11.29.2010

Shine

November 29, 2010

It has been a long weekend! I managed to get through Thanksgiving without stuffing myself like a turkey. I managed to get through "black friday" without getting injured by the mobs who were fighting for the season's "hottest" items that were marked half off! I managed to convince my husband to bring us to pick out a CHRISTmas tree and I got all 1800 lights put on it just so. I managed to shorten my CHRISTmas shopping list and get some gifts wrapped and placed under the tree.

I've still got so much to do. I cannot seem to wrap my mind around the fact that our "regular" life is supposed to resume today. I am not prepared for school. I have items that really need to get returned to the stores so that I can get the money put back into my account. My bedroom is overflowing with gifts waiting to be wrapped! I need to get the laundry going so I won't fall behind, because we all know how much harder laundry becomes when you are "catching up". I need to figure out what's for supper. We've got ballet class tonight. I've got little projects here and there that are on my "to do" list in the CHRISTmas decorating department. And let's not forget that I am trying to keep up with my blog.

So, here's the thing. If I want to get all of these things done, without causing anyone bodily harm OR without my "group of little anyone's" attempting to cause me bodily harm there is something that I need to do first. Can you guess what it is? No silly, it's not taking that special little pill~ although that might help. Just kidding, sort of. I need to spend some time with my Father.

I love having "coffee time" with Freddie in the mornings. It's our time, hopefully without kids, to connect and just sit without distractions to talk and be with each other. I look forward to it and miss it when we don't get to do it because of work or whatever. It's therapeutic. Now, Freddie is a great guy, but he's not God. I can imagine if I set aside time every morning to be with Him how much more I would benefit from that special time. Not only do I need to spend time with my Father for me, but I need to do it for Him. I was reading a blog and the author wrote this: "You beam when I come into your presence". Wow! Think about that. God so wants to spend time with us and when we go to Him He beams with happiness! I want to make my God happy with me. I want Him to beam for me. I want our relationship to be a "two way street". I should not always be the one who is taking. I need to give to Him. After all, I could never out give what He's already given- Jesus! I want Him to be pleased with me. I want to see Him shine!

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and stand before him?" Psalm 42:1-2


"I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2


"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God." Psalm 84:1-2

11.28.2010

"The Gift Shop" Week 5

November 28, 2010

Yeah, yeah, yeah.... I know I'm late. BUT, I knew I would be. I had some serious shopping to do on "Black Friday".  I had been awake for about 39 hours and had shopped for about 19 hours and had stood in lines for countless hours! It was seriously fun and I can't wait to do it again next year! (Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha- YUM, and 5 hour energy saved the day!)

Hope you enjoy these ideas!

Oh yeah... this little number was on sale for $28! I didn't get one, but I sure did want one. She's a beauty.
Mr. Coffee Red Coffeemaker-12 Cup
I did, however, get these for my boys. They are gonna LOVE them! (Especially the one who is afraid of the dark.) They were on sale for $25.

EyeClops Night Vision 2.0 Infrared Stealth Binoculars

I picked up these little numbers, too. They are supposedly the best rain wear EVER! They were on sale for $25 and they came with a Free DriDucks Poncho and Chilly Dana.
Frogg Toggs
These are super cute. They were on sale, but I missed it. So, I didn't get one. But, cute nonetheless. There are frogs, dogs, bears, an owl, a cat, a monkey.... They are about $20.

Arizona Critter Hat
And lastly, this adorable little item. She was on sale for $4.99 and jumped in my basket! She is so delicious! They have the different princesses.
My First Disney Princess Doll - Baby Cinderella 

11.25.2010

A Thanksgiving Letter to My Children

November 25, 2010

Dear Karli, Drake, Brant, and Aubree,

I am writing you this letter on Thanksgiving morning while you are all sleeping soundly in your beds. The peace and quiet is very nice. I can actually hear the thoughts in my mind for a change. Our lives can get quite loud most days. I remember a time, before I had kids, when I relished peace and quiet. I imagined that the hardest adjustment I would have to make when I would have children would be to get used to noise. But, you know what? Dad and I sometimes lie down in bed after a busy day and look at each other and ask, "What did we ever do before we had kids? Our lives must have been so boring!" It's hard to remember a time when any of you were not around.

There have been difficult days in our home. Times when we didn't necessarily like each other very much. But, every day, I love you. I love you each as much as one human can possibly love another human. I absolutely love you more than I love myself.

Karli, I cannot get over how much you amaze me. You have grown so much from the time when you were a one year old ball of personality with your "squinty" little smile. You have turned into one of the most responsible people I know. My heart is blessed every time I see you step in to advise your brothers and sister just before they do something that might hurt them. You are a natural born care-taker! I also see you struggling at times to grow up. I just want you to know that you're doing a great job. I know that you do make mistakes, but, the important thing is that you learn from them. I see you trying really hard and I couldn't be more proud of you!

Drake, I am on a journey that is all so new and exciting to me. I am witnessing the first-hand account of a boy growing into a man. It is so amazing to me to see you now as a boy who is anxious to "get puberty". I can remember the tornado that used to be the two year old you. It is such a pleasure to see this transformation! You are so smart and funny. I often wonder what your future holds in store for you. There are unlimited possibilities at your feet. Choose wisely, my son. I am also blessed beyond words to see you explore your relationship with God. Your hunger to learn is special to me. Don't ever lose that! I could not be more proud of you!

Brant, you are truly one of a kind. You are a very special boy. Having you for a son is a privilege. I love that you still have that wonder and heart of a child. It is a gift to me. The days can be long, but the years are so short! My soul smiles when I see you playing and enjoying life in the simplest of terms. Your affectionate spirit warms me from the inside out. All of my life I have wanted to be loved and I have been loved well by you! It is very sweet to see your concern when I'm not feeling well. Your kisses and hugs are the best medicine ever! You are strong willed, but it can serve you well in your life if you use it wisely! I am so proud of you and I am blessed to call you son.

Aubree, you keep our lives interesting! You are one special girl. You have a sweet spirit, just like your sister. You are very well behaved and even more funny! You are so smart and perceptive and curious and loving. What did we ever do without you? You complete our family. God knew you were exactly what we needed. My cup runneth over. I look forward to watching you grow and blossom and I count myself truly blessed to have a front row seat to your life. I am so proud of you, my beautiful baby daughter.

I have a lot to be thankful for today. I am thankful for the "noise" and sounds of my life! I am thankful for the constant beat of our home. I am thankful for the chaos as well as the peace. I am thankful for the love that fills each room that would not be here without you. I am thankful for the four of you, because you make our house a home. You each have a very special place in my heart that cannot be filled by anyone else.

I pray that you know how very much I love each of you and I never want to spend one single breath without you! I pray that you each live a long life filled with love. I pray that you continue to grow in character. I pray for health and happiness for you beyond measure. I pray for success beyond your wildest dreams. I pray that you each find that one special person designed for you by the hand of God. I pray that you seek God daily and develop a strong relationship with Him. I pray that you can easily recognize His love, grace, and mercies every day of your lives. I pray for healthy, beautiful grandchildren. I pray a prayer of thanksgiving for each one of you~ you are so special and beautiful, and my life is so much better by having known you!

11.22.2010

Thanksgiving "Weak"?

November 22, 2010

This begins "Thanksgiving" week! I have spent this month trying to foster an attitude of thankfulness in hopes that it will become second nature to me. I think most of us could stand to be a little more thankful in our day to day lives. I know that all too often, as human beings, we tend to focus on what has not gone "right" in our lives, no matter how trivial. This sets us up to be less happy than we potentially could be. It is very draining to us and those close to us when we are disappointed and despaired. It is difficult to dredge through a day when you feel defeated by the world, just as it is for someone to try to constantly lift you up from those depths of unhappiness.

The answer is simple. Ask yourself~ do I want to be more happy or less happy? Personally, I want to be more happy, so I am going to actively practice looking at the proverbial glass as half full~ all the time! I don't want my thanksgiving to be "weak", I want it to be "strong"! So, next time something does not turn out exactly the way you would have hoped for, choose to be thankful that it isn't worse than it is. Also, go one step further~ choose to believe that God has something greater in store for you than what you have for yourself. Believe that if "it" would have gone "your" way, then you would be missing out on God's Greater plan for your life. Rest in the peace of not having to know what is best for you and just trust God to hold you in His hands and lead you!

"I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17


"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!" Psalm 30:11-12


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

11.20.2010

"The Gift Shop" Week 4

November 20,2010

I'm a day late~ I know. Sorry. Yesterday was crazy busy. Please forgive me. I hope you enjoy this week's picks. Please remember that I am not endorsing any product. These are just ideas.

Check out these SUPER cute rubber boots? You can find a pair for anyone on your list. There are tons of styles, designs, and prices! I love 'em!
http://cuterainboots.org/online-store/
http://cuterainboots.org/online-store/
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/1267U,,_Hatley-Rubber-Boots-Waterproof-For-Kids.html
http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com/site/547047/product/250-17096795
http://www.makemechic.com/p-25945-yitta84-crowned-heart-rubber-rain-boot-leopard-multi.aspx
http://www.mothertochild.com/kiyeloflra.html
http://www.mothertochild.com/kigrdira.html
I was not able to find "cute" boots for men. Most men, at least mine is for sure, are more about function and comfort than style. But, I did find this really cool item. How about some Fishouflage? There are a few different designs and price ranges.
http://www.fishouflageapparel.com/products/product.cfm?pid=19&clid=2

Next Friday is "Black Friday". It is my absolute favorite day of the year. (Well, almost) I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I will be getting up way too early and shopping way too late, standing in lines way too long to spend way too much money. I will let you know how I fare! Oh, and I am certain that next week's post will be late. Happy Shopping!

11.18.2010

The "Right" Fighter

November 18, 2010

We've all been there. Frustrated. Annoyed. Angry. "Why doesn't he just listen to me? Why can't he do what I ask?" Then we fuss. We scream. We become disrespectful. We use ugly words in an ugly tone. We forget that the one we are speaking to yelling at is probably the person that we love above all others. Why in the world would we treat someone that is so important to us in such a bad way? It just doesn't make sense.

Jesus did not walk around this earth scolding people. He was not a mean, angry, resentful guy. He was gentle and loving. He treated everyone with pure love, no matter what they had done. Have you read the bible to see some of the things that people did and still received His love and healing? How do you imagine things might have been different if Jesus was to act the way we do sometimes? Can you see Him getting frustrated because here comes yet ANOTHER sinner asking for favor and healing? How well would it go over if He would stand on his "soap box" and start yelling and pointing His finger at everyone, "Why don't you listen to me? Why don't you do what I say the first time? You should be ashamed of yourself!" Even though he would be right, he wouldn't be loving. Would you submit yourself to that humiliation? Probably not. You would not be a fan of Jesus. He would have a hard time winning your love and respect. And that's what we want from our relationships, isn't it? Love and respect with a little understanding and compassion thrown in for good measure.

Whether you are right or not, the means will justify the end. You need to think about that. You can be right all you want, if you treat someone badly, they will eventually stop loving and respecting you. You are gonna be right all by yourself! At the end of your life, do you want to be sitting on your front porch in your rocking chair right but ALONE? I doubt it. I want my husband and children sitting next to me singing "Kumbaya".

We need to decide that we are going to treat others with love and respect over being right and rude. Sometimes, it may mean that we will have to have a submissive spirit. We may just have to back down and let things just be. We need to remember that we should treat the most important people in our lives as though they are the most important people in our lives! We should put them before ourselves, and, if we're important to them, they will do the same for us. Can you imagine what that relationship would look like?

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." John 13:34


"Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18


"Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12


"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too." Matthew 5:44-45


"There are three things that will endure- faith, hope, and love- the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:13


"And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word." Ephesians 5:25-26


"Continue to love each other with true Christian love." Hebrews 13:1

11.17.2010

LifeSaver

November 17, 2010

A few nights ago, Aubree woke up in the darkness of night and needed to go tinkle. She was very groggy, still full of sleep and needed help. So, I got out of bed and carried her in my arms to the bathroom, lovingly waited while she "did her thing", and then cleaned her up and got her dressed again. She looked at me and said with all the drama of a two year old, "Thanks Mom! You saved my  life!" Ha Ha Ha That girl is so hilarious! I love her!

You know, there are times when I wake up in the darkness of life with a need and I feel unable to help myself due to whatever circumstance I find myself in. But,God is always there to lift me up out of the situation and carry me in His arms of rescue! He is faithful and capable!

From time to time, I believe that God will allow us to sink to scary depths just so He can be glorified when He raises us up triumphantly! He allows things to happen in our lives so that He can prove to us that He can and will always take care of us. He wants us to always be grateful and appreciative of Him and His perfect grace and mercy!

So, don't fret when you find yourself faced with trouble. Don't worry when you don't see a way out of the dilemma you seem to be stuck in. Rest in God's word when you are overwhelmed with sadness and despair. He wants to use your troubles for His glory and praise. He wants you to rejoice in Him. He wants to prove to you that He loves you~ that He will not leave you. He is always faithful, just as you should be. Because after all, we have the ultimate Life Saver in Him!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6


"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." Romans 16:20

11.15.2010

Dressed for Success

November 15, 2010

The other day, Freddie and I had a disagreement about something or other. He was frustrated with me because he had expected me to do something that I did not do. It hurt my feelings to see him disappointed in me and I let myself get very angry and I may or may not have called him an ugly name. I immediately felt ashamed and sorry that I let my emotions get the better of me. Freddie's reaction was something exactly like this: "That's real Christian of you."  Ouch! He's right. That is not how Christ would react. But, I am not Christ. I strive to be Christ-like, but I am not always successful.

Being like Christ is a very tall order. He was sinless. He was able to resist temptation 100% of the time. And he was tempted by the best of 'em. How was he able to do it? After all, he did walk this earth as a human. I think it's because he had perfect knowledge and wisdom of God. His heart was perfectly tuned in to God's desires and commands. He spent his life searching for and learning and teaching God's will. As we seek God's instruction, we will become more like Christ. We will be better armed to resist temptation. We will have a clearer understanding and bigger arsenal to defeat the wiles of the devil.

So, how exactly are we to do this? The bible gives us a clear answer. It tells us to put on the "Armor of God" every day. We are to be honest and righteous. We should be filled with God's peace which comes from knowing that Jesus died on the cross to save us from hell. We must remain faithful at all times and be confident in our salvation. We need to know the word of God by reading and studying it. And we must constantly be in prayer about all things!

So, make sure the first thing you do every day is to Dress for Success in the battle armor of God!

"A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil ruler and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere." Ephesians 6:10-18

11.12.2010

"The Gift Shop" Week 3

November 12, 2010

Here we are~ week 3 of my series, "The Gift Shop". This week's features are:

For the girls on your list, how about this adorable apron & baking set. It's from Lilly's Kids and it will cost about $24.95, but the Personalization is FREE.
http://search.lillianvernon.com/EasyAsk/lillianvernon/results.jsp?ts=Tue%20Nov%2009%2015:59:46%20EST%202010
For the boys on your list, isn't this Tin Can Robot cute? It is also from Lilly's Kids and will cost about $19.98.
http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalog/product_display.jsp?searchParam=LK&pdId=15185&addOn=086&sid=eas

Instead of listing a man and woman gift this week, I am going to give you an idea for the teacher's on your list. How about a personalized Note Pad from Vista Print.com. Their rates are reasonable and you can get one starting around $6.74. There are several designs that can be customized to your preference. Here are just a few examples:
http://www.vistaprint.com/gallery.aspx?pg=17&xnav=HowToDesign
http://www.vistaprint.com/gallery.aspx?pg=17&xnav=HowToDesign

http://www.vistaprint.com/gallery.aspx?pg=17&xnav=HowToDesign
http://www.vistaprint.com/gallery.aspx?pg=17&xnav=HowToDesign

11.11.2010

American Soldier

November 11, 2010

Today is Veteran's Day. Today, I am sincerely grateful for every single soul that has put on the uniform of the United States military. I am grateful that so many men and women were and are willing to give up everything to protect our freedom~ and I am grateful for the men and women who stood beside them and "held down the fort" at home, raising kids and keeping a house, alone. It is not a simple task, especially when you're praying to God every second of the day to spare the life of someone you love so dearly. I do not write these words lightly. I mean them from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!

"And here is how to measure it- the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." John 15:13


11.10.2010

Keeping the Peace

November 10, 2010

So, yesterday, I was privy to an interaction between my oldest son and my youngest daughter. He was barking at her for something or other, being very rude and angry. I have recently read "The Duggars 20 and Counting" and in it Michelle mentioned something about lowering her voice instead of raising it when correcting her children. I thought, I am gonna give this a try. I have been working on how they talk to each other for quite some time. So, I called Drake to me and VERY quietly I talked whispered to him about how he should speak to his sister. I told him to loosen his face muscles to release the anger & frustration. So, we did exercises to shake out our faces and loosen them into a relaxed state of smiling. And when we changed our faces from tight, angry things to loose, smiling laughing things our moods lightened immediately and drastically. It was much harder to be stern and upset once we'd released the tension in our faces.

Now, the trick is to put and keep this in practice daily. This is going to be a challenge for me, to put it mildly. It is so easy to lose my temper when I am trying to get school done or supper or whatever it is that I'm working on and I turn around to see that one my of lovely children (Aubree) has dumped a full bowl of cereal and milk onto the floor or has unrolled the toilet paper or has climbed on top of her dresser (again!). It is going to take a LOT of self control to lower my voice instead of raise it. But, I can imagine what the results of success would be. It would be wonderful to have a house where no one screams at each other on a regular basis. I would love to live among people who are respectful to each other and treat each other kindly. Oh glorious day!

So, if you happen to walk up to me and my little family and we are shaking our heads as if we are having convulsions DON'T call 9-1-1 (at least not right away)! It's probably only our meager attempt to keep the peace!

"Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others." Psalm 34:14

11.08.2010

Raising Jesus

November 8, 2010

We are already in range of counting down to CHRISTmas in terms of weeks rather than months. How did that happen so fast? Life is flying by me at lightening speed. I am changing my mindset into a Spirit of Thankfulness and Giving. I am planning my CHRISTmas lists, checking them twice, and marking off purchases made. I am anticipating "Black Friday". (It is a day that was made just for me, you know.) I am making my CHRISTmas cards, and planning for my baby's birthday (which is December 20th). I am thinking about invitations for our annual CHRISTmas party.

In all of the hullabaloo, I don't want to forget WHY I am doing all of these things. I want to remember that long ride of a very pregnant virgin on the back of a donkey all those years ago. I want to remember a promise fulfilled. I want to remember angels rejoicing at the birth of our Savior, of my Savior! I want to try to imagine how His mother felt the first time she saw Him. How humble she must've been. How much in awe she was.

Then I think, "How do you raise the Son of God?" I mean, really, how does that work? If He was sinless, then discipline could not have been a problem. But, I mean, He's the Son of God. Do you feel an obligation to take instruction from Him? Do you show favoritism to Him among all of your children? Does he get a later curfew than the others? Does he get extra dessert? Okay. Probably not. I imagine that she had to have been special herself for God to have chosen HER. She had to have been blessed with wisdom and special character to be able to handle such a task.

Next time I think that raising my children is a daunting and difficult task, I probably should pause and reflect on the job Mary had before her some two thousand years ago and count my blessings.

"Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 'Don't be frightened, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!'" Luke 1:29-33



11.05.2010

"The Gift Shop" Week 2

November 5, 2010

One week closer to CHRISTmas. Do you have the Spirit of the Season? I am constantly on the look-out for inexpensive, unique, meaningful gift ideas. I hope you enjoy this week's selections.

For the woman on your list, how about a personalized piece of jewelry. I have had my eye on similar pieces for a while now. I love the idea of wearing something with the names of my kids and/or husband. Check out the site for more options.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassy2225?view_type=gallery&page=1

For the guy on your list, how about this unique goody.....It is a "Survival Kit in a Can". It costs about $12.95.
http://www.findgift.com/gift-ideas/pid-116372/


For the boys on your list... how about this "Frightened Grasshopper Solar Bug". It costs about $9.95 and boys LOVE building things!
http://www.findgift.com/gift-ideas/pid-225777/

For the girls on your list how about their very own "Lady Bug Land"! It costs about $17.50 and is sure to provide much entertainment.
http://www.findgift.com/gift-ideas/pid-148251/

For the babies..... How about a tutu and matching bib for the girls- this one costs about $24.00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/melturtles?ref=seller_info
And for the baby boys... this set will cost about $25.95
http://www.etsy.com/shop/anythingbabyboutique?ref=seller_info


(I have not been compensated for my opinions nor am I endorsing any of these items or websites or stores.)

Thank You

November 5, 2010

I am working on growing a thankful spirit. November seems like a perfect opportunity to do so. I have been concentrating on one thing every day that I am thankful for. I meditate in my mind why I am thankful and I practice and attitude of praise. My goal is to have a thankful spirit as second nature by the end of the month.

Doesn't it feel great when our normal, everyday routine is interrupted by someone who is grateful for something we have done and takes time to "sing our praises"? When that does happen to me, it fills me up. It encourages me. It satisfies something deep in my soul. It creates in me a spirit of giving. I feel content and pleased. My self-esteem grows by leaps and bounds. I feel useful. I feel productive. And I feel humble.

When we take the time to "sing someone's praises", we are not only doing great things for them, but, we are cultivating something great in our own lives, too. By recognizing the good in our lives and acknowledging it publicly, we are focusing on positive things. We are not setting our eyes on things that have not gone smoothly, or flat out badly. We choose to overlook the bumps and potholes along the way and focus on the flowers and the rainbows! This, my friend, has an enormous impact on the quality of your life!

Our Heavenly Father is ... well, I cannot even think of what words I can use that are fitting to describe how awesome and wonderful He is! I am speechless to describe how grateful I am. Doesn't He deserve our praises and thanks? Constantly? Who am I to whine and complain about things that seem inconvenient or inadequate to me? How dare I look past everything I have been given, as well as everything I have been spared from to feel sorry for myself that I don't have more? What am I entitled to? Everything I have has been given to me by the GRACE of God, not because I deserve any of it! We should keep thanks and praise on our lips to our God all the time. It is pleasing to Him, as it is to us. And, He is the One who truly deserves it!

"I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17


"I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your miracles." Psalm 26:7


"Let us come before him with thanksgiving. Let us sing him psalms and praises." Psalm 95:2


"And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

(Please go down to the playlist and click the //pause button and come back here and click the >play button.)

11.03.2010

There's No Place Like Home

November 3, 2010

I'm sitting here, thinking about my life. I just can't help but to feel so incredibly blessed. Sure, there are some things that I would like to be just a little bit different. But, oh, there are SO many things that I wouldn't change for anything in the world. I am truly grateful for MY life~ just the way it is!

There is such a blessing in being content and at peace with your life. I have gotten to this place by the grace of God. I have gotten to this place by being willing to travel the path He has chosen for me. I have gotten to this place by always coming back to the Word of God. Yes, that means that there have been (many) times that I have strayed. But, I have never forgotten my way home.

My home is with God. My home is doing my best to live according to His teaching. My home is dwelling under his protection and promises. There's no place like home!

"The one thing I ask of the Lord- the thing I seek most- is to live int he house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock." Psalm 27:4-5


"A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." Proverbs 24:3-4


"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock." Matthew 7:24-25

11.01.2010

The Strength in Faith

November 1, 2010

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and we were talking about how we deal with difficulties in our lives. She said, "It's a good thing we are strong. We are able to handle things." To which I replied, "I am not strong. I have faith." She looked at me with a shocked look on her face, but very intrigued at the same time.

So what does it mean? Faith? When I told her that I have faith, I meant that I know that I know that I know that God has my best interest at heart. It means that I know that He loves me completely~ warts and all. It means that I trust Him to know what is best for me. It means that I ask of Him the impossible, because He can do all things! But, my faith also prepares me to be willing to accept the inevitable. It means that when God's answer to my prayer is "no", then I fall completely into His arms to carry me through the rough patches and that I know there will be something better waiting for me on the other side. It means that I not only accept Jesus as my Savior, but I revere him as Lord! (I'm going to pause here for a minute for you to re-read that last sentence.) My faith tells me that God is true to His word. My faith tells me to be obedient and God will take care of me. My faith tells me that I don't need to have all the answers, because my Father does. My faith allows me to rest without worry.

What does your faith say? Are you doing your best every day to walk in faith? Are you holding back and carrying the burden of life alone? Or have you submitted to God and are basking in the freedom of His love? It's not always easy to have faith. Life throws some pretty rotten scenarios at us from time to time. Our faith will be tested as an opportunity for us to grow. And, when we are in the trenches, we must remember that we are never alone. God is always there with us. We just need to believe that He wants the absolute best for us, whether or not we know what that "best" really is.

"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6


"Consequently, it is clear that no one can ever be right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Galatians 3:11


"And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Luke 7:50


"But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work." Romans 4:5


"For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love." Galatians 5:6


"When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." James 1:3-4