everyday worship

May we not save our worship just for Christmas, but may we fall to our knees every day, of every year, in worship of our King.

Dear mama...

Dear Homeschool Mama,

It’s been a long year.

2011 is almost over. You’ve spent much of it at home. You’ve taught math lessons (over and over and over …) and learned more about grammar than you ever wanted to know. You’ve worked on character training as you’ve helped make beds and clear tables. You’ve washed a veritable mountain of laundry and cooked boatloads of macaroni and cheese.

You’ve had eyes rolled at you 9,362 times, stressed over the SAT and the ACT and had to make hard curriculum and school decisions.

Your heart has been broken when your children weren’t nice to one another or when older ones chose paths you didn’t approve of. You’ve cried over spilled milk and shattered dreams. You’ve received non-glowing progress reports and unfavorable doctor’s prognoses. You’ve questioned yourself daily as you struggle down this path of educating your children at home.

You’ve also enjoyed some sunny days. You’ve held hands walking paths in the park and watched the sun glow golden through trees. You’ve watched understanding dawn on your children's faces. You’ve lit birthday candles, wondered at giraffes and elephants at the zoo, and you’ve prayed together and laughed together and lived life together.

Not many people saw.

But I did.

And I want to thank you. For loving well, for laying your life down, for working hard at this task you’ve heard Me call you to.

Love,
Your Father

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:11-12

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

New Year Hopes

New Years Hopes (in no specific order)

1. I hope to drink more water

2. I hope to drink less Pepsi

3. I hope to get healthier

4. I hope to lose weight

5. I hope to be a better wife

6. I hope to be a better mother

3. I hope to write real letters, not just email

6. I hope to get more organized

4. I hope to take my dog to the dog park

5. I hope to work out

6. I hope to pray more and spend more time with Jesus

7. I hope to share my faith more with boldness

8. I hope to serve God more and to serve others more

9. I hope to give more

7. I hope to eat less

8. I hope to make time to have fun and just be silly

9. I hope to tell my daughters something I love about them everyday

10. I hope to think about good things more and bad things less

11. I hope to cook more

12. I hope to be a better friend

13. I hope to be a better daughter

12. I hope to dance, dance, dance

13. I hope to love people that I do not feel like loving

13. I hope to spend less time on Facebook

14. I hope to spend more time with my daughters

15. I hope to listen to music

16. I hope to have a cleaner house

16. I hope to tell my husband something that I love about him everyday

17. I hope to offer my opinion about stuff a lot less

19. I hope to become less busy with stuff that does not matter at all

20. I hope to treasure every moment. We do not know when it may be our last day. We never know what tomorrow may bring.

21.I hope to live the best life day by day that I can

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

the gift

Thinking about Christmas brings to mind gifts. Well, this year I am thankful for the gift of homeschooling.

As I look back on this journey, I am realizing it is a gift that God presented to me five years ago, and I have slowly been peeling off the paper and bow, to reveal the beautiful gift that it truly is.

It is a gift that has given me more of my kids. Chances for relationships with them, time with them, and the opportunity to really get to know them on so many levels- being with them each day, teaching them.

It is a gift that has given me more of my beautiful Savior. I have grown closer to Him, seeing more and more glimpses of the other side, when I am drawn closer to Him each and every day.

It is a gift hat has given me friendships. I have been blessed beyond measure with the many friends I have made on this journey, and because of this journey. Kindred spirits, like minds, and sisters in Christ.

It is a gift that has taught me to lean on Him, and not my own understanding. To stay on His path, and the blessings are abundant.

This was a gift that I did not know that I wanted until it was given to me. And it has taken me awhile to unwrap it and appreciate how much I love this gift.

So I thank you Lord for your gift of homeschooling…

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

You Never Let Go

Never Let Go

Christmas In Heaven

A Christmas Story by Max Lucado

I read this on the Women of Faith blog last week. I love how it helps me visualize the birth of Jesus in a new way and that it reminds me how humbling his choice was to leave Heaven and come to earth as a human.

God did something extraordinary.

Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin:pigmented, human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark, wet womb. He whom angels worship nestled himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into a cold night, and then slept on cow’s hay.

Mary didn't know whether to give him milk or give him praise, but she gave him both since he was, as near as she could figure, hungry and holy.

Joseph didn’t know whether to call him Junior or Father. But in the end he called him Jesus, since that’s what the angel had said and since he didn’t have the faintest idea what to name a God he could cradle in his arms...

Amazing Grace

Eternal Gifts

Santa knows what I want for Christmas,
But Jesus knows what I need.
It can't be purchased wrapped up and placed
under an eight foot tree.

I need patience and kindness-virtues like these
to bend on my knee at the manger

Santa may bring things that last for the year
but Eternal gifts come from the Savior.

Some days come when I'm plain selfish
I can't think of no one but me
Then I think of all that I've been blessed with
and how it is better to give than receive

I need faithfulness, love and generosity
to open my home to a stranger

Santa may bring things that last for a year but
Eternal gifts come from the Savior

Come and Worship

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'"

This passage teaches us two thing:

First, that Jesus was born.

What do we learn next?

He is worshiped.

Now, in reality, the wise men most likely traveled a very long way so they probably did not show up the night of Jesus' birth as we often see visualized and hear as part of the Christmas story.

But regardless. They heard the Christ child was born and their response was one of...worship.

What do you think they expected to see when they arrived? A teenage mom as a King of the Jews? A tiny infant boy who looked so...normal?

They came.

Why?

To worship.

"But there is more here than a visit to a child who would be king someday. These Magi worshiped him. That was the intent of their coming. And so the narrative also reminds us that this child Jesus was far more than a future king. Only if He is divine could He be worshiped." - bible.org

We visit newborn babies in hospitals. We bring them gifts. But we do not worship them.

The wise men came to worship because they knew this baby boy was part of a much greater plan to restore humanity and repair relationships.

A few days from today is Christmas. And I have choice. I can choose to worship gifts. Or people. Or decorating. Or baking. Or shopping. Or partying.

Or I can do what Scripture models for me. The wise men chose to worship and it would be wise for me to choose the same.

What does that look like? Taking time each day to read, ponder, or dwell upon the magnificence that is Christmas. Sing a hymn. Write a love letter. Read Scripture to prepare my heart. Slow down and listen to what God might be wanting to say to me this advent season. Get on my knees and worship the Creator who brought the created to earth. Stop and recognize the m i r a c l e that is the Christmas story.

Friends, He has come. It is time to worship.

A Christmas Story

Waiting on God

Advent is the season of waiting.

And we all know about waiting.

What is so beautiful about this season of waiting is that we know what it is we're waiting for: the celebration of the birth of Christ.

My devotion today was about waiting and I was anxious to read about this topic and I was not disappointed.

One point that spoke powerfully to me was this: when one has surgery (internally) things on the outside don't really look like they're changing. But on the inside much healing is taking place. Things are being transformed and changed.

This is what it can look like when we're waiting. On the outside, there is no apparent change taking place. But on the inside, God is doing a work in me and a transformation can take place.

Two thousand and eleven years ago the world looked the same from the outside. Except for a few people, no one knew the change that was about to take place.

I wait in sweet anticipation of Christmas. The coming of our King. And I wait for God to reveal what His plan and purpose is for our family.

We can be confident that although it might seem that things aren't changing or moving in the direction that we would like, God is doing a work whether we can see it or not.

And if we allow Him to, he can be transforming us from the inside out. Our waiting does not need to be worthless. It shouldn't be wasted.

Let's wait expectantly...anticipating the great work that God is doing and will do...asking Him to transform us in the process of waiting.

I certainly have not been asking God for that lately. I've been whining rather than waiting. I've been working rather than waiting. And I've been wondering rather than waiting.

This is a lesson that I learn over and over and over again.

And this advent season is a good reminder about the purpose of waiting: to prepare our hearts. The devotion said, "Christmas is so momentous an event that we must prepare our hearts, minds and homes."

Lets prepare shall we? Lets tell God we are waiting for Him. We are expecting Him. We are anticipating His work in our hearts and lives.

And lets sit back and see what He does.

Here is a song I have loved listening to for the past year: "Waiting Here For You."

What a perfect song it is for this season of waiting. We're waiting here for you Jesus...with our hands lifted high...in praise....and it's you we adore...singing Hallelujah.

Does Anybody Hear Her?

Hug on those around you who are hurting this Christmas. We all know or come into contact with someone who is feeling loss, sadness, and despair in their lives. You don't even have to say a word. Share about the greatest Christmas gift and give them a hug!!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

We'll Praise Your Name Forever

O Come All Ye Faithful....it's always been a favorite Christmas song, but I heard Chris Tomlin's version this week and I can't stop listening.

Do yourself a favor: turn off the 'Christmas noise' our world offers and immerse yourself in the beauty of this song. We'll praise your name forever
We'll praise your name forever
We'll praise your name forever
Christ the Lord

Through the Storm

The storms of life will blow
They're sure to come and go
They meet me at a time
When I'm calm and doing fine

But the Captain of my soul
He's always on board
He rocks me in His arms
While riding through the storm

Chorus
While riding through the storm
Jesus holds me in His arms
I am not afraid
Of the stormy winds and the waves

though the tides become high
He holds me while I ride
I've found safety in his arms
While riding through the storm

I have no fear of the raging seas
Knowing Jesus is there with me
He can speak to the winds and the waves
And make them behave

All power's in His hands
on sea or on dry land
I found safety in the master's arms
While riding through the storm

While riding through the storm
Jesus holds me in His arms
noohoho I'm not afraid of the stormy winds and the waves
though the tides become high
He holds me while i ride
I've found safety in the Masters arms
While riding through the storm

There is...

There is...

For every hectic work day there is a quiet rest...

For every painful experience there is a healing touch...

For every negative feeling there is an abiding joy...

For every disappointment there is a certain hope...

For every turbulent storm there is a sure foundation...

For every doubting thought there is a calm assurance...

For every hurtful action there is a forgiving love.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

When You Need Someone To Notice

When You Need Someone To Notice

My family has a favorite phrase: "We'll see..."
We add it at the end of stories. Grab onto it to describe the future. Toss it into the middle of decisions.
It works pretty well.
And yet lately I've found myself wondering what it might mean to add more to the end of that phrase - to not simply stop at "We'll see."
What if I finished the sentence?
We'll see...God come through in amazing ways.
We'll see...how He'll work all of this out.
We'll see...His goodness in the middle of the happy and hard places.
Yes, He knows all our circumstances, every hair on our heads, every care in our hearts.
He'll see...always has, always will (that includes today too).
And somehow that's enough to make me close my eyes and smile for awhile.
-Holley Gerth

When You Need To Be Strong

When You Need To Be Strong

I look at the days ahead and wonder what they hold.
Don't we all?
And then these words make their way to my heart:
"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?"
Judges 6:14

We don't have to...
wait to overcome our weaknesses,
complete the ten point improvement plan,
figure everything out.
The strength we already have is all the strength we need.
Because we have a limitless God within us who loves us.
As is.
And He promises to stick by us.
All the way.
-Holley Gerth

I Am Gonna Make It

What Does Grateful Look Like?

Zig Ziglar says the healthiest of all human emotions is gratitude.

All this talk about gratitude and thanksgiving....but what does it really mean? What does that look like? When December 1 rolls around will my life be any different because of gratitude?

How do I live a life of gratitude?

Here are a few ideas...many you have heard before. Pick one. Change your life.

Start a gratitude journal. Write down one thing every day you are thankful for. Or, like One Thousand Gifts, make it your goal to write 1,000 things you are grateful for.

Write thank you notes. If you are like me, you think them often...but writing them and mailing them forces you to be intentional about living a life of gratitude.

Meditate on gratitude. That is, scripture. Give thanks. To God. In all things. For all things.

Pray. Often. With the mindset of thanksgiving. Daniel got down on his knees three times a day and prayed with thanksgiving. Even though doing so would put him in the den of lions, he prayed three times a day with thankfulness...because he knew the only way to enter into His courts was with thanksgiving.

Make sure when you are 'being grateful' you know WHO it is you are grateful to. Don't just be grateful. Be grateful TO God.

Being grateful means not saying what you want to say sometimes and instead choosing to say something else. Or not saying anything at all.

Being grateful means not just seeing the cup as half full rather than half empty, it means seeing the cup as overflowing.

We make the choice. Every day. We can choose gratitude. Or we can choose to complain. I often make the wrong choice. But by the grace of God and because ANYTHING is possible for him who believes, I can make a different choice tomorrow.

It's NOT about determining to be more thankful. It's about asking God, through the power of His Holy Spirit, to help me choose gratitude upon wakening every day. It's not about resolving to be a more grateful person. It's about cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude every day...in a million small ways...by asking God to transform and renew my mind to be more like Christ.

That is what gratitude looks like.

Thankful

from the Jesus Calling devotional book... The devotion was about being thankful. "When you come to Me with a thankful heart, it opens up windows of heaven. Spiritual blessing fall freely through those widows and down into your life. A thankful heart opens you up to these blessing, and then you have even more reasons to be grateful."

Habakkuk 3:17-18

"Though the fig tree should now blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

God, the Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet like the deer's;

he makes me tread on my high places."

This Vapor We Call Life

Routine. Repetitive. Unremarkable. Unmemorable. Ordinary.

What words would you tend to use when describing the day you are about to begin? Do these words describe most of your days?

I woke up early this morning and it started like any other day. I am generally very happy with my life, my family, my career, and most other aspects of my existence. However, I recognized this morning that I have again slipped into a state of mind that does not produce good fruit in my life. I have begun to live my life as though I am in control, and as though I will never die.

Life is slipping by so quickly. The Bible describes this life as “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14) (NASB) THIS LIFE IS SHORT, WHAT AM I DOING TAKING ANYTHING FOR GRANTED?!?

Everyday of life that God gives to us is a grand gift. A TEMPORARY gift that must not be taken for granted.

Every time I get to embrace my husband, kiss my children, eat a meal with my family, wake up in a warm home, feel the crisp clean fall air, spend time with my daughters, and enjoy every other blessing in this life, I should give thanks. But you know what? Every time I change a load of laundry, load the dishwasher, clean the toilets, and fold the laundry, I should thank God for the gift of nice clothes, food to feed my family, plumbing for a comfortable life, and a home.

Why don’t I think this way? Nearly everything in this life is a blessing if we choose to recognize that although we have done nothing to deserve any of it, God has chosen to bless us with life.

I jumped over to my favorite Bible reference site after praying about this topic, and in the sovereignty of God, this set of videos were on their blog. A couple years ago, Zack didn’t know cancer was about to rock his world. His wife didn’t know she might soon be a single mom.

We have friends who have gone though something similar, and yet I still allow some of my days to be ordinary and without purpose? I really want to strive today to make the most of every moment. I still have to work today, but I am going to work with a thankful heart and a smile on my face. There are many routine tasks to complete, but I will strive to complete those tasks with joy. I don’t know whether God will graciously give another day to enjoy them.

A Story | Tears of Hope from Adam Kring on Vimeo.

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

Always

Oh, My God, He will not delay

My refuge and strength, always

I will not fear, His promise is true

My God will come through always

Always

If I believe that my God will come through, always...is there any reason to be anxious? No way.
I can't focus time on my fears or failures, because there's work to do.

Halloween Light Show

This is the way my girls would want our house for Halloween!!

waiting on God

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
'cause the pain you've been feeling
Can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning

How comforting to know we don't have to wait on our circumstances to work for our good. Instead we wait on God, because it's HIM who works for our good. He's trustworthy and faithful. {And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. ~Rom. 8:28}

have I told you lately...

If you don't like sappy love stories, then I advise you to go ahead and close out of this blog and come back later!! Everything I am about to write is very true and very sappy.

I am sooooo very much in love with my husband. Our marriage has not been bad...but like any married couple, eventually you usually get "used" to one another and the "newness" has worn off. Things get comfortable and it's "okay" if you don't get a hug or kiss here or there. Of all the years that we have been together the past 1 1/2 years have most definitely been the toughest. I struggled with a lot these last 1 1/2 years and I am beyond thankful that Jody stuck by me and stayed strong. He could have very easily given up and pushed me away. He didn't! I love that about him. He is SO dedicated to ME.

There are so many words that I can use to describe Jody. He is genuine, sweet, kind, aggravating, silly, good hearted, softy etc. We were at a point in our relationship where we were just at a standstill. I was here day in and day out. Same routine over and over. Some days it was a struggle. There weren't many "conversations". It's not that we were unhappy or that we fussed, we just let the job, kids and stuff get in the way of us. I have been told many times that traveling for a job either makes or breaks a relationship. It definitely broke and made us. It made us think about our marriage and if it was important to us. We decided it is important to both of us, we are really just two people, madly in love, that really enjoy each others company.

The time he is gone is not easy by any means. I am so thankful for his job and our relationship. I can't stand the time he is gone, but the time he is home is so worth it.

Jody's time away has made me appreciate life more. Appreciate the time I have with him more. I realized what it would be like without him here and how valuable our time together is.... so you have to try to make the best of it. Sure there's going to be down times....and we choose to not let them get to us.

Anyway... I had to say that I am very much in love with my husband and I am very blessed to have God bless me with him. I absolutely cannot imagine him nor our two beautiful daughters not in my life. God knew what he was doing March 20, 1993 when we said, "I Do". He knew what He was doing when He chose us to be Taylor and Aubrey's parents. He knew what He was doing when we were at our most distant time in our relationship these past 1 1/2 years. He knew what He was doing when He put the fire back in "US" and made us, us again. God is Good!!! ALL THE TIME!!!

We are in it til the end!!!

From the Inside Out

Make a Difference Day

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others. Held annually on the fourth Saturday of October, millions of Americans are rallied into a single day of action to help change the world. What will you do to celebrate this day?

Jesus Painting

What looks a bit like

a meaningless mess right now,

may — if you wait

surrendered —

give a glimpse into who He is

and how He’s making even this mess

shape you into the image of Christ.

“And we know that God causes all things

to work together for good

to those who love God…

to become conformed to the image of His Son.”

~Romans 8:28-29 NASB

My Jesus in 5 Days

Take this journey with me for 5 days..

Day 1:

Prayer: Jesus I want to see you.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Thought: Remember a pure heart doesn’t mean a perfect person. If your pure intention is to see God, you will. While I can’t see the Lord’s physical form, I can see evidence of His activity all around me.

Activity: Ask God to open your eyes to the many things in your life that speak to His presence. Look for and record evidence of God around you. Today, start a thankful journal listing the many things around you for which you are thankful. It’s amazing, the more we recognize even the smallest things as gifts from God, the more we start to realize how present He is in our lives.

Day 2:

Prayer: Jesus I want to hear you.

“He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears and I have not been rebellious. (Isaiah50: 4b-5).

Thought: While I’ve never heard God’s audible voice, I do feel Him speaking to me. The best way I’ve found to start hearing the Lord’s whispers in my heart is by getting into His word and letting His word get into me. The more Scripture I memorize the more clearly I hear Him. Ask God to waken you in the morning so you can read the Bible first thing… before checking voicemail, email, and facebook… check in with God’s lifegiving truths.

Activity: Commit this week to not open your computer or turn on your cell phone before you’ve spent a few minutes reading the Bible, praying, and asking God to help you hear Him.

Day 3:

Prayer: Jesus I want to know you.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17.

Thought: I love the words, “I keep asking.” Persistence and consistency are key in our walk with the Lord. Ask the Lord many times today to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. Make knowing Him the focal point of every prayer today… more than anything else you are asking for right now.

Activity: Write this verse on a card and carry it with you. Make a point to pray this verse out loud at least once during every hour you are awake today. Remember when you pray the word of God, you pray the will of God. God wants you to know Him better. Think about the difference this made in your day as you fall asleep tonight.

Day 4:

Prayer: Jesus I want to follow hard after you.

“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)

Thought: Is there something dividing your heart and distracting you from seeing, hearing and knowing God more? Pray a courageous prayer. Ask God what is one distraction you could distance yourself from today to more fully embrace an awareness of Him? Is it facebook? Eating unhealthy foods? Soda? Needing attention from another person? A material possession? Whatever it is, spend a day fasting from your distraction.

Activity: Each time you think of what you’ve given up, use that as a trigger to pray Psalm 86:11.

Day 5:

Prayer: Jesus I say yes before I even know what your request will be today.

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 2:4-5)

Thought: The more we know God, the more we want to say yes to Him. The more we say yes to Him the more we realize there are divine opportunities to participate in His activity all around us. As we participate in loving others like Jesus does, our attitude becomes more and more like Jesus.

Activity: Today let’s be other’s focused. Let’s ask God for opportunities to honor Him by looking to the interest of others. Let other people in line ahead of us. Let the conversations be about the other person. Make our focus giving rather than receiving.

Anyway

Not Guilty

This was sung Sunday at church and I can not get it out of my head or off my heart...

Never Once

Forever Reign

Everything to Me

This is a great worship song. I just heard it tonight after a friend recommended it to me. My prayer is for the Lord to be my breath, my voice, my hands, my feet, my heart, my dreams, my will, my way, my faith, my peace, my rock, my strength. Lord be everything to me.

Somebody's Praying Me Through

the Forgiveness of a child

...thinking this morning about a quote from Taylor this week: "the scar on my leg has healed but the scar on my heart has not." Remember to think about your words when you are speaking to others - no matter their age. Everyone has feelings and we do not want to be the cause of making anyone feel pushed down, especially teenagers. Luke 6:45" What you say flows from what is in your heart."

Proverbs 15:13 NLT "A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit."

Ephesians 4:29 "When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need- works that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you."

A few weeks ago Taylor was hurt by someone special to her. It has been very sad for me to see her upset about the situation. She has worked through the situation personally, almost :) She has prayed, read her Bible, shared with me about her feelings, and grown deeper in her spiritual walk. Taylor has taught me a great deal about forgiveness from this situation. How many times do we hold on to things that people have done to us or said to us and not able to forgive and move on. I have done it several times in my life. when people say things that hurt me, I think well I will just stay away from you and that way you can't say things about me (to my face!!) . Taylor has made me think about the true way (God's way) to forgive others and how to get over a painful situation. Taylor has said many things and done many things during this experience that I need to copy in my life.

I do not like that this happened to her. I do not like that more than anything else it crushed her sweet spirit. But I am thankful that she knows where to go when she is hurt and crushed and that she knows God and knows He understands and wants to help her. Thanks Taylor for reminding me about true forgiveness. I love you!!

Never Once

"The Promise"

10,000 Reasons

Be Near

Pictures

So, Aubrey was at Apple camp this week at the Apple store. While she was attending camp, I was learning all about the Apple products I have and how to use them. I just know enough to do what I need to do and I never take the time to learn how to do other things.

Anyway, I have not been able to post pictures on my blog since December!! My old computer crashed in December right after we got back from New York. I got a new computer, an Apple computer :)) However, when I blog I do not know how to post the pictures. I have asked Jody a few times (he would say like a million times!!) to show me how to post the pictures but he is usually gone for work and I don't want him to use his time at home on weekends helping me to figure something out that I should be able to do :))

Well today, I learned...and above you will see a picture of Taylor and Aubrey after they danced at Fantasy of Trees in November 2010!! I am so happy :))

I will be posting a lot more now and I will be playing catch up - you have a lot to see from December (well maybe November too) up to now. Sit back and enjoy!!

His Grace is Sufficient

Waiting on God

It seems that I am doing a lot of waiting right now for different things in several areas of my life. I want to be patient and wait on God's timing and God's plans. That is not easy and not what I always want to do. I usually want no waiting and I want my plans to be done immediately and just the way I want them. I am always glad that God teaches us to wait on Him and so thankful that He is there with me during the waiting time.

“Joshua had to wait seven days as he obediently marched around Jericho before God rewarded his patience and brought the walls down.

Israel waited for the Messiah to come. Mary waited nine months for Jesus’ birth. Jesus waited for the woman of Samaria to come to the well, Mary and Martha waited for Jesus to come to Bethany, and Jesus Himself waited three days in the tomb for the resurrection. A person who lives in submissive obedience to Christ is a person who is often called to wait.

~Ann Graham Lotz

If you are waiting on God in prayer remember Isaiah 40:28-31:

“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”

I Will Praise You Lord

I will praise you Lord when I am broken, desperate, when my heart is torn, feel deserted, lonely, in the darkest valley, when is seems my world is shattered, when I am hopeless, when I can not hear you...I will praise you Lord.

I don't understand all you allow but my life is in your hands!! I choose to trust you!

You hung on a cross, bled and died for me. I know you are here now!!

Stronger

Waiting Here For You

This song was released in March on the Passion 2011 Album: Here For You. The song is called Waiting Here For You. It was written by Chris Tomlin and is sung by Christy Nockels.

What a sacrifice of praise to tell the Lord in the midst of our waiting that we adore Him. That we're waiting here for Him. On our hardest of days, when it takes everything in us, we can lift our hands in praise...as a prayer of surrender to God acknowledging that we are waiting for Him. Yes we long for our heart's desire...be it a baby, a job, a spouse, healing, finances, or other. But ultimately, we are waiting for God.

Waiting Here For You

If faith can move the mountains

Let the mountains move

We come with expectation

Waiting here for you, I’m waiting here for you

You’re the Lord of all creation

And still you know my heart

The Author of Salvation

You’ve loved us from the start

CHORUS

Waiting here for You

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore

Singing Alleluia

You are everything You’ve promised

Your faithfulness is true

And we're desperate for Your presence

All we need is You

CHORUS

Singing Alleluia

Alleluia, singing alleluia, alleluia

CHORUS

Waiting here for you

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore

We're singing Alleluia

I'm singing Alleluia

Waiting here for you

With our hands lifted high in praise

And it's You we adore

Singing Alleluia

Singing Alleluia

Motherhood as a Mission Field

MOTHERHOOD AS A MISSION FIELD
by: Rachel Jankovic

As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates. When you talk to other believers, there is not any kind of awe about what you are sacrificing for the gospel. People are not pressing you for needs you might have, how they can pray for you. It does not feel intriguing, or glamorous. Your work is normal, because it is as close to home as you can possibly be. You have actually gone so far as to become home.

If you are a Christian woman who loves the Lord, the gospel is important to you. It is easy to become discouraged, thinking that the work you are doing does not matter much. If you were really doing something for Christ you would be out there, somewhere else, doing it. Even if you have a great perspective on your role in the kingdom, it is easy to lose sight of it in the mismatched socks, in the morning sickness, in the dirty dishes. It is easy to confuse intrigue with value, and begin viewing yourself as the least valuable part of the Church.

There are a number of ways in which mothers need to study their own roles, and begin to see them, not as boring and inconsequential, but as home, the headwaters of missions.

At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel. Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Motherhood provides you with an opportunity to lay down the things that you cannot keep on behalf of the people that you cannot lose. They are eternal souls, they are your children, they are your mission field.

If you are like me, then you may be thinking “What did I ever give up for them? A desk job? Time at the gym? Extra spending money? My twenty- year- old figure? Some sleep?” Doesn’t seem like much when you put it next to the work of some of the great missionaries, people who gave their lives for the gospel.

Think about the feeding of the five thousand when the disciples went out and rounded up the food that was available. It wasn’t much. Some loaves. Some fish. Think of some woman pulling her fish out and handing it to one of the disciples. That had to have felt like a small offering. But the important thing about those loaves and those fishes was not how big they were when they were given, it was about whose hands they were given into. In the hands of the Lord, that offering was sufficient. It was more than sufficient. There were leftovers. Given in faith, even a small offering becomes great.

Look at your children in faith, and see how many people will be ministered to by your ministering to them. How many people will your children know in their lives? How many grandchildren are represented in the faces around your table now?

So, if mothers are strategically situated to impact missions so greatly, why do we see so little coming from it? I think the answer to this is quite simple: sin. Discontent, pettiness, selfishness, resentment. Christians often feel like the right thing to do is to be ashamed about what we have. We hear that quote of Jim Elliot’s and think that we ought to sell our homes and move to some place where they need the gospel.

But I’d like to challenge you to look at it differently. Giving up what you cannot keep does not mean giving up your home, or your job so you can go serve somewhere else. It is giving up yourself. Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose in them.

It is easy to think you have a heart for orphans on the other side of the world, but if you spend your time at home resenting the imposition your children are on you, you do not. You cannot have a heart for the gospel and a fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference there if you cannot be at peacehere. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive.

God loves the little offerings. Given in faith, that plate of PB&J’s will feed thousands. Given in faith, those presents on Christmas morning will bring delight to more children than you can count. Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers.

Strong Enough

You Loved Me Anyway

My Reward

A Man of Honor

Honor is a trait not born in a man,
but earned by him-
through self-sacrifice and full commitment
to the purpose God has for His life.

You're a great father-
a man of honor
who has earned my admiration.
Happy Father's Day

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness and honor. Proverbs 21:21

I believe...

I believe today will be a good day because God made it.
{Psalm 118:24}
I believe I have all I need to accomplish His purpose in my life.
{2 Peter 1:3}
I believe nothing is too difficult for me because nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me.
{Philippians 4:13}
I believe even the biggest challenges in my life can be redeemed for my good and His glory.
{Romans 8:28}
I believe I am loved just as I am and called to become even more like Jesus every day.
{Hebrews 10:14}
I believe that He isn't finished with me yet and is able to complete the good work begun in me.
{Philippians 1:6}
I believe I am an overcomer, more than a conqueror, and nothing will keep God from carrying out His plans!
{Romans 8:32-39}
Can I get an "amen" or a "yoo-hoo"?
--Holley Gerth

Over Under

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge.

- Psalm 91:4

In my Bible I have written next to this passage in Psalm the words, "over under." I once read an explanation of verse 4. This passage is a reminder that I am covered by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is not a hair on my head that doesn't have the protection of the Almighty.

He covers us with his wings and His wings protects us as we hide under them and He offers safety.

The words over and under speak to me. They help visualize that the Lord is both over and under me.

Oh that is sweet.

Under his wings I find refuge from the pain, heartache, loss, and judgement of this world. I find freedom and grace and forgiveness. His wings - His arms - are my refuge from the world.

I can hide here.

That doesn't mean I'm running away. Instead, I'm running into His arms. I'm seeking shelter from the world.

Over under. Over under. Over under. He's over me - covering, protecting, securing me. I'm under His arms. Safely. Securely. Resting in Him.

I Give Myself Away

My prayer today...I give myself away, so you can use me.

I May Not Know the Future...

“I may not know the future,
but I’m clinging to the One who does;
the One who is prepared to face what may come.
I’m confident Jesus will not abandon me,
He still works miracles,
and will make sure that I’m cared for.
That’s what I know.”

– Glynnis Whitwer

Let God Choose

As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30

Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.
Let God guide you, it will be the right direction.
Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.
Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.
Let God help you, it will be the right care.
Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.
Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.
Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.
Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.
Let God work in you, it will be the right result.

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

Hephzibah

Hephzibah (My delight is in you) Isaiah 62

You Are For Me

This Is the Stuff...

I absolutely love this song.. it's very.. upbeat and SO true for pretty much everyone out there. I know we all have these days where it seems like nothing is going right! Just wanted to share. I've been wanting to add this song on a post for about the past month since the Dove Awards, but.. well, guess you see that hasn't happened so here ya go!

Monday Motivation

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Philippians 4:6

This is the Day...

This is the Day...

This is the day...
that you get to begin a new week.
This is the day...
that you're loved just as you are.
{1 John 4:18}
This is the day...
you have everything you need.
{2 Peter 1:3}
This is the day...
that victory is yours.
{Romans 8:37}
This is the day...
that God has made.
{Psalm 118:24}
There's never been one like it before and there will never be again. You're in this moment, time, place for a purpose and you've got what it takes to fulfill it.
So to say it like we do in the South...
Go get 'em, friend!

by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer

Monday Motivation

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law… If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. – Gal. 5:22-25

A couple of months I was taking part of a parenting Bible study by led by Carl Smith at my church. The parenting class was so helpful and opened my eyes to many things. One of the challenges that Carl Smith presented us with is to pray the Fruits of the Spirit over our family each week. Each week take a fruit of the spirit , such as love and pray about love all week with your family, that your family would demonstrate love to others outside the home and inside the home, etc. The next week pray the fruit of the spirit joy with your family... This has been so humbling in my daily prayers as I pray for these fruits for my family, my husband and my girls. I often feel that I need the most prayer for each of the fruits in my own life. I am striving to be a true Fruit of the Sprit mom, wife, and person each and every day in my life.

In Tha Muthahood

Monday Motivation

Psalm 100 sums up my heart on this Monday morning...


Shout for JOY to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with GLADNESS; come before Him with JOYFUL songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with THANKSGIVING and His courts with PRAISE; give THANKS to HIM and PRAISE HIS NAME! For the Lord is GOOD and His love ENDURES forever; His FAITHFULNESS continues through all generations.

Monday Motivation

Deuteronomy 6: 5-7

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

His Name is Jesus

His Name is Jesus

HIS BIRTH
Jesus...
He could hold the universe in His palm
but gave it up to float
in the womb of a maiden.
Christ became one of us.
and He did so to redeem all of us.

HIS MISSION
Jesus...
The man...
who spoke with such thunderous authority
and loved with such childlike humility.
The life of Jesus Christ
is a message of hope,
a message of mercy,
a message of life in a dark world.

HIS DEATH
Jesus...
The palm that held the universe
took the nail of a soldier.
On the eve of the cross,
Jesus made His decision.
He would rather
go to hell for you
than go to heaven without you.

HIS RESURRECTION
Jesus...
the moment He removed the stone,
He removed all reason for doubt.
Christ's resurrection
is an exploding flare
announcing to all sincere seekers
that it is safe to believe.

-Max Lucado

"It Is Well With My Soul"

My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought -

My sin - not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

-"It Is Well with My Soul"

Horatio Spafford

Humbled, broken, and tremendously grateful for my Savior's love today.

How Great Thou Art

Anyway

Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
~Mother Teresa

You Are Good

I sat last night thanking God for the miracles of my life. I was thanking God that He is good. Even in our suffering, He is good. In our joy, He is good. In our darkest days and on the most glorious days, He is still good.

Monday Motivation

"Sometimes change can be a time of great opportunity."

Monday Motivation

"Every experience God gives us,
every person He puts in our path,
is the perfect preparation for a future
only He can see."

--Corrie Ten Boom

Glorious Day

Blessings

Blessings:

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise