Turner Takes

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-01T19:48:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking of what I want my New Year Resolutions to be...some of them, well, one of them is pretty easy to accomplish. The others I will definitely need some help from the Lord and some accountability from some friends and the hubster.So, easy one first:1. I will not buy any new books on my nook until I read the ones the I have purchased. Ah. Will power!Ok, harder ones now:2. I will complete the program on my new Couch to 5K iphone app. I am waiting on hubby to tell me what my reward for completing this is...I LOATHE running.3. I will have a better prayer life.4. I will have a stronger relationship with the Lord through bible study.5. I will work on my relationship with my family, especially with O...truly being grateful what the life God has given us together...listening to guidance from Him.6. I will seek to eat healthier.7. I will do my dead level best to get Greyson to eat something besides chicken nuggets, nutella and cheetos by prayinig over his appetite.Ok, that is enough. I don't want to over do it. I mean, I know it was only 7 things, but I don't want to overwhelm myself. I know that having too many goals can make it hard on someone to accomplish them. I also know that I need a strategy to accomplish them so...I'm working on a more specific plan for each. For example, to accomplish number one I plan to read a book for 30 minutes at least 3 days a week before I go to bed.I have to work on the others. The couch to 5K is actually planned for me 3 days a week.So, I will post up what my other plans are for the last 5, and then I will also try to keep up with my progress on here as well.

Sweet Brothers

2011-11-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

An Accomplishment

2011-10-29T15:56:00.001-04:00

...or atleast a goal met. I struggle to call it an accomplishment, because I am actually just being obedient. By this Tuesday, I will have completed my goal to read the New Testament in a year (well, it took a little longer than a year. Our discussions got so in-depth that we had to slow down our reading. That's a good thing though.)

I am glad that I blogged about most of my reading, and I do regret that I didn''t blog these last few books. But, it is really hard to find the time to blog with a new baby in the house. I can at least go back and read over things that I have learned. I have grown so much , and I really feel like an can God's voice much clearer now. This is most likely because there is a wealth of scripture that I can be reminded of now. I also feel like I am more aware of things that I need to be doing and of opportunities as they arise.

There are implications to what I have learned though. Luke 12:48 tells us that we are required to do much with what we have been given (very loosely paraphrased). I have been given a lot of knowledge over the past year, and I know that God wants me to use it. So I need to be praying about that.

So, what will I do next? I am going to watch David Platt's Secret Church study with a friend. I also plan to attend another bible for a little while to get some nourishment for my soul.

I will get back to leading soon. I also plan to get back to blogging...I know I say that every time I blog. But it really is a goal of mine!

Confession

2011-09-30T10:39:00.003-04:00

Before I begin with my confession, I would like to apologize to anyone who follows my blog. I have truly been a slacker in keeping this updated, but I have not slacked off on reading my bible!!!! I only have some chapters left in Luke, and I will have read the New Testament, yay!! So, I'm sorry I haven't been blogging about it, but I'm almost finished with that half of the bible.

Now...
My Confession.

I am jealous of people who can just whip up a meal. Just whip it up. No cook book. No guide...just put it together. I cannot do this...

I was at my friend, Farrah's house the other day for a play date. We hadn't really planned on eating with her, but we ended up doing that. Farrah whipped out some chicken salad so fast it made my head spin. I thought, while she was making it, wow...that was so simple. Why can't I do that??

Now, let me clarify. I can cook. I am a pretty awesome cook actually. I think there is a chef just dying to get out. But here is the problem...

I was sitting down the other day and was going to try to make a monthly meal plan for like the 4th time ever (really helps to save money because you plan ahead for what you will need and buy in bulk...blah blah blah). So, here I am. Excited to try once again. I ask the hubster, "What are some things that I have made that you really like? I want to plug them into this meal plan."

Silence. Silence for like several minutes. Now, I know he likes my cooking, so I'm guessing he is just distracted by the game on t.v. So, I prod..."Babe. Did you hear me? What are some things that I've made that you like?"

Ok, here's my problem. Ready? He said, "Honey, I love everything, but I have a hard time remembering anything because you haven't made anything more than twice. Most things only once."

So, I thought about it. Started counting, and he's right. I don't. I have an illness. I can't stop buying cookbooks and cooking magazines or pinning on pinterest. I have to cook new things. I can think of about 15 things that have reoccurred in my cooking repertoire. Wow.

You may be thinking, "That's awesome. Good for you." But I have no idea where I got the recipes...as in, which magazine or which cookbook. AND I've cooked so many different things that I can't remember them myself. Owee asks me a lot, "Mom, you remember when you made ( )? That was awesome!" Um, no. Sadly, I have no idea what she is talking about.

I really need to get myself together. Get a plan going and somehow keep track of where I find my recipes and keep them somewhere that I can easily get to them. Ugh. But then, the thought of cooking the same things really bores me. Especially when I just got this new cooking magazine the other day with lots of yummy Italian recipes in it. I can't resist!!!

And you know what else is weird? When I go out to eat...

I usually order the same thing.
I'm a weirdo.

Updates

2011-06-16T14:48:00.001-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged, but I am still reading. My sweet boy will be here in 4 days, so I have been a little preoccupied. I just finished up Matthew 28 today. I really love Matthew's account of Jesus's life the best so far. I still have one more gospel (Luke) to read.

Only 5 more books, and I will have read the whole New Testament! I have really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to all the ways God will have me use the knowledge that I have gained, because with greater light comes greater responsibility (Matthew 12:42...those who saw Jonah and what he was able to do knew nothing of Christ and look what knowledge of Him did for their lives...I know Christ, and even better now, so I have a greater responsibility to His word/commands).

If you have been reading along, please don't stop. I'm sorry I haven't been up to speed, and I will not say that I will be better from here on out, because I will have a newborn here...no sleep. But rest assured that I am reading! I will start Romans 1 tomorrow. Our bible study backed down to 3 chapters a week instead of 5, because we were having such great discussion that we couldn't get through every chapter in our time together on Tuesdays. So, for this Tuesday, the reading is Matthew 27-28 and Romans 1.

Matthew 9-11

2011-05-16T14:42:00.005-04:00

Alright, I know I haven't blogged on the first chapters of Matthew, but I just haven't had a moment. I am backing up to chapter 9 though...I just finished up chapter 14. I'll probably blog to chapter 11 today.

Matthew 9
I want to be like these ppl who just had faith and what they needed was supplied to them. True faith - no doubt...that is how you ask - otherwise do not think you will receive what you ask for (James).

Isaiah 35: 5-6 All the miracles that Jesus is performing are fulfilling the prophecy in these verses in Isaiah.

Matthew, hated by all the Jews, because of his profession. He sees that Jesus truly loves him - despite this - and follows Him. Matthew may have had a hard time getting along with other disciples because they may have known him as a tax collector...collecting taxes on the fish they caught. But Jesus' love covers all - we have look past ppl's past/issues...there is a higher goal.

I have never fasted. I need to do this. Jesus did it...and He is my model for how to walk and develop my relationship with God. If He, the Son of God, fasted to strengthen that relationship then I should as well. I don't guess I can do that pregnant, but as soon as I'm able.

Jesus didn't come as a new addition to the old covenant, but as a completely new covenant. Just like His death can't mean for us that we say we believe Him and continue on in our old way of life. We have to be new as well.

*Why are the ppl so freaked out that Jesus cast out this demon? Because the man was made mute by the demon. Jewish priests believed that you had to know the demon's name to cast it out...so since he was mute, they considered him hopeless. Jesus healed him without knowing the demon's name. This made the priests look imcompetent, and the ppl realized that Jesus had more authority.

Matthew 10
God will often meet our needs through the hospitality of other believers.

Persecution --> harmless doves, wise serpents. Jesus says we should allow persecution when it comes and not defend ourselves physically (harmless doves) but only avoid it using wisdom (wise serpents)...Paul really walked this out. Beware! persecution is coming, but when you allow it, you give testimony of Christ to the world.

God will give you the words you need to defend your faith when the time comes. Feeling too unprepared to witness? Then you are doubting that God will provide...this doesn't mean you shouldn't spend time preparing by studying God's word.

v32 No such thing as a secret Christian. If you were put on trial for being a Chrisitan, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Idolizing good things is usually more dangerous than with bad. The most danger to the "best" comes from "second best."

The cross you bear daily is not your trials...it is your own life.

Matthew 11
*Jesus rebuked those cities He names in this chapter because many miracles had been performed there - they knew more, had seen a greather light and therefore had a greater responsibility and they didn't step up to it. What does this say for me? I've been given much...I know the whole story and they were only seeing it partially fulfilled at that time. Am I stepping up?

To take on Christ's yoke means that we are to let him be our guide. We come ready to learn and be guided...taking His yoke doesn't not mean we lay down a burden and walk away.

I'm Still Here

2011-05-04T14:06:00.003-04:00

No I haven't dropped of the face of blogging world...nor have I stopped reading my bible. We are currently reading Matthew 9-11, if you are reading along. But life has been a little crazy...getting baby stuff ready, end of the school year stuff, and well...whatever else you can name. I plan to post up some thoughts on this past weeks reading at some point this week.

Just letting you know that I'm still here :)

Work It Out

2011-04-13T09:55:00.002-04:00

We read Hebrews 13 and Galations 1-4 this past week. We had such an awesome discussion last night. Because of that discussion, and the prayer guide this morning, I've decided to just post up an email that I sent out this morning instead doing a play by play of each chapter I read.

I hope that you all are doing the TFBC prayer guides for this week. I think it is so amazing that every morning so far, the prayer guide is related to something I've read or that was laid on my heart, and this morning it went back to what we had talked about last night. One of the scriptures to read this morning was Hebrews 10:14.

"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

"Perfected" here means made holy or righteous in God's sight...salvation, and it is available to those who are "being sanctified" or those who are seeking to be made set apart by God which is an on going process. In other words, we are perfected or made holy only when we are constantly seeking to be made holy by following Christ's example. Does that make sense? The bible also says in Philippians 2:12

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,"

Work it out...work on it. Yes, we are saved by grace, but like we said last night, we have to ask ourselves has there been a change in our lives? Do we live differently than before...a year before, a month before, a day before, even 5 minutes before? We have to work to be set apart...that is the sanctification process...that is our fruit. This is what we do because we received the grace of Christ. We all have to ask ourselves continually, as a means of working out our salvation, what is my fruit..what am I doing to show God that my salvation was more than a prayer that I prayed to saved me from Hell.

It also shows us that God is not ok with us saying, "oh, well, God knows my heart...He knows I want to do this. One day I'll be at that stage of life and I'll devote more time, I'll serve, I'll give, I'll whatever God impresses on your heart to do." I think the verses I've typed here show that God is not ok with that. What if Jesus had said, "hey, God really knows my heart, and I'd love to die for you today, but I don't have time or that hanging on the cross thing is going to be painful or I don't want to get to caught up in your life or let me get a few things in my life accomplished first...fill in whatever your normal excuse is." Wow, think of where we would all be headed!!

Thank God that He didn't! So, my question for us all (me included) is what is your fruit? What have you worked out? If Jesus stood before you today, would all you have to offer be good intentions? If so, I'm not sure the end of that conversation would go the way you'd like it to. Loving, serving, teaching, witnessing, offering, sacrificing...they aren't options or suggestions, they are instructions given by our Savior and then given as an offering to God because we have received such an awesome blessing. I challenge you to really evaluate what God is calling you to do...how will you work that out this week or in your life.

And that is my sermonette for today ;)

Cute Layered Ponytail | Teen Hairstyles

2011-04-12T16:32:00.001-04:00

Cute Layered Ponytail | Teen Hairstyles

This is one of my favorite hairstyles that Mindy does for tweens. I have a 10 year old, so she likes the more sophisticated styles that are on the website (there is a section just for teens and tweens). It is super easy to do, but looks like you have worked really hard. :) My daughter's hair is not as long as Mindy's daugther's, but it still worked out just fine.

Try it out! Or one of the many that she teaches you how to do...on her blog or on youtube!

It's All About Faith

2011-04-06T11:36:00.003-04:00

We are almost finished with Hebrews. I can't believe that I am more than 3/4 of the way through the New Testament. I have really enjoyed reading. Thank you Lord for your awesome words.

Hebrews 8 - Jesus is a better priest
Jesus is a high priest who ministers in heaven - in the true tabernacle built by God - much better than an earthy priest who ministers from a tabernacle built by man.

Jesus' sacrifice was superior to all other sacrifices.
Jesus is overqualified for earthly priesthood. There are many who qualify for earthy priesthodd - only a copy of the real thing.

Hebrews 9 - Jesus is the better covenant
I learned a lot about the tabernacle and how it was meant to be a picture of what Jesus did when He came. Each part of the tabernacle represents some part of Jesus or the grace he bestowed on us. Go to gty.org and look up Hebrews 9 to learn more. There is simply to much to type about it, but so very interesting!

Hebrews 10 - Jesus is a better sacrifice
The priests offer sacrifices everyday continually so they did not trly take away sins and this belief in the ritual didn't please God. So, Jesus offered himself - which He could only do once, so it was a perfect, willing sacrifice.

Because of all the things that have been explained in Hebrews, we should be confident to enter into that holy place - a true relationship with Christ/God...no one has to intercede for us. We can come to Him ourselves!

Don't waver in your confession/conviction of Christ

Spur each other on to love and do good deeds

Because there is no longer a concentration on sacrifices everyday, ppl could spend more time with each other. Jesus bares the burden of our sins. What are you in the habit of doing that keeps you from truly ministering to others?

We should do all the above things so that we won't fall into the hands of judgement.

Don't turn back now that you have received a full explanation...that would be apostacy or a planned choice to reject God. This is not the same as a sin that is done in ignorance or weakness.

Hebrews 11 - It's All About Faith
We can be just like all the men and women of faith that are mentioned in this chapter. We are to live everyday - believing the promises of God, even if we never witness them all ourselves. For example, I know that Jesus is returning to Earth. I may not be alive on Earth to witness his coming in the clouds, but I believe He is coming so I will live like it could happen as I type this sentence. It is my conviction.

Faith is the key. Not works. True faith will lead you to works, not vice versa. Believe!

It wasn't what all theses men and women of faith did that made them righteous, it was because they operated under faith in God and his promises to them. This what allowed them success. Not all of them experienced God's immediate provision, but that wasn't why they did what they did. They had faith that, no matter what, God was faithful. It's all about faith.

Hebrews 12 - How to live now that you know
Now there are many people who have done what God is asking you to do, so don't say you it can't be done. It has been done already.

If you feel conviction count it a blessing, because it means you are God's. He disciplines those He loves

Earthly discipline - based on what we deem is good for our children
Heavenly discipline - meant to make us holy

Build up those who are weak in faith
Pursue peace
Witness to all people so that there are none who are godless
Don't let bitterness take hold
Don't refuse God when He speaks
Show gratitude for God's standing promises - make yourself an acceptable servant.
God is a consuming fire - I love that description!!

Hebrews...wow, hard book to follow...and my first vlog!

2011-03-29T11:05:00.004-04:00

I am enjoying reading Hebrews, but man, I never knew how much info there was...how much you needed to know about the priesthood to understand it...so I've done a lot of digging! I had chapter 7 this week, and it was too much to type up for bible study this week so I made my first vlog. Well it is uploading as I type, so I hope it works out. I will type up the other 4 chapters first.

Hebrews 3 - Jesus is better than Moses
Jesus is God's apostle and our High Priest
Jesus is faithful to God He is worthy of more glory than Moses
Jesus is faithful as the Son of God's house - Moses was oly a servant there
If we are confident in Christ and hold up our hope, then we will be a part of God's house. Don't harden your heart when Christ speaks/calls you - if you do God will not allow you rest in His house.
He was angry with those who sinned and were disobedient. God has not changed his emotion about this today.

Hebrews 4 - Jesus is better than Joshua
We should fear for anyone who does not believe. We are just like those in the OT. We know the good news, but whether we enter God's rest is determined by our faith.
Some will enter and some will not.
Joshua could not provide true rest. The only ppl who truly know what it means to rest in God (not just from the daily grind)on the Sabbath are believers.

Rest: a new relationship with god - dependance on Him, to impose on God, eternal trust that our life is in His hands
Jesus is a great high priest who passed through heaven...what other priest can say that?
He is able to sympathize with us because He's been there, too. Rest is always available.
Anytime we believe Satan - or give into him - we enter unrest. We have to stay in that rest, by choice, God doesn't force it. Diligent faith -clinging to Him
God is like a surgeon. His word is precise in dealing with us...He gave us the cure for our sins.

Hebrews 5 - Jesus is better than Aaron
Jesus glorified God in His sacrifice - just like those in the priesthood
Jesus called to God and was heard because of His piety
He is pious
He learned obedience in suffering
We cannot stick to basic knowledge of Christ. We must dig deep and learn more so we can be like Him. Grow up! Baby = unbeliever who has a knowledge of who Jesus is but doesn't follow Him in faith Mature = believer

Hebrews 6 - Grow Up so you can hear more!
Speaking to Jews here...it isn't a process to accept the new covenant. Move on past your basic knowledge...now!

Keep sharp your knowledge of Jesus and salvation...don't become dull and lulled back into sin

Hebrews 7

Jesus is better than

2011-03-22T12:47:00.010-04:00

I think it is so cool to look at the feedjit bar and see where people are reading from, but I wonder what brings you here. Leave me a comment and let me know :)

This week we finished up reading Acts and started Hebrews...Hebrews is the reason for my blog title, but I'll get to that. Oh, and if you are just stopping by and wondering what this is, I am in a bible study, and we are reading through the New Testament right now. I blog about anything I have learned from my reading. You'll have to read the actual chapters to see what I'm actually talking about.

Acts 27
God's plan must be completely carried out. You can't do it halfway or your own way.

Acts 28
When Paul first arrived on land from his shipwreck, the people made really quick judgements about him. We can be so fickle and judgemental of others!

Paul arrived in Rome - after all that time no news of him came to the Jews there. He had a fresh start. Maybe the news was lost in the same storms Paul had been spared from. He could freely share - under the protection of a guard. So amazing, right? Paul was accused of so many things in Jerusalem, sent to prison, had a few trials, appealed to Caesar which brought him to Rome for another trial...and God used the storms that Paul went through not only to teach Paul's traveling companions the sovereignty of God, but to also allow the accusations to be left in the ocean and Paul to continue his ministry. Awesome!

Hebrews - uses OT passages to prove Christ's superiority. Hebrews was written by an unknown author to a group of people somewhere in the east. The author addresses three groups of people:
1)Hebrew Christians - previously a devout group of Jews who have converted and now are facing great persecution because of their decision
2)Hebrew non-Christians - specifically a group of people who are intellectually convinced of Jesus, but have never accepted Him fully...(as in they have a head knowledge, but no relationship)
3)the nation of Israel as a whole - anyone who hasn't accepted Christ

The theme of the book is Jesus is better than... See if you can pick up on the author saying this. The purpose of the book is to provide encouragement during troubled times. Each chapter seeks to show Jesus superiority over someone or something. The first 3 verses of chapter 1 shows Jesus' supreme superiority as God's son. The author, since he is mainly speaking to Jews, quotes the Old Testament to prove his point. The rest of the chapter shows his superiority over the angels. Here is what I wrote down about Jesus:
Jesus is superior to everything
Jesus is superior to angels
Jesus is God's son
Jesus is God's radiance and exactly God's nature
He purifies sin, He sits in majesty on God's right side
He is God's first born - born of God, unlike us...born from the earth
The angels worship Him
He rules forever and righteously
He loves righteousness and hates lawlessness
Jesus is anointed by God with gladness
He was in the beginning and will remain
He will roll up the earth
Jesus is always the same
His enemies will be made His footstool

Hebrews 2
Jesus was for a while made lower than the angels - or like us, but even still, the angels worshipped Him! More descriptions of Jesus:
Jesus spoke salvation
God is concerned about Jesus
He is in charge of all creation
Jesus tasted death - like us
Jesus perfected salvation
He sanctifies us and is not ashamed to call us His brother/sister
Jesus proclaims God's name
Jesus sings God's praise
Jesus trusts God
Jesus makes the devil powerless
Jesus frees us
He is a merciful, faithful high priest who reconciles our sins
Jesus was tempted, He suffered, and therefore can come to our aid
Jesus can identify with us

Finally, I have begun a chart that keeps track of any insight about the OT priesthood, what insight that gives us as Jesus as High Priest, and how that info applies to us. I will update it as I continue to read (no, I didn't come up with this...it is in my NISB study bible with notes from Kay Arthur). Click here.

Why I love Paul...and a lesson on obedience

2011-03-16T13:59:00.003-04:00

Paul. I love Paul. He is my favorite apostle. I think he and I would have been great friends if I had lived during his time. I love the way he boldly speaks his mind...though I'm not very righteous in my speech when I choose to speak boldly :) I have really enjoyed reading about him in Acts, and applying the choices that he continually made to my own life. These five chapters have been about Paul's call to go to Jerusalem, and God's ultimate goal to get Paul to Rome. I loved looking at the big picture to see just how God used a brief stop in Jerusalem to get Paul to Rome. I won't comment on all the chapters, but on the ones I took something away from.

Acts 21
Some prophets received a message from the Holy Spirit that Paul would be chained and bound in Jerusalem. The message was meant to prepare Paul for what he would face, but out of love and concern for Paul's life the prophets misconstrued the message and told Paul not to go. Paul knew the voice of God, and he knew he had to go to Jerusalem, and he was obedient even though he knew what he would face there. Sometimes we do have a word from the Lord, but we can put a human spin on it. We need to make sure we are so close to God that his message is really clear before we share the wrong message with someone else.

Acts 23
All the uproar over Paul in Jersusalem happened so Paul would get to Rome. Why Rome? Rome was the most influential city at that time. From there the gospel would spread to many nations. He would be respected enough as a Roman citizen to work...unlike other places he had been. Sometimes hardships are only for God's plan - your testimony and witness to others. Paul knew this and could praise God for it.

Acts 24-25
God set the stage for Paul from the beginning of his life! A Jew and a Roman citizen. A perfect combination! Now, other Jews are upset with Paul for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles (which includes the Romans). And Paul is allowed to defend himself to the Romans and proclaim that the gospel is for them too, not just the Jews. All of this works in Paul's favor!

Over all what I have learned from Paul is obedience. He didn't care what people thought of him before or after he spoke the truth. His one goal in life was to be obedient. I have realized that any commandment given to me in the bible, those directly related to my salvation and relationship with God and those indirectly related (marital and other relationships)...all the commands are not about other people and whether they deserve for me to act fair, respectfully, justly, righteously...but it is solely about obeying God. I do these things for Him and Him alone. And sometimes it is soley an act of obedience to do these things, and my heart isn't truly in it for just for the sake of being kind...God never said it would be easy to follow. Dying to your own will is usually the hardest thing to do I think. But I believe that as I seek to obey God, because I love Him and our relationship isn't based on any variables...(He is always faithful to love me unconditionally), I believe in this act of obedience His promises are fulfilled in me. HE will change my heart and make it a more natural choice to serve others...even if the people in this world never change. He provides the strength to keep on keeping on. Paul knew this...lived it. Thank you Lord for his example!

Act 16-20

2011-03-09T14:07:00.002-05:00

The scripture from this past week was hard for me to really focus on, mainly because we had studied these passages in depth in life group as we studied Ekklessia (see the blogged lessons here)

Here is what I learned this week:
Acts 16:
There is a slave girl who is possessed, and with this possession she is able to prophesy about the future (though please don't think that is an awesome gift to have...Satan doesn't fortell a truthful future and can't be trusted). She followed Paul around proclaiming that he was a man of God, a follower of Jesus. She was doing this to the point of annoyance to Paul so he called the demon out of here in the name of Jesus. Even though she was proclaiming the truth at this time, Paul didn't want affirmation from the demon inside her...in the same way Jesus silenced the demons.

Instead of the girl's owners listening to what the girl prophesized...what they prized her for...they only saw what they lost when she was restored.

Why should we praise God in the storms of life? You never know who is listening and who may be led to salvation through your praise

Acts 17
The Jews who sought to hurt Paul were jealous...to find support for their evil thoughts they turned to wicked me to help them sin. It is always easy to find someone to help you sin...surround yourself with people who want to bring you out of sin, who hold you accountable...who love you.

We should be more like the Berea christians. They were eager to hear Paul's teaching, but they also check the scripture for themselves to see if what he said was true. Don't rely on on people to tell you the truth...seek out what the bible says

Acts 18
Paul was being hunted - much persecution. But the was told not to be afraid. God doesn't tell him that people wouldn't try to hurt him, but that they wouldn't be successful. This could have been what helped him encourage the Thessalonian christians to endure - he wrote to them from Corinth.

Priscilla and Aquila became teachers/trainers - that is the point. We all must share what we know

Acts 19
Paul had not been allowed in Asia before, but the gospel got there anyway by word of mouth. How many people could we tell that could then tell someone else...that it moved beyond us and the good news is spread at a rapid pace?

Read the v15! Love that story! I think this gives us hope in persecution...

Acts 20
Paul's life is not worth sparing - spreading the gospel was priority. He knew he was going to face many difficult things (God told him so) but he forged ahead. How many of us would do this?

Next week is Acts 21-25

Acts 11-15

2011-03-02T13:04:00.002-05:00

I had such a great time with my bible study girls last night! I really love getting together and talking about God's words with these ladies. I truly look forward to this time.

Here is some things that I learned from last week's reading and from our talk last night:

Acts 11
*The disciples follow the urgings of the Holy Spirit so matter of factly...the Spirit said so and so they did. I think that is why they continued to hear so clearly. Why don't I hear it that way? Am I quenching it? I think I put God off sometimes, and therefore my voice gets louder than His...making me have to seek harder to hear Him speak.

Acts 12
*When Peter was in jail, people were fervently praying for him. Fervently...this word is the same word Luke used to describe the way Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. It means to give all you have of yourself over to something...in this case prayer. Have I ever prayed like that? And I wonder why some prayers don't get answered.

*Also, when the prayers of the people are answered they are surprised. Isn't that so like us? Don't be surprised that God answers a prayer...just grateful and ready to share!

Acts 13
*To be set apart means that you are taken away from something. Paul and Barnabas had to be removed from what was going on in order to do what the Holy Spirit wanted. They had a purpose to fulfil...they didn't need to be distracted.

*Bar-Jesus, Elymas, was punished because he was hindering the belief of others

*Paul uses the knowledge that people had and built on it...power from the Holy Spirit and wisdom allowed him to do this.

*Satan is always working

Acts 14
All the events in chapters 11-14 had to happen in order for chapter 15, the Jerusalem Council, to be successful

Paul took a lickin' and kept on tickin'...he was walking the way Jesus did. There is no persecution worth stopping the spread of the gospel. We have to have the spiritual maturity to understand that God can use that very persecution to draw others to Him...or to even bring the very people that persecute us to Him. We lead such easy lives compared to the men of this time in the bible. What do I sacrifice? Paul gave it all...everyday, without hesitation. Do I do that? um...no. I want to! I'm learning more and more to all the time.

Acts 15
I had already studied this book recently for lifegroup, and I didn't really feel the Holy Spirit leading me to anything in the reading this time.

I did like how either Corletta or Sheila put this though. The council decided to provide some guidelines that the new Christians could follow. They were new...they didn't understand old testament prophecy yet or how to be Christians, etc. This is no different than today. We have to help people learn how to grow in Christ.

Next week is Acts 16-20

A Giveaway

2011-02-24T21:46:00.002-05:00

My blogger friend over at www.just1step.com is having a giveaway. I have never met this sweet girl in person, but I feel like I know her well :)
Go check out her blog! She is awesome :)

http://www.just1step.com/2011/02/giveaway-daniadown-sherpini-throw.html#dsq-form-area

Acts 6-11

2011-02-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

I feel so behind! I didn't catch this blog up yesterday, and now I'm behind on the other blog (www.tfbccouples.blogspot.com). I guess it will be ok, but I just like to stay on top of these things. The girls and I didn't meet last night, because Mitch and I went to the Love the Lar live/silent auction and dinner last night. We had a lot of fun! A lot of money was raised for the Davis Lar orphanage in Forteleza, Brazil.

This past week's reading was Acts 6-11. So here are some things I learned..
Acts 6
The church is growing everyday. There are a lot of people who have needs that need to be met, and people are coming to John and Peter to have these needs take care of...Peter and John ask for the names of some devout men who can help with this task. Peter and John say that they cannot leave the word to take care of these things. That may seem harsh or like these men didn't care, but that isn't true. This is what I gather from this chapter:
1. Everyone in the church has a purpose. Some are meant to preach, teach, lead, etc and others are meant to serve in other ways. We bear the burdens of the body...this also means that we can share the load with our ministers. They have been called to preach, teach or lead...help out where you can in other areas to help relieve the load of other burdens within the church family.
2. Don't be distracted from what God has called you to do. Some activities may seem godly, spiritual, or good, but if it will take you away from the purpose He has called you to the it will ultimately not be glorifying Him. Don't be too busy...don't overload. Stay true to what He has called YOU to do.

Acts 7
Stephen, the first martyr, gives testimony to what he believes and then he is stoned.
Boldly proclaim the word of God in the midst of persecution...it may lead others to salvation, is an act of obedience to God, and is pleasing to Him.
God's power is awesome and can not be grappled with. Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and had God's favor. When he spoke, no one could argue with him...he was right, and the truth cut to the hearts of his persecutors. Instead of acting for forgiveness, though, the people were angry at Stephen for pointing out their sin. God's truth can cause many reactions. The whole first five chapters of Acts we see people believing and growing in power in the Lord, but the next five begins the persecution. The church will go through times of growth and celebration, but Satan is lurking...persecution will come. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, be in favor with God...be ready.

Acts 8
I spent a lot of time on chapter 8. This chapter helped me put into words the burden that is on my heart. Here, Jesus' words are being fulfilled...the gospel is spreading now to Samaria. Phillip leaves Jerusalem to preach in Samaria. Many people see the miracles he performs and believes the gospel through these. Simon, a magician in Samaria, also sees Phillip's miracles and the bible says he believes as well. No doubt he was amazed at what Phillip was doing because he would have known the difference between a real miracle and magic...being a magician. The people, and Simon, were baptized because they believed what Phillip was preaching. He followed Phillip around listening and watching. He looked really good on the outside. But when people began to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon did not receive it. He asked how much money he had to pay to be able to use the power that he saw Phillip, Peter, and John demonstrating. Peter told him to repent because his heart was not right with God. Simon did not. He asked that the apostles take care of it for him. So, Simon...he believed, he was baptized, he followed the preaching of Jesus, but he went to hell. He was not saved. Salvation is about a relationship with Christ...not just the right words, actions or even miracles...a relationship. Jesus says that there will be those who testify and do miracles in His name, but that He does not know them. (Matthew 7:22-23)

In contrast, right after you learn about Simon, we read about the eunuch that Phillip witnesses to in the chariot. He believes, he is baptized, he is in heaven.
Which are you? Simon or the eunuch? We may be able to deceive even some of the best ministers around, but we cannot fool God.

Acts 9
Saul is converted...instead of persecuting he becomes a proclaimer of the gospel.

Acts 10
Peter has a vision from God that tells him the gospel and salvation are meant for all the world, not just the Jewish nation. He then witnesses the truth of this vision when Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Spirit. This then open the door for Paul to begin his ministry to the Gentiles.

I don't mean to be so skimpy on the last two chapters, but my heart is still on chapter 8. I have a burden that so many people in our churches today are like Simon. They probably would have a better eulogy than me...a list a mile long of what they have done that is good. But if they never had a relationship with Christ the list is futile. I can honestly say that this was true of me at one time. I'm so glad that God has allowed me time in life to realize it. If He had come back a few years ago, I think He would have said that He didn't know me. I hope and pray that if anyone is out there, who is like that fig tree, falsely advertising their belief, that they will read Acts 8 and see the consequences.

Acts 1-5

2011-02-16T13:39:00.002-05:00

Once again, we divided up chapters in bible study so I don't have the kind of detailed notes that I did with Revelation or even the beginning of Mark, but you know what...if you are interested in what I'm talking about here, maybe you'll be motivated to read and dig for yourself. :)

Acts was written by Luke (same Luke that wrote the gospel of Luke). It is written as a continuation of that book...picking up after Jesus rose from the grave. The purpose of the book is to chronicle the birth of the church as well as to where the gospel was spread. Here are some things that I learned:

Chapter 1
Patience, patience, patience...wait on God's timing. That's hard to do. But Jesus tell the disciples they are to wait and pray...do nothing, tell no one anything...until they received the Holy Spirit. I believe this would have been difficult for them to do. Jesus rose from the dead, came back for 40 days to teach them some more and they had to wait to tell anyone about it! How many times to I want to do it my way and don't wait for an answer from Him? Oh...like all the time. If the disciples had tried to go out alone, their mission -though an awesome one, righteous one - would not have been as successful or successful at all. The Holy Spirit gave them wisdom and confidence to face the persecution they were about to encounter.

Chapter 2
Pentecost...awesome day of witnessing! God sent down the flaming tongues so that the disciples could speak in every language and spread the good news. The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter delivers an awesome sermon to the devout Jews there in the city of Jerusalem. It would have been an awesome place to be. Back in Mark, I talked about the wisdom of Jesus and how He knew just want to say to the groups that were questioning Him. In this chapter, we see that through the Holy Spirit, Peter is given that same wisdom. Peter was uneducated. He wouldn't naturally have the ability to step up and speak the way he did, but he quoted the right scripture passages to point out to these Jews that Jesus, the man they crucified, is the Savior and how to receive forgiveness...and receive the same power that Peter himself was displaying in Jesus' name. God can take the lowliest of us and use us in mighty ways. Don't ever think you can't do anything for God. He knows that if you allow Him to give you what you need you can do mighty things for Him.

I also learned that Peter knew when to seize an opportunity. God orchestrated this whole event at Pentecost. Jesus' crucifixtion was still fresh on ppls minds, and Peter took advantage of the opportunity to preach the miracle of Jesus' resurrection before the memory of it faded for these men...or even for himself. When God does something for us, it is meant to be shared...while we are excited, while we are in the moment because that is when it is most contagious. Don't hide what He has done for you.

Read the way the church acted in vv. 41-47. That is how the church should look. That is contagious!

Chapter 3
Once again, Peter sees an opportunity. He heals a man that the entire city knew was lame. Why? Well, if everyone knew he was lame, and the he was healed...everyone would be witness to the miracle...and Peter could then share how and why he was able. Seize the moment. More people were saved that day.

Chapter 4
This chapter is a contrast between fear and peace to me. In the beginning you have the Sadducees...afraid that the Jews were going to turn on them, point fingers at them, they were losing their status, their hearts were convicted, but they thought they had too much too lose so they TRIED to stop the disciples. Fear of letting go of what they knew, fear of admitting they were wrong, fear of being considered failures kept them from repentance.

Then, in contrast, we have Peter and John. They were being threatened and persecuted by some pretty powerful leaders. They simply prayed that God would remember them and whose name they were preaching and that God would avenge them and allow them to continue on. And, they continued on. Hoping for the chance to be persecuted, because that was another chance to witness.

Again, see how the church responds and interacts with each other in vv. 32-37. We should be like this!

Chapter 5
Another miracle, a dark one, but it is a miracle. Peter shows us how much God hates sin...lying namely. Ananias and Sapphira are no longer allowed to continue their lives after lying to God. I guess that sounds harsh, but I thought of it this way. If you look at the story, and think, well Ananias and Sapphira had a right to keep some money if they needed it. They were just looking out for themselves...well, then I guess it seems harsh. But if you start off recognizing that the land and money were all God's then it was actually Ananias and Sapphira that were acting harshly towards God. Our very breath is His, so He can take it back.

Next week we will read 6-10

My Valentine

2011-02-14T16:34:00.007-05:00

So two of my bloggin friends put up past pictures of them and their hubbies, and now I'm going to copy them ;) Mitch and I have been together for well, just about 4 years now (March 24 it will be 4 yrs). He swept me off my feet in my school office one day...and continues to do so. So much so that we now have grown from two to five (well four and a half). Here are some pictures of us...love you so much honey! You are everything I need, want, and more than I ever thought I needed or wanted. Happy Valentine's Day :)

Our first date at the Spanish Ball in Greenville.

Mark 11-16

2011-02-09T13:20:00.003-05:00

Here are some things that I learned from reading this week:

Mark 11
Jesus makes an inspection of the temple when He comes to Jerusalem...making sure God's purpose is being done. We are the temple. He makes the same inspection with us.

The Parable of the Fig Tree: Jesus rebuked the tree because it boasted that it had fruit, but it did not actually bare any. The tree was falsely advertising its fruit...pretending to be something it wasn't. Why is that such a big deal...aside from the fact that ppl don't generally do well with "fakeness"? Go back to Mark 9. Jesus warns us not to cause people to stumble. And when you are fake...that is what you are doing. Setting a wrong example for others to follow...leading them down the same path to destruction you are on yourself. This was also one of the problems that Jesus had with the priest, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees.

Mark 12
Sadducees: high-priestly, conservatives, did not believe in immortality, spirits or angels. The resurrection was absurd to them...so even they would have thought the question they posed to Jesus was crazy. They only believed in the first 5 books of the bible or the Septuagint. So, Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, answered their question by quoting from Exodus (one of those 1st five books). Jesus is so awesome! I pray for even an ounce of that wisdom. To know people so well that you can respond to their accusations with something they know and understand full well. Oh, that He would grant me that!

Without scripture knowledge there is no true knowledge of God
No knowledge of God means you will doubt His power.

Jesus warns us not to be like the scribes.
Their long robes meant they didn't work hard...lazy, living off the blessings of others
They loved greetings because it meant they wanted to be recognized, to be thought of as "holy"...but they were not
They wanted the best seats in church because they wanted ppl to see them and acknowledge their status
They devoured widows...or preyed on the weakness and vulnerabiltiy
They prayed long prayers to demonstrate their knowledge of the law, but there was no relationship with God.
Jesus says the scribes will face a greater judgement. Don't be a scribe.

Jesus watched HOW the people gave to the church then He saw how much they gave. That means He knows the manner in which you give as well as how much. I believe the attitude you have about what you give is just as important if not more than how much you give.

Mark 13
Jesus talks about the last days and the signs that will usher Him here to reign.

The parable of the homeowner is for Christians now. Jesus is the homeowner. He left us, the servants, in charge. We should be constantly working...keeping the house (church..ourselves) ready because He didn't tell us when He would be back.

Mark 14
Jesus wants us to care for the needy.

Mary, the woman who annoits Jesus' head with oil, is worshipping her King. She didn't announce her actions or ask anyone's opinion...she doesn't stop when they begin to whisper about her. She does what she is supposed to do (worship) the best way she knows how.

It wasn't the physical agony that distressed Jesus so much in the garden of Gethesemane. It was the fact that He was about to become my sin...your sin. He was becoming the very thing He detested. Jesus didn't want to be that so He asked God if there was another way to allow that. But God knew that the only way for Jesus to become sin and then die as that sin in our place. (then of course, and thank goodness, rise above that sin for us) Jesus' prayer in the garden also shows us that He IS the only way.

After Jesus saw Peter asleep so many times, He woke Peter by calling him Simon...his old name. This is because Peter was acting like the man he used to be, not the man he was called to be.

Jesus held his ground as he was beaten and questioned by many who were in great authority on the earth. Peter stumbled when a young girl questioned him. We are so weak on our own! Even the smallest of things can cause us to stumble.

Mark 15-16
Jesus was crucifed, raised, and came to show the disciples that all He had said was true. They, after being rebuked for their unbelief, would have recalled all the parables and all the little statements that Jesus had made...remember the OT prophecies about Him. All would have been so clear to them at this point. The disciples had to hear what Jesus said, witness His death and resurrection, and recall His words before they understood completely. What excuse do we have for not believing? We know what He said, the bible is witness of His death and resurrection...we know the story or have full access to it at least. We have more information on Jesus today than the disciples would have had when they walked with Jesus every day. We can see it all. What excuse do we have? It certainly can't be that we didn't know.

Some of Jesus' most faithful followers were women. Women can do much to spread the gospel of Christ. I have to believe that Jesus must have recognized some characteristic in Mary and Mary Magdalene to reveal Himself to them first...there is some quality that He knew a woman had that would readily accept Him, readily proclaim Him to others. I don't know what, but it makes me wonder if women really honored God the way we are called to over and over...especially as married women, what we could do for Him...the witness we could be for Him.

This week we are reading Acts 1-5

Peter and Judas committed the same sin...betrayal. It is what they did after sinning that made all the difference. Which one are we...Peter or Judas?

Mark 6-10

2011-02-01T15:46:00.002-05:00

I really will not be able to type up all the things that I am learning as I read Mark...well, really just as I read the bible. I love the word! You know how sometimes people will say what is your favorite book, and you feel the obligatory answer is the Bible? Well, I really feel that way for the first time in my life! I love to read it and uncover things. So much fun!

Here are some general thoughts I had while reading last week...
Jesus is our model for EVERYTHING! Back in Jude, I read how we should treat others who are doubting, who are rejecting God, and those who have strayed (Jude 22-23). I am seeing Jesus live this out in Mark in the way He treats the disciples (by teaching them and pointing them in the right direction, and rebuking them in love when they are wrong), the Pharisees (He speaks truth to them and walks away...He knows they do not believe), and the rich man (kid gloves, loving and hopeful that he will make the right choice).

I learned that unbelief is just a powerful as faith. Unbelief is what causing people to reject Christ and therefore sends them to hell. Jesus didn't do any miracles in Nazareth (Mark 6) because the people didn't believe. His miracles were meant to attest to who Jesus was, a blessing for those who believed He was able. But since the Nazarenes didn't believe, the miracles would have been like a magic show...the miracles would not have attested truth to them. So Jesus only healed a few who did believe or just to show that He was still capable. All the other times Jesus heals in Mark, He says that their faith has healed them. They believed Jesus' power and came to Him...so the miracles attested that their faith was correct. Do you believe He can take care of you? Unbelief cab spurn heaven's miracles.

I had no idea that Jesus multiplied the bread two times. I always thought it only happened at the Sermon on the Mount!

I learned, again, that Jesus knows all. There is no benefit to thinking you can hide. The disciples thought they were sly and could keep their thoughts to themselves, but then Jesus would teach them about the very things they discussed and thought in private.

I am so much like the disciples. Blinded by the stress of the moment that I can't always remember God's provision in the past. The disciples couldn't remember all the miracles Jesus had performed when they were in a pickle.

I learned through Jesus restoring the blind man's sight that sometimes things can be semi-clear, but with Jesus' help they become crystal.

Jesus modeled in chapter 1 how to overcome Satan. Spend time in prayer and fasting...talking with God. The disciples didn't do that before they tried to help the man's son. They were unable to cast out the demon...maybe they were distracted by the Pharisees, or maybe it was pride, but Jesus tells them to work on their prayer life. This is just like us today. Jesus was away from the disciples when they tried to cast this demon out...just like Jesus is physically away from us as we battle sin. Jesus was showing the disciples how to overcome once He was gone. How is your prayer life? I know mine needs work!

Deal with sin harshly!!

Jesus is pulling for us! He loved the rich man even though He knew He would make the wrong choice (of course He knew...if He knew what the Pharisees were thinking and what the disciples discussed in private). He loved him...He wanted him to understand.

Enjoyed bible study last night! Love all you girls! Next week we are finishing up Mark with chapters 11-16.

Mark 1-5

2011-01-26T14:37:00.004-05:00

Ahhhh, Mark...a much easier read than Revelation. But we had an awesome time and discussion last night! Love meeting with my bible study friends!

It is weird blogging about Mark. I don't feel like there was really much to explain. It is all pretty straightforward...to me at least. Mark's gospel is meant to show us Jesus' authority through the work of His ministry, miracles, and signs. Mark skips over a lot of what the other gospels present about Jesus. We don't read about His life as a child, changing the water to wine, meeting with the woman at the well...Mark begins with Jesus being baptized. This is a very important event in Jesus'' life because He is fulfilling OT prophecy, but in that moment of baptism, His deity is revealed. Immediately (Mark uses the word a lot) Jesus is told by the Holy Spirit to go into the wilderness. There He is tempted by Satan. Mark doesn't give details about this temptation (Matthew does). Then Mark says that Jesus went immediately into Galilee to begin His ministry. So, to Mark, it is important to notice that first Jesus received the Holy Spirit, He then was ready to overcome Satan, and then He began His ministry. A model for us as well.

Mark 2:
Jesus begins to have His run-ins with the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus shows His authoritty over sins, the scribes question His deity. I love any time that the bible says that people are thinking something, and Jesus knows what they are thinking in His Spirit. Just another reminder that He knows all! Jesus hangs out with sinners, the Pharisees judge His judgement...Jesus answers with a parable or an allegory...(not sure which one His description of the bridegroom is). Then Jesus picks grain on the Sabbath, the Pharisees question His obedience to the law, Jesus quotes the OT back to them. Each of these encounters is allowing Jesus to show His authority over something...the Sabbath, sins, Satan.

Mark 3:
Jesus continues to heal and cast out demons in this chapter...exercising His authority over these things. One thing I noted is that Jesus is displaying His power as God, but He is doing it as a servant to others. Mark records the parable about a kingdom being divided against itself here. Jesus tells it in response to being accused by the scribes as possessed by Beelzebul.

Mark 4:
This chapter is full of parables! We spent a lot of time talking about this chapter, well actually verse 11-12. I encourage you to read John MacArthur's explanation of this. Pretty lengthy, but you can scroll down to where he talks about this. http://m.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/41-17 My thoughts are too many to type here. Mark doesn't spend a lot of time on Jesus' teachings, so the things he recorded in chapter 4 were very significant to him. They served a purpose in the ministry of Christ. I learned through the link above that Jesus was in essence telling the disciples that they had to understand the parable of the sower and seed if they were to understand all the other parables. I was encouraged by that parable. Jesus is saying that there will be people who don't follow, those who halfway follow, and those who follow completely...but we are to teach them anyway.

Mark 5:
Mark goes back to the miracles of Christ. I began to notice that Jesus always says that the person's faith is what healed them. I wonder what God would be able to do for us, what prayers He would answer if we truly had the faith to believe He would. Don't get me wrong, the power is God's but He wants our faith to grow so that He can do more and more for us. His power works through us...through our faith.

Next week is chapters 6-10. Happy reading!

Greyson

2011-01-24T14:35:00.003-05:00

I could watch this video of my sweet baby boy all day long. He must have been about 7 or 8 months old when I took this. I just had to post it and share how sweet my little man was..and, of course still is :)

Revelation 20-22

2011-01-19T14:43:00.003-05:00

The last three chapters of Revelation! I have so enjoyed reading this book! Thanks to Paul Jimenez and Frank Page (and the John MacArthur website) for all the help!

Chapter 20: Final Judgement
This chapter was the trickiest of all the chapters for me. I had to do a lot of cross-referencing, digging, and asking. Of course, there are a lot of different viewpoints out there, these are just just the thoughts I had from studying and reading.
Satan has been throw into the abyss. This is the present Hell...not the same as the lake of fire. (Just like now there is a present Heaven and there will be a new one after judgement...there will also be a new Hell which is the lake of fire). They are placed there for 1,000 years. I don't know why it is that particular time frame or why this even happens instead of ending it all except that God is giving humanity another shot. During the 1,000 years Christ comes to the present earth to reign in peace...that does not mean that there will be no sin, but there will be justice. Verse 4 says "they sat on them [the 12 thrones]" and handed out judgement to those remaining on earth at this time. Matthew 19:28 says that "they" are the disciples...don't know who else, but I am led to believe that it might be the 144,000mentioned earlier. The people who live on earth with Christ at first are those people who became Christians during the time of tribulation and Christ resurrects them from the dead (again, this is what I believe after studying it all)not the first/current church. Why do I think this? Well in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul says that we will meet Him in the clouds. In this passage in Revelation, Christ has come down to the earth to reign...no mention of people meeting Him in the clouds.

Anyway, during this time of peace and justice people must be happy because they reproduce...a lot. So much that there are enough people for some to continue to follow Christ, and then enough for as many as "the sand of the seashore" to go against Him. Remember, there is still sin in the world, and there is still choice to follow Christ. It seems odd that people could walk and talk with Christ, know that people were brought back from the dead by Him, and still reject Him...but it has happened before. Satan is released from the abyss, gathers together those who oppose Christ and tries to start a war with Christ. First, they attack the saints first, but fire is sent down from Heaven to destroy all those people and they are no longer. The devil is thrown into the lake of fire with the beast and false prophet. So now! There is no more sin!!

Next, the great white throne judgement. This is for everyone. There are books opened and then there is the book of Life. Believers, whose names are in the book of Life, are judged for reward...what they did for Christ. Unbelievers, will have every sin they have ever committed presented back to themselves and will be judged for punishment. Revelation says the judgement is based on works. Yes, but John 6:29 says that the work of God is to believe in the Jesus who was sent by God. So, believers are judged by that belief and what they did because of it. I always feel like I'm rambling, so I hope that makes sense. Anyone whose name is not in the book of life will face the second death which is to be thrown in the lake of fire to face torture forever. The interesting thing is that it is called the second death, but actually it is not death. People who receive this punishment will wish for death so that the torture will end. There is no help or mercy...the time to receive that has passed. I know some people will read that and think that is an awful thing, and that God is mean and cruel. But, truly, we as humans should understand...if you give all you can to someone...extend peace, try to foster a relationship, give them a chance, love them, etc. and at every turn they reject all you give...well, you eventually stop trying. Doesn't mean you don't love them anymore when you stop, but we all have our limit. We are created in God's image...so it should be no surprise that those feelings originated with Him.

Chapter 21: The New Heaven
Ahhh, an easier chapter. This is a description of what the New Heaven looks like. The marriage feast of Christ...a much happier place to be :)No more tears, no more death, crying, mourning or pain! Woo hoo! And, though I don't know why, there is also no more sea.

Chapter 22: I don't know what to name this chapter. I just wrote Testify in my bible. Because really I just see that, starting at verse 12 as Jesus begins to speak to John, Jesus is telling us why we need to make sure people understand. To make sure people know where they are going and what actually gets them to those places. I love verse 20, Jesus says "Yes, I am coming quickly." And John says "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. " Isn't that awesome? Come on! I can't wait to see You! I can't wait to see what life as You intended it to be is like...I can't wait to see You glorified. I can't wait to thank You!

Here are some questions that I asked the girls last night.

1. How had reading Revelation changed you? How has it changed your image of God?
2. Knowing that God never expects that we would "sit on" what we learn, what do you feel led to do with the information you have gained?
3. What priority should be placed on sharing the gospel? Is it a priority for you?
4. Do you know for sure what you will be judged for on that final day? Will you receive a reward or punishment?

Next, we will be reading the book of Mark chapters 1-5.

Company Girl Coffee 1.14.11

2011-01-14T19:12:00.002-05:00

It is probably pretty late in the day for people to stop by for coffee, but I just haven't had a chance to get curled up the couch with my ipad to get this typed up. Yes, I said ipad. That's a shout out to my sweet hubby. He got me an ipad for Christmas. I wanted it because I thought it would help me keep up with my blogs better than I had been doing. So far, it has helped out a lot. I am much more motivated to type while reclining on my couch than to get up to the desktop computer. I know, I know. I could have gotten a laptop, but we actually got a really good deal on this one. It had been opened up at Best Buy and so, since the packaging was damaged, they put a discount price on it. Plus, I didn't need the one with the 3G service plan since we have wireless at home. All I'm really trying to say in all this is, thanks for my Christmas gift babe!

We have had a crazy snowy, icy week here in upstate SC! We woke up to a beautiful soft, fluffy, deep, snow on Monday, but on Tuesday it all turned to sleet and therefore icing us in. Thank goodness we didn't lose our power, but I am definitely stir crazy! We all did get out of the house yesterday and today, but man. A two year old and a 10 year old don't do to well being cooped up together for a week. But my oldest went to her mom's this afternoon, and so the house is a tad bit quieter...

I am hoping that my husband reads my mind right now and realizes that I, er the baby, reallly wants a milkshake....or a sundae. I'm 16 weeks, and I still struggle with eating some. I tried to eat my supper, but the baby says milkshake. Catch my telepathy honey!!

Revelation 15-19

2011-01-13T15:27:00.003-05:00

Ok, these few chapters have a ton of information in them. There is a lot to be explained...much more than I could possibly type in this blog. Thanks to a Company Girl who stopped by last Friday, Diane, I had a lot of good Revelation notes to read over. I went to John MacArthur's website (www.gty.org). He has a whole series on Revelation. I plan on going back through and listening/reading what he has to say. I was pleased, however, to discover that a lot of my thinking about what John is seeing in the book was right in line with what John MacArthur said. I don't say that to brag...it is only by the Holy Spirit that I have any knowledge at all. I just get pretty nervous sharing all this information when I have not been formallly educated in it, so it was nice to receive encouragement through his research.

Chapter 15: Intro to the 7 Bowls Judgement (God's final wrath)
This is a quick chapter. John is seeing the 7 angels who carry the bowls of the final judgement come forth. He also hears heaven sing a song explaining why this is all happening. God doesn't have to explain himself, but I think this is done on behalf of those who are left. Kind of like, hey, we told you this was coming. Plus, heaven simply loves to praise God for who He is and His promise to avenge His people.

Chapter 16: Bowl Judgements
In my last blog, I stated that the 6th of everything seemed to be the most catastrophic of the 7. Not so with the seals. The seventh would definiitely be the worst. But, when you think that all of this is just what happens before God ends it all...it still kind of applies. These bowl judgements seem to happen really quickly...at least that is how I read it. The other seals and trumpets had different things happen in between, but God seems to send these out fast. There is no 5 month time period of suffering, no 3.5 year lingering...just one right after the other. These judgements are pretty clear to me in what they do until number 6. Here the river Euphrates is dried up to make way for the king of the East. I remember from reading David Jeremiah's book that they have to able to cross this large river for the final battle to take place (I think this is from Jeremiah 46:10)..that battle will take place in Har-Magedon (obviously where we get the word Armagedon). In this 6th bowl, Satan and the man called the anti-Christ continue to draw the world into themselves with signs and blasphemies...creating a one world religion referred to as Babylon (which is also based out of the anti-Christ's kingdome in a rebuilt city called Babylon). The 7th bowl simply declares that an earthquake (terrible one) happens nations fall...Babylon, the city and therefore the religious system, has fallen as well. God remembered that He promised Babylon that its punishment would be the worst of all (see 14:10). God sends down hailstones that weigh 100 lbs each!! Wow! Can you imagine? The ppl on earth blaspheme God and do not turn to Him. They only see Him as the cause for the grief, not as a powerful being who has control of their very life and to whom they should repent.

Now, chapters 17 & 18 kind of back track. An angel in heaven must have seen or felt John's confusion...or knew we would be confused, and so it explains who the woman called Babylon actually is and what all the things around her represent. Here is where I recommend reading from www.gty.org. Lots of stuff here! Chapter 17 is an explanation of the woman, the beast she sits on, the 7 kings, etc. She, the woman is the city and the religious system of Babylon. She is upheld by the beast whose 7 heads are 7 nations. The bible says 5 of them have already been....meaning past ruling empires. One is, that would have been present time for John, so John MacArthur believes that would be Rome. And the final empire has not yet come into power. The horns represent kings who will be given power just long enough to hand that power over to the beast. They come together to wage war against Christ. Isn't that crazy? That mere human beings become so consumed with themselves that they think they can win a battle with God...how arrogant that they would even attempt!! God puts in in the hearts of all to be so destructive that they destroy themselves by destroying the city Babylon which has become the bread and butter of the nations in power (chapter 18:11-20). That is what it means when the bible says that the kings were committing act of immorality with th woman...not that is a man committing an immoral act with a woman, but that the nations are benefiting from a city built on blaspheming God.

Chapter 18:: How the city of Babylong comes to ruin
Again, this is further insight into what happens to Babylon the city and its religious system (that system being worship of the beast). The ppl destroy the city by fire, a mission put in their hearts by God. I think that is so amazing. The wicked cant even comprehend that God is still fulfilling His purposes through them. The city is laid wast and plagues come all in one hour (I wonder if it is in this hour that all the bowl judgements had been doled out). The world laments all the wealth that is lost in the destruction. finally, an angel demonstrates how God will remove Babylon forever by picking up a large stone and smashing it into the sea. Another angel announces that no light of a lamp will shine in the world again (the present world that is). This of course could mean that there is total darkness, but I think it is also referring to the lamp as the church...there will be no mercy, no grace, no truth...because it says the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard. In the bibe, the bridegroom is usually Jesus and the bride is the church.

Chapter 19: This actually picks up right where chapter 16 left off. So, immediately folllowing the last bowl judgement Christ returns to the earth to reign in peace for 1,000 years. I don't know why. But anyway, this chapter is the saints and heaven praising God for making His ppl ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb ( a reunion of Christ and the church). An angel commands the birds of the air to feast on the bodies of the ppl on the earth...not a pretty picture. The beast and the anti-Christ are thrown into the abyss and the rest of the world is destroyed by Christ's words alone (the sword or truth of His mouth). That may sound a little scary to some, but I am so glad I'll be a witness to awesome power like that. Not that I wish that day on anyone...no, that isn't what I'm saying, but I just am in awe of the awesomeness of my Lord!!

Please, again, go and visit www.gty.org for a very in-depth explanation of these scriptures. John MacArthur does an awesome job with it, plus he brings in OT prophesy to create a better picture.

Coffee 1.7.11

2011-01-07T10:38:00.002-05:00

I don't have much to blog today. Not a lot going on. It has been a while since I've done company coffee on Fridays, but I'm trying to get back in the swing. So...just and update on what I'm blogging these days. I facilitate a bible study on Tuesdays with some girls from my church. We are reading through the New Testament right now. Currently, we are finishing up Revelation. I blog about what I've read these days.

So, look around if you'd like! Thanks for stopping by!

Revelation 10-14

2011-01-05T13:15:00.004-05:00

As stated in my last post, the chapters are getting more difficult to understand. I am doing my own little researching, and looking into, and I've asked our pastor, Paul Jimenez, to help me out some too. I occasionally ask for help from Dr. Frank Page as well. I, again, encourage you to do the same about anything that is concerning you when you read. But, ultimately, what I am beginning to see is that truly understanding everything is probably not possible. I believe, when the time comes and these things start happening, we will understand better then. But I have to remember that when John saw these visions he was walking in the Spirit. To me, that means he saw what God sees and was also given God's understanding of those things. I think John did the best he could to write it all down, but we don't have the knowledge he had at that time...again, that is what I believe.

So hear are some things I gathered while reading:
God's number is 7. In Revelation, God does things in sevens, and therefore, seven would signal perfection. Six, then, would be short of perfection. I am noticing that each time, so far, there is the sixth of something, it is the worst of it. Go back and look at the sixth seal and sixth trumpet...John also seems to add either a description of something or elaborate on an event before the seventh thing is unleashed. That is just an observation so far.

Chapter 10: The Seven Peals of Thunder...not much to say here. These peals of thunder are happening before the seventh trumpet...so if this event follows the pattern I've noticed, it is bound to be pretty catastrophic for unbelievers. Whatever happens, John is told not to write any of it down...our minds are probably not able to process it.

Chapter 11: The Two Witnesses...God sends two witnesses described as the two olive branches and the two lamp stands that are before Christ. Some commentaries say that these witnesses are Moses and Elijah. I don't know how they figure this out, because when I read the passage it describes the witnesses as lampstands, I know from chapter 1 that lampstand means church. So not sure what all that means. I can see, though, that if the witnesses are two people that they would be Jewish heroes from the Old Testament. I see this because, though the world will be aware of their presence, they die and are resurrected in what the bible describes as Sodom and Egypt. This area, from what I gather, today encompasses the Jewish people. They will witness the death and resurrection of the witnesses. The bible says there will be an earthquake that kills 7,000 ppl and everyone else repents and calls out to God. Since there is more to come in Revelation, it must mean that a select group of people witness that to repent...if the rest of the world repented, it could all end there. Does that make sense? This event, three and 1/2 years plus 3 and 1/2 days in the making, is the second woe. Remember there are three. The 7th trumpet is then sounded and all of heaven rejoices that God's people will be rewarded...there are peals of thunder and an earthquake. Again, if you read, a lot of this sounds like things that have already been mentioned. Plus, heaven seems to be praising the end of it all and there are several more chapters...making me wonder how much of this happens simultaneously.

Chapter 12: Spiritual Warfare...ok, so I am awaiting some more insight to this chapter. I read a lot of opinions on what it could mean. As of right now, I understand that John is seeing the spiritual warfare (the way God sees it) that has gone on since the birth of Christ. The woman represents the church, that began with the Jewish nation, from which Christ is a descendent by Mary. He is swept up to heaven, Satan (described as a dragon with seven heads and 10 horns and 7 diadems) is thrown to earth to persecute the other children of God that are produced by the church. That's all I got....so far. Update!: I just got this information from my pastor, Paul. The woman symbolizes Israel that merges into the New Israel or the church. So the woman in the wilderness could be either a remnant of believers, both Jewish and Gentile, that are on earth post-rapture or she is the church fleeing persecution that has yet to be raptured. I had read this as well, and I agree that is seems to be what John is witnessing...mainly because Jesus tells John that he will be given information on what is to come. Thanks, Paul!

Chapter 13: Rule of Satan...if God is in control of everything, why does He let Satan rule? Because the world has become such a sinful place that God hands it over to Satan for punishment. In this chapter Satan is described as a beast with 7 heads, 10 horns, and 7 diadems (these represent who and what he has authority over). At least this is one account I read...chapter 12 is Satan in his true form, and chapter 13 is Satan in flesh. Some believe that the beast's heads are the heads of 7 actual leaders who have been/will be in power. The third beast is the person who is called anti-Christ (someone who is against the teachings of Christ)...some call this the false prophet, I think. This beast looks like a great leader, one who brings normalcy to all the chaos (like a lamb) but he speaks like the dragon (Satan)...in other words, he calls people to do Satan's bidding. This person/beast is the one who tells ppl that they must receive the mark of the 1st beast in order to eat, buy, sell, have shelter...to live basically. This is mark is given as a mockery to the mark that God placed on His people (chapter 7). People are deceived by the signs and wonders that the two beasts perform.

Chapter 14: The Harvest... This is another chapter that makes me wonder what the actual order of all these events actually is. Several angels make announcements at the beginning of this chapter. They are praising the 144,000 that we mentioned in chapter 7 because of their perserverance. Another angel praises God for who He is and is basically heralding a warning/another chance at redemption to those who still do not believe. And then another angel announces a warning to anyone who accepts the mark of the beast. The language of the warning sounds like it should be a precursor to the actual mark being handed out or simultaneously at best. It doesn't sound like an "oh by the way, if you..." But I don't know. The rest of the chapter is about Christ harvesting the earth. He swipes His sickle and anyone on earth who has chosen to believe is removed from the earth. Then an angel swings down a sharp sickle, yes the bible does describe the sickles differently, and this sickle is bringing judgement to all the rest of the earth.

We talked last night about the angels announcing these things audibly to the earth...if that is what happens, how would people not accept God then??? An angel is flying around in the sky for goodness sake, right? But I liken it to this...think of people you know who refuse God now because it means they must change their lives, give up their lives for Him..and they get angry when you try to tell them about God. Well, the world will be no different then. People will reject Him still...either because they are so deceived by Satan, or maybe they think giving in to God is a type of defeat...who knows? It is hard for a Christian to understand the refusal because we know what conviction is...the Holy Spirit speaks to us.

So, like I told my bible study ladies last night...I am no expert. Just a hungry reader...hoping to understand for myself and especially for the sake of those who do not believe. I am reading through the bible and this is the book I am in currently...just blogging what I read for whoever wants to read as well. I find I am more in awe of Him the more I read...and especially the more I recognize His sovereignty in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 5-9

2010-12-30T15:26:00.004-05:00

I just realized that I never posted on the last five chapters I read in Revelation. I'm actually reading 10-14 right now, but I'm not ready to write on that yet.

I don't really have any awesome "revelations" about these chapters. They are becoming increasingly more difficult to read, but I will write my ponderings. Chapter 5 is the easiest to read. This is the book sealed with seven seals being presented. Each seal releases a different event that leads to the end of time here on earth. No one in heaven, in the earth, or under the earth is worthy to open the book except Jesus. This chapter is about all of heaven worshipping Him because He is able.

The rest of the chapters reveal what happens when Christ breaks the seals. I'm not sure whether some of this has already begun or not. I read Billy Graham's book Storm Warning, and he seems to believe the horsemen or some of them may have been sent out already. Reading what they represent I can easily see why he would think that. Seals 5-6 unleash catastrophic events on the earth, except seal number 5, which causes the souls of the martyrs for Christ to ask God to avenge them.

Before seal 7, an angel from heaven tells the winds of the earth to stop until all who belong to God have been given His seal. (In other words, we who belong to God are spared by the next events). Looking back on the seals none of them cause direct death to man. The 3rd seal, red horse, unleashes a war in which men kill each other, but I mean that none of the actual seals caused death directly. Follow?

So is this when the rapture happens? No clue. No where in Revelation does it come out and say...ok, now the saints are taken to heaven. I do know from 1 Thessalonians 4 that there will be a loud shout then a trumpet to signal His coming, and their is no trumpet until after the 7th seal.

Chapter 7 talks about the 144,000. Who are they? Not sure, but I am not worried that I will be excluded because verse 9 says there are ppl from every tribe,nation, peoples, and tongues in heaven. The 144,000 mentioned are from some of the tribes of Israel. I'm not a Jew, but I am one from a tribe, nation, people and tongue. I'll be there.

Chapter 8 begins with the 7th seal which begins a set of trumpets. After reading this I wondered if all of this is in chronological order or if John saw so much of this happen at once and did his best to write it down in the best order he could. He is seeing things happen in heaven and on earth...the reason I wonder this is because of seal number 6 and trumpet number 4. Read it and see if you see what I mean. Now the trumpets unleash a lot of chaos on earth. Will we be here? Don't know, but I do know that if we are (Christians I mean) that God is protecting us. So earthy chaos, but the third trumpet causes death by water...by drinking it I assume because it is made bitter by the wormwood star.

Finally, chapter 9 ends with trumpet nuumber 6 (the seventh to come!) I noticed that this is the first time that the unsaved are specifically mentioned (since the seals began), and set apart from those who believe. The locusts ( some commentaries say these are demons) are released to torture the unsaved. God tells them to leave the believers alone. Sound cruel? I guess some will say so, but I see it as just one more shot for those who don't believe to get it right. They will be able to see that some people will not be tortured...I think this would make them think about why that was. The torture lasts 5 months, but...that is not all...there is more to come. The bible calls this the first woe. There are three.

The sixth trumpet sounds and a different army is released. This sounds more like a war of some sorts that begins over seas...at least that is how I see what John describes. Men will be killed by three plagues with this trumpet...and the plagues are released from horses mouths: fire, smoke, and brimstone. Sounds like missiles and warfare to me. But I don't know that. It could be actual horses. Either way, I am secure in knowing that my God has set me apart!

The chapters are getting really hard to read. I am praying that the Holy Spirit will teach me what He wants me to know at this time. A lot is unclear and will remain unclear, but I believe that is why we are supposed to read. When these things happen, and if you've read it, there will be no need for fear because you will know what is coming. I think that is part of the blessing that comes from reading this book.

Revelation 1-4

2010-12-15T09:43:00.004-05:00

This past week I read Revelation chapters 1-4. These are the easier chapters to read...in my opinion. I have read Revelation before, but thanks to my new study bible and the Holy Spirit, there was more to learn this time around. I learned that Revelation is about three things: 1) descriptions of what John saw in his vision 2) things that are happening now 3) and things that are to come.

Chapter one is a description of John's meeting with Jesus in the vision. We get to see what Jesus looks like in His glorified form...which is not like the pictures we see hanging on the walls at church! I can't wait to hear his voice...strong and peaceful...rushing water. Awesome!

Chapters 2-3 are letters that Jesus wanted to written to the churches in Asia Minor. Why these 7 churches? I don't know this. My only thought is that those were Gentile churches and that the message would ultimately spread from them, but again, that is just a thought. I have no proof of that. I do know that two of the churches are reprimanded for the things that Paul had tried to set straight at the Jerusalem council (not eating sacrificed meat or committing acts of immorality). And Paul's mission was to help spread the gospel to the Gentile world...so it seems like a likely reason.

Chapter 4 is a description of what John sees as the new Heaven. No mention of evil or sadness here!!! Just a beautiful description of heaven and what eternal worship is like. We also get another description of the characteristics of God from the four creatures John sees...the lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle...their eyes represent (or are actually are...not just a metaphor) God's omnipotence...nothing can be hidden from Him.

This week's reading is Revelation 5-9. The key to reading these chapters is prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the previous scriptures we have read and to help you connect anything that will aid in understanding. He will do it!!

Remember these things as you read:
If you read 48 months, 1260 days, or the words time,times and half time that it means 3 1/2 years. That will help you keep track of when events are happening and how long they take.

You will read about the four horsemen: again I am not sure if these are actual live occurrences or metaphors or both, but either way they bring certain types of persecution or struggle to the world. The white horseman sounds like a description of Christ, but he is actually a deceiver.

The bowls are about judgements/destructions that are dealt by God's wrath.

As you are reading, you will learn a lot about the character and nature of God. Take note of what you learn...
and please, please do not think I just naturally know these things. I am looking hard into these things...have read David Jeremiah's book "What In The World is Going On Here" and Billy Graham's book "Storm Warning" as well. These books have helped me understand. I don't claim to be an expert...but please read for yourself. Don't take my words as, well, gospel...you must seek and find and question for yourself.

Grow, Be on Guard, Be Ready...He IS coming

2010-12-07T09:07:00.002-05:00

The reading for next week is all of Jude (1 chapter) and Revelation 1-4. Please make sure you spend a lot of time in Revelation because it is hard to understand. And remember, don't be nervous about reading it...John says in Revelation 1:3 that we are blessed if we read and heed the words in the book of Revelation. So get ready to be blessed :) Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom and clarity as you read.

Here are my thoughts on the reading for this week. I will type the questions from my study as well.
2 Thessalonians:
*Faith and perseverance through trials indicates that God will find us worthy of His kingdom (1:5)
*Stand firm in the truth that we have been taught. Pray for the spread of the gospel AND for rescue from the evil around us...Peter addressed this as well in 2 Peter
*Then this really spoke to me...3:7-13. Some of the false teachers had told the Thessalonians that if Jesus was coming back, that they should do nothing and wait on Him. So some became idle...didn't work and the church was having to financially support these people. So I know the origin of the instruction, but this is how God spoke to me:
What is my work? my home...cooking, caring for my husband and children, being a helpmate. I can't mooch off the work that Mitch does to provide for us and sit idly by and enjoy his labor. And this just came to me...my higher calling/job is to spread the gospel. I can't mooch off what Christ did for me and sit idly by while my other Christian brothers/sisters do all the work.

Questions from that book:
1. How do you react to trials, and are you willing to suffer persecution? Do people see your faith?
2. Does your lifestyle encourage laziness in others? What are you doing to further the kingdom? Can you say follow my example?
3. When the good you do doesn't seem appreciated, how do you feel? Who are you doing it for? Will you continue?
4. Is your belief about prophecy from a careful, personal study of the Word, or from what others tell you? Are you easily persuaded by "faddish" teaching?

2 Peter:
*1:5-11, Peter uses an if, then statement. If you have faith, moral excellence, knowledge, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love AND THEY ARE INCREASING, then you be considered useful and fruitful...ensuring that the entrance to the kingdom of God will be given to you in full abundance. Don't we want the entrance to heaven to be opened abundantly for us? We can't be idle...we must always be trying to be better, more for Him!
*Beware of those who follow sensuality, are greedy, daring, self-willed. They are stains...unstable souls who prey off of those who are babies in Christ. They twist scriptures they don't understand. BE SURE...their destruction is coming! But God knows how to save us from these...so pray for rescue! (2 Thessalonians)
*Remember what you have read...there will be a time when you will need it to stay strong under persecution. Continue to read the bible...it serves as a reminder for us. And how am I reminding others of these promises? Peter lived to remind them to be strong...am I doing the same?
*God's word is given to us now so that I can be on guard. These warnings are meant to keep us alert. God only seems to tarry...only because He wants everyone to come to Him. He IS returning...be on guard...be ready.

Questions from that book:
1. What would it take to live your live blamelessly and spotlessly? Are you willing?
2. What do you need to know to be able to detect false teachers? How are you protected?
3. What do you need to do in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ?

Suffering

2010-11-30T09:54:00.002-05:00

1 Thessalonians is the epistle that we just finished in our bible study. You know God is awesome...and always right on time. My heart has been so heavy lately, and so I know that it is no coincidence that 1 and 2 Thessalonians is where we are in our reading right now. Here are only a few of my thoughts from that reading. It isn't much for the blog, but life is crazy, and we do what we can right? Hopefully after Christmas I can get this blogging stuff under control...at least until the baby comes ;)

Suffering...Paul told the Thessalonians that not only had they (Paul, Timothy, and Silas) suffered prior to this visit, and during that visit, that the Thessalonians were also going to suffer. It wasn't a maybe kind of statement, but a confident statement that they should get ready. Then, by the time they got Paul's letter it was happening...and continued to happen. Yet they were faithful, even as new Christians. It made me think...everytime I am going thru a hard time, I just pray to get out of it. Lord, please help me figure this out...help me handle this better. And there is nothing wrong with those prayers, but where is my faith to endure it? I want to sit in it and question it all...wallow in it some, let it fester...but where is the praise? If you haven't heard it yet, please listen to Jennifer Williams song "Hallelujah" It made me think of the Thessalonians...and then how much a joy it is to know that when I am suffering that I CAN call on His name...hallelujah!

I was also caught by the final instructions that Paul gives the Thessalonians in chapter 5:16-22:
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

(Notice that Paul had to tell them to be joyful twice...you have to have a joyful heart to give thanks right? He knew how hard that was. But it is God's will! Wow, fall short there.)

"Don't quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to what which is good; abstain from every form of evil."

There is a lot of meat in those 7 verses!!!
Here are some questions from my bible to think about...
1. Paul pours his life into others that believes will carry on the word of God. Are you doing the same? Sharing what God has done for you with others? What can others imitate in you? Are you an example?
2. Are circumstances in your life difficult? How are you responding? What will others say about your response? Can people imitate your walk with God?
3. Do you pray without ceasing for those in your life who do not know God? Do you boldy approach the Lord for answers to your problems?

Wives be submissive...

2010-10-23T15:17:00.002-04:00

1 Peter
That is what I am reading for the week. I have read chapters 1-3 so far. By Tuesday, I will be finished with this book. I am enjoying this book of the bible better than I did 1-3 John. I don't know if it is just Peter's writing style (my fav is Paul so far), or if it just that God has more for me in this book than in John's at this time in my life.

The 411 on 1 Peter:
It was written to Christians who were being persecuted when Emperor Nero was in power in Rome. Jewish Christians were being scattered throughout Asia Minor (this is from the summary in my life application bible...I am NOT a bible scholar!). Peter wanted encourage these Christians to perservere in their suffering...knowing that suffering for good (only God is good) instead of evil would yield a great reward.

Here are some of the things I have learned...
We are to be like Christ in hard/troubling times. 1 Peter 2:20-25 talks about how Jesus suffered and that He gave us the example of what our attitudes should be when we are persecuted as well. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." It is definitely not human nature to act this way! I know I don't usually, but thank goodness I have the Holy Spirit in me to help me get this straight. I am definitely much better at this than I have been in the past. I accepted Christ when I was in 4th grade, but...well, I don't really think I got it right until a few years ago. And now that I am spending time with God and reading His word, I can truly feel that God is changing my heart and my nature.

Today, I read 1 Peter 3. The first few chapters go with the title of my blog. It is the chapter about wives being submissive to their husbands. The world has really warped this scripture to make it seem like the bible is calling women to be slaves to their husbands....doormats. BUT NO!!!!! That isn't what it is saying at all. If this were true, there would be more language in the bible that is crude toward women, but I haven't seen any yet. No, these scriptures refer to a loving submission...something a woman does because she is honoring God first and then someone else she loves (spouse in this case, but it could be to other friends/family as well). The bible actually says there should be mutual submission, but in this particular reference there is a specific purpose for this statement. In a time of such persecution, women who were Christians in a home where the husband did not know Christ were being persecuted. The bible is saying that a woman's godly behavior could help lead her husband to a knowledge of Christ. God does not want us to do anything against His will...but that if a woman respectfully, reverently loves her husband (all the while doing God's will first) then she may lead her family to God. That behavior would make her beautiful and attractive to him.

That will be hard to understand if you don't know the love of God. I hope you will find it so that you will have a clearer understanding.

Finally, I wanted to ask for prayer for my family and the sweet little baby we are expecting. This will be Turner number 4. We lost Turner #3 when I was 8 weeks. I know I will see that sweet little soul again one day. But you can imagine that I am a little apprehensive now about this pregnancy. I am about 4-5 weeks...maybe 6. I have an ultrasound on Thursday so I'll know for sure then. I know that I feel even better once I pass the 8 week mark, but so far I am actually pretty good. I have a peace about it all. God is in control of this...there is purpose in the life of Turner #3 and #4 :) He knows what is best! But I relish your prayers. God loves when we pray for each other (see this)!

So Sorry I'm a Slacker

2010-10-18T08:19:00.002-04:00

Ok, so again my plan hasn't worked out. It is really difficult to find the time to blog these days...I have another blog (Couples) that I do update regularly. So with that and finding the time to do my quiet time, there really isn't much time left in the day.

I realize that I never put up the reading for this week. I know it's late if you want to keep up, but I'll put up this past week's and the upcoming week as well. That way I'm safe if I don't get back on here for a while.
Here it is:
This past week: the rest of 1 John and all of 2 John (only 12 verses)
This coming week: 3 John (another short one chapter book) and 1 Peter chapters 1-4
Remember, you should leave two days open to review what you have read/learned from the reading. We write down specific verses, thoughts, questions in a journal and then get together and share what we have on Tuesdays.

Here are some of the things I have learned from this past week:
1 John 3:1 How awesome is it that I am called a child of the creator of the universe?? That is no small thing! I am not some little ant that he looks down on from the heavens. My big, incredible God calls me His child. That is a special love.

v. 16 Jesus showed us the definition of love when He laid down His life for us. Am I dying to myself for others? That is how I should live. Less of me, more of Him...therefore more of others.

v.22 If my conscience is clear (I've asked for forgiveness of my sins and I am walking in His will) then I can be confident that He will answer my prayers.

1 John 4
v.6 A false teacher is well received by non-Christians. Why? They say what itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). As a Christian, popularity is not the goal and it is rarely the result of speaking the truth.

v. 13 The closer I draw to God the more aware I am of His Spirit. I hear Him talking to me...usually at unexpected times. I understand things I didn't know I knew. It's amazing. Thank you, Lord, for your promises!

v18. Perfect love drives out fear. Fear has to do with punishment. In Jesus, I am absolved from punishment. He is my ransom. And He is love...His love IS perfect. So, why fear? Fear is not from God. He is driving out fear. If our God is for us, then who can stand against? Whom then shall I fear?

I haven't read the other two chapters yet. If I have another chance, I'll blog more. But, um, again, don't hold your breath :)

Here I Am :)

2010-10-10T19:02:00.006-04:00

Ok so my plan didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it to this week...but here I am nonetheless. I really hope you weren't holding your breath :)

Sooo...what is new with me? As you know, well most of you do anyway, I am a stay at home mommy now. I love it! I'm so thankful that God has allowed for us to be able to do this. I love that my pressing responsibilities are to my family and my extended church family...not to faculty meetings, lesson plans, etc. Don't get me wrong, I loved my job and maybe one day I'll go back, but I'm good right now.

My current endeavor is reading through the bible...well, actually the New Testament for now. I was challenged by author/pastor David Platt when I read his book Radical. He challenges people to read through the entire bible in a year. I have never done this. Now again, I'm only reading through the New Testament right now. I found a reading plan called the 5x5x5 plan. You read one chapter a day of a book for five days and then two days you reflect back on all that you have read. There is a group of girls doing this with me. And let me tell you...

IT IS AMAZING!!!!

I feel closer to God just by reading His word. I feel a little different...more confident in struggles, more in tune to what He wants, more aware of what I do wrong and what I should change about myself. I love hearing what the other girls are learning as well. It is a sweet, sweet time...both my time with the word and with those girls. It has also been amazing how the books that I am reading go right along with the lessons Mitch and I have been teaching on Sundays in lifegroup...and I love that feeling that I have actually read the very scripture he is referencing during the sermon. Yay God! You are awesome!

I made the decision to do this because I want to be more intention about sharing my faith with others. And I need to have a clear picture of what God wants, how He feels, etc to do that effectively. That is the point after all...to learn so that the knowledge can be shared. I also have a really bad habit of reading a lot of GREAT books on the bible, but I am only getting someone's view/interpretation of the bible...not hearing what God is saying to me directly.

Maybe you would like to read along with us? Here is the plan for this week. We actually meet on Tuesday nights, so this week's time is almost up, but just in case you are curious...and hopefully, on my reflection days I will have a chance to post up some of the things God is pointing out to me. Here is the plan for this past week...
2 Timothy 4 - Paul gives Timothy a charge to preach the Word and fulfill his ministry to the end, speaks of his love for his brothers/sisters in faith

Titus:
Written by Paul to Titus who was working with the churches on the island of Crete. The purpose was for Titus to be advised in his responsibility to supervise the churches
chapter 1: talks of new leaders Titus should appoint, pastoral qualifications
2: how to relate to ppl of varying ages, teach with courage and conviction
3: avoiding divisive arguments

1 John:
Written by John to various churches, written from Ephesus...it is a general letter written to reassure Christians in their faith and to counter false teachings. John was older when he wrote this, but had not been sent to Patmos yet. He speaks with a different authority than Paul, because he actually walked and talked with Jesus.
chapter 1: states his reason for writing, presents God as light and talks of how believers can walk in the light/have fellowship with God

I'll have this week's reading up soon!

Don't hold your breath, but...

2010-10-06T16:12:00.002-04:00

I plan to return to blogging! I promise! I just have to figure out when I'm going to do it. :( I have an idea. So we will see if I follow through...stay tuned...like, tomorrow maybe...we'll see.

New Blog

2010-09-14T16:19:00.001-04:00

Check out the new couples blog for Taylors First!
www.tfbccouples.blogspot.com

Storm Warning by Billy Graham

2010-07-21T09:36:00.004-04:00

I am just about finished reading this book...a few pages left. I have truly enjoyed reading it, and I have learned soo much about the book of Revelation. This is the first time I have ever read any of Billy Graham's books. I love his style of writing. His words of warning echo what God has been telling this world for a long time.

I really enjoyed reading about the four horsemen of the apocalypse. I have never read through the book of Revelation before...just pieces and sections. But I decided to read along with Mr. Graham as he described what John saw on the island of Patmos. I had heard of the horsemen, but this was my first encounter with them. I appreciate how Mr. Graham laid out what John saw as it relates to the warnings we have missed in the past, the world today, and what is yet to come. I have been reading this book along with, Radical by David Platt (you can read summaries of those chapters here). Both of these books have inspired me to look at my spiritual walk a little harder. There is so much that I need to do to not only prepare myself for His return, but to prepare those around me that do not know Him yet.

If you are confused about things to come or about the book of Revelation, I highly recommend this book. Mr. Graham does an awesome job of clearly explaining the visions that John saw. This book is a revision...in case you have read it before...it is updated to reflect current events. Thanks, Jodi, for the opportunity to read it. I hope many others will read it and feel as inspired as I am to help hold off those horsemen just a little bit longer!

Here is an excerpt from the book:
INTRODUCTION

We . . . will be swept up . . . into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
—I THESSALONIANS 4:17 PHILLIPS

Sitting on the porch one summer evening with my son Franklin, we talked about Ruth’s passing just weeks before. We felt her absence. She loved evenings like that, especially when a storm was gathering in the distance. The gentle breeze began to whistle; the tree limbs started to sway. Franklin and I listened to the powerful sounds of nature and watched the squirrels scramble for cover. Stretching for miles from my log home on the side of the hill overlooking the Swannanoa Valley, we saw lightning bolts pierce the clouds, their razor tips striking the mountain peaks, and the rumble of thunder sporadically cracking like dynamite on the Fourth of July.

As we studied the Carolina sky, we talked about the storms of life. As I reflected back to my childhood, I thought about the enormous changes I have seen in our country and around the world. The world I once knew as a boy has changed dramatically . . . I don’t even recognize the world we live in today.

The world we are experiencing in the first decade of the twenty-first century is vastly different from the security of my childhood, when everyone—including the children—worked hard all day and had no difficulty falling asleep at night. I have not seen such widespread anxiety and depression in people’s hearts as I do today. While battles rage around the world and storms gather in the human spirit, depression steals rest from our souls. “Depression” today not only describes the hard economic state of affairs sweeping our world but the human state of mind. I see this unfolding phenomenon as one of the many storm clouds hovering over a lost and dying world. Their thunderbolts can grip our hearts with indescribable fear. Our society is caught up in a powerful windstorm that has already caused massive destruction, with the full impact yet to come.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported that antidepressants are now the most prescribed drugs in the United States. In an interview on CNN, one physician stated, “It’s hard to believe that [so many] people are depressed, or that antidepressants are the answer.” I agree with this wise doctor. Drugs are not the answer to man’s troubled condition. There is only one answer to the travail of this present age, and it is found in the ageless pages of God’s Word, the Bible.

I was first compelled to write Storm Warning in 1992, following the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and the Gulf War. Trouble brewing in the Middle East especially heightened interest in what the Bible had to say about the end days. People began to wonder if there might really be something to the ancient prophecies spoken by God’s prophets, and confirmed by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture speaks of earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars, and warns us with urgency to prepare for the storms to come. The Bible says, “Be on your guard—see to it that your minds are never clouded.” “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen . . . [the] gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world, . . . and then the end will come” (Luke 21:34 Phillips; Matthew 24:6, 14 NIV).

Now, at ninety-one years old, I believe the storm clouds are darker than they have ever been. The world has dramatically changed. This book has been revised and updated to encompass recent events—some that literally dropped out of the sky, warning a distracted nation and a mute world of impending doom.

Just as a laser pen helps focus attention on vital aspects of a business presentation, in this book I hope to use God’s Word—His laser beam—to shed light on His revealed plan to save the human race from the explosive clouds rumbling through our world. Benevolent hands reach down from heaven to offer us the most hopeful warning and remedy: “Prepare to meet your God.”

—Billy Graham
Montreat, North Carolina
February 2010

Rollercoasters

2010-04-29T11:45:00.002-04:00

I love roller coasters. I used to hate them...fear them. I was content to ride the kiddie rides....unconcerned about what my peers may think of me for doing so. It wasn't until high school, on a field trip with my school, that I decided to start riding (yes, under immense peer pressure). I loved it. Now, I tell students that go on similar field trips with me not to get in my group unless they want to ride...or else they'll just be telling me about how scared they are as they top the hill of The Mindbender. Harsh, I know.

But I have never been a fan of the emotional roller coaster. The trip down that hill is not exhilarating, does not catch my stomach, but it does catch my breath. The climb up the hill is painstakingly slow and agonizing, mainly because you fear there is just another 50 foot drop just around the bend. Even worse is when you feel like you are own solid, level ground...the track seems to be leading you home, but then wham! The track was deceptive and took you through a corkscrew...

That is how I feel. Man. I had come to terms with my miscarriage. I understood (and still do by the way) that God was in control, had His hand on me, and that He was sparing me from something I may never know. I went into the doctor on Monday...just routine to check my hormone levels...make sure they are going down the way they should with a miscarriage. But they had not gone down...they went up. I was called in for another ultrasound to make sure there was/wasn't a heartbeat, to make sure the pregnancy wasn't ectopic. There was no heartbeat. So I was back where I had started. That may seem like it wouldn't be a big deal, but having to do the ultrasound again....not sure what would be there, and then being told that I needed to have a D&C because my body isn't miscarrying properly. Just an emotional roller coaster.

BUT, I do not want to end this blog this way. I am sad. Ugh. Sometimes angry...though I don't have a reason for it, so must be hormones. I'm not mad at anyone. Sometimes lonely. Sometimes just tired. Sometimes numb. Sometimes I feel like I'm a failure at everything, but DO NOT worry about me. It is natural for me to feel these things...normal even to medical standards, but they will not consume me. I know that no matter how low the low is or how high the high is, my God is with me at every stop. He holds my tears in His hands, He carries me up the hills, He understands my anger, He numbs the pain, He makes me rest, He never leaves my side, and as we pass through that corkscrew He encourages me to hold on to Him even tighter...the way He has me. I love Him, and I praise Him in this storm! It is an act of my will, yes, but I choose it because He knows the end. He knows what He will do for, and in, and through me...and His ending is better than any I'd pick for myself.

The emotional roller coaster sucks. God never said it would be easy, but wow, I can't imagine how much harder it would be without Him. If I didn't have my Healer, my Strong Tower, my Best Friend, my Peace Speaker...how much harder the ride would be!

Help Mommies!

2010-02-18T11:01:00.002-05:00

Hi there friends! It has been soooo very long since I blogged. Life is crazy...but I seem to type that every time I blog. Ah well.

I wanted to get some advice from some stay at home mommies on how you guys run your days...schedules, ideas (cheap things to do with kids), etc. I have decided to stay at home next year, and I just wanted to hear from some people who know their way around this block. I'd appreciate anything you can share!

Friday...phew

2009-12-04T08:27:00.003-05:00

Wow, this has been another crazy week. Surely life is going to calm down soon. I feel like every time I post up a blog there is something sad going on...well, for the last few weeks there has been. I posted a blog about this earlier this week...please read that blog. I know a lot of people stop by on Fridays, so I really want the message to get out. Check it out.

Also, my good buddy, Jana, took pictures of my family on Saturday. They are really good. Take a look at those as well. Thanks, Jana, for sending some joy :)

Our Christmas program at church is this weekend. I am excited. Pray that all of us stay healthy through the run of the show! If you are in town, try to come and see it. Friday and Saturday @ 7, Sunday @ 3p at Taylors First Baptist.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Chainless

2009-12-01T11:39:00.003-05:00

My sweet friend, Tiffany, beat me to the blog today. Please read her blog about our dear friend, Melissa Page Strange.

But, I decided to blog, too...I wanted to say how sad I am, but that I'm thankful I'm not as sad as I could be. Melissa struggled in life. This world can hand us some really awful stuff. I know that my family has been surrounded by death recently. We are a bit overwhelmed. I deal with my own demons on a daily basis...Satan attempts to knock out my teeth everyday. I know that the Page's and the Strange's are being attacked by sadness, guilt, anger...natural emotions, but it just adds to the struggle and groaning in our hearts.

But yesterday, I told my friend Delecta that death is only hard for the people left behind. Then, I corrected myself and said that was only true, though, if you were a believer. You see, Melissa struggled in this world, but now she is chainless. Those things that held her down are gone. My heart finds peace in that. I know that I will see her again someday. Her life ended to abruptly. I know there was so much that God could have done for and through Melissa, and He never would have wanted her to meet Him this way. But He has forgiven her, and she is cuddled up with her creator now. Probably helping St. Peter look through the names in the Book of Life. :)

Imagine, our sadness though, if she did not know Christ as her Saviour. Her struggles in this world would have been a mere pin prick compared to the hell that is...well, Hell. There in only sorrow there, constant striving, constant thirst and nothing to quench it, constant pain, neverending suffering...and the nagging thought that one should have listened to the story of the man who died on that tree to save us from such despair...simply because He loves us. Why would we choose to leave this cold world to enter one that is worse than where we left?

Please, if anything can come from death, let it be eternal life. Even if one person comes to know my sweet Jesus, just one, I know it will make heaven rejoice, but it will especially set Melissa's feet to dancing. Don't you want to know that this life may suck sometimes, but there is hope...it is all worth the end result, if you know Him. Don't you want to be chainless?

Coffee...wow, it has been a while.

2009-11-13T10:31:00.004-05:00

Hi ladies...
I don't have long. I have a few minutes left of my planning time, and I thought I'd stop and hello. I don't have any coffee left. It is 10:32am, so I have only a swallow left in my coffee cup. I've already switched to cold caffeine (that is such weird word to type).

I still don't feel like life it back to normal yet. Some of you probably read my last post...that my mother-in-law died pretty suddenly two weeks ago...it doesn't seem like it was two weeks ago. Anyway, life has been crazy. So many lose ends need to be tied...so much going on at church...kids, marriage. It all can be so overwhelming, but I'm so thankful for my family, friends, and church. They have all been so sweet and supportive. I can't imagine life without any of them.

That includes all you wonderful ladies, too. I hate that I have been so preoccupied. I haven't done any small things, but I have stopped by to breathe in some of Rachel Anne's awesomeness :) She always picks me up. Thanks for stopping by, and I'll try to make sure there isn't such a lull between visits next time!

Seems like forever...

2009-11-03T08:31:00.002-05:00

Wow...it has been a while since I posted. Life has been a little crazy...sad and stressful. My mother-in-law passed away pretty suddenly Sunday before last, and I just haven't had a moment to think or write. I still don't know much to say about anything right now. I do have some advice, however...please make sure you know where all of your parents' insurance info, will, etc is. And make sure you and your spouse know where all that stuff is kept as well. It is no fun to be searching for it!

Please pray for Mitch...he is having a lot of trouble, especially since we are getting into the holidays.

I'll write more later!

432 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA

2009-10-13T10:59:00.004-04:00

Mitch and I took one of those ghost tours in Savannah, GA this past week. I like to hear all the crazy stories. This was the first house we stopped at. Look at how spooky the house looks...it wasn't this dark out, I don't think. I had my flash on, but it still came out like an Alfred Hitchcock picture. Spooky.

A Turning Point

2009-10-06T20:02:00.005-04:00

What you DO says more about what you believe about God than what you say.

Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

"God's invitation to work with Him always leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. How you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God." - Henry Blackaby

A crisis of belief is a time when you either choose to go God's way or your way. It is usually an uncomfortable feeling, because you are letting go of control.

*Joshua 6:1-5 Joshua had to believe that marching around the city of Jericho with an army of people would make the walls fall down.
*Judges 6:33, 7:1-8 Gideon had to believe he could win a battle with only 300 men.
*1 Chronicles 14:8-16 David had to believe that God would deliver his enemies to him
*Matthew 17:24-27 Simon had to trust that coins would be in the fish's mouth.

In all the instances, the men didn't just believe it...they had to go and DO what God said. Not just say, "Aww, look. God just told me something that might work. I'll think about it." They just DID it. The last one caught my attention. If Jesus had told my daughter that if she would go fishing that she would catch a fish and in its mouth would be four coins...she would have grabbed the rod and went running to the water. She would be so excited, because that would be such an awesome thing!! That is why we are called to have faith like a child. I'd like to say that I would have sprinted to the water to catch a fish, in awe already of what God was about to show me. But, more than likely, I would have walked to the water, shaking my head thinking...yeah, right. Thankfully, Simon had more faith than me. I believe that if he had doubted that what Jesus said was true, he would not have caught that fish with the coins. Jesus would have called him that pet name he had for the disciples..."oh ye of little faith" (that's from Jimmy Evans), and then Jesus would have caught the fish himself. God chooses to only do what we believe He can do (read Unlimiting God by Richard Blackaby).

We tend to only see a crisis as a major turning point or devastating moment in our lives. But crisis comes from the word decision...don't we make decisions every day?
So what guides you? God...who is infallible, unchanging, always faithful, all-knowing, truth or you...who is flawed, limited, doubtful, searching? Why not ask the One who already knows the answer? But when you do, you cannot be content that God spoke to you. His advice is not meant to be pondered, but carried out. We can't talk about how wonderful He is, when we haven't followed His commands to even know just how wonderful and sovereign He is. It is not enough to know that He spoke. We have to do what He asks. And His ways are ALWAYS right.

I thought this song was appropriate for this devotion. Did you follow God so closely today that He can sign His name at the end of your day?

Jesus loved Judas

2009-09-30T14:02:00.003-04:00

I didn't do Experiencing God today. I did my quiet time from the reflection section from Heart Talk (Mom to Mom study at Taylors). The scripture focus was John 13:1-17.

Our lesson today was on servanthood. How, as mothers and wives, we are to have the servant's heart...like Christ when He came to serve the world. Jacquie said that Jesus removing his garments was symbolic of Him removing things of Himself to serve others (the way we should do...die to ourselves to serve others). I liked that!

However, God told me something different today. I shared this with the group today, but I thought I'd blog it today. God keeps stirring it in my heart. I have been praying from Stormie Omartian's book The Power of a Praying Parent. One of the prayers asks God to reveal any rebellion or deceit in my child so that they can be exposed and made right. God is faithful to do this for me. He reveals things to me all the time that O-wee has done. But I learned today that though He is answering that prayer, I am not responding the way He wants me to.

Verse 2 of that passage says says "The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus." Jesus knew what Judas was about to do. He knew the rebellion and deceit in Judas's heart, but Jesus did not yell, He did not put His finger in Judas's face...He did not send Judas away. Jesus loved Judas. He told Judas that He knew what was planned...obviously Judas knew who Jesus was talking about. The plan had been set in motion, but Jesus wanted to love Judas. Jesus wanted Judas to change his heart...it was up to Judas to change. God was glorified in that moment. No doubt the other disciples would remember what Jesus said and wonder why Jesus didn't rebuke Judas and send him away...but then they would remember how Jesus still loved him. I want my children to remember that I love them. I can tell them I know they have made bad choices...or continue to do things that I try to tell them are wrong, and though I can't control their choices, I can control how I react to their sin (God reacts so lovingly to mine every day). I am so thankful that God reveals Himself to me (Truth), but I need reveal His love even when their decisions are not the best.

The Truth of Your Circumstances

2009-09-29T19:31:00.003-04:00

Luke 7:11-17 If the widow had been asked what the truth of her situation was she would have said her son was dead. But when Jesus - who is the Truth - came, He gave life to her son. And the people believed He was God, because Jesus revealed Himself as Truth.

I am...the truth. John 14:6

We never know the truth of our situations until we hear from the Truth - God.

John 6:1-15 The disciples would have said truth was that they had not enough money/food to feed the multitude. There was one boy who had enough to feed only a few. Jesus asked Phillip where to buy bread because he was testing his faith...did he believe in the circumstance or the Truth? The Truth, Jesus, showed there was a way. When He revealed Himself the people's faith grew. They believed.

What can I do for God? How can I be a better mother, wife, friend, servant? I can't believe the circumstance. I believe in the Truth, who is my Lord and Savior! Thank you, Lord, that truth is not some random thought that changes with circumstances. The Truth is alive and always unchanging...because You are the truth. Please continue to reveal Yourself to me. Truth is not relative. Truth IS Christ!

God speaks through circumstances

2009-09-28T20:00:00.002-04:00

John 5:19 I tell you the truth. The Son can do nothing by Himself. He can only do what He sees His father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son does also.

Are you having a Job kind of day? Or month, year, decade? When you can't trace God's hand remember, He loves you and that will NOT change. It is difficult to see His purpose in the middle of a trial so ask Him to let you see what He is doing from His perspective. Wait on the Holy Spirit to speak. Adjust your life to what He tells you. Do what He says. Experience God.

Lord, please help me to see Your purpose in my daily struggles. I thank You that nothing major has happened in our life at this time (and please protect us from those types of crisis) but my daily struggles can sometimes feel so debilitating. Show me Your purpose. I want to do Your will.

Sunday, Hallelujah!

2009-09-27T22:05:00.002-04:00

I love Sundays! We have such a wondeful, loving church! I look forward to being there. I was there pretty much all day today. I was there for praise team at 8:15am through church and sunday school. Then, I had practice for the Christmas recording from 12-2. Then, back at the church for praise team at 5:30, and then sang at 6...was there til 7:30. But I enjoyed all of the time I spent there today.

I also went out to eat with some new friends after church. We met up with Matt and Jennifer Tapp. I didn't get to talk to them all that much because G-man was really tired and grumpy, but it was fun to get to know them a little better. They have some really sweet kids!

My husband is on his way home from the lake. Someone drove into the lake...I haven't heard the story yet, but I'm assuming they did it on purpose. Sad...and such an awful way to go.

Well, I just wanted to share my thoughts. Back to the daily grind tomorrow. I hope G-man sleeps in...

God Speaks Through Prayer

2009-09-22T15:21:00.003-04:00

Hello all. Again, I have been a slacker. This time though, I dropped the ball on actually doing my devotion. I have been struggling...normal mom/wife/woman struggles...the desire to do my best and feeling like I fail. Trying to juggle life...feeling stressed. I came across the song that is playing...I am going to be singing it at Mom 2 Mom at church in a couple of Wednesdays....if I can get through it without crying. I love it, because it reminds me of who God is for me and that whatever I need Him to be, He has already said "I Am." Beautiful.
Below is my bible study today:

The Holy Spirit reveals truth. Truth is not some thing to be studied, but truth, to us, is a person...Jesus Christ, God. The Holy Spirit is leading you to a relationship with that person.

Romans 8:26-27 We need the help of the Holy Spirit because we are weak and don't know what we should pray for. The Holy Spirit knows God's will and can search our hearts to best intercede for us. The Holy Spirit speaks to God - asking for things we need.

The Holy Spirit leads us to a scripture and we pray over it. The truth of that scripture is revealed to us. We adjust to that truth, and God works through us for His purpose.

God has shown me in this study some truths about His character and how He works. I have had to adjust my previous understandings, and I've been able to share these truths with others. I have gotten confirmation from things we have studied in bible study through sermons...that I am understanding the nature of God.

Romans 8:26-27 God causes in me the desire to pray. I love that thought. It is comforting to know that God leads me and even tells me what to pray. I have missed this encounter with God many times. I have clearly head Him telling me to stop and go pray, but I let life distract me. Now, I understand that when I feel that, it is not my own thought. That desire is coming from God and I should pray and encounter Him at that moment. Lord, please keep urging me and nudging me. Thank you for loving me so much that You so clearly lead me where I'd never go on my own.

God Speaks by the Holy Spirit

2009-09-15T11:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry I slacked off yesterday :( I felt out of sync all day. But I'm back on track today!!

John 8:47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is because you do not belong to God.

Everything Jesus said was a word from God. God used to speak through the prophets, but then He spoke through His son, Jesus. "When Jesus spoke, that was an encounter with God" -- Henry Blackaby

God spoke through prophets in the old testament. He spoke through Christ in the gospels. In Acts to the present, He speaks through the Holy Spirit. I hear His voice because I know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. God's timing is the moment He speaks.

Looking back on this study, the general themes of my prayer responses are to continue building my relationship with God. To keep seeking Him and being open to His purposes for me. Except for a couple of skipped days, I believe I have done this. I read one thing that I have not done, and I will do it today if I still feel that urging from the Holy Spirit. My greatest spiritual challenge is my relationship with O-wee. I am tried at every angle. I feel that God is holding back from me until I get it right.

"If God speaks and you hear but do not respond, a time could come when you will not hear His voice." --Henry Blackaby
I do NOT want this. I have been there. Lord, please help me to not only know Your commands, but to obey them --the moment You reveal them. The moment You reveal Yourself to me IS the time to respond. I do not want to delay my actions because I'm talking to You about the whys and why nots...I need to just do what You say. I do not want to be apart from Your voice.

Knowing Where God Is At Work

2009-09-09T07:59:00.005-04:00

Only God can draw us to Himself.

John 14:15-17 If we love and obey Christ, He will give us a Counselor/the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit will live with us.

John 14:26 The Holy Spirit will teach and remind me of all Christ has said.

John 16:8 The Spirit will convict us of our sin.

Things Only God Can Do:
1. Draw His people to Himself
2. Cause His people to seek Him
3. Reveal His truth to us
4. Convict us of sin
5. Convict us of righteousness
6. Convict us of judgement
When you see these things happening around you, you'll know God is working. I need to pray for God to reveal what I should do next.

Isaiah 46:11 What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.
What God speaks will come to pass! Lord, help me to not grow weary in well doing. I know where You are working in some areas. Help me to continue to be open to what I should do. I may not even see the results in my lifetime, but what You have begun You will complete. I praise You for that truth! I will continue to watch and pray.

Scripture Memory:
John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by the Father, and I too will love him and reveal myself to him.

Prayers:
Delecta's sister
President, world leaders, governments (see Presidential Prayer Team)

Experiencing God

2009-09-08T19:16:00.003-04:00

I took a break from blogging over the Labor Day holiday...I'm back now. I did do my devotion, but just didn't want to type it up.

Today's study:
God created the world, but He did not leave it alone to function. God is not absent. People do not decide what is "good" to do and do what they choose calling it God's will. God involves people in His work. He always takes the initiative to involve people in His work.

Jesus knew what work to do, because He saw what the Father was already doing and joined Him. For me to see God's work, I must be in an intimate relationship with Him and He has to open my "spiritual eyes" to see what He is doing.

"God must take the initiative to open your spiritual eyes, so you can see what He is doing." God will open my eyes, when He deems me ready for that spiritual sight. Oh, I hope I'm ready! Lord, I feel you drawing me in...allowing me to see some tings, but I want more! I know that I need to deepen my relationship with You so I can see more. Please continue to give me that thirst for You. I will pray even more for this.

Prayer Requests:
Delecta's sister, H1N1
Kym
Missionaries

Praise Him

2009-09-03T17:07:00.003-04:00

There wasn't really anything for me to write today for my bible study. I was to spend my time this morning just praising God...His name! It was a beautiful time. I wanted to share the song that is playing. I was asked to learn it for church in a couple of Sundays, and it means so much to me right now. It has been playing over and over in my head all day. I hope you enjoy it.

Ugh, strike that. I couldn't find it. When I do, I'll put it up!

What do you call God?

2009-09-02T08:54:00.004-04:00

Genesis 22:1-18 God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Abraham did not question God. He just got up to obey. He trusted that God would provide. God did provide a ram instead, and Abraham named God "The Lord will Provide." Because of Abraham's obedience to God, God told Abraham He would bless him and make his descendants many.

God was working in Abraham to make him the father of a great nation. God spoke to Abraham. He needed to know to what extent Abraham would obey Him, so God invited Abraham to a test of faith/obedience - a sacrifice of his only son. The test was a crisis of belief for Abraham, but he adjusted his life to God. God provided a ram and Abraham learned a new name for God from that experience. He learned he could trust God to provide.

What is my name for God? Restorer.
I have felt that part of God's character all my life. Sometimes it is that He has restored me when I walked away from Him to go my own way. Other times He has restored relationships that are now dear tome. Most recently though, He is restoring my love for Him, my faith in Him...my joy in Him. He brings me back to experience His love more and more everyday.

Other names I know of God from my experience with Him:
comforter in sorrow (Jer. 8:18), Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:16), Strong deliverer ( Ps. 140:7), Father (Isa. 64:8), sure foundation (Isa. 28:16), God Almighty (Gen. 17:1), guide (Ps. 48:14)...there are many more!

I will know God more intimately as He reveals Himself through my experience with Him. Lord, I want to know who You are. I want to have thousands of new names for You as You reveal Yourself to me. I need to experience You and abide in You for that to happen. Please stay in my heart and continue to grow my relationship with You.

Scripture Memory:
John 14:21 He who has my commands and obeys them is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by the Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

Prayer Request:
Ladies Bible Study tomorrow
US Government and world leaders (see Presidental Prayer team for specific needs)

A Real, Personal Relationship with God

2009-09-01T12:08:00.003-04:00

Can a person really have a personal relationship with God?

Genesis 30:20-21 Even in their sin, Adam and Eve were naked so God clothed them.

Genesis 16:1-13 God saw Hagar and her needs.

1 Kings 3:5-13, 4:29-30 God gave Solomon what He asked for so that he could serve God's people better.

Mark 6:7-13 God gave the disciples the power, His power, to do many miracles and led people to Him.

Acts 12:1-17 God spared Peter from Herod, answered the prayers of the church

Revelation 1:9-20 God spoke to John and asked John to write down the vision he saw so that John could share it with others.

Yes, it is possible. He has always had personal relationships with His children. I know God is real and wants a relationship with me. When I first started doing my bible study (making it a definite daily habit) I knew the need but often lacked the motivation. Now, I can't go without it. God has given me a longing to know Him and learn what He has to say (God did it...not me...see yesterday's blog). I also can feel Him speaking through me much more. I feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, I recall scripture to help me in my own circumstances as well as when I'm talking to others. I hear Him.

God is always working around me. God desires me and pursues a personal relationship with ME. I'm still in awe of that. Me. Who am I? Alone, I'm nothing, but He loves me and just wants my time...my love, my life. Amazing.

"God's plan to advance His kingdom depends on His working through His relationship with His people." - Henry Blackaby Does that mean God can't accomplish His work alone? Of course not, but He CHOOSES to do it through His people because of His desire for fellowship with His people. I don't want to limit God's work because I have a shallow relationship with Him. I don't want Him to look past me when He needs someone to do His work because He doesn't find me willing and open. Lord, search my heart. Remove those things that keep me from You. Know that I want to be Your witness. Shine on me and let Your love speak through me. I will continue my study and keep my time with You...with Your help and grace.

Prayers:
Ladies' Bible Study on Thursday
My committee position for the SBC
Daddy, school and football, church work
Momma, stress at work
Rusty, Amanda and Connor safety, guidance
Pat health
Grandparents health, blessings
Donna, Elliot, Eric guidance
All other family members to know Him, safety, answered prayers

God Pursues a Love Relationship

2009-08-31T12:24:00.004-04:00

Matthew 16:13-17 God revealed to Peter that Christ was the son of the living God.

Deuteronomy 30:6 God will remove the parts of our hearts that hinder us from loving Him so that we will love Him and abide in Him.

Luke 10:22 God reveals Himself to us by choice.

John 15:16 God chooses us to work for Him and show others the love He gives.

Philippians 2:13 God moves in us - spurring us on to do His will.

1 John 3:16 We are shown love through Christ's death.

Revelation 3:20 He will come to fellowship with us.

God ALWAYS pursues a love relationship with me. Isn't that amazing? The creator of the world wants to love me, talk to me, make me better...more like Him...He WANTS me to be more like Him. He is the creator of the world. Don't you find that crazy and beautiful at the same time?!?!?!

"God determined to love me. Apart from that I would never have become a Christian." He chooses to love all of us. Despite who we are, what we've done...He just wants us to turn away from all of that and focus on Him. He chose me. Of course, we all have a choice to respond to His love or not. But I believe He will pursue you, even though you look away, He loves you enough to make His presence known. How do I know? In the bible, God's people constantly turned their backs on Him, but He always came to their rescue (yes, there was discipline) because He loved them so much. Thank you, Lord, for loving me...for always loving me, even in my most unlovable state. Thank you for continuing to draw me close to You and for captivating me with Your love. I pray that You would fill me to overflowing with that love so I can love others the way You do. Move in me to act according to Your will and let my life be a reflection of You so that others will recognize Your calling. I want to be a vessel that You can use to bring others to You.

Scripture Memory:
Matthew 22:37-38 And Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

Prayer Requests:
Kym, she's getting better :)
Bonnie's sister
Katie to find a job
God's leading in my life
Missionaries all over the world
Evangelism
3rd worship service at Taylors

For Marli Claire

2009-08-29T11:31:00.002-04:00

We saw the pictures of your crayon surprise and decided we just had to have some, too! Here are pictures of G...no, he didn't write his name or draw the flower. G-man would rather bang the crayon on the paper than to color. We had lots of fun :)

PS We are looking forward to our play date :)

Company Girl Coffee

2009-08-28T07:46:00.003-04:00

My quiet time has to be done later today, because it requires me to take a walk with God and talk with Him somewhere new. I'll have to post up that experience later. I think I'll go to the park.

We have a busy weekend planned. Right now, we can't decide what to do tonight. My dad's first home football game is this evening...maybe that. Or start painting the upstairs bathroom. I begin a bible study next Thursday night at our house. I am excited. There are 11 ladies joining us, and we are reading Every Woman's Marriage by Shannon Ethridge. My husband says he wants to make sure all the women feel comfortable in our bathroom, and he doesn't think they will in its current state. So, since the study starts on Thursday...we should probably start. If you have the book or would like to get it and follow along, I can send you the discussion notes/questions if you get me your email!

Saturday, our life group class is going to Frankie's Fun Park in Greenville. That should be fun! I hope the weather will be nice, but I guess we can all blow our cash in the arcade if it isn't!

Sunday, we have a life group leader kick-off meeting at church. Richard Blackaby, the author of my favorite book, will be speaking to us. I can't wait to listen to him. He is such an awesome man of God and a great motivator/speaker!
What are you up to?

A Love Relationship with God

2009-08-27T20:23:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the late post. On Thursday mornings, Mitch goes to Taylors FBC for Men's Fraternity @ 6am. So, though I got up this morning to do my bible study...I didn't have the chance with a 9 year old, a 18 month old, and a mommy to get ready alone in the morning. Not to mention that I had to put dinner in the crockpot (corned beef and cabbage). I finally have a moment now ;)

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot sere both God and Money.

That verse is always used with money...but anything can be your other master. Riches, man's approval, fame, work, children, spouse, t.v., or any hobby that competes with Jesus. Do I really want to love Jesus with all my heart?

It is amazing to me that I can get up to spend my time with God in the morning...and need it so much, love it so much...feel lost if I can't get to it first thing. But then, my attitude and actions make all that time with God seem worthless. I know it isn't and that God is working on me all the time, but I don't act like I respect any of the things He is telling me...sometimes I act so poorly just seconds after I say amen. I get so frustrated! Thank goodness He loves me anyway.

God created me for eternity. Instead of always looking back on what I've done, God is looking ahead to what I will be...what He is molding me to be. I don't need to wallow in my mistakes. I need to learn from them, yes, but then look to God for what His next step/lesson may be. I don't need to complain about the cards I've been dealt, but I do need to stop and listen to what God is doing through those circumstances. In Philippians 3:4-14, Paul was locked in jail for preaching the gospel. Instead of complaining and living in a pity party, he found joy in his circumstances...and God used that time for Paul to write the letters that are now books of the bible. Paul realized that nothing mattered around him except loving God. That love gave him everything he needed. EVERYTHING. Matthew 6:31-33

I want to let my present be molded/shaped by what I will become in Christ. Lord, show me where I have placed value on things that will pass away. I want to make whatever adjustments to my life/schedule to show you that I love You and that my life is focused on eternity. Help me always love You...even when loving You sends me to difficult places. I need to seek You first...Your love, Your approval, Your words, Your guidance, Your wisdom, Your work...then all my needs will be provided for (Matthew 6:31-35).

Created for a Love Relationship

2009-08-26T07:52:00.005-04:00

God pursues a love relationship with me that is real and personal. Matthew 22:37-38 tells us that we are to pursue that relationship as well.

The Lord is my life (Deut. 30:19-20a). He gave His one and only son for me (John 3:16). If I love Christ, then God loves me (John 14:21). I show my love for Him by obeying His word (John 14:21) and by dying to myself for others (1 John 3:16). He will never leave me (Romans 8:35, 37, 39). God loved ME first - then I loved Him (1 John 4:9-10, 19)

"Everything in my Christian life, everything about knowing Him and experiencing Him, everything about knowing His will, depends on the quality of my love relationship to God" --Henry Blackaby
Lord, I go to church when the doors open and I do my best to learn from You every day - but I know it is not about quantity. You want to talk to me all the time, but I need to make sure I provide quality time/conversation. Not hurrying, not just looking for some devotional though to make me feel good, but a serious, quality, heart to heart with You. God wants me to find my reward in simply knowing Him more (I've been singing Audience of One for days now). I need to love Him with all my heart, mind, and soul...find my joy and strength in how He loves me.

Scripture Memory:
Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38
Matthew 6:33-34
Psalm 20:7

Prayer Requests:
Visit the Presidental Prayer Team website to find out how to pray for our leaders today!

PS This is for Kara over at KSS. My sweet puppy Annie:

God Speaks With A Purpose

2009-08-25T21:15:00.003-04:00

Matthew 25:21
It is funny...God's sense of humor. I have quoted this verse to O-wee many times, and today, God is using this verse to point back to me.

I have asked God to provide opportunities for me to minister to others, to witness to others...mostly that is the kind of assignment I've asked of God. I've always asked for wisdom and knowledge as well. I haven't really been disappointed or frustrated when these assignments aren't given, because quite frankly...I haven't truly been watchin for the opportunities. I don't know they've been there until they are gone most of the time. I feel like I have been much better at this lately, but...nowhere near where I need to be.

I have felt God giving me assignments before and ran from them. Simple things like when Mitch is in a bad mood and says something that hurts my feelings. I hear God telling me not to react...but then I ignore that little voice and spit a mouthful of bullets at him. Once I felt God leading me to talk to a girl named Debbie, a softball player at NGC. He wanted me to love her and share His love with her. I ended up writing her a letter, but I never followed up. God even put us in a class together after that (a class of only 3 people), and I didn't pursue that conversation.

The Holy Spirit is convicting me about my attitude toward O-wee and Mitch. I am not very positive with O ...most of the time. I am often very mouthy and defensive with Mitch. God is trying to let me be faithful in these two things before He will give me more. I am not seeing fruit or more opportunities because I have not planted good seeds with the little I am given now. My actions, in those areas specifically, do not show Christ as my Lord. I think I am like Abram (later Abraham). God is having to spend more time on building my character before He trusts me with more.

God has to develop a great character before He gives a great assignment. Lord, my character needs so much work. I need to be so much better in my relationship with my husband and O. My character is often not a reflection of You. God wants me to realize that He can't give me more until I'm faithful to handle what I'm given (arguments, tantrums, disobedience, etc) in His way. He wants me to realize when I handle things my way (without the mind of Christ) and to change my mind when I realize this.

Scripture memory:
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we put our trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Prayers:
Kym, still recovering...pray for less pain, speedy recovery
Momma - working with Medicare/Healthcare...sometimes stressful (especially right now)
Daddy - school year, successful football season, ministry at church
Rusty, Amanda, Connor - guidance, perserverance, safety, faithfulness in You
Pat - health
Donna, Elliot, Eric - guidance, hearts for You, school year, health
Grandparents - health, blessings for their faithfulness, peace, many more years with us
Aunts, Uncles, Cousins - if any one of them doesn't know You, they'd hear You calling
My character - I want it to be great so that God will give me great work to complete for His kingdom!

God Speaks to His People

2009-08-24T12:02:00.004-04:00

Hebrews 1:1 God spoke through prophets in many ways in the past.

John 14:26 God spoke through Christ. Christ promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to us after He left this world.

John 16:13-14 The Holy Spirit tells us what God knows. It guides us to truth.

John 8:47 Those who belong to God hear Him speak - those who don't belong to Him can't hear.

God has always spoken to His people. First, He spoke directly to them. Then, He spoke through Christ and then the Holy Spirit. You have to know God to hear Him. It is not a matter of IF He is speaking...its do you KNOW Him.

When Jesus went to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to guide us. The Holy Spirit speaks through prayer, the Bible, the church, His people, circumstances, and His ways. God will make His voice known to me through a close relationship with Him. A relationship is the key!

"If I have trouble hearing God, I am in trouble at the very hear of my Christian experience." I know I am saved, but I want to be in a more intimate relationship with God so I KNOW when He speaks and what He has invited me to do. Lord, I pray I will come to such a relationship with You that when You speak, I will hear and respond.

Scripture Memory:
Some trust in weapons and armies, but we trust in the name of the Lord. Psalm 20:7

Prayer Requests: Monday Missions
The Well (Taylors' new church plant)
Mark and Angie Brown (their ministry and home to sell)
Canada missionaries
Mission Trip for our lifegroup..where to go/what to do
My family

PS Check out my friends Will and Carly in a photo shoot that my friend Jana did! They are awesome! Such a gorgeous couple! www.janacandlerphoto.com

Jordan Sparks @ the Jonas concert

2009-08-21T21:20:00.001-04:00

If you listen closely, O-wee is singing in the background (yes, with thousands of others, I know).

Company Girl Coffee

2009-08-21T19:58:00.004-04:00

I did my Experiencing God devotion this morning, but I didn't have enough time to blog on it before I got to work today. Forgive me, those of you who read it :)

This was my first week back at school, with kids that is. I am covered in paperwork right now so I haven't gotten to work with any of my students yet. It is crazy the amount of paperwork that has to be done for ESOL students. I couldn't begin to explain, but thankfully, I am almost done. I will probably see them next week...Thursday and Friday.

Mitch and Olivia are at a Jonas Brothers concert this evening. They won tickets in a "Daddy Do" contest. Mitch took Olivia to Snip-Its, a kids hair place, and had 30 minutes to fix Owee's hair, makeup, fingernails, and pick out her clothes. He competed agains several dads and won! Here is a picture...

So, I went to Wild Ace (an awesome pizza place) with my little buddy, G, my friend Tracey...her daughter and her little friend. We also had a fried Snicker bar..yummy.
Now, G is asleep, and I'm enjoying the quiet.

Mitch just texted me and said all the girls at the concert are screaming like they are dying...funny. Glad he gets to witness all that :)

God's Cozi

2009-08-20T07:56:00.004-04:00

Cozi is an online family planner that came on my computer. I love it because I can send reminders to my husband and O-wee on what we are doing as a family or what they need to do individually. I also like it because Mitch can type in things that he needs to add to his calendar, and then they show up..."synced" to my calendar. What does God have on His Cozi?

In Psalm 81:10-12, God had already delivered the Israelites from Egypt. He told them He would take care of their needs, but the people were stubborn and did not follow Him. They did their own thing...what they wanted to do. God allowed them to fail in their own ways.

In Psalm 81:13-14, God says if they had just listened and followed Him, He would have delivered them from their enemies again.

Hebrews 3:17-19 The children of Israel were denied the promised land because they turned away from God, ignored His word, and were disobedient.

God does not change. He still works with people to carry out His plan. I would rather follow God's plan, because He is omnipotent and is perfect. I have been in the spiritual wilderness before when I have done things my way. I'd much rather stay in His rest. I believe our country is experiencing God's judgement for it's self-seeking, self-empowering ways right now.
Evidence: crime, suicide, discontentment, desensitized/nothing truly shocks us, allowing morals to slip or absence of them completely, corrupt government, war, miserable people, divorce, affairs..I could go on.

I want to be salt for this world. I I may only offer a little flavor, but I know I am set apart.

What is God's agenda? What good are my plans if God returns before my plans are carried out? I need to sync my calender to His...do what He is doing. Understanding what God is about to do where I am is more important than telling God what I want to do for Him. Wow! I tell Him what I want to do for Him or want Him to do for me a lot. Not that I shouldn't ever do that...He wants to hear from me, but finding out what He is doing is MORE important. Lord, help me to be still and listen. I am willing to do Your work. Tell me what You are about to do! I want to help. I need to be a better listener!

Scripture memory:
Some trust in armies and weapons, but we trust in the name of the Lord. Psalm 20:7

Prayer Requests:
Unspoken
Carly's friend at work
Katie to find a teaching job
Jeff and April as they prepare for their wedding
Kym's recovery

A God-Centered Life

2009-08-19T07:36:00.003-04:00

Self-centered = its all about me, what I do, what I want, etc
God-centered = its all about God, what He does through me/in me, what He wants with me

Genesis 6:5-14 God was going to wipe mankind from the earth because of their wickedness, but first He talked to Noah.

Genesis 18:5-21, 19:1-16 God came down to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but first He told Abraham.

Judges 6:11-16 God was about to deliver the Israelites from the Midians, but first He told Gideon.

Acts 9:1-16 God wanted to send His message to the Gentiles. He asked Saul/Paul to be the messenger.

God always tells His faithful followers what He is about to do so that we can join Him in His work. But, first we have to be centered on Him. We have to be centered on God before He will invite us. This doesn't mean we won't ever be used if we aren't. God uses both good and evil to glorify Himself (because evil, when compared to God's goodness, makes Him even more glorious and beautiful). But if we want to see great and mighty things done 0that we can be a willing participant of - to glorify God, then we must be centered on Him.

I need to be waiting and watching for what God is doing around me. While I am waiting, I need to center myself on God and focus on being in His will so I can join Him. Lord, I want to be Your witness. Strengthen and focus me. Let me be consumed and captivated by only You. I need to be alert to see You working. I want an invitation to serve the Lord!

Scripture Memory:
Some trust in their armies and weapons, but I {we} trust in the name of the Lord. Psalm 20:7

Prayer Requests:
My family
First day of school (me and Olivia)
The President/ US Government/ World Leaders

Exodus 1-3, 14

2009-08-18T12:07:00.004-04:00

Today's devotion is the second part of yesterday's. I am doing Experiencing God and that is where these devotionals are coming from.

*God revealed to Moses that He is holy, His concern for His people, and His desire for a personal relationship with Moses. God told Moses to go deliver the people and His plan for them (the invitation).

*Moses did not believe He was qualified. Moses showed fear/doubt...worried about what others would say. He asks God to send someone else who was a better speaker (crisis of belief)

*Moses' faith was strong - no doubt that God would do what He said. God did many great things through Moses because Moses was so moldable, pliable, and emptied (action/faith).

* Moses was not in the right area for God to complete His work. Moses needed to return to Egypt and leave all his securities behind before God could use him (adjust to God).

*Moses probably felt overwhelmed at God's work. I would have struggled with pride, but I don't think Moses did. I believe all these great things God did through him only brought Moses closer to God and strengthened their relationship (obey and experience)

All the people god used in the bible were ordinary. They were no different than me, but their faith was so much stronger. God doesn't change. He has always been the same, so He doesn't use His people any differently or less than before. I just limit God by what I believe. How? God can do whatever He wants, right? Yes. But He CHOOSES to do only what we believe He can do. If you believe nothing significant can be done for God through you, nothing will. There are many examples of this in the bible (see Mark 9:15-24 for one). I have to be open, moldable, and ordinary. Paul said that God can do His greatest work in the weak and despised things (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Elijah was a man just like us says James 5:17-18. If he can be so greatly used, I can, too! Lord, increase my faith and show me Your will. Help me to see how my weakness and ordinary self are valued by You. I need to remember that the prophets, disciples, and faithful in the Old Testament were not angels or divine beings without sin...They were flawed, mere mortal human beings who believed in the greatness of God and that He would do what He set out to accomplish. Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)

Scripture Memory:
Matthew 6:33-34
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then, all these things will be given to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Exodus 33:7-34:1, Numbers 12:6-8

2009-08-17T10:05:00.003-04:00

God works through His servants!
7 Realities of God and His work:
1. God is always at work around me
2. He is constantly pursuing a relationship with me
3. He invites me to join Him in His work
4. He speaks to me through the church, the Bible, the Holy Spirit and other believers
5. Crisis of Belief (which leads me to faith and action)
6. I adjust myself to Him
7. I obey and experience Him

But -
How do I hear Him when He speaks?
I don't really understand the crisis of belief either.
In the Bible, the prophets knew that God was speaking, what He was saying, and what they were supposed to do. Lord, I want this!!

Moses, Exodus 2-4
God was concerned about the Israelites. He saw their suffering and heard their cry (God's work). God called to Moses and they hung out on Mt. Sinai for 40 days/nights. God wanted to spend time with Moses (pursuing a relationship). God tells Moses to go free His people from their bondage (the invitation).

The prophets always new it was God speaking. Amos 3:7 says "Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets." Lord, I know I am not by definition a prophet, but I am Your servant. I want to hear Your voice as clearly as Moses did. Refine my heart, sharpen my skills of discernment. Show me Your will. I need to always listen - wait and listen - for the Lord's voice so that I am working with Him.

The question is not what is God's will for my life, but what is God's will.

Scripture Memory:
Amos 3:7

Prayer Requests:
Missionaries local/international/national
Local ministries

Following God Through The Bible

2009-08-13T15:44:00.001-04:00

Does God ask us to follow Him withough giving many directives/explanations?
*Matthew 14:18-20
*Matthew 4:21-22
*Matthew 9:9
*Acts 9:1-20
Yes. The disciples were simply asked to come to or get up and go. Am I ready to follow that way? That is a scary thought. But that is what stepping out in faith is all about. Jesus is my map...my guide. I don't need God to hand out explicit steps on how to follow Him...I should just do whatever He asks...be it simple or complex instructions. This is more difficult to do than to say.

*John 5:17, 19-20
God is always at work. Jesus can do nothing without God. He does what God does, and this happens because God loves Jesus. God is always at work around me.

Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33-34
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

1. I need to do what I see the Father is already doing.
2. Lord, please reveal your work to me, because You love me. I want to join You.
3. I need to look for evidence of God's work in Scripture to guide me.

Prayer Requests for TODAY ;)
*Kym
*Our home
*Mitch
*Family

Revelation 4-5

2009-08-11T11:38:00.003-04:00

Before I start, I just wanted to reiterate what I'm doing everyday...for those of you who just started reading and don't know. The life group leaders at Taylors were given a book by Richard Blackaby called Unlimiting God. It is basically about how we limit God because we don't believe He can do more than He currently is doing in our lives. The book encourages people to seek God out and develop that relationship, so that God's power will be unleashed in incredible ways in our lives. I decided to start blogging about the things I am learning in my daily devotions, and this blog helps me hold myself accountable to doing it daily (though I don't do it on the weekends) So, this is my quest to know Him more.

On to Revelation...
I used to be afraid of the book of Revelation. I wouldn't read it because I thought it was scary. All these strange animals with horns and lots of eyeballs, death and turmoil...now I understand that a lot of the animals are symbolic and that I will be in heaven before any of the truly awful things happen. Thank goodness! If Revelation is a scary book for you as well, I recommend the book What In The World Is Going On by David Jeremiah. Now, Revelation spurs me on to make sure that others don't have to go thru the death and turmoil that is certain to come.

If you are reading these scriptures with me, you will most likely need some commentary to help you understand (try BibleGateway or BlueLetterBible). The book of Revelation talks about heavenand the future - things we don't know yet - and I needed some guidance!

But these are cool chapters - happy ones :) They reveal how we will worship in heaven. We sing the song written in chapter 4 at church. I knew the song was biblical, but it is nice to have the reference. It takes on a new meaning for me now. I will be singing those words in heaven for eternity! I have it playing on the blog today!

I sometimes like to guess what heaven is like. I think our 5 senses are limited here on earth, but in heaven I think we will be able to sense so much more (read The Shack for some great imagery on that). The best part is that we will be filled with joy. No hurt, no striving, no sin, no sadness - just focues on praising God, loving Him - only joy! I can't imagine.

Jeremiah 9-10

2009-08-10T21:46:00.003-04:00

I have lots of thoughts in my head, so bear with me...I'll try to pull it all together in the end.

Have you seen the movie Bruce Almighty? I love, love that movie. The scene with Jim Carey and the guy from the office, Steve Carrell?...when they are trying to film the news segment. I still laugh so hard I cry when I watch that. I'm snickering a little now. So funny! I remember when that movie came out, and I saw all the commercials for it. I thought "A man who has God's powers! Well, that is sacrilegious!" I watched it anyway, obviously. Mostly, I wanted to see if I was correct in my thinking. I don't think it was sacrilegious at all. As a matter of fact, it was point on in portraying what mere humans would do with God's righteous, magnificent power. I think most of us would use that power to help others, but the temptation to boost ourselves somehow would be unimaginable, wouldn't it? I'd make myself a little skinnier...or my children would obey a little better. I'd be the best teacher, and therefore make more money. The possibilities are limitless. In that movie, Jim Carey became God. All that power was so appealing to him. But when he became God, he no longer had God's loving guidance and help. His pride ruined him, his relationships, his job...everything finally came together when he relented his power back to God. Then all was "cleaned up". Great movie!

Jeremiah 9:23-24 talks about pride and what we should boast in. What makes me puff up? Probably my kids are the things I talk about the most. But I inwardly struggle with many prideful things...anything I've been successful at, my intelligence...
I may not boast of these things out loud very often, but I'm constantly trying to suppress Satan's voice. I have to remind myself...and him, that God has provided every open door, every skill, every thing I have is because He chose to bless me beyond what I deserve. I am nothing without Him. That I do boast in. I am saved! Verse 24 says we should boast in this. If we don't tell it, how will others know? We need God's guidance to help us make the right decisions, to show us to always be grateful and boast in Him and His goodness.

I love Jeremiah 10:23-25 (Jeremiah's Prayer)
I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name...

I do need Him to direct my steps. Everyday. I do want to be disciplined fairly (don't we as parents discipline our children because we love them and have a plan for them? God feels the same about His children.) But I do boast that his wrath will not be poured out on me, I know Him and call His name!

On another note, I do pray for our country! There are many who don't know God. Dr. Page said that he doesn't believe that God has taken His hand from the United States, but that His hand of judgement is on us. I believe that. Pray for our country! Oh, and keep praying for Kym! :) She had some good news today, and we want that to keep coming!

Job 5-7

2009-08-07T13:57:00.003-04:00

Job is an amazing book. Not many people on this Earth have suffered like Job. He was stripped of everything - possessions, family, wealth, and then his health. He sat miserable...covered in painful sores and questioning why it all happened to him. In Job 5-7, Elihaz, Job's friend, tells Job that he must have tons of sin in his life and that was why all this was happening. He tells Job to be grateful for God's discipline, repent, and that God would restore him.

Some of that rings true of our Lord. He does hate sin and wants us to turn from it so our relationship with Him will be restored. But you can't take this passage out of context.

Job had done nothing...Job 1:1 says he was "blameless and upright" and he "feared God and shunned evil." I'm sure Job's friend was offering any counsel he could think of to help get his friend out of such turmoil. But, unfortunately, his advice wasn't applicable. We sometimes have the best intentions when we counsel others, but if our counsel isn't from God's heart it can cause frustration, discontentment, and more turmoil. We need to make sure that we are seeking God's heart before we speak.

Later, in Job 38-41, God reprimands Job for questioning Him (I love these chapters...God sounds like a frustrated parent...I definitely relate). God wanted Job to be content. God rebukes his friends for their ill counsel (40:2) Job finally prays for his friends and God restores everything. Wonder what would have happened if Job had prayed for his friends after they each gave him such awful advice? Maybe his suffering would have been shorter? Who knows.

Job let the "whys" overtake him. He was consumed with questioning instead of accepting...and realizing his friends needed some help ;)

So much of this is stuff I need. Especially making sure any advice I give is from God. I was just talking about this yesterday, and how I want to make sure I have God's wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. Isn't it amazing how God truly is in control of everything?

Also, if you know someone who is suffering...tell them to read Job. They won't feel so bad, plus it is an awesome reminder of God's sovereignty.

Prayer Requests:
Kym
Life group, and the requests from that class
Family
My walk/guidance
Church leaders
4 friends
country/President

Defensiveness

2009-08-06T13:24:00.007-04:00

I can't give too much away on what I was studying today...it is for the lesson on Sunday. We will be talking about defensiveness...what causes it, how we can deal with, etc. Of course, we will be talking about all of that and how it relates to marriage. But wow! Isn't there a lot of defensiveness in the world today?

Some of the verses I looked up dealing with defensiveness are:
Romans 8:28
Proverbs 18:2
1 Peter 3:7
Romans 15:7
2 Corinthians 7:11
Philippians 4:11-13

If you look up those verses, they may seem a like a mixed bag, but I guess you have to hear the lesson to follow it. So come on over to Taylors First Baptist at 10:30 if you are curious ;). Here is a link to our Sunday school blog. The lesson will be posted up sometime next week www.wedlifegroup.blogspot.com

Please pray for Kym, of Kym Drum Photography. She has been admitted to the hospital for a blood disorder! Craziest thing. Just pray that she will know what is going on soon and for the doctor's wisdom.

Other requests:
*unspoken
*church leaders
*country/President
*family
*school year approaching
*my walk

Galations 5:18

2009-08-05T09:35:00.003-04:00

I read the whole chapter, but I stopped on this verse..."but if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." At first glance this sounds like because i am saved I can go rob a bank without penalty...do whatever I want because I am not "under the law." But of course, God does not promote breaking the law.

Laws were established because people sin. In the beginning, there was no government...no law other than God's. But people needed help understanding what was right, safe, or that even simply understanding what was meant by the 10 commandments. Law was established for punishment - so that we have a measure by which to behave and a reason to avoid bad behavior.

However, if the Spirit leads you...it will not lead you astray. The fruits of the Spirit (v. 22) keep us above the law. We avoid punishment and order of the law because we are led in the right way by the Spirit. (I guess the only time this would be different is if there was a law that said we could not worship God...but in that case, God's law is higher...I'm guessing.) However, the sinful nature leads us to lawlessness. Does that make sense? Again, I'm just pondering. I welcome any thoughts on this.

I think today, in this crazy world, that even the fruits of the Spirit are twisted by others - acts of kindness are made to look like injustice. But, I believe we are to continue to be led by the Spirit. The bible says in 1 Peter 3:1 that a wife can win over an unbelieving husband by her behavior. Can't this apply to all relationships? The fruits of the Spirit can draw others to Christ.

I think one fruit that especially does this is joy. Sometimes it is hard to show, but we have hope. If we have joy in every circumstance, wouldn't that be a great witness? People would want to know how we can be so joyful...

Scripture memory:
1 Corinthians 10:4-5
Job 23:12
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayers:
*some friends
*life group
*country/President Obama
*church
*family

Ephesians 6

2009-08-04T20:38:00.002-04:00

Paul was so humbled. That is why/how God could use him so greatly. I consider him such a wonderful writer and clarifier (is that a word?) of God's will, love, and plans for us, but he says "I am less than the least of God's people." Paul had to die to himself to truly live for God. I know he failed like all of us do everyday, but he remained faithful and encouraged by God's love. I love the verses about the mystery of God's will. But I especially love verses 17-19. He desires that we know the height, depth, width, and length of God's love...filled to the measure with that knowledge. I know it. But I want to always be full to the measure. I love how he says that.

Also, as an aside, our family just got through watching Tuck Everlasting together. Olivia read the book...it is one of my favorite books. Really gets you thinking about life. Olivia was just telling me that the book had more information than the movie. I'm always telling her that...I also think that any movie made is NEVER as good as the book. God kinda nudged me and pointed out that He is the same way. Life is great...He created a wonderful world for us to live in, but if you'd just read the book...it is SOOO much better. So many details that we miss out on if we just muddle through. But wow, reading the book...the book that lives and breathes, it is life...and gives life. The book makes everything so much better.

Scripture Memory:
Romans 8:38,39

Requests:
*4 friends
*Lifegroup
*my dr. visit
*family
*country/president
*church

Isaiah 26 & 40

2009-08-03T13:04:00.004-04:00

I have read these passages, but I'm going to have to read them again. I'll post up later what I have learned. My mind isn't in the right place to really pray and focus...I keep getting distracted with all the stuff around the house. I will read/pray later this evening and post it up later.

Off to do work...

Later that evening...
Wow, did we have an evening here at the Turner abode. Children. That is all I can say. Children. I was so distracted by all that was going on yesterday, that I really didn't feel like I was able to spend quality time with God. I did finally read those passages again, but I am sad to say that I really just wasn't into it. I do like Isaiah 40:28-31 (I don't have my bible sitting here as I type...I'm pretty sure those are the verses). Those are the verses that the song "The Everlasting God" is from. I have that playing right now on my blog.

Hopefully, today will be an easier day...however, I do have a doctor's appt. today.

Luke 16:1-9

2009-07-30T15:27:00.002-04:00

I'm having a hard time with these verses. I understand v.9. We should use what we have to help/befriend others...in an effort to lead them heavenward. Spend it all (I believe this includes looking out for the welfare of our family first). But I can't exactly follow the story in vv 1-8.

Any suggestions?

After reading Luke 16 again today, I really felt like we needed to faithfully use our home...making it easier to host people, make it more suitable for bible studies, or even possibly another baby...but I felt like we needed to be better stewards of our blessings. The bathroom shower downstairs doesn't work and well the whole place is a mess. We have just let it sit and fester. I really believe we need to work on it. It shouldn't take much financially (except possibly the shower)...just some paint. We can find reasonable furniture to sit on. Mostly, we will need motivation to do it and not just talk about the wonderful things that could come of it. God is already making that possible.

I feel like I am really learning how to listen to God...not just always talk. He is revealing things to me about my character, and I am so quickly convicted of things I need to change in my life/attitude. I am so grateful for all these things, and I am starting to really crave my time with God more than I have before.

Luke 16

2009-07-29T15:57:00.002-04:00

There are many things discussed in this chapter. I still am not sure which God wants me to hear most. I will probably stick to this chapter tomorrow...

1. If you are faithful in little, then you will be faithful in much...and if you are not faithful with little, you will not be given more to be faithful with. The verses are talking about money, but they can be applied to possessions and relationships...at least I see that correlation.

2. Abraham and Lazarus
The rich man wanted Lazarus to drop some water from heaven on his tongue as he was tormented in hell. Abraham said no - he also said no to sending Lazarus or another from the dead to warn his family about hell. Abraham said that with all the information available from Moses and the other prophets...if his family didn't believe from all of that, then they never would...not even from a person from the dead. Can you imagine being up in heaven - so much joy consuming you that it is tangible? You can see it, taste it, smell it, and touch that joy! And your unsaved family and friends looking up at you from despair - so much despair that they can taste it, see it, smell it, and touch that despair...I do not believe we will be aware of their suffering while we are in heaven, that would be agonizing...and there are no tears in heaven. But what a burden that is to bear now. We will be held responsible for those lives one day. But I believe after that judgement,those names and faces will be erased from our minds...it would be unimaginable to know we are for eternity missing loved ones.

Sad, isn't it? Now...what will I do about it?

Malachi 3

2009-07-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to get back to working out ladies...pray for me. I hurt my knee a while back, and it is just beginning to feel better. I did a little wogging (walk/jog) today. Pray that I keep up with it.

Malachi 3
This chapter is about the Israelites turning from God, but promises of forgiveness in spite of their actions are all through it. This is also where the famous verse "Bring all the tithes to the storehouse...Malachi 3:10. We tithe, but I am pretty sure it is not 10% of our gross income. I would like to do this...will talk to hubby about talking that step of faith.

But I think God wanted me to see Malachi 3:14-15. This goes along with what I read yesterday. The Israelites were saying "What did WE gain from carrying out His requirements?" It isn't about what we gain. I think God wants to refine me - make sure that I am seeking to glorify Him and not seeking to gain rewards. The bible says "Seek FIRST the kingdom of God, THEN all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33. It doesn't say try to get those cool spiritual blessings while you in the mean time seek My will. I don't need to be so anxious for the blessing - though they are wonderful, righteous gifts. I need to seek and praise God. He will do the rest - and even if He never blesses me at all - praising Him is enough.

Scripture Memory:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of His lips, I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

Prayer Requests:
3 friends
Church/leaders
President/country
4 unspoken
Matt's aunt
Jana and Kyle
Nancy Hash
Lifegroup

Day 7:2 Kings 2:1-12

2009-07-27T11:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, we talked about persistent prayer (not nagging til we get out way, but fervent requests) and in our lifegroup we talked about priorities. I have also been reading the book Unlimiting God by Richard Blackaby. A couple of days ago the book mentioned Elisha's ability to see things as God sees. He wasn't afraid of the horde of men coming to kill him, because he saw the might angel God sent to protect him (II Kings 6:8-23). Oh, how I want that! I started thinking...I want to make sure I'm spending time with God and persistently praying for that gift. As I read 2 Kings 2:1-12, I see that Elisha asked for a double helping of Elijah's spirit. God would never have given Elisha what he asked for if there was any pride or a self-seeking attitude in his heart. He wanted to do more for God. I wonder if God can't give me that gift because I would misuse it. I want to be stripped of my pride so that He can use me more. I want to see as He sees so that I can serve Him and others better.

I also read John 2-3 and Song of Songs 7-8

Scripture memory:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Requests:
Grace Cameron, baby due :)
Corey Savage, father in a bad accident and not a Christian...in ICU
Nancy Hash, bladder cancer and a tumor on her aorta
Bonnie and Lesa's sisters
Matthew's aunt, aneurysm
Family
4 friends

Coffee...er, hot chocolate for the quest:day 6

2009-07-24T11:24:00.005-04:00

We ran out of creamer, so no coffee today. Why is it that we always run out of creamer, stevia, and coffee at completely different times?

1 Samuel 1 and 2
Hannah desperately wanted a child. She was embarrassed, ridiculed because she was barren in a time that children denoted family status. She promised god, if He gave her a child, she would give him back to God. I can't imagine that. To finally have a child and then send him away. But Hannah saw in her heart that having good status with God was better than having it with man. A child who served God brought her pleasure...God, too. She gave back what God had given. Do I make any offerings that are so costly that I have to trust God completely to use it and sustain me? No...I don't think so. I need to figure out what I can offer and do more for God.

Hannah began her pregnance ready to let go of her child. I think I am pretty good at letting O and G be more and more independent, but sometimes I struggle with how much independence I give O. If I expect to much. Help me to know where I should lower/raise my expectations.

Hmmm....what doesn't belong here?

2009-07-23T12:48:00.002-04:00

Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary asked us to put back things that are out of place in the house. She had a picture of an air freshener on her mantle. I decided to post what was on mine...ha!

I can't really post what my devotion was about today, because it would ruin the lesson for Sunday if any of my peeps were to read this blog. So, I'll simply type the scripture references I found today. The things I learned will eventually be up on our lifegroup blog.
Ecclesiastes 8:5-7
Proverbs 23:4-5
Proverbs 4:25-27
Proverbs 5:21
Isaiah 30:21

Prayer Requests:
*4 friends
*Sunday's lesson, that it is/will be God-inspired
*Church/leaders
*President/Country
*Bonnie's sister
*Family

Day 4

2009-07-22T15:45:00.004-04:00

Today, I was looking over some verses for our lifegroup lesson on Sunday. Mitch and I help teach the Nearly/Newlywed class at Taylors. BTW, if you are in the area, come and join us. The title of the group is nearly/newly, but we have some couples who have been married a while that attend. It is basically just a great class on marriage.

Matthew 6
I want/pray that people will hear the words to the songs that I sing...and that God will bless them/me. Sometimes Satan tries to steal my humbleness after the song is over. It is a battle to hush him up...not that I am boasting in myself, but I start wondering what people thought...if they liked it and so on. I pray that God will help me be always humbled and be satisfied in pleasing Him alone.

2 Samuel 2:21-23
Asahel was asked to stop pursuing Abner, but was persistent after him anyway. Abner killed Asahel. Sometimes our pursuits are legitimate by our own ideals (Asahel was fighting with David's men against Saul's army/Abner) but sometimes, if our goat is not in God's will, our persistence is actually stubbornness. Always compare your goals and priorities against the will of God.

Scripture Memory:
I have not departed form the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth mare than my daily bread. Job 23:12 (I am claiming this for myself)

The weapons we fight with are not of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Requests:
*Bonnie's sister
*4 friends
*Lifegroup
*My walk
*Family
*Church and leaders

My Quest: Day 3

2009-07-21T11:48:00.003-04:00

I know some of you read my blog to catch up with the Turner clan. Mitch had his upper/lower GI last week. The ulcer has healed up and his hemoglobin is now at 12. So, he is doing much better. He has to go back on Friday, I believe, for them to take a look at his small intestines..sounds fun, huh? They are just covering their bases, but Mitch is not excited about this at all.

O-wee is at M.A.D. this week at Taylors...or Make A Difference. She is learning about feet and how we can use them to spread the gospel. They are doing several mission projects and learning about missions. It is a really good thing our church does for kids...one of the many. And G-man is getting so very big. He has been so sweet and cuddly the past couple of days...I'm eating that up :)

John 9-12
Paul is preaching (in a letter) to the Corinthians. Many false prophets or super apostles had been coming to them with different information. He says the people had been exceptionally tolerable of them...even putting up with those who slap their face or exploit them. Paul saw that they had been caught up in all the wonders and signs being done. They described Paul as meek in person. Paul set straight (with lots of sarcasm...that I like :)) that he was living in a way that showed the truth. He didn't put on a show and suffered much for Christ...he simply wanted the people to hear God's truth..not in exchange for anything but their changed lives.

We shouldn't be captivated by such elaborate displays or perfect sermons, thought they may be wonderful and God inspired. I believe that we sometimes have trouble believing it unless it comes to us more tangibly...in great music and sermons. But God's power is just as powerful in the silence. We don't need a pretty package to deliver the message...just live it out. We don't need to do anything elaborately special. We've been made special thru Him.

Scripture Memory:
The weapons we fight with are not of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Requests:
* 4 friends
*Delecta's mom
*my walk and quest for more
*the church and its leaders
*family
*Jana and Kyle
*lifegroup

My Quest: Day 2

2009-07-20T12:09:00.002-04:00

My devotion today came from a book called The Power of a Positive Wife by Karol Ladd. Before I begin, I just wanted to say that I noticed a change in myself today as I got all my stuff together to do my devotion. I was very excited..almost a little giddy. Isn't that awesome?

Today's verses:
Ecclesiastes 8 - I believe God knows the anxious feeling I have to know and understand is so great...anxious in a good way. But today, I am reminded that the wisdom and knowledge of God can never be fully known. This is a comfort, though. God is gently calming me. Seek as I may, I will never fully know. But I will contine to seek!
--If all the works of God were such that human reason could easily grasp them, they would not be called wonderful or beyond the power of words to tell. Thomas a Kempis

Isaiah 54 & 55 - Isaiah 54 talks about God's faithfulness to bless and multiply Israel...comparing their despair to a woman who is barren. God says for them not to be sad and that though they feel forsaken, the children who will come from their faithfulness will be great. Isaiah 55 I really liked. He explains that all God's blessings are here for everyone, but are only given to the thirsty. Many come to God, but only those who hunger for Him truly enjoy all He has to offer us. I want to always hunger and thirst!

Scripture Memory Work:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Prayer requests:
*My family
*Lifegroup
*The church
*4 friends
*Our country/President

My Quest

2009-07-17T13:28:00.002-04:00

...for deeper spiritual maturity. I am reading a book called Unlimiting God by Richard Blackaby. Mr. Blackaby is a member of my church, and we are sometimes blessed to hear him speak in Dr. Page's absence. I LOVE this book! I'm so stirred by his words, and I want to unlimit God. I am desperate now to delve deeper into God's word and become mature enough for God to teach me more. I want to hear him so clearly.

He says in his book that we should journal what God says to us as we read the bible to become more aware of the lessons that seem to reoccur (to see what God has to constantly repeat) and to realize new truths. Today, I read John 13-16. In these chapters, Jesus is teaching the disciples all that He can before He is taken away to be crucified. Here are my thoughts and questions:

*John 14:14 - Ask for anything? Really anything?
*John 15:2 - Did God have to remove branches from Jesus? He didn't always bear fruit?
*John 16:13 - the Spirit of truth...He will tell you what is yet to come.

There are many things I do not understand. I will have to find out. But there are several things I know are recurring lessons that God is trying to teach me.
1) the washing of feet - a servant's heart. I do not always have this...especially for my husband/O-wee
2)Love one another. Jesus says this throughout these chapters. I love, but not as Christ loves. I need to open my heart more and step out of my own little world.
3)to listen more. The Holy Spirit will tell what is yet to come. Wow! How great is that? To be able to spiritually prepare for what Satan/life is going to throw at me! I so desperately want to be spiritually mature enough to hear those things.

I want to unlimit God!
Prayer Requests:
*4 friends...various needs
*Dr. Page - our pastor, he is on the Federal Task Force and is under a lot of scrutiny
*my family
*the President and his decisions
*my quest

It has been a while...again

2009-07-09T14:27:00.005-04:00

Hello all of you that read my blog...sorry I've left you hanging in cyberspace for so long. I finally feel like I am getting off the rollercoaster. Life has had me in a tizzy.

Thanks for all the prayers that went up for my family. We had a great trip to So Cal. Greyson did wonderfully on the plane. He only cried a few times because he was restless...oh, and once as we landed in Dallas the first time because his ears were hurting. He didn't cry about that again the other 3 times we landed. We had a great time. It was so good to see my brother and his family. Sweet little Connor! Mitch didn't feel quite himself while we were there despite the iron infusion. It is taking a while to get him back to normal. But I know he had a good time anyway...and of course, Olivia loved it. She thought she was so cool...in California where the celebrities are. Plus, she loved Amanda, my brother's wife. Amanda gave her a pair of her old pajama pants to sleep in. They are way too big for Olivia, but you'd think they were made of gold. She loves them...even if they drag the floor.

I have a prayer request...it is for a friend of mine. No details needed...He already knows the need, but if you remember, just lift up "my friend".

Thanks! And I look forward to getting back to blogging! Here are a few pictures from our trip:

Long time no...blog

2009-06-25T07:49:00.002-04:00

Hey there everyone! Hope you are all doing well. I haven't blogged in such a long time it seems. I have had a crazy few weeks, but I'm hoping it is going to slow down for next week at least. We are flying to San Diego, CA to visit my brother, sister-in-love and nephew (who I haven't met yet). I am very excited, but nervous to fly. I'm nervous to fly and nervous to fly with G-man...also nervous about my husband wanting to take off someone's head who complains if G-man doesn't behave. So, please pray for all of us. I think O-wee will be fine.

In case you haven't checked, it is voting time on www.companygirl.com. Here is the link to my pictures.
http://companygirl.com/18-company-girl-photo-contest/
Please go vote for my pictures :) They are numbers 13-19.

Mitch is still not feeling well. We are waiting on the results of his most current hemoglobin check. It is taking so long for it to come back up, and it is very frustraing for him. He will be getting an iron infusion soon. We are hoping they will schedule one before we leave so that he may feel a little better while on vacation.

Hope you all have had a wonderful week!

Heaven

2009-06-14T09:50:00.001-04:00

Today, around 4:30 am, my granny went to be with Jesus. Thank you for all of you that have been praying for us and for her. It is a happy day for her, but bittersweet for all of us. We are happy she is finally at rest, but it is still so sad to not have her here anymore. Please continue to pray for us as we grieve her and celebrate her.

Coffee Time

2009-06-12T16:31:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies! I haven't been able to blog any this week, because I've been taking a SIOP class from 9-4. It is over now...and I'm officially on summer break. I enjoyed the class though, and I'm excited to get started with it next year.

Thank you to those who have been praying for my granny. She continues to go down hill. The nurses keep saying they don't think she could possibly make it another day...then she does. Which I know may sound great, but she is in pain and has no quality of life now. We've all said good-bye, she is ready to go, and we are all just praying that God would take her home soon. Her body just hasn't caught up to her will yet. I'm sadder now that she is in pain than I am that she will be leaving. It was so appropriate that one of our small things this week was to savor something. I savored my grandmother. It is silly the things you think of in times like this, but I keep thinking of how much I love my granny's grilled cheese sandwiches. I don't know what makes them special...I make them the same way, but for some reason when she makes them they are the most incredible grilled cheeses ever. I will so miss that! I savored all the crafts we used to make...all the clothes she made, all the times she kept me after school...I love my granny. I guess everyone always thinks they should have spent more time than they did with their loved ones...I wish we had had more grilled cheeses.

I hope God takes her soon. I can't wait for her to see Jesus and her momma. My mom said my granny loved her momma so much. I'm happy they will be reunited. I am also so glad that I will see her again. Thank you, Lord, for that blessing!

I'm posting two pictures. One is of my mom and granny on my mom's wedding day. The other is of my mom and me at my aunt's wedding. I entered the second one in the photo contest.

Momma and Granny

Me and Momma

Coffee Time

2009-06-05T09:28:00.004-04:00

Hi ladies! I hope you have had a wonderful week. School is out for the kids, yeah! I still have to go in on Monday for a little while, but it is pretty stressless. I just have a few things left to do, and then I plan on helping out another company girl/teacher friend, Tracy, with some of her school stuff. She's my buddy, so that will just be fun!

Bad things come in threes, right? That is great! I am hopefully done for a while (which is especially great since I'll be getting on a plane soon). My grandmother who was in ICU came home yesterday with Hospice. So, please pray for her and our family as we try to make her comfortable. They gave her about 6 months, but my mom says she doesn't believe it will be that long. Her heart is pumping really hard and will eventually give out. I went to the doctor yesterday feeling awful. I have strep. And the third thing, of course, is that Mitch is still recovering. Crazy! But I am feeling much better. I went to the doctor as soon as I started feeling bad so I think we caught it before the strep really kicked in.

I'm very happy that Rachel Anne mentioned Musing Mommies and their airing of traveling with kids. I will be checking that out since I'll be flying with a 1 yr. old. I hate flying anyway, but I am more worried about it with G-man. I'm also looking forward to meeting up with Rachel Anne at the airport in Dallas. I'll just think on that to keep me from panicking on the way there! Thanks Rachel Anne :)

Here is another picture I entered in the photo contest. Have a great weekend everybody!

Last Day of School...for the kids at least

2009-06-04T09:02:00.003-04:00

Ah...almost there. Almost time to sleep a little later, not get dressed, and be lazy by the pool all day long! Well, maybe not tooo lazy. I do have a 1 yr old to chase around. But I'm just happy I don't have to get totally fixed up and ready everyday. Ah...almost there.

Mitch is still doing better. He gets very tired, very quickly. I actually would like for him to have his hemoglobin checked again, but I don't know if he'll go. He says if he feels as bad as he did Tuesday again, that he will go. I keep staring at his face and hands to figure out if he looks pale or has enough color to function. I know it will take a while to build back up, but I still feel like I need to watch him. Just being a good wife :)

Have I ever mentioned that I have another blog? Mitch and I teach a Nearlywed/Newlywed class at church, and we have a blog. I don't keep it up anymore, though. Lindsay, a girl in our class, took it over. She takes notes on what we teach in class and then posts it up for anyone who wasn't there on Sunday so they can keep up with what we are doing. Check it out!
www.wedlifegroup.blogspot.com
You may learn something :)

Por favor, sem mais comentarios inapprpriate, obrigado!

2009-06-02T11:42:00.006-04:00

It is interesting to me that people from all over the world like to surf the net. Sometimes they stop and read my blog. I like to look at the clustr map and the little widgit to see who and from where people are reading. But yesterday, someone wrote a strange comment on my blog in Portuguese. Not sure why they felt the need to do that, but...I hope they won't do that again. The title of the blog goes to them...

My husband had his hemoglobin checked yesterday. It has fallen a little since he left the hospital, but the doctor said that was to be expected. However, he isn't supposed to go back for 2 weeks. I guess I just have to keep watching his skin color and his behavior. He goes to talk with the doctor in two weeks, and I think they will probably discuss having surgery. The ulcer is 3 cm deep in his stomach, which is pretty dangerous, and I'm sure that is the best bet on keeping him safe and healthy.

I got my small thing done yesterday. And I already have today's nipped in the bud. I have a book I've been wanting to read, so I will get started on that tonight, hopefully. But I feel like Rachel Anne, I feel like I shouldn't relax and read until I've finished working...which seems like never happens.

Here is another picture that I have entered into Rachel Anne's photo contest:

My mom and her company girl, O-wee!

Check out the website! Voting will be coming soon, but you can still enter photos of your own now if you'd like!

School's Almost Out!

2009-06-01T08:32:00.004-04:00

Today is the last full day of school, and then we have 3 half days! I'm so glad, but I have never understood why we do half days. Is it just to fulfill 180 days? Why can't we combine those halves? The kids don't do very much on those days...just goofing and playing mostly.

I'm hoping that this week will not be as stressful. Mitch is not feeling good again. He is going this morning to have his blood drawn (as prescribed or he probably wouldn't be going). I hope he is ok and just weak from anemia. O-wee has a dentist appointment, and G-man has his 15 month check up. Everyone but me will be at a doctor's appointment today. That's ok, though. I'd rather have that busy schedule than to have the stressful schedule of last week. Getting the kids to friends and family while I stayed at the hospital was crazy. But I am so grateful for all the people who stepped in to help us! I have some wonderful friends! I know that if some of my company girls lived closer that they would have come to the rescue as well. It is so nice to know that people I have never even met are concerned about my family. Thanks to Rachel Anne for bringing us all together.

I do have a couple of prayer requests. My granny is in ICU with pnuemonia. She is in and out of there all the time. I just pray that God would give her peace, and that He will make her comfortable as the doctors figure out what to do. I also will be traveling with my family to San Diego at the end of this month. I HATE to fly...so pray for my anxiety, but especially pray that little G-man will do well on the flight and while we are there. The time change will be a booger for him I am sure.

Well, I'm off to the first appointment for the day! Oh, and don't forget Rachel Anne's photo contest at www.companygirl.com. Here is one of the pictures I sent in...

This is a picture of all the girl cousins on my mom's side of the family (before O-wee was in the picture). There are some really cute pictures. You should check them out. Oh, and don't forget to do your laundry today!

Coffee and an Update on My Hubby

2009-05-29T12:34:00.003-04:00

Wow! This week was crazy! I decided to blog all the events so my facebook friends could read the blog as well when it jumps up to my page.

Ok, so a few weeks ago Mitch started feeling funny...like butterflies in his stomach, he says. He went to the doctor, they took his blood...all was perfect. They gave him something to help him sleep for the anxious feeling. By the next Monday, he started losing color...by Friday he barely had any energy to drive a car. I came home from work...begging him to go back to the doctor. The Thursday before, they had done some more blood work, but the results wouldn't be back til Tuesday. That was not soon enough for me. Saturday he had an awful headache, and he was the strangest color of whitish/yellow. Sunday morning, like a stubborn man, he went to church.

We argued after church about him going to the doctor. I think he finally got up and went because I was driving him nuts. Good thing, I did though, because his hemoglobin was down to a 5.2 (really bad, if you don't know). The doctor told him that if he hadn't come in he would have died in his sleep.

Soooo. We spent the whole week at the hospital. He had a bleeding ulcer. The bleeding has stopped and they are treating him with medication. They had to give him 4 pints of blood. He is still weak, but WAY better than he was.

Thank you for all of you who were praying! God had His hand on Mitch the whole time. I've never been so grateful for an argument in my life...I believe God used that to get him on to the hospital.
He is home now. Working on recovering!

Late Coffee

2009-05-24T14:29:00.001-04:00

I'm running behind, as usual these days, on getting up my coffee. I am going to one of my student's communions this morning, so I have a little more time than normal on a Sunday morning. I'm usually at my church by 8:30, but I don't have to be at this church til 9:30...so I had a moment.

This week has been strange. My husband has been really sick...like couldn't get out of bed, or walk down the hall, pale as a ghost, couldn't eat...dizzy. Scary looking kind of sick. Yesterday, the dizziness went away, but he had an awful headache. He says he is much better today. His color is back a little, and he is off to our church. But I've been busy taking care of both my boys this weekend. O-wee is at her moms. Be praying for him.

I have also been mentally preparing myself for our trip to CA this summer. We are going to San Diego to visit my brother, his wife, and my new nephew whom I have not seen. Anyway, I loathe flying. I causes me to panic...really panic. I'm not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of what it might be like before you actually go. So, please pray for me. On top of that, I'm flying with a 15 month old...which also causes me to panic. Any ideas on flying with toddlers??

Sick Hubby

2009-05-21T08:30:00.001-04:00

My biggest baby, and I mean that in an affectionate way, is sick. My sweet hubby hasn't felt good for a few days now. He is going to the doctor today, so hopefully they will give him some relief once they figure out what is wrong. He thinks he may have a bleeding ulcer...he's had one before. So, please pray for him! His skin is the color of a manila folder...yuck.

School is almost out for summer! So excited. I'm soooooo ready. More ready for it than O-wee is. She is already talking about her supply list for 4th grade. She is trying to grow up too fast. Yes, I remember that I did that, too :)

My pictures are posted up on the Company Girl contest site: www.companygirl.com so go check them out.

Have a great day all!

A Contest

2009-05-19T13:06:00.003-04:00

Rachel Anne is having a photo contest. I have submitted some photos of family and friends to be in a gift book she is putting together about friendship. Please go and vote...well, not til after June 7. I'll remind you, but please visit this site to check it out. I just uploaded my pictures, so they aren't there yet. Check it out...you could be on someone's coffee table one day. Here is the site: http://companygirl.com/vote/
Thanks!