I cannot begin to describe God's goodness, mercy and faithfulness the last couple of days!
I am so in love with Him, in awe of Him and thankful to Him!
This psalm says it all....who am I LORD that you are mindful of me?
Blessed be the name of the LORD!
Psalm 8
LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Broken Heart
There is so much I could share about this weekend.....it was unreal.
I was blessed by the beauty of God's creation as our family made a 10km bike
ride around a lake, and how wonderful it is that God has set us in families.
So many encouraging moments with God were brought through other people's lives.
I was encouraged by a young man, who has chosen to go against the grain;
He is not willing to compromise....and will speak out, and challenge what you think.
He is taking the bible seriously and literally as he seeks to honor God with his life.
I was encouraged by a family who honors God with their possessions and shares what
God has blessed them with, to invest in the lives of other families and teens as well.
I was blessed by my pastor's teaching on prayer and a heart of worship.
I was blessed by the message of forgiveness displayed in the life of a young woman
held captive in Somalia for 15 and a half months.
My heart is broken for the things that breaks God's heart....and I am encouraged to see
it throughout my church. In the lives of fathers, mothers, grandparents and teens.
If you want to see how God touched me in one way this weekend please watch the service
from yesterday online....it will be worth your time!
http://www.livestream.com/crossroadsreddeer/video?clipId=pla_3501d7fd-d2ec-4345-a3a8-c07a661fcc81
Thank you Daddy for all the people you have placed in my life....for the God appointments!
I pray that You would continue to break our hearts for the things that break yours.
That we may live lives that glorify and honor you.....move us into action;
to be Your hands and feet to a broken world, in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Refreshing
I have been reading the book of Jeremiah the last while.
Don't know if you have ever just camped out in a certain area of the bible or not.
But I have found it fantastic in this time.
Especially since my hearts desire is personal increase in maturity, character and holiness.
I stumbled upon this verse the other day when I was camping.
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
In all truth, I do not believe in coincidences....that I ended up here was not an accident.
I was needing encouragement that morning, because my son was up all night coughing and I was exhausted.
We had a full day ahead of us and this verse put my mind to God.
It reminded me to trust Him with the day ahead!
Sometimes in the business of life we think;
....I will get to God's Word later
....I know where to find Him
....He is always there for me
The truth is that He will sustain us and give us what we need when we go to Him.
Another is that we invest time in the things that are important to us.
If I want to be be fruitful and fulfill all the plans God has purposed for my life,
I need to make my relationship with Him an utmost priority.
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6
Food for Thought:
Reading this verse made me think that if I am called to seek the Lord while he may be found,
that there will be a time when He will not be.
Daddy, as I wake up each day expecting to hear Your voice and see You throughout the day,
please increase my desire for the things of You and make me aware and sensitive to notice
Your fingerprints on the small and big things of this day.
Don't know if you have ever just camped out in a certain area of the bible or not.
But I have found it fantastic in this time.
Especially since my hearts desire is personal increase in maturity, character and holiness.
I stumbled upon this verse the other day when I was camping.
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
In all truth, I do not believe in coincidences....that I ended up here was not an accident.
I was needing encouragement that morning, because my son was up all night coughing and I was exhausted.
We had a full day ahead of us and this verse put my mind to God.
It reminded me to trust Him with the day ahead!
Sometimes in the business of life we think;
....I will get to God's Word later
....I know where to find Him
....He is always there for me
The truth is that He will sustain us and give us what we need when we go to Him.
Another is that we invest time in the things that are important to us.
If I want to be be fruitful and fulfill all the plans God has purposed for my life,
I need to make my relationship with Him an utmost priority.
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6
Food for Thought:
Reading this verse made me think that if I am called to seek the Lord while he may be found,
that there will be a time when He will not be.
Daddy, as I wake up each day expecting to hear Your voice and see You throughout the day,
please increase my desire for the things of You and make me aware and sensitive to notice
Your fingerprints on the small and big things of this day.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Family
As I woke up this morning, I pondered....
how is it possible to be exhausted and refreshed at the same time?
I just came back from what I would say is markedly the best part of my summer thus far.
My cousin and I planned our first family reunion and it was located on their farm.
What a perfect setting it was...I'll give you a few of my favorite highlights!
I absolutely adore my family.....almost everyone got to come for at least part of it!
I loved watching my dad enjoying all the kids....
I loved that we got to make so many great memories together!
I'm so glad my grandma got to come, and loved the video of my grandpa....
just the way I remember him.
There, in the presence of the LORD your God,
you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything
you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:17
Thank you Daddy for blessing the time we spent together as family, making memories together!
how is it possible to be exhausted and refreshed at the same time?
I just came back from what I would say is markedly the best part of my summer thus far.
My cousin and I planned our first family reunion and it was located on their farm.
What a perfect setting it was...I'll give you a few of my favorite highlights!
- tipping the tent trailer with Teresa during set-up
- Laura biting it on the scooter
- late campfires
- watching the kids playing in the woodpile (it looked like life-sized lego blocks)
- Playing with my sweet Jackey-bum
- long-legs the sheep and the phantom baa-ing
- California Cows
- Impromptu "Melo's Barber Shop" in the morning
- Emily's awesome scavenger hunt
- literally screaming as Chris took me four-bying on his gator
- hearing Chris re-tell me that Caleb was "up for anything" when it was his turn
- Epic water fights
- Mayson swimming nudy in the pool (he's only one)!
- Megan's tattoos
- Watching my cousin's kids lovin' on my kids
- Talent show!!! Teresa's MMA moves and Eva's Classic Rewind rocked my world.
- So many other hilarious skits...i.e. Lochlin's Old McDonald had a jazzy farm rendition!
- Chris's stories....any/all of them!
- Andre' playing electric guitar
- One on one time with my cousin Teresa
- Riding to the pool in the big yellow bus and the wild ride home!
- Hanging out with my Aunty Mel, I especially loved watching her dancing with Kaitlyn, it reminded me of when she and I use to do the same thing!
- I love her girls...they will try anything!
- Kaitlyn "getting me"....she is a savage shark in the pool you know and way too cute!
- The girls picking on Andrew....he had it coming....don't feel too sorry for him!
- Horse back riding with Jerome...almost falling off my horse Nelly at a full gallop.
- Writing our names in the abandoned house
- Watching Jerome, Eric and James run and jump on Harley (Jerome's horse) like the lone-ranger.
- .....and of course Matthew's attempt.....hey, at least he tried.
- Quading with Aunty Anna
- Raymond's hoola-hooping skills and yelling "your the best cousin ever" when I soaked him on the gator!
I absolutely adore my family.....almost everyone got to come for at least part of it!
I loved watching my dad enjoying all the kids....
I loved that we got to make so many great memories together!
I'm so glad my grandma got to come, and loved the video of my grandpa....
just the way I remember him.
There, in the presence of the LORD your God,
you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything
you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:17
Thank you Daddy for blessing the time we spent together as family, making memories together!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What are you boasting about?
Do you ever try to talk the good talk,
trying to impress people with how busy and productive you are?
I have found that kind of conversation to be kind of like bug spray.
It repels depth of conversation and intimacy in relationship.
I long for the real deal......conversations that boast about God!
Being around people, that make me want to spend MORE time with Jesus.
I love getting into the nitty-gritty of real life and taking those concerns to God.
I love then seeing His faithfulness in the long run;
as I stand in genuine relationship with others...as we seek Him on our lives.
Through the course of life I have enjoyed getting to know many people;
and don't get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with people.
And yet.....there are only a few that know the depth of my heart.
(and boy, oh boy, am I thankful for them!)
I suppose that is a good thing, if I relied primarily on people for support,
I would not earnestly seek audience with the giver of these relationships.
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth;
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
Father, I thank you for friendships that have fostered growth in my relationship with You.
I pray that you would nudge me, whenever my conversation is remaining in a superficial place.
I thank you for all the experiences I have had with You that I can share to encourage others in their relationship with You....remind me to boast about the things of YOU!
To walk in joy and peace; with an attitude of gratitude, grace and trust. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
trying to impress people with how busy and productive you are?
I have found that kind of conversation to be kind of like bug spray.
It repels depth of conversation and intimacy in relationship.
I long for the real deal......conversations that boast about God!
Being around people, that make me want to spend MORE time with Jesus.
I love getting into the nitty-gritty of real life and taking those concerns to God.
I love then seeing His faithfulness in the long run;
as I stand in genuine relationship with others...as we seek Him on our lives.
Through the course of life I have enjoyed getting to know many people;
and don't get me wrong, I LOVE spending time with people.
And yet.....there are only a few that know the depth of my heart.
(and boy, oh boy, am I thankful for them!)
I suppose that is a good thing, if I relied primarily on people for support,
I would not earnestly seek audience with the giver of these relationships.
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth;
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
Father, I thank you for friendships that have fostered growth in my relationship with You.
I pray that you would nudge me, whenever my conversation is remaining in a superficial place.
I thank you for all the experiences I have had with You that I can share to encourage others in their relationship with You....remind me to boast about the things of YOU!
To walk in joy and peace; with an attitude of gratitude, grace and trust. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Context
This is what the LORD says:
Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16
Sounds like an amazing bible promise! I agree!
I left out one small part of the verse, because I think that sometimes that's what we do.
We find out something we like to hear in the bible and use the part that appeals to us.
I have learned to be cautious with this practice.
The very last part of this verse says:
But you said, "We will not listen."
I believe it is a warning.
God's people said, "We will not listen".
Will I be the same??? Do I want the promises and not the warnings???
This verse requires action on our part....."ask"...."walk in it".
Am I willing to walk out what God has shown me to do???
When He asks me to hang out with people less and invest in my family?
When He asks me to shut my mouth and honor my husband?
When He asks me to be quick to apologize, quick to forgive?
God, I want to live a life that honors you!
I want to live a simple life of holiness and obedience.
Your Word says that I should be holy, because You are holy.
Please show me where I need to change, and grant me the grace to do what You ask of me.
Thank you that I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16
Sounds like an amazing bible promise! I agree!
I left out one small part of the verse, because I think that sometimes that's what we do.
We find out something we like to hear in the bible and use the part that appeals to us.
I have learned to be cautious with this practice.
The very last part of this verse says:
But you said, "We will not listen."
I believe it is a warning.
God's people said, "We will not listen".
Will I be the same??? Do I want the promises and not the warnings???
This verse requires action on our part....."ask"...."walk in it".
Am I willing to walk out what God has shown me to do???
When He asks me to hang out with people less and invest in my family?
When He asks me to shut my mouth and honor my husband?
When He asks me to be quick to apologize, quick to forgive?
God, I want to live a life that honors you!
I want to live a simple life of holiness and obedience.
Your Word says that I should be holy, because You are holy.
Please show me where I need to change, and grant me the grace to do what You ask of me.
Thank you that I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Proud Momma
As I type away...I can hear my boys....
they asked if they could hang out with the elderly couple that lives next door.
Oh, how I can feel my heart swell with joy!
I peeked out Jesse's bedroom window to see them chatting and enjoying
fruit salad and a ginger ale.
(I wish I hadn't have noticed Caleb being uber-proud of a burp....but hey)
May they never loose the desire to spend time with people, and "give life" to those around them.
they asked if they could hang out with the elderly couple that lives next door.
Oh, how I can feel my heart swell with joy!
I peeked out Jesse's bedroom window to see them chatting and enjoying
fruit salad and a ginger ale.
(I wish I hadn't have noticed Caleb being uber-proud of a burp....but hey)
May they never loose the desire to spend time with people, and "give life" to those around them.
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