Hey I needed to get up on my soap box and say(to all my book junkies out there) support the Christian authors of this world! There are so many and they are truely amazing! They write everything from mysteries, to love stories and even daily devotionals. Here are a few of my favorites:
Stephanie Cherry's Patina -Great daily wash in the word, bits to chew and savor. Love it! 40 daily glimpse of God and all his splendor.
www.stephaniecherry.com
Tricia Goyer-I really dig the Shadow of Treason Series(Historical Fiction) 3 book series. I enjoyed the twists ans turns and learning about the Spanish Civil War, which I never knew existed. I also love her GeX parenting and marriage books. I relate to the 80s music themes:)
http://www.triciagoyer.com/
Susan May Warren writes some fun romance novels and others(though I have only the romance ones) I enoyed the heart warming stories of Josie.
http://www.susanmaywarren.com/
Lisa Tawn Bergen She has a delightful childrens books series called God gave us. The stories are endearing and my boys love the story and the illustrations...These are some of our favorites.
http://www.lisatawnbergren.com/
Justin's Pick:
Ed Dunlops The terrestria Chonicles. He says he can't wait for the boys and he to enjoy them together. In this series the reader catches a glimpse of the almighty power of the King emmanuel and the wondrous future that awaits his children in the Golden City. It is meant for ages 10 and up! Justin read all 7 boom, boom, boom! http://www.dunlopministries.com/
Faith Driven Family by Voddie Baucham Jr very inspiring to see the truth told and so bold! May this book bless your the way it is ours...http://www.familydrivenfaith.org/Home.html
This a short list. I am beat and there are SO many to choose from. From God all Good things come...Psalm 1. I believe whole heartidly that buying books written by those who are striving to walk with God and fulfill his calling in their life, you will read richer material and be entertained and feel the presence of God and walk away feeling good about what you read(whether it for enjoyment or information) and you will be satisfied knowing you are helping God's people. You are helping to support their families and their missions. The more we encourage Christian authors to write by purchasing, the more Glory God gets....and praise be to the the king!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
The shame of it
Don't you hate it when you know what you should be doing , and what to do but don't? Okay so maybe that's only me...continulously! The lousy thing is right now my quiet time with the Lord is getting jilted and I need to take it back!
One thing I notice in the abscense of my quiet time is my black, black heart is wicked and how much I need the mercy and grace of Jesus and his truth to wash over me and cloak me. I am a very good sinner as most of you know. The real actualization God has given me in the abscene of quiet time is that I actually don't feel as secure in anything, having those guidleines or plumb lines(Justin will like that) is actually a better feeling. Sure sometimes they are uncomfortable and as the Holy Spirit reveals more and I gain more understanding the less uncomfortable those truths feel. The world can get more uncomforable and I feel a bit feakish even now as I write. WithoutGod's truth you wrap yourself in the worldly lies and CAUTION dear ones, how deceitful and easy to convince ourselves that the lie is really okay.
Our life group is reading, Faith Driven Family by Voddie. It has been a challenge for Justin and I and has given us many bits to chew, try to swallow and chew some more. Each chapter and even sometimes page after page I am convicted(just when I thought I may be good too!) My point in throwing this in here is, our kids do better when they have guidelines and consistancy. Don't let the world tell you it's to harsh to: say no, not buy every toy they want, to spank . You are doing your kids a favor whne they are walking between the lines. The bible puts things in black and white, we see the grey and those are the lies of the world. The world has greyed things up but I believe with all my heart that the Bible sets easy to follow guidelines that everyone can read and understand. If I am learning anything at all, it's I am going to be saving a LOT of money on book buying. I have the number 1 best seller for all the life situations right here beside me, well it's probably not the best seller and that really is the shame of it. Run out get yourself a Bible if you don't have one and if you do start using it! It has the answers to life in it, so now I should practice what I preach and take 10 minutes just me and God to catch up. His love be on you!
One thing I notice in the abscense of my quiet time is my black, black heart is wicked and how much I need the mercy and grace of Jesus and his truth to wash over me and cloak me. I am a very good sinner as most of you know. The real actualization God has given me in the abscene of quiet time is that I actually don't feel as secure in anything, having those guidleines or plumb lines(Justin will like that) is actually a better feeling. Sure sometimes they are uncomfortable and as the Holy Spirit reveals more and I gain more understanding the less uncomfortable those truths feel. The world can get more uncomforable and I feel a bit feakish even now as I write. WithoutGod's truth you wrap yourself in the worldly lies and CAUTION dear ones, how deceitful and easy to convince ourselves that the lie is really okay.
Our life group is reading, Faith Driven Family by Voddie. It has been a challenge for Justin and I and has given us many bits to chew, try to swallow and chew some more. Each chapter and even sometimes page after page I am convicted(just when I thought I may be good too!) My point in throwing this in here is, our kids do better when they have guidelines and consistancy. Don't let the world tell you it's to harsh to: say no, not buy every toy they want, to spank . You are doing your kids a favor whne they are walking between the lines. The bible puts things in black and white, we see the grey and those are the lies of the world. The world has greyed things up but I believe with all my heart that the Bible sets easy to follow guidelines that everyone can read and understand. If I am learning anything at all, it's I am going to be saving a LOT of money on book buying. I have the number 1 best seller for all the life situations right here beside me, well it's probably not the best seller and that really is the shame of it. Run out get yourself a Bible if you don't have one and if you do start using it! It has the answers to life in it, so now I should practice what I preach and take 10 minutes just me and God to catch up. His love be on you!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Write it down Right Now!
How many times have you told someone that you would pray for them, but didn't write it down and in turn forgot to actually pray specifically for them? Well I am guilty on all counts. I have thrown up the, "And God, please remember those people whom I pledged prayer but can't actually remember who and for what. Just work in thier lives, Father so they see you and love you." I want to encourage you to do better than this! Allow God to work in amazing ways for you and through you and how you might be asking, pray for it!
Get something to write in that is compact enough you can always have it with you. When you tell someone you would like to prayer for their situation or need, write it down so you can focus your prayer. When someone asks you for prayer, write it down so that you can remember their specific needs and lift them up to God. Make it part of your daily prayer time and create a habbit of lifting someone up while waiting at the drive thru for your coffee or other times where their is spare moments(could become the most meaningful bowel movements you have had:))
I remember learning that when some people say, "I will pray for you," they actually mean they are going to ask God on my behalf about a specific situation, and not just some random, 'and bless all my friends, help them find the strengths in their struggles(which I think is better than no prayer at all).' It happend two Octobers ago. I was telling the women in Bible study, that we needed prayer for our home to sell in SD, all these women whipped out paper, journals, pens and sticky notes to write down my request. They were all committed to my prevailing prayer. The Women's bible study ladies even included it in our opening and closing prayer each week, reminding me that my request was on their hearts and minds and they were lifting us up. I remember being a bit awstruct at the whole idea that people were repeatidly praying for our needs. It wasn't just something someone said, they would open their journals and remember me each time they prayed. God heard our names so much, he mercifully delivered us from that house and our prayer was answered.
Before October two years ago, I often told people, 'you are in my thoughts and prayers' but what that really translated to was, "God bless all my friends and family I am praying for, you know their hearts and needs, please help them." But now I sincerely try to remember by writing down others needs and lifting them up daily. My new problem is when do you stop praying for someone? Well when it prevails and God answers like Heather Linde's pregnancy!!! Now I will switch gears and pray for healthy pregnancy and delivery!
I must praise God for the many blessings he has given me. I notice a difference in my connection with the spirit. My relationship and my need for God has deepened and I feel him speak to me more readily or is it that I am listening? I think he and I have grown to be wonderful friends these past two years and most of that is because of prayer. It doesn't feel dutiful but delightful to have the maker of all things console me, laugh with me, speak to me and validate me. Paul says, in 1 Thessolonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. I get that now. I used to think how could you do that? Well instead of reading the tabloids, pray for those people on the covers, intercede for them and allow God to do amazing works. Instead of gossiping, ask to offer prayer up for those who are struggling and having diffidculties(Matt 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.") WE should bite our tounges instead of letting it bite others. You might feel weird in the beginning but the holy spirit is there and there is no feeling better than that of worshipping the Lord. Praise God for all that you see, thank him for the beautiful trees, flowers and buildings. I often talk to God(prayer) outloud so my kids can hear and I try to openly model my thoughts, and it works! Leaving bible study a few weeks ago, Steven offered up, "Hey! look at that squirrel in the tree! thank you God for the trees." I added, "yes, God than you for the beautiful trees and my beautiful boys!" Amen
Last weekend, Justin and I prayed together about a specific situation that I was feeling much anguist and saddness over, with in 15 minutes God answered that specific prayer with a specific answer!
God bless the intercessors of this world, for they are amazing! They devote hours a day to praying for needs of others, both those they have been asked to pray for and those they haven't(which I believe is the coolest thing ever!) In the book of Nehemiah it talks about how he,Nehemiah, identified the people's sins and prayed prayers of repentance for the people, asking for the Lords mercy and forgivenesss all without being asked. Even cooler is what happens, check it out in your Bible!
Get something to write in that is compact enough you can always have it with you. When you tell someone you would like to prayer for their situation or need, write it down so you can focus your prayer. When someone asks you for prayer, write it down so that you can remember their specific needs and lift them up to God. Make it part of your daily prayer time and create a habbit of lifting someone up while waiting at the drive thru for your coffee or other times where their is spare moments(could become the most meaningful bowel movements you have had:))
I remember learning that when some people say, "I will pray for you," they actually mean they are going to ask God on my behalf about a specific situation, and not just some random, 'and bless all my friends, help them find the strengths in their struggles(which I think is better than no prayer at all).' It happend two Octobers ago. I was telling the women in Bible study, that we needed prayer for our home to sell in SD, all these women whipped out paper, journals, pens and sticky notes to write down my request. They were all committed to my prevailing prayer. The Women's bible study ladies even included it in our opening and closing prayer each week, reminding me that my request was on their hearts and minds and they were lifting us up. I remember being a bit awstruct at the whole idea that people were repeatidly praying for our needs. It wasn't just something someone said, they would open their journals and remember me each time they prayed. God heard our names so much, he mercifully delivered us from that house and our prayer was answered.
Before October two years ago, I often told people, 'you are in my thoughts and prayers' but what that really translated to was, "God bless all my friends and family I am praying for, you know their hearts and needs, please help them." But now I sincerely try to remember by writing down others needs and lifting them up daily. My new problem is when do you stop praying for someone? Well when it prevails and God answers like Heather Linde's pregnancy!!! Now I will switch gears and pray for healthy pregnancy and delivery!
I must praise God for the many blessings he has given me. I notice a difference in my connection with the spirit. My relationship and my need for God has deepened and I feel him speak to me more readily or is it that I am listening? I think he and I have grown to be wonderful friends these past two years and most of that is because of prayer. It doesn't feel dutiful but delightful to have the maker of all things console me, laugh with me, speak to me and validate me. Paul says, in 1 Thessolonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. I get that now. I used to think how could you do that? Well instead of reading the tabloids, pray for those people on the covers, intercede for them and allow God to do amazing works. Instead of gossiping, ask to offer prayer up for those who are struggling and having diffidculties(Matt 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.") WE should bite our tounges instead of letting it bite others. You might feel weird in the beginning but the holy spirit is there and there is no feeling better than that of worshipping the Lord. Praise God for all that you see, thank him for the beautiful trees, flowers and buildings. I often talk to God(prayer) outloud so my kids can hear and I try to openly model my thoughts, and it works! Leaving bible study a few weeks ago, Steven offered up, "Hey! look at that squirrel in the tree! thank you God for the trees." I added, "yes, God than you for the beautiful trees and my beautiful boys!" Amen
Last weekend, Justin and I prayed together about a specific situation that I was feeling much anguist and saddness over, with in 15 minutes God answered that specific prayer with a specific answer!
God bless the intercessors of this world, for they are amazing! They devote hours a day to praying for needs of others, both those they have been asked to pray for and those they haven't(which I believe is the coolest thing ever!) In the book of Nehemiah it talks about how he,Nehemiah, identified the people's sins and prayed prayers of repentance for the people, asking for the Lords mercy and forgivenesss all without being asked. Even cooler is what happens, check it out in your Bible!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Southern word for 'go potty, pee pee, or bathroom' is 'tee tee.' Yes I typed it correctly. All my northern friends and family are having the same reaction I did, "What?" with a confused, furrowed brow. So. I have been wondering where the weird word came from and thanks to Stephanie Cherry and the urban dictionary for this:
Here's what Steph found in the Urban Dictionary:
tee tee
(verb) A very genteel southern term for urination. Used for both sexes in childhood, used by women throughout their lives. Tee tee comes from the tee-hiny. A person who would use this term would never let the coarsely vulgar "pee" ever cross their lips.
tee-hiny
(noun) The tee-hiny is the nether region of the body, particularly for women and girls. I have never heard this term in reference to males, but that's not to say it doesn't exist. It isn't just the vagina, it's the "bottom" plus any other places "down there." This term is used almost exclusively in the south by the very genteel but anatomically disinterested. Its origins are unknown, but it's common in South Louisiana, where "Tee" is a French/Cajun term meaning "little." So it could be translated as "little hiny/hinie/hiney."The main product of the tee-hiny is tee-tee. No nice lady in the south would ever say "pee." It is considered extremely vulgar, probably worse than the "F" word. Again, it's not just the vagina because everybody knows you don't tee-tee from your vagina. You tee-tee from your tee-hiny.
SO I guess if you hear 'pee pee' come flying out of my mouth it may be to make someone upset:) FYI I have asked everyone I have heard used this term over the past 2 years and not one person had any idea where it came from. I have potty on the brain as Steven should be but he isn't, he told me today, "I yike diapers, I pee, you change it." I think it's time to take some serious action with the potty training. He was doing so good for so long. We have been using disposables now since we went on our trip, I think when we go back to cloth that will help.
Okay now for a bit deeper thought. I continued reading in Matthew today and read through his crucifixion. I wept thinking about how terrible Peter must have felt after betraying Jesus. I too have betrayed him a in different ways and how easy to say if I had been in his Peter's shoes I would not have faltered but I can think of times where I have. I have been in similar shoes, and how my heart breaks at the realization of it. My first thoughts of this day were focused on Matthew 40-41.
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep
watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into
temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
Oh how I can relate especially right now as I struggle with my weight and overall health. All the more reason to pray without seizing!
My thoughts today are centered around this thought as a whole. Christ came here for ME(and YOU!), a broken person, with a messy life. Christmas is a time to remember the gift God gave us. A perfect God giving his perfect LOVE to this imperfect world! Which makes me want to conclude this with prayer because I am moved again just typing this thought.
Thank you God for sending your son, our savior to heal our broken hearts and help us clean up our messy lives. Help us to learn from Christ's life and example and help us to open our hearts and have faith that you will heal our broken places. Thank you for this life, thank you for my many blessings and thank you for Jesus. In Jesus Christ name, Amen!
Here's what Steph found in the Urban Dictionary:
tee tee
(verb) A very genteel southern term for urination. Used for both sexes in childhood, used by women throughout their lives. Tee tee comes from the tee-hiny. A person who would use this term would never let the coarsely vulgar "pee" ever cross their lips.
tee-hiny
(noun) The tee-hiny is the nether region of the body, particularly for women and girls. I have never heard this term in reference to males, but that's not to say it doesn't exist. It isn't just the vagina, it's the "bottom" plus any other places "down there." This term is used almost exclusively in the south by the very genteel but anatomically disinterested. Its origins are unknown, but it's common in South Louisiana, where "Tee" is a French/Cajun term meaning "little." So it could be translated as "little hiny/hinie/hiney."The main product of the tee-hiny is tee-tee. No nice lady in the south would ever say "pee." It is considered extremely vulgar, probably worse than the "F" word. Again, it's not just the vagina because everybody knows you don't tee-tee from your vagina. You tee-tee from your tee-hiny.
SO I guess if you hear 'pee pee' come flying out of my mouth it may be to make someone upset:) FYI I have asked everyone I have heard used this term over the past 2 years and not one person had any idea where it came from. I have potty on the brain as Steven should be but he isn't, he told me today, "I yike diapers, I pee, you change it." I think it's time to take some serious action with the potty training. He was doing so good for so long. We have been using disposables now since we went on our trip, I think when we go back to cloth that will help.
Okay now for a bit deeper thought. I continued reading in Matthew today and read through his crucifixion. I wept thinking about how terrible Peter must have felt after betraying Jesus. I too have betrayed him a in different ways and how easy to say if I had been in his Peter's shoes I would not have faltered but I can think of times where I have. I have been in similar shoes, and how my heart breaks at the realization of it. My first thoughts of this day were focused on Matthew 40-41.
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep
watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into
temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
Oh how I can relate especially right now as I struggle with my weight and overall health. All the more reason to pray without seizing!
My thoughts today are centered around this thought as a whole. Christ came here for ME(and YOU!), a broken person, with a messy life. Christmas is a time to remember the gift God gave us. A perfect God giving his perfect LOVE to this imperfect world! Which makes me want to conclude this with prayer because I am moved again just typing this thought.
Thank you God for sending your son, our savior to heal our broken hearts and help us clean up our messy lives. Help us to learn from Christ's life and example and help us to open our hearts and have faith that you will heal our broken places. Thank you for this life, thank you for my many blessings and thank you for Jesus. In Jesus Christ name, Amen!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
What's wrong with talking about God and sex in the same conversation?
God created sex and orgasims..so PRAISE HIM! Recently we had a girls night out here and I enjoyed it so much. I hope Mel and Lisa did too! Lisa stops the conversation and says, "I don't think I have ever talked about God, sex and drank wine all at the same time." We laughed and continued in our conversations, which I am sorry you are not privvy too!
It's important to talk about the gospel messages and Jesus Christ and why he was sent here. I love that Fellowship at Plum Creek talks about how to be saved everyweek, perhaps we should be more like that. Every conversation leaving each person with 'something God promised' to think about for the day. Having your nonbelieving friends say all you ever talk about is Jesus (that by the way is a compliment). It wasn't that way when I was a kid but fortunately for my kids it will be that way for as long as they can remember.
I am not trying to be boastful here, I am just trying to show you the thoughts and actions that have been happening here lately to give my title some supporting documentation! At Negley Christmas fair, I chose to be outside. It was a lovely day, a little rain but I made it through without melting(whew! not a witch) There was a windchime lady outside as well. That morning I had read in Daniel about how King Neb had made a statue and wanted everyone to bow down when thay heard all these instruments playing. So all day long I was thinking about that and identifing idols that I was bowing to, had bowed to and vowed never to bow to again. Nearly EVERY person that stopped that day said something about it, including my husband. I joyfully shared why that noise was there, that God wanted me to think about this scripture as he needs me to understand what I am doing in my life right now! I shared that story in Daniel at least 20 times and more and more of the idols I was bowing to and one lady stopped writing her check and said, "Wow, thanks for sharing that. Praise God! Now do I need to add tax on here?"
I remember when I worked in the cannery in Alaska. Amy van Dyke and I talking about God again. We did this daily, our conversations entailed from what we read in scripture to how/what we were moved to pray about. Well we lived in a tent, in a tent city and everyone could hear our conversations. One particular evening, a man went walking by and in an annoyed sounding voice saying, "bible, bible, bible, bible, God, bible, God" I remembering laughing and yelling, "We will pray for you!" Amy where ever you are thanks for helping make it through there and always remembering God!
It's important to talk about the gospel messages and Jesus Christ and why he was sent here. I love that Fellowship at Plum Creek talks about how to be saved everyweek, perhaps we should be more like that. Every conversation leaving each person with 'something God promised' to think about for the day. Having your nonbelieving friends say all you ever talk about is Jesus (that by the way is a compliment). It wasn't that way when I was a kid but fortunately for my kids it will be that way for as long as they can remember.
I am not trying to be boastful here, I am just trying to show you the thoughts and actions that have been happening here lately to give my title some supporting documentation! At Negley Christmas fair, I chose to be outside. It was a lovely day, a little rain but I made it through without melting(whew! not a witch) There was a windchime lady outside as well. That morning I had read in Daniel about how King Neb had made a statue and wanted everyone to bow down when thay heard all these instruments playing. So all day long I was thinking about that and identifing idols that I was bowing to, had bowed to and vowed never to bow to again. Nearly EVERY person that stopped that day said something about it, including my husband. I joyfully shared why that noise was there, that God wanted me to think about this scripture as he needs me to understand what I am doing in my life right now! I shared that story in Daniel at least 20 times and more and more of the idols I was bowing to and one lady stopped writing her check and said, "Wow, thanks for sharing that. Praise God! Now do I need to add tax on here?"
I remember when I worked in the cannery in Alaska. Amy van Dyke and I talking about God again. We did this daily, our conversations entailed from what we read in scripture to how/what we were moved to pray about. Well we lived in a tent, in a tent city and everyone could hear our conversations. One particular evening, a man went walking by and in an annoyed sounding voice saying, "bible, bible, bible, bible, God, bible, God" I remembering laughing and yelling, "We will pray for you!" Amy where ever you are thanks for helping make it through there and always remembering God!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tricia Goyers New Fiction Series..Book 2
I didn't pay attention to history class, I paid attention to my neighbor who paid attention to history class. How sad that truth is now, not only was it deceitful, I really did only cheat myself. I watch movies or read historical fiction and I am fascinated but sad because I'm not building on any prior knowledge, thank goodness I am capable of learning now and I know how to research and find more information:)
Which brings me to series I am reading written by Tricia Goyer. It is called Chronicles of the Spanish War. Book one was a great love story, packed with war adventures, and the faithfulness of God and his promises. I was so happy that book 2 arrived last week but was afraid to start because I have been known to start and finish a book all in one setting..and then I am wiped out and my kids are wondering what happend.
Here is an excerpt from book 2, I will let you know what I think when I complete it.
Sophie discovers that nothing is as she first imagined. When Walt, the reporter who helped her over the border, shows up again after Guernica is bombed, Sophie is given an impossible mission. She must leave behind the man she's fallen in love with and return to the person who betrayed her.
Another layer of the war in Spain is revealed as Sophie is drawn into the international espionage schemes that could turn the tide of the war and help protect the soldiers from the International Brigade ... but can she find a way to get the information she's discovered to Walt before it's too late?
Which brings me to series I am reading written by Tricia Goyer. It is called Chronicles of the Spanish War. Book one was a great love story, packed with war adventures, and the faithfulness of God and his promises. I was so happy that book 2 arrived last week but was afraid to start because I have been known to start and finish a book all in one setting..and then I am wiped out and my kids are wondering what happend.
Here is an excerpt from book 2, I will let you know what I think when I complete it.
Sophie discovers that nothing is as she first imagined. When Walt, the reporter who helped her over the border, shows up again after Guernica is bombed, Sophie is given an impossible mission. She must leave behind the man she's fallen in love with and return to the person who betrayed her.
Another layer of the war in Spain is revealed as Sophie is drawn into the international espionage schemes that could turn the tide of the war and help protect the soldiers from the International Brigade ... but can she find a way to get the information she's discovered to Walt before it's too late?
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Give thanks that you don't have to read this if you choose not to. If it were an email you might feel obliged.
I have decided my thoughts are worth more than a penny, probably more like a nickel hence the title of this blog.
I have some free time today and I have been wanting to set up my account on here for a while so here it is. I am going to be transfering my blogs from my space over here so for a bit it is going to look like I am printing press. Most of you who know me know I am never usually short on words anyway.
It's turned out to be a pleasant day here in South Dakota, it is colder than Texas but it is a very nice day today. The tryptophan is working nicely everyone is napping with the excption of me. We were supposed to have my grandparents here but my grandfather fell twice this morning and is resting. We are waiting to hear how he is feeling. Please pray that he will heal and strengthen.
My sister, Katie made some outstanding pie crust and she says she can't cook. Can't means Won't! Silly sister!
I love seeing my boys and hers play and love one another, it brings me back to my own childhood. I spent 90% of my time as a kid playing with cousins and it was always great!
Holidays are filled with a vast array of emotions for me as I am sure many of you can relate. Today God spoke to me through the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-41). Here is a version with a bit of a holiday twist.
Jesus is at my house several hours before the ‘festivities’ begin and of course, I am a procrastinator by nature so I have a LONG list of things that normally takes 3 days to complete but now I will complete them in 4 hours! My family has also gathered and are visiting and listening to Jesus teach. I am frantically mixing up the pie fillings, checking the bread to see if it’s doubled in size, walking out to the garage to check the turkey cooking in the roaster and I trip with the cream pie I was carrying out to the extra garage fridge. I am now cleaning up the mess, wondering why no one has checked on me, no one is offering to help, don’t they know I have to finish the lacing the ribbon through the eyelets on all 22 of the name cards? My heart grows bitter and all I see is how everyone isn’t seeing me and all I am doing to make this a success for them! Or was it for me? I seem to loose track. Then when I have finally broke and my bitterness takes over, I go and say, “Lord, can’t you see no one is helping me! Tell them to help me!”
Jesus takes my hand and says, “Nicole, you are worried about many things but only one thing is needed. Your family has chosen what is better and it can’t be taken away from them.”
My dear family, it is easy to get distracted with all the holiday preparations, from the gift buying, Christmas card sending, decorating, meal planning and all the other scurring around that we do. How challenging to be Mary in the Martha world we live in. It is easy to have an excuse not to seek time with the Lord each day, even a short 5-10 minute devotional but I encourage you to try especially during this season. If you are looking for a place to start there are many FREE online resources that can send you daily scripture and questions to help you think more deeply and apply it to your life. Plugging yourself into a Bible based church for encouragement and accountability would also be a step in the right direction.
I find it is easy to be Martha but focusing on God and what Jesus taught, I can be Mary instead. I am going to try and post a picture of the boys..
Give thanks that you don't have to read this if you choose not to. If it were an email you might feel obliged.
I have decided my thoughts are worth more than a penny, probably more like a nickel hence the title of this blog.
I have some free time today and I have been wanting to set up my account on here for a while so here it is. I am going to be transfering my blogs from my space over here so for a bit it is going to look like I am printing press. Most of you who know me know I am never usually short on words anyway.
It's turned out to be a pleasant day here in South Dakota, it is colder than Texas but it is a very nice day today. The tryptophan is working nicely everyone is napping with the excption of me. We were supposed to have my grandparents here but my grandfather fell twice this morning and is resting. We are waiting to hear how he is feeling. Please pray that he will heal and strengthen.
My sister, Katie made some outstanding pie crust and she says she can't cook. Can't means Won't! Silly sister!
I love seeing my boys and hers play and love one another, it brings me back to my own childhood. I spent 90% of my time as a kid playing with cousins and it was always great!
Holidays are filled with a vast array of emotions for me as I am sure many of you can relate. Today God spoke to me through the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-41). Here is a version with a bit of a holiday twist.
Jesus is at my house several hours before the ‘festivities’ begin and of course, I am a procrastinator by nature so I have a LONG list of things that normally takes 3 days to complete but now I will complete them in 4 hours! My family has also gathered and are visiting and listening to Jesus teach. I am frantically mixing up the pie fillings, checking the bread to see if it’s doubled in size, walking out to the garage to check the turkey cooking in the roaster and I trip with the cream pie I was carrying out to the extra garage fridge. I am now cleaning up the mess, wondering why no one has checked on me, no one is offering to help, don’t they know I have to finish the lacing the ribbon through the eyelets on all 22 of the name cards? My heart grows bitter and all I see is how everyone isn’t seeing me and all I am doing to make this a success for them! Or was it for me? I seem to loose track. Then when I have finally broke and my bitterness takes over, I go and say, “Lord, can’t you see no one is helping me! Tell them to help me!”
Jesus takes my hand and says, “Nicole, you are worried about many things but only one thing is needed. Your family has chosen what is better and it can’t be taken away from them.”
My dear family, it is easy to get distracted with all the holiday preparations, from the gift buying, Christmas card sending, decorating, meal planning and all the other scurring around that we do. How challenging to be Mary in the Martha world we live in. It is easy to have an excuse not to seek time with the Lord each day, even a short 5-10 minute devotional but I encourage you to try especially during this season. If you are looking for a place to start there are many FREE online resources that can send you daily scripture and questions to help you think more deeply and apply it to your life. Plugging yourself into a Bible based church for encouragement and accountability would also be a step in the right direction.
I find it is easy to be Martha but focusing on God and what Jesus taught, I can be Mary instead. I am going to try and post a picture of the boys..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
