Have you ever thought about your life? What you have accomplished? All the things you've done? Boy do I... all the time.
I am so grateful for so much. I don't even know where to start. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and tell myself things. Like in high school when I was struggling with depression. When things were so much easier then and I really had no clue. I miss a lot of my friends from school. I wish I could tell them how much their friendship during those times meant to me. Maybe one day I will be able to. For now, I will blog it here.
Now that my daughters are both in high school, plenty of memories come back to me. All sorts of memories come back. There's so many people that affected me then. So many people who cared... now I know why... to get me here today.
Today I sit, relaxing while Tanis plays Wii with his friends. It's not quiet but I have my headphones on, listening to my music. Right now it's music from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. That was such a great experience! Watching Caitlynn perform in Annie was just as amazing.
I gues the best thing is that I've learned so much in my life. I wish to share things with those I know and those whom I have yet to know.
Friday, December 05, 2008
QT - Phil 4:4-7 DO NOT WORRY!
Phil4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
With this verse I look at several things. First and foremost: REJOICE! This is so important for us. To remember to be happy no matter what our circumstances. Sometimes it's so difficult to do this. Why would one want to rejoice over difficult times? Because there's always something from God. This is explained in verse 7. I need to make sure my gentleness is more evident than it is today. I also need to present my requests to God. I need to stop worrying. I know this is a natural tendancy for me, but I need to stop.
I need to entrust God with all things. Every day He does amazing things in my life. When I think about all it took to make one moment possible, it's amazing. Think about it... everything at this moment going on in the world, in the galaxy, universe.... etc. God gave us the stars, the moon, the earth, the dirt.... everything. Yes, there are bad things in the world and there will always be these things. He allows things to happen for reasons. Sometimes it has nothing to do with what we're thinking.
For example; When Will was laid off for 20 months. I was faithful. I knew God would present a job to him. He did. Yes it took a while, but while we struggled finacially, my faith in God soared. We were taken care of. We had food, heat, our home, clothing, everything. Even when we thought we wouldn't have a Christmas for the kids... He answered those prayers too. The kids had plenty of presents to open that year, thanks to the Salvation Army and the Grafton Township.
So, why do I worry like I do? Who knows. I know that God will prevail. I know that my goal should be to serve God and not man. For me to follow the Word of God daily.
With this verse I look at several things. First and foremost: REJOICE! This is so important for us. To remember to be happy no matter what our circumstances. Sometimes it's so difficult to do this. Why would one want to rejoice over difficult times? Because there's always something from God. This is explained in verse 7. I need to make sure my gentleness is more evident than it is today. I also need to present my requests to God. I need to stop worrying. I know this is a natural tendancy for me, but I need to stop.
I need to entrust God with all things. Every day He does amazing things in my life. When I think about all it took to make one moment possible, it's amazing. Think about it... everything at this moment going on in the world, in the galaxy, universe.... etc. God gave us the stars, the moon, the earth, the dirt.... everything. Yes, there are bad things in the world and there will always be these things. He allows things to happen for reasons. Sometimes it has nothing to do with what we're thinking.
For example; When Will was laid off for 20 months. I was faithful. I knew God would present a job to him. He did. Yes it took a while, but while we struggled finacially, my faith in God soared. We were taken care of. We had food, heat, our home, clothing, everything. Even when we thought we wouldn't have a Christmas for the kids... He answered those prayers too. The kids had plenty of presents to open that year, thanks to the Salvation Army and the Grafton Township.
So, why do I worry like I do? Who knows. I know that God will prevail. I know that my goal should be to serve God and not man. For me to follow the Word of God daily.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
QT - Psalm 143:8
Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Wow, this is totally for me. My friend suggested this passage today. I really needed it. I need God to show me the path I should take. The path for every day.
Today is a struggle to get through. For absolutely no real reason whatsoever. Satan tries to attack and lead me down a different path. I will follow the path that God has laid out infront of me. I pray that He shines the light upon it so I can make sure I follow the right one.
As today I feel very low, I will look to Him who is my Lord. The Lord of my life. The King of my world. I look to God to lead me on the way to Him.
Focus on Him.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
QT - Psalm 1
Psalm 1:1 Blessed are those
who do not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
We are blessed when we stay in the path of God.
2 but who delight in the law of the LORD
and meditate on his law day and night.
This is obvious... stay in the WORD! Read your bible and pray all day and night.
3 They are like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Plan your heart in the Lord and you will prosper and grow!
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Sinners are not going to have this grace.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.
We need to follow God's word. Daily. Pray to Him. Pray for others. Pray for ourselves. Pray for His guidence. Pray for everything.
Monday, November 10, 2008
QT - lyrics "Hold me Jesus"
Artist: Rebecca St. James
Album: Pray
Title: Hold Me Jesus
Sometimes my life just don't
Make sense at all
When the mountains look
So big, and my faith
Just seems so small
And I wake up in the night
And feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
There must be blisters
On my heart
You know, we all feel this way at times. The "mountains" are so big. We need our faith to cross them ... or move them if they can be moved. I need to continue to build my faith in God. He will be the only one that really counts in the end. When I wake up at night do I feel the dark? Yes, sometimes I do. Sometimes I feel so alone in the world, yet I am no longer part of the world. I am an outsider. I do not live like most people do. Of course, I am not perfect. There is always something to correct or improve on.
Hold me Jesus
I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
Hold me Jesus
Cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace
Shaking like a leaf. Wow, I am so full of fears. I need my King, my Prince, my Jesus. He will hold me when I am cold and when I am weary. Sometimes I can imagine him hugging me and holding me to keep my heart warm. So I don't get bitter and cold again. So I can see the wonderous things that God has created in my life.
repeat 1st verse)
Surrender don't come naturally to me
I'd rather fight you for something
I don't really want, than
Take what you give that I need
Surrender don't come naturally to me
And I beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
Surrender doesn't come easy to me either. I need to do that though. Surrender to God, allow him to heal my heart and soul. To heal my mind and body. Well, I've beat my head against enough walls... I am on my knees. I am in need of His healing powers. I will continue to pray for this.
Saying hold me Jesus
Please hold me Jesus
Hold me Jesus
I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace
Hold me Jesus
Cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace
My Prince of Peace (3X)
Hold me Jesus (4X)
This song is so true. I need Jesus to hold me when I am down. I need to continue to pray for those in need. I need to continue to pray for Will and the kids. Praying for Caitlynn's heart to stay focused on God. For Will to get a better job, where he can be less stressed. For Will to see God's love for him. For Angel and Tanis to see God in their lives.
There is so much to pray for. God will heal my heart and shine in my life.
Album: Pray
Title: Hold Me Jesus
Sometimes my life just don't
Make sense at all
When the mountains look
So big, and my faith
Just seems so small
And I wake up in the night
And feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
There must be blisters
On my heart
You know, we all feel this way at times. The "mountains" are so big. We need our faith to cross them ... or move them if they can be moved. I need to continue to build my faith in God. He will be the only one that really counts in the end. When I wake up at night do I feel the dark? Yes, sometimes I do. Sometimes I feel so alone in the world, yet I am no longer part of the world. I am an outsider. I do not live like most people do. Of course, I am not perfect. There is always something to correct or improve on.
Hold me Jesus
I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
Hold me Jesus
Cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace
Shaking like a leaf. Wow, I am so full of fears. I need my King, my Prince, my Jesus. He will hold me when I am cold and when I am weary. Sometimes I can imagine him hugging me and holding me to keep my heart warm. So I don't get bitter and cold again. So I can see the wonderous things that God has created in my life.
repeat 1st verse)
Surrender don't come naturally to me
I'd rather fight you for something
I don't really want, than
Take what you give that I need
Surrender don't come naturally to me
And I beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
Surrender doesn't come easy to me either. I need to do that though. Surrender to God, allow him to heal my heart and soul. To heal my mind and body. Well, I've beat my head against enough walls... I am on my knees. I am in need of His healing powers. I will continue to pray for this.
Saying hold me Jesus
Please hold me Jesus
Hold me Jesus
I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace
Hold me Jesus
Cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't you be my Prince of Peace
My Prince of Peace (3X)
Hold me Jesus (4X)
This song is so true. I need Jesus to hold me when I am down. I need to continue to pray for those in need. I need to continue to pray for Will and the kids. Praying for Caitlynn's heart to stay focused on God. For Will to get a better job, where he can be less stressed. For Will to see God's love for him. For Angel and Tanis to see God in their lives.
There is so much to pray for. God will heal my heart and shine in my life.
Friday, November 07, 2008
A Veggietale thought
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Ok, I already tried to post this. Second try but not as good as the first.
The kids just finished watching A Snoodle's Tale by The VeggieTales. It's so cool to know the no matter what people say about or to us, God loves us. I think it's awesome that we can teach our kids about GOd's love with vegetables!
What a way to learn the Word of God. Veggies telling us about it all.
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Ok, I already tried to post this. Second try but not as good as the first.
The kids just finished watching A Snoodle's Tale by The VeggieTales. It's so cool to know the no matter what people say about or to us, God loves us. I think it's awesome that we can teach our kids about GOd's love with vegetables!
What a way to learn the Word of God. Veggies telling us about it all.
QT - Jesus is our example
Jesus will save us from our sin.
Matt 1: 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
Can you imagine John seeing Jesus? Can you imagine how excited he was to see him? I can imagine John standing talking with people. Then he sees Jesus. Just the excitment in his voice can be heard in this passage. John didn't know why he was told that he needed to baptize with water until that point.
32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One."
John was the one to baptize Jesus, it was the example for us. John didn't spinkle water in Jesus' head. He totally dunked him in the river. Head to toe soaked. Jesus was the example on how to be baptized so we could have our sins washed away.
Today I feel a little down, but I think that's just because I'm feeling so tired. I'm just tired of being tired. I want to have the energy that Jesus had. I want to have the strength he had. God can provide this for me.
Matt 1: 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
Can you imagine John seeing Jesus? Can you imagine how excited he was to see him? I can imagine John standing talking with people. Then he sees Jesus. Just the excitment in his voice can be heard in this passage. John didn't know why he was told that he needed to baptize with water until that point.
32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One."
John was the one to baptize Jesus, it was the example for us. John didn't spinkle water in Jesus' head. He totally dunked him in the river. Head to toe soaked. Jesus was the example on how to be baptized so we could have our sins washed away.
Today I feel a little down, but I think that's just because I'm feeling so tired. I'm just tired of being tired. I want to have the energy that Jesus had. I want to have the strength he had. God can provide this for me.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
QT - Satan Attacks
Well, Satan attacks us when we least expect it. How does he attack me? I'm so easy to attack. Let's see... Last night was a great night at Bible talk. We learned more about hope. How awesome our hope in God truely is. Caitlynn also had her first study. Both was a great time spent in God's word. I should come to expect the attacks when my heart is right with God. I have seen so much improvement in my attitude and life when I am focused on Him. He has give so much, and I have no way of repaying Him.
Job 1:8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
I should replace Job's name with mine. I come home hoping to hear from someone whom I know I won't hear from. I should not expect it any longer. I know I messed up friendships along the path of my life. Unfortunately, I put my hope in the wrong thing. Satan attacked me by bringing me down about the past. I cannot change the things I've done in my past, only make today a better day. I know that God is always with me. He is forever picking me up when I need it most.
Matt 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' [ Deut. 6:13] "
This is where I stand today. I give it all to God. Satan needs to get away from me. I will not give in to the lies that he tells me. Who really cares about the past anyway. What's important is where I am today.
I know that God is working powerfully in my life. I wouldn't change anything in my past. If I did, I would not be where I am today. I would not have learned from anything. I am grateful that He who gave me breath in my lungs has given me the chance to be free from the world's worries. He's built a bridge for me to reach Him. He gave me the love in my heart. He gave me a family. He gave me some wonderful friends. Friends that forgive when I mess up. He's given me a home to work from. He's given me the ability to work. He's given me sunshine and rain. Colorful leaves in fall and beautiful flowers in the springtime.
Can you imagine how difficult it would be for one person to handle any of these things He's done? Impossible. It's all from God.
Mark 8:33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
Jesus will light my way every day. He will lead me to God.
Job 1:8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
I should replace Job's name with mine. I come home hoping to hear from someone whom I know I won't hear from. I should not expect it any longer. I know I messed up friendships along the path of my life. Unfortunately, I put my hope in the wrong thing. Satan attacked me by bringing me down about the past. I cannot change the things I've done in my past, only make today a better day. I know that God is always with me. He is forever picking me up when I need it most.
Matt 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' [ Deut. 6:13] "
This is where I stand today. I give it all to God. Satan needs to get away from me. I will not give in to the lies that he tells me. Who really cares about the past anyway. What's important is where I am today.
I know that God is working powerfully in my life. I wouldn't change anything in my past. If I did, I would not be where I am today. I would not have learned from anything. I am grateful that He who gave me breath in my lungs has given me the chance to be free from the world's worries. He's built a bridge for me to reach Him. He gave me the love in my heart. He gave me a family. He gave me some wonderful friends. Friends that forgive when I mess up. He's given me a home to work from. He's given me the ability to work. He's given me sunshine and rain. Colorful leaves in fall and beautiful flowers in the springtime.
Can you imagine how difficult it would be for one person to handle any of these things He's done? Impossible. It's all from God.
Mark 8:33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
Jesus will light my way every day. He will lead me to God.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
QT - My Journey
Matt 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
So, Jan 20, 1996 I made a phone call to a friend that I hadn't talked to in 6 years. God set this up. Totally. This was a close friend who told me how awesome God is. He helped me see that I needed to come to church. Ok, he dragged me there. I was so amazed at what I saw. I saw people talking to each other. As if they really knew the other person. Not like I'd seen anywhere else before. Talking and hugging. Hugging and talking. The love in the room was amazing. After visiting this church several times I was asked if I wanted to study the bible. Ok, that sounded weird but ok. WOW. What I learned from that point on, still learning today... is amazing. God has so much love for us. This is why I felt it so important to share it on my blogspot for others to see. I know that if God loves me and can forgive me for my sin, than He will do that for anyone.Can you believe that God sent His son here to teach us how to get to Him. Then Jesus was crucified... that's such a nice word for murdered... tortured... in total anguish.... for US! For me more specifically. Jesus was pure, he was the truth. He didn't sin even though he was tempted. We're tempted every day to sin. Today's world doesn't see 1/3 of their sins as being wrong or sinful. I want so much to live like Jesus did when he was walking on this earth.Today I sit, in amazement for what He's created for me. Today I took my daycare kids for a walk. It's November and 70 degrees F..... It was a beautiful walk. We stopped at the park to play. Then my friend Yvonne and I packed them in the van and went to vote. I am grateful for that opportunity to have the assistance. I could have done it alone, but it would have been a bit more stressful.God created a beautiful day for us today. Sunny and warm. The kids have slept well at naptime.I still pray for Will to be less stressed about work. I know that God is working on his heart. I know that God can provide him with a less stressful job. I believe that if Will wants to see God for who He really is... he will. God is so awesome.I also continue to pray for Caitlynn. SHe wants to see God's truth. I pray that she can see His love and joy. How wonderful this world really can be.
So, Jan 20, 1996 I made a phone call to a friend that I hadn't talked to in 6 years. God set this up. Totally. This was a close friend who told me how awesome God is. He helped me see that I needed to come to church. Ok, he dragged me there. I was so amazed at what I saw. I saw people talking to each other. As if they really knew the other person. Not like I'd seen anywhere else before. Talking and hugging. Hugging and talking. The love in the room was amazing. After visiting this church several times I was asked if I wanted to study the bible. Ok, that sounded weird but ok. WOW. What I learned from that point on, still learning today... is amazing. God has so much love for us. This is why I felt it so important to share it on my blogspot for others to see. I know that if God loves me and can forgive me for my sin, than He will do that for anyone.Can you believe that God sent His son here to teach us how to get to Him. Then Jesus was crucified... that's such a nice word for murdered... tortured... in total anguish.... for US! For me more specifically. Jesus was pure, he was the truth. He didn't sin even though he was tempted. We're tempted every day to sin. Today's world doesn't see 1/3 of their sins as being wrong or sinful. I want so much to live like Jesus did when he was walking on this earth.Today I sit, in amazement for what He's created for me. Today I took my daycare kids for a walk. It's November and 70 degrees F..... It was a beautiful walk. We stopped at the park to play. Then my friend Yvonne and I packed them in the van and went to vote. I am grateful for that opportunity to have the assistance. I could have done it alone, but it would have been a bit more stressful.God created a beautiful day for us today. Sunny and warm. The kids have slept well at naptime.I still pray for Will to be less stressed about work. I know that God is working on his heart. I know that God can provide him with a less stressful job. I believe that if Will wants to see God for who He really is... he will. God is so awesome.I also continue to pray for Caitlynn. SHe wants to see God's truth. I pray that she can see His love and joy. How wonderful this world really can be.
Friday, October 31, 2008
QT - God's plans
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
To me this is so important to know and see. There are so many days when I wake up and not know what's going to happen that day. Knowing that God makes our plans and He can give us hope and a future, well, this just makes life much easier. No matter what happens, He's in control. We get to choose our path to take, but He will lay it out before us. He can allow us to sin and learn from that. Isn't that what life is all about? Growing and learning each day. Becoming a better person than we were the day before?
Even on fun days like today, Halloween, God has a plan. I'm excited for today. The kids can have fun. Plus I get my van back from the shop. It's being repaired... big time. Between new tires and breaks and all the other things being repaired, it should drive like it did a few years ago. I'm just grateful that we can afford to fix it. I can remember when we had a Ford Escort (long time ago thank goodness) and it needed a tune up. That seemed to be an arm and a leg for us financially. Today God has given us so much to be grateful for.
We've now been in our house 9 years and 1 day. For me this was such a major thing. God wanted us here. He allowed things to play out so we could move to this town, and in this house. He worked things out and made it clear to me that this is where He wants us. I know that because He helped us get this house and keep it when we were under financial distress, He still wants us to be here. There is still work to be done for Him here. I don't know who or where, but whatever it is I will do the best I can to live for Him and show others His love.
Acts 17:26bNIV and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIVLove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Did you know that this is repeated 9 times in the Bible? This is the most important thing for us. Unfortunately, some people use this as the only thing to get them to heaven. It's not. There's so much more to it... we get there by the grace of God!
Today I will allow my heart to be lifted by God. To be focused on Him. He has made a beautiful day today. Clear sky, sun shinning and warm weather for us (a rarity for Halloween). I want to totally soak it up and enjoy every moment of it.
To me this is so important to know and see. There are so many days when I wake up and not know what's going to happen that day. Knowing that God makes our plans and He can give us hope and a future, well, this just makes life much easier. No matter what happens, He's in control. We get to choose our path to take, but He will lay it out before us. He can allow us to sin and learn from that. Isn't that what life is all about? Growing and learning each day. Becoming a better person than we were the day before?
Even on fun days like today, Halloween, God has a plan. I'm excited for today. The kids can have fun. Plus I get my van back from the shop. It's being repaired... big time. Between new tires and breaks and all the other things being repaired, it should drive like it did a few years ago. I'm just grateful that we can afford to fix it. I can remember when we had a Ford Escort (long time ago thank goodness) and it needed a tune up. That seemed to be an arm and a leg for us financially. Today God has given us so much to be grateful for.
We've now been in our house 9 years and 1 day. For me this was such a major thing. God wanted us here. He allowed things to play out so we could move to this town, and in this house. He worked things out and made it clear to me that this is where He wants us. I know that because He helped us get this house and keep it when we were under financial distress, He still wants us to be here. There is still work to be done for Him here. I don't know who or where, but whatever it is I will do the best I can to live for Him and show others His love.
Acts 17:26bNIV and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIVLove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Did you know that this is repeated 9 times in the Bible? This is the most important thing for us. Unfortunately, some people use this as the only thing to get them to heaven. It's not. There's so much more to it... we get there by the grace of God!
Today I will allow my heart to be lifted by God. To be focused on Him. He has made a beautiful day today. Clear sky, sun shinning and warm weather for us (a rarity for Halloween). I want to totally soak it up and enjoy every moment of it.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
QT - Teach Me,Lord, to Wait
Lyrics:
Teach Me, Lord, To Wait
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees;
Till in Your own good time You will answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do;
but to wait in prayer for an anwer from You.
Teach me, Lord, to wait while my heart's all aflame.
Let me humble my pride and call on Your name.
Keep my faith renewed; keep my eyes fixed on You.
Let me be on this earth what You want me to be.
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.
They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord, teach me, Lord, to wait.
Ok, this is such a powerful song. I wanted to change my QT just a little today. Music is such a part of my life and this is why. I can feel God hugging me and comforting me when I am down. When I sing I can rejoice with God about all things. Even about the things that I struggle with.
I've been listening to a bunch of Christian songs again. I have missed it so much. God's voice is through music, through art, through everything if we allow it.
So this song... what's it's meaning? Hello! BE PATIENT. God will take care of us. He knows our needs and wants. He knows our thoughts and loves. What we're passionate about and what drives us to our last nerve. Only with Him can we truely be what He wants us to be.
So...
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees;
Till in Your own good time You will answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do;
but to wait in prayer for an anwer from You
Teach me to pray for the things I must wait for. Teach me NOT to rely on others. Gee, that's nice and simple for us. I know that if we rely on others we will be disappointed. If we rely on God... we won't. So focus on praying to God about what we desire.
Teach me, Lord, to wait while my heart's all aflame.
Let me humble my pride and call on Your name.
Keep my faith renewed; keep my eyes fixed on You.
Let me be on this earth what You want me to be.
Gee... while my heart is torn apart and I feel miserable.... teach me how to wait. Humble me. Break down my pride.... help me to call on YOU when all these things are happening to me. Keep my faith renewed and strong. Help me to stay focused on You and not on what the world is doing. Make me what YOU want me to be. Let me live for YOU.
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.
They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord, teach me, Lord, to wait.
The ending is so true. We need to wait for You. My strength will continue to grow with You. You will help me to soar through the air like an eagle. We can run and not grow tired, or get a cramp in our side.
Learning to wait for what God wants for us is so difficult. We are such a people that wants things NOW. I'm seeing that as I wait for the things I pray for, my faith grows. That I can start to see the pure beauty of all His creations.
It's amazing to see the creations and how He's allowed things to happen in our lives to be where we are today. For me to be where I am today. I have a hard time with thinking about the past. For some reason my nature is to look at the negative (in my head), so I am working diligently at focusing on TODAY and all the wonderous things going on. Watching a spider spin a web. Watching my cat sleep on his back, teeth showing like a little tiger. Listening to the laughter of ANYONE. Ok, kid laughter is the best, but I'll take any true laugh.
Music can be so uplifting if we allow it. God's word can be shared in many ways. Thankfully there is now the internet where we can show how much He is working in our lives.
I am truely grateful for being shown the truth of His word. Seeing that He cares for us and wants us to be with Him. How He can truely take care of us and gives us so much. Do we realize what He does give us? Not all the time.
What did I recieve today? God's love. He gave me the energy to work today. To start getting caught up with what I missed last week when I was sick. To laugh and smile today. He gave me the white blood cells to fight off this cold and become healthy again. He gave me clothing to wear today. The sun is shining brightly. He gave us music! He gave me my family... my husband, kids and everyone else that I know. I have great friends. God has put them in my life.
I am truely grateful for the things He has given me today.
God is love
God loves us
God wants our love
Smile - God's watching
Teach Me, Lord, To Wait
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees;
Till in Your own good time You will answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do;
but to wait in prayer for an anwer from You.
Teach me, Lord, to wait while my heart's all aflame.
Let me humble my pride and call on Your name.
Keep my faith renewed; keep my eyes fixed on You.
Let me be on this earth what You want me to be.
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.
They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord, teach me, Lord, to wait.
Ok, this is such a powerful song. I wanted to change my QT just a little today. Music is such a part of my life and this is why. I can feel God hugging me and comforting me when I am down. When I sing I can rejoice with God about all things. Even about the things that I struggle with.
I've been listening to a bunch of Christian songs again. I have missed it so much. God's voice is through music, through art, through everything if we allow it.
So this song... what's it's meaning? Hello! BE PATIENT. God will take care of us. He knows our needs and wants. He knows our thoughts and loves. What we're passionate about and what drives us to our last nerve. Only with Him can we truely be what He wants us to be.
So...
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees;
Till in Your own good time You will answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do;
but to wait in prayer for an anwer from You
Teach me to pray for the things I must wait for. Teach me NOT to rely on others. Gee, that's nice and simple for us. I know that if we rely on others we will be disappointed. If we rely on God... we won't. So focus on praying to God about what we desire.
Teach me, Lord, to wait while my heart's all aflame.
Let me humble my pride and call on Your name.
Keep my faith renewed; keep my eyes fixed on You.
Let me be on this earth what You want me to be.
Gee... while my heart is torn apart and I feel miserable.... teach me how to wait. Humble me. Break down my pride.... help me to call on YOU when all these things are happening to me. Keep my faith renewed and strong. Help me to stay focused on You and not on what the world is doing. Make me what YOU want me to be. Let me live for YOU.
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.
They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord, teach me, Lord, to wait.
The ending is so true. We need to wait for You. My strength will continue to grow with You. You will help me to soar through the air like an eagle. We can run and not grow tired, or get a cramp in our side.
Learning to wait for what God wants for us is so difficult. We are such a people that wants things NOW. I'm seeing that as I wait for the things I pray for, my faith grows. That I can start to see the pure beauty of all His creations.
It's amazing to see the creations and how He's allowed things to happen in our lives to be where we are today. For me to be where I am today. I have a hard time with thinking about the past. For some reason my nature is to look at the negative (in my head), so I am working diligently at focusing on TODAY and all the wonderous things going on. Watching a spider spin a web. Watching my cat sleep on his back, teeth showing like a little tiger. Listening to the laughter of ANYONE. Ok, kid laughter is the best, but I'll take any true laugh.
Music can be so uplifting if we allow it. God's word can be shared in many ways. Thankfully there is now the internet where we can show how much He is working in our lives.
I am truely grateful for being shown the truth of His word. Seeing that He cares for us and wants us to be with Him. How He can truely take care of us and gives us so much. Do we realize what He does give us? Not all the time.
What did I recieve today? God's love. He gave me the energy to work today. To start getting caught up with what I missed last week when I was sick. To laugh and smile today. He gave me the white blood cells to fight off this cold and become healthy again. He gave me clothing to wear today. The sun is shining brightly. He gave us music! He gave me my family... my husband, kids and everyone else that I know. I have great friends. God has put them in my life.
I am truely grateful for the things He has given me today.
God is love
God loves us
God wants our love
Smile - God's watching
Saturday, October 25, 2008
God's love
I am so amazed by His love for us. He has given us so much and yet I fail to give him half of it back. I want to share my hopes with others. I want people to see what God has done for me and my life.
When I look back on my life, things could have turned out so differently. I could have stayed a bitter person and not trusting God. However, He allowed my heart to be opened and see what He had in store for me. God has brought so mugh love into my heart that I need to share it today. Unfortunately, laryngitis has struck so this is how I will share.
I went from a person who felt like a victim. Always feeling like a victim. Always unsure of my purpose here. Always wanting someone to save me from whatever was going on. I have learned that no human can do this. It is only God that can bring me out of the pit of dispare. He has allowed me to go through so much, which I feel it has allowed me to become a better person.
I am grateful for those who supported me through out all my sinful years of fear and depression. Today I sit here, feeling God's love in me. I may still suffer from satan's attacks, but I know where to go now. I seek God with an open heart and I will be just fine.
Being a true disciple of Jesus is so difficult. No matter what anyone says. You have to live like no other. Put God first. This is not an easy task since we are such a self centered being. God wants us to love him as he loves us. Can you imagine that? He wants us to love HIM.
My trials as a Christian is minimal. I have the freedom of my beliefs. I can pray whenever I want to. I can tell people about God if I want to. I live in a free country where I will not be tortured or killed because I believe in Him. The trials I have gone through in the last 11 years have been nothing compared to others.
God wanted me to be able to share His love with others. So he put me in the circumstances which I can handle and learn from. In my younger days (you know the stupid years before I learned what a true christian is), I was so sinful in so many ways. I always thought that if I were a good person, I would get to heaven. I knew I was missing something. I know that's not the complete truth. People take His word and mix it with what they want. God wants us to get to Him. He wants ALL of us to see his beauty and love. Why can't we all see it?
Not going to answer that question. I know God has a reason for things to be the way it is now. I know that my life is now for His work. He will be number ONE in my life.
Some have asked me about why I'm still married to someone who has different beliefs than me. Well, it's not difficult to understand. Just because Will isn't a true christian, doesn't mean that it won't happen some day. I have faith that God is working on Will's heart, always. I have faith that God will give him a new job where he can be less stressed. I have faith that we will get to see Will's heart change even more. For him to see God's love. To wake up in the morning and see the beautiful day He's given us.
I want so much for my family and friends to see these things. I am unsure how to explain things, but I know that as long as I continue to live for God, HE will win the battle. HE will be seen by more than just a few. People can see God for the truth. For how wonderful he is.
I guess the most important thing to me is that I continue on this journey. I may not have a voice today, physically, but I know that God is still working powerfully in me. He can make the world a better place. But it starts with me.
God has give me so much that I can't even discribe it. I love Will more today than I did when we got married. Sure we have our problems, but I know that God still wants us to be together. That God has big plans for our family. God kept us together for a reason. To all my friends that knew us before... maybe for them to see the truth about God. God can do amazing things in our lives, but we need to allow him to do them.
I just pray that God continues to light my path brightly, so I can see which one He wants me to follow. Bright neon signs would be nice, but I know it's not that simple. So for now I will continue to work on my faith in Him and follow His word.
Matt 22:
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
This is the truth of Him.
When I look back on my life, things could have turned out so differently. I could have stayed a bitter person and not trusting God. However, He allowed my heart to be opened and see what He had in store for me. God has brought so mugh love into my heart that I need to share it today. Unfortunately, laryngitis has struck so this is how I will share.
I went from a person who felt like a victim. Always feeling like a victim. Always unsure of my purpose here. Always wanting someone to save me from whatever was going on. I have learned that no human can do this. It is only God that can bring me out of the pit of dispare. He has allowed me to go through so much, which I feel it has allowed me to become a better person.
I am grateful for those who supported me through out all my sinful years of fear and depression. Today I sit here, feeling God's love in me. I may still suffer from satan's attacks, but I know where to go now. I seek God with an open heart and I will be just fine.
Being a true disciple of Jesus is so difficult. No matter what anyone says. You have to live like no other. Put God first. This is not an easy task since we are such a self centered being. God wants us to love him as he loves us. Can you imagine that? He wants us to love HIM.
My trials as a Christian is minimal. I have the freedom of my beliefs. I can pray whenever I want to. I can tell people about God if I want to. I live in a free country where I will not be tortured or killed because I believe in Him. The trials I have gone through in the last 11 years have been nothing compared to others.
God wanted me to be able to share His love with others. So he put me in the circumstances which I can handle and learn from. In my younger days (you know the stupid years before I learned what a true christian is), I was so sinful in so many ways. I always thought that if I were a good person, I would get to heaven. I knew I was missing something. I know that's not the complete truth. People take His word and mix it with what they want. God wants us to get to Him. He wants ALL of us to see his beauty and love. Why can't we all see it?
Not going to answer that question. I know God has a reason for things to be the way it is now. I know that my life is now for His work. He will be number ONE in my life.
Some have asked me about why I'm still married to someone who has different beliefs than me. Well, it's not difficult to understand. Just because Will isn't a true christian, doesn't mean that it won't happen some day. I have faith that God is working on Will's heart, always. I have faith that God will give him a new job where he can be less stressed. I have faith that we will get to see Will's heart change even more. For him to see God's love. To wake up in the morning and see the beautiful day He's given us.
I want so much for my family and friends to see these things. I am unsure how to explain things, but I know that as long as I continue to live for God, HE will win the battle. HE will be seen by more than just a few. People can see God for the truth. For how wonderful he is.
I guess the most important thing to me is that I continue on this journey. I may not have a voice today, physically, but I know that God is still working powerfully in me. He can make the world a better place. But it starts with me.
God has give me so much that I can't even discribe it. I love Will more today than I did when we got married. Sure we have our problems, but I know that God still wants us to be together. That God has big plans for our family. God kept us together for a reason. To all my friends that knew us before... maybe for them to see the truth about God. God can do amazing things in our lives, but we need to allow him to do them.
I just pray that God continues to light my path brightly, so I can see which one He wants me to follow. Bright neon signs would be nice, but I know it's not that simple. So for now I will continue to work on my faith in Him and follow His word.
Matt 22:
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
This is the truth of Him.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
QT Proverbs 5
Proverbs 5: 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
turn your ear to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
Hey! Pay attention! Listen to me!
3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
Straying to another seems easy.
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
It hurts everyone envolved.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
Following the sin will lead you away from God.
6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.
Satan's sins go all over.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
Pay attention to God's word!
8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,
Turn your back from satan.
9 lest you lose your honor to others
and your dignity [a] to one who is cruel,
Don't give in to Satan.
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich the house of another.
You will loose everything God has promised.
11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
You will be in anguish your whole life.
12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
You will say... "I didn't listen"
13 I would not obey my teachers
or turn my ear to my instructors.
"I just didn't listen to God."
14 And I was soon in serious trouble
in the assembly of God's people."
God's people saw my sin.
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
Sin will overflow.
17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
You will be blessed and happy.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
May your spouse take care of you.
20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man's wife?
Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
Why be sinful?
21 For your ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all your paths.
God will lead us down the right path.
22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
the cords of their sins hold them fast.
Sin will hold onto you.
23 For lack of discipline they will die,
led astray by their own great folly.
turn your ear to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
Hey! Pay attention! Listen to me!
3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
Straying to another seems easy.
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
It hurts everyone envolved.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
Following the sin will lead you away from God.
6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.
Satan's sins go all over.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
Pay attention to God's word!
8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,
Turn your back from satan.
9 lest you lose your honor to others
and your dignity [a] to one who is cruel,
Don't give in to Satan.
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich the house of another.
You will loose everything God has promised.
11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
You will be in anguish your whole life.
12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
You will say... "I didn't listen"
13 I would not obey my teachers
or turn my ear to my instructors.
"I just didn't listen to God."
14 And I was soon in serious trouble
in the assembly of God's people."
God's people saw my sin.
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
Sin will overflow.
17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
You will be blessed and happy.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
May your spouse take care of you.
20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man's wife?
Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
Why be sinful?
21 For your ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all your paths.
God will lead us down the right path.
22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
the cords of their sins hold them fast.
Sin will hold onto you.
Well, God wants us to be happy with our spouse. He wants to make sure we follow His word. This is a warning for us. This is a sin, stay with your spouse, be faithful to him/her. I know this is written to a man but you can change it around to be for a woman as well.
Honestly, today I am struggling with my QT. The grass is always greener ... I hate that thought, but sometimes it is. I know it's sinful, I am trying to focus on what God wants me to do. What is His will? I pray that God can shine the light on the path he wants me to take. I know that if I follow God, all will be good. I will get to dance and party in heaven. Ok, you know, I can't dance on earth so it will be nice to dance in heaven.
This is what I am focusing on. Being faithful to Him. Following His lead. I want to be loved by God, in a stong way.
I want to see the awesome things he does in my life as only He can see them. I want to see through His eyes, just like the song says.
23 For lack of discipline they will die,
led astray by their own great folly.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
QT Proverbs 4:
Proverbs 4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
"Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get [a] wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, [b] get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot rest until they do evil;
they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the [c] paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Well, this is it. Tells me exactly what to focus on... God and his word. It is very clear that God wants us to follow him and his teachings. Not to stray from them and let satan in our lives. He knows that satan will try to get us, but if we are careful and stay focused on what God wants for us, we can get through it and be away from evil.
This is just amazing to me. God really wants a relationship with me. I'm reading a book called "Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Women's Soul". This is an awesome book. It has shown me that God is the "Knight in shinning armor" that us women are truely looking for. It's amazing if you let him romance you... he will. This morning God made something really wonderful for me. I went to let the dogs outside. When I looked up at the sky there was a beautiful cloud front. I think these are so amazing. There's a layer of dark rain clouds, dreary and gray. A line of beautiful blue sky went from one side to the other as God pushed those clouds away for me to see the beautiful BLUE of the sky. It's so amazing to watch a cloud front move. Nice straight line of yuk followed by beautiful blue sky. This was His gift to me this morning. This book is allowing me to see God for the prince charming He really is.
For me, struggling with a pile of junk in my head, I really needed this. I need to allow God to remove these piles of junk out of my head. I still need to learn how to do this, but it will happen. I want to heal and totally enjoy life. My life is great and I should be able to enjoy every day.
I just pray that Will can see His work soon. So that God can reach in and take out what hurts Will. I know this is why he has a hard time being happy. He just doesn't see what God's given him.
I thank God that I have been given this opportunity to see what a great and awesome God he really is.
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
"Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get [a] wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, [b] get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot rest until they do evil;
they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the [c] paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Well, this is it. Tells me exactly what to focus on... God and his word. It is very clear that God wants us to follow him and his teachings. Not to stray from them and let satan in our lives. He knows that satan will try to get us, but if we are careful and stay focused on what God wants for us, we can get through it and be away from evil.
This is just amazing to me. God really wants a relationship with me. I'm reading a book called "Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Women's Soul". This is an awesome book. It has shown me that God is the "Knight in shinning armor" that us women are truely looking for. It's amazing if you let him romance you... he will. This morning God made something really wonderful for me. I went to let the dogs outside. When I looked up at the sky there was a beautiful cloud front. I think these are so amazing. There's a layer of dark rain clouds, dreary and gray. A line of beautiful blue sky went from one side to the other as God pushed those clouds away for me to see the beautiful BLUE of the sky. It's so amazing to watch a cloud front move. Nice straight line of yuk followed by beautiful blue sky. This was His gift to me this morning. This book is allowing me to see God for the prince charming He really is.
For me, struggling with a pile of junk in my head, I really needed this. I need to allow God to remove these piles of junk out of my head. I still need to learn how to do this, but it will happen. I want to heal and totally enjoy life. My life is great and I should be able to enjoy every day.
I just pray that Will can see His work soon. So that God can reach in and take out what hurts Will. I know this is why he has a hard time being happy. He just doesn't see what God's given him.
I thank God that I have been given this opportunity to see what a great and awesome God he really is.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Annie
Well, last night I went to see Caitlynn's school musical Annie. They did such a great job. I am totally impressed with these kids. Everyone who worked so hard on the production did a great job. It reminded me so much of high school and the stuff we did. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat... that was so much fun. I know I didn't have any big part, just part of the chorus, but that alone was great.
Will's class reunion is in a few weeks. He doesn't want to go. I don't blame him. When I went to mine last year I thought it would be better. It wasn't bad, just not too many of my high school friends were there.
Just to remember those fun days is a good life. I needed a lift and that was last night watching my 15yo have so much fun on stage. She really did. I'm so proud of her. I know she really wanted to make it to the church homecoming dance, but the show is on the night of the dance so she can't. She persevered though, stuck it out and is doing Annie. It's a wonderful show that they've done. I can't wait to see it again.
Will's class reunion is in a few weeks. He doesn't want to go. I don't blame him. When I went to mine last year I thought it would be better. It wasn't bad, just not too many of my high school friends were there.
Just to remember those fun days is a good life. I needed a lift and that was last night watching my 15yo have so much fun on stage. She really did. I'm so proud of her. I know she really wanted to make it to the church homecoming dance, but the show is on the night of the dance so she can't. She persevered though, stuck it out and is doing Annie. It's a wonderful show that they've done. I can't wait to see it again.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
QT Proverbs 3:25-35
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Wow, God tells us right there... don't fear disaster. He is at our side no matter what happens. If we can focus on Him, He will help us stay away from the wicked.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
"Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you"—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.
32 For the LORD detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Vs 33... he blesses the home of the righteous.... I need to make sure this is the way I live. Not looking at the ways of others, or what people think... just what God thinks and His ways.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.
I guess it's better to be wise and live like God wants us to. Duh, that's what it says here in the Bible. Sometimes I feel as if God is telling me the same thing. SMacking me on the back of the head saying.... "duh" to me. I really need to follow His word daily. I need to focus on what is important... living as God wants me to live.
Some days there is so much going on I don't focus on Him at all. Today is a crazy busy day, but I know that if I don't take the time out for Him then Satan will attack me when I'm not looking. We don't need that. I've had enough of that. I want to stand strong.
God will lead my way.
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Wow, God tells us right there... don't fear disaster. He is at our side no matter what happens. If we can focus on Him, He will help us stay away from the wicked.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
"Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you"—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.
32 For the LORD detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Vs 33... he blesses the home of the righteous.... I need to make sure this is the way I live. Not looking at the ways of others, or what people think... just what God thinks and His ways.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.
I guess it's better to be wise and live like God wants us to. Duh, that's what it says here in the Bible. Sometimes I feel as if God is telling me the same thing. SMacking me on the back of the head saying.... "duh" to me. I really need to follow His word daily. I need to focus on what is important... living as God wants me to live.
Some days there is so much going on I don't focus on Him at all. Today is a crazy busy day, but I know that if I don't take the time out for Him then Satan will attack me when I'm not looking. We don't need that. I've had enough of that. I want to stand strong.
God will lead my way.
Monday, September 22, 2008
QT Proverbs 3:13-24
Proverbs 3:13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
Wisdom is so necessary for us. We need to search for it constently. When we make wise decisions we honor God.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
I see that I need to think more before I act. This has been my downfall. I need to take the time to think about what I am doing or going to say, before taking action. Vs 23 "your foot will not stumble" this is so important to us. I know Satan attacks me daily, if I stay focused on God and make wise decisions I will not stumble.
Today's prayer:
Father, thank you for the rest this morning. I know I am exhausted, but You gave me the energy to continue my job today. You have given me the focus on what I need to do. For this I am so grateful. Thank you for Will's injury not being worse than it is. I know he's in pain Lord, help him to deal with that so his hand can heal well.
Father, please help me to heal the hurt inside. To live for the moment like I know you want me to. Father, you have graciosly given me so much in this life that I have wanted. I know that Jesus is the greatest gift you've given any of us. But Lord, I beg you to remove the hurt from my heart. Lift my spirits and bring me back to where I should be. I want to enjoy life again and smile and be happy. I want to laugh more, a lot more. I want to go for walks often. To see the sun shine and dew on the grass in the morning. Father, help me to lead my family spiritually. Give me the wisdom to know how to help all of them see you.
Father, please help those that I know that are sick and out of work. Father, You know where my heart is and I want it to stay with YOU, please help me to remember to focus on You daily.
Thank you for Jesus teaching us how You want us to live. He is the greatest example you've ever given us. Father, without You I am nothing. Thank you for allowing me to reach you through Jesus.
In Jesus' name... Amen.
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
Wisdom is so necessary for us. We need to search for it constently. When we make wise decisions we honor God.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
I see that I need to think more before I act. This has been my downfall. I need to take the time to think about what I am doing or going to say, before taking action. Vs 23 "your foot will not stumble" this is so important to us. I know Satan attacks me daily, if I stay focused on God and make wise decisions I will not stumble.
Today's prayer:
Father, thank you for the rest this morning. I know I am exhausted, but You gave me the energy to continue my job today. You have given me the focus on what I need to do. For this I am so grateful. Thank you for Will's injury not being worse than it is. I know he's in pain Lord, help him to deal with that so his hand can heal well.
Father, please help me to heal the hurt inside. To live for the moment like I know you want me to. Father, you have graciosly given me so much in this life that I have wanted. I know that Jesus is the greatest gift you've given any of us. But Lord, I beg you to remove the hurt from my heart. Lift my spirits and bring me back to where I should be. I want to enjoy life again and smile and be happy. I want to laugh more, a lot more. I want to go for walks often. To see the sun shine and dew on the grass in the morning. Father, help me to lead my family spiritually. Give me the wisdom to know how to help all of them see you.
Father, please help those that I know that are sick and out of work. Father, You know where my heart is and I want it to stay with YOU, please help me to remember to focus on You daily.
Thank you for Jesus teaching us how You want us to live. He is the greatest example you've ever given us. Father, without You I am nothing. Thank you for allowing me to reach you through Jesus.
In Jesus' name... Amen.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
QT Proverbs 3:7-12
Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
So, do not look for the answers by yourself. Give the issue to God and He will be the one to take care of it. It doesn't matter what it is.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
We've been learning about our "first fruits" this is a term we don't use much anymore. Our "firstfruits" are the earnings you get FIRST. So, wether it's money or time, we need to give it to God. If you give your firstfruits to God, He will return it twice-fold. So wether you are giving money to church, or helping your neighbor fix something in their house... make sure it's as soon as you have time to do these things and not as an afterthought.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. [b]
God will discipline us as He sees fit. We need to accept this. We have to discipline our children or they would get out of hand. He must discipline us to correct us when we make mistakes. He does this to help us focus on Him and learn about Him.
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
So, do not look for the answers by yourself. Give the issue to God and He will be the one to take care of it. It doesn't matter what it is.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
We've been learning about our "first fruits" this is a term we don't use much anymore. Our "firstfruits" are the earnings you get FIRST. So, wether it's money or time, we need to give it to God. If you give your firstfruits to God, He will return it twice-fold. So wether you are giving money to church, or helping your neighbor fix something in their house... make sure it's as soon as you have time to do these things and not as an afterthought.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. [b]
God will discipline us as He sees fit. We need to accept this. We have to discipline our children or they would get out of hand. He must discipline us to correct us when we make mistakes. He does this to help us focus on Him and learn about Him.
Monday, September 15, 2008
QT Proverbs 3:1-6
Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
Remember to follow God's teachings. Learn what He wants us to know. If we remember the what He has given us to do, they will bring us "peace and prosperity". I'm hoping for the peace part. I have a war going on within me daily. Satan attacks me all the time. In the places he knows that I struggle with. I must keep God's commands close to my heart and active in my life to beat Satan
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
I need this so much. I know God loves me, and that he wants me to love everyone else. He will guide me to do these things.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and humankind.
I would rather win favor with God than man, but I know that being human, we want that as well. However, I will live to please the Lord and show Him to man
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
If I leaned on my own understanding I would not be where I am today. I have to lean on Him. I trust Him with all my heart. I struggle with time. I know it's in His time and not my time. I guess I'm just impatient. I need to learn more patience, so I can understand Him better
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
I need to get better at submitting to Him. It would help if He lit my path with a neon sign sometimes though.
Although I've been struggling with depression once again. I have a much better aspect of it than I used to. I know it will get better. I know I'm here for a reason. I know God loves me. If I continue to work on things within my heart and focus on God, He will light that path for me with a neon sign. It will continue to point the direction He wants me to walk in.
Today's prayer:
Father, God who created heaven and earth. Thank you so much for waking me up this morning to see the sun shining behind the clouds. Father to smell the fresh air and ability to do my job. Lord, I pray that you help me continue to get out of this funk I've been in. Lord, guide my path and lead me to You.
Father, I pray for my family. Lord that Will has a good day at work today. Father, he is so stressed from work, I worry about him. Please help him to see you in his life. I pray for my children. For Angel, Lord, for her to see you today. In one thing, just a glimse of you. Father, for Caitlynn, please help her to be strong and faithful today. Help her to focus on Your word today. Father, Tanis, Lord for him to be slow to anger and focus on good things today
Father, I pray for my friends. Lord, for Sue and Brad. For their income to increase with a new job for Brad. Lord, help him to work for you. He is an awesome disciple, help him to see it in himself, to pick himself up by the "bootstraps" and walk into a job interview for you. Father, help their marriage grow like only You can do. Lord, for Scott and Trina. Father, I have know Scott for what seems like forever, just as long as I've known Sue. Father, help Scott to support his family financially. Please help him to stay strong in his faith of You. Help Trina to see you in her life. Help her to see how wonderful she really is. Lord, please keep my friends and family safe during all travel today. Allow them to come home healthy and happy.
Please help me to have the zeal for life that I want to have. To have the energy and faithfullness that only You can provide. I pray that you continue to work in my life to help others. Father, thank you for your son. He died for me to be a bridge between us. So that I can get to you. So I can be forgiven and get to heaven.
Thank you so much for Jesus and the life he gave. In His name... Amen.
but keep my commands in your heart,
Remember to follow God's teachings. Learn what He wants us to know. If we remember the what He has given us to do, they will bring us "peace and prosperity". I'm hoping for the peace part. I have a war going on within me daily. Satan attacks me all the time. In the places he knows that I struggle with. I must keep God's commands close to my heart and active in my life to beat Satan
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
I need this so much. I know God loves me, and that he wants me to love everyone else. He will guide me to do these things.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and humankind.
I would rather win favor with God than man, but I know that being human, we want that as well. However, I will live to please the Lord and show Him to man
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
If I leaned on my own understanding I would not be where I am today. I have to lean on Him. I trust Him with all my heart. I struggle with time. I know it's in His time and not my time. I guess I'm just impatient. I need to learn more patience, so I can understand Him better
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
I need to get better at submitting to Him. It would help if He lit my path with a neon sign sometimes though.
Although I've been struggling with depression once again. I have a much better aspect of it than I used to. I know it will get better. I know I'm here for a reason. I know God loves me. If I continue to work on things within my heart and focus on God, He will light that path for me with a neon sign. It will continue to point the direction He wants me to walk in.
Today's prayer:
Father, God who created heaven and earth. Thank you so much for waking me up this morning to see the sun shining behind the clouds. Father to smell the fresh air and ability to do my job. Lord, I pray that you help me continue to get out of this funk I've been in. Lord, guide my path and lead me to You.
Father, I pray for my family. Lord that Will has a good day at work today. Father, he is so stressed from work, I worry about him. Please help him to see you in his life. I pray for my children. For Angel, Lord, for her to see you today. In one thing, just a glimse of you. Father, for Caitlynn, please help her to be strong and faithful today. Help her to focus on Your word today. Father, Tanis, Lord for him to be slow to anger and focus on good things today
Father, I pray for my friends. Lord, for Sue and Brad. For their income to increase with a new job for Brad. Lord, help him to work for you. He is an awesome disciple, help him to see it in himself, to pick himself up by the "bootstraps" and walk into a job interview for you. Father, help their marriage grow like only You can do. Lord, for Scott and Trina. Father, I have know Scott for what seems like forever, just as long as I've known Sue. Father, help Scott to support his family financially. Please help him to stay strong in his faith of You. Help Trina to see you in her life. Help her to see how wonderful she really is. Lord, please keep my friends and family safe during all travel today. Allow them to come home healthy and happy.
Please help me to have the zeal for life that I want to have. To have the energy and faithfullness that only You can provide. I pray that you continue to work in my life to help others. Father, thank you for your son. He died for me to be a bridge between us. So that I can get to you. So I can be forgiven and get to heaven.
Thank you so much for Jesus and the life he gave. In His name... Amen.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
QT Proverbs 2
Proverbs 2: 1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Wow, doesn't this just say... LOOK TO GOD !!!!! Go ahead and Him for help. Call out to God for the answers and the help.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
He will protect you!
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 Surely her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the just
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
So, if we look to got for the wisdom we need, He will give it to us. This is so true. Last night at midweek we were discussing "God and Money". I totally believe what was preached. We need to make sure we put God first, then family. Our wants are just that, wants. What's the big deal if you don't have the best looking house, or the best looking car. We need to put God before all else and focus on what He wants us to do.
He wants us to share our wisdom of His son Jesus with others. He wants us to love others, no matter if we like the things they do or say. I am just as sinful as the next. I get angry and frustrated often as well. I will focus on Him when I begin to feel this way. Jesus died for me. He died so I could make it to heaven.
When I think of heaven I think of lots of music, dancing, and partying. We'll be playing softball and I'll be able to throw a ball then! I'll be able to dance and not step on anyone's feet!
God made today for us. He made my day today with sunshine and rain. With little smiling faces surrounding me. With loving animals (which really is awesome!) that don't care if you have short or long hair.
I will enjoy today to the best of my ablility. I am so grateful that I have today. That I am healthy. That I have a job. That I have God's word and love. And that He hasn't given up on me and He never will.
To HIM I am so grateful.
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Wow, doesn't this just say... LOOK TO GOD !!!!! Go ahead and Him for help. Call out to God for the answers and the help.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
He will protect you!
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 Surely her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the just
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
So, if we look to got for the wisdom we need, He will give it to us. This is so true. Last night at midweek we were discussing "God and Money". I totally believe what was preached. We need to make sure we put God first, then family. Our wants are just that, wants. What's the big deal if you don't have the best looking house, or the best looking car. We need to put God before all else and focus on what He wants us to do.
He wants us to share our wisdom of His son Jesus with others. He wants us to love others, no matter if we like the things they do or say. I am just as sinful as the next. I get angry and frustrated often as well. I will focus on Him when I begin to feel this way. Jesus died for me. He died so I could make it to heaven.
When I think of heaven I think of lots of music, dancing, and partying. We'll be playing softball and I'll be able to throw a ball then! I'll be able to dance and not step on anyone's feet!
God made today for us. He made my day today with sunshine and rain. With little smiling faces surrounding me. With loving animals (which really is awesome!) that don't care if you have short or long hair.
I will enjoy today to the best of my ablility. I am so grateful that I have today. That I am healthy. That I have a job. That I have God's word and love. And that He hasn't given up on me and He never will.
To HIM I am so grateful.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
QT Proverbs 1:20-33
Pro 1:20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall [d] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
22 "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm."
This passage makes me think of a mom. A mom who has told her child not to do something and the child isn't listening. The mom who comes up behind them and litterly smacks them in the head. "what were you thinking?" and "duh" - mom said not to do it, you should have listened to her. If we listen to God's word and follow him we will be safe and at ease. This doesn't mean we won't have problems or troubles, this means that with God we can get through anything. "Then I will pour out my thoughts to you," I would love to know what God's plans are for me.
Today I am doing better. The depression is slowly lifting. God is working powerfully in my life. I am doing what I need to be to help it lift as well. I am making sure I have prayer time with Him. I am getting in my walk with the daycare kids, all two of them. I am making sure I look good for ME.
I am still a little stressed out about money, although I know we've been through so much worse than right now. I'm at a crossroads. I have two daycare kids and I need either to have 4 full timers (or the equivelent income) or get a job outside the house. Well, I'm of mixed emotions about both. I really enjoy what I do with kids. I love being able to be home when my own kids come home from school. I feel this is so important. I can be here when their friends come over to "hang out". But, on the other hand... Tanis needs more independence, the house would have less clutter. I don't know. This is one decision I'm leaving to God. I have prayed for Him to lead me in the direction He wants me to be in. Lead me to where I can work for Him, not money. Where does He want me to be?
she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall [d] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
22 "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm."
This passage makes me think of a mom. A mom who has told her child not to do something and the child isn't listening. The mom who comes up behind them and litterly smacks them in the head. "what were you thinking?" and "duh" - mom said not to do it, you should have listened to her. If we listen to God's word and follow him we will be safe and at ease. This doesn't mean we won't have problems or troubles, this means that with God we can get through anything. "Then I will pour out my thoughts to you," I would love to know what God's plans are for me.
Today I am doing better. The depression is slowly lifting. God is working powerfully in my life. I am doing what I need to be to help it lift as well. I am making sure I have prayer time with Him. I am getting in my walk with the daycare kids, all two of them. I am making sure I look good for ME.
I am still a little stressed out about money, although I know we've been through so much worse than right now. I'm at a crossroads. I have two daycare kids and I need either to have 4 full timers (or the equivelent income) or get a job outside the house. Well, I'm of mixed emotions about both. I really enjoy what I do with kids. I love being able to be home when my own kids come home from school. I feel this is so important. I can be here when their friends come over to "hang out". But, on the other hand... Tanis needs more independence, the house would have less clutter. I don't know. This is one decision I'm leaving to God. I have prayed for Him to lead me in the direction He wants me to be in. Lead me to where I can work for Him, not money. Where does He want me to be?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
QT Proverbs 1:8-19
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for innocent blood,
let's ambush some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot"—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; i
it takes away the life of those who get it.
Wow, this is such a good warning for us. Why follow the sinful man anyway? God will guide us through all our trials the righteous ways. I think this is hard to follow sometimes, but I know I still need to. It's so easy to follow what others are doing. To think alongside the "world". I feel this also means not to fall into temtation of money and things. Sure it's nice to have "stuff" but we can't take it with us. God is what needs to be prevalient in our lives. Jesus could have had all the riches in the world, but he didn't. His riches were within God. Following Him until the very end. Are you truely following Him? I know some days I do not. Sometimes it's difficult not to be tempted by the world. How easy it would be to follow that direction. How easy is it to swear and curse. But you know what, it's wrong. I need to focus on Jesus when I'm tempted to swear or laugh at crude jokes, or gossip. That's my other struggle. Gossip comes in so many varieties. I know He will help me avoid this.
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for innocent blood,
let's ambush some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot"—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; i
it takes away the life of those who get it.
Wow, this is such a good warning for us. Why follow the sinful man anyway? God will guide us through all our trials the righteous ways. I think this is hard to follow sometimes, but I know I still need to. It's so easy to follow what others are doing. To think alongside the "world". I feel this also means not to fall into temtation of money and things. Sure it's nice to have "stuff" but we can't take it with us. God is what needs to be prevalient in our lives. Jesus could have had all the riches in the world, but he didn't. His riches were within God. Following Him until the very end. Are you truely following Him? I know some days I do not. Sometimes it's difficult not to be tempted by the world. How easy it would be to follow that direction. How easy is it to swear and curse. But you know what, it's wrong. I need to focus on Jesus when I'm tempted to swear or laugh at crude jokes, or gossip. That's my other struggle. Gossip comes in so many varieties. I know He will help me avoid this.
Monday, September 08, 2008
QT Proverbs 1:1-7
Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, [a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise. [b]
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools [c] despise wisdom and instruction.
What is Proverbs all about? In this passage I see God telling me that He is giving me the tools here to become wise. The need for this is major in this day and age! We need to know how to make the wise decisions in our lives. Will we go with everyone else or follow God?
I believe that God will continue to work in my life daily. There are so many things that I pray for daily that I cannot even put here. If I follow the words of the Bible, I cannot do wrong. I will follow Jesus' teachings. We need the knowledge of how to behave in the world to shine our light for God. I believe that God will win the battles in my house. Satan can go away from here. This is God's house.
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, [a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise. [b]
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools [c] despise wisdom and instruction.
What is Proverbs all about? In this passage I see God telling me that He is giving me the tools here to become wise. The need for this is major in this day and age! We need to know how to make the wise decisions in our lives. Will we go with everyone else or follow God?
I believe that God will continue to work in my life daily. There are so many things that I pray for daily that I cannot even put here. If I follow the words of the Bible, I cannot do wrong. I will follow Jesus' teachings. We need the knowledge of how to behave in the world to shine our light for God. I believe that God will win the battles in my house. Satan can go away from here. This is God's house.
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