Sunday, March 2, 2008
This is the Day . . .
"This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
Labels: God's Word, joy, Scripture, truth
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wednesday Words
I've been thinking so much about what I've read recently at each of the blogs of those who went to Uganda last week. I wake up each morning thinking of all those children and how Compassion and those who sponsor a child are making a difference for families, both for now and for future generations. They are about the mission of hope.
Hope.
That is my word for the day.
If you want to join us in giving hope to a child, go here.
Hope.
That is my word for the day.
"Hope is faith holding out its hands in the dark."
~~George Iles
If you want to join us in giving hope to a child, go here.
Labels: truth, Wednesday Words, wisdom
Wordless Wednesday
Friday, February 8, 2008
Fearless Friday #24
To be real honest, as I was growing up I never ever worried about report card day.
I was a geek.
I loved school.
I got all A's, just about all the time.
Now I am a mom.
I can't guarantee what my children will do when it comes to regurgitating material for a test or making the right choices in their conduct.
I must admit that these first progress reports after sending my children back into a public school setting had me a bit disconcerted.
No, that wouldn't be quite accurate.
I was fearful.
Fearful of how they would do.
Fearful of what others would think of my homeschooling.
Fearful that they hadn't learned anything with me in the two and a half years at home.
Fearful that I had "messed" up my children for the rest of their educational careers.
God, in His wisdom, had a friend call me last night.
She gently reminded me, and I am paraphrasing here . . . that I am not able to mess up my children. They are cared for and protected by the God of the Universe. How can I possibly have the power to mess them up when He is on board with them every. single. day?
I know I've shared this verse before, but I am reminded of it again this morning as I once again turn my children back over to the Father who loves them more than I could ever hope to love them:
"I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears."
Philippians 1:5-6 (The Message)
By the way, each progress report was significantly better than I had anticipated.
This is so true:
FEAR = FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL
I plan to go about the rest of my day listening and reading TRUTH rather than being caught up with falsehoods from the father of lies! That's the first step to walking
WITHOUT FEAR.
Labels: childhood, fearless friday, God's Word, truth
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wednesday Words
"If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say-
let Israel say-
if the LORD had not been on our side
when men attacked us,
when their anger flared against us,
they would have swallowed us alive;
the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
the raging waters
would have swept us away.
Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 124 (NIV)
More from Beth Moore this week . . .She says in reference to the above Psalm and its writer,
"I can almost hear him chide, 'If God hasn't been good to you, don't bother. If He's never rescued you, save your breath. But if He has, and you know He has, lift your voices and give Him the praise due His name!'"
I praise Him today for rescuing me from myself. I can be the biggest obstacle there is to my own success and spiritual health. It is my own flesh at war with my spirit. The old adage is most true in my life. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
May I remember today, regardless of what comes my way; God has already rescued me. I am His, and I am safe in His arms. I pray these words resound with you today, too.
Labels: God's Word, truth, Wednesday Words
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
To Honor Bronner is to Honor Jesus
A tragedy occurred Saturday evening in Birmingham, AL. Boomama posted about it here. You can read about the details and come back for my response.
My husband has listened, and back when there was a Turner South, watched these men live their walks with the Lord on the airwaves.
When we heard the news it was as if we were hearing about a personal friend. Now, I know that we were. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are family. We are personal, because our God is personal and always has been.
When we heard the news it was as if we were hearing about a personal friend. Now, I know that we were. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are family. We are personal, because our God is personal and always has been.
Please take the time when you can to hear this message from Bronner's memorial service. You can go here and listen. The link is almost at the bottom of the page.
It will take awhile (about 30 minutes or so), so allow yourself some time to listen to the whole thing. It is a challenge I will not soon forget. Rick Burgess is a grieving father, but the words God gave him to speak are powerful, so powerful. I will forever be changed by the words God allowed him to share with the other grieving people who showed up to honor the life of William Bronner Burgess.
I ask you, as you may have come to visit here for the first time today. Do not let the life of this little boy have been taken in vain!
To honor the life of this precious two-year-old is to honor the presence of Jesus.
God was not wringing His hands in anguish over the death of this little one. He knew the number of the days of this child's life, just as He knows the number of your days.
Rick said so eloquently that the way you could dishonor his family and the life of his precious son would be to leave your experience with this situation unchanged.
I speak often on this blog about living and walking Without Fear.
I would be remiss if I was too afraid to share with you who do not know my Savior, my Father, my best friend, the lover of my soul. He is the reason I get up in the morning. He is the reason I take each step forward.
"If God had already taken us everywhere He intended, we'd be at His glorious feet by now. That you and I are still here drawing terrestrial breaths tells us that God still has appointments for us."
My given appointment today is to let you know that there is only one way out of the lost place you find yourself. There is one way to know that if the number of your days runs out, you can be assured of going to the same place Bronner Burgess is this very moment. One way.
Our Father says it plainly here:
Our Father says it plainly here:
"Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?'
Jesus said to him, 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:5, 6 (NKJV)
Now, if you've never made a decision to accept the free gift Jesus offers, you can do that right now.
This is a good place to get started in knowing how to come to a place of peace with God. I will be praying for the eyes that see this post and the ears that listen to the words God chose to speak through the tragedy and loss of Bronner Burgess will make a difference for His kingdom forever.
This is a good place to get started in knowing how to come to a place of peace with God. I will be praying for the eyes that see this post and the ears that listen to the words God chose to speak through the tragedy and loss of Bronner Burgess will make a difference for His kingdom forever.
That is the reason I am still here. Thank you for meeting here with me today.
Labels: celebrations, childhood, God's Word, tragedy, tribute, truth
Wednesday Words
From the new study I just started,
Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent, by Beth Moore
"In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me."
Psalm 120:1 (KJV)
I am already loving this study, and here is one comment Beth made that struck me in the first reading:
"Humility is the natural posture of anyone who grasps the greatness of God."
May I live this truth. Today. Always.
Go see Jane Anne for other words for Wednesday.
Labels: truth, Wednesday Words
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday Scripture
"In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people." Isaiah 28:5 (NIV)
Labels: God's Word, Scripture, truth
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday Scripture
" He sent forth his word and healed them;he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy."
Psalm 107:20-22
Labels: God's Word, Scripture, thanksgiving, truth
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I Am His
For well over a year now I have gone to visit Heather George's site. First I prayed for sweet Emma and for Heather as the mama of a child with health issues. I still pray for this precious child who is a testimony to God's infinite grace and power.
Back in the spring when Heather was diagnosed with a brain tumor, I was shocked, stunned, and speechless -- until again God prompted me to pray. I continue daily to lift up this dear sister in Christ as she walks the path God has for her.
Consistently over the past months God has used Heather and her circumstances to humble me, to inspire me, to encourage me, and to make me cry on more than one occasion.
Yesterday I went to visit just like I do every single day she posts something new. Once again, God had a message for me there. I won't go into details here, because you must go read it for yourself. I'll just leave you with one sentence that has been ringing in my ears since I first read it yesterday:
Am I not allowed to do what I choose to do with what belongs to me?God is asking me this question today.
I pray I respond with a resounding, "Yes, Lord! Have Your way with me, whatever that means."
Anything less is denying Him His Almighty purpose in my life, and where would I be then?
Now, go see Heather!
Labels: encouragement, inspiration, truth
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday Scripture
For other Sunday Scripture entries, please go visit Amy.
Have a blessed day!
"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance."
Psalm 65:11 (NLT)
Psalm 65:11 (NLT)
Labels: God's Word, inspiration, Scripture, truth
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday Scripture
"Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us."
Psalm 67:6 (NIV)
Labels: God's Word, truth
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Wisdom for the Weekend
"He is my faithful love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer.
my stronghold and my deliverer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in Him;
He subdues my people under me."
Psalm 144:2 (HCSB)
Labels: God's Word, inspiration, truth
Friday, October 19, 2007
Fearless Friday #20
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
I think about fear so often when riding or walking around the local college campus. The acreage is teeming with wildlife, especially deer. I am not fearful, but I watch the reactions of the deer whose home I am attempting to share as I drive or hike past.
Those who have been around for years are docile, calm, and sociable -- if that is a deer characteristic. They do not run when vehicles approach. They do not interrupt their dinner or hurry their young away from the eyes of onlookers. Fawns usually run for cover, but it takes very little time before their skittish behavior becomes one of nonchalance and unwavering boldness.
How too can I become less fearful? Remembering the verse above is a good beginning. That was the theme verse for my study in Overcoming Fear these past two weeks.
Ms. Feinberg encourages the reader to go back and re-visit some fears from childhood as well as identifying some different types of fears found in Scripture. I found this a helpful exercise, especially looking at Psalm 91:5-10.
My God will protect me (and you) and have His angels take charge over (us). He says that no evil will take me down or come near my dwelling. In Him, I am safe.
Margaret says this:
"Not only does fear limit your ability to place your faith in God,
but if left unchecked, fear can also actually cause you to pull back from your relationship with God, choose to sin, and miss out on God's best for your life."
but if left unchecked, fear can also actually cause you to pull back from your relationship with God, choose to sin, and miss out on God's best for your life."
I wholeheartedly agree. I know I've had times in my life in which I have cowered and hidden rather than to stand boldly before God's throne of grace. I was steeped in sin and fear of the unknown. I missed out on His blessing, because I was too worried about what He would think of me and my actions.
What I am continuing to realize in my walk with God is that He is who He says He is. He is unchanging. He is compassionate. He is available to me. He does love me with an everlasting love. The better I get to know Him, the less I find fear guiding and directing my actions.
Now, fear still rears its ugly head more frequently than I'd like. This verse comes to mind in this area for me:
What I am continuing to realize in my walk with God is that He is who He says He is. He is unchanging. He is compassionate. He is available to me. He does love me with an everlasting love. The better I get to know Him, the less I find fear guiding and directing my actions.
Now, fear still rears its ugly head more frequently than I'd like. This verse comes to mind in this area for me:
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."
Philippians 3:12-14 (MSG)
I'm going to leave you today with a question from the study.
Thinking on the theme verse from this lesson (2 Timothy 1:7), have you ever experienced a moment when God took away a spirit of fear and replaced it with His spirit of "power, of love, and of a sound mind?" How did that experience affect your faith? Your relationships? Your attitude toward God?
Let's all continue to walk each moment, each step of this journey of faith "Without Fear". I am excited to see how God releases us from the bondage that fear brings and encourages us to walk in freedom with Him as we get to know Him better and better.
I welcome all comments and discussion on this topic. Don't hesitate to email me if you'd like to chat further.
FEAR= False Evidence Appearing Real
Thinking on the theme verse from this lesson (2 Timothy 1:7), have you ever experienced a moment when God took away a spirit of fear and replaced it with His spirit of "power, of love, and of a sound mind?" How did that experience affect your faith? Your relationships? Your attitude toward God?
Let's all continue to walk each moment, each step of this journey of faith "Without Fear". I am excited to see how God releases us from the bondage that fear brings and encourages us to walk in freedom with Him as we get to know Him better and better.
I welcome all comments and discussion on this topic. Don't hesitate to email me if you'd like to chat further.
FEAR= False Evidence Appearing Real
Labels: discipline, fearless friday, God's Word, truth
Friday, October 5, 2007
Fearless Friday #19
I'm starting a new Bible study. This is just from the introduction, yet I found it powerful for me today:
"Did you know that fear can be good for you? No, really! A healthy amount of fear serves as a reminder to avoid danger. It can help us be more safety-conscious. The awareness that something bad could happen often causes us to do something good . . .
"Unhealthy fear is paralyzing. It prevents us from experiencing and living the life God intended. It limits our potential. Fear can hinder us from enjoying rich relationships, amazing experiences, and a meaningful life.
"Fear can even stop us from fulfilling the call that God has on our lives. Left unchecked, fear can ties us to the past, push us toward sin, and prevent us from embracing our God-ordained future. That's one reason we find the same phrase echoing throughout His Word: 'Fear not!' Through His Son, Jesus, God has set us free from the unhealthy fears that bind us and hold us back." (taken from Overcoming Fear by Margaret Feinberg, Women of Faith Study Guide Series)
This weekend is a busy one with The Hobbit, especially as I keep finding myself in unfamiliar territory -- putting on makeup (on goblins, and other creatures), adjusting costumes in order to avoid wardrobe malfunctions, and anything else that comes along.
I pray for all of you as well as for myself that we will remember to live the life God has intended for us . . . one Without Fear.
FEAR= False Evidence Appearing Real
Labels: brave, faith, fearless friday, God's Word, truth
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday Scripture
photo credit ~~dusty davis '06
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:5-8
Labels: comfort, God's Word, truth
Friday, September 28, 2007
Fearless Friday #18
I thought I'd share with you the following fun fact (taken from The Book of Lists by David Wallechinsky and Amy Wallace):The top ten human fears, in reverse order, are:
10. Dogs
9. Loneliness
8. Flying
7. Death
6. Sickness
5. Deep water
4. Financial problems
3. Insects and bugs
2. Heights
1. Speaking before a group
I don't have all of these fears. I'm sure many of you don't either. Yet, I nodded and agreed with several of them as I read down this list:
- I have my frequent bouts with fear of bugs, yet never as often as when living on the coast.
- Loneliness has been a continual companion in seasons of my life. I don't fear it in the same way as when I was younger. It drives me to lean on Jesus more.
- Financial issues probably strike a chord of fear in my heart unlike any other. Yet, here, too, I am learning to cast my cares more frequently on Him and watch Him provide for me in ways I often can't comprehend.
- Death has been at the forefront of my mind in the past few weeks, and I have wrestled in the recesses of my own thoughts as to whether it scares me or not. At times I find peace in knowing I will be with my Father in heaven, and at others I quake inside over leaving all I know to be real in the here and now.
My prayer for all of us who share these common fears is that we take them to Jesus, leave them at His feet, and walk on throughout each day unencumbered by them. I pray we can live moment by moment "Without Fear" remembering the truth of God's Word:
"Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?"
Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG)
God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?"
Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG)
FEAR=False Evidence Appearing Real
Labels: brave, fearless friday, God's Word, truth
Monday, September 24, 2007
Moment by Moment
I know y'all don't come here to listen to me gripe or whine. I know you won't come back if I spend too much time bemoaning the place I find myself. So, I'm not going to drag on with a "woe is me" attitude.
I am trying to take today moment by moment, but I am so tired, so weary and weepy today.
The tears are threatening to spill over at every turn. I slept poorly and find the energy that soared over a very productive weekend to be utterly depleted as I begin a new week of homeschooling and the other tasks of life.
Visions of climbing back into bed revisit my thoughts over and over. Though I know that is wishful thinking with the three children I am entrusted to educate in some fashion today.
Yet, in the midst of my own weary journey I look out and about me. There I find others whose situations are polar different from mine. One in particular requires your attention.
Please pray for this precious family. I have been following them and praying diligently since the day before their sweet daughter, Copeland, arrived Sept. 18. Sarah shared their need for prayer, and I have been praying. I encourage you to do the same.
That's one thing I love about blogging and the availability of the internet. I cannot stay focused on myself for long. For when I get tunnel vision and begin to have a pity party, I need only look at this or this or this and be aware of how small I am and how big God is.
May we all remember His power and strength today. Please be praying, and if you think of it pray for me, too.
***FYI: If you haven't watched the video in yesterday's post, scroll on down now. Go on! It's a goodie : )
Labels: blogging, pity party, prayer, truth
Sunday, September 23, 2007
This is the Truth
Watch this . . . then watch it again . . . and again . . . . I saw this at church this morning and just had to share it with you.
Labels: cool things, truth, video
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Wisdom for the Weekend
photo credit ~~ Dusty Davis, California
photo taken in Gunnison, CO
"Your eyes will see the king in his beauty
and view a land that stretches afar."
Isaiah 33:17
and view a land that stretches afar."
Isaiah 33:17
Labels: beauty, fall, God's Word, truth
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