What About Me?

I'm a big Joyce Meyer fan!  Her teaching has helped me so much during the past ten or so years to really put life in perspective and see "truth" in my circumstances that God has used to set me free from many things that hindered my life.  So, when I saw this book (What About Me?) at her conference this year, I really wanted it.  I was excited when my aunt offered to get it for my birthday.

The book is full of sayings that are sometimes common of us all and the truth that will set you free.  Here are a few from her book.

      "I'm not talking to you again until you admit you were wrong and I was right!"

       Truth - When you walk in love, you give up your right to be right.


      "All that stuff works for other people, but God doesn't know what to do with me!"

      Truth - You're no surprise to God.  He knew what He was getting when He made you.


      "I'm not confident enough to do something great for God - I don't like showing off and telling everybody how great I am."

      Truth - Real confidence is faith activated.  It is faith taking a step against fear.





    

Love God with Your Whole Heart?

Lately, I've been reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  I thought the book was going to be about how much God loves us.  But the last couple chapters that I've read have been about being "lukewarm".  Truthfully, I've never really considered what "lukewarm" might mean.  There are many things from this book (and I'm only a little over halfway through it) that I would like to share.  Here are some of the paragraphs concerning "lukewarm" Christians.  As I write this, I pray that God will open up hearts as He is opening up mine to receive His truth. 

From "Crazy Love"

Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives.  But only a part.  They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.

Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.  They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.

Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.  They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account.  They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place.  They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have life figured and mapped out.  The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.

Did you read that last sentence?  Their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.  At that, my heart cried out, what are we doing?  What am I doing?  Our lives should be ordered with God as our first priority.  Are we here on earth to build a life of comfort and joy for ourselves?  No, we are here to love God and make disciples.  I don't want to make it to Heaven some day and realize that I missed the point of life. 

Lord, change me!  Make my life what you intended it to be!

The Desperate Need for Jesus

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On Tuesday, my husband's friend lost his mom to cancer.  Although we rejoice that she is now at home with Jesus, her family and friends are hurting.  In moments like these, I pray that God touches each of their hearts, fills them with peace, and cries with them.  As we read in John 11:35, Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazaras. 

Oh, how God loves us.  He laughs with us, rejoices with us and cries with us.  He is a compassionate God who tenderly adores each one of us.  As trials come into each of our lives, remember this.....you are passionately loved by your heavenly Father! 

Where Did the Week Go?

  
The past two weeks seem to have passed by in a blur.  It wasn't that we had many extra activities to attend, but things just kept happening.  Last week, Dale worked an extra 20 hours.  Although that didn't affect our schedule that much, it did mean that I was alone with the kids 20 extra hours which does mean more work for me too.  This week, we have had lots of visitors.  We enjoy the visits!  It's just a little difficult when everyone decides to visit in the same week! 

The most frustrating part of this week, was that I had determined to get us all in bed earlier.  Instead of getting in bed earlier, it was later every night!  I think between not getting enough sleep and the feelings of chaos this week, my mind has been "overwhelmed".  I was hoping to get us on a better sleeping schedule this week because on Friday, we will be leaving for our vacation!  We are very excited, but still need to get things in order before we will be ready to leave.

On a good note, the kids had their first "pay day" yesterday when Dale got home from work.  They were excited!  Dylan did have a little trouble parting with his "tithe" money.  I really would like to get both of them a bank by Larry Burkett that has a section for "church", "saving" and "spending" money.  For now, I'm going to label their banks "saving" and "spending" and just put the tithe money in my purse to take to church each week. 

I am praying that this next week goes smoothly and we can finish up everything to get ready for our trip and rested up.

God's Ways or the World's Ways

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Over the past couple weeks, I keep coming across books and articles about following Godly wisdom or the world's wisdom.  God is raising questions in my heart.  Am I using the world's ideas to train my children, or the Word of God?  Are we following God's principles for our finances or trying to make it using the world's ideas? Am I honoring and treating my husband the way God wants me to or have I fallen into the world's view of a marriage? 

I want to follow God's ways in all areas of my life.  I am asking God to put my life in order the way He wants it to be.  

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8-9

Don't Let Satan Steal From You

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.   John 10:10

On April 12, 2003, Dale and I were married (see above).  I knew that it was God's plan for Dale and I to be husband and wife.  We had prayed about marriage and had watched God provide signs for us that we were on the right path.  However, knowing this, I still allowed Satan to steal from me on our wedding day.  I walked down the aisle and stood there beside my soon to be husband thinking that he might say no.  Can you believe that?  Don't let Satan take your joy and peace!  Stand firm on God's Word and truth He has spoken to you.  Choose to live the abundant life!  It is so much better!  Today, I know that my husband would say Yes! 

A God Hug

Yesterday, after a little bit of a rough day, I got a great big hug from God.  I love His hugs.  I could feel His presence all over me and could hear His encouraging words very clear.  His "hugs" as I like to call them come with a wonderful feeling of peace.  The presence of God is an amazing thing.

Do You Ever Lose It?

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I used to lose it every single day and often every few hours or so it seemed.  Over the past year, the Lord has changed me (and still is, praise God!).  But, on occasion, I lose it!  Friday, Saturday, and today, nothing seemed to go as planned.  We had unexpected difficulties getting groceries, a couple unexpected drop ins on Saturday, an extra shift at work for Dale and a birthday party right after church this morning.  While we were at the birthday party, Dylan (my 2 year old), accidentally peed on me while he was using the toilet.  Anyway, when we finally arrived home today, both of my kids wanted to play outside.  I stayed outside to watch them while Dale went in to take a nap. 

I asked the kids if they were ready to go inside and of course they said no.  I greatly desired to go in the house and do some house work.  Well, we stayed outside.  Dylan then had a potty accident.  As I was helping him take off his clothes, I lost it.  I complained that the kids had stayed outside too long (but I permitted it), I was mad that they had mud on their shoes (but I didn't make them change into their old shoes when we got home) and just irritated in general.  After awhile, I gained control of my mouth and apologized to my little sweethearts explaining that mommy should have made them come inside earlier knowing that I needed some time in the house. 

In the past, I would have "fits" like this and had a difficult time stopping and didn't understand why I was so upset.  However, the Lord has revealed to me that I am in charge of my life.  I can decline invitations if I need to in order to keep my peace.  Just because someone suggests I go somewhere, does not mean that I have to attend.  Being a mommy has helped open up my eyes to this problem area in my life.  Many times, I let the kids do something because they insist and then I am frustrated afterwards because I really needed to do something different in order to keep my sanity (or peace).  Knowing why I got upset, makes it a lot easier to calm down and to make better decisions in the future.  I praise God that although I lost it today, He is setting me free by revealing the truth as to why I "lose" it sometimes.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   John 8:31-32

Use Your Head

I was planning on posting another excerpt from the book "Captivating" but I misplaced it somewhere in our house.  After two days of looking, I decided to use my head and think through where else I could have laid it.  I found it! 

Know Your Weaknesses

My mind has been full of things that I wanted to share with you over the past few days.  But right now, I am exhausted.  The kids are too, so I think we have been a little too busy lately.  One of my weaknesses is being tired.  When I am very tired, the "grouch" comes out (as my little girl puts it).  So, it is best that I give up and rest at that point.  Know your weak areas because Satan already knows them and he loves to use them against you!

Let Me Take Care of That

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While driving to my parent's house after church today, I asked my husband, Dale, if he had decided anything about homeschooling or if God had spoken to him yet.  He said that he had thought about it and was concerned about the children having friends if they were home schooled.  I start presenting my arguments and in the midst of that I heard God say that it was not my responsibility to convince Dale, let Me take care of that.  Whatever the decision ends up being, I take comfort in the fact that God will take care of us.  Just sharing my walk with God with you!

Read Thru the Bible With Me

 

This is Day 3 of my reading thru the Bible plan.  If you would like to join me in reading thru the Bible this year, the plan I am following is One Year Bible OnLine.  The passage I would like to mention from today's reading was Matthew4 - The Temptation of Jesus.  Jesus was a great example to us in this scripture of the necessity of speaking back to Satan.  It is extremely important to not listen to Satan and instead to fight him with the Word.  Speak the truth!

My Absolute Favorite Fiction Author

Over the past year, I have become hooked on Karen Kingsbury books.  I love the stories that she writes.  It is so easy to get caught up in each book and I've read several!  But, what I wanted to share today is one of my favorite parts of the books she writes.  At the beginning of each book, Karen writes a Dedication section.  When I first started reading her books, I cried all the way through the Dedication pages.  In that section, she writes a letter to her husband and each of her children.  She writes a little about the activities they are involved in, but she talks mostly about their hearts for God and how proud she is of them.  I definitely can't do it justice, but I feel in my heart that this is very important.  I am planning on doing this for my children.  I thought I would write letters to them and keep them in their Baby Books for when they are older.  I have not started, but I will do it.  At least, one per year, but possibly more.  If you are looking for some different books to read, check out Karen Kingsbury.  In every book, the characters demonstrate their own walk with God.  I love the lifting of my faith that happens as I read through the books.

Read Thru the Bible with Me

Day 2 of reading thru the Bible.  Here's the link to the reading plan I selected if you want to read thru the Bible in one year with me.  One Year Bible OnLine  Praying that everyone who decides to read thru the Bible will be changed powerfully by the Word of God!

Read Thru the Bible with Me

As I felt God leading me to start this blog, I believed that He was asking me to be very open.  I am to share what it is like for me to walk with God.  That includes the things that I do right and wrong.  That being said, I have never read all the way thru the Bible.  I also drink too much Diet Coke and eat an abnormal amount of chocolate chips!

I believe it is very important to know the Word of God.  How can you fight Satan without it?  My favorite thing to do is read Christian Living books from Joyce Meyer and other Christian authors, such as Neil Anderson and Beth Moore.  I definitely learn the Word from those books, however, it is time to finally read all the way thru the Bible.

I am going to start my reading plan today and if you want to read along with me for encouragement and support, here is the link to the plan I selected. One Year Bible OnLine  Remember, spending time in the Word is important in your walk with God.

Enjoy the Little Things

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Years ago, I felt stressed every day and was unable to enjoy life very much.  I rarely, if at all, noticed the little things that God did for me.  Today, one of the things that God has blessed with me is the ability to get very excited about little things and to take great enjoyment with things others may consider silly (coupons, hair bows, great deals, etc.).  Anyway,  yesterday the kids and I walked in the door to the Kidsignment sale to drop off clothes for the sale.  When I walked in the door, a lady asked if I wanted her to help me put my clothes on the racks.  I said, "You want to help me?!  Yes, I'll take some help!"  I was overjoyed for the help!  Actually, I did not have to put anything away at all.  Usually, it takes about 30 minutes to lay out the shoes and hang up the clothes and keep my two little ones happy.  I felt very loved by God to have been given an extra 30 minutes in my day!  I'm so thankful for the changes God has made in me as I have traveled on my walk with God.

You Are Important to God

I had a wonderful day with my two children.  We spent an hour or so enjoying the weather at a park in town.  The kids loved it.  There were only three other children there when we first arrived.  After a few minutes, Dasia introduced herself to the other children.  They listened to her for a few minutes and then went to the equipment on the other side of the park.  She and Dylan followed a few minutes later and again tried to be friendly to the kids and join in playing with them.  Again, the other children quickly went to the other side of the park.  I told Dasia I was proud of her for being friendly to the other kids.  I told her I noticed that they kept leaving.  She said, "And I followed them."  I felt like she didn't catch on that they were trying to avoid her, which I am glad.  It saddens me to realize how adults and children treat each other.  But, it just makes me more thankful that God loves each of us and desires to spend time with us.  He would never walk to the other side of the park to avoid you!

I believe that in order for faith and dependence on God to be passed on from parents to children, it is important that the children are able to see the parent's faith.  We all know that children watch how their parents behave and hear the words they speak.  Here are a few ideas for sharing a visible faith with your children.

Pray out loud with your children.  I have found that if someone calls me asking for prayer or mentioning a need of someone else, it is a good opportunity to have Dasia and Dylan immediately pray with me.  To me, that is faith in action and something visible that the children can see.  I also try to remember to pray out loud sometimes during the day for the things God lays on my heart.

Read your Bible when the children can see you reading it. 

When the children get upset or hurt, pray with them.

Dasia noticed the scripture cards I had placed in the bathroom the other day and asked me what it was.  What a great moment to share my walk with God with her!

Thankful for the Husband God Gave Me

It seems that over the past year, God has changed many things in me that I did not even realize were there.  A little over a year ago, God made a way for me to become a full-time stay at home mom.  I love it.  It is a dream come true to get to be home with my little sweethearts.  What I did not expect, was that by staying at home God would be able to change me more than He did when I was working.  I was so wrapped up in being busy and blaming circumstances for being rushed and upset, that I could not see that the problem was within me.  Anyway, when I did not have anything to blame for being upset, I could clearly see that the problem was me.  As I asked God to change me admitted that the problem was me, I have been filled with so much peace and joy.  In the midst of that, I have been able to see what a wonderful husband God provided to me almost nine years ago.  I cannot stress enough the importance of asking God to change you.  Your life and walk with God will be so much better.

"Captivating"

Something I thought I would share from the book I am currently reading.

From "Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul" by John and Stasi Eldridge -

"You really won't understand your life as a woman until you understand this:
          You are passionately loved by the God of the universe.
          You are passionately hated by his Enemy.

And so, dear heart, it is time for your restoration.  For there is One greater than your Enemy.  One who has sought you out from the beginning of time.  He has come to heal your broken heart and restore your feminine soul.  Let us turn to him now. "


I'm very thankful for the restoration power of God.  I'm amazed at the changes He can make in people's lives when they are willing to receive Him.  Praying that you find this restoration in your life as you walk with God.