It is funny to me, that when I am anticipating a time of rest and a change of scenery (I shall call it....mommy time!), I will all of a sudden NEED it even more!
Today I am feeling that inward anxiousness for this anticipated time.
All the preparations are done so that my family can enjoy some male bonding time are complete, all my bags are at the door and ready.
I am excited to spend a weekend enjoying on of my favorite hobbies.
I will refresh the weary
and satisfy the faint.
Jeremiah 31:25
Thank you Daddy for times of rest and refreshing. I pray that you will meet with me in my quiet times with you, may my conversations be seasoned with your grace and love. May my family enjoy their special guy time and may we come back together with joy at the end of the weekend.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Do Good
I believe that all of us at some time feel weary of doing good, being nice and pouring out.
Sometimes I feel downright rebellious and selfish!
There are so many verses that encourage us to keep running the race, pressing in, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
I have to keep asking myself; what is the eternal value of acting on what I feel like doing?
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all people,
especially those who belong to the
family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10
Thank you Daddy for all the opportunities you give me to be your hands and feet. I know that you knew what you were doing when you put me here, for such a time is this....and you don't make mistakes. May my life glorify you, and please help me be sensitive to opportunities that arise for me to Do Good today.
Sometimes I feel downright rebellious and selfish!
There are so many verses that encourage us to keep running the race, pressing in, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
I have to keep asking myself; what is the eternal value of acting on what I feel like doing?
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all people,
especially those who belong to the
family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10
Thank you Daddy for all the opportunities you give me to be your hands and feet. I know that you knew what you were doing when you put me here, for such a time is this....and you don't make mistakes. May my life glorify you, and please help me be sensitive to opportunities that arise for me to Do Good today.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Homefront
It has been one week since I received a message that I am still chewing on, so to speak.
The message was directed to teens and their relationship with parents, but I keep thinking about how it relates to all of us. It seems as though our homes can be in utter chaos, full of strife and lack of appreciation of each other. The thought provoking questions was: What do your actions say at home, about how you love Jesus? And I keep hashing through how I ought treat those in my household with such great value. Out of the overflow of that I can then minister to those outside of our home.
...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward
one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:5-6
Daddy, I come humbly before you and am asking for your help to place my relationships with my husband, children in utmost priority. Second only to my relationship with you. May all the other people in my life benefit from a thriving home environment, where you are the center and may it's atmosphere be one of love and respect.
The message was directed to teens and their relationship with parents, but I keep thinking about how it relates to all of us. It seems as though our homes can be in utter chaos, full of strife and lack of appreciation of each other. The thought provoking questions was: What do your actions say at home, about how you love Jesus? And I keep hashing through how I ought treat those in my household with such great value. Out of the overflow of that I can then minister to those outside of our home.
...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward
one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:5-6
Daddy, I come humbly before you and am asking for your help to place my relationships with my husband, children in utmost priority. Second only to my relationship with you. May all the other people in my life benefit from a thriving home environment, where you are the center and may it's atmosphere be one of love and respect.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Mutually Encouraged
I think it's so cool how something just pops out when I read my bible....especially when it is not related to what I am specifically studying that morning!
I think it is so fun spending time encouraging people, helping build one another up and helping people see something about themselves that they never saw.
I also love watching women step beyond the norm, be counter-cultural really!
Instead of tearing relationships down, they are building each other up!
Mutually encouraging one another!
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some
spiritual gift to make you strong -
that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged
by each other's faith.
Romans 1:11-12
Thank you Daddy for the great examples of godly women I have in my life, women after your own heart. I thank you that we can encourage each other; be your hands and feet and impart spiritual gifts to each other. Show me who it is that you want me to encourage today!
I think it is so fun spending time encouraging people, helping build one another up and helping people see something about themselves that they never saw.
I also love watching women step beyond the norm, be counter-cultural really!
Instead of tearing relationships down, they are building each other up!
Mutually encouraging one another!
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some
spiritual gift to make you strong -
that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged
by each other's faith.
Romans 1:11-12
Thank you Daddy for the great examples of godly women I have in my life, women after your own heart. I thank you that we can encourage each other; be your hands and feet and impart spiritual gifts to each other. Show me who it is that you want me to encourage today!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Daddy Darling
I remember a guest pastor coming to speak about our Father God. The thing that stuck out to me and still does was when he said that "Abba" means "daddy darling". What a beautiful picture he painted of a child looking with admiration and adoration up to her daddy darling. I still have fond memories of looking up to my daddy, thoughts of how strong and loving he was. It makes it easy to transfer that picture to my
Abba Father.
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
So you are no longer a slave, but a son;
and since you are a son, God has made
you also an heir.
Galatians 4:6-7
Thank you Daddy for my earthly father; thank you also that I can call out to you "Abba, my daddy darling". Thank you for sending Jesus for me, so that I can come boldly to your throne and run into your arms; and know that I am your daughter as a result of the work that he did at the cross.
Abba Father.
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
So you are no longer a slave, but a son;
and since you are a son, God has made
you also an heir.
Galatians 4:6-7
Thank you Daddy for my earthly father; thank you also that I can call out to you "Abba, my daddy darling". Thank you for sending Jesus for me, so that I can come boldly to your throne and run into your arms; and know that I am your daughter as a result of the work that he did at the cross.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Rich Heritage
I have been blessed with 2 beautiful boys and have been asked many times....."are you gonna keep
trying for a girl?" My answer: "Ahhh...no!"
I love being a mother, and I love girls!
The Lord has blessed me with many children, I just didn't have to give birth to them! LOL
There are so many people without "spiritual parents", I know the longing to have someone older to teach me the ways of the Lord, to share their faith and love of God.
It is more than mentorship....we need mothers and fathers!
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalm 127:3
I do not write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved children I warn you.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers
1 Corinthians 4:14-15
Thank you Daddy for my boys, and thank you for the many, many children that you have entrusted me with. It is a great privilege to share your love with all of them. Please help me to be a good steward and that my influence will bring people closer to you.
trying for a girl?" My answer: "Ahhh...no!"
I love being a mother, and I love girls!
The Lord has blessed me with many children, I just didn't have to give birth to them! LOL
There are so many people without "spiritual parents", I know the longing to have someone older to teach me the ways of the Lord, to share their faith and love of God.
It is more than mentorship....we need mothers and fathers!
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalm 127:3
I do not write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved children I warn you.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers
1 Corinthians 4:14-15
Thank you Daddy for my boys, and thank you for the many, many children that you have entrusted me with. It is a great privilege to share your love with all of them. Please help me to be a good steward and that my influence will bring people closer to you.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Just a Little Lower
I am so amazed at that the vastness of all the things our BIG God created and how BIG his creation is cumulatively!
We are so small small and seemingly insignificant in the big scheme of it all....yet....we are each highly valuable to Him and created for and by Him for His pleasure!
Hand picked and perfectly designed by the Creator of the Universe...WOW!
When I consider Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars,
which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower
than the angels,
And You have crowned him with
glory and honor.
Psalm 8:3-5
Thank you Daddy for your Word, for reminding me of all the wonderful things you created and that in all of it you crown me with glory and honor. Please help me today to humbly serve, walking with confidence, fully knowing that I am a daughter of the most high King!
We are so small small and seemingly insignificant in the big scheme of it all....yet....we are each highly valuable to Him and created for and by Him for His pleasure!
Hand picked and perfectly designed by the Creator of the Universe...WOW!
When I consider Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars,
which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower
than the angels,
And You have crowned him with
glory and honor.
Psalm 8:3-5
Thank you Daddy for your Word, for reminding me of all the wonderful things you created and that in all of it you crown me with glory and honor. Please help me today to humbly serve, walking with confidence, fully knowing that I am a daughter of the most high King!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
How's my Hearing?
There are many ways God builds my faith and I noticed that there is a huge common thread....hearing!
I love hearing other peoples "God" stories, I love hearing God speak to me in His "still, small voice" and through His Word.
That's what happened this morning; while I was out walking, He reminded me of a verse and unpacked it for me....it was so cool!
Sometimes I need to slow down and really listen to what He means, not become so familiar with His Word that it can't impact me in a new way.
So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
I had to read it a little slower, one line and then the other...it seems to me that our faith is built in stages.
Thank you Daddy for your Word, I pray that my ears would be open to hear your truth and in turn that my faith would increase today even more, and more each day until I see you face to face.
I love hearing other peoples "God" stories, I love hearing God speak to me in His "still, small voice" and through His Word.
That's what happened this morning; while I was out walking, He reminded me of a verse and unpacked it for me....it was so cool!
Sometimes I need to slow down and really listen to what He means, not become so familiar with His Word that it can't impact me in a new way.
So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
I had to read it a little slower, one line and then the other...it seems to me that our faith is built in stages.
Thank you Daddy for your Word, I pray that my ears would be open to hear your truth and in turn that my faith would increase today even more, and more each day until I see you face to face.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sisterhood
I am completely overwhelmed this morning with joy!
Last night I saw so many amazing things happen. I have enjoyed leading women's bible study monday evenings and am so blessed by the group of phenomenal women that have come together with me to learn more about the fruit of the Spirit! They are kind, compassionate and loving. I am so thankful for each and every one of them. I saw first hand how this impacted an amazing friend of mine, as she put herself out there and received such an outpouring of love from other women.
Praise God for what he is doing in the hearts of women at this time, including mine!
Honor all people.
Love the brotherhood.
Fear God.
Honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17
Thank you Daddy that I got to see this scripture in action last night, such love in the sisterhood!
I am blessed!
Last night I saw so many amazing things happen. I have enjoyed leading women's bible study monday evenings and am so blessed by the group of phenomenal women that have come together with me to learn more about the fruit of the Spirit! They are kind, compassionate and loving. I am so thankful for each and every one of them. I saw first hand how this impacted an amazing friend of mine, as she put herself out there and received such an outpouring of love from other women.
Praise God for what he is doing in the hearts of women at this time, including mine!
Honor all people.
Love the brotherhood.
Fear God.
Honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17
Thank you Daddy that I got to see this scripture in action last night, such love in the sisterhood!
I am blessed!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Me and My Big Mouth
Sometimes it is so easy to say what I want, to justify myself or to enter into conversation that could slightly cross the borderline of gossip. Why? Does the instant gratification of giving my unsolicited opinion or sharing some interesting tidbit really do me or the hearer of my words any good? Is it edifying? Does it build up or does it tear down? What does God have to say about it? Did I even consult Him before sharing?
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Thank you Daddy for the people you have put in my life, may my conversations glorify you today! Please place a guard over my mouth and make me sensitive to what comes out of it. And as the psalmist once prayed, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord!
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Thank you Daddy for the people you have put in my life, may my conversations glorify you today! Please place a guard over my mouth and make me sensitive to what comes out of it. And as the psalmist once prayed, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Drawing Near
I have been feeling God call me to draw near to him during this season, to sanctify my heart and my mouth. I have been extremely sensitive to everything that is coming out of my mouth and I must say it needs work! I know what comes out of my mouth pours out of what is going on in my heart!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, your double-minded.
Humble yoursevles in the sight of the Lord, and He will life you up.
James 4:8,10
Lord thank you for your sanctifying power! Help me Lord today to be very aware of what is coming out of my mouth, and please reveal to me the issues of my heart that are interfering with my walk with you! I pray that I will be single-minded in thought and actions and that as I draw near to you, that you will also draw near to me.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, your double-minded.
Humble yoursevles in the sight of the Lord, and He will life you up.
James 4:8,10
Lord thank you for your sanctifying power! Help me Lord today to be very aware of what is coming out of my mouth, and please reveal to me the issues of my heart that are interfering with my walk with you! I pray that I will be single-minded in thought and actions and that as I draw near to you, that you will also draw near to me.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sisters and Brothers
Last night at youth, our pastor talked about being brothers and sisters in God's family. I've been pondering how much we need to fight for one another, and be there for each other; by respecting and protecting each other. I'm thankful to serve under a pastor that challenges our teens to a higher level of character, compassion and unity....the messages are always also for me!
Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your hearers.
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.
Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
1 Timothy 4:15-5:2
May I not loose focus of the primary reasons you have put me on this earth in this place and in this time Daddy! To love you with all my heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love others as you have first loved me. I pray that I will never become comfortable with status-quo, but will keep reaching out and fighting for my brothers and sisters in Christ!
Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your hearers.
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.
Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
1 Timothy 4:15-5:2
May I not loose focus of the primary reasons you have put me on this earth in this place and in this time Daddy! To love you with all my heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love others as you have first loved me. I pray that I will never become comfortable with status-quo, but will keep reaching out and fighting for my brothers and sisters in Christ!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Secure
I just finished a great book and I love how it was so encouraging and challenging at the same time!
Working toward being a woman who is secure and full of faith is something to which I aspire.
My hope is:
she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25
Thank you Daddy for how far you have brought me in this journey of becoming a woman of strong faith and security, with you all things are possible. Thank you that you clothe me in strength and dignity and that I do not need to fear the future because I trust you. Period!
Working toward being a woman who is secure and full of faith is something to which I aspire.
My hope is:
- all that God has brought me through will be evident in my life, and
- that I will have continued progress on my way to complete freedom and victory.
she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25
Thank you Daddy for how far you have brought me in this journey of becoming a woman of strong faith and security, with you all things are possible. Thank you that you clothe me in strength and dignity and that I do not need to fear the future because I trust you. Period!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Wide Open Spaces
When today's title came to my mind, so did the Dixie Chicks song from back in my college days (my near and dears would understand the randomness of my thought patterns....LOL!)
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
2 Samuel 22:20
Thank you Daddy that you give me wide open spaces to grow, I am always encouraged by the words you have written that say you have done things because you delighted in me!
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
2 Samuel 22:20
Thank you Daddy that you give me wide open spaces to grow, I am always encouraged by the words you have written that say you have done things because you delighted in me!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thanksgiving
In everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
There is so much to be thankful for and it is so important to remember what God has done for us!
Some things I am extremely grateful for are:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
There is so much to be thankful for and it is so important to remember what God has done for us!
Some things I am extremely grateful for are:
- My Daddy God, Jesus my Lord and Savior and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
- My amazing husband and beautiful boys; all gifts from my Father.
- Great friends that do life with us through thick and thin!
- The crazy teens I spend time with that pranked my yard with forks yesterday!
- A lovely home, everything we need and many things we want.
- Being in a country that I can freely share and practice my faith.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Delight of the Father
I'm am so amazed at the fact that our chief purpose is to please our Father, and how he delights in blessing us!
"The Lord your God is in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
Thank you Daddy for reminding me of these encouraging words once prayed over me by a friend who's heart is for you.
May I delight you today with my life as you quiet me with your love and rejoice over me with singing!
"The Lord your God is in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
Thank you Daddy for reminding me of these encouraging words once prayed over me by a friend who's heart is for you.
May I delight you today with my life as you quiet me with your love and rejoice over me with singing!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Daughter
Knowing who we are in Christ is paramount to standing firm in our faith!
"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18
Thank you Daddy that I have your promises, and that I can stand on the fact that I am a daughter of the most high king!
(I love being a princess, really what girl doesn't?)
"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18
Thank you Daddy that I have your promises, and that I can stand on the fact that I am a daughter of the most high king!
(I love being a princess, really what girl doesn't?)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Beautiful!
Fall is my most favorite season, everything is so beautiful, the colors, the smells and the amazing sunrises and sunsets!
The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:11
Thank you Daddy, for the beautiful gifts you give in nature!
And thank you for reminding me today that I am beautiful to you, please help me to honor you today!
The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:11
Thank you Daddy, for the beautiful gifts you give in nature!
And thank you for reminding me today that I am beautiful to you, please help me to honor you today!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Let's try a new thing!
Well, I am so excited to try something new! I feel like facebook has lost it's luster for me, but I have had friends tell me that they really enjoyed the notes of encouragement that I put on it from day to day, so blogging will be my something new! My prayer is that whoever happens upon this will be greatly encouraged!
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