictions or just talk about them? 

The upcoming holidays have struck a chord in me.  I want them to look different.  I want them to be MORE than the shoe box we pack for a few children.  More than buying gifts for people who have everything they could possibly need or want.  More than just reading the birth of Christ from the Bible or saying our thanks to the All Powerful God of the Universe around the Thanksgiving meal.  More than empty Resolutions for the coming New Year.  I want to DO more.  I want to LOOK different. I don't know how to do that...people already think we're weird... No Santa...No Tree...No Stockings....but that is just the baby steps to what God is laying on my heart. I want to be INTENTIONAL.

Lord, use this vessel.  Pour into me what you would have me pour out to others.  Change my countenance like you changed Moses' when he radiated as he descended the mountain from being in Your presence. May I walk in your presence and look to you for ALL things.
 

Longing for LIFE

I am longing in my Spirit for MORE.  I am longing to live everyday to the Fullest.  What does that look like?  I don't fully know but I have a picture in my mind's eye.

I know that I long to spend more time in the Word and Prayer...just getting to know my Savior better.  I long to radiate like Moses did when he came down from the mountain after spending time with the Lord.  I want to be moved with the same compassion as the Samaritain.  I long to spend time with my children laughing and crying...LIVING.  I long to be a wife that brings honor to her husband.  Who lift him up and doesn't tear down with words.

I am longing for LIFE.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" John 10:10

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:35-36

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John1:4

" I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."Galations 2:20

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it."

1Peter3:8-11

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6) That is the LIFE I am longing after!  The living Savior who directs my paths...who pours out his compassion on me, so that I may have compassion on others.  The one who beckoned the Little children so that my heart, too, will be soft toward my own.  What layed his life down...not only to save mine, but to be the example of true love, friendship...and LIFE.

I am not ALL I long to be...I have days that it's two steps forward one step back...but I am Longing for Life. 

What do you LONG for?

Standing Together

Today I woke praying for a few women God had placed on my heart, thanked Him for the beautiful trees I see out my bedroom door and asked him to please guide me as I accomplished the mounding list. I got out of bed...and got to it.

I made good time with the tasks at hand. I even enjoyed my kiddos while working. (When I am concentrating that is not always the case;)) I had pressing things to take care of, not important in the grand scheme of things, but pressing and fun. I also had some things to take care of for church. This, I was already praying about and trying to assimilate as I was going about my other business.

So about 1:00 I sat down to work on church business. I was still sitting there at 5:30, with NOTHING accomplished, crying out to God in desperation and crying out to my hubby for help.  Church started in 1 1/2 hours and I wasn't finished...really, I wasn't even started, nor was I dress and hadn't fed my kiddos either!  After we all prayed together, everything just came together. In 30 minutes I had accomplished what usually takes me about 1-2 hours!

I say all this to say that sometimes we need people around us, standing with us in prayer.  It's not always enough to "go it alone".  I had been earnestly seeking the Lord from the time I woke, but still hit a wall and was unable to move forward until I asked Jason to help.  Thank goodness he had the wisdom to pray with me, which also led to my children praying as well.  When we stood together,as a family, and God moved. 

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

I am thankful for family and friend who will join in prayer and service, in HIS name!  I am thankful that He is faithful to His word and meets us everytime! What an AWESOME God we serve. 

Mom Heart Conference

Click the button for more information!  I have always loved this conference!

Stand Strong

On Monday, I had to take a trip to the hospital due to cutting my knuckle open working on a clock.  I am no stranger to the hospital!  I've accompanied my hubby, son and by the time my daughter was 4 she had visited our local hospital 6 times! I too have had an occasional visit.  This was not a huge catastrophe. I thought I'd get a couple stitches and we'd go home.  Well, no stiches, just glue and a tetanus booster.  This is where the problem began.  You see, I DID NOT want to be administered a tetanus shot (and NO, I'm not afraid of shots).  I said no...several times, and of course I was countered by the people in the room.  After several minutes of arguing and protesting...I gave in, against my will, totally upset and angered...I gave in!

For the last couple of days the words Stand Strong have been resounding in my spirit.  I know the booster shot was not of eternal significance in the grand scheme of things, but it has given me pause to think.  I believe PASSIONATELY that I did not need, nor want the shot, yet I was unable to stand up and refuse, despite signing papers during my admission process that I could refuse services. 

So...what happens when I faced with eternal choices in my physical life?  What happens if some one asked me to choose...will I Stand? Is my Faith strong enough to Stand and not succumb to the pressures of others? I am asking myself these questions...

The Word of God has much to say about standing. It tells us to Stand Fast...Stand Firm...Stand over and over. 

Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we Stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  
1Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 
2 Corinthians 1:24 “…for by faith ye Stand.”
Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to Standagainst the wiles of the devil.”
1 Thess 3:8 8 “For now we live, if ye Stand fast in the Lord.”
2 Thess 2:15 “Therefore, brethren, Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”

It also says to Stand together, united as one voice.

Isaiah 48:15 “Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they Stand up together.”
Mark 3:24-26 tells us that house divided will not Stand.
Philippians 1:27 “that ye Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

I am praying for increased faith that will Stand. One that will not back down. One that Honors my Savior, God, Friend and Lord.  I do not want to fall short.

Overflowing

It's impossible to spill out if you are empty!

As Americans, who run with both ends burning about 99% of the time, we can get lost in the business of life and forget that we need  to refuel.  As Christians...we are of no use if our cup is empty! We must take time to stop, listen to the Holy Spirit, read the Word and Worship the King of Kings.  We are vessels for filling...we can do nothing without His presence in our lives.

If you we want to love our husbands, siblings, parents, children, friends...others...we must be filled to overflowing with the source...Jesus! 

Lord, I want to be filled and overflowing...prick my heart...lead me to you.  Help me seek you every moment of my day. I am yours.

5 Scariest Things You Can Do This Halloween…

Read this article this morning...thought I'd share.

By Doug Phillips

Our country is in the grip of a fear crisis. The tension because of this fear is almost palpable. There is fear over elections, fear over the economy, and fear over hundreds of other issues ranging from the environment to terrorism.
The one fear that America is missing is a fear of the Lord. As a people, we no longer fear God. Because we do not fear God, we no longer hate evil (Proverbs 8:13).
Instead of hating evil, Americans toy with it. We toy with holidays like Halloween that were conceived in evil and that promote the “cute-ification” of evil, whether that evil takes the form of witchcraft, sorcery, ghoulishness, or some other form of malevolent imagery paraded before our children. We laugh at the very things that the Lord describes as “abominations,” and we find ourselves obsessively fascinated by, and attracted to, all things dark.
Yet we do not fear the Lord.
Those who “hate evil” are very scary to a secular society that fears man more than God. They are scary because they dare to declare that there are absolute standards by which society must be governed. They are scary because, if they are successful, industries like Hollywood that make billions of dollars by promoting ungodly fear will lose their influence. They are scary because such people will not be swayed by political candidates who use fear as a tool for manipulation.
With this in mind, I offer you the five “scariest” things you can do this Halloween:

1. The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to not make light of evil. Halloween was conceived in evil and has remained a celebration that uses children to promote a fascination with darkness and superstitious fear. Simultaneously, it makes light of things that the Bible describes as evil. Stand against such things, and the world will find you very scary indeed. The fear of the Lord makes men turn from evil (Proverbs 16:6).
2. The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to not be fearful. The media wants you to be afraid of everything from overpopulation to global warming. The politicians want you to be afraid of the economy and political instability. God wants you to do what is morally right, trust Him completely, and never be gripped by an ungodly spirit of fear. You can place your trust and hope for this nation in the King of Kings. Jesus said: “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him” (Luke 12:4-5). Believe this, and you will be light to the world.
3. The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to completely skip Halloween and remember Reformation Day. It was 493 years ago that Martin Luther nailed his world-changing 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. These theses included rebukes to ungodly fear and superstition. 501 years ago, sometime near October 31, a baby named John Calvin was conceived who would dedicate his life to eradicating an ungodly fear of superstitious beliefs and proclaiming the gospel of grace. His emphasis on reformation, revival, and the sufficiency of Scripture had such far-reaching implications for nations like the United States that he has been described by Christian and secular scholars alike as the true founding father of America. The Reformers did something that was very scary to the world of their day. They stood against all forms of dark superstitions which grip the minds and souls of men. It was their emphasis on the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of Holy Scripture that was used by God to liberate untold numbers of men and women. But to remember the Reformers instead of Halloween is very scary to the world. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
4. The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to refuse to watch or allow your children to watch any of the toxic Halloween and horror films emerging from Hollywood. America’s fascination with ungodly fear has made horror the most popular and fastest-growing film genre amoung youth. When parents allow their children to toy with this genre, they promote ungodly fear, and they contribute to the fear-factories in Hollywood that prey upon the youth of our culture. Say “no” to Hollywood horror and you will be dangerously scary to the media elite. “Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence....?” (Jeremiah 5:22).
5. The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to get on your knees as a mother and father and pray that the Lord will send you many, children who will fear God, not man — children who will especially shun the glorification of witchcraft, the bondage of ungodly fear, and the “cute-ification” of evil that is promoted through holidays like Halloween. Cultures that toy with evil end up being cultures of death. The Christian response is to be a people of life. That means babies. It means fearing God by honoring His command to “be fruitful and multiply.” It means remembering that the Scripture describes children as a “blessing” and a “reward.” Raise children that fear God more than man, and that will be answer enough to our Halloween- and darkness-obsessed culture; for if you trust God over your womb and commit your children to a holy education, you will be very scary to the modern world. “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 34:11).

A Holy Experience

One of my favorite blogs is Ann Voscamps blog... Holy Experience. Ann is an incredible writer, photographer and a is very passionate about Christ and being FULL of Christ in our daily lives....

If you have a heart for others in need...or your heart is hard and you are happy living in mediocrity...I recommend this read. I hope you are moved...

When you're dying to live radical: Fight Middle Ground blog entry

Admonishment

As I read in Ephesians 6 this morning, I read verse 4 that says "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."  I have read this verse many times and even quoted it in jest to my dad as a kid...but today I was wondering, what does admonishing mean? I had always remembered it being translated as instruction, and although nurture means tutorage and training, admonish does not. 

So I looked up the Greek word. "calling attention to, i.e. (by impl.) mild rebuke or warning". That is different. The directions from the Lord are to tutor or train our children and call attention with MILD rebuke! I know that I would rather the Lord show me in his Word how I am supposed to live, and give me ample tries to walk out His instructions, than for Him to tell me once and then strike me down if I fail.  I am thankful for a God that shows men and women how to love their children.  I am thankful that even when we mess up, He is Faithful and can remedy the situation if we turn to Him for help. I am thankful for a husband who leads with a soft hand and words of instruction.

I am praying for Fathers...that they would have a heart of instruction and mild rebuke after God heart.  That a hard hand and a loud bark is not what our children remember about their Dads. We are Earthly example of our Creator.

My disclaimer:

(I don't think that the term mild rebuke means you simply lecture your children on what all they need to be doing and aren't.  Using time-out, redirection and even spanking...I know...the S word...are all tools that help train and rebuke children. The Bible does say in  Proverbs 22, 23 and 29 that spanking is a tool to be used in discipline. I think to do that Mildly means to not act out of our anger and to use it WHEN appropriated by "in your face" rebellion, not just because the child made a mistake.)

Vigilance

I am often caught off guard when Satan attacks!  I shouldn't be...but I am.  I am right in the middle of a battle when I stop and realize that it is a battle!  Scripture says in  1 Peter 5:8-9, that we should be vigilant, or be on alert.  You see, when we are sleeping, spiritually, that is when Satan attacks.  We let him in by not keeping him out. This is an everyday...many times a day...renewing of our minds and focusing of Christ. 

Scriptures says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour!  I don't want to be devoured!  I don't want my relationships and time to be devoured!  The Word also says that Satan comes to kill, steal and DESTROY!  He is out for your life!  "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10.


Jonathan Mayer, The Devour



Satan wants to steal ALL that God has promised you.  He wants you to be in the pits of despair so you can't, or won't, move forward with Christ.  You see, he change who you belong to, but he can change how you respond to who you belong to.

When I notice that I am in the midst of a battle...I have to take up my sword and fight...or be defeated.  It is a choice.  I want to live in the life that Christ paid for me to have!  I want to head off the attack...not struggle to defeat it.  Watch...Vigilantly..."Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Ephesians 6:16

Zeal For ALL!

I just read a friend's blog and it has lit a fire in me.  I am so appalled that older, more mature Christians discourage so many!  You heard me...DISCOURAGE!

As believers, we are supposed to be growing in Christ...not becoming complacent and judgemental of those that are diligently seeking after God's will.  The Lord didn't call his disciples to follow him...until they were in their 50s-70s. NO!  The disciples followed him unto death AND old age.  WAKE UP!

We must have mature Christian leadership.  The Bible warns about putting new (not Young in age) Christians in leadership.  It puffs up their ego. 1Timothy 3:6. So who is supposed to be leading? Seasoned, wise, committed Christians...no matter their age!

When we become complacent and unwilling to follow Christ with our WHOLE heart.. we are hardened.  No one wants to hear that. but the scripture warns us not to let our hearts become hard to His voice...

"For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,  Harden not your heart, Psalm 95:7-8; Hebrews 3:15; Hebrews 4:7

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." 1Peter 5:1-3

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5

If you are in your 50s-?...get a move on!  God's not finished with you...he has SO much he wants to do with you and through you.  Your age is not an excuse for no longer having zeal...that my friend is a CHOICE...Choose you THIS DAY whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Will it be your flesh...or God?  Draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Ask and you shall receive...

My final challenge comes from Hebrews 10:22-24

"22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works"

Love to you all...may your hearts be full and zeal return to those sleeping...

Prayer For You

We serve a Powerful, Loving God!  This morning my heart is praying for each of you that reads my blog, and for others that are "fighting the good fight of faith". Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday...seeking His face, His presence and His will, enjoying family and friends, and basking in the richness of His love for each of us...for we ARE His children.

"For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come." Ephesians 1:16-21

Fingerprints

Often I forget what a great impact I have on my children!  I know...sounds crazy doesn't it? But really, there are moments that we stop and stand back and can see the direct fingerprint we have had on our children. The way they stand when they are talking or pace while on the phone.  The way they clean up a room and order their day.  Just this morning, as I got up to read I spotted a checklist my daughter made for herself to reminder her of the important things she needed to accomplish...her mother dead out!! Heehee.

I am pausing to consider God's fingerprint on their lives...

More important than how to make a checklist and follow it out...is having a heart for Christ.  Have I influenced my children to live for Christ simply by my actions?  Do I speak about following Him and let my actions refute my words?  Am I leaving a fingerprint of hypocrisy?  I pray that I am not, but I know in some areas I am.

Actions DO speak louder than words.  I hope my children SEE me doing God's will, following after Him with reckless abandon and tasting that He IS good.  I want my children to have the fingerprint of a Godly mother...because they will, after all, have my fingerprint no matter what I chase after.

Actually, my fingerprint will continue on...

"For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation." Luke 1:49-50

Adventures Await

Do you ever wonder, "how am I going to walk this out?"  I do.  I feel a call on my life, a tug at my heart, a simple request to move and I sometimes respond as Moses did..."but God...surely you don't mean me! I ...." filling in the blanks with all my excuses.  But then I draw strength from the Word of God.  

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."2 Peter 1:3-4


"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6

The Lord never expects us to "go it alone" or without a road map.  This isn't a guessing game. We are not unprepared for the journey in which he has called us, nor are we left without resources to get the job done. 

There are exciting adventures waiting and God is waiting on you, and me to get movin'!

Rahab, The Harlot

Reading in Joshua today.  The Lord let me to read right at the point where Joshua and his army are marching around Jericho.  I just love this story!  How Great and Mighty is the Lord God!  He brought down an entire city with the shouts of mortal man.  Not only that, but what GREAT Faith Joshua had to stand up before an army ready to fight and tell them that they were going to simply march around the city for 6 days, carrying the ark and on the seventh they would do it 7 times...I'm thinking if Colon Powell had said that to the troops of  Desert Storm...they would have sent him to the loony farm!

As I read on, verse 17 spoke to me this morning. "And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent." You see, the Lord gave the entire city to Joshua.  He "accursed" everything in it ALL were destroyed by Joshua's army, save one house...the Harlot's. Rahab was a prostitute...yet God spared her. Why? Because she hid the messengers, or spies from the Israelite army. Because of her actions, God spared her and her household.

What interested me so much is Rahab's occupation.  Today, we still have prostitutes working the streets that we look on with disdain...even hatred.  God loves them, too! He sees their sin, and it is unpalatable to Him, but he also sees a child that is in need of a Savior; someone in need of a safe place to sleep, good food to eat, warm arms to hold them that have no alter plan.  What do you see?

The scripture tells us in Acts 10:34-35 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, 'Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.'" Are you?  God did NOT condone Rahab's occupation!  He honored her actions toward His people. Rahab continues to dwell with the Israelites for the remainder of her life (Joshua 6:23-25). And then...READ THIS...in Matthew 1:5, she is listed in the genealogy of Christ!  THE SON OF GOD! 

No matter what your circumstances look like. No matter your occupation, or living arrangements...God can and will use you if you surrender to Him.  God blessed Rahab, even in her sin, by sparing her life...but she turned from that life and dwelt among God's people.

For those that are not living sinfully out-loud...your sin is NO different that Rahab's.  Lying, reacting out of anger towards others, living depressed or angry or in bitterness...all measure up to the same sin level as Rahab's sin.  I know...you didn't want to hear that...stepping on my own toes too! Remember, "God is no respecter of persons".  He wants to use us NOW...and in the process of our obedience...he wants to give us a better life..."I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b. 

Good Food...

 I love good food! By "good" I mean food made with quality ingredience; Food that someone has taken the time to prepare; Food that is as lovely to look at as it is to eat; Food that awakens all my senses. It can be simple, like fresh baked bread, or labor intensive like La Duni's Quatro Leche Cake.  A plate of delicious grapes, fresh mozorella and special crackers is a wonderful treat. Sounds picky doesn't it? The problem is...it takes time and effort to produce such a meal, or snack. Not only is the preparation a little more time consuming...the eating should be as well.  I love to enjoy what I'm eating.  First of all you taste all the flavors. Secondly, you actually stay satisfied longer.

The same applies to our relationship with the Lord.  The Bible says:

 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."; "I am the vine, ye are the branches:"; "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." ( John 6:35, John 15:5a & Psalms 34:8)

It is not just a quick "Hey Lord, how's it going today? Guide me today and keep me safe." or "Father, you are Holy. Thank you for today...bless me and keep me from harm.  Help me to do your will."  You see, even though those prayers are BOTH great, without a relationship with the Lord of Lords that you are praying to...do they reach much further than the ceiling?  Taste...that takes time.  Have you ever REALLY tasted.  When you do, you will hunger and thirst no more.  He is our portion and he is the "quality ingredience" we need to make life enjoyable.

Obedience Is a Heart Issue

“The Lord does not give me rules, but he makes His standard very clear. If my
relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with
Him – namely, myself. If I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random
circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of
God.” Oswald Chambers

I read this as a caption on a page yesterday. It touched me profoundly. The book I was reading was about parenting and the different changes in the Seasons of childhood. When I read this quote, I instantly thought about my relationship to my Heavenly Father, but as I read the chapter on transitions,sympathy, discipleship and not moving into legalism as a parent...I began to apply this quote to my children.

Our children need to know that we love them, no matter what. That we can, and do, validate their feelings. (Of course, this does not mean allowing them to get away with wrong actions because we "understand" why they may have acted out!) The point is that even the most compliant child may not be obedient because they love us. It could be that the quiet, compliant and reserved child we perceive as obedient and "good" has a serious heart issue.

If we, as parents, do not hold the hearts of our children, who does? Have you asked yourself that lately? Our hearts desire as parents should be to have our children obey or carry out our wishes when we are not looking because they love, and honor us...not simply because we have a hard swing or a loud bark.

Take time to KNOW your children, relate to them and earn their trust and their hearts....It's worth the investment!

Delight Yourself In Abundance of Peace

I have often thought: "If I could just get away and sit among the flowers or watch the ripples on the lake...then I could be peaceful."

Peace is not a fleating feeling or emotion. Peace isn't just a state of mind. It is a gift, a promise from the God of the universe to those who serve him and follow his ways.

Psalms 37:11 "But the meek (humble) shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Peace is readily available...

A Faithful God

I am so thankful that God is faithful!

Scripture says, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8) All I have to do is make effort and God meets me. It's the exact opposite of what we do as humans when our little ones are learning how to crawl, walk or even swim. The more steps they take, the further away we move. Of course this is to encourage them to continue on...but maybe that is why it is foreign to us that God actually draws near to us when we seek Him. Instead of the aloof carrot dangling in front of us, He actually comes closer and holds out His hand to us.

I am thankful that when I step into His will He is quick to move me forward.

Thank you to those of you who have sent many thoughtful prayers to the Father for me. I know without loving, diligent prayers...I may still have my heals dug far into the ground!

That was FAST!

So...today, late morning, I had a crisis of belief! There are several things tugging at my heart strings and yet I have been struggling to find the joy in moving forward in these area in which God has called me. So, I cried to my Hubby and told him all my sorrows and regrets and thoughts and feelings of failure and inadequacies...then, I got over it. Well, I let go of the emotions of it.

The facts are...I do fail, in many areas. I don't home school as well as I would like, although I do a good job. My laundry falls behind, my closets are not organized, I need to iron, play dolls, build Legos and snuggle with Hubby more. I really need to encourage the wonderful women in my life on a more regular basis. As you can see...I can conjure up quite a list!

After overcoming my feelings, I am still left to ponder this question: "The Bible says in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." If I believe that the Word of God is True and I also believe that I am walking out God's calling on my life, then why am I crying and tired and ready to throw in the towel???"

The answer came as my dear, sweet husband began to preach tonight at church. He has been talking about 3 different times Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy what the Word from God is for us. First he comes before we get the word; which leaves us searching for God's will in our lives. Second, he comes after we receive the word, but before we have accepted the call. Like Moses in the wilderness...we say, "are you sure you mean ME God?" Satan tries to steal the Word by planting doubt and reading off all the reasons we know we aren't the right ones for the job! Last, but not least, after we receive the call, affirm the call...Satan tries to stop us before we reach the finish line.

Satan is "... as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8) He wants us to FAIL!

I want to be a finisher. I am not, however alone in my race. Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

We have the Champion race runner on our side! Christ finished the task set before him by God. It was exponentially more difficult than the race God has asked me to run for Him at this point in my life.

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14). As a youth, this verse was the cry of my heart and the banner which I waved as I advanced toward being all God had called me to be. Tonight, I herald this verse again...a cry of an adult heart longing to finish STRONG!

I press on...

Every Perfect & Good Gift...

I have been trying for about a month or so to decide whether or not to stop writing. I have been attacked in this area since I sat down to open my heart for the first time.

You see, I love to write. I compose A LOT at nights as I am trying to quiet my mind. The problem is...I don't actually write it down. God has been diligently working on my heart in several areas and I want so badly to share them, but the busyness of the day has stolen my time. Well, I need to rephrase...I have allowed the busyness of the day to steal my time.

I have been caught in a web, sort of speak, of tending to what "needs" to be accomplished, but neglecting the ones that are more "important". The dishes, laundry, sewing, phone calls, reminders, etc...shouldn't be more important than walking out what God puts on my heart...but it is, after all, my first responsiblitities. The ones of family and various assundry of tasks that must be undertaken to keep the family moving along in clean clothes and full bellies. Don't missunderstand...I feel great honor in being able to care for the ones around me. It is my primary calling. Maybe the tasks at hand that feel like mundane "needs" are the important ones.

There must be a heart change...a mindset that needs to be corrected...and then, God will be able to fulfill the other areas in my life he has set forth.

This morning, as I was praying, God put James 1:16 & 17 on my heart again.

"Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

So, for the meantime I will be getting out of bed to put fingers to keyboard and record what is on my heart from the Lord, taking time to enjoy the mundane and praise the Lord that I am home and able to do laundry, cook, sew, teach...

A Heart of Compassion

Last night at church we were asked, "Who do you serve." Of course there was the "God and Jesus" answer but we also talked about various others we serve...others in need, other ministries, self and family and friends, and of course our church body. None of these are negative, some aspects can be, but for the most part it is good to serve in these areas.

The question that spoke loudly to my heart was not "Who do you Serve," to me it was a question of "Why" do you serve. So many times we serve out of obligation and need. There is a class that needs to be taught, a nursery that needs a worker, a doctor's visit, the yard needs to be mowed...these are all areas of service. It all has to be accomplished and positions have to be filled. So, again the question is "Why" do you serve.

"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34

We should be serving out of a heart for the Lord. Our love for him gives us compassion. Compassion is defines as "deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering." It's not simply feeling pity or sorrow for someone, or something. It is being MOVED to helping better the situation. When we focus on our Savior and His desires for us, the nursery is full of adults that have compassion for for infants and toddlers. Our prison ministries are filled with people who genuinely desire to meet the inmates where they are and to show compassion. The drug addicted mother of 5 doesn't feel shunned because she sees the Love of Christ in us. The man that stinks up the town from his odor, is offered a shower because we are moved to better his situation. Our friends and families will feel genuinely loved and cared for. We begin to see past the FLESH so we can meet the needs of those we encounter in our daily lives.

We care for people in a different manner when our care taking stems from the place of loving our Lord, from his heart of compassion toward the hurting.

I pray that I can extend genuine compassion toward others I encounter along this journey.

Favorite Son? You Bet!

Happy Birthday, Payton!

My son is Great! He is thoughtful and considerate. He compliments me on clothes, food, room arrangements and even on the curriculum I choose to teach. I don't know a lot of children like him. He loves to read, climb trees, read while climbing trees, sword fight, play soccer, build with Legos and throw a football.


He loves the Lord. He is intense sometimes, and silly others. He's a great brother, not without faults, but striving to have as few as possible. He tells great stories, gives great hugs and always says "I love you."


Because of him, I became a mom! He is a JOY! It's been a GREAT 11 years!

More, Please!

I desire to have an unquenched hunger for MORE. More time in prayer, more truth, more revelation, more opportunities to share...just MORE.

There is a song I've been singing over and over in my head..."More Love, More Power, More of you in my life...I will worship you with all of my heart. I will worship you with all of my strength. I will worship you will all of my heart. You are my Lord. You are my Lord!"

I want More, so I can give more. To be a cup overflowing and spilling out. That is my desire.

Martha and Mary

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" Luke 10:41-42

This morning as I was scurrying around preparing for the day, I sat down to read a new book "A Woman After God's Own Heart". Of course, I didn't get far before the Lord stopped me. I read "Chapter 1: A Heart Devoted to God"...then Luke 10:42.

So often I am Martha. In my scurrying I find that I am careful, or anxious, and troubled. If I wasn't, there would be no need of the hastiness. There is NOTHING innately wrong with what Martha is doing. She is preparing for her guests, cleaning and cooking. Where she is out of order is that she doesn't recognize her need to sit at Jesus feet, to be filled up and equipped.

I, too, need to come sit with Jesus first, then all the peripheral business I need to accomplish seems to fall into place, without much effort. My thoughts, my actions...sometimes even those around me are affected by the time I spend with Jesus. When I take the time to come into the presence of my Savior, I am equipped to handle what life throws at me...attitudes, messes, schedules, dishes, laundry, emotions...the list goes on! When I forsake that precious time with the Lord, well...I become anxious and troubled, trying to go it alone in the flesh. That then leads to weariness and resentment.

I am thankful this morning for the reminder. I pray that I will need the reminding less and less.

Have a great Monday!