We heard this song today, it speaks.   Take a look…

Than we broke off into our small groups (we have a large bible study that averages 175 women or more)  and one of our leaders shared this song and video.  It is meant to be a Christmas song, but we all agreed it is an all year long song.

Jesus love crashed into the world and I pray that my family allows His word, teachings, truths and love to crash into their lives. Do you know how much Jesus loves you?  Just look to the cross.

We are entering into Easter and I would love to chat about some fun things you are doing in your home to share the love and grace of Jesus.   Easter is late this year, April 24, so we have lots of time to CELEBRATE JESUS!

**My youngest, Phoebe has fallen in love with this song. We have heard it..oh..about 4 times now.

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 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..

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.

I had an awesome, fun morning,  women’s bible study started at church! I am so ready to get back into routine and study God’s word together.   We are doing the study, Experiencing God, which is said to be the best life changing bible study around.  It was so much fun to be reunited with sisters in Christ.  It is a wonderful celebration and it will be an adventure. 

I am sure your heart is as heavy as mine!  The devastation in Haiti is horrific.  Please, please be on your knees praying for this country.  They need so much help and hope.  I heard today on the radio that witnesses have seen groups of Haitians on hillsides singing hymns…praise Jesus!  In times of economic struggle it is easy to ask how you can help, what can I do?  Pray and ask God to show you how to serve these people.  One way you can is to text “disaster” to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion’s disaster relief program. They will be working directly with the local churches who know where these families live and will be providing immediate relief to them.  You can also click HERE to donate. 

Psalm 46: 1-7
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

So, I just finished a great book and wanted to see what you all were reading or wanted to read.  I really enjoy reading.  I don’t get much time to do it, but it does give me a respite from the daily life.  The book I just finished was “When Women Walk in Faith” by Lysa Terkeurst.  I love to highlight things in books that take me into deep thought or convict me.  This book is so highlighted!  It is great.  It walks you through the 5 steps of walking in faith.  If you have a list going of books to read in 2010, put this one on it.   

So, what’s on your list to read in 2010?  Are you gearing up to dive deep into God’s word with a bible study?  Do you have a favorite author?  When do you find time to read? 

Our women’s bible study is going to be starting “Experiencing God.”  I did this study when I was pregnant with Natalie back in 1999 (which I was on bed rest and while at study had to sit in a lawn chair that reclined)  so I really don’t remember alot about it.  I am eagerly anticipating the adventure Jesus has in store for me during this particular study!  I am sure it will be one not to forget. 

Well, I am off to get something warm to drink and see how the gang is outside.  Bet there will be some kind of snowman or fort built.  We have around 5 inches of snow and it is flurrying.  Oh, how do you like the new look of the blog.  I just love the colors…they are me.  I have been going through this journey of rediscovering who I am, what I like and don’t like.  I recently had the epiphany that I am a people pleaser and would make decisions based on if someone else would like it or not.  Would they think I was weird, judge me or change their view of  me.  Instead of being the person God created me to be I would be like a chameleon with whoever I was with.  This is a topic I would love to dive deeper in future posts.   If you have insight or are reading this thinking that sounds like me, let me know.

 Wow, can you believe we are closing a decade.  I am so excited about starting a new year and a new decade.  New, new, new!!  I have some new adventures I am praying about.  What do you have that is new coming in 2010?  I am so excited to be moving into our new home in a few months.  We have waited so long for this home and it is such a blessing from God.  It will able us to care for Natalie easier.  We are truly blessed!!   I will also be teaching a lesson for our women’s bible study.  I have to admit, I am scared to death.  I just keep praying that God takes “me” completely out and fills “me” with Christ.   Those are just a few…so what is “new” with you? 

I want to wish you and your family a safe and refreshing New Year.  I have added a new page called Tips and downloads.  There is a great download that has 20 questions to reflect on from 2009.  It is really good!!  Check it out and let me know what you think.  I hope to add more tips and downloads in the future.  If you have something you want to share send it my way! 

Once again,  Happy New Year!!  May God bless you and your family abundantly in 2010!!

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I am active in a women’s bible study and attend a Moms in Touch group.  I also like to attend a local aerobics class.  Taking kids to school, picking them up, housework, cooking, laundry, errands, time…does anyone know where we can get more of it?   In the past, I would do my bible study and check it off the list, just like something else.  In my self evaluation and in my prayer time, I really felt God changing my heart in this area.  I had made quiet time just another thing to do.  I need to cherish my time with the Lord.  Really listen to what he has to say about my life and how I use my time.  So I have started getting up at 6am…yes..6am to have my quiet time and I LOVE it.  I have my coffee, the house is quiet and it’s  just me and Jesus. This has taken some discipline.  It”s so easy to hit that alarm and roll over in the nice warm bed.  But, what I would be missing out on…nothing compares.  It is my fuel for the day. ( To help my type A mind from wondering and worry I have started journaling my thoughts and prayers.)  

While adjusting my schedule to life with both girls in school and trying to get on a good routine I have discovered that I have no hobbies.  None.  I have great friends who have introduced me to fun little projects but I have nothing to claim as my hobby.  So after chatting with my hubby really pondering on what I like to do and what I enjoy receiving,  I have decided to start stamping. I really enjoy encouraging others and I think this is gonna be a fun way to do that.  If you are like me, I love getting fun mail.  What a fun thing to get, a homemade card, to make you smile.   I am really excited about it.  About 10 years ago I had a Stamping party and tried to get into it but life quickly changed and I got sucked into a whirlwind of doctors, therapy and craziness.  I felt totally overwhelmed with getting all the “stuff” out and than putting in back up because I did not have an area to craft in and leave it all out.  Than we moved, twice, and the stamps went into a box. 

Well, time goes on and God has introduced me to a delightful friend who is quite the crafty gal.  She is an avid stamper and an excellent one at that.  So I am gonna give it a whirl.  I have a spot in the basement set up so everything can stay out and have purchased some paper, ink, new stamps, ribbon etc.  I have made a few cards, having to dig deep to find my creativity that has been placed on a shelf for many years and discovered, it is fun.  When you sit and think about the design, put it together, finish it…ah…a finished token of encouragement, that I made…me..little old me!

So what do you do for ”playtime?”  Do you bake, sew, bead, scrapbook, woodwork, garden, read, photography?  Share what you do and who, how you got into it.  It is important that we let our creative sides come out. I suppressed mine for so many years, using busy to keep me from pursuing anything fun.  This led to a very boring hum-drum life. God created us to be creative.  He gave us personality and curiosity.  He himself is so creative.  I love the colors of the changing seasons. Creative. The new colors of fall. Creative.  Get up one morning and view the sunrise, or in the evening view the sunset, than the starry sky.  He is creative and He is beautiful.  We tend to take all that for granted in our busy lives,  but have you ever just paused and  looked at the views God paints for us?  Magnificently creative.  Do you ever praise him for the marvels?  I challenge you to find them daily.  It might just get your creative juices flowing!! 

footnote:  the card in this blog is not one that I made but I do love the design.