We had a great weekend! Friday I had a fabulous time with our GNO (girls night out) gals from church, Saturday the boys had soccer games. Joseph's team won, but I'm still not sure Zach's team even showed up.LOL. They definitely were not playing their best, but it's not all about winning, anyway. Sunday I got to worship with some dear friends of mine who are visiting from SC. We also had lunch together and then they came to our house to hang out with us a little while. They will be here all week so I am excited to see them for lunch one day, too!
Then I went to church Sunday night and Pastor Tom introduced us to a new song by Christy Nockels, Waiting Here for You. What a powerful worship song that spoke to exactly where I am right now. This will for sure become one of my "life songs" as Jesus continues to work in my life and move me forward in all that He has for me and my boys! There is one thing that I have been praying about and asking God to change. I believe that He already has His plan for this in motion, I just need to wait on Him and prepare myself for the blessing that He is going to bring.
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
Father our hope is in You! Help us to delight ourselves in You (Psalm 37:4) and believe that YOU have our best interest in Your heart. We wait for You Lord with expectation and believe that You will give us our hearts desires. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
My First 5K
On Friday September 2nd, I ran my first 5K race with a group my sister joined called First Flight. The group was set up for beginners that have never ran a race before. They are so encouraging and motivating. I was always jealous of their group runs during training that I was too far away from!
I have to admit that I was concerned about the race because 1- I had not (I thought) trained enough 2- I am much more inclined to run on the treadmill rather than outside. The few times that I did attempt to run outside were not that successful!
But, I finished the race. 41.18 minutes....which is faster than my "normal" time. It was a lot of fun and not as hard as I had expected. However, I did walk some on the way back up (which actually makes me feel better about my time). The first 1 1/2 miles (approx.) seemed very easy. When I turned to go back up is when the trouble started. I started to feel nauseous so I started walking, when I started walking I got really hungry...go figure! But eventually I walked/ran my way to the finish line.....
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
I have to admit that I was concerned about the race because 1- I had not (I thought) trained enough 2- I am much more inclined to run on the treadmill rather than outside. The few times that I did attempt to run outside were not that successful!
But, I finished the race. 41.18 minutes....which is faster than my "normal" time. It was a lot of fun and not as hard as I had expected. However, I did walk some on the way back up (which actually makes me feel better about my time). The first 1 1/2 miles (approx.) seemed very easy. When I turned to go back up is when the trouble started. I started to feel nauseous so I started walking, when I started walking I got really hungry...go figure! But eventually I walked/ran my way to the finish line.....
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
New Every Morning
I was listening to the song "One Life to Love" by 33 Miles today. I loved that song when it first came out but haven't listened to it in a while. It's about loving the life you have and only having one chance to make the most of it.
I am so guilty of not making the most of every moment and living in the shadow of my regrets rather than moving forward and enjoying the life I have at this moment.
Lamentations 3:22-23 says:
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness"
No matter what choices I have made or regrets I have, God's love does not fail me. He does not hold my mistakes or sin against me but shows me mercy and gives me a new start every morning. While I was listening to that song, I could "hear" the Lord telling me to stop living in regret. It wasn't an audible voice, but was One that spoke straight to my heart, the still small voice that you know has to be the voice of God.
God wants the same from you, too. He redeems and changes situations in order to prove His faithfulness and that He is a God that keeps His promises. Don't live in regret another day, being it all to Him and lay it down. Move forward in all that God has for you.
Father I thank you that Your mercies are new every morning and that Your mercies never run out on us. You are faithful, and compassionate. Because of this the pain of our past or the thoughts of regrets will not consume us. We will be set free if we surrender these regrets and things of the past to You. Bring Your healing Lord and help us make the most of every new day You give us. In Jesus name, amen.
I am so guilty of not making the most of every moment and living in the shadow of my regrets rather than moving forward and enjoying the life I have at this moment.
Lamentations 3:22-23 says:
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness"
No matter what choices I have made or regrets I have, God's love does not fail me. He does not hold my mistakes or sin against me but shows me mercy and gives me a new start every morning. While I was listening to that song, I could "hear" the Lord telling me to stop living in regret. It wasn't an audible voice, but was One that spoke straight to my heart, the still small voice that you know has to be the voice of God.
God wants the same from you, too. He redeems and changes situations in order to prove His faithfulness and that He is a God that keeps His promises. Don't live in regret another day, being it all to Him and lay it down. Move forward in all that God has for you.
Father I thank you that Your mercies are new every morning and that Your mercies never run out on us. You are faithful, and compassionate. Because of this the pain of our past or the thoughts of regrets will not consume us. We will be set free if we surrender these regrets and things of the past to You. Bring Your healing Lord and help us make the most of every new day You give us. In Jesus name, amen.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Grace for Today
I didn't get up on time this morning which put me running late for church which makes me crazy! After church I had a dead car battery. That made us late getting to the restaurant to put our name on the list for our rather large group that decided to eat lunch together today. After lunch, battery was dead again. Got car jump started again (by the same teenagers from our youth group) and stopped at Advance Auto. Yep, battery is shot. New battery in place, car still would not stay cranked. An hour later with airflow sensor cleaned we made our way home.
Now I know this sounds like I had a bad day and it was draining. BUT, the Lord kept speaking to me in all this chaos that really drives me crazy....He kept telling me, My grace is enough. No matter what I am facing or how much the situation is getting on my nerves, or how concerned I am with the cost of car repairs, He is all that I need. The Calm in my chaos. Even though my outside world was going crazy today, my inside had peace.
So, on a better note, we had a great time at church and a fun time at lunch with people we love. And, I still have time for a tiny nap before church tonight.
This week remember 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness".
Father, than You for grace. Amen
Now I know this sounds like I had a bad day and it was draining. BUT, the Lord kept speaking to me in all this chaos that really drives me crazy....He kept telling me, My grace is enough. No matter what I am facing or how much the situation is getting on my nerves, or how concerned I am with the cost of car repairs, He is all that I need. The Calm in my chaos. Even though my outside world was going crazy today, my inside had peace.
So, on a better note, we had a great time at church and a fun time at lunch with people we love. And, I still have time for a tiny nap before church tonight.
This week remember 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness".
Father, than You for grace. Amen
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Playing Church
Revelation 3:15-16
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth".
I was reluctant to use the scripture because it sounds so harsh, but isn't that what we need sometimes? The reality of God's word to hit us square in the face with truth about how we are living (or not living) our lives.
If we are going to call ourselves Christians God expects us to act like it. We are to be on fire, sold out for Him. Not lackluster or compromising. Do we let Him permeate every area of our lives or do we hold back certain areas? Are we ashamed to stand up for what we believe in certain circumstances?
Either we love Him and have given Him our hearts or we don't. We can't "ride the fence". Don't be satisfied with just enough Jesus to get you into Heaven. Don't PLAY CHURCH! Live what you believe and pursue God with all that is in you.
I have spent many years being "lukewarm". I have played church, known Sunday school lessons, figured out how to talk so that I sounded "spiritual", and pretended that I loved the Lord. But I was always lacking.....was never fulfilled and knew that a real relationship with Jesus was missing.
As I have surrendered more of myself to God and His will for my life, the more I have been filled with His presence and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me. Don't miss out on all that He has for you by being "lukewarm". Pursue Him today...become "hot", on fire for Him....it is so much better than the other options!
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth".
I was reluctant to use the scripture because it sounds so harsh, but isn't that what we need sometimes? The reality of God's word to hit us square in the face with truth about how we are living (or not living) our lives.
If we are going to call ourselves Christians God expects us to act like it. We are to be on fire, sold out for Him. Not lackluster or compromising. Do we let Him permeate every area of our lives or do we hold back certain areas? Are we ashamed to stand up for what we believe in certain circumstances?
Either we love Him and have given Him our hearts or we don't. We can't "ride the fence". Don't be satisfied with just enough Jesus to get you into Heaven. Don't PLAY CHURCH! Live what you believe and pursue God with all that is in you.
I have spent many years being "lukewarm". I have played church, known Sunday school lessons, figured out how to talk so that I sounded "spiritual", and pretended that I loved the Lord. But I was always lacking.....was never fulfilled and knew that a real relationship with Jesus was missing.
As I have surrendered more of myself to God and His will for my life, the more I have been filled with His presence and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me. Don't miss out on all that He has for you by being "lukewarm". Pursue Him today...become "hot", on fire for Him....it is so much better than the other options!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Change of Circumstance
Well, I finally got out of Isaiah (but I'm sure I will go back) :-)
I was reading in Esther last night and was reminded about how God changed the circumstance that Mordecai was about to face (Esther 6:1-11). I was first introduced to this thought a year or so ago when I was doing Beth Moore's study on Esther, but had forgotten about this passage.
Haman was plotting against Mordecai and was going to have him hanged. But God had other plans. Who but God could have caused King Ahasuerus to not be able to sleep? Who but God could have caused him to want to read (or have read to him) the "book of records..."? It was not a coincidence that the king was reminded of Mordecai, nor that it was that particular time that the king would choose to honor Mordecai for his good deed toward him. And isn't it just like God to use the very one that is plotting against us to bring blessing into our lives?
When you are facing a trial, don't give up. You never know who God is waking up to come to your rescue. Every circumstance can be changed. Just because we don't see what is happening, doesn't mean that God is not calling out the things that can change what we are going through.
Trust Him today, believe Him today. There is a King who does not sleep and works everything for good to those that love him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Father we thank You because You are the King who does not sleep. You always have our best interest at heart and will work to bless us even when others want to curse us. You are holy and You are Lord of all. We rest in Your presence today and give every circumstance and situation to You. Help us to trust You and believe that Your word is true and alive in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
I was reading in Esther last night and was reminded about how God changed the circumstance that Mordecai was about to face (Esther 6:1-11). I was first introduced to this thought a year or so ago when I was doing Beth Moore's study on Esther, but had forgotten about this passage.
Haman was plotting against Mordecai and was going to have him hanged. But God had other plans. Who but God could have caused King Ahasuerus to not be able to sleep? Who but God could have caused him to want to read (or have read to him) the "book of records..."? It was not a coincidence that the king was reminded of Mordecai, nor that it was that particular time that the king would choose to honor Mordecai for his good deed toward him. And isn't it just like God to use the very one that is plotting against us to bring blessing into our lives?
When you are facing a trial, don't give up. You never know who God is waking up to come to your rescue. Every circumstance can be changed. Just because we don't see what is happening, doesn't mean that God is not calling out the things that can change what we are going through.
Trust Him today, believe Him today. There is a King who does not sleep and works everything for good to those that love him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Father we thank You because You are the King who does not sleep. You always have our best interest at heart and will work to bless us even when others want to curse us. You are holy and You are Lord of all. We rest in Your presence today and give every circumstance and situation to You. Help us to trust You and believe that Your word is true and alive in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
My Ways
I just can't seem to get out of the book of Isaiah lately. Especially chapters 54 and 55. Today my heart is on Isaiah 55:8-11.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth and 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 have so many plans. Plans for my career, plans for my kids, plans for my personal life (that I hope includes at least a boyfriend in the near future), plans for everything! I am very much a planner and do not deal well with the plan falling apart.
But through some circumstances lately (and me looking a little foolish), God has reminded me that my plans are NOT His. I have always felt a call of God on my life. I haven't always known what that call is (was) but I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. "It could be working in this area or doing this thing or how about I try this for a little while".....are all things that I do/think rather than sitting still, asking God where He wants me and then listening for His answer.
Lately I have been listening and while I still don't know exactly which direction to take, this is what I do know, God is calling me to teach. I'm not sure what capacity or who He wants me to teach (other than my boys and that is my first priority), but I know that, that is my calling. In order to do that I have to know His word and spend more time with Him. That is the season I am in right now, and I feel filled up with Jesus and can't wait to see what is next.
I also know that somewhere there is a godly man that is made just for me, and that he and I will minister (maybe even teach) together. I'm not saying I'm called to be a Pastor's wife, just that there will be some sort of ministry we are supposed to be involved in.
So while I wait for more direction (and Prince Charming) I will praise Him and serve Him and remember that His plans are not my plans, but unlike my plans, His plans won't bring hurt and disappointment or void in my life but will bear much fruit and return to Him the purpose that He created me for.
Father thank you for every opportunity that Your plans give to me. Help me make the most of them and to give you glory in all things. You know the plans that you have for me and for whoever may be reading this blog. They are plans to prosper us, to give us a future and a hope, not to harm us. We know that You are greater than any thing or circumstance that we face, and if we trust You, You will not only see us through those things but You will bring forth many blessings in our lives and Your will, will be carried out. In Jesus Name, Amen.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth and 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 have so many plans. Plans for my career, plans for my kids, plans for my personal life (that I hope includes at least a boyfriend in the near future), plans for everything! I am very much a planner and do not deal well with the plan falling apart.
But through some circumstances lately (and me looking a little foolish), God has reminded me that my plans are NOT His. I have always felt a call of God on my life. I haven't always known what that call is (was) but I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. "It could be working in this area or doing this thing or how about I try this for a little while".....are all things that I do/think rather than sitting still, asking God where He wants me and then listening for His answer.
Lately I have been listening and while I still don't know exactly which direction to take, this is what I do know, God is calling me to teach. I'm not sure what capacity or who He wants me to teach (other than my boys and that is my first priority), but I know that, that is my calling. In order to do that I have to know His word and spend more time with Him. That is the season I am in right now, and I feel filled up with Jesus and can't wait to see what is next.
I also know that somewhere there is a godly man that is made just for me, and that he and I will minister (maybe even teach) together. I'm not saying I'm called to be a Pastor's wife, just that there will be some sort of ministry we are supposed to be involved in.
So while I wait for more direction (and Prince Charming) I will praise Him and serve Him and remember that His plans are not my plans, but unlike my plans, His plans won't bring hurt and disappointment or void in my life but will bear much fruit and return to Him the purpose that He created me for.
Father thank you for every opportunity that Your plans give to me. Help me make the most of them and to give you glory in all things. You know the plans that you have for me and for whoever may be reading this blog. They are plans to prosper us, to give us a future and a hope, not to harm us. We know that You are greater than any thing or circumstance that we face, and if we trust You, You will not only see us through those things but You will bring forth many blessings in our lives and Your will, will be carried out. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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