It's true what they say, you're either coming out of a trial, in the middle of one or needing to fasten your seat belts for the bumps that are just around the corner.
I wonder if I will ever learn to soak up the moments where all is right in my world instead of trying to rush to the next thing. Truth is, I want to be someone that can soak up the trials as well. Trials can be grand adventures, where in the end I will uncover a magnificent treasure and come out with a deeper relationship with God.
It's during the trials that I must remain focused on the truths of God, otherwise it would be easy to let Satan get a foothold.
I must remember that...
God is Sovereign in all things and everything works together for good (Romans 8:28)
God is a refuge in times of trouble (Deut 33:27, Psalms 46:1, 7, Proverbs 18:10)
God will strengthen and encourage us (Isaiah 41:10, Psalms 27:14, Isaiah 46:4)
God hears and answers our humble cries to Him (Psalms 145:18-19, Psalms 34:15, 17-19)
God grants us mercy and forgiveness. (Psalms 103:8, 10-12)
God gives us peace for every circumstance (Phil 4:6-7, Isaiah 32:17)
God will bless us (Psalms 37:5-6)
God give us wisdom (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6)
God will reward and lift us up (Psalms 37:34, 1 Cor 15:58, Gal 6:9)
(from Revive Our Hearts, Promises to Live By pamphlet)
During this season of trial, I pray that God be glorified in all things.
I pray one day that I am able to articulate in coherent sentences all that is going on right now in my little corner of the world. But for now I hope it is enough for you to know that God is working a mighty work in me, through me and around me. To Him be the glory, GREAT things He hath done.
Showing posts with label He Speaks-I Listen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label He Speaks-I Listen. Show all posts
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Enjoying the Journey
When the house fell through Jeff and I's first question was "Lord, what are you up to?" Jeff even said it was like manna from heaven. It just fell into our laps and just seemed perfect for us.
And well you know the rest of the story.
For the past few weeks, Jeff and I have been looking at houses but nothing has felt like home. I would like one but he wouldn't and vice versa. Needless to say, I knew something big was about to happen.
About this time last week, Jeff and I were having our daily walk & talks around the neighborhood when he started telling me what was on his heart. At first I wanted to kick and scream and cry out no. In fact, I did for about 20 steps then I stopped, asked him to start over and turned my listening ears on.
When Jeff and I first got married, my brother encouraged us to take Crown Financial Bible Study. (Does this mean I can blame my big brother for the latest turn of events? Just kidding) This bible study changed our lives. We made a goal for ourselves to be 100% debt free. Slowly but surely we are getting there, unfortunately we still have one big fat student loan left to pay off. In our checking account sits a down payment for a house, which happens to be the exact amount to pay off our student loan. I guess you guys know what I am about to tell you don't you?
We have decided to take a huge leap of faith, pay off this last student loan and put the house on hold. Why are we doing this? Because a man named Dave Ramsey once told us that we should have 15-20% saved up, as well as 6 months of an emergency fund before we move into a house.
I need to tell you before I tell you more, I am very excited about this new adventure.
1) we will be debt free
2) I have prayed for Jeff to lead our family and through this adventure he is doing just that.
If you would have told me a year ago or even 6 months ago this is where we would be going, I would have not believed you and probably kicked and screamed all the way home. But today, I feel confident that we are right where we need to be and I can't help but feel like this may have been God's plan all along.
We are confident that we have made the best decision for us and look forward to where this new path leads us.
More posts coming soon of how we are transforming our small one bedroom apartment to a place of peace and serenity. Which basically means this chick has bought a real desk so I can close up the office at the end of the day. ;)
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
The Real Me
Tonight I met with two of my favorite people to iron out a few details of the upcoming Women's Renewal at our church (April 24-25, mark your calendars).
What is a Women's Renewal you ask? It's a Friday Evening, Saturday conference for women to renew their minds in Christ, fellowship with the chicks and eat good (not so healthy) food.
Every year I walk away with a deeper understanding of God's word and I feel refreshed from the inside out. This year I know it is going to be no different. I have this whatcha gonna do, God feeling bubbling deep inside of me. I can't wait to watch His plan unfold.
I have a little inside scoop for those of you who read the blog. If you attend you will hear a part of my testimony. I was asked tonight by Margaret to share my story. I am scared to death. No that's not true, I am actually very excited about how God is going to use my story to bless others. Even when I was in the midst of living out my testimony, I knew one day I would be standing in front of a group of people sharing my story. I also found this song a few months back and felt it summed up my feelings for the positive plus sign journey. After talking it over with Margaret tonight, she asked me to share this song as well.
So that means I will be singing and sharing my testimony. Gulp. Maybe that whatcha gonna do, God? feeling is actually indigestion for singing a personal song and sharing personal history with the ladies. Oh who am I kidding! God designed me to be an open book not a closed one so share and sing I shall. Especially if one ladies life can be changed from hearing about my story and how God has blessed me in the good days and bad.
If you live in the DFW area and would like to attend (not because of me but because Margaret Ashmore is AWESOME) please shoot me an email and I will happy to forward you the information. Enjoy the song and no, I don't think I will sing like Natalie Grant although wouldn't that be lovely if I did?
What is a Women's Renewal you ask? It's a Friday Evening, Saturday conference for women to renew their minds in Christ, fellowship with the chicks and eat good (not so healthy) food.
Every year I walk away with a deeper understanding of God's word and I feel refreshed from the inside out. This year I know it is going to be no different. I have this whatcha gonna do, God feeling bubbling deep inside of me. I can't wait to watch His plan unfold.
I have a little inside scoop for those of you who read the blog. If you attend you will hear a part of my testimony. I was asked tonight by Margaret to share my story. I am scared to death. No that's not true, I am actually very excited about how God is going to use my story to bless others. Even when I was in the midst of living out my testimony, I knew one day I would be standing in front of a group of people sharing my story. I also found this song a few months back and felt it summed up my feelings for the positive plus sign journey. After talking it over with Margaret tonight, she asked me to share this song as well.
So that means I will be singing and sharing my testimony. Gulp. Maybe that whatcha gonna do, God? feeling is actually indigestion for singing a personal song and sharing personal history with the ladies. Oh who am I kidding! God designed me to be an open book not a closed one so share and sing I shall. Especially if one ladies life can be changed from hearing about my story and how God has blessed me in the good days and bad.
If you live in the DFW area and would like to attend (not because of me but because Margaret Ashmore is AWESOME) please shoot me an email and I will happy to forward you the information. Enjoy the song and no, I don't think I will sing like Natalie Grant although wouldn't that be lovely if I did?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A New Beginning
I have started this post off and on and can't seem to find the words to begin writing what is on my heart. I guess I will jump in with both feet.
After six months of infertility treatments we have now reached the stage where the doctor has said my body needs to rest. When I started the medication I had no idea what would happen but I never thought we come out of these past months without a bun in the oven. Last month I was almost nine days late. I didn't get my hopes up too much because I never got a positive pregnancy test. I told only one friend about the possibility that I was pregnant from the beginning. She suggested that I go see the doctor to get blood work after I the third "not pregnant" flashed on the stick. I did and as I was waiting that night for the results-I got my answer without even having to hear the doctor say "Not pregnant." (I tried not to be graphic for my handful of men readers)
Would you believe me if I told you that Jeff didn't even know that I was that late? Yes I kept that quiet this go round. But later when I told him about how my emotions were all over the place he grabbed me and said, "You are not in this alone. I am here." See why I love him to pieces? He also continues to tell me repeatedly how much he loves me and that he didn't marry me for kids. He married me because he couldn't imagine spending the rest of his life without me. Again, do you see why I love him?
A few months ago, I decided that I would no longer share this journey on the blog. I was afraid that I was starting to sound like Debbie Downer on SNL. But over the last two weeks, I have found a community of women in blog land who have or are going through the same journey. I have become a huge fan of Kelly's blog and cried like a baby when I read this post. That post sums up exactly how I am feeling today. And as many of you know, Psalms 37 is the verse I am clinging to right now. But by Kelly sharing her story in such a real way people are leaving comments about how their faith has changed and some have even said that they gave their life to Christ because of experiencing all the things God has done for them.
To me that in itself is the main reason I started this blog-to show God all the things He has been doing for us. I am not sure why I got away from that, maybe I lost myself a bit or maybe I was just too tired of talking about it all. And at this point, I don't know how much of those details I want to share anymore because that is really not where my focus is today. All I know is that over the past few weeks God has been tugging at my heart for me to start writing again and sharing a few things He has been showing me in scripture.
And that dear friends is me, jumping in with both feet.
God bless your journey-He is blessing mine daily!
After six months of infertility treatments we have now reached the stage where the doctor has said my body needs to rest. When I started the medication I had no idea what would happen but I never thought we come out of these past months without a bun in the oven. Last month I was almost nine days late. I didn't get my hopes up too much because I never got a positive pregnancy test. I told only one friend about the possibility that I was pregnant from the beginning. She suggested that I go see the doctor to get blood work after I the third "not pregnant" flashed on the stick. I did and as I was waiting that night for the results-I got my answer without even having to hear the doctor say "Not pregnant." (I tried not to be graphic for my handful of men readers)
Would you believe me if I told you that Jeff didn't even know that I was that late? Yes I kept that quiet this go round. But later when I told him about how my emotions were all over the place he grabbed me and said, "You are not in this alone. I am here." See why I love him to pieces? He also continues to tell me repeatedly how much he loves me and that he didn't marry me for kids. He married me because he couldn't imagine spending the rest of his life without me. Again, do you see why I love him?
A few months ago, I decided that I would no longer share this journey on the blog. I was afraid that I was starting to sound like Debbie Downer on SNL. But over the last two weeks, I have found a community of women in blog land who have or are going through the same journey. I have become a huge fan of Kelly's blog and cried like a baby when I read this post. That post sums up exactly how I am feeling today. And as many of you know, Psalms 37 is the verse I am clinging to right now. But by Kelly sharing her story in such a real way people are leaving comments about how their faith has changed and some have even said that they gave their life to Christ because of experiencing all the things God has done for them.
To me that in itself is the main reason I started this blog-to show God all the things He has been doing for us. I am not sure why I got away from that, maybe I lost myself a bit or maybe I was just too tired of talking about it all. And at this point, I don't know how much of those details I want to share anymore because that is really not where my focus is today. All I know is that over the past few weeks God has been tugging at my heart for me to start writing again and sharing a few things He has been showing me in scripture.
And that dear friends is me, jumping in with both feet.
God bless your journey-He is blessing mine daily!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thanks Lord, I Needed That
I won't go into the details of all that is going on this side of the screen these days. I will say though, that God is faithful and constantly encouraging me through His word, my friends, family, Jeff and even the blogging land.
Last night I had a moment where I layed it all out before the Lord. Let's just say I needed Him to calm a few fears of where God is leading us. Everything I have prayed for has happened except one thing. And well that one thing has been the hardest to let go and trust God.
Through His word, God continues to show me that He is faithful and that He hears my prayers.
For example last night, I read in Psalms 17 that God will answer me and hear my prayers. I also read in Psalms 21 about God's strength and His joy to bless those who believe in Him. Don't get me wrong, I know I am blessed. I have a wonderful husband who is willing to walk this path with me and who keeps me laughing even when the days seem dark. I am blessed with a job that allows me to stay at home and every once in awhile allows me to dapple in the interior design side of the business. I am blessed with a wonderful support system, friends who out of the blue will call and say "I prayed for you today." And I am blessed to be just a few weeks away from moving to a house that only the Lord could have orchestrated. Even though I know I am blessed I am still human with real longings and desires.
I am really getting off the point of the post.
The point is this, I woke up asking the Lord to show me His way and to encourage me through this day today. Some days I think you just know you are going to need an extra measure of umph and today was that day for me.
When I came to log into my computer I did what I always do first, check google reader. I found this post and my heart soared. Thanks Lord for letting me see that first thing this morning, I needed that.
I pray that if you need to hear a good word from the Lord today that you too will receive it. Believe in Him.
He will do more than we can ask, hope or imagine.
Last night I had a moment where I layed it all out before the Lord. Let's just say I needed Him to calm a few fears of where God is leading us. Everything I have prayed for has happened except one thing. And well that one thing has been the hardest to let go and trust God.
Through His word, God continues to show me that He is faithful and that He hears my prayers.
For example last night, I read in Psalms 17 that God will answer me and hear my prayers. I also read in Psalms 21 about God's strength and His joy to bless those who believe in Him. Don't get me wrong, I know I am blessed. I have a wonderful husband who is willing to walk this path with me and who keeps me laughing even when the days seem dark. I am blessed with a job that allows me to stay at home and every once in awhile allows me to dapple in the interior design side of the business. I am blessed with a wonderful support system, friends who out of the blue will call and say "I prayed for you today." And I am blessed to be just a few weeks away from moving to a house that only the Lord could have orchestrated. Even though I know I am blessed I am still human with real longings and desires.
I am really getting off the point of the post.
The point is this, I woke up asking the Lord to show me His way and to encourage me through this day today. Some days I think you just know you are going to need an extra measure of umph and today was that day for me.
When I came to log into my computer I did what I always do first, check google reader. I found this post and my heart soared. Thanks Lord for letting me see that first thing this morning, I needed that.
I pray that if you need to hear a good word from the Lord today that you too will receive it. Believe in Him.
He will do more than we can ask, hope or imagine.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I've Got Some Words To Use Up
ahem! (that's me clearing my throat!)
(one more time for good measure!) A-HEM!!!
Do you ever have those days where you wake up and know God is about to do something a-mazing? Not just amazing but A-MA-ZING! Well that is how my day went today. A good day, so good in fact that I almost feel guilty mentioning it since sooooo many of my sweet friends are having rough weeks. I am sorry for those of you who have not had as good of day as me. I apologize in advance for sounding boastful.
But I am about to do a bit of Biblical Boasting so forgive me if it sounds like I am trying to toot my own horn, I say all of this so that God will get the glory.
For the past few months, I have been on an emotional roller coaster. I am finally at the part of the ride where all the twists and dips have started to go smooth. I may dip in the future but I guarantee when I dip I am going to laugh because I know that God is going to bring me joy in every dip and turn in my life. He has already.
So why was my day good? I was able to see God's hand working in every facet of my life today. I was able to be a friend to someone who is where I was two years ago. I was able to have a godly woman who I hold in high esteem call me and say she wanted to mentor me. The cool thing is, this woman is older than 50 and never had kids. This woman is someone who has been able to be used by the Lord and has been a blessing to many. This woman is joyful and at peace with where God has lead her. I love this woman. No matter what happens in the next coming week, months or years, I know that I have someone in my corner who truly knows the twists and dips of my life.
To top it all off, I had dinner with three of my favorite ladies tonight. Three women that I look up to and admire. One of the ladies is a Biblical Counselor. She has been a huge blessing in overcoming many areas of my past and helping me set strong foundations for the future. She is the one who has encouraged me to move to the next step of my journey. (The next step of my journey I will share another day) Tonight as the four of us sat, talked and later prayed, I knew what Timothy must have felt like in the presence of Paul and Barnabas. Total awe and excitement that God would choose little ole me to sit with these ladies. I look forward to what the future holds!
Through today I realized that God is doing something bigger than I could even imagine with me, in this present moment. I see God's hand guiding me down this path and I praise Him. Fully praise Him for revealing Himself to me. Friends, I know there are many of you tonight who are wondering where the heck God is in your life? Why hasn't He shown up? Can I encourage you to keep seeking because you will find Him. Read the Bible daily, ask friends to pray for you and hold you up when you are weak. God has a plan for each and everyone of us. It's just sometimes we have to wait in order for all the craziness to subside so we can hear God's voice through it all.
Don't give up peeps! Keep pressing forward and wait because God is about to do something so fantastic with your life!
I love you, sweet friends, who are having a bad week! Call if you need anything!
Maybe an Es-cape!
sorry, inside joke I will explain another day
(FYI: As always please ignore the run-ons, crazy sentence structure and misspellings-I am too lazy to edit tonight.)
(one more time for good measure!) A-HEM!!!
Do you ever have those days where you wake up and know God is about to do something a-mazing? Not just amazing but A-MA-ZING! Well that is how my day went today. A good day, so good in fact that I almost feel guilty mentioning it since sooooo many of my sweet friends are having rough weeks. I am sorry for those of you who have not had as good of day as me. I apologize in advance for sounding boastful.
But I am about to do a bit of Biblical Boasting so forgive me if it sounds like I am trying to toot my own horn, I say all of this so that God will get the glory.
For the past few months, I have been on an emotional roller coaster. I am finally at the part of the ride where all the twists and dips have started to go smooth. I may dip in the future but I guarantee when I dip I am going to laugh because I know that God is going to bring me joy in every dip and turn in my life. He has already.
So why was my day good? I was able to see God's hand working in every facet of my life today. I was able to be a friend to someone who is where I was two years ago. I was able to have a godly woman who I hold in high esteem call me and say she wanted to mentor me. The cool thing is, this woman is older than 50 and never had kids. This woman is someone who has been able to be used by the Lord and has been a blessing to many. This woman is joyful and at peace with where God has lead her. I love this woman. No matter what happens in the next coming week, months or years, I know that I have someone in my corner who truly knows the twists and dips of my life.
To top it all off, I had dinner with three of my favorite ladies tonight. Three women that I look up to and admire. One of the ladies is a Biblical Counselor. She has been a huge blessing in overcoming many areas of my past and helping me set strong foundations for the future. She is the one who has encouraged me to move to the next step of my journey. (The next step of my journey I will share another day) Tonight as the four of us sat, talked and later prayed, I knew what Timothy must have felt like in the presence of Paul and Barnabas. Total awe and excitement that God would choose little ole me to sit with these ladies. I look forward to what the future holds!
Through today I realized that God is doing something bigger than I could even imagine with me, in this present moment. I see God's hand guiding me down this path and I praise Him. Fully praise Him for revealing Himself to me. Friends, I know there are many of you tonight who are wondering where the heck God is in your life? Why hasn't He shown up? Can I encourage you to keep seeking because you will find Him. Read the Bible daily, ask friends to pray for you and hold you up when you are weak. God has a plan for each and everyone of us. It's just sometimes we have to wait in order for all the craziness to subside so we can hear God's voice through it all.
Don't give up peeps! Keep pressing forward and wait because God is about to do something so fantastic with your life!
I love you, sweet friends, who are having a bad week! Call if you need anything!
Maybe an Es-cape!
sorry, inside joke I will explain another day
(FYI: As always please ignore the run-ons, crazy sentence structure and misspellings-I am too lazy to edit tonight.)
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
My Hope Is In God
This morning I woke up needing a bit of comfort from my Heavenly Father. As always He was faithful to provide a few verses to settle my spirit.
Psalms 146: 3-5
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God
Psalms 118: 7-9
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
Psalms 147: 10-11
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of a man;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalms 62: 5;8
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalms 25:4-5 (one of my favorite verses in recent months)
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Friends, yesterday my friend Wade posted a wonderful post. It's a must read. And today and yesterday Beth Moore also posted a must read. Please check them out.
And remember no matter who we voted for in yesterday's election we all serve the same God. A God who knows are thoughts even before we speak them. A God who makes leaders rise and fall. A God who is sovereign and fully in control. Put your hope in Him and Him alone.
'Nuf said about that.
"Go out and make it a great day" -MOM
Psalms 146: 3-5
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God
Psalms 118: 7-9
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
Psalms 147: 10-11
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of a man;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalms 62: 5;8
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalms 25:4-5 (one of my favorite verses in recent months)
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Friends, yesterday my friend Wade posted a wonderful post. It's a must read. And today and yesterday Beth Moore also posted a must read. Please check them out.
And remember no matter who we voted for in yesterday's election we all serve the same God. A God who knows are thoughts even before we speak them. A God who makes leaders rise and fall. A God who is sovereign and fully in control. Put your hope in Him and Him alone.
'Nuf said about that.
"Go out and make it a great day" -MOM
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Good Things to Share
I have come across a few quotes that I love and thought you would love them too.
An interview of Sara Groves in Life Beautiful Magazine, Summer 2008:
" A woman approached Sara and gave her a piece of paper that she has kept to this day. On it were words the woman said were straight from the heart of God. Sara resisted the cynicism she felt rising inside when she first received the note, instead willing herself to "stay open" and consider the woman's message. "[The note] told me to let God define 'normal' for me," Sara says. "It told me that my normal might not look like everyone else's normal and that was okay."
My theme verse that I have recently adopted, Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
I find that when I am open to the plans God has for me I am content in the waiting. Not only am I content but I am joyful and joy leads to perfect peace.
I gave up long ago trying to define the plans God had for me. Throughout my life there is evidence time and time again that God's plans for my are different from my peers. I am on a different path and I am okay with that-truly.
It helps to know that God knew in advance what I would be doing today. He knew what my hopes would be and He knew what struggles I would face in this present moment. I believe that all of these are working for a bigger cause than I could ever imagine. I choose to live in the moment because that is all that I that God asks of me. The proof of this is found in Matthew 6:34, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."
I choose to let God write my story however He chooses fit. I trust His plans and look forward to how the future will unfold.
An interview of Sara Groves in Life Beautiful Magazine, Summer 2008:
" A woman approached Sara and gave her a piece of paper that she has kept to this day. On it were words the woman said were straight from the heart of God. Sara resisted the cynicism she felt rising inside when she first received the note, instead willing herself to "stay open" and consider the woman's message. "[The note] told me to let God define 'normal' for me," Sara says. "It told me that my normal might not look like everyone else's normal and that was okay."
My theme verse that I have recently adopted, Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
I find that when I am open to the plans God has for me I am content in the waiting. Not only am I content but I am joyful and joy leads to perfect peace.
I gave up long ago trying to define the plans God had for me. Throughout my life there is evidence time and time again that God's plans for my are different from my peers. I am on a different path and I am okay with that-truly.
It helps to know that God knew in advance what I would be doing today. He knew what my hopes would be and He knew what struggles I would face in this present moment. I believe that all of these are working for a bigger cause than I could ever imagine. I choose to live in the moment because that is all that I that God asks of me. The proof of this is found in Matthew 6:34, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."
I choose to let God write my story however He chooses fit. I trust His plans and look forward to how the future will unfold.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Remember Miriam Quotes Part One
Nancy Leigh Demoss is doing a wonderful series on Miriam, Moses' sister. To listen from the beginning and at your own pace you can go here. I copied and pasted a few of my favorite parts so I could remember what God is teaching me during this journey. You know the minute I get discouraged or feel like God has forgotten about us, it never fails that God uses that time to encourage and spur me on. I am encouraged by Nancy's teachings, a phone call from a friend telling me that God laid us on their heart and they wanted to call to check on us, a song on the radio, and time spent in the Word. All of these remind me that God has not forgotten about us, that He does have a plan and we just need to wait, with faith, on Him. I put in bold and italics our new family motto. If you know me at all you should not have a problem realizing the one that struck a chord with me.
Maybe these quotes will bless you too. Beware it's a lot of material so if you don't have time to read it all, come back when you can or listen to them on the website at your own pace. This series will bless you I promise.
From: Parenting Under Providence
What is God’s providence? We’re going to see it in spades in this passage. God sees ahead. Pro- vidance: pro = before, voidance = vision. God has vision. He can see things ahead, and He makes provision for what’s coming that only He sees and knows.
You could break the word down this way: Pro-vidence—God’s providence. He provides for what He knows is coming. He’s always orchestrating the circumstances and events of our lives to fulfill His purposes.
As we continue in this account in Exodus 2, I want you to look for evidences of God’s providential hand and care. The thing about providence is that most often you can’t see it when you’re in the midst of the circumstances. You only see it when you look back.
That’s why we need to trust now, when we can’t see what God is doing, knowing that one day we will see and we will understand that God was not oblivious. He was not inactive. He was not asleep on His throne. He was very actively involved, knowing what was going on and working to make provision.
Let God write the script. Let Him do it His way
From: The Seeds of Faith
Someone has said that God's will is exactly what we would choose if we knew what God knows, and that's the heart of providence. It's knowing that God does see, and God does know. It's trusting His heart when we can't see His hand.
It's saying, “Lord, when I can step back in time or eternity and look back on all this, I will see You did all things well, and so now when I'm in the midst of this furnace or this Red Sea or this loss of a child or this oppression of mental, emotional, physical—whatever the enemy is, whatever the obstacle is—I trust that You are here. You are working. You are moving. You are accomplishing Your purposes, that if I knew now what You know now, I would say, 'Lord, You're not making a mistake.'”
You wait patiently, and you don't manipulate. You don't—well, I want to say you don't whine, although I have done some whining. I will confess. Let's see, what do you do? You . . .
Woman 3: . . . say, “Thank You.”
Nancy: You say, “Thank You.” You say, “Lord, I will praise You. My mouth will exalt You all the time, regardless of what I feel, regardless of what's going on. I will bless the Lord at all times.”
You wait, and you let God be God. You say, “In time, I will see, and I will know.” If not in time in this life, then in the next I will see that God was glorifying Himself and was blessing me. God loves us. He does want to bless us, His children, and these things will come to be for our good and for His glory.
For those of us that have done cross-stitch or needlepoint, so many times, and mine in particular, you look to the backside, and it's all knotted. It is not a very pretty picture. That's how we look at life sometimes, but God is up here. He's looking down on that needlepoint picture at what a perfect, beautiful picture it is.
From The Spotlight Is On God
So we learn a lot. When we’re obeying God, we’re blessed, and God can use us. When we go outside God’s plan and God’s place for our lives, then we will suffer consequences.
It reminds me of what Romans 15 says:
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (verse 4).
Listen, we don’t need all those extraneous stories to give us hope. We have the Word of God. And through the encouragement of God’s Word, we have hope.
Maybe these quotes will bless you too. Beware it's a lot of material so if you don't have time to read it all, come back when you can or listen to them on the website at your own pace. This series will bless you I promise.
From: Parenting Under Providence
What is God’s providence? We’re going to see it in spades in this passage. God sees ahead. Pro- vidance: pro = before, voidance = vision. God has vision. He can see things ahead, and He makes provision for what’s coming that only He sees and knows.
You could break the word down this way: Pro-vidence—God’s providence. He provides for what He knows is coming. He’s always orchestrating the circumstances and events of our lives to fulfill His purposes.
As we continue in this account in Exodus 2, I want you to look for evidences of God’s providential hand and care. The thing about providence is that most often you can’t see it when you’re in the midst of the circumstances. You only see it when you look back.
That’s why we need to trust now, when we can’t see what God is doing, knowing that one day we will see and we will understand that God was not oblivious. He was not inactive. He was not asleep on His throne. He was very actively involved, knowing what was going on and working to make provision.
Let God write the script. Let Him do it His way
From: The Seeds of Faith
Someone has said that God's will is exactly what we would choose if we knew what God knows, and that's the heart of providence. It's knowing that God does see, and God does know. It's trusting His heart when we can't see His hand.
It's saying, “Lord, when I can step back in time or eternity and look back on all this, I will see You did all things well, and so now when I'm in the midst of this furnace or this Red Sea or this loss of a child or this oppression of mental, emotional, physical—whatever the enemy is, whatever the obstacle is—I trust that You are here. You are working. You are moving. You are accomplishing Your purposes, that if I knew now what You know now, I would say, 'Lord, You're not making a mistake.'”
You wait patiently, and you don't manipulate. You don't—well, I want to say you don't whine, although I have done some whining. I will confess. Let's see, what do you do? You . . .
Woman 3: . . . say, “Thank You.”
Nancy: You say, “Thank You.” You say, “Lord, I will praise You. My mouth will exalt You all the time, regardless of what I feel, regardless of what's going on. I will bless the Lord at all times.”
You wait, and you let God be God. You say, “In time, I will see, and I will know.” If not in time in this life, then in the next I will see that God was glorifying Himself and was blessing me. God loves us. He does want to bless us, His children, and these things will come to be for our good and for His glory.
For those of us that have done cross-stitch or needlepoint, so many times, and mine in particular, you look to the backside, and it's all knotted. It is not a very pretty picture. That's how we look at life sometimes, but God is up here. He's looking down on that needlepoint picture at what a perfect, beautiful picture it is.
From The Spotlight Is On God
So we learn a lot. When we’re obeying God, we’re blessed, and God can use us. When we go outside God’s plan and God’s place for our lives, then we will suffer consequences.
It reminds me of what Romans 15 says:
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (verse 4).
Listen, we don’t need all those extraneous stories to give us hope. We have the Word of God. And through the encouragement of God’s Word, we have hope.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Proof That God is In the Details
I have been worried about Granny the past few weeks. Her health is not good and she really needs to have someone with her to help her while my grandfather is at work. This summer sweet cousin Martha stayed over there and helped Granny with light housekeeping, laundry and meals. But more than anything, Martha was Granny's little buddy for the summer. Well, little cousin Martha went back to school this week so Granny was going to need help finding someone to stay with her.
The family has spent the past two weeks trying to locate someone by word of mouth and asking around to a few of our contacts in the area. Between my aunt, mom, brother and I we know quite a few people in the area someone was bound to show up.
Instead of worrying about it, I trusted that God was in the details of this situation, like it says in Psalms 37:23 (The New Living Translation)
Anytime I started to doubt, I told myself that God delights in the details of our lives!
PTL stands for PRAISE THE LORD!
God is still in the details!
The family has spent the past two weeks trying to locate someone by word of mouth and asking around to a few of our contacts in the area. Between my aunt, mom, brother and I we know quite a few people in the area someone was bound to show up.
Instead of worrying about it, I trusted that God was in the details of this situation, like it says in Psalms 37:23 (The New Living Translation)
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."
Anytime I started to doubt, I told myself that God delights in the details of our lives!
Sunday morning I woke up praying for God to direct us to someone that would be able to provide care for my sweet Granny. I thought of one person and told God that if so and so was supposed to be that person than bring them to church on Sunday so I can ask her face to face. She didn't come.
And so I continued to pray and trust God to iron out all the details. Today I called Granny to see if she needed anything picked up at the grocery store and to see how her doctor's appointment went yesterday.
Well the doctor's appointment was good y'all, real good.
She and my aunt had made an appointment to talk to her doctor about getting her approved for home health care. The doctor said, "Whatever you need-don't worry-I will set it up."
I asked Granny what the cost would be out of pocket. And she said "None, medicare covers it."
I asked when will it get started and she said by next week hopefully.
So see, no need to worry God is still in the details.
And as my great-grandmother MOM would saying PTL! PTL!
PTL stands for PRAISE THE LORD!
See...
God is still in the details!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Something I Need to Document
You know when God speaks you should listen. My daily bible readings have me in the middle of Psalms and mmm, mmm, mmm, God is meeting me right where I am. This to me is proof that God is full of grace because I just finished reading May 10th last night and well, today is May 22nd.
Here are a few that have been good to me over the last few days.
Psalms 8:3
"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-the moonlight and the stars, you set it place...what are mere mortals that you should care about them?"
Psalms 9:1-2
"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you I will sing praises to your name, O most High."
Psalms 9:9-10
"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed; a refuge in time of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you."
Psalms 16-the whole thing was good for me but here are two that I L-O-V-E
Psalms 16:2
"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? ...Restore the sparkle in my eyes or I will die!"
(I like the restore the sparkle in my eyes bit because who doesn't love a chick whose eyes sparkle!)
Psalms 16:11
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever."
Psalms 17:6-7
"I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways."
And we skip ahead a few Psalms...
Psalms 37: 3-5, 7-8
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him and He will help you."
And the one that left me speechless
Psalms 37:23
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."
And I close with what I wrote in my journal, join me in my inner sanctum. Feel privileged friends, not many are able to read the words in these pages- but you caught me in a generous, over sharing, mood.
I wrote, "I cannot fathom the idea that you, O Lord delight in every detail of our lives yet time and time again I see it happening. I guess part of me is realizing that this waiting period is not in vain. You have blessed us in the waiting!"
The point of the story is this:
1. God is faithful to us even if we fall behind a few days in our reading.
2. Don't ever underestimate the power of a journaling what you read in the Bible.
Time in the Word never returns void.
That's all for me this week, I am taking the weekend to meet up with my DEER friends for hug and howdy time.
Here are a few that have been good to me over the last few days.
Psalms 8:3
"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-the moonlight and the stars, you set it place...what are mere mortals that you should care about them?"
Psalms 9:1-2
"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you I will sing praises to your name, O most High."
Psalms 9:9-10
"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed; a refuge in time of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you."
Psalms 16-the whole thing was good for me but here are two that I L-O-V-E
Psalms 16:2
"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? ...Restore the sparkle in my eyes or I will die!"
(I like the restore the sparkle in my eyes bit because who doesn't love a chick whose eyes sparkle!)
Psalms 16:11
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever."
Psalms 17:6-7
"I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways."
And we skip ahead a few Psalms...
Psalms 37: 3-5, 7-8
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him and He will help you."
And the one that left me speechless
Psalms 37:23
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."
And I close with what I wrote in my journal, join me in my inner sanctum. Feel privileged friends, not many are able to read the words in these pages- but you caught me in a generous, over sharing, mood.
I wrote, "I cannot fathom the idea that you, O Lord delight in every detail of our lives yet time and time again I see it happening. I guess part of me is realizing that this waiting period is not in vain. You have blessed us in the waiting!"
The point of the story is this:
1. God is faithful to us even if we fall behind a few days in our reading.
2. Don't ever underestimate the power of a journaling what you read in the Bible.
Time in the Word never returns void.
That's all for me this week, I am taking the weekend to meet up with my DEER friends for hug and howdy time.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Too Tired For a Title
I have made it my goal on this blog to remain true to myself, to laugh when I need to laugh, cry when I need to cry but most importantly to glorify God however the shoe fits.
Last night I spent most of the night, on my knees praying for the LORD to reveal Himself to me. My struggles are not for me, I pray for many. I wrestle with the realization that God has chosen little ole me to intercede on behalf of others through prayer. I realize, with total humility that this job could be given to anyone, that God doesn't need me, but He wants me to serve unselfishly through praying for others. The truth is, I relish the quiet mornings alone in prayer. I savor the time where it is just God and me, alone, praying for whatever God brings to me in these moments. I also enjoy looking back, at the journal pages, realizing how sweet and tender the wee small hours have been for my faith in God.
But I am human and today I realized my humanity when I grumbled to my husband about being worn out from last nights prayer vigil. At one point last night, I even asked the LORD, "Why me LORD? When they don't even seem to be burdened?" And later, at church, God gave me a wonderful gift. A sweet friend at church stopped me and told me that she has been praying for me without ceasing this week. I could do nothing but hug her and say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. So as Jeff and I drove home, skipping potluck, skipping small group in order for me to rest, I praised God. While drive under a beautiful blue sky, with the perfect amount of clouds peppered here and there I realized how blessed I was that God woke me up, brought me out of my bed, to pray for those in need. The beauty the Holy Spirit is this: as I pray for these, God sends others to pray for me...isn't that what Christian community is all about.
Thank you LORD for the gift of prayer. Thank you for all that you have done and all that you are going to do through our prayers. Your love, O LORD, amazes me.
God bless you guys, and thank you for letting me share my thoughts today. This is one of those posts that falls under the title, "Getting my words out."
Last night I spent most of the night, on my knees praying for the LORD to reveal Himself to me. My struggles are not for me, I pray for many. I wrestle with the realization that God has chosen little ole me to intercede on behalf of others through prayer. I realize, with total humility that this job could be given to anyone, that God doesn't need me, but He wants me to serve unselfishly through praying for others. The truth is, I relish the quiet mornings alone in prayer. I savor the time where it is just God and me, alone, praying for whatever God brings to me in these moments. I also enjoy looking back, at the journal pages, realizing how sweet and tender the wee small hours have been for my faith in God.
But I am human and today I realized my humanity when I grumbled to my husband about being worn out from last nights prayer vigil. At one point last night, I even asked the LORD, "Why me LORD? When they don't even seem to be burdened?" And later, at church, God gave me a wonderful gift. A sweet friend at church stopped me and told me that she has been praying for me without ceasing this week. I could do nothing but hug her and say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. So as Jeff and I drove home, skipping potluck, skipping small group in order for me to rest, I praised God. While drive under a beautiful blue sky, with the perfect amount of clouds peppered here and there I realized how blessed I was that God woke me up, brought me out of my bed, to pray for those in need. The beauty the Holy Spirit is this: as I pray for these, God sends others to pray for me...isn't that what Christian community is all about.
Thank you LORD for the gift of prayer. Thank you for all that you have done and all that you are going to do through our prayers. Your love, O LORD, amazes me.
God bless you guys, and thank you for letting me share my thoughts today. This is one of those posts that falls under the title, "Getting my words out."
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