I did it!
For those of you that don't know, I was asked to give a short devotion at tonight's Ladies Game Night for the women in my church.
For my thoughts on that read here.
This has been the biggest step outside of my comfort zone that I can imagine.
Over the last month I have struggled with self doubt, fear, and insecurites and I just have to tell you that GOD WAS THERE!
Every step, every thought, every doubt. God met me right where I was and waited with me until I was ready to take that next step.
I have grown in my relationship with God so much because of this. The month leading up to, and the five minutes of giving, Oh my heart sings! I hope and pray that something I said tonight will have touched someone, or made them see something in a different light, or just made them realize that they can trust God to take them where they don't have the strength to go alone.
I also have to say that there is nothing in the world like knowing that your girlfriends are lifting you up to God. I have been so encouraged and strengthened by my friends who have supported me, encouraged me, prodded me and lifted me up in prayer, and then made sure they were there to celebrate with me.
Who knows where God will call any of us? I do know that there is a plan and a purpose to everything He does, and I am excited to see what He calls me to next. I know it probably won't be easy, or comfortable, but I think I would rather it be that way, if this is the blessing that comes from it!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
While I'm Waiting
This week I am sharing "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller.
My husband and I saw Fireproof for the first time this week and I was completely turned inside out by this song.
We all are waiting in some area of our lives all the time. It matters what we do while we wait. We are not called to be still. Serve God with all you have, no matter what.
Sometimes the answer comes in the serving.
I was completely broken by this song.
My hands are lifted high...will you join me?
For other great songs visit the home blog of then sings my soul by clicking on the link in my right hand column.
My husband and I saw Fireproof for the first time this week and I was completely turned inside out by this song.
We all are waiting in some area of our lives all the time. It matters what we do while we wait. We are not called to be still. Serve God with all you have, no matter what.
Sometimes the answer comes in the serving.
I was completely broken by this song.
My hands are lifted high...will you join me?
For other great songs visit the home blog of then sings my soul by clicking on the link in my right hand column.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A revival of Prayer is needed my friends
Well, it's no surprise that Blagojevich was impeached. It is a sad day for Illinois. Not for the fact that he has been removed from office. I do believe that it needed to happen. I can't help but wonder what will happen next.
My concern is the fact that it seems like there is a serious lack of prayer as these men and women are elected into office.
When I read numbers that tell me that almost, or over half (depending on the state) of evangelical Christians did not vote in the last Presidential election, I am truly sickened.
Why are we no longer standing up for Jesus? Where are all the men and women who love God and believe in His Word? They are not on the ballots. They are not in the voting booths. They are not, quite simply, in office. Sure, there are a few people here and there, from local all the way up, who are trying to stand up for what they believe, but in the overwhelming tide of opposition, they are making little headway.
When did we decide that it is best to stay silent because not everyone will want to hear what we have to say? I believe in the Bible, I believe it is what God wants and desires for us, and I try to let it lead every aspect of my life. I don't always make it but at least I try. I know what the common arguements are. My favorite is the one that reminds us that even out of the twelve, that only one was left at the crucifixtion. That is true. There was only one. But once the others saw, and TRULY believed who Jesus was and understood what He was calling them to, EVERY.ONE. of them suffered WHATEVER they were called to to further the Kingdom of Christ on Earth. That part is never mentioned in the arguement.
God is not distant. God is not powerless. God is not indifferent. He is here...stronger than ANY power...PASSIONATE about us. He has given us free will to make our own choices. If is seems we are further from Him and His desire for our lives, the only answer we can come to is that we have been making the wrong choices.
I believe that we can change the world. I believe that the power of Prayer is stronger than any force we can, or can't imagine. What would our country look like in just one year if everyone, EVERYONE who believes in God and the truth of His Word, prayed? Not once, but as HE asks us...believing and without ceasing. One year.
Do we want the economy to change? Pray!
Do we want those that can't protect themselves protected? Pray!
Do we want to see the hungry fed? The homeless sheltered? PRAY!
Do we want to see the leaders of our country vote the truth instead of the "dream"? PRAY!
I love our country. I love that it was founded on the belief that every person should be able to worship God without interference from the Government. I would love to continue that freedom. But if we aren't praying, soon we will not be allowed to.
I didn't vote for President O'Bama, but as the President of this country, I will pray for him every day that he will make Godly decisions.
I truly believe that our country would look completely new if there was a passionate revival of prayer.
The sad conclusion is, if we aren't praying, we are admitting defeat without ever allowing Jesus to step into the ring.
My concern is the fact that it seems like there is a serious lack of prayer as these men and women are elected into office.
When I read numbers that tell me that almost, or over half (depending on the state) of evangelical Christians did not vote in the last Presidential election, I am truly sickened.
Why are we no longer standing up for Jesus? Where are all the men and women who love God and believe in His Word? They are not on the ballots. They are not in the voting booths. They are not, quite simply, in office. Sure, there are a few people here and there, from local all the way up, who are trying to stand up for what they believe, but in the overwhelming tide of opposition, they are making little headway.
When did we decide that it is best to stay silent because not everyone will want to hear what we have to say? I believe in the Bible, I believe it is what God wants and desires for us, and I try to let it lead every aspect of my life. I don't always make it but at least I try. I know what the common arguements are. My favorite is the one that reminds us that even out of the twelve, that only one was left at the crucifixtion. That is true. There was only one. But once the others saw, and TRULY believed who Jesus was and understood what He was calling them to, EVERY.ONE. of them suffered WHATEVER they were called to to further the Kingdom of Christ on Earth. That part is never mentioned in the arguement.
God is not distant. God is not powerless. God is not indifferent. He is here...stronger than ANY power...PASSIONATE about us. He has given us free will to make our own choices. If is seems we are further from Him and His desire for our lives, the only answer we can come to is that we have been making the wrong choices.
I believe that we can change the world. I believe that the power of Prayer is stronger than any force we can, or can't imagine. What would our country look like in just one year if everyone, EVERYONE who believes in God and the truth of His Word, prayed? Not once, but as HE asks us...believing and without ceasing. One year.
Do we want the economy to change? Pray!
Do we want those that can't protect themselves protected? Pray!
Do we want to see the hungry fed? The homeless sheltered? PRAY!
Do we want to see the leaders of our country vote the truth instead of the "dream"? PRAY!
I love our country. I love that it was founded on the belief that every person should be able to worship God without interference from the Government. I would love to continue that freedom. But if we aren't praying, soon we will not be allowed to.
I didn't vote for President O'Bama, but as the President of this country, I will pray for him every day that he will make Godly decisions.
I truly believe that our country would look completely new if there was a passionate revival of prayer.
The sad conclusion is, if we aren't praying, we are admitting defeat without ever allowing Jesus to step into the ring.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Baby Harper!
Baby Harper is doing beyond wonderful!
She is off pretty much all the support and eating like a big girl! Make sure you click on the button in my right hand column to read the AMAZING journey of faith of this family. Not only have they glorified God all the way through this journey, but their transparency in their trust of God has allowed God to reach the hearts of THREE BRAND SPANKING NEW believers, as well as reigniting the passionate faith of many long time believers.
Make sure you click that button and check out one of the most adorable babies you will ever see!
She is off pretty much all the support and eating like a big girl! Make sure you click on the button in my right hand column to read the AMAZING journey of faith of this family. Not only have they glorified God all the way through this journey, but their transparency in their trust of God has allowed God to reach the hearts of THREE BRAND SPANKING NEW believers, as well as reigniting the passionate faith of many long time believers.
Make sure you click that button and check out one of the most adorable babies you will ever see!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Perfect Picture/Perfect Plan
This was pretty much my devotion that I did for Ladies game night...Of course it changed since I ditched the complete notes and gave God room to work. I had to let go of my "perfect" devotion to allow God room to forward His plan.
We all dream of being perfect at something. A wife, a mother, a friend.
We strive for it and expect it and then when we fall short of the perfect mark, we feel disappointed in ourselves. When we set our goal as "perfect" and then miss the mark, first once, then again and again, we start to feel disappointed in our selves. That disappointment can lead to disilluionment, even bitterness.
What we need to remember is that by striving for "perfect" we miss God's perfect plan. He doesn't expect us to be perfect in any role in our life, but he does have a perfect plan. His plan may call for us to suceed, but it may be that us coming up short of the "perfect" mark is what is needed for us to be able to glorify Him.
It's scary letting go of that "perfect picture" and trusting God enough to follow wherever He leads. But I can promise that even falling short of the perfect mark, you take a huge step forward in trusting God.
We just need to remember to trust in God when he says that in our weakness His strength is made perfect.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says:
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
God doesn't promise to give us our vision of a perfect picture, but He does promise to give us all we need, in abundance, and when we trust in THAT, we can trust in his perfect plan.
We all dream of being perfect at something. A wife, a mother, a friend.
We strive for it and expect it and then when we fall short of the perfect mark, we feel disappointed in ourselves. When we set our goal as "perfect" and then miss the mark, first once, then again and again, we start to feel disappointed in our selves. That disappointment can lead to disilluionment, even bitterness.
What we need to remember is that by striving for "perfect" we miss God's perfect plan. He doesn't expect us to be perfect in any role in our life, but he does have a perfect plan. His plan may call for us to suceed, but it may be that us coming up short of the "perfect" mark is what is needed for us to be able to glorify Him.
It's scary letting go of that "perfect picture" and trusting God enough to follow wherever He leads. But I can promise that even falling short of the perfect mark, you take a huge step forward in trusting God.
We just need to remember to trust in God when he says that in our weakness His strength is made perfect.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says:
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
God doesn't promise to give us our vision of a perfect picture, but He does promise to give us all we need, in abundance, and when we trust in THAT, we can trust in his perfect plan.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Today was not that different from January 25, 1997. Cold, crisp and snowy. The only difference was that today the snow was falling, then, the sky was a very clear blue with not a cloud in sight.
Things have changed in the last twelve years. Lost jobs, new jobs, kids, lost friends, new friends, deaths in the family and new babies to love.
We have come so far and through so much. I love that we have a history together but even more I love that we have a future together.
Today I end the 10 days of Bob with one statement:
I love my husband more than he can ever know. This blog was just a tiny glimpse into my feelings for him. Some will never be expressed because of the depth and lack of words in this human world. I only know that I want to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful man; raising our kids, working together, serving together, glorifying God with our marriage and our lives.
Thanks for joining us in celebrating!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Slow Fade
Today I am posting Casting Crown's "Slow Fade"
This song was played during our last ladies' Bible study and ever since then this song has been my caution to remember that things never fall in one big crash and that the one little thing that I can't let go of will become the one big thing that will tear it all down. If I can't give it all to Christ, then it will all fall.
I hope it blesses you.
Please visit the home blog of Then Sings My Soul Saturdays by clicking on the button in my right hand column.
This song was played during our last ladies' Bible study and ever since then this song has been my caution to remember that things never fall in one big crash and that the one little thing that I can't let go of will become the one big thing that will tear it all down. If I can't give it all to Christ, then it will all fall.
I hope it blesses you.
Please visit the home blog of Then Sings My Soul Saturdays by clicking on the button in my right hand column.
10 Days of Bob ~ Day 2
Today I want to recognize that Bob is insightful, humble, and generous.
Ok, I know it's more than one but I am running out of days here.
So...
Insightful- he truly looks at all the sides of a situation before speaking. He studies the best way to approach something, analyzing the pros and cons, and then gives you the straight-forward answer. (Later I will be blogging about how "Mr. Fix-it" just can't stand to let me figure things out on my own, but that is later, for now I am loving this aspect of my hubby)
Humble - My husband is gifted in many areas and many ways. He quietly and confidently does what he is called to do. He dislikes any spotlight on himself whatsoever, prefering to be in the shadows. But, if he is called to recieve praise, he is quick to give the glory to God.
Generous - Gifts of his time, talents, and work are something that he happily gives. He prefers not to tell anyone no if what they are asking or need is within his abilites to provide. One of his main reasons for wanting to get our finances in line is so that we can do more for God. We both desire to start taking, at least yearly, mission trips of some kind. He loves to be the anonyamous giver.
I feel I am not doing my husband justice with these little snippets of what I see. All of the things I have written about weave together to make a very complex and wonderful person. One can not be sorted out from the other. Any one quality taken away and the picture would change. And there are many more things that I will not list here but that go into that picture. I just want to thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope that you have gotten to know Bob a little better through my eyes.
See ya tomorrow for the final "Day of Bob"
Ok, I know it's more than one but I am running out of days here.
So...
Insightful- he truly looks at all the sides of a situation before speaking. He studies the best way to approach something, analyzing the pros and cons, and then gives you the straight-forward answer. (Later I will be blogging about how "Mr. Fix-it" just can't stand to let me figure things out on my own, but that is later, for now I am loving this aspect of my hubby)
Humble - My husband is gifted in many areas and many ways. He quietly and confidently does what he is called to do. He dislikes any spotlight on himself whatsoever, prefering to be in the shadows. But, if he is called to recieve praise, he is quick to give the glory to God.
Generous - Gifts of his time, talents, and work are something that he happily gives. He prefers not to tell anyone no if what they are asking or need is within his abilites to provide. One of his main reasons for wanting to get our finances in line is so that we can do more for God. We both desire to start taking, at least yearly, mission trips of some kind. He loves to be the anonyamous giver.
I feel I am not doing my husband justice with these little snippets of what I see. All of the things I have written about weave together to make a very complex and wonderful person. One can not be sorted out from the other. Any one quality taken away and the picture would change. And there are many more things that I will not list here but that go into that picture. I just want to thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope that you have gotten to know Bob a little better through my eyes.
See ya tomorrow for the final "Day of Bob"
10 Days of Bob ~ Day 3
Today I have to tell you about how my hubby is Mr. Romance.
Ok. Sure. I am sure that we can all sit down and go a few rounds of the "My hubby is REALLY Mr. Romance because..."
But this is my blog so I win.
Here's why.
First off, he's darned good lookin'. Dark hair and G.E.O.R.G.O.U.S. eyes. And of course, the main reason I thought he was the sexiest thing around...his shoulders. Gotta love those big, broad shoulders. Also, he is tall. Not a little tall. He is tall enough for me to wear any heel I want and he is still taller than I am. BINGO!
Next, he is sweet. He loves to make me smile and feel precious. I know it bothers him that he can't bring me flowers and gifts and take me out on dates more often, and I find that really wonderful. Not that he's bothered. I don't like that. I like that he wants to spoil me, which, to me, is even better than actually getting any of the stuff I just listed.
Following that, I love his hands. They have rubbed my shoulders and feet, built me gifts, taken care of our house, provided for our family and held our new born babies. Those are the hands of a man that loves his girl. That's me. I'm the girl. Love it.
Finally, He loves me. Beyond all reason and excuse. No matter what has happened in the last twelve years, he has stood by me and comforted me. Made me crazy, made me cry and made me laugh like a loon.
So ya. I have the sexiest, sweetest guy that has amazing hands and loves me.
Uh huh. I win.
Ok. Sure. I am sure that we can all sit down and go a few rounds of the "My hubby is REALLY Mr. Romance because..."
But this is my blog so I win.
Here's why.
First off, he's darned good lookin'. Dark hair and G.E.O.R.G.O.U.S. eyes. And of course, the main reason I thought he was the sexiest thing around...his shoulders. Gotta love those big, broad shoulders. Also, he is tall. Not a little tall. He is tall enough for me to wear any heel I want and he is still taller than I am. BINGO!
Next, he is sweet. He loves to make me smile and feel precious. I know it bothers him that he can't bring me flowers and gifts and take me out on dates more often, and I find that really wonderful. Not that he's bothered. I don't like that. I like that he wants to spoil me, which, to me, is even better than actually getting any of the stuff I just listed.
Following that, I love his hands. They have rubbed my shoulders and feet, built me gifts, taken care of our house, provided for our family and held our new born babies. Those are the hands of a man that loves his girl. That's me. I'm the girl. Love it.
Finally, He loves me. Beyond all reason and excuse. No matter what has happened in the last twelve years, he has stood by me and comforted me. Made me crazy, made me cry and made me laugh like a loon.
So ya. I have the sexiest, sweetest guy that has amazing hands and loves me.
Uh huh. I win.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thankful Thursday
1. That my Hubby left his laptop home for me today since I am car-less again.
2. That I have a friend who is a Chiropractor so when my neck popped yesterday morning I got right in for an ajustment and a before work laugh.
3. That the office I work in starts each day off with a devotion and a prayer for the day.
4. That even though I didn't vote for the new President, or agree with many of his thoughts and beliefs, I am still free to pray for him each and every day.
5. That my friends are the tree-top best of friends and I can count on them without question.
2. That I have a friend who is a Chiropractor so when my neck popped yesterday morning I got right in for an ajustment and a before work laugh.
3. That the office I work in starts each day off with a devotion and a prayer for the day.
4. That even though I didn't vote for the new President, or agree with many of his thoughts and beliefs, I am still free to pray for him each and every day.
5. That my friends are the tree-top best of friends and I can count on them without question.
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