Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sickness

This has been such and off week for me. I have been sick more than I have been well. Monday and Tuesday Sam did not go to school - Tuesday and Wednesday Lissa did not go to school. Most of the week - it has also been me. :) Last night when I had a fever of 103 - I knew I was sick. I keep tell myself it is allergies but when a fever is that high - I am sick. I had to admit the obvious. I was sick. I am feeling better and no fever (well 99 - which I don't count as a fever much) so I am on the upswing - Hopefully will get back to journaling here on a regular basis. Till tomorrow....

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Rain

I am so tired of the rain. I want sunshine - no, I need sunshine. It's funny how much the sunshine affects our moods. I am not down but definitely not woo-hoo, go God.

As I was reading Proverbs today, It was talking about our words and how we use them (which is a major theme of Proverbs) - made me think of all the rain we have been getting and how our words are meant to do good and soothe the soul. But is all the rain we have been getting kinda like someone who has flowing words all the time, almost to much - like all the rain we have been getting. That can kill things too. Like to much water is just as deadly as none. Anyway, just a thought I had. :)

Galations 1- I desire for the things I do to be pure and right where God has placed me to do them. I know I sometimes take control of that and take over His place but I do DEEPLY desire God to control every aspect of everything in my life.

24 And they praised God because of me.
Wow, what a compliment that is. My heart is for Jesus to shine in me so brightly that others are drawn to that and He uses little me to draw people to Him. WOW! Isn't God Amazing!!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Light

It seems everything I am reading and hearing this week is about 'light'. We are salt and light. At CC this morning Troy is talking about 'impacting the world around us' ie being light. Whether that is here or those we support in other countries as the Bromley's shared about today. I want to be light not just any light but one that is effective. But I have to wonder 'How effective am I'? I pray that I am moving closer to being more effective daily. Sometimes I wonder how I can be an effective light when I take care of children all day. I am learning that I am most effective when they see it burning brightly and it makes a difference in their lives and they seek that out. WOW, what a purposeful light is! That is how God created us to be. A light. Pure and simple.

I am covering 3 chapter in Ephesians and 3 chapters in Proverbs to get me ,blog wise, caught up to where I need/want to be. :)

Ephesians 3 -

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Church/the Body! Wow - and we GET to be a part of that!

12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

When I read this, I thought - if only I lived according to this and lived boldly and confidently. How much different would I be today? I desire and want to live confidently, I'm just not sure what that looks like for me. Jesus, help me to live confidently and boldly in You.

17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

AWWW what a beautiful word picture. I need my roots to go deep. I am taking steps so my roots do go deep. That is not something that just happens. Keep Seeking, Keep Seeking his face!

8 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

There are days I think I get how much He loves me. Then the very next day, I realize that I don't even begin to comprehend the depth of His love for me.

...19 Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

That is the only way I will ever be complete! FROM GOD!!!

Ephesians 4

1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

This verse pretty much sums up this chapter for me. Lead a life worthy - called by god. It entails unity - different gifts, etc . God is incredibly creative!

Ephesians 5

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Follow God, Seek Him - everything works together - just as He planned! Simple , right? I tend to complicate things. Make them harder than they need to be. Not sure why but I do. :) Jesus, Help me to imitate and follow You - that's all that I need. You.

Proverbs 14, 15, 16 will wait till tomorrow for my comments and then back on track with a chapter from proverbs and a chapter in Ephesians (well for another day, at least in Ephesians -then a new book) daily. :)

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Desires

I don't know why I do the things I do. I deleted the post from yesterday - I did not read yesterday. I needed to come clean with you about this. I so, did not want to screw up my plan - maybe that is the problem - my plan to spend time in His Word. :)

Reading today was refreshing to my heart. I need to get to bed for now. I did read today. Will journal about that tomorrow - after church.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Timing is everything


It's already 9 O'clock and am I am just now sitting down to journal. I read earlier today but no time for putting thoughts to paper (or computer) ;0) Still not sure how much I am going to get done tonight but we shall see.

To start off the night - my parents show up at 6 to pick up my neice (who stays with them on Thursday nights) and fix the broken thing on my footplate and I had group at 6:30. By 6:23 I knew I was not going to make it to group. So, I called and let then know I was not going to be there. That was the start of it all. Then it took most of the evening to fix the silly thing. Once we got one fixed there was one in the garage that elevates that needed to fixed also. So, My dad went to a visitation of a guy he used to work with and mom worked on my chair and I played with Kendal.

And now here I am. Proverbs 13....

10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

Doesn't it always. I need to do things my way, pride - which always lead to problems - problems around me, in me - you name it. Taking advice means I need something - heaven help us if Jami needs anything. :) Pride, plain and simple. It's funny how in big things, physical things I know I need help but when it comes to little things I think I have to know it all. Silly yet totally real.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise;

That's good - I need some wisdom to rub off on me. :) Hopefully I can offer you something too. :)

Ephesians 2...

7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us,

I am living proof of that! You would think that once I know the benefits of living close to God - I would choose to walk there but do I - NO. Someday, someday. That's why I am so thankful He never gives up or lets go of me. We serve an amazing God!

There are so many thoughts for me to blog on but right now I need to get to bed. Hopefully this weekend I will have time. You may wish I didn't have time - with all I may leave for you to read. :)

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Ready, set, grow...

I am new to the whole blogging thing but excited to get started! There are parts of me that are a little nervous about being totally honest (with myself and with whomever is reading). This is definitely going to be a fun, excited, stretching, learning, growing journey and I am excited to be on it!

It's funny how when you make a decision and are all set to do it - Satan rears his ugly head - I sat down to read and journal today and all of a sudden I had to go to the bathroom like you would not believe, I thought my bladder was going to bust (it didn't). So, I did not get much reading or journaling done today cause I was HUGELY distracted with my bladder. Sarah came and I went but by then it was time to go pick kids up from school. Satan uses whatever tactics he thinks he's got but I am here now reading and journaling - he hasn't seen the last of me. :)

Wow, Proverbs was right where I am today. Funny how God plans things like that. :)

12:3
Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots.

I NEED deep roots again! There was a time I had some pretty deep roots but somewhere along the way - the soil eroded, life washed it away and it all happened so slowly. One day I woke up with shallow roots, no accountability and just going thru the motions. I long for those life giving, deep roots. Lord, guide me, draw me to that place.

12:14 Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.

These are our verses! Thanks for allowing God to use you, to give me wise words! I pray I am wise in listening and sharing. :)

Ephesians:

1:15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere,

I want to look at people and see them thru Your eyes, Jesus. How much you love them and precious they are to you. Open my eyes to those around me.

1:16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,

Something I want to come naturally for me - living in a attitude of prayer. Not just something to do but always in an attitude of prayer. Open my heart to you, Jesus.

Finally - 1:23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Christian Community!!! God you are so good!! Thank you for your body! Thank you that I GET to be part of YOU!