I have been listening to a series by Dr. Charles Stanley recently about overcoming emotions. It has been an eye opening experience and has really been a blessing. I do tend to live by emotions (as many women do), and the series is helping me see how I need to let go of these emotions. Today I finished the broadcast on rejection. It really hit home.
As Dr. Stanley stated, we all have faced rejection some time in our lives. Rejection is hard. Rejection hurts. Rejection can leave a life long scar. Most importantly, rejection makes us feel broken. I know the times I have been rejected, I felt so useless and and unworthy that I didn't know what to do.
One Person who will never reject us is our Heavenly Father. He will gladly put our broken pieces back together after a rejection and make us feel whole and new again.
There are two instances in the book of Mark where becoming whole really stands out. Jesus performs a miracles in both instances. The first is found in Mark 5 and Jesus is walking in a crowd. An unnamed lady with a blood disorder wanted to only get close enough to Jesus to touch His robe. She said in verse 28, "If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole." She was able to touch the hem of His clothes and she was healed. Jesus says to her in verse 34, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole..." Again in chapter 10 we see the story of Blind Bartimeus. Upon Jesus restoring his sight He says in verse 52, "Go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
In both of these stories, these people knew the awesome power of Jesus. They knew He could make them whole. Because of that belief they were healed and renewed. Jesus' love and forgiveness is all we need to make us whole. We just have to accept it. Nothing else on earth can fill that void. Nothing else can heal our hurts. Not one possession and not any other person, can make us feel better. Nothing but Jesus.
Today's Verse
"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." Isaiah 43:25
When we have become a child of God, He has accepted us for who we are. He has forgiven us of all our sins. He remembers our sins no more. Our faith in Him has made us whole. His love should rule our lives, not our emotions, not past rejections, only God's love and forgiveness should matter. We can be rejected thousands of times in our earthly lives, but if we have made that commitment to live for Him no rejection can ever break us! We are whole through God's saving grace and that's all that matters!
If you are interested in the series by Dr. Stanley the website is below!
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/podcasts
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sudden Storms
We woke up to a gorgeous day today, and I was needing it! Going on 6 hours of sleep in a 48 hour period, the sunshine was a welcoming site. We happily got ready for school. No arguments or setbacks. YAY! We left the house after having our devotion time, and I thanked God for a smooth morning as pulled out of the driveway.
We needed a little warmth. It had been a little cloudy and chilly the beginning of the week, especially chilly for late April. After dropping my oldest daughter off at school, my youngest and I had a few minutes to spare before her dr appointment. I decided to we'd take a quick walk and she could have her snack in the stroller. I told her my plans of going to the park after the appointment if she was a good girl at the dr.
We were in the office for about an hour. They were running behind, but thankfully my little girl had been very well behaved. She was happily carrying her sucker as we walked out. Unfortunately we walked out to a different site than when we came in. The sky was pitch black. The wind was blowing. I could see the storm coming. Thankfully we made it to the van before it hit. It rained hard, and the lightening was sharp, but we were safe. So quickly it came out of nowhere. So quickly it ruined our plans and our beautiful weather. It was so sudden.
I said earlier in the week that the girls' memory verse was Psalms 86:7 "In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." For the life of me, I cannot get my oldest daughter to say it exactly right. She is making trouble and day both plural..."In the days of my troubles I will call upon thee..."
Today as I corrected her again, I felt a little tug on my heart. There are so many "days" when we feel helpless because of the "troubles" going on in our lives. Yes the verse uses the singular, but in our lives there will definitely be plural...the days of troubles...the days with sudden storms.
Today's Verses
"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." Psalms 107:28-29
I really can't say anything more calming after those beautiful verses. As we have said before, He can calm the storms in our lives. God is the only one that can make the waves be still. We do have to call on Him in our times of trouble, and He makes it very clear in His Word that He will respond when we call. Although the storm may not stop at that very moment, He can calm our hearts and give us the peace we need to make it through the sudden storms.
We needed a little warmth. It had been a little cloudy and chilly the beginning of the week, especially chilly for late April. After dropping my oldest daughter off at school, my youngest and I had a few minutes to spare before her dr appointment. I decided to we'd take a quick walk and she could have her snack in the stroller. I told her my plans of going to the park after the appointment if she was a good girl at the dr.
We were in the office for about an hour. They were running behind, but thankfully my little girl had been very well behaved. She was happily carrying her sucker as we walked out. Unfortunately we walked out to a different site than when we came in. The sky was pitch black. The wind was blowing. I could see the storm coming. Thankfully we made it to the van before it hit. It rained hard, and the lightening was sharp, but we were safe. So quickly it came out of nowhere. So quickly it ruined our plans and our beautiful weather. It was so sudden.
I said earlier in the week that the girls' memory verse was Psalms 86:7 "In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me." For the life of me, I cannot get my oldest daughter to say it exactly right. She is making trouble and day both plural..."In the days of my troubles I will call upon thee..."
Today as I corrected her again, I felt a little tug on my heart. There are so many "days" when we feel helpless because of the "troubles" going on in our lives. Yes the verse uses the singular, but in our lives there will definitely be plural...the days of troubles...the days with sudden storms.
Today's Verses
"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." Psalms 107:28-29
I really can't say anything more calming after those beautiful verses. As we have said before, He can calm the storms in our lives. God is the only one that can make the waves be still. We do have to call on Him in our times of trouble, and He makes it very clear in His Word that He will respond when we call. Although the storm may not stop at that very moment, He can calm our hearts and give us the peace we need to make it through the sudden storms.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Inside and Outside
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy site, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer." Psalms 19:14
These words use to be on a post-it note on my office computer when I worked at a local university. It is a favorite verse of mine, but oddly enough I haven't thought about it much lately. That is until today. I read something that made that verse flash in my mind. I use to stare at this verse and say it over and over on a daily basis, but with it not in front of my eyes I had kind of forgotten about it.
How are my words? Are they pleasing to God?
More importantly, how is my heart? Is it pleasing to God?
My outside may look fine. I may be smiling. I may appear happy. But is my inside happy? Is my heart meditating on things that are "acceptable in [His] site" today?
My thoughts, my heart, my judgments, my fears, and my anxieties can only be heard and seen by the Lord. I want these things to be acceptable. I want to be living for Him on the inside as well as the outside.
Today's Verse
"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Psalms 31:3
He is "my strength and my redeemer" and "my rock and my fortress". I shouldn't have to see those words plastered in front of my eyes to remember all He is to me. We read our Bibles and pray for guidance daily so that our insides match our outsides.
Heavenly Father, Help me to live for You, trusting in You, and waiting patiently for You to lead and guide me. Help me to not only speak the words that are acceptable in Your site, but help my insides radiate the dependence I have on You. Help my outsides as well as my insides be a light for You.
These words use to be on a post-it note on my office computer when I worked at a local university. It is a favorite verse of mine, but oddly enough I haven't thought about it much lately. That is until today. I read something that made that verse flash in my mind. I use to stare at this verse and say it over and over on a daily basis, but with it not in front of my eyes I had kind of forgotten about it.
How are my words? Are they pleasing to God?
More importantly, how is my heart? Is it pleasing to God?
My outside may look fine. I may be smiling. I may appear happy. But is my inside happy? Is my heart meditating on things that are "acceptable in [His] site" today?
My thoughts, my heart, my judgments, my fears, and my anxieties can only be heard and seen by the Lord. I want these things to be acceptable. I want to be living for Him on the inside as well as the outside.
Today's Verse
"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Psalms 31:3
He is "my strength and my redeemer" and "my rock and my fortress". I shouldn't have to see those words plastered in front of my eyes to remember all He is to me. We read our Bibles and pray for guidance daily so that our insides match our outsides.
Heavenly Father, Help me to live for You, trusting in You, and waiting patiently for You to lead and guide me. Help me to not only speak the words that are acceptable in Your site, but help my insides radiate the dependence I have on You. Help my outsides as well as my insides be a light for You.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Squeezer or Pleaser
"When it comes to spending time with God, are you a 'squeezer' or a 'pleaser'?"
This was the question that was posed this morning in the girls' devotion. We laughed...a lot! "What does that mean mommy?", asked my oldest daughter. I had to say that I had no idea without reading further.
We were reading Day 92 in our "VeggieTales 365 Day Starter Devos for Girls" book. The title for this day was "It's Important to Make Time for God". We continued reading so as to answer our question, but not without a few more giggles.
The devo asked "Do you squeeze God into your schedule with a prayer before mealtime, or do you please God by talking to Him far more often than that?"
After continuing our discussion and finishing the devotion, I had the question in my mind most of the morning. Yes, there are days that I feel like a "squeezer". And there was even a time in my life when I would say I was continuously a "squeezer".
I am not patting myself on the back here, but I have always tried to read my Bible daily. I would read the Daily Bread and the verses it suggested, or other quick devotions my whole life. Yes there were many that touched my heart, encouraged me and provided the quick word that I needed in that moment. But in all honesty, I was basically squeezing time in for God. It was not really because I was seeking to draw closer to Him. It was not really that I was trying to learn more about Him. I was doing it out of feeling the need to be obedient more than really trying to seek His face.
I am sad to say, that dependence on God and trying to soak up all the Bible has to offer did not occur until God called me to be a full-time homemaker. It was in those desperate hours of feeling cut off from the world when my first daughter was an infant, that I truly began to really "please" God by spending quality time in His Word. I talk to Him throughout the day, not just at mealtime or bedtime. I try to read and really pay close attention to what God could be trying to tell me through verses and other readings. Note that I did not say lots of time, but quality time. It is definitely quality verses quantity in this stage of life. As a mom of little ones, no matter if you are working 40 hours plus being a mom or working in the home all day, it can be hard to piece together five minutes of quiet time. But in those five minutes, if we are truly trying to spend time in fellowship with God, He will bless our time together and draw us closer to Him. This quality time is what "pleases" God.
Today's Verses
Psalms 62:5 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation (hope) is from him"
This is the verse suggested by the Devo book we were reading. We wait on Him and depend on Him daily. He is the only One who can provide true hope, but we must spend that time with Him to receive it.
Psalms 86:7 "In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me."
This is the girls' memory verse for the week. We can call upon Him anytime, and we should talk to Him throughout our day. But it is such a comfort to know even when we are in trouble, He is always there to listen and to answer.
Like I said, there are days I am still a "squeezer" reading for a brief minute and saying a quick prayer before I rush out the door or before I fall into bed. But when we schedule those times with Him like we would schedule a meeting, we can truly seek His guidance on our lives and "please" our Heavenly Father with our undivided attention. And as the devotion puts it, "Even if you are the busiest girl on Planet Earth, you can still carve out a little time for God. And when you think about it, isn't that the very least you should do?"
This was the question that was posed this morning in the girls' devotion. We laughed...a lot! "What does that mean mommy?", asked my oldest daughter. I had to say that I had no idea without reading further.
We were reading Day 92 in our "VeggieTales 365 Day Starter Devos for Girls" book. The title for this day was "It's Important to Make Time for God". We continued reading so as to answer our question, but not without a few more giggles.
The devo asked "Do you squeeze God into your schedule with a prayer before mealtime, or do you please God by talking to Him far more often than that?"
After continuing our discussion and finishing the devotion, I had the question in my mind most of the morning. Yes, there are days that I feel like a "squeezer". And there was even a time in my life when I would say I was continuously a "squeezer".
I am not patting myself on the back here, but I have always tried to read my Bible daily. I would read the Daily Bread and the verses it suggested, or other quick devotions my whole life. Yes there were many that touched my heart, encouraged me and provided the quick word that I needed in that moment. But in all honesty, I was basically squeezing time in for God. It was not really because I was seeking to draw closer to Him. It was not really that I was trying to learn more about Him. I was doing it out of feeling the need to be obedient more than really trying to seek His face.
I am sad to say, that dependence on God and trying to soak up all the Bible has to offer did not occur until God called me to be a full-time homemaker. It was in those desperate hours of feeling cut off from the world when my first daughter was an infant, that I truly began to really "please" God by spending quality time in His Word. I talk to Him throughout the day, not just at mealtime or bedtime. I try to read and really pay close attention to what God could be trying to tell me through verses and other readings. Note that I did not say lots of time, but quality time. It is definitely quality verses quantity in this stage of life. As a mom of little ones, no matter if you are working 40 hours plus being a mom or working in the home all day, it can be hard to piece together five minutes of quiet time. But in those five minutes, if we are truly trying to spend time in fellowship with God, He will bless our time together and draw us closer to Him. This quality time is what "pleases" God.
Today's Verses
Psalms 62:5 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation (hope) is from him"
This is the verse suggested by the Devo book we were reading. We wait on Him and depend on Him daily. He is the only One who can provide true hope, but we must spend that time with Him to receive it.
Psalms 86:7 "In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me."
This is the girls' memory verse for the week. We can call upon Him anytime, and we should talk to Him throughout our day. But it is such a comfort to know even when we are in trouble, He is always there to listen and to answer.
Like I said, there are days I am still a "squeezer" reading for a brief minute and saying a quick prayer before I rush out the door or before I fall into bed. But when we schedule those times with Him like we would schedule a meeting, we can truly seek His guidance on our lives and "please" our Heavenly Father with our undivided attention. And as the devotion puts it, "Even if you are the busiest girl on Planet Earth, you can still carve out a little time for God. And when you think about it, isn't that the very least you should do?"
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Azaleas
I felt down. I couldn't get my mind wrapped around everything that was going on. I needed an uplifting word or some type of encouragement. I told the girls I was going to read for a brief moment at the kitchen table. It wasn't my usual time for reading anything. I usually didn't sit at the kitchen table to do my reading. But I could feel the chair calling my name. I was armed with a very short devotion, but I knew I just needed a moment to think, to talk with God, to read, and ask for guidance on our day.
The devotion was very uplifting, but it still wasn't exactly what I needed. I stared our our kitchen window. That is when I first saw it. We have a lot of azalea bushes in our yard. Two very small dark pink ones are out by the mailbox. Five big lite pink ones line the side of our porch where we park. But there is one and only one white one. It is out by our swing. And that is what my eyes saw. The perfectly white azalea. It was brilliant. It was beautiful. It was the farthest thing from what I was feeling.
Isaiah 1:18 came to my mind. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Although I had been beating myself up that morning, I knew deep down God did not view me that way I was seeing myself. He loves me. He loves you. Once we are His children, are sins are washed away and we are "white as snow". When we are putting our selves down, it is Satan using his evil tactics to make us feel down. He doesn't want us to accomplish what God has called us to do. But remembering God's love for us can help lift us from the fog. We can plant our feet on His truths and walk the path He has chosen for us with confidence!
Today's verses
Ephesians 2:4-9 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
That view lifted my fog that morning. It reminded me I am His. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me it would be ok and to continue to trust. I had to keep on keeping on. I am a sinner saved by grace, and the pretty white azaleas was a reminder that I am loved and my sins are washed away. God thinks we are even more beautiful than the pretty white azalea. I was able to walk away from the table with a whole new perspective for the day. It took only a moment, but that is all God needs to touch our hearts. Please make sure you are spending those moments with Him everyday!
The devotion was very uplifting, but it still wasn't exactly what I needed. I stared our our kitchen window. That is when I first saw it. We have a lot of azalea bushes in our yard. Two very small dark pink ones are out by the mailbox. Five big lite pink ones line the side of our porch where we park. But there is one and only one white one. It is out by our swing. And that is what my eyes saw. The perfectly white azalea. It was brilliant. It was beautiful. It was the farthest thing from what I was feeling.
Isaiah 1:18 came to my mind. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Although I had been beating myself up that morning, I knew deep down God did not view me that way I was seeing myself. He loves me. He loves you. Once we are His children, are sins are washed away and we are "white as snow". When we are putting our selves down, it is Satan using his evil tactics to make us feel down. He doesn't want us to accomplish what God has called us to do. But remembering God's love for us can help lift us from the fog. We can plant our feet on His truths and walk the path He has chosen for us with confidence!
Today's verses
Ephesians 2:4-9 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
That view lifted my fog that morning. It reminded me I am His. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me it would be ok and to continue to trust. I had to keep on keeping on. I am a sinner saved by grace, and the pretty white azaleas was a reminder that I am loved and my sins are washed away. God thinks we are even more beautiful than the pretty white azalea. I was able to walk away from the table with a whole new perspective for the day. It took only a moment, but that is all God needs to touch our hearts. Please make sure you are spending those moments with Him everyday!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Shirley and Marcy
It is a beautiful day and we are in the midst of some great outdoor playtime. It is a little hot for an April day, but this is not hindering the fun times with bubbles and slides and swings and wagons! I just wanted to share a quick cute email I received recently. It hits home even more with me having a little girl that will begin Kindergarten in just a few short months! I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a fantastic day!
Today's Verse
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalms 34:1
He didn't want his mother to walk with him.
She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it.
She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.
The neighbour said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew.
She did this for the whole week.
As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy,
'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'
Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'
The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?'
'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy ...'
'Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us?
'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much.
And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness) and Marcy (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'
Today's Verse
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalms 34:1
Shirley & Marcy
A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son, Timmy, walking to school.
A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son, Timmy, walking to school.
He didn't want his mother to walk with him.
She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it.
She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.
The neighbour said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew.
She did this for the whole week.
As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy,
'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'
Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'
The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?'
'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy ...'
'Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us?
'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much.
And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness) and Marcy (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'
Monday, April 16, 2012
Blessed
My husband and I had fabulous date night Sunday night that included a concert at the DPAC by one of my favorite singers of all time...Martina McBride. Now for those who may not know me, I am a huge country music fan. My father never allowed me to listen to rock-n-roll or "pop" music when I was growing up. It was just country and hymns in our house. I have always loved Martina McBride since she first became a country music star, and it was a real treat to get to hear her sing in the theatre.
My list of favorite songs by Marina McBride are pretty much everything she sings, and she has several songs that can make me cry every time I hear them. One of those songs is "Blessed". In the chorus there is a line, "I thank God for all I've been given at the end of every day." As she sang that song Saturday night, the tears burned my eyes.
Do I truly thank Him for every thing? He has "blessed" me with so much, but am I thankful enough? How can I show my thankfulness?
These questions have played over and over in my mind. Not only should I tell God how thankful I am for Him, His love, His forgiveness, His Son and the sacrifice He made, and everything He has blessed me with, but I should tell my family how thankful I am for them. There should never be a day I don't tell my husband I love him and my girls that I love them. I want them to know how much they mean to me. I must teach my girls that every single thing we have has been a blessing for the Lord. We have not come by anything on our own. It is all a gift from God, including every day we have on earth. I should tell others how God has worked in my life. Share my faith, my love of God, and how He has blessed us. Take nothing for granted, and truly be thankful.
Thank You, thank You, thank You Lord for everything...and yes I mean everything! Even the very trials I am facing right now (and we all have trials)...I am praying for a thankful heart in every situation. I am praying to see every trial we go through as a blessing. No our trials will not feel like a blessing, but I trust in God's supreme power to make even the hardest times become a blessing to somebody for God's glory.
My husband will start a new Bible study tonight based on the movie Courageous. If you haven't seen the movie, I do highly recommend it. It challenges fathers to be the best they can be. But even as a mother, it spoke to me. To be the best wife I can be...supporting my husband, being thankful for him and all he does for me and our girls. Be the best mommy I can be, teaching my girls and making sure they know God's love for them and my love for them.
Today's Verse
"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24
I love this verse. My daughters have a memory verse CD where children sing verses, and this is one of our favorites. I can hear them singing it in my mind as I type the words. Oh how I long to make this verse real in my life and in theirs. We serve Him will all our hearts today. We think about how He has guided us through so much. We are thankful for His blessings on us. We "consider how great things he hath done for [us]".
The lyrics to "Blessed" is below. Even if you are not feeling like a "Praise the Lord" day today, thank Him and your heart will be lifted. He has blessed you in so many ways, consider those blessings today!
I get kissed by the sun each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
Across a crowded room
I know you know what I'm thinking
By the way I look at you
And when we're lying in the quiet
And no words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
When I'm singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
My list of favorite songs by Marina McBride are pretty much everything she sings, and she has several songs that can make me cry every time I hear them. One of those songs is "Blessed". In the chorus there is a line, "I thank God for all I've been given at the end of every day." As she sang that song Saturday night, the tears burned my eyes.
Do I truly thank Him for every thing? He has "blessed" me with so much, but am I thankful enough? How can I show my thankfulness?
These questions have played over and over in my mind. Not only should I tell God how thankful I am for Him, His love, His forgiveness, His Son and the sacrifice He made, and everything He has blessed me with, but I should tell my family how thankful I am for them. There should never be a day I don't tell my husband I love him and my girls that I love them. I want them to know how much they mean to me. I must teach my girls that every single thing we have has been a blessing for the Lord. We have not come by anything on our own. It is all a gift from God, including every day we have on earth. I should tell others how God has worked in my life. Share my faith, my love of God, and how He has blessed us. Take nothing for granted, and truly be thankful.
Thank You, thank You, thank You Lord for everything...and yes I mean everything! Even the very trials I am facing right now (and we all have trials)...I am praying for a thankful heart in every situation. I am praying to see every trial we go through as a blessing. No our trials will not feel like a blessing, but I trust in God's supreme power to make even the hardest times become a blessing to somebody for God's glory.
My husband will start a new Bible study tonight based on the movie Courageous. If you haven't seen the movie, I do highly recommend it. It challenges fathers to be the best they can be. But even as a mother, it spoke to me. To be the best wife I can be...supporting my husband, being thankful for him and all he does for me and our girls. Be the best mommy I can be, teaching my girls and making sure they know God's love for them and my love for them.
Today's Verse
"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24
I love this verse. My daughters have a memory verse CD where children sing verses, and this is one of our favorites. I can hear them singing it in my mind as I type the words. Oh how I long to make this verse real in my life and in theirs. We serve Him will all our hearts today. We think about how He has guided us through so much. We are thankful for His blessings on us. We "consider how great things he hath done for [us]".
The lyrics to "Blessed" is below. Even if you are not feeling like a "Praise the Lord" day today, thank Him and your heart will be lifted. He has blessed you in so many ways, consider those blessings today!
I get kissed by the sun each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
Across a crowded room
I know you know what I'm thinking
By the way I look at you
And when we're lying in the quiet
And no words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
When I'm singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
Friday, April 13, 2012
Had to share
Well you know it is important when I post on Friday. God did it again. This morning waiting in my inbox was another devotion containing reference to Proverbs 16:9. It is a "power verse" down at the bottom of the devo. Please take the time to read and enjoy. Have a fabulous weekend!
http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/interrupt-me-2012-04/
Today's Verse
"and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." Proverbs 16:20b
http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/interrupt-me-2012-04/
Today's Verse
"and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." Proverbs 16:20b
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Plans Change
So I have had another week where a verse keeps being placed in my path. It was in a devotion I read, also used in one of the girls' devotions, and on a pod-cast I listened to (by the way - if you have any Apple products, free pod-casts by Christian speakers is my new favorite thing and I highly recommend checking them out). The verse is Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart deviseth (plans) his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."
When a verse comes up that frequently, God is definitely trying to get your attention, or at least that is what I think. If you have read any posts before, you know we are in the middle of uncertain plans in our life. We are prayerfully and trustingly waiting for final plans to be revealed. On my birthday we had a scheduled house showing. The question was raised many times, "What is your plan if it sells now?" We just had to chuckle and say we weren't quite sure. We used to have a plan. We knew where we wanted to move. We thought we had found our dream home. But those plans do not seem to make much sense right now. So, once again, we are praying for a direction.
I do not believe this verse is not saying we can't make plans. (Prov 4:26 - "Ponder the path of thy feet...") We have to plan for things. It is not feasible to just cruise through life and never think about or plan for the future. But I do believe this verse says while we make our plans we are to know the ultimate plan is up to the Lord. We can prayerfully seek His advice as we plan; we can trust He knows the best plan for us, and we can believe He has our best interest in mind. So if our plan doesn't go accordingly to how we envisioned, we do not pout and ask why, we lean on knowing "the LORD directeth [my] steps."
Today's Verse
"BOAST not thyself of tomorow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1
I had a plan for this week. But it was slightly changed with a flat tire. I also had a plan for today. But that was completely changed when our smoke detector malfunctioned. I even had a plan for driving home from school, but a missed turn caused a kink in my plan. I do not know why these things happened. I didn't know what my day would truly "bring forth". But as it has been said before, I am just rolling with the punches because I know Who holds my day. I have nothing to fret over when my plan changes, because I know the Lord is the only One capable of changing my plans...and the changes will always work for my good! (Romans 8:28)
When a verse comes up that frequently, God is definitely trying to get your attention, or at least that is what I think. If you have read any posts before, you know we are in the middle of uncertain plans in our life. We are prayerfully and trustingly waiting for final plans to be revealed. On my birthday we had a scheduled house showing. The question was raised many times, "What is your plan if it sells now?" We just had to chuckle and say we weren't quite sure. We used to have a plan. We knew where we wanted to move. We thought we had found our dream home. But those plans do not seem to make much sense right now. So, once again, we are praying for a direction.
I do not believe this verse is not saying we can't make plans. (Prov 4:26 - "Ponder the path of thy feet...") We have to plan for things. It is not feasible to just cruise through life and never think about or plan for the future. But I do believe this verse says while we make our plans we are to know the ultimate plan is up to the Lord. We can prayerfully seek His advice as we plan; we can trust He knows the best plan for us, and we can believe He has our best interest in mind. So if our plan doesn't go accordingly to how we envisioned, we do not pout and ask why, we lean on knowing "the LORD directeth [my] steps."
Today's Verse
"BOAST not thyself of tomorow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1
I had a plan for this week. But it was slightly changed with a flat tire. I also had a plan for today. But that was completely changed when our smoke detector malfunctioned. I even had a plan for driving home from school, but a missed turn caused a kink in my plan. I do not know why these things happened. I didn't know what my day would truly "bring forth". But as it has been said before, I am just rolling with the punches because I know Who holds my day. I have nothing to fret over when my plan changes, because I know the Lord is the only One capable of changing my plans...and the changes will always work for my good! (Romans 8:28)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
33
So I recently turned the big thirty two. As I thanked God that birthday morning for
the blessings He had given me, I thought for a minute about how unworthy I
felt. I remember daydreaming about
growing up. I just always assumed I
would be a wife and mother. I prayed
that God would guide me as I trudged through high school, went off to college,
got my first real job, and even met the love of my life. But I never thought about how truly wonderful
it could all really be.
Am I saying my life is perfect…that would be a big NO. I am in no way saying I don’t struggle to
make it through some days. I feel like I
can hardly keep it all together, and I am just doing the best I can. But even when I feel nothing is going right,
I can’t believe the way God has brought me through every trial I have ever
faced. It has been an up and down roller
coaster these thirty two years, but I am more than thrilled to have God hold my
hand through it all. Every day I think
on how truly blessed I am to be His child.
I AM unworthy, but by His grace I am made a child of God.
I don’t know how many birthdays God will allow me to
celebrate, but I want every one I am given to be another year I lived for
God. I recently read a study that said
the age of 33 is considered the happiest time in a person’s life. Studies were done, and that seemed to be the
best year. Families were being
established, careers were set, and life was just peachy for 33 year olds. As my husband and I laughed about the study,
I again said, “This is it! According to
the study, it is all downhill after my next birthday.” I never want that to be my attitude or
thinking when it comes to life. I want
every day and every year to be the best, and I want to cherish each day as the
true gift that it is. I want to make
sure that myself and my family is being the light for God that He has called us
to be.
Today’s verse
Psalms 144:15 “Happy is that people, that is in such a case:
yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”
I want, I need, I must be happy because my God is The One
and Only True God. I don’t want that
happiness to end the day I turn 34. I
want that happiness to radiate for the rest of my life. Am I always happy every minute of every day? I wish I could answer yes, but of course
not. But I desire that on even my worst
days when I feel like I am barely making it through, I hope to reflect on this
verse and remember all I have to be happy about…I am happy because my God is
the LORD.
Monday, April 9, 2012
This is it!
We had a fun filled spring break last week, and getting back into the swing of things will prove a challenge in our household. Thankfully we have one last day today before we really have to get it all together. I am thankful for the fun memories we made...going to the museum, having Easter Egg hunts, playing outside and at the park, and even going for ice cream at our favorite ice cream shop. It was a glorious Easter day yesterday in NC, as we celebrated and remembered what Jesus did for us and everyone. Our church had a lot of people in attendance and we pray for those visitors that came and that they will come again.
As we do start back to school and work tomorrow, I am a little saddened by one thought..."This is it!"
My big girl only has a few weeks left in preschool. In just a little over a month, she will be donning a cap and gown. She will be up on stage at her very own preschool graduation ceremony. I will cry as my "baby" graduates and becomes a real school girl. Only a few more weeks of 9:00-1:00. Only a few more weeks where skipping school is not frowned upon. Only a few more weeks with the friends she has made over the last two years. Only a few more weeks, and that will be it. Preschool is done. Next chapter begins.
As I watch her growing up I think of all the "this is it" moments to come. She and her sister will face many new chapters as they grow up and become the young women God will have them to be. I pray I can be the best mother God will have me to be as I help them face each new beginning.
As I think on this phrase, I am drawn to Jesus' last words on the cross. "It is finished" were His final words before "he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost" (John 19:30). Although He did die, He was crucified, and He was buried, the part that was "finished" was just the beginning. Thankfully and joyfully that wasn't it. His crucifiction was not and never will be a "this is it" moment. Yes He suffered for our sins. Yes He died on that cross. Yes it was "finished", but it wasn't over. The finished part was the payment for our sins...but in three days they would find that grave empty and know He was alive.
Today's Verse
"And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher...He is not here, but is risen." Luke 24:2 and 6a
I am so glad that Jesus being laid in the tomb was not the "this is it" end of the story. He had conquered death and He had done so for us.
I am also so glad that when we face our last chapter on earth, it will not be a "this is it" end of our lives. We will live and be with Him in heaven throughout eternity.
As we do start back to school and work tomorrow, I am a little saddened by one thought..."This is it!"
My big girl only has a few weeks left in preschool. In just a little over a month, she will be donning a cap and gown. She will be up on stage at her very own preschool graduation ceremony. I will cry as my "baby" graduates and becomes a real school girl. Only a few more weeks of 9:00-1:00. Only a few more weeks where skipping school is not frowned upon. Only a few more weeks with the friends she has made over the last two years. Only a few more weeks, and that will be it. Preschool is done. Next chapter begins.
As I watch her growing up I think of all the "this is it" moments to come. She and her sister will face many new chapters as they grow up and become the young women God will have them to be. I pray I can be the best mother God will have me to be as I help them face each new beginning.
As I think on this phrase, I am drawn to Jesus' last words on the cross. "It is finished" were His final words before "he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost" (John 19:30). Although He did die, He was crucified, and He was buried, the part that was "finished" was just the beginning. Thankfully and joyfully that wasn't it. His crucifiction was not and never will be a "this is it" moment. Yes He suffered for our sins. Yes He died on that cross. Yes it was "finished", but it wasn't over. The finished part was the payment for our sins...but in three days they would find that grave empty and know He was alive.
Today's Verse
"And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher...He is not here, but is risen." Luke 24:2 and 6a
I am so glad that Jesus being laid in the tomb was not the "this is it" end of the story. He had conquered death and He had done so for us.
I am also so glad that when we face our last chapter on earth, it will not be a "this is it" end of our lives. We will live and be with Him in heaven throughout eternity.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Remembering the Day
So not only does our family have Spring Fever, but we have had a real fever as well...hence the no posts! Hopefully it is all passing, and we can salvage the last bit of Spring Break. As we approach the most important day of remembrance for a Christian, I wanted to share a poem.
I hope do you have a fantastic Easter. Yes, I hope the kiddies have fun at their Easter Egg hunts. I hope you can get the family dressed up pretty and be at church on time - Extra good luck if you attend a church that has a sunrise service :). I hope you have a good meal and fellowship with family and friends. But most importantly, I hope we all truly think and reflect on exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. Exactly how important, how amazing, how loving, how wonderful this holiday is. Everyday we should be thankful for His death, burial, and Resurrection. Everyday we should be thankful if we have accepted His free gift of salvation. But on Easter we are extra thankful as we celebrate exactly what it means to have a Savior that gave everything for us.
Today's Verse
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9
I hope do you have a fantastic Easter. Yes, I hope the kiddies have fun at their Easter Egg hunts. I hope you can get the family dressed up pretty and be at church on time - Extra good luck if you attend a church that has a sunrise service :). I hope you have a good meal and fellowship with family and friends. But most importantly, I hope we all truly think and reflect on exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. Exactly how important, how amazing, how loving, how wonderful this holiday is. Everyday we should be thankful for His death, burial, and Resurrection. Everyday we should be thankful if we have accepted His free gift of salvation. But on Easter we are extra thankful as we celebrate exactly what it means to have a Savior that gave everything for us.
Today's Verse
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9
Remembering the Day
The day our Savior died for us
He took our sins upon Himself
And perished on that cross
Remembering the Day
The day our Savior’s blood was shed
He was punished for every person
Christ suffered, died and bled
Remembering the Day
The day they took Him off the cross
They declared Jesus dead
Was all hope really lost
Remembering the day
The day the veil was torn in two
He had paid the ultimate price
Christ died for me and for you
Remembering the day
The day placed Him in the tomb
His family and friends all mourned
Would He really come back soon
Remembering the day
The day He couldn’t be found
His tomb was completely empty
They began to look all around
Remembering the day
The day Jesus was raised from the dead
He had overcome it all
Everything was just as He said
Remembering the day
The day we celebrate each year
We call this time Easter
And we are grateful and full of cheer
Remembering the day
The day we accepted Jesus in our heart
When we believe in what He did
From His love we will never part
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