Yes, I'm still working on memorizing and implementing that verse. (Proverbs 31:26) I think back to the people in my life who I consider to be wise. They all spoke with kindness and compassion. They had time to listen to everything and found a joy in life. I want to be like that. I want that special walk with Jesus that shines through every aspect of my life.
I did complete the article for the magazine and submit it. I closed the article with this illustration.
My life of shattered dreams has been picked up many time by my Lord. He has taken these pieces and is fashioning them into a beautiful stained glass window where His glory can shine through.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Was I Successful?
So after reading Monday's, how do you think Tuesday went? Not as well as I wanted. I fought a migraine most of the day. L completed her school work. Dinner was in the crock pot - yummy!
Which verse did I choose? "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31:26) I tried to stop and think about what I was saying, especially to my husband and children. I wanted to be a kind, loving mother - not the shrew that screams at everyone in frustration. I want God's wisdom to share with others! It was hard. I admit there were times my sarcasm showed more than my kindness.
I'm still working on the memorization and implementation of this verse. I may be doing that for a long time, but I'll get there! :)
Which verse did I choose? "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31:26) I tried to stop and think about what I was saying, especially to my husband and children. I wanted to be a kind, loving mother - not the shrew that screams at everyone in frustration. I want God's wisdom to share with others! It was hard. I admit there were times my sarcasm showed more than my kindness.
I'm still working on the memorization and implementation of this verse. I may be doing that for a long time, but I'll get there! :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Focused
That's what I am today - focused. I feel like I accomplished a lot. There were dishes (washed, dried, and mostly put away -3 times today), three loads of laundry (washed, dried, and folded), entire house vacuumed, bathrooms spot-cleaned, trash taken out, some homeschooling completed, caught up on grading and school paperwork, toys picked up, beds made, dinner cooked (Glen did this), and an SDCH board meeting. Some days I feel like I accomplish a lot more than others. I wonder what makes the difference.
It's my focus. Reading my Bible every day should be a priority in my life; I hate to admit it, however, I do skip days... When I focus my life on Christ, the other things fall into place. Maybe not a neat as I would like them to. Nevertheless, they seem little in comparison to our great God - just as it should be.
Today, my focus was on my time with Him and then the house and kids. I sat down and created a list of things to do and stayed away from the computer until it was after the kids' bedtime. I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman. "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:27)
So tomorrow holds a new day. I'm heading to Proverbs 31 again and finding a verse to memorize and exemplify in my life....which one will it be?
It's my focus. Reading my Bible every day should be a priority in my life; I hate to admit it, however, I do skip days... When I focus my life on Christ, the other things fall into place. Maybe not a neat as I would like them to. Nevertheless, they seem little in comparison to our great God - just as it should be.
Today, my focus was on my time with Him and then the house and kids. I sat down and created a list of things to do and stayed away from the computer until it was after the kids' bedtime. I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman. "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:27)
So tomorrow holds a new day. I'm heading to Proverbs 31 again and finding a verse to memorize and exemplify in my life....which one will it be?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturdays and Sun
There are days that I love living in southern California and then there are days I miss Pennsylvania. Today is a beautiful, cool, sunny day. The sky is a nice shade of blue with no clouds in the sky. Many trees are bare and a few are holding there leaves.Yet, I'm dreaming of snow and cold weather.
I'm not sure of what to do with my day. There are many things that need done - organizing tax paperwork, housework, homeschool newesletter, grading of papers, etc. and yet I just want to go back to bed and sleep. Guess I shouldn't have stayed up so late last night. What I'd like to do is go sledding. I'd love to build a snow man with my kids or have a snow ball fight. Not possible where I am. I can't even drive to the snow - too far away.
Nevertheless, deep in my heart, I know that God has placed me here for a purpose. He has a plan for me. He cares for me, even when I long for other things. Oh, that I may long more for Him! May I desire Him above all things! So, I'm going to get off the computer, read His word, and then tackle the house. I think.
I'm not sure of what to do with my day. There are many things that need done - organizing tax paperwork, housework, homeschool newesletter, grading of papers, etc. and yet I just want to go back to bed and sleep. Guess I shouldn't have stayed up so late last night. What I'd like to do is go sledding. I'd love to build a snow man with my kids or have a snow ball fight. Not possible where I am. I can't even drive to the snow - too far away.
Nevertheless, deep in my heart, I know that God has placed me here for a purpose. He has a plan for me. He cares for me, even when I long for other things. Oh, that I may long more for Him! May I desire Him above all things! So, I'm going to get off the computer, read His word, and then tackle the house. I think.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thankful Thursday ~ my online BFF
Wow, that's a tough one for me. Most of my blog friendships currently seem to be one-sided. I "stalk" them. However, I am thankful for my niece, Jennifer, and her blog. She is the one who encouraged me to start and continue my blog. I am thankful for a former student, Missy, who continually challenges me to stay faithful as a constant commenter on my blog. Finally, I am thankful to Lynn for coming to the retreat to listen to me speak, for encouraging me in many ways, and for hosting Thankful Thursday.Visit her site for many more Thankful Thursday entries!
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| Lynn and I |
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Bible Reading
Glen is giving everyone a Bible reading program each month. As the dutiful pastor's wife, I've decided to change my reading habits and try this one. I hate to admit it - I've never read the entire Bible from cover to cover. Tried many times and have gotten about four months into the program and then found something else. Also, some of the Old Testament books bog me down...
I'm enjoying this one that Glen is putting forth. Every so often there are built in catch up days! I can think of many new things I've observed. Remember the one about the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism? That's one of my new observations.
How about you? Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover? If so, how often? Did you use a pre-written plan or just go it alone? What is your favorite book, chapter, or verse?
I'm enjoying this one that Glen is putting forth. Every so often there are built in catch up days! I can think of many new things I've observed. Remember the one about the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism? That's one of my new observations.
How about you? Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover? If so, how often? Did you use a pre-written plan or just go it alone? What is your favorite book, chapter, or verse?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Radical Obedience
Still thinking and praying about what in areas God wants me to radically obedient. I keep going back to the story of Mary anointing Jesus with the alabaster jar of perfume. Could I give up that much? Can I worship God so unconditionally? That's what He calls us to do! He will enable me to do so! I just have to trust in Him and know that He knows best.
I am just finishing writing a magazine article. I'm not sure if it will be accepted or not; however, I believe this is one way God wants me to be obedient. It's one thing to write here on the blog. I just pretend to talk with you. My thoughts just wander and in my mind, you're sitting across the computer from me. It was different writing the article. I haven't submitted it yet. Still hanging onto it. Not sure I want to let it go. Even Pam Farrel encouraged me to submit the article when I went to her book signing! If you haven't read one of Pam's books, I'd recommend starting with Men are Like Waffles Women are Like Spaghetti. It was the first one I read and loved it.
I'll let you all know what I'm going to do. The article is due this week.
I am just finishing writing a magazine article. I'm not sure if it will be accepted or not; however, I believe this is one way God wants me to be obedient. It's one thing to write here on the blog. I just pretend to talk with you. My thoughts just wander and in my mind, you're sitting across the computer from me. It was different writing the article. I haven't submitted it yet. Still hanging onto it. Not sure I want to let it go. Even Pam Farrel encouraged me to submit the article when I went to her book signing! If you haven't read one of Pam's books, I'd recommend starting with Men are Like Waffles Women are Like Spaghetti. It was the first one I read and loved it.
I'll let you all know what I'm going to do. The article is due this week.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Obedience - Thankful Thursday
This past week, I've been reading a book by Lysa Terkeurst, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God and each evening I've gone to sleep praying that God would reveal in what areas of my life that I need to be radically obedient. I'm still searching for the answer. I just finished the last chapter about an hour ago and am still processing it.
With that said, I am challenging myself to find my holy God "in the middle of life's mundane activities." He is the reason we are to be thankful!
I want to say "Thank you, Lord" for His ultimate example of obedience - His death on the cross. Jesus was radically obedient. His obedience changed all of our lives. Yet, I often find myself forgetting about the awesome Creator of heaven and earth and see only the circumstances around me.
Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Lynn is hosting Thankful Thursday during January 2011. Join with us and praise Him for the little (and big) things He does in our lives!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Reading Themes
As I've looked at the books I've been reading over the last few months, I've seen a theme - Intimacy with God! Being sold out for Him!
Those are desires of my heart. As I was reading Matthew 4 yesterday, it struck me that we see an intimate time between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I've read the story of Christ's baptism many times; however, one little word really struck me - the word "he."
Matthew 3:16 - As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
Mark 1:10 - Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Luke 3:21-22 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
John 1:32-34 - Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
So, here I am thinking, when the Spirit of God descended as a dove, was this an intimate moment between the Trinity? Were others able to see it? John the Baptist testified of seeing it. Did others? I believe we are given this small glimpse of His glory and the intimacy they share. May I have the same intimacy with my Lord!
Those are desires of my heart. As I was reading Matthew 4 yesterday, it struck me that we see an intimate time between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I've read the story of Christ's baptism many times; however, one little word really struck me - the word "he."
Matthew 3:16 - As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
Mark 1:10 - Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Luke 3:21-22 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
John 1:32-34 - Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
So, here I am thinking, when the Spirit of God descended as a dove, was this an intimate moment between the Trinity? Were others able to see it? John the Baptist testified of seeing it. Did others? I believe we are given this small glimpse of His glory and the intimacy they share. May I have the same intimacy with my Lord!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
MIA
Yes, I've been missing in action, at least in the area of blogging. I, like a lot of the people in blog world, have taken a break. Now it's time to get back in action.
I've been reflecting these last two weeks on the direction of my life and my blog. You know, the resolution part of the new year. I'm still praying about what God wants me to accomplish in 2011.
I've tried the typical resolutions: lose weight, work out, etc. I've failed at everyone of them.
However, I think God wants something different for me. Something that is more for Him. I've been reading the Bible more - thanks to Glen's new reading plan for the church. I've been reflecting over my journal writings and books that I'm reading. I see a reoccurring trend - I'll share more about this at another time.
Stay tuned. God will let us know what He wants!
Psalm 4:3 - But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
I've been reflecting these last two weeks on the direction of my life and my blog. You know, the resolution part of the new year. I'm still praying about what God wants me to accomplish in 2011.
I've tried the typical resolutions: lose weight, work out, etc. I've failed at everyone of them.
However, I think God wants something different for me. Something that is more for Him. I've been reading the Bible more - thanks to Glen's new reading plan for the church. I've been reflecting over my journal writings and books that I'm reading. I see a reoccurring trend - I'll share more about this at another time.
Stay tuned. God will let us know what He wants!
Psalm 4:3 - But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
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