On life's busy thoroughfares
We meet with Angels anawares-
But we are too busy to listen or hear,
Too busy to sense that God is near,
Too busy to stop and recognize
The grief that lies in another's eyes,
Too busy to offer to help or share,
Too busy to sympathize or care,
Too busy to do the Good Things we should,
Telling ourselves we would if we could...
But life is too swift and the pace is too great
and we dare not pause for we might be late
For our next appointment which means so much,
We are willing to brush off the Saviours's touch
And we tell ourselves there will come a day
We will have more time to pause on our way...
But before we know it"life's sun has set"
And we've passed the Saviour but never met,
For hurry along life's thoroughfare
We passed Him by and remained unaware
That within the VERY SIGHT OF OUR EYE,
UNNOTICED, THE SON OF GOD PASSED BY.
Helen Steiner Rice
My mom used to read me The Story of the Christmas Guest every christmas season when I was a child. The book now belongs to me and I read it with my children every Christmas season.
May you be blessed this Christmas, and may the Lord give you new revelation of His Love for you, and may you respond with this same kind of Love.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
How could He love us so?
How could He love us so?
How could He love us so?
How could He love us so?
How could He leave His throne in Heaven, to be born into the filth of mankind? How could the Creator, choose to be the creation? When we had hurt him so... The first man and woman that he created, chose disobedience and touched what they should not have touch, tasted what they should not have tasted. There fist born son murdered his brother because of jealousy... and it goes on, and on, and on....
We are such a selfish people! Bent on getting our own way, not counting the cost of our selfish ways. We place ourselves on a throne, We exalt ourselves up in our own eyes, wanting to be our own gods. We say, " Oh look at the sovereignty of might man" With our heads lifted up, and our chest puffed out, we walk around in arrogance. We hold on to our pride, like it is our treasure, it is our right.
Why did he not just put an end to our selfishness? Do away with mankind once and for all... In the time of Noah, he was the only righteous man in all of the world. Why didn't he just pull him up to heaven and do away with the rest? Why did he bother with our selfishness?
Why did he lower himself? Why did He choose a stable to be born? Why did he choose a teenage mother, and a humble carpenter for a father? Why did he choose to be born in such an insignificant town as Bethlehem? Why did he choose to hang out with the lowly people... the sick, and the needy? Why did he choose fishermen, and tax collectors to be his best friends? Why was he willing to die on a cross, meant for the worst kind of criminals? Why did he remain silent, when Pilot asked him to plead his case? Why did he allow them to beat him, and spit on him, and pound nails into his hands, and ridicule him, and laugh at him, and tear his clothes off of him? He didn't have too! He could have had his angles carry him away, but he didn't... He chose to die on the cross, just like He chose to come to earth... Why?
The only thing that makes sense is so that We would learn to walk in Love, as He walked in Love. So that we could learn to sacrifice for other peoples good, and not our own. So we could be made right in God's sight, by His blood. He gave us Love! He laid down His life so that we could have life in Him!
What is our response to Him? What is your response to Him? What do you choose to do with what He gave?
I pray you choose love in every situation, in every relationship. He loved us when we were ugly and nasty to him. He loved us when we put Him on a cross, and He prayed, "Father forgive them for the know no what they are doing." I pray you choose love today. I pray that you will walk as Jesus walked. Even when people don't receive you like you think they should. Even when people have hurt you, and said all kinds of evil against you, I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive.
Psalm 34:13-15 (New International Version)
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
I pray this finds you well, and if it doesn't then maybe it will in time. The Lord reconciled us to Himself, because He chose to lower Himself. Will you?
Peace to you.
How could He love us so?
How could He love us so?
How could He leave His throne in Heaven, to be born into the filth of mankind? How could the Creator, choose to be the creation? When we had hurt him so... The first man and woman that he created, chose disobedience and touched what they should not have touch, tasted what they should not have tasted. There fist born son murdered his brother because of jealousy... and it goes on, and on, and on....
We are such a selfish people! Bent on getting our own way, not counting the cost of our selfish ways. We place ourselves on a throne, We exalt ourselves up in our own eyes, wanting to be our own gods. We say, " Oh look at the sovereignty of might man" With our heads lifted up, and our chest puffed out, we walk around in arrogance. We hold on to our pride, like it is our treasure, it is our right.
Why did he not just put an end to our selfishness? Do away with mankind once and for all... In the time of Noah, he was the only righteous man in all of the world. Why didn't he just pull him up to heaven and do away with the rest? Why did he bother with our selfishness?
Why did he lower himself? Why did He choose a stable to be born? Why did he choose a teenage mother, and a humble carpenter for a father? Why did he choose to be born in such an insignificant town as Bethlehem? Why did he choose to hang out with the lowly people... the sick, and the needy? Why did he choose fishermen, and tax collectors to be his best friends? Why was he willing to die on a cross, meant for the worst kind of criminals? Why did he remain silent, when Pilot asked him to plead his case? Why did he allow them to beat him, and spit on him, and pound nails into his hands, and ridicule him, and laugh at him, and tear his clothes off of him? He didn't have too! He could have had his angles carry him away, but he didn't... He chose to die on the cross, just like He chose to come to earth... Why?
The only thing that makes sense is so that We would learn to walk in Love, as He walked in Love. So that we could learn to sacrifice for other peoples good, and not our own. So we could be made right in God's sight, by His blood. He gave us Love! He laid down His life so that we could have life in Him!
What is our response to Him? What is your response to Him? What do you choose to do with what He gave?
I pray you choose love in every situation, in every relationship. He loved us when we were ugly and nasty to him. He loved us when we put Him on a cross, and He prayed, "Father forgive them for the know no what they are doing." I pray you choose love today. I pray that you will walk as Jesus walked. Even when people don't receive you like you think they should. Even when people have hurt you, and said all kinds of evil against you, I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive.
Psalm 34:13-15 (New International Version)
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
I pray this finds you well, and if it doesn't then maybe it will in time. The Lord reconciled us to Himself, because He chose to lower Himself. Will you?
Peace to you.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thankful for the little things
When faced with writing my Christmas letter this year, I was a bit apprehensive. I felt like there were so many negative things that happened, and I thought to myself there is just nothing good to write. But, then I realized I was looking at the glass as half empty instead of half full. So I wrote my letter, and it was OK, but then when I went to print it out... the printer is out of ink. So, I will not be sending out a letter this year like I normally do. I thought it was funny in an odd sort of way, symbolic of how this year has been.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
What a wonderful verse! This year we have lost three loved ones in our family. Work has been slow, bills have been large and late, but even through our heartaches and our frustrations, God is faithful! We see his hands upon our lives, and we are comforted by his love. He is our provider, our strength, our peace!
This year has made me even more thankful for the simple things in life. A small humble garden, a homemade compost container, a clothes line that hold two large load of laundry, special moments spent with those I love. It is the simple things in life that I hold most dear, a warm smile, a cheerful embrace, and holding of hands, a kind word shared. These are the things that make life most sweet! I am thankful for each and every one.
Most of all I am thankful for a loving Savior, who came to earth, and taught us how to love, and died on a cross that he did not deserve, and went up into heaven to make a place for me. I am thankful most of all for my Jesus! I am thankful that I know my Grandpa and my Nana are there with him, and I hope my uncle is as well. I am thankful that goodbyes don't have to be forever.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
What a wonderful verse! This year we have lost three loved ones in our family. Work has been slow, bills have been large and late, but even through our heartaches and our frustrations, God is faithful! We see his hands upon our lives, and we are comforted by his love. He is our provider, our strength, our peace!
This year has made me even more thankful for the simple things in life. A small humble garden, a homemade compost container, a clothes line that hold two large load of laundry, special moments spent with those I love. It is the simple things in life that I hold most dear, a warm smile, a cheerful embrace, and holding of hands, a kind word shared. These are the things that make life most sweet! I am thankful for each and every one.
Most of all I am thankful for a loving Savior, who came to earth, and taught us how to love, and died on a cross that he did not deserve, and went up into heaven to make a place for me. I am thankful most of all for my Jesus! I am thankful that I know my Grandpa and my Nana are there with him, and I hope my uncle is as well. I am thankful that goodbyes don't have to be forever.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Teach your children well
Psalm 78: 1-8
O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things
of old-
What we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their
children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established
the law in Israel,
Which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know
them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
They would not be like their forefathers-
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 (New International Version)
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
I believe these words are just as relevant today, as they were thousands of years ago. I believe when God gives you a child, you have a wonderful and great responsibility to teach that child about God, and how God wants us to live for him.
I believe this is a command to parents, not to churches, not to schools. God placed this child in your arms, and gave you the responsibility to teach them about Him.
I believe the churches responsibility is to come along side the parents and back them up, but not take over. Church should never be a drop off zone for tired, selfish parents. Children are a blessing from the Lord, they are a gift to you from God, they are an amazing miracle... but they are a lot of work.... If you take the time to spend with them, and take the time to teach them, and take the time to encourage them, then you will reap a harvest of good fruit.. but if you see them as a burden, or is you are naive and give them over to the state to teach, and the church to teach, and spend your time in selfish ways... well then.... your missing your calling, your missing the blessing.. and scripture give you all the warning you need. Psalms 78:8 says they will become a stubborn and rebellious generation! Look around you, at this generation, and what do you see?! Maybe look in the mirror, and look the person looking back at you.... Please do not harden your hearts....God's word is sharper than a double edged sword, and it hurts at times, but it is meant for your good, and the good of your children.
O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things
of old-
What we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their
children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established
the law in Israel,
Which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know
them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
They would not be like their forefathers-
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 (New International Version)
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
I believe these words are just as relevant today, as they were thousands of years ago. I believe when God gives you a child, you have a wonderful and great responsibility to teach that child about God, and how God wants us to live for him.
I believe this is a command to parents, not to churches, not to schools. God placed this child in your arms, and gave you the responsibility to teach them about Him.
I believe the churches responsibility is to come along side the parents and back them up, but not take over. Church should never be a drop off zone for tired, selfish parents. Children are a blessing from the Lord, they are a gift to you from God, they are an amazing miracle... but they are a lot of work.... If you take the time to spend with them, and take the time to teach them, and take the time to encourage them, then you will reap a harvest of good fruit.. but if you see them as a burden, or is you are naive and give them over to the state to teach, and the church to teach, and spend your time in selfish ways... well then.... your missing your calling, your missing the blessing.. and scripture give you all the warning you need. Psalms 78:8 says they will become a stubborn and rebellious generation! Look around you, at this generation, and what do you see?! Maybe look in the mirror, and look the person looking back at you.... Please do not harden your hearts....God's word is sharper than a double edged sword, and it hurts at times, but it is meant for your good, and the good of your children.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
I thank the Lord for His many provissions, for His unseen protections, for His unconditional love. I thank the Lord for a wonderful family, great friends, and godly council.
I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your hearts would be as full as your stomachs today. That your joy may be full, as you join in this celabration day...
Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your hearts would be as full as your stomachs today. That your joy may be full, as you join in this celabration day...
Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Why I homeschool
I homeschool because I feel the Lord has impressed me to do so. I feel he has given me children to train up in his word. I feel that my children are a blessings,and I want to do my best with what he has given me. I want my children to know they are always loved, that I am available to them whenever they need to talk, whenever they need a hug, whenever they need help... Because that is how God is with me. I want them to learn to be respectful, honorable, honest, hardworking men. I want them to have a heart that is filled with God's word, so when the time comes that they are out on their own then will have a storehouse of knowledge inside of them.
I feel obligated to teach my children that this world did not come about by chance, that a big explosion can not create anything. This world was created for a purpose, and they were created for a purpose, and there are no accidents when it comes to the creation. God made us, He loves us, and He wants a relationship with us...
Why is that such a threat to so many? Why do people look at me so strange when I say that I choose to educate my children? Can I really go wrong... after all I have the Creator of the world on my side. I have his knowledge in my heart, and it's an complete honor to teach my children about his creation. It's an honor to tell them about Jesus love. It's an honor to teach them about the providence of God. It is an honor to be with them, to share my time with them, to learn with them, to grow in the Lord with them... It's a great privilege to be a parent. To be intrusted with a life... It's an honor! I will never take that lightly!
I will never give my children over to the state for them to indoctrinate. They teach a doctrine that is contrary to the word of God. They teach children that they came about by chance, and that they evolved from apes, that it's OK to live in sin, and give them protective measures so that they can do it safely.... like sin is ever safe! They teach that if you think homosexuality is wrong then you are hateful. If you believe in God, then your ignorant...and that is just the beginning, their is many more lies they teach... Why would I not homeschool my children? I love them, and they are a gift to me... after all it all goes by so fast.. I don't want to miss a minute of it!
I feel obligated to teach my children that this world did not come about by chance, that a big explosion can not create anything. This world was created for a purpose, and they were created for a purpose, and there are no accidents when it comes to the creation. God made us, He loves us, and He wants a relationship with us...
Why is that such a threat to so many? Why do people look at me so strange when I say that I choose to educate my children? Can I really go wrong... after all I have the Creator of the world on my side. I have his knowledge in my heart, and it's an complete honor to teach my children about his creation. It's an honor to tell them about Jesus love. It's an honor to teach them about the providence of God. It is an honor to be with them, to share my time with them, to learn with them, to grow in the Lord with them... It's a great privilege to be a parent. To be intrusted with a life... It's an honor! I will never take that lightly!
I will never give my children over to the state for them to indoctrinate. They teach a doctrine that is contrary to the word of God. They teach children that they came about by chance, and that they evolved from apes, that it's OK to live in sin, and give them protective measures so that they can do it safely.... like sin is ever safe! They teach that if you think homosexuality is wrong then you are hateful. If you believe in God, then your ignorant...and that is just the beginning, their is many more lies they teach... Why would I not homeschool my children? I love them, and they are a gift to me... after all it all goes by so fast.. I don't want to miss a minute of it!
Monday, November 16, 2009
lazy days and ponderings
We have been having some lazy days around our house. Cold weather is here, and so are the sore throats and sniffles. I have been forcing elderberry tinctures and super green vitamins down every ones throats, trying to get them healthy again... I also made up my thieves oil, and have been rubbing it on their necks and feet.. and using it to keep my hands germ free.
Saturday, Joshua helped Larry built a little house that goes over the top of our generator. It will keep it nice and dry when it's in storage, but it also will keep it dry if we need to use it. I love to see them working together on projects.
Levi is really into football right now, so him and a friend play in our back yard. Sometimes Larry and Joshua get involved too, and they have so much fun...
I have been going through all the clothes that were left to me from my Nana. It has been hard to go through them, but I have really been blessed with some nice shirts. I also was blessed with all her paper, and pencils, and paints... She loved to paint, and it kept her busy right up to the end... Yesterday I sat down and drew a picture of sunflowers, and painted them with her watercolor pencils... It was fun,and of course I thought about her the whole time... OK, I'm crying... but, I know that will get better in time. I am so glad she is with Jesus, and not hurting anymore... and I bet she is having a wonderful time catching up with all her loved ones. Maybe she is talking to Papa and holding his hand...
Saturday, Joshua helped Larry built a little house that goes over the top of our generator. It will keep it nice and dry when it's in storage, but it also will keep it dry if we need to use it. I love to see them working together on projects.
Levi is really into football right now, so him and a friend play in our back yard. Sometimes Larry and Joshua get involved too, and they have so much fun...
I have been going through all the clothes that were left to me from my Nana. It has been hard to go through them, but I have really been blessed with some nice shirts. I also was blessed with all her paper, and pencils, and paints... She loved to paint, and it kept her busy right up to the end... Yesterday I sat down and drew a picture of sunflowers, and painted them with her watercolor pencils... It was fun,and of course I thought about her the whole time... OK, I'm crying... but, I know that will get better in time. I am so glad she is with Jesus, and not hurting anymore... and I bet she is having a wonderful time catching up with all her loved ones. Maybe she is talking to Papa and holding his hand...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Theives Oil: Homemade Hand Sanitizer | Healthy and Green Living
Theives Oil: Homemade Hand Sanitizer | Healthy and Green Living
I was talking to a friend about Thieves oil the other day, and I decided to try to find a recipe that was close to the one I used to buy. This one is very similar. This mixture is wonderful for getting rid of viruses, and bacteria. It is also calms your coughs, and takes the pain out of soar throats. If I could only have a few things in my medicine cabinet this would be one of them for sure.
I was talking to a friend about Thieves oil the other day, and I decided to try to find a recipe that was close to the one I used to buy. This one is very similar. This mixture is wonderful for getting rid of viruses, and bacteria. It is also calms your coughs, and takes the pain out of soar throats. If I could only have a few things in my medicine cabinet this would be one of them for sure.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Homeschoolers Under Fire
Homeschoolers Under Fire
Please watch this video, and pray for these families in Europe. You can go to parentalrights.org and sign the petition, so that our rights as parents will not be taken away. There is no time to wait on this!
Please watch this video, and pray for these families in Europe. You can go to parentalrights.org and sign the petition, so that our rights as parents will not be taken away. There is no time to wait on this!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rise up, O men of God
This is a song I found in an old hymnal... It dates back to the late 1800's.
Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and mind and soul and strength To serve the King of Kings.
Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God! The Church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task; Rise up, and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God!
Talk about a heart cry! O Lord, that the hearts of Christian men would wake up, and rise up to lead the church, and lead there families in truth and righteousness! Lord Jesus, put a fire in our men's hearts that can not be ignored, that cannot be put out. Let them sound the trumpets, and March as men of War. Let them stand on God's Holy Word, and not the status quo. Let them not be afraid to offend men, but afraid to offend God! What this nation needs is Men, real Men, that will not shrink back, but will stand upon the word of God.
Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and mind and soul and strength To serve the King of Kings.
Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God! The Church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task; Rise up, and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God!
Talk about a heart cry! O Lord, that the hearts of Christian men would wake up, and rise up to lead the church, and lead there families in truth and righteousness! Lord Jesus, put a fire in our men's hearts that can not be ignored, that cannot be put out. Let them sound the trumpets, and March as men of War. Let them stand on God's Holy Word, and not the status quo. Let them not be afraid to offend men, but afraid to offend God! What this nation needs is Men, real Men, that will not shrink back, but will stand upon the word of God.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
crunchy bars
My family loves to eat these healthy treats. They taste so good,you would never guess that they are healthy too. I am always on the lookout for snacks that full of protein and not loaded with sugar. I hope your family likes them too!
Crunchy bars
Makes 12-16 bars
4cups uncooked oatmeal
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
(for an added bonus a handful of dried fruit, like raisins is nice)
1. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Press into well-greased 9 inch square pan.
2. Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Meditation of the heart
Psalm 19:14
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
The Lord has been speaking a lot to me about this verse. When I go to bed at night, these words play over in my head. When I wake in the morning these words pour forth from my spirit. When I go about my day, he gently corrects me with these words.
I notice that the words of my mouth are a reflection of what my mind is meditating on. So often I find myself grumbling or complaining in my heart... Instead of being thankful, I am sullen. Oh how I want God to change this in me! So I go to His word and I find wonderful verses to encourage me, to teach me how to think.
Philippians 4:8 (Message bible)
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
I see in this verse that I have to put into practice what I have learned. I have to work at being positive. It takes effort, but I believe the effort is worth it. I know that God is there to help me.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 55:11 (New King James Version)
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
I cling to these verses because they are filled with promise for me. That God is working in my heart, and his word is transforming me. God is my constant help, and what I can't do by myself he is doing in me.
I hope this is an encouragement to you all well. I pray that you will find rest, peace, and joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
The Lord has been speaking a lot to me about this verse. When I go to bed at night, these words play over in my head. When I wake in the morning these words pour forth from my spirit. When I go about my day, he gently corrects me with these words.
I notice that the words of my mouth are a reflection of what my mind is meditating on. So often I find myself grumbling or complaining in my heart... Instead of being thankful, I am sullen. Oh how I want God to change this in me! So I go to His word and I find wonderful verses to encourage me, to teach me how to think.
Philippians 4:8 (Message bible)
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
I see in this verse that I have to put into practice what I have learned. I have to work at being positive. It takes effort, but I believe the effort is worth it. I know that God is there to help me.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 55:11 (New King James Version)
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
I cling to these verses because they are filled with promise for me. That God is working in my heart, and his word is transforming me. God is my constant help, and what I can't do by myself he is doing in me.
I hope this is an encouragement to you all well. I pray that you will find rest, peace, and joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A gentle word turns away wrath
Proverbs 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Lord thank you for your words of knowledge, please help me to always speak in a manner that is pleasing to you. The husband and the children you have blessed me with, are true treasures and I want to treat them as such. Help me to keep my tongue, and when I need to speak, help me to whisper instead of yell. Help me to smile instead of frown. Please help me to walk in the Love you have given me, through your Holy Spirit. Have your way in my heart, and in the hearts of my family.
I love that God is still working in me, I love that he knows my struggles and he loves me and gently encourages me. I want to be that way to those around me as well. I want to be a reflection of his glory. Just like when Moses came down off the mountain after being in God's presence his face radiated. I want Gods love to radiate through me, so that I can be an encouragement to those around me. I know God is faithful to finish the work he has started in me.
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Lord thank you for your words of knowledge, please help me to always speak in a manner that is pleasing to you. The husband and the children you have blessed me with, are true treasures and I want to treat them as such. Help me to keep my tongue, and when I need to speak, help me to whisper instead of yell. Help me to smile instead of frown. Please help me to walk in the Love you have given me, through your Holy Spirit. Have your way in my heart, and in the hearts of my family.
I love that God is still working in me, I love that he knows my struggles and he loves me and gently encourages me. I want to be that way to those around me as well. I want to be a reflection of his glory. Just like when Moses came down off the mountain after being in God's presence his face radiated. I want Gods love to radiate through me, so that I can be an encouragement to those around me. I know God is faithful to finish the work he has started in me.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sweeter than Honey
Psalm 19:9-11 (New International Version)
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 119:102-104 (New International Version)
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
King David declares that the fear of the Lord, and the commands of the Lord are sweeter than pure honey, even honey from the comb! He says, that the words of the Lord give him warning,understanding, and that in keeping them there is GREAT REWARD!
Who doesn't have a sweet tooth? I know that for me there are times that I just crave something sweet, and nothing else that I eat will satisfy my taste buds. An interesting fact that I have learned is that honey is two times as sweet as sugar, and it is actually very beneficial to your health.
So I find it is very fitting that David would make such a claim about the word of God. It satisfies our souls, and nothing can take it's place. So here is my question... Why do we try to find a substitute for God's word? Why do we go to the cupboard when we feel depressed, or tired, or lonely, or board. I use this illustration because we are talking about honey. But I know we all have our own things we go to when we are trying to fill that void, that only God can fill. Why don't we go to God's word first?
Exodus 3:17
And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.'
Numbers 14:8
If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us
Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.
In these verses God sees his people and there suffering, and he has compassion on them. He promises to bring them out of bondage, and bring them into a land flowing with milk and HONEY. But, there is a condition... They must obey the words of the Lord.
It should never be a chore to read the Word of God, because it is a delight. It satisfies us in a way that nothing else can. All other things are imposter's, they may satisfy an itch, but they don't last. Often they lead us away from the Lord, and his will for us.
The Lord wants to bring us into a land flowing with milk and honey, he wants to satisfy you with his word. But, he is not a God who will force our hand and make us spend time with him. He wants us to love him enough to spend time with him, and in doing so He will give us a great reward!
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 119:102-104 (New International Version)
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
King David declares that the fear of the Lord, and the commands of the Lord are sweeter than pure honey, even honey from the comb! He says, that the words of the Lord give him warning,understanding, and that in keeping them there is GREAT REWARD!
Who doesn't have a sweet tooth? I know that for me there are times that I just crave something sweet, and nothing else that I eat will satisfy my taste buds. An interesting fact that I have learned is that honey is two times as sweet as sugar, and it is actually very beneficial to your health.
So I find it is very fitting that David would make such a claim about the word of God. It satisfies our souls, and nothing can take it's place. So here is my question... Why do we try to find a substitute for God's word? Why do we go to the cupboard when we feel depressed, or tired, or lonely, or board. I use this illustration because we are talking about honey. But I know we all have our own things we go to when we are trying to fill that void, that only God can fill. Why don't we go to God's word first?
Exodus 3:17
And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.'
Numbers 14:8
If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us
Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.
In these verses God sees his people and there suffering, and he has compassion on them. He promises to bring them out of bondage, and bring them into a land flowing with milk and HONEY. But, there is a condition... They must obey the words of the Lord.
It should never be a chore to read the Word of God, because it is a delight. It satisfies us in a way that nothing else can. All other things are imposter's, they may satisfy an itch, but they don't last. Often they lead us away from the Lord, and his will for us.
The Lord wants to bring us into a land flowing with milk and honey, he wants to satisfy you with his word. But, he is not a God who will force our hand and make us spend time with him. He wants us to love him enough to spend time with him, and in doing so He will give us a great reward!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What do I know of Holy
I hope this song blesses your heart as much as it does mine. Sometimes we try to make God so small, and we just don't understand the awesomeness of our God!
Monday, October 12, 2009
A dog house for Saydee, and Koda
When Joshua was a small boy, he would spend hours with his wooden blocks or plastic Lego's, with his cars and trucks, and his small plastic animals. He would build, and build, and build. He has always loved to work with his hand!
Now that he is becoming older, those toys have turned to tools. The wooden blocks have turned to planks of wood. Plastic tools have turned to real tools. This is Joshua's first time using the miter saw. Dad stayed close by his side, and made sure he was paying attention to all the safety rules. Larry and Joshua love to build things together.
This is day two of the building project, and the frame is completed. They had fun cutting and nailing all the pieces in place.
This is Saydee, and Koda in there finished doghouse. They both fit so snug inside, and they are kept warm will the wonderful cedar shavings. Notice we keep hay down in their kennel to keep them from getting muddy when it rains.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Fishing is Levi's favorite thing to do with his dad. This year they spent many hours fishing the Stilly river. They had a wonderful time and we were blessed with quite a few salmon dinners.
This a fish that Larry caught. My nephew didn't know quite what to think of it, but when Uncle Larry started the cleaning process, Sean said " Oh Gross". I have to agree with Sean, but I sure like eating them.
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