3.26.09

Joshua 23
9 "The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. 10 One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God.

Basically what this is saying is 1.) stop thinking that you have to be many in number to make a big difference, because with the Lord you are stronger than anything imaginable. 2.) lenaphshotheychem, Take heed TO YOUR SOULS, literally. The WHOLE self must love the Lord God. You cannot have this love scattered.

I'm sad today. I'm sad for God's people. I hear from friends, loved ones, and their frustration with people who serve. For example a singer refusing to sing on the worship team because a leader was 10 minutes late with a legitimate reason. Its sad. How far are we going to take this selfishness? When are we going to realize that we are God's vessels, created and called to do His work? (Especially when we have a specific task that we've committed to). It grieves my heart.

Which brings me back to today's scripture... people of God, lets do something about this selfishness. You may be one person who is willing to do this, but you have the strength of God. Instead of letting it continue lets nip it in the butt now! What are we afraid of? Time is short, lost souls are at hand, so we shouldn't be afraid to stand up and say "let's get over ourselves and remember why we're here." And then secondly, people who are being selfish - when was it that your First Love changed to yourself? Let's put our focus back on God and get rid of this pride.

I'm sorry if it sounds like I am going on a rant here... I hope you hear my heart. I say this all in love. And sometimes I get this way too and have to steer back into the right attitude. This isn't to point fingers, or yell and scream -- its to put the focus back on God and our task as His people.

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Busy day today... oil change, smog check, work... looking forward to spending a nice night with my husband and baby girl.

Stay tuned...

3.24.09

1 Corinthians 9
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Spring training. Its that time of years folks. Think about it... whether you want to play a sport this summer, or you just want that bikini (or tankini in my case) ready body. Its a time to get healthy so that you're don't dragging and huffing and puffing while your kids want you to play outside with them. Ah, Spring. And. Training.

The people in Corinth knew a thing or two about training. They had crazy games of sport. After all, they were the site of the original Isthmian Games (like the Olympic Games in many ways)! They felt that their Greek gods would be pleased with them if they had physically fit bodies, and performed will in their sports. They spent a lot of time in training.

In working out, or getting in shape, endurance is a key. Once you give in to a week without doing any physical activity, or like me, to that donut sitting in the break room - its all over. The key is to endure, to remain at the top of your game. They say it takes 30 days for something to develop into a habit. Hmmm... maybe we need to all take a 30 day devotional/worship/prayer/fast(?) challenge. If we spent more time in the word than on the couch in front of the TV I bet we'd all have so much of God's word in us that we would have to shout it out to everyone or else we'd explode! What do you think?? Are you up for the challenge??
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It is Tim's first day at The Highlands (www.thehighlandschurch.com)! He is so excited, and got to spend some time with the interns today. It will be great to see what God will do!!

As for me, I am using God's wisdom for my life to be creative. Maybe I will write more about that some other time...

Hannah is finally getting well after being sick for almost a week. The weather is getting so nice outside and I cannot wait to let her run and play! It will be so great getting into our house!

We had dinner last night with my mother in law, and her boyfriend Luis. It seemed so natural to see them together, like this should have happened several years ago! Praying for them as they consider the future.

That's all for now... stay tuned...

While you're at it, please visit the following:

3.20.09

Psalm 69
16 Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
in your great mercy turn to me.

The mercy that is explained here translates to that of a mother to her young. God shows a multitude of mercy upon His children!

This speaks to me in several ways today:

Hannah. Yes, it is obvious that she is my baby and I show her mercy and love on a daily basis... but I feel like this goes much deeper.

I look at some of the teen moms who come in to the school I work at. Most are clueless on how to take care of their child. Yes, there is a mother's instinct in most of us women, but I feel as though their little one is a mere accessory which was all too glamorized in the beginning, but they have now found that it is much harder than they thought. Little ones require such work, and it breaks my heart to see these young girls who are so not ready for all that is required of them.

One of those hard moments is when you have an ill child. Hannah has been sick for the past few days. She is so young she cannot describe to me what hurts, so mommy has doubled as a detective for the past few days. She gets up at night because she isn't feeling well, so I am exhausted. But even in the worst of times, the exhausting times - I am her mommy and I love her and show her mercy. I couldn't imagine reacting any other way.

The same is true of our Father. He loves us deeply, and He would do anything for us. He doesn't get too exhausted or too busy to answer our call to Him. It doesn't matter if we call out in the morning or night, anytime is a good time for Him. He knows our needs and how to best tend to them.

God, thank you for Your everlasting love and your tender mercy. Thank you that I can always depend on You.
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As I mentioned above, we are praying that Hannah feels well soon. I believe that Jesus is already tending to her needs and making her body healthy!

The news has now been out of our new adventure. We will be going on staff to serve at The Highlands Foursquare Church. We have received a lot of confirmation for this new season. Tim will specifically be working with their Internship program. We are so excited and cannot wait to see what God has in store! God is faithful and His promises are true!

We will also be moving back into our home at the beginning of May! We are grateful that my Dad has allowed us to stay with him during this transition, but its time for him to get his house back! :)

It's Friday and I am looking forward to this weekend! family dinner tomorrow night and some great fellowship all weekend long!

Stay tuned...

3.18.09

Psalm 37
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

This means that even in the worst of time, those who are in Christ will be safe and provided for. Those who love God will not be ashamed of it either! When others are sad and anxious, we lift up our head with great joy and comfort in our God. We have confidence that in some way or other God will provide. We will rejoice and be glad.

I don't have to say (but I guess I am right now) that times are tough right now, some would even call them scary. Sure, you read the headlines, or you have even experience the fear in a very real way. Tim and I were walking through it. Everyone said that this was the worst possible time for us to move without jobs lined up, without even savings to cover however long it would take. But we knew that our God would provide. He has conquered it all, so why should I worry?

Of course I have had those days where the anxiousness has stirred up within me and I have proclaim "NO! My God shall supply all my needs. I am a child of God and he will take care of us!" And the times I've said this has been in tears.

I cannot make you believe that God has you covered... you need to believe for yourself. But go ahead, curl up on His lap and let His arms envelop you with love and comfort. Listen to His voice... hush yours for a moment and be still. He loves you.... trust in Him today. I know I am.
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Cant give details, but my God has us covered! Thank you LORD!!!

Hannah is getting her two year old molars, and we've begun the planning for her 2nd bday party. Time is flying...

Stay tuned...

3.17.09

1 Corinthians 2
For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.


No one can do what God has done, no one can assist God. When God created the world no one gave Him advice. No one said "you know God, the ocean would look better over here" or "don't you think clouds should be pink instead of white?" It's kind of silly when you think about it. But, we think it is OK to advise God in what to do for our lives, don't we? We interfere thinking our way is better, our idea of outcome more desirable. Why can't we just let God do what He desires? Why do we think we can do it better? And why do we get angry when He decides to perform a different way? It is because we don't fully understand the mind of God.

God did, however, give us the mind of Christ. When we were born again we had a renewing of our mind which gave us the capabilities to get to know God through His word. The Spirit allows us to be qualified to convey this information to others. But I believe we need to walk in a daily renewing of our minds to line up with what God wants for us.

Next time I find myself questioning Him, or giving Him a "to-do" list, I will ask the Lord, "renew my mind today. I want my will to line up with Your desire for me. I want to know You and to see things the way You see them. Amen"

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Good things are coming our way... I believe it!

stay tuned...

1 Corinthians 1
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

There are two sets of people here - unbelievers and obedient believers, that is obvious. But back in the day he was referring to the Jews and the Greeks. It is to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness; but unto those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. The Jews had a presupposition that their Messiah would be a grand prince, not a man who had a common occupation like them, and who even walked among them. They wanted a sign, they wanted it on their terms. The Greeks laughed at the idea of a saviour who hung on a cross. They desired wisdom - sciences, arts, knowledge and scholarly idea. Matthew Henry wrote it this way: "Those who are saved are reconciled to the doctrine of the cross, and led into an experimental acquaintance with the mysteries of Christ crucified." To us today it is applied to believers and unbelievers.

All of the money I spent on my college education will never enligten my mind the way that the Holy Spirit, and the word of God does. All of the world who does not believe is baffled by the work of God and the saving grace of Christ because they have yet to let the Holy Spirit renew their mind. God chose the "crazy" way of doing things, and it confused men of the "wise."

I was thinking today about what the thoughts must be of some of those around me. I have close people in my life who are very smart, highly educated people - but the idea of God baffles them, they think I am nuts while nicely not really getting in my way or questioning me. Then I have others who live a lifestyle that is one I wouldn't necessarily choose. How weird they must think I am for not wanting to party or dress like them. "You're only young one" is what they say. My lifestyle confuses them.

I am saddened that some of my loved ones are dooped into thinking that what this worlds has to offer - the knowledge and the glitter - is much better that choosing Christ.

Lord help me to help them understand. I know it cannot be me... it has to be You.
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We're doing well. Tim has some possibilities opening up and we're bringing them before the Lord.

We spent the weekend watching Maddux and Reagan, and enjoying Claire's first birthday (picture above). Reminds me how time flies by and how much I cherish these precious moments.

That's all for now... stay tuned...

3.13.09

Galatians 4
1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

You now have a right to the inheritance, because you are one of the family, the children are the ones who inherit; but this heirship is the most extraordinary of all: it is not an heirship of any tangible possession, either in heaven or earth; it is not to possess a part or even the whole of either, it is to possess Him who made all things; not God's works, but God himself: heirs of GOD through Christ.

Have you ever had something happen that dramatically changes your life? One day you are a student, then next you are a graduate... one day you're single, the next married... one day youre pregnant, the next you have a baby in your arms. Did you know that this is what happens when you are saved? You are no longer a slave to this world, but an heir of Christ. You are no longer trying to make ends meet by the worlds standards, but you are rich in Christ.

I am learning this... my life is about to take abother turn. I am very excited to see what God has in store for me but I know that what it is will change my life in an instant. I am excited and eager to see what he will have me do.

Take that next step in Christ and see where God will lead you today - you never know what it could bring, what it could change.

3.11.09

Deuteronomy 16:11
"And thou shalt rejoice"

The offerings of the Israelites were to be eaten with festivity, communicated to their friends with liberality, and bestowed on the poor with great generosity, that they might partake with them in these repasts with joy before the Lord.

We see this often in scripture... "thou shalt rejoice"... "bless the Lord, o my soul and all that is within me." Its all over. Why? Because we have to be reminded to praise the Lord no matter what circumstance, no matter the environment.

This stuck out to me so much - especially today. Now, I am going to get super personal here so bare with me. I got a paycheck yesterday and today it is all spent (well, at least its in all of my little electronic envelopes waiting to be spent for the right bill). Yup, it is true. I am not rolling in the dough like people may think. Tim is still on the search for a full time job, so our income is half of what it was in Arizona. PLEASE HEAR ME -- I do not write this for you to feel bad for me. Quite the contrary. Please rejoice with me that all of my bills are paid, there is food in the pantry, and we've taken care of our tithe responsibly. I write this simply as an example, a very real one, from my own life. Yes, there is no money until next week - but God has supplied all of my needs. So, when I am getting down today I will say "SELF bless the Lord!!!"

I hope that as you are going through your days and weeks that you will do the same. Even when it looks grim, even when it looks like you are not going to make it, or even when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are definitely not going to make it -- BLESS THE LORD. He holds my economy, not this crazy world. You can also apply this to any circumstance you are facing today. Are you sick? BLESS THE LORD. Are you lonely? BLESS THE LORD. He has got you covered baby!

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I guess my journal gives you a clear picture of where we are at right now. Broke in the world's eye, but rich in Christ!

Tim is still on the hunt and I know God has him covered. He has never let us down!

Hannah and I went for a walk around the mall yesterday (no, that is not why we are broke - I didn't buy anything) and she kept saying how cute the clothes were. She even reached out for a skirt and was holding it for a while. She didn't want to put it down, but eventually I got her to say "bye bye skirt." She loves fashion, I can tell. It will be fun to teach her mommy's frugal ways of shopping! :)

That's all for now... stay tuned... and BLESS THE LORD!

3.9.09

Deuteronomy 11:13 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. 15 I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

There is a promise to obedience and steadfastness (I always question if that is a word or not). Its simple... God says to lover Him and serve Him, and THEN He will send the rain and provide the grass in the fields. There is an action and a promise here.

In a world where we have a mentality of instant gratification, and the idea for something for nothing, we have a challenge set before us. I saw a recent infomercial that shwoed how you could have a perfectly sculpted set of abs and a tight tush all while sitting on the couch in front of your TV. It was a contraption that fit around your torso and buns and vibrated and squeezed around you so that it confused your body into thinking it worked out. My first thought was, "sweet! I can eat ice cream, workout, and watch american idol all at the same time!!" The infomercial had done its magic and I was just about hooked. But I knew that that wouldnt do the trick. I cant get something for nothing. I have to standfast and workout and eat right if I want a sculpted and healthy body.

The same is true with the Lord. His love is a FREE gift, yes. But it still costs us our old ways. We have to turn those in to Him for forgiveness. It requires us to have action and to take part in that love daily. We make a choice everyday whether to standfast to His truth, or be dooped into the glimmer of the worlds temporary gains.

I want His unchanging love, His rain, and the grass in the fields.

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This past week was pretty busy. I didnt have much time for blogging on my reading, sorry folks. This time change has also thrown me off. For the past year in AZ we didnt have a time chage. Som I am getting used to the CA life again and I guess this is just one thing that goes along with it. :)

I spent Friday and Saturday at Father's Eyes. Pretty incredible time. I am already looking forward to next year!

Also went to Trish's baby shower. Made me, for just a second, really want #2 soon! But, I guess well just have to see when that time will be.

This week will be just as busy, but I know that it will be blessed by God! :)

Please pray for Tim as he continues the hunt for a full time job. And please pray for our family because this commute really is hard. Imagine taking 2 hour out of your day just for driving. Ugh!

Thats all for now... stay tuned...