Obligation:  something one is bound to do : duty or responsibility

This week, bible study has been intense.  I love it.  We are working through Max Lacado’s “Experienceing the Heart of Jesus”.  Terrific study if you are looking for one.  Prayer was the topic of the week.  I am totally convicted.  My prayer life needs improvement.  I have been in the habit of “popcorn prayers”.  You know, the ones you toss up to heaven quickly because you are so busy or have a to do list a mile long.  My prayers had become predictable and dull.  I was going about it the wrong way. 

When you walking with Christ, it is a huge privilege to be able to pray to God!  With privilege comes obligation.  It is our “duty” to pray.  We have the divine opportunity to go to the Holy throne of God with praises, confession, thankfulness and requests.  That is huge!!  When you are walking with Christ, there should be a desire to want to pray.  For yourself and for others.  But we have made it too difficult.  We want to sound eloquent and poised, and if we don’t sound that way than we just don’t pray.  Well..let me let you in on a secret…it ain’t about you or me!  It’s about GOD!  Don’t think about it too much, just do it. 

Jesus gave us the example of prayer in Matthew 6: 9-15.  He showed the way.  Jesus prayed all the time.  He wanted to be in communion with God.  It was an honor but also a privilege.  Max Lacado has a terrific book out that walks you through the Lords Prayer, ” The Great House of God“  I read it and would recommend it.  We need to be dwelling in our heavenly Father.  It is our obligation.  How do we expect to go out into a suffering world and do it alone.  We can’t!!  We need Jesus.. plain and simple. 

Be bold in your prayers.  This is my downfall.  I am a timid pray’er.  I want to become bold.  I attend a Moms in Touch group.  This is a great organization where you pray for you children and their schools.  You meet once a week for an hour and pray.  (I highly recommend finding a group).  The difference is that you pray scriptures over them.  Have you ever done that?  There is some big time power in it.  Try it.  Pick a scripture and place your name in it.  When our prayers line up with truth and God’s will he hears!  Another awesome thing is that when we don’t know how or what to pray the Holy Spirit intervenes on our behalf.  Praying for our children is a noble task.  Take it seriously and cover them in prayer.  Become a diligent ambassador for your family.  Prayer is essential.  It needs to be God centered not self centered.  His will be done. 

Here is a great model using A.C.T.S.

A:  adoration, praise God for who HE is

C:  confession

T: thanksgiving, thanking God for what he has don

S: supplication (intersession and requests)

There is so much more I have learned on prayer but I want to allow it to resonate in my spirit, I will be sharing soon!   

John 3:30  He must become greater; I must become less

In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus, He’s our High Priest

In Numbers, the Fire by Night

Deuteronomy, He’s Israel’s guide

Joshua, He’s salvation’s choice

Judges, He’s Israel’s guard

In Ruth, the kinsmen’s Redeemer

1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted Prophet

In Kings and Chronicles, He is Sovereign

In Ezra, He’s the true and faithful scribe

In Nehemiah, the Re-builder of broken walls and lives

In Esther, He’s Mordecai’s courage

In Job, the Timeless Redeemer

In Psalms, He is our morning song

In Proverbs, He is our wisdom

Ecclesiastes, He’s the time and season

In Song of Solomon, He is the lover’s dream

In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace

In Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet

Lamentations, the Cry for Israel

Ezekiel, the Call from Sin

Daniel, the Stranger in the Fire

Hosea, the Forever Faithful

Joel, the Spirit’s Power

Amos, the Strong-arms that carry

Obadiah, the Lord our Savior

Jonah, the great Missionary

Micah, the Promise of Peace

Nahum, our Strength and Shield

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He’s brings revival

In Haggai, He restores that which was lost

In Zachariah, He’s our fountain

And in Malachi, He’s the Son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

AND THAT’S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, He is God and Messiah

In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven

In Romans, He is the grace of God

Corinthians, the Power of Love

Galatians, Freedom from the curse of sin

Ephesians, our Glorious Treasure

Philippians, the Servant’s Heart

Colossians, He’s God and the Trinity

Thessalonians, our calling King

In Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, He’s our mediator and our faithful pastor

In Hebrews, the Everlasting Courage

In James, the One who heals the sick

In 1st and 2nd Peter, our Faithful Shepherd

In John and Jude, He’s the lover coming for His bride

AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it’s all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince

I am truly enjoying scripture memorization.  To be honest, I have been terrified to try it.  I always told myself I couldn’t do it.  What a lie!  We can remember songs, passwords, birthdays, anniversaries and more.  If we can remember those things surely with the Lord’s help we can plant scripture deep in our hearts.  It is pleasing to Him.  So here is mine for the 15 of February:

1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

That is my prayer right now.  That I discover the gifts that God has given me so  I may serve others, furthering His kingdom and glorifying His name!   This takes some time with Jesus, praying that he reveals the gifts given.  We have to be aware and alert.  We need to have clear minds and eyes to see what is going on in our hearts and lives.  It is a process, but one that I am so excited to be on. 

So what’s your verse for SSMT #4?

I wanted to share a little of what I have been recently going through.  I find it annoying how the evil one uses good things to change our path so that we are not in God’s will.  He has schemes that he continues to use, they haven’t changed over the centuries.  I have been involved in bible studies since Natalie was 6 months old.  She will be 11 next month.  I LOVE bible study.   I love learning and digging into God’s word, sharing life with other women, sharing what Jesus has done in my life and the hope I have in Him.  Well, recently I believed the lie that I was not supposed to be involved in women’s ministry.  I built an idol , I don’t want to go into what it was, but the sad part is it’s a good thing.  I became addicted if you will and really thought that I needed to pursue that road and possibly a career.  Funny thing is that I never consulted God about this new endeavor.  Went a distance down that road in my own strength.  At that time in life I found myself very unsatisfied.  I was aggravated, annoyed, tired, stressed and my my heart just hurt.  Thank goodness I have wonderful friends that speak TRUTH to me and pray for me. 

Natalie had been in extreme pain for quite a while and we couldn’t figure it out.  I was emotionally exhausted and physically drained.  I started focusing on the idol.   I did some research into this new “adventure” and it looked like what I was looking for to fill the void in my mind and heart, but you know that feeling you get, the one that tells you something doesn’t feel right.  Always go with that one.  I started having second thoughts, processed it over and over.  Then, then, the freedom came.  We went to church one Saturday night, I sat in the pew, exhausted, we had 5 or so minutes before service started.  The lights were low, music playing, people hustling around greeting one another, fellowshipping but it felt like it was all slow motion.  I looked down and opened my heart.  I told God how I was exhausted and I needed Him to come.  Fill my soul with Him.  I needed Him desperately.  Suddenly I felt peace, I felt as if someone had taken their hands from around my neck, I could breathe.  I was an empty cup and the hand of Jesus was pouring His living water into me.  The fogged cleared and I realized this was IT…this, church, ministry, is where I get filled.  It became very clear to me that the road I had been looking at (the idol) was a dangerous road, a detour.  I was detoured by lies!  Oh, but sweet Jesus was there, to redirect traffic.  He showed me the right way for my life.  That night in church, freedom.  Freedom from the lies. 

Now, don’t get me wrong.  People have jobs.  I am just telling you my story.  Yes, I have had to pull away from serving in women’s ministry for this season because my family needs me,  but, I will be back, I am confident in that.  Not sure in what area, but I know Jesus knows and that’s all I need to know.  Just need to continue to pray that I follow his road to get to my destination.  We need awesome, godly people in the workforces to share the hope in Jesus, to witness, to be shinning lights for Christ.  Do your job and do it well with Jesus. 

You always have to search for truth and if things aren’t adding up than it’s a lie.  Satan wants to divide us from God.  He will use “good” things as a detour.  Watch out for those huge potholes!   I look forward to serving again but know where I am needed right now.  God has a plan and will for me and for you.  Search to know him. 

I heard this song and immediately thought of my precious girls.  This is what I want them to know in the deepest part of their being!  Claim this truth..

Psalm 105:4  Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always  NIV

This verse speaks to me right now because my oldest daughter just had surgery and has another one in a month.  It’s tough when one of you kids go through something like this.  On top of having special needs, she has to endure surgeries.  She is such a strong , brave girl and  I am confident that God blankets  her with safety, comfort and healing.  I want to always look to the Lord for my strength.  This isn’t easy.  I try to do things on my own and it never works out.  I get in the way!   God wants us to rely on him so that we look more like Christ.  I want to seek God’s face in all circumstances so that I am confident and empowered with  truth.   

I have some awesome, loving, caring and fun friends.  They are bringing meals to our family while Natalie recovers and look at this one brought to us today.   Can I just say that it was gooey, yummy and I want the recipe

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Natalie and I came home from the hospital early this morning, we had been up all night,  so I laid down to take a nap.  While I was asleep another dear friend called saying she had a sweet treat to deliver, boy did she deliver!!  Look at these beauties

Gourmet Cupcakes

We can’t wait to dig into them.  What a nice surprise to wake too.  I tell you, we have such a fantastic circle of friends.  I am amazed at the love they so willingly, unselfishly give.  Recently we started a Life Group in our home and we are  growing to become terrific friends.  We are doing exactly what God’s word instructs, studying  His word, holding each other accountable, praying for one another and doing life together.  Such a great time of fellowship and growth.  I am also so thankful for all my girlfriends.  They are godly women, seeking Christ and desiring to know Him more.  We encourage, pray and just have fun in life.  Don’t know what I would do without them.  They bless me each and every day. 

I hope you have decided to jump into the SMT.  If so what is your verse for the 15th?  Remember to choose one that speaks to you for where you are in life right now.  It will impact you more and be easier to memorize.

Are you participating in the SSMT?  Check it out here.  This is my scripture for the 1st.

Psalm 130:5  I will wait on the Lord my soul waits, and in his word I place my hope.

I would love to hear what you are memorizing.  Oh, check out some of the new blogs on the right.  They are some really fun gals.   Have a great Monday!

Mid-summer I felt a strong conviction to simplify my life.  I ventured over to our Family Christian bookstore and bought this study.

Becoming a Woman of Simplicity

This is an incredible study.  It has given me many things to ponder.  I would highly recommend it if you are looking to simplify your life.  One thing the author talks about is “good” vs. “best”  This has really intrigued me.  We all do many things that are good, but is it the best for where we are right now in life?  I started applying this to every opportunity that comes up in my life.  I have been asked to do several “good” things,  but I always say that I will get back with them on it.  I don’t want to impulsively commit and than be annoyed and frustrated.  I pray about how the “good” will impact my relationship with Christ, my family, my time and my sanity.  I used to be the yes girl, everyone would ask me to do things because they knew I would.  I used to be the people pleaser.  Well, learning through God’s word and applying some tools I learned in the above study, it has become much more easier to say “no.” I truly believe that God has broken me free of that captivity.  I also was a go, go, go girl and now I want to be home more.  I enjoy being home.  Now, I know that is totally out of my character so it is God!  Think about your weekly schedule.  How stressed out are you just thinking about it?  Especially with the holidays coming up, whew, anxiety rises.  There is hope! Jesus has a calling for each one of us.  I truly believe that when we live a surrendered, obedient life to Christ, our lives will be simpler.  Christ is faithful and wise.  Knowing Him and doing life with Him is the way.

Yesterday, my girlfriend and I were talking about living a simplified life .  We opened God’s word and this is a scripture we read ( we are in a Moms in Touch group, we pray for our kids and their schools)

Psalm 19:7-8

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

Do you see it?  The last sentence in verse 7, “making wise the simple.”  We thought that was so cool.  Not just the scriptures,  but we had just been talking about this very thing and then wham, God blesses us with this!  When you are wise, you are simple.  But, if you flip it “when you are simple, you are wise.”  Word play, I love it!  I also love that God’s law is perfect and refreshing to the soul.  Who needs some refreshing?  God’s laws also gives  joy to the heart.  Praise you Jesus!  God is trustworthy, thank you Father!

So I want to challenge you to look at your life, right now where you are and see where you can simplify.  Pray for God’ leading and for discernment.  Look at the “goods” and see if they are “bests”. What are your priorities?  It will be hard, trust me, but it is so rewarding and freeing.  This life places so many demands on us.  God doesn’t do this.  He just calls us to love Him with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and then to love others.  That seems pretty simple huh?  We are the ones that fills life with busyness.  We don’t have to live like the rest of the world, rush rush, hurry, hurry.  We can be different!  Actually that is our calling.  To be different!

Good vs. Best!

I have gone from having a happy healthy child to a disabled child, that was a huge change, that to this day I still struggle with.  Don’t get me wrong, Natalie is such a blessing and I see the love of Jesus in her and through her daily.  But it is tough, really.  Stolen and robbed, her life.  Dreams shattered and having to be rebuilt.  Marriage struggles.  Personal and deep soul struggles.  Life = hard.  So what do you do with all that?  You take it to the throne of Christ who can handle everything.  You lean on Him daily.  You drench yourself in TRUTH!!  You find others who will keep you accountable and will do life with you.  He has and continues to  grow  me through circumstances.   We  are blessed with Phoebe, who just turned 6.  She is a sweet, compassionate little girl who loves Jesus!  She has brought spunk and fun wrapped up with a life of delight.  We have moved 3 times, finally to stay where we are.  I have attended several bible studies, we have moved churches to come back to our “home” church.  We have endured major health issues, had family problems, financial issues, arguments, deaths, loss of all sorts, but the common denominator to all of these things is that Jesus has been with us all the way.  Even when we strayed, he stayed, praise Jesus!  I can say with every ounce of me that I would not have made it without Jesus.  He saved me from so many pits, I could not recover on my own.  He has revealed to me that I still have much to work on and that’s what he and I are gonna do. 

So as I start this study on Breaking Free, I am really asking that God reveal to me my bondage. What do I need to break free of so that I can go to the place he has for me. 

What study are you participating in this fall?  What are your prayers for it? 

Oh, it’s a sweet day indeed!!

animated critters

Firetruck above their large hot sauce selection

As you can see, it’s a jungle at Jungle Jim’s.  I would recommend going if you can, we had fun and will go back (we have been before).  They have things there that I had never heard of or cooked before, plus it takes up the whole day going through that store, GIGANTIC!

Phoebe attended VBS and had so much fun.  The theme is Saddle Ridge Ranch.  The theme bible verse was:

 James 1:5

Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing and it will be given to him.  

Union Baptist did a great job of making the kids feel like they were really on a ranch.  The music was a blast and the snacks were fun.  The bible verses were amazing and just seeing those kids fall in love with Jesus is enough to send any mama leaping and dancing!  They learned who they are in Christ, if God really cares about them, what God’s plan is for them, how they can be like Jesus and what do they do when VBS is over.   I just love VBS.  I wish I could send my kids to one a month.  It seems that all our local churches decided to do theirs in June.  Here are some pics:

The last day UBC had a cookout for the families and had a petting zoo come.  Total fun!  It was really hot but the kids loved seeing all the animals.  It sealed the week! 

I am getting ready to start a new bible study called “Becoming a Women of Simplicity” by Cynthia Heald.  I have found that I need to be in a bible study especially during the summer for the accountability.  This one looks good.  I am a type A, multitasking, overachiever who needs some simplicity in my life.  This fall will be a new season for me.  Both my girls are in school all day.  I have had so many people ask me “so what are you going to do”?  Like I do nothing all day now..  So it got me thinking, no actually panicking.  I am not one to sit still.  I am a doer and need to have a list if you will.  I have always had a full plate, always.  I started praying asking God what he wanted me to do.  I really thought I was to pick up hours working for Weight Watchers, nope.  I thought of starting another blog that deals with fitness and nutrition, nope.  I even tossed around becoming a weight loss coach, nope!  Okay, so what am I to do with 8 hours a day?  I really truly feel God is telling me to sit.  Be still.  Allow HIM to fill my days if need be.  Sure I will keep my home, doing all the things that goes with that, grocery, menu preps, laundry, cleaning etc. and I will continue to work out taking care of myself,  but the only commitment I have is bible study which I will NOT give up.  I am really looking forward to it.  Nervous, absolutely!  This is new to me.  But, I am excited to see how Jesus will fill my days.  I want to be obedient to what I feel he is speaking to my heart so when I saw this study I knew HE placed it before me to prepare me.  WOW, isn’t Christ a blast!  I can’t wait to start it tomorrow and I will keep you posted on it.  Are you in a study this summer, either alone or with a group?  What do you feel God is doing in your life right now at this moment?  What is he teaching you? 

Have a blessed week!

Bet you are confused?  Growing what with soap?  Ourselves in God’s word!!    This is such a great idea!  With summer right around the corner, I know many of us are trying to decide what bible study to do, and how we’re going to get our quiet time in with kids home and very open schedules.  This idea is gonna help you. 

I like to start my day by getting cleaned up and closer to God with a little SOAP.  The SOAP I’m talking about is more than just a surface clean, though…  it is a way to get into God’s word and grab my nugget every single time I read.

So, what is this SOAP?  Well, I’m glad you asked…

It is a simple way to read through the Lord’s word, pray and reflect on just what He might be telling you in that passage.

All you need for your study/ journaling time is a Bible, notebook, pen and about 20 minutes, depending on the length of your passage.

Here’s what I do:

Pray, asking God to guide me through His Word and clear my mind of distractions.

Read the passage and find the one thing I believe God is telling me that morning. Then I journal about it using the acrostic SOAP as a guide.

S: Scripture-Write the ONE scripture that I feel God is using to speak to me in today’s reading

O: Observation-What might He be telling me with that scripture?

A: Application-How can I apply it to my life?

P: Prayer-What is my prayer to ask God in helping me to make that application?

Isn’t that a terrific idea.  Give it a try and let me know how it goes.   This was not my idea.  I got it from this blog, check it out!   The gal was thrilled that I wanted to share it with you.