It hard to believe it's Christmas time already! It seems like we just did this not that long ago. As I get older time seems to go faster, and the years start to blur together. I do love Christmas time with my family!
Over the years we have done different things to celebrate the birth of our Savior. In the years past we have always taken a month off of regular school work and focused on learning about the Christmas story. We have done Unit Studies on Christmas, and have made our own Christmas books filled with scripture that tells the the story of a world in need of a savior. We have made ornaments for our tree that have to do with different aspects of Gods word, and his promises. It has always been a wonderful time of learning, and fun.
This year we decided to push through half of December with regular School work, and take a week off before Christmas to get all our shopping, baking, and present making done. We are also taking the week after Christmas off because Larry is only working two days that week. Although we are busy, I love the relaxed atmosphere in the house. No one is grumbling about their math, or grammar lessons...we are just having fun baking cookies and making gifts.
There is so much I could say about this year, but I don't have the words. It has been a really tough one, but God is faithful. God has had to do some trimming on us as a family, and it's been painful...yet the pain has brought healing in so many ways. I am glad that in a few weeks we will be able to put this year behind us, and I look forward to all He will do in our lives in the coming year. I do not want to forget the lessons that have been learned, but I am ready to start fresh. We are much lighter now, we have gotten rid of a lot of stuff that was dragging us down...So I think we may be ready to start running for the Lord....but we are waiting for his direction. I know he has much more work to do in us, and probably more pruning...I don't like to think of the pruning...but if it accomplishes God's plans for us...then I lift up my arms....
I am so glad that God has given us good friends to share our lives with. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ...you know the ones that stick around even when you have messed up pretty bad. The ones who pray with you and encourage you in the Lord. I am thankful for my Sisters who encourage me when I am having a really hard school day as well...and they take the time to talk me through it, or take the time to pray for me. I am thankful God has given me a wonderful family who goes out of their way to bless us, and loves us. I am so blessed, We are so blessed, and I hold you all in my prayers!
Merry Christmas everyone!!! May this season draw you closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is our hope, and the reason why we sing!!!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
grieving
It was a year ago last Friday that we said our final goodbyes to my Nana. The day is fresh in my memory. I have not had a day that I did not think of her this year. She was such a wonderful blessing to me and my family.
Last Saturday we had to say goodbye to our faithful friend Saidee. She was sick for a week, and we didn't quite know what was wrong with her, but she just kept declining. She has not been a healthy dog the past year, and has been in and out of the vet with stomach problems. The vet said she was bleeding internally, and it most likely was from a tumor. She had lost so much blood, that the only option was to put her to sleep. It's been a very sad week!
Our chocolate lab, Koda has been grieving too. He doesn't want to chase squirrels anymore, and has been wanting to be inside all the time. He lays on Saidee's bed in front of the fireplace and looks sad. We have made extra effort to take him for walks and play ball with him. I know it will take a little while for him to feel better, but I hope he will get back to himself soon. It really seems strange that he's not giving those squirrels a bad time.
The boys have been gathering pictures of Saidee to put together a scrapbook for her. I think this will be very healing for them, and it's also great for a school project. Then after that is done, maybe it will be easier to get in the Christmas cheer.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Deep thoughts and wonderings
My heart has been heavy lately and I have not known how to express what is going on in my heart. I feel we are at a cross roads right now, and we are just standing here waiting for the Lord to lead us on the path that he wants us to go. I know that I just want to be in the center of His will, whatever that is.
We don't know at this point if Larry's work will be there tomorrow. Things are really tight at Pearson, and work is very slow. Yet, I know if he comes home and says that he does not have a job...God will still provide. His ways are far above my ways, and he knows the plans he has for us. My job is to trust and obey. I am asking for more faith right now, and a better understanding of His will for our family.
Lately the Lord has been putting a great burden on my heart for the downcast. My heart is breaking for the people all over the world who do not have warmth, or food, or a way to be clean. The ones who are sick and lonely, for the unsaved. God has only given me a small glimpse, and my heart is so heavy...I can not imagine the pain Jesus must feel in his heart for his children!
I asked Jesus last night why His children are going hungry, why is he not providing food for them? In Psalms it says that His children will not go without bread...So why are these people starving. I heard a still small voice say," because my church is not doing what I have commanded her to do." I know that when He says the "church", I can point the finger right at myself and say because I have not been doing what God has commanded me. Anyone who has said the salvation prayer, and asked Jesus to be his or her Lord is the Church. We have a commission by the Lord to go out and reach the dying world for him. We are his hands and feet in the world!
Isaiah 58:5-7
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing ones head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the kind of fast that I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
The whole chapter of Isaiah 58 is amazing and you should get out your bible and read it. It goes on to tell you how God will bless you if you do His way.
Jesus came and walked on the earth, and he taught us how to love. He also commanded us to love. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. He laid down his very life so that we could be free. He sent his Holy Spirit into the world to empower us to live for him. He gives us all we need to do what is right....then why do so many who call Him their God, not do what he has called them to do. I am not just pointing my finger at everyone else, because my finger points back at me as well. It is more burdensome to live a selfish life, than a life of love.
We don't know at this point if Larry's work will be there tomorrow. Things are really tight at Pearson, and work is very slow. Yet, I know if he comes home and says that he does not have a job...God will still provide. His ways are far above my ways, and he knows the plans he has for us. My job is to trust and obey. I am asking for more faith right now, and a better understanding of His will for our family.
Lately the Lord has been putting a great burden on my heart for the downcast. My heart is breaking for the people all over the world who do not have warmth, or food, or a way to be clean. The ones who are sick and lonely, for the unsaved. God has only given me a small glimpse, and my heart is so heavy...I can not imagine the pain Jesus must feel in his heart for his children!
I asked Jesus last night why His children are going hungry, why is he not providing food for them? In Psalms it says that His children will not go without bread...So why are these people starving. I heard a still small voice say," because my church is not doing what I have commanded her to do." I know that when He says the "church", I can point the finger right at myself and say because I have not been doing what God has commanded me. Anyone who has said the salvation prayer, and asked Jesus to be his or her Lord is the Church. We have a commission by the Lord to go out and reach the dying world for him. We are his hands and feet in the world!
Isaiah 58:5-7
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing ones head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the kind of fast that I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
The whole chapter of Isaiah 58 is amazing and you should get out your bible and read it. It goes on to tell you how God will bless you if you do His way.
Jesus came and walked on the earth, and he taught us how to love. He also commanded us to love. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. He laid down his very life so that we could be free. He sent his Holy Spirit into the world to empower us to live for him. He gives us all we need to do what is right....then why do so many who call Him their God, not do what he has called them to do. I am not just pointing my finger at everyone else, because my finger points back at me as well. It is more burdensome to live a selfish life, than a life of love.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Never Gonna Stand For This by Teachenor Clark
I saw this on facebook, and I just had to post it on my blog. I feel it really sums up what a lot of us are feeling right now. I know I am completely fed up, and ready to take a stand.
Keep yourself informed on what is going on. Do not depend on the liberal media either because they are not giving you all the facts. Pray for our Country, Pray for revival, and make sure you vote in November.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Crying out for Daddy
Today I was sitting in line at Costco and notice a small boy about the age of two in the line beside me. He was on one side of the check stand while his Mommy was on the other side. He was holding out his arms to her and saying," Mama I want you, I want to get out of the cart, Mama I need you, please Mama please."
As I was witnessing this the thought came into my mind. I thought about our Abba Father. I thought about the fact that there are times when we don't think we can do it on our own and we cry out, "Abba father I need you, I don't want to be apart from you any longer, I need your protection, I need your love, I need to feel your arms of safety around me."
There are times that He does let us learn to walk a little on our own, he lets us endure uncomfortable circumstances. HE gently tells us that He is right there, that He sees us, that he is with us, that he is working things out for our good. Just like this Mama who was calmly looking to her child, she was letting him know your alright, I am right here, I am not going to let anything happen to you, I am not going to leave you, I love you.
We should always be calling out to our Abba father, always seeking him in every situation. He is always listening, He always cares, and will always guide us in the right way. He always has open arms to comfort us. He is our Abba Father, our daddy. His love is unconditional, and we can trust him to never let us down.
As I was witnessing this the thought came into my mind. I thought about our Abba Father. I thought about the fact that there are times when we don't think we can do it on our own and we cry out, "Abba father I need you, I don't want to be apart from you any longer, I need your protection, I need your love, I need to feel your arms of safety around me."
There are times that He does let us learn to walk a little on our own, he lets us endure uncomfortable circumstances. HE gently tells us that He is right there, that He sees us, that he is with us, that he is working things out for our good. Just like this Mama who was calmly looking to her child, she was letting him know your alright, I am right here, I am not going to let anything happen to you, I am not going to leave you, I love you.
We should always be calling out to our Abba father, always seeking him in every situation. He is always listening, He always cares, and will always guide us in the right way. He always has open arms to comfort us. He is our Abba Father, our daddy. His love is unconditional, and we can trust him to never let us down.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Creativity in the kitchen
Today I have been in the kitchen most of the day. I am trying to be creative this week and see how far I can stretch the things that I have in my pantry, fridge and freezer. I would really like to be able to make it to next payday without having to go to the store. What do you think they did in the old days? I have been asking myself this lately. We are so spoiled now days with a market on every corner. Everything is open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Today I made breakfast bars out of oatmeal, very ripe pears, raw honey, extra virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I am sorry that I don't always measure ingredients so that I can share the recipe with everyone. I want to get better about this, but it really goes against my creative bend I think. Anyway, I do not use the oven to bake this. I use my dehydrator set on 120 degrees and it takes six to eight hours to cook. I have made a variety of different breakfast bars this way; apple crisp bars made from all the ingredients that you would use to make apple crisp. Chocolate almond coconut bars is one of the families favorites. Really you are only limited by your creativity or lack there of. I am sensitive to wheat products so I make my own nut flour, or oat flour with my food processor. It is really fun, and the boys eat my breakfast bars without complaint.
I have just finished up dehydrating about 40 pounds of peaches. I will use these throughout the fall and winter in a variety of different things, if I can keep certain peoples fingers out of them. They really taste so sweet and nice all by themselves.
I cut up veggies today, and I wish I could say they were all from my garden. Maybe next year. I like to have a big container of fresh veggies for anyone who says they are hungry. They are washed, and cut, and easy to grab. It does take some time to prepare them all but it is really worth the effort.
I boiled about 14 eggs today and made a batch of egg salad for sandwiches. These eggs are such a blessing to us, because they are from my dads chickens and he give them to us for free. I got a really good papa!
I made peanut butter today with my vita- mix machine, and guess what. I measured the ingredients so I can share my recipe.
Four cups dry roasted peanuts (Winco has the best prices on these)
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil in liquid form. ( heat it on the stove in a pan on low heat.)
1/4 cup honey (you can heat this with the coconut oil because you want it to be as syrup like as possible.) Just make sure you stir with a wooden spoon.
1/2 teaspoon to 1 tsp sea salt.
Put all the ingredients in the vita-mix turn on at variable speed, then up to high. You have to use the plunger thing to keep pushing the peanuts down into the blade. It really is very loud while it is grinding but don't be afraid just keep working the peanuts down into the blade until they are all creamy. This mixture does not have to be refrigerated, but should be used within a week or two.
I have made the peanut butter with canola oil too, and it works just as well. If you use canola oil put the peanut butter in the fridge to store or it will be to runny.
I hope you are encouraged to get in your kitchen and be creative. It really is a lot of fun. Our food doesn't have to come from a box.
Today I made breakfast bars out of oatmeal, very ripe pears, raw honey, extra virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I am sorry that I don't always measure ingredients so that I can share the recipe with everyone. I want to get better about this, but it really goes against my creative bend I think. Anyway, I do not use the oven to bake this. I use my dehydrator set on 120 degrees and it takes six to eight hours to cook. I have made a variety of different breakfast bars this way; apple crisp bars made from all the ingredients that you would use to make apple crisp. Chocolate almond coconut bars is one of the families favorites. Really you are only limited by your creativity or lack there of. I am sensitive to wheat products so I make my own nut flour, or oat flour with my food processor. It is really fun, and the boys eat my breakfast bars without complaint.
I have just finished up dehydrating about 40 pounds of peaches. I will use these throughout the fall and winter in a variety of different things, if I can keep certain peoples fingers out of them. They really taste so sweet and nice all by themselves.
I cut up veggies today, and I wish I could say they were all from my garden. Maybe next year. I like to have a big container of fresh veggies for anyone who says they are hungry. They are washed, and cut, and easy to grab. It does take some time to prepare them all but it is really worth the effort.
I boiled about 14 eggs today and made a batch of egg salad for sandwiches. These eggs are such a blessing to us, because they are from my dads chickens and he give them to us for free. I got a really good papa!
I made peanut butter today with my vita- mix machine, and guess what. I measured the ingredients so I can share my recipe.
Four cups dry roasted peanuts (Winco has the best prices on these)
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil in liquid form. ( heat it on the stove in a pan on low heat.)
1/4 cup honey (you can heat this with the coconut oil because you want it to be as syrup like as possible.) Just make sure you stir with a wooden spoon.
1/2 teaspoon to 1 tsp sea salt.
Put all the ingredients in the vita-mix turn on at variable speed, then up to high. You have to use the plunger thing to keep pushing the peanuts down into the blade. It really is very loud while it is grinding but don't be afraid just keep working the peanuts down into the blade until they are all creamy. This mixture does not have to be refrigerated, but should be used within a week or two.
I have made the peanut butter with canola oil too, and it works just as well. If you use canola oil put the peanut butter in the fridge to store or it will be to runny.
I hope you are encouraged to get in your kitchen and be creative. It really is a lot of fun. Our food doesn't have to come from a box.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Can prepositions be fun?
There is a certain individual in our home who is so very creative. He does not want me to mention him by name, but says I can share his word for the day. He was told to write a list of all his prepositions that start with the letter b and make a prepositional phrase for each one. This is what he wrote.
The devil is behind you,
below you,
beneath you,
beside you,
between you,
beyond you,
by you,
but don't be afraid because God is on your side.
I thought it was quite clever, and was proud of his effort.
The devil is behind you,
below you,
beneath you,
beside you,
between you,
beyond you,
by you,
but don't be afraid because God is on your side.
I thought it was quite clever, and was proud of his effort.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The most excellent way
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all that I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corithians 13:1-3
There is much I want to say, but I have no words in which to say them. The Lord has closed my mouth for the time, but he has opened my heart.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all that I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corithians 13:1-3
There is much I want to say, but I have no words in which to say them. The Lord has closed my mouth for the time, but he has opened my heart.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wooden Boat
Larry and I wanted to find some kind of summer job for Joshua to keep his hands moving, build some self esteem, and learn some skills of a trade. We asked Alan Tomle of Boat Works if he would mind having Joshua come help him two days a week during the summer. Alan said he would love that, and we are thrilled. Joshua has been working hard, and learning a lot about boats, and how to work on them. Here are some pictures of a boat that Alan built from scratch. It is not quite finished in the pictures. He still had to put the metal trim on the edges and a metal handle on the front. The craftsmanship of this boat is amazing, and Joshua was so excited to take pictures of it. He helped with some sanding and varnishing on this boat.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Planning for next falls homeschool days
I sat down with the family last weekend and discussed with them what they would like to study in the fall. I had a huge list of areas that we could amerce ourselves in this year. When we study something I like to dig in real deep and find out as much as I can about that thing...so Unit Studies work very well for us.
After talking with the boys they both showed great interest in Military History. So we are planning on studying American wars, starting with the Revolutionary war and working all the way through to the present. For Science we will be learning about military machines, and ballistics. We will be making some of our own backyard ballistics like catapults, potato launchers, mini cannons...that sort of thing. Don't worry this will be all supervised by Dad. LOL! For physical education we will be doing a mini boot camp.
So I am trying to find as much material as I can about Military life,Branches of military, wars, battles, weapons, famous generals or soldiers who did extraordinary things...so if you have any books, movies, audio CD's that you would be willing to lend to us for anywhere from six months to a year, we would be so blessed. This is one thing about homeschooling that can be overwhelming...the cost of materials...If you lent us anything we would treat it with utmost care. I love that the Library has resources, but I have also noticed that their is a great amount of censoring that goes on. It seems like if their is anything about God in a book or film they do not carry it. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have a list of books that I need, and am not able to find them in our local library...but there are more than enough books about sorcery, witchcraft, and everything else...my pet peeve...
Also if you have any great, creative ideas that you would like to share...I am all ears!
After talking with the boys they both showed great interest in Military History. So we are planning on studying American wars, starting with the Revolutionary war and working all the way through to the present. For Science we will be learning about military machines, and ballistics. We will be making some of our own backyard ballistics like catapults, potato launchers, mini cannons...that sort of thing. Don't worry this will be all supervised by Dad. LOL! For physical education we will be doing a mini boot camp.
So I am trying to find as much material as I can about Military life,Branches of military, wars, battles, weapons, famous generals or soldiers who did extraordinary things...so if you have any books, movies, audio CD's that you would be willing to lend to us for anywhere from six months to a year, we would be so blessed. This is one thing about homeschooling that can be overwhelming...the cost of materials...If you lent us anything we would treat it with utmost care. I love that the Library has resources, but I have also noticed that their is a great amount of censoring that goes on. It seems like if their is anything about God in a book or film they do not carry it. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have a list of books that I need, and am not able to find them in our local library...but there are more than enough books about sorcery, witchcraft, and everything else...my pet peeve...
Also if you have any great, creative ideas that you would like to share...I am all ears!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What we have been up too
Larry has been busy teaching Joshua how to build his motor. This has been a wonderful time for both of them, and Joshua has been able to do almost everything himself. He really has a passion for working on engines, and has done really well! He needs a few more things before it is ready to be put in his truck, but it's getting there...
We have also started a new Unit Study on Kings, Queens, Knights, and Castles. We are attempting to build a wooden castle. It is not finished yet, but here are some pictures of the beginning stages.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A Light In The Darkness
A Light In The Darkness
We are beginning a new unit study this week on light. I came upon this blog while doing researching our upcoming theme, and I was so blessed. This is beautifully, and thoughtfully done, and I am so thankful that I came upon it. I wanted to share with others, because that is what we are called to do. I really enjoyed this blog, and I am sure I will visit it many more times. Check it out, and I hope you are blessed for doing so!
We are beginning a new unit study this week on light. I came upon this blog while doing researching our upcoming theme, and I was so blessed. This is beautifully, and thoughtfully done, and I am so thankful that I came upon it. I wanted to share with others, because that is what we are called to do. I really enjoyed this blog, and I am sure I will visit it many more times. Check it out, and I hope you are blessed for doing so!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Trusting in Jesus
... Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth
his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Psalms 125:1 A Song of Ascents. They that trust in the LORD are as mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.
Trust in in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
What do you trust in? Is it in your goodness, is it in your wealth, is it in your own wisdom, is it in another person, is it in your government? Where do you place your trust?
There have been many times that I have placed my trust where it didn't belong. There have manytimes I chose to do things my own way. Maybe out of selfishness, maybe out of fear, maybe out of pride...this never works out, it only brings pain, suffering, and loss. Not only for myself but also for others around me. How many times have I let others down because I failed to Trust God? How many messes have I made because I failed to trust God?
There is a song that goes like this: Trust and obey; cause theres no other way; to be happy in Jesus; but to trust and obey...
The Lord and I have been going round and round for many years about my trust issues, about my lack of faith, about my fear of the unknown. He wants me to take steps of faith, that seem so scary to me. I don't know if you have watched the Indiana Jones movies, but there is a scene in one of the movies. Harrison Ford is standing on a cliff,and the enemy is right behind him. He has only one choice step off the cliff, or be killed by the enemy. He chooses to step off the cliff. To his amazement something catches him, and he is able to walk across this invisable bridge to the other side. The bridge was there, even though he couldn't see it at first. I find this to be a perfect word picture, of how God wants us to trust. Faith without seeing, or knowing the outcome.
I find over and over again in the scripture that when God asks his children to trust him, he always gives a promise. Notice that in the verses above. I find that I have to claim those promises over and over again. When I pray I remind God of his word, and his promises. I remind myself of all the times he has been faithful to those who love him. They are there in the stories you read in the bible, and they are even true in my own life. I can look back at the times I really needed him, and I had no choice but to trust him, and He always has pulled me through.
It is the times in my life that I have chosen not to trust in Him, and chose to do things my own way, or chosen to listen to man's wisdom that I have gotten way over my head. I think of the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. He was doing great walking on that water, as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. But as soon he let his eyes wander to the waves crashing around him, he started to sink. He got caught up in the fear of the storm for just a moment. He cried out to Jesus, and Jesus saved him. Jesus asked Peter," Why did you doubt me?"...What is your storm?
I have to believe God can get us out of storms, even when they are self imposed storms. If we have messed up, If we have taken our eyes off of Jesus, If we have tried to do things in our own power, and we have made a total mess of our lives.We can still cry out to Jesus, and ask him to save us. He always will, He always forgives, He is always calling out to us, and saying," take my hand!" Today is the day to start trusting Jesus. There really is no other way!
Lord, today I choose to take that step of faith. I choose to do it your way, because I know that your way is the only way. I have made a mess of things trying to do it on my own. Jesus, I need you to do the impossible in my life. I am tired sinking, I want to float. I need you to hold out your hand, I need you to save me, because I can't do it on my own. I know that you never intended me too. Lord please forgive me, and help me to walk in your ways. Take over my life, and make it what you want it to be. I know that this is the only way that I can truely live!
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Psalms 125:1 A Song of Ascents. They that trust in the LORD are as mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.
Trust in in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
What do you trust in? Is it in your goodness, is it in your wealth, is it in your own wisdom, is it in another person, is it in your government? Where do you place your trust?
There have been many times that I have placed my trust where it didn't belong. There have manytimes I chose to do things my own way. Maybe out of selfishness, maybe out of fear, maybe out of pride...this never works out, it only brings pain, suffering, and loss. Not only for myself but also for others around me. How many times have I let others down because I failed to Trust God? How many messes have I made because I failed to trust God?
There is a song that goes like this: Trust and obey; cause theres no other way; to be happy in Jesus; but to trust and obey...
The Lord and I have been going round and round for many years about my trust issues, about my lack of faith, about my fear of the unknown. He wants me to take steps of faith, that seem so scary to me. I don't know if you have watched the Indiana Jones movies, but there is a scene in one of the movies. Harrison Ford is standing on a cliff,and the enemy is right behind him. He has only one choice step off the cliff, or be killed by the enemy. He chooses to step off the cliff. To his amazement something catches him, and he is able to walk across this invisable bridge to the other side. The bridge was there, even though he couldn't see it at first. I find this to be a perfect word picture, of how God wants us to trust. Faith without seeing, or knowing the outcome.
I find over and over again in the scripture that when God asks his children to trust him, he always gives a promise. Notice that in the verses above. I find that I have to claim those promises over and over again. When I pray I remind God of his word, and his promises. I remind myself of all the times he has been faithful to those who love him. They are there in the stories you read in the bible, and they are even true in my own life. I can look back at the times I really needed him, and I had no choice but to trust him, and He always has pulled me through.
It is the times in my life that I have chosen not to trust in Him, and chose to do things my own way, or chosen to listen to man's wisdom that I have gotten way over my head. I think of the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. He was doing great walking on that water, as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. But as soon he let his eyes wander to the waves crashing around him, he started to sink. He got caught up in the fear of the storm for just a moment. He cried out to Jesus, and Jesus saved him. Jesus asked Peter," Why did you doubt me?"...What is your storm?
I have to believe God can get us out of storms, even when they are self imposed storms. If we have messed up, If we have taken our eyes off of Jesus, If we have tried to do things in our own power, and we have made a total mess of our lives.We can still cry out to Jesus, and ask him to save us. He always will, He always forgives, He is always calling out to us, and saying," take my hand!" Today is the day to start trusting Jesus. There really is no other way!
Lord, today I choose to take that step of faith. I choose to do it your way, because I know that your way is the only way. I have made a mess of things trying to do it on my own. Jesus, I need you to do the impossible in my life. I am tired sinking, I want to float. I need you to hold out your hand, I need you to save me, because I can't do it on my own. I know that you never intended me too. Lord please forgive me, and help me to walk in your ways. Take over my life, and make it what you want it to be. I know that this is the only way that I can truely live!
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
"Give me Liberty or Give me Death."
Please watch this video, and ask yourself if you are willing to give up your freedom for temporary indulgence...This is something I have been asking myself a lot lately as our President is trying to push through this health care act.
I do not have health insurance, and have not seen a doctor or a dentist in years. Of course I would love to be able to have health care, but not at the cost of giving up my freedom. When the government wants to force all people to carry health insurance, that is against our constitutional rights...And when this is the case, We must stand on the side of Liberty, or we will loose it!
Benjamin Franklin said,"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." To me these word are so very profound, and the echo in my ear! Let us never forget our past, and what we have fought to obtain, and let us never give our freedom away!
Thomas Paine said," Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel."
Monday, February 22, 2010
Going Home
My Grandma Elsie is going home to be with her Jesus very soon. I was blessed with a good visit with her in the hospital on Friday, and in the nursing home that same night. Saturday she said lots of goodbyes to her children and grandchildren, giving them all her last words of wisdom. I am sure they were good words, her words of wisdom were sweet to my ear.
She is really looking forward to being with the Lord, and even in death she is so strong....I am really going to miss her, but I know I will see her again in time. It won't be long now Grandma, He's coming to carry you home. What a glorious time that will be, I can only imagine....
She is really looking forward to being with the Lord, and even in death she is so strong....I am really going to miss her, but I know I will see her again in time. It won't be long now Grandma, He's coming to carry you home. What a glorious time that will be, I can only imagine....
Monday, February 15, 2010
Fun day with Dad
Larry took the boys shooting up in the hills today. They got up early and got ready right away. Funny how quickly they can wake up and get dressed when they have something like this to look forward too! They had a great time practicing there shooting skills.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Marshmallow shooter
If you have sons eight and above you have to watch this video, and make your own shooters. I don't know a single man who would not love this!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hands on learning
Joshua is not thrilled about getting his picture taken, but he is thrilled about this carburetor. He went to a swap meet with his dad in December, and found a really nice carburetter for a really good deal. Larry taught him how to tear it down, and rebuild it. He really enjoyed the whole process of getting the carburetor, and fixing it up nice.
Now he is on the hunt for a good engine block, and some good heads. He is saving all his money for building this engine. It is taking a long time to get all the pieces...But I am sure the effort will be worth it.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Pilgrim’s Heart Part 5 – The Contrite Heart « Possessing the Treasure
The Pilgrim’s Heart Part 5 – The Contrite Heart « Possessing the Treasure
Last night as I was thinking about life, and talking with God about how he wants me to walk during this season. He told me with a broken and contrite heart...I really didn't know what this meant completey... So today, I did some research on the subject and fell upon this artical. It really blessed my heart, and I really want to live this way!
Last night as I was thinking about life, and talking with God about how he wants me to walk during this season. He told me with a broken and contrite heart...I really didn't know what this meant completey... So today, I did some research on the subject and fell upon this artical. It really blessed my heart, and I really want to live this way!
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