Proverbs31 DailyStuff

What's Ur focus?

2011-05-04T08:35:00.005-04:00

Your focus determines your reality.

What are you focused on?

You or God?

Positive or Negative??

Blessings or Problems??

--Mark Batterson

You are responsible for your focus.
There is only one true Focus, one Truth...
Focus on Jesus and you will find life!

You will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is set on You,
for he trusts in You.--Isaiah 26:3

Mountains into molehills

2011-04-28T09:00:00.005-04:00

Deut. 2:6

You have circled the mountain long enough, now turn North.

I can't tell you how much this verse has meant to me lately. I found it unexpectedly one day- though the Spirit knew right where to direct me....

Found in the depths of Deuteronomy, this verse addresses the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

Fearful, self-absorbed, and lost they traveled looking only at there external environment rather than their Internal environment.

The same is true all too often for us.....

We travel around and around the same mountain. Day after day....sometimes it seems like an endless wilderness....

So we need to do one thing...STOP! Look at the mountain - it's much too big for you....

turn North....and give it to the only One who can handle it... the One who loves you more than anything. Give it to God and the mountain will shrink.

How easy it seems yet we take such pride in trying to do it ourselves.... complete the Journey by giving it up. Give up your free will to 'do it yourself' and make your life a whole lot easier....

Make the mountain INTO a mole-hill.

You've circled long enough, look North and the mountain will disappear!

Blessings my sweet sisters....

When less is more

2011-04-06T07:58:00.005-04:00

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love of God,
because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

It's so important to help each other out. I can't stop thinking about how much my Christian sisters have helped me in the past. A hug, a card, a sweet prayer...

When we give to others, we give them a piece of Jesus. And that piece grows for Him. It also grows in us. His ways are not our ways.... we lose a piece of Him yet with that loss He grows in us!

God is so good! Only our omnipotent God could make more of Himself out of less of us. In fact, that's the only way it works. It has to be less and less of us each day so we can receive more and more of Him.

If you are living with guilt or depression, try to remember that's of you. The more you are focused on you and your limits the more you are limited. Do not be a slave to your moods or "feelings" but move over and let Him fill you.

Less is always more with God.

Blessings my sweet sisters,
T

Take Up Your Cross

2011-03-10T08:30:00.003-05:00

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must
deny themselves and
take up their cross and

follow me.

Mark 8:34

My small group met last night for the first time on the study Made to Crave. It was such a wonderful time....the fellowship, the sharing. I love it when new people show up, they bring a whole new dimension to the group.

Great are God's girls!

Lysa was speaking on denial on feeling empowered rather than deprived with our healthy food choices and included the verse above.

When breaking it down, we see the "deny self" - this commands us to deny our selfish, fleshly desires, pretty straight forward though not always done.

The second part is often misinterpreted. Upon exploration in our Life Application Bible, we learned that the prisoners in Roman times were made to carry their own cross before they were crucified (the death penalty of choice in that period), this time of carrying was to signify their submission to the Roman government as the highest authority.

The final command is to "follow me." One small sentence, buried deep in Mark, gives us the whole plan of salvation:

Deny yourself and fleshly wants
Submit yourself to the highest authority,
and Follow Him.

God makes it sooo simple, don't make it harder than it is!

If you're ready, feel free to hit the big red button....
don't make it hard...
why GIVE UP something for Lent when
you could RECEIVE something so much better!

Many blessings,
E

Just a little more....

2011-03-09T14:12:00.006-05:00

I was reading Lysa TerKeurst's post today and was so caught up in her thoughts... She presented a very simple concept of "and then some..."

What if rather than doing "just enough" or getting all caught up in our pride about something.... we decide to do "just a little more"-- or -- "and then some"

-- such a simple concept - but then again that's what Jesus did. He took everything we "work" so hard at and made it simple.

Just like salvation - we make it complicated, not God. What could be easier than accepting a free gift. I'll take it -- thank you. It's that easy!

My small group is starting her study tonight "Made to Crave." It was not my intention to start on Lent but I guess it was God's... I will keep posting on the progress

Many blessings & prayers,
E

Being His body

2011-03-08T10:11:00.003-05:00

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforts us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2Corin. 1:3-4

God has created us to be His physical body. We are to love others and show His mercy the only way He can't. One day we will sit at His feet and be able to touch Him! Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

But, for now, we are to be Jesus for Him. To let others see Jesus reflected in us. You may be the only Jesus some ever see. Is knowing you going to turn them away from Him -- or closer to Him??

May your light shine for Him today. Share His love and mercy with others. Comfort with a physical touch, a phone call, a soft word of encouragement....

Jesus gave His body for us---

Make the choice to give your body for Him!

Blessings--

Are You Too Old To Sin?

2011-03-07T07:59:00.006-05:00

Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
and see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting

Psalm 139:23-24

I had to laugh talking to my 98-year-old grandmother. She told me her priest said she didn't have to go to confession anymore because she was too old to sin. I wonder if Methuselah stopped confessing at 969?? I'm guessing not....

My question is: Is there ever a time we stop sinning? Isn't just the thought that you don't sin anymore-- sinful in and of itself?

To say you don't sin is to put yourself equal to Jesus! Isn't that what the evil one did? I'm not going there-- Are you?

If there was ever an age at which we stop sinning on our own, we wouldn't need a Savior and Oh, what a sad day that would be!

As the Psalmist says:

search me, try me, lead me.....

Are you too old to sin?

Sinners change, Sin doesn't?

May God bless you, my dear readers today

Loving prayers,
E

made to crave week 2

2011-01-18T13:29:00.003-05:00

Made to Crave has been great. I love the FREE webcasts!

Word of encouragement this week--

Determination!

Thank you, Lysa for giving us so much to look forward to.
For setting realistic goals and helping us achieve them!

Don't miss next week's web cast
Mondays at 8:00 pm EST

www.madetocrave.org

Made to Crave starts tonight!

2011-01-10T13:30:00.002-05:00

Hop on over to Lysa TerKeurst's Made to Crave site tonight for the premier web-cast of her new book Made to Crave.
Be there

8:00 EST

Thoughts

2011-01-05T09:08:00.004-05:00

Based on Chapter 5 of Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Thought for the Day: "We were made for more! More than this failure … more than this cycle … more than being ruled by our taste buds, body image, rationalizations, and guilt. We were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth."

You were made for more too. God loves you and has a plan for you. Find that inner craving and act on it. Crave good, crave God. Crave to glorify Him in all you do.

To those who hurt - you are made for more.

Ephesians 1:18–19 says: “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which [God] has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Craving more Self-control??

2011-01-03T08:03:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year!

I can't tell you how much I've learned from Lysa TerKeurst. She has a new book out that is called Made to Crave and it is an amazing new approach to the age old problem of weight loss.

Don't get me wrong this is not a "diet book." This is a new approach to the way you think about your body. Lysa will be blessing us with FREE webcasts on Monday night from 8:00 - 8:45 EST. So, if you're on-line stop by Lysa TerKeurst. I just can wait for this - it's really quite monumental!

I actually held off starting this book because I thought it would be a chore- but it's not. It addresses all our issues in a biblical way! Right from Eve's apple issue to my lack of personal self-control for food.

God has really blessed us with this study - I hope every one will at least give it a look....

Many blessing in the new year!!

You can sign up to receive more information at Lysa's blog or at the Made to Crave site. Give it a try and get involved!

The road to self-control starts here:)

Are You Wasting Your Money??

2010-12-03T08:36:00.004-05:00

25 Things Grandma Never Paid For:

By Sally Herigstad
Our grandparents could live on very little money compared to what it takes to keep us going these days. We may not want to live without those modern conveniences and vacations Grandma wouldn't have even dreamed of. But once in a while we should at least remember what we're spending money on that Grandma seemed to be able to live without!

How many of these things did your grandparents never pay for?

1. Air conditioning - at home and in the car.

2. Plastic bags that zip up.

3. Movie rentals.

4. Cruises.

5. Cell phone service. If she wanted Grandpa to come in from the back yard, she had to actually step out back and wave at him. Or just wait.

6. Canned vegetables. That backyard garden was no trendy hobby. She used it to fill hundreds of glass jars with green beans, tomatoes, and other good food, ready for winter.

7. Gym memberships. By the time she got done working in the garden and tracking down Grandpa without a cell phone, she didn't need the gym.
8. Computers, laptops, upgrades, new mice, and other accessories. Certainly not.

9. Internet service. Ditto.

10. Cable. If it wasn't on TV, forget it. (Fiddling with rabbit ears - now that's a vanishing skill!)

11. Pedicures.

12. Eating out, except for special occasions like birthdays. Imagine Grandma saying, "I don't feel like cooking - let's eat out!"

13. Massages. She'd have looked askance at that.

14. Hair foils.

15. Housecleaning services.

16. Child care.

17. Life insurance on her children.

18. Having a tailor change a hem or sew on a button.

19. Feng shui consultations.

20. Catering.

21. A second car.

22. Frozen pizzas.

23. Delivered pizzas.

24. Dog grooming.

25. Health insurance for pets.

I thought this was so true and so funny! I am feeling consumed by expenses this month and this lightened my mood.

Think before you spend this month. Pray for self-discipline. Take control of your spending and the New Year will be much happier!

Blessings to all my bloggers..

Small group recommendation

2010-11-23T12:49:00.005-05:00

This is a must read:

Preorder your book today!

If it's anything like her last book ---it'll be a keeper!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Because...

2010-06-21T08:42:00.005-04:00

Because someone needs to hear this today...you know who you are:)

Exodus 14:13-14, Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

I love you, He loves you more and will deliver you.

To all who suffer, I claim this verse for you, my sweet friends.

Blessings to you!

Guess what I did with the trash can??

2010-05-19T08:46:00.004-04:00

Not only is this a great way to use the cruddy, old trash can. It can be used annually for it. Year after year, remembering the great grace of our Lord as you reap the rewards of gardening. Include the whole family - after all it will take at least 3 of you to actually dump the can when the time comes!

If you read often, or have looked at my other blogs, you will notice I love to cook and garden. It's really something to grow stuff and then be able to eat it. I am in awe of this. So, when I saw this idea from Heavenly Homemakers, I knew I just had to do it. This is a container garden in a whole new direction---move over topsy- turvy hanging tomatoes!

You actually beat up your container a little more , add some holes, dirt, and seed potatoes and you've got mashed potatoes galore. (Yes, there is definitely another day's blog......)

Anyway, here are the complete directions: love to hear if anyone else tries it - I will include pictures as it grows!

Planting Potatoes in a Container

Lately the 3 blogs have been too much for me to handle so I am concentrating mainly on this one and adding whatever the Lord puts on my mind for that day. However, I will also still share recipes and garden on my other blog: Proverbs31 Cooking

May you be blessing in all you do today--T

How do you get rid of a trash can?

2010-05-18T12:43:00.014-04:00

I was just sitting here thinking - how do you get rid of an old trash can? You can't just leave it by the curb - people will either put trash in it or think you're a slob.

Even if you put it out on trash day - if there's trash in it they'll take the trash and leave the can. If you don't put trash in it - they'll still leave it - come on, it's a "trash can."

Do you go to all the trouble of bagging it up. Buy one of those super, HUGE bags tie it up and disguise it as - "trash". Odds are your trash man is on to you by now and will leave it there just to mess with you - I would:)

I would probably go a step further...unwrap the bag and put it into the can as a liner. Like the owner didn't know how to set it up correctly...LOL, I do like to do things like that to people...it usually makes them laugh, and we can all use a good laugh now and again.

So now that I've messed with you my dear reader you are probably asking yourself, "What does this have to do with "dailystuff"? "

Well, after I looked at it a bit longer I decided I couldn't throw that old trash can away after all. Sure it had dents and a couple holes. It was a little rusty in spots where it was bent out of shape, it sagged to one side, and it had lost all of it's original shine. I thought maybe this is a reflection of me on some days. Sure I've had my super mom-perfect wife-good church girl-loving friend - Jesus glowing days. But I've also had my: do it yourself-you don't love me-who's going to miss me-are you sure she loves Jesus? bent-up, rusty, dented, dull, sagged-to-one-side days too.

Days when I should have been left out for the trash, days when it was probably would have been easier to leave me than love me.

Those were the days when I needed it the most but deserved it the least--

Those were the days when I received the most Grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

His grace is always enough.
So, today I give grace to that old trash can. My gracious God has given me new life and I will return that today by finding new life even for my old trash can that no one else wanted.
I am glad the Lord did not leave me at the curb for someone else to take away. I am so glad He wanted me.

Many blessing to all today.--T

Know that God wants you dearly. He is waiting for you to accept His invitation. It's that easy.

Upside-down-cake day

2010-05-13T08:21:00.011-04:00

Did you ever wake up and your day starts out like an upside down cake?? I found this great recipe and immediately I said, "Hey, that's me today.!" Unfortunately, I didn't have time to actually make this yummy confection on my upside down day, but I plan to as soon as I can get right-side up. The only thing is I'm not sure I'll be in the mood for it then.... On these days my paths are not straight, the light is not on my path, kids are unorganized, school starts late, laundry is stacked and babies need feeding - can they eat upside down cake?

After wallowing in self-pity for a while, I decided to make the most of my upside-down day. Just because you're standing in sticky syrup doesn't mean you have to stay there. There are these great bananas to stand on...Cool:) You might still be in the sticky stuff, but you've got semi-stable foundation to coast on until you can pull yourself out. That's when I got to the spongy cake. Wow, maybe this wasn't so bad after all. Spongy cake was good. It was supportive, tasted good with the rest of the cake and made me feel like I had accomplished some stability in my less-than-stable day. I had tried all on my own to make this upside-down cake day into a beautiful 3-tier-whipped-white-frosting-with-tiny-crystallized-violets-cake (Oh, but that sounded so much better!)

I resigned myself to the fact that this day was not going to change and God would give me a brand new 24 hours tomorrow. When it hit me - sometimes you have to ask for the help. God's answer was simple, get over yourself...stop complaining and stop trying to turn your cake over. I later found that he made that day upside-down for a reason. I wasn't supposed to make it different, I was supposed to make the best use of what I was given.

As Christians, we spend a lot of time trying to turn our cakes. What we need to do is live the best we can through it so we can be a good testament to others-- believers or unbelievers. We need to keep walking and even though you might end up with sitcky feet, they will be washed by the hands of God in the end.

We are so blessed that our Savior allows us to have our cake and eat it to:)

I hope you found this message encouraging. Meanwhile this cake really exisits and is the fabulous creation of Closet cooking

Hugs and blessings--E

In Praise

2010-05-06T08:30:00.014-04:00

Let's Celebrate the National Day of Prayer today!

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me --Revelation 3:20

We are so blessed to be in a free country where we can pray publicly and privately!

Thank you Jesus!

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord will deliver him out of them all...Psalm 34:19

I am in such awe of my Father today! My mom has just received the news that her second battle with cancer has ended and she is once again a wonderful miracle of God. I can't even describe the awe and wonder I am feeling!

Thanks be to God.

I would love to pray for you today. If you have a concern or need guidance as to God's will please respond with a post comment and I will pray for you. Remember He WILL deliver you out of whatever you are facing. He who promises is faithful! God loves you and He is so faithful. Believe Him, trust Him, honor Him, pray...Also, if you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior, today would be a really great day to do that! Just click on the big, red READY button- you'll be glad you did!

Lifting you up right now--E

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Top 10 things I never want to take for granted...

2010-05-05T08:44:00.005-04:00

The blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus

Having parents who never divorced or abused me

Having my husband home and in my bed every night rather than out doing "his" thing

The emotional and physical health of my children

The freedom to worship my Savior 24/7--- publicly and privately

Homeschooling my kids all of their academic years

Intercessory prayer from Jesus and the saints - you ARE my rock! Also, my prayer team - You are my earthly rocks!

Learning something new every time I open the Bible....

Fresh, clean water, indoor plumbing, owning my own home (I guess that's really 3 but who's counting!)

Going to a grocery store and buying anything I want, whenever I want, and never feeling hungry...

There are really so many more I could add, I would love to hear what everyone else 'never wants to take for granted' too! We are so blessed. One thing about the information super highway is that you never have to wonder how other people live, what it's like in other countries, it's all right there. I really don't want to live anywhere else. Our darkest day is nothing compared to the brightest day in some other countries. Thank you Jesus...

Thanks for stopping by. I have taken a bit of a hiatus after buying our first home (at 42 years old)--this was a good exercise in patience-- and will be posting more often now. Thanks again for dropping by today. May you be blessed in all you do today.

Hugs and Blessings--E

Prayer needed

2009-12-05T08:24:00.005-05:00

If anyone stops by today please pray for our friend Katelyn and her family. She is 8 years old and quite sick. All prayer would be appreciated. Thank you.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Father,
It's easy to be positive and encouraging when everything is going our way, isn't it? We know every one is going to have obstacles to overcome in life. Problems have a purpose, and part of Your purpose for allowing us to face obstacles is to test our attitude. That's why we need to be positive even in negative situations. We know You want us to live life to the fullest. And You have provided a way for us to enjoy these lives, even when we're going through hard times.

In John 16:33. Jesus has just told us that we will face tribulation. But then He says, "Take heart!"

Thank you, God for telling us that we can choose to be joyful and positive no matter what happens in our lives. The reason we can do this is because Jesus has already won our battles, whatever they may be!

Please, Father, bless Pat and Gary to overcome their fears and anxieties during this hard time and help them to see the joy on the other side of it. Grant them calm hearts and minds. Guide the doctors with knowledge and a kind bed-side manner. Place your healing hand on Katelyn and use this situation as a way to bring more to your table. Bring us a miracle that others may see your awesome Glory and be amazed!

When this time passes let their hearts and lives be that much more full of Your love and grace. Strengthen them in this time of need with extra energy and extra faith to get through it. Comfort and keep them safe in this time and help them to make clear decisions according to Your will. Take heart!

All this we pray in You precious and Holy Name, AMEN

Reusable shopping bags

2009-10-15T08:58:00.017-04:00

Are these reusable shopping bags really so "eco-friendly?"
Read this article and see what you think:

Reusable shopping bags

Maybe there should be an alternative bag that says: "Say no to fungus on my food!"

This really makes you think. I believe that if you can't wash it, don't use it

Are these reusable shopping bags really so "eco-friendly?"

Read this article and see what you think:

If you can't wash it, don't use it---

Here are my top 10 alternatives to using those bags:

Reuse your paper bags --they hold boxed items and bread better anyway!

Ask for paper in plastic. This makes a strong bag. When you're done fold them up still stuck together and bring along with you on each trip. You are reusing-yes?

Never put raw meat in reusable bags. Some bags were made to be used only once!

Always put produce in washable bags, launder at least every other week. Think of who and how many people have touch these precious vegies before you - ick. Note: always wash before eating.

Always make sure bags are dry (from dairy or frozen food) before folding and storing - damp bags will breed fungus, mold and all sorts of yucky stuff.

Use a plastic cooler for frozen or dairy. Wipe with a disinfecting cloth and dry after each use.

Question why you're "buying" a shopping bag with the store logo on it?!? Make your own, there are lots of patterns on-line.

Co-op and stores like PriceRite do not give you bags but are happy to give you stock boxes. Take the empty ones from the shelf and pack in those. They are nice and sturdy and can be easily recycled at home.

Keep plastic bins in your trunk. Ask to have your groceries packed back into the cart. When you get to the car unpack the cart into the appropriate plastic bin - that way all the dairy, boxes, can, etc. are together. Note: Make sure you or your kids can lift a full bin! You will also need to clean these with disinfectant once a week.

Don't use your grocery bags for anything else - this just exposes them to more bacteria.

Love to hear your ideas on this topic!

Experiencing God...Day 12,13

2009-07-27T14:34:00.002-04:00

Today we work on that LOVE Relationship...

God created you for eternity. The time - your lifetime on earth - is for you to grow your relationship with Him.

What can you do right now, today, to grow that relationship?

Make a list of how you spend you time, then divide it up as time that works towards the Eternal and time that is just Passing Away.

Some of the things can be really easy, like time with kids, husband, homeschooling, church groups. But, dear reader, I caution you... Take a deeper look at these times and what you're doing within that time. Is the mom's meeting a time of praise to God or is it a time to complain and sympathize with other women. Is that homeschool time used to homeschool or to meet with play groups for your enjoyment.

I don't mean to get on people's cases, I'm just trying to encourage other's out there that there is more...More to your relationship with God, more to the growth of the love and time with family, and much, much more to the life you will lead for Kingdom.

I welcome any disagreement or comments on this topic and hope that it will help us all to examine the use of this earthly time as a building block to the relationship we all strive for in the Kingdom!

Father, to be loved by you is my highest calling. Help me live a life worthy of my calling based on eternity as your created me. Help me to let my present be shaped by my future and not my past. I want o make sure I am investing time in things that are eternal and not passing away. i know only you can guide me to incest this time in worthwhile ways to Your Glory. Amen

Experiencing God

2009-07-23T11:26:00.007-04:00

A few thoughts today on my Experiencing God "experience"

I am thrilled to say I am focusing on Him more than me these days. I always thought that's what I was doing, but lately, I'm not so sure....

I always put other's first but I'm learning that I may be doing that in order to ignore the changes I need to make to myself...Does that make sense??

I think sometimes it's more selfish to constantly be working to serve other's when you know God wants you to work on yourself. A while ago I blogged on "Spiritual Gifts" and I must say the Lord has really been putting this on my heart lately. Christians have all the gifts in them, they are just to be used at different times in your walk.

The "Experiencing God" series has taught me that the Holy Spirit is the gift. The Holy Spirit is an actual 'piece of God' that is in me - WOW! That is AWESOME!

That being said, I must not have only one spiritual gift, I must have the whole multitude of heaven's gifts at my fingertips! Simply put, I must align my thoughts with God's, find where He is working, pray for my role in it, and use the particular Spiritual Gifts necessary to accomplish His purpose. He will equip me for what is necessary to complete His task. We think so small sometimes!

We need to think only of the purpose and the Purposer. If it is God's purpose He will give us all we need.

Don't try to align His will to your desires and then call it a blessing....pray for the discernment to be guided. If you are a saved Christian, you have the gift and it is just what you need.

God said "I AM that I AM" (Exodus 3:14) - meaning He is all and everything you need or could possibly need at any given time. A piece of this I AM is given to you when you accept Christ as your personal Savior. Therefore everything you could ever need to accomplish God's will is actually there ready to be used for His Glory! GOD is so COOL! We can at any time ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us understand it all. That's what He does....

So much to take in, I would love to hear any comments you have on this subject.

Follow me at Twitter in my sidebar or just comment below:)

Thanks for stopping by--

Blessings

Elizabeth

Experiencing God...Day 11

2009-07-20T09:53:00.005-04:00

God's love for me was settled at the Cross!

A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life.

If you missed that read it again....A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life.

It takes work, like any other relationship. It doesn't just happen. Does you marriage just happen? Do friendships just happen??

The entire purpose of your life is to have a real and personal relationship with God.

He takes all this earthly "time" to grow you into the one He wants to spend Eternity with! Now that's going to take some work for most of us, isn't it!!

There's more to this story than meets the eye. You see, dear reader, your relationship with God not only effects your relationship with Him it effects every other relationship in your life - from you spouse, to your children, to your friends, to your co-workers, to your paperboy....a poor relationship with Him with result in poor relationships overall. But, on the flip-side - a great, loving relationship with the Father will result in great relationships with others!

You will not be able to have the relationship with others you want, if you can't have a pure love relationship with the Father.

Describe your relationship with Him - can you honestly say I LOVE HIM! Or do you not feel worthy? Is your relationship based solely on obedience, worship and fear? Base your relationship solely on LOVE and the rest will come naturally. We respond the best to those we love, don't we?

Take a look at your relationship with your earthly father. I was blessed to have a wonderful father. He loved, provided, and fulfilled my needs as a child. That made it super easy to accept that God could accomplish all that in my adulthood.

Others that I have spoken to are not so fortunate...their relationship with their father was absent, hurtful, or broken. This makes it really difficult for future relationships on earth, as well as with your Heavenly Father. Difficult but NOT impossible!!

Start here-- pray and be faithful to His Word. Work on that love relationship and let that influence all your relationships.

Let the future dictate who you are not the past!

Father, I love You seems so easy to say yet is not said often enough. Thank You that You want to have a love relationship with me. Thank You for making me conquer my difficulties with love and for never leaving me. Deepen the quality of my love relationship with You. I love You. Amen

Experiencing God...Day 10

2009-07-16T16:09:00.003-04:00

God Speaks with a Purpose

If God speaks to you, why would you wait to act??

It almost seems like a foolish question when you ask it that way, doesn't it?

But, many of us are guilty of just this kind of foolishness. We ask around to make sure that other's think it's God speaking. Or, we sit on it because it seems too big, so God must be mistaken, that's meant for someone else.

We know God doesn't make mistakes, and one sin that rarely receives any attention is the all-too-common:

PROCRASTINATION

I admit it to you and all who read - I am a procrastinator. I have mastered it to an art. I can put off just about anything until a more "convenient time." Sometimes if you're cleaver, you can disguise it as anticipation, or allowing others to participate, or even better "I'm waiting for God to be more specific." OUCH! Sometimes it hurts to even write it!

I suppose I won't know the result of my procrastination until I reach the gates and see what I have missed as a result of my hesitation. I pray no one has lost out on the gospel because of my procrastination. I pray I will get another chance with them. I pray to drag my feet less and run more!

If your boss says jump you should ask how high? I say if God says "Jump" you'd better get up and start jumping and don't stop until He's says so...

So what do you believe??

Believe God will equip you for the challenge - Believe God develops character to match the given assignment.

Believe you're not prepared for the assignment, when He calls you. That way you are open to all the adjustments He wants you to make without clogging the path with your own ideas of growth.

Believe He wants you to respond immediately- this is God's timing, not yours. He will build you into what you need to be in order to complete the assignment for His glory.

Believe God has a right to interrupt your life any time He wants to....If He uses a big assignment for you He will expand your character to match.

Father, help me to respond to you the moment You speak to me. Teach me your timing. Develop my character to match the assignment You have for me. I have accepted you as Lord of my life, you have the right to interrupt my life. You are my LORD. Amen

Experiencing God...Day 9

2009-07-10T08:25:00.008-04:00

God Speaks to His people

When did God speak to His people??

God spoke:

----in times past - through the prophets

----these last days - by His Son

John 14:26 Jesus promises that the Father would send...the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, in his name...

The work of the Holy Spirit is -

'to teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.'

The one who hears what God says - belongs to Him

The one who doesn't hear Him does not belong to God

When Jesus returned to Heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit: He speaks to us:

--through the Bible,

Prayer,

circumstances and

the church (other believers)

He wants us to know Him! It's not a big secret! He longs to:

--reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways

The Key to knowing God's voice is all in the intimate relationship...

--God does not use a "formula"-- you have to actively and fully desire the relationship

Need more assurance, need some"time"?

--Asking for a sign signals unbelief

--Scripture is good but shouldn't be totally relied on as a 'sign'. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal God's Truth of Scripture to you for a particular circumstance.

Father, I pray that I will grow in my relationship with You so much that when you speak, I will immediately hear and respond. Amen

Experiencing God...Day 8

2009-07-09T09:38:00.012-04:00

God takes the Initiative....will you answer the call??

He reveals Himself. It is an invitation to join Him. You can't remain the same afterward. You have to make major adjustments in your life to walk obediently with Him.

Are you READY?!?

When you are God-centered, even the desires to do the things that please Him come from Him! His activity in your life stirs the wants and desires to join him...

Phil 2:13---

"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.."

A self-centered life tends to confuse its selfish desires with God's will. Circumstances do not always indicate clear direction.

I used to say if God opens the door, I'll walk through it. But, I don't say that any more because sometimes doors open and allow for free will. You really need to check what you presume to be God's guidance and check it with honest prayer, Scripture, and circumstances to see if they all agree.

Learning to Walk with God

1. Sincerely seek God's direction

2. Patiently wait on God until you have a word from Him.

3. Look to the Holy Spirit to teach through Scripture.

DO NOT

1. Lack honesty in your heart. Convincing yourself that God's will is your will will only lead to more problems.

2. Lack uprightness before God. He always knows your heart.

3. Be impatient. God's timing is always better than yours. Look how long Abraham had to wait or Moses, or Elizabeth...odds are you will not have to be patient as long as them, but you do have to be patient.

4. Prefer council of men to the Word of God. Although God does speak to us through other believers, you should never seek their council over His. It may seem right when people agree with you or give you a quick fix to your circumstances, but a true friend or believer will encourage you to rely on the Father, not man.

Start today by getting your heart in such a state that it no longer has a will of it's own. Sure we all have free will but don't use that as a crutch for your sin-nature..

Align your heart with God so your will aligns with His. When your heart is right you no longer reach for that free-will ticket...all you want is God's will!

When your will is the same as God's will

that is truly FREE-will!

John 8:32

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Father, I no longer seek my own will. I give up my free will and pray to be in such a state that I have no will of my own in any given matter. Let Your will be my will, and let Your will be done. Amen

Experiencing God...Day 7

2009-07-08T09:37:00.002-04:00

GOD's Plan

Understanding what God is about to do where I am is more important than telling God what I want to do for Him.

Remember, God delivered His people out of Egypt, not Moses.

God is not glorified or impressed by making our plans succeed...He receives His Glory when His will is done in HIS way.

Psalm 81:10-14 tells us "if my people would but listen....."

Don't be satisfied with your own plan, assume God has a better one for you!

Things to remember:

--God will accomplish more in 6 months through people yielded to Him then we could do in 60 years without Him.

--I am God's servant. I adjust my life to what He is about to do, not the other way around.

--Just do it GOD's way....

Father, Today I pray that you will guide my responses to you in my personal life, in my work, in my family, in my community, in my church, and in my nation. Help me adjust my life to what you are about to do. I yield to you. Amen

Experiencing God...Day 6

2009-07-07T09:50:00.008-04:00

Looking to God....

"Some trust in chariots,

and some in horses,

But we trust in the name of the Lord our GOD"

I am constantly amazed at the love and patience of our Father!

We, being the self-centered, sinful beings that we are, have to constantly remind ourselves that it's not all about us....or about what we can do for Him. We can do NOTHING for Him.

I am not just talking about what can I do for God today. That sounds prideful, like you're doing Him a favor.

I am talking about: How can I position myself to be present in God's activity and accept His invitation to work THROUGH me.

That being said, I am focusing on:

* God's purposes - not my own, or my own thoughts of how He should work through me.

* I must seek His perspective rather than from my own distorted human outlook.

* I must wait until He shows me what He is about to do through me.

* I must watch to see what He is doing around me and join HIM.

Father, I pray to pursue your purposes and not my own. I pray to focus on You and not on my self. I pray to see what you are doing and be willing to join you without hesitation. I thank you for your never-ending patience with me. Amen.

Vacation....Maine Coast

2009-06-29T19:59:00.007-04:00

Just got back from a mini-vacation on the Maine Coast.

God's Majesty surely shines in the oceans.

No other words are necessary... Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Experiencing God...Days 4, 5

2009-06-25T08:22:00.012-04:00

I am going to combine Days 4 and 5 today because the workbook uses it in 2 parts and because I cannot post tomorrow. I am extremely busy today (trying to buy a house! packing for vaca! running daycare! managing family!- deep breath, exhale) but I wanted to get this posted for you:)

God called Moses, He invited him to join Him...

When God is about to do something, He reveals it to His people. He wants to accomplish His work through His people. When He's about to do something through you, He need to get you from where you are to where He is - NOT the other way around - so He tells you what He's doing ... Join Him

The Bible is designed to help us understand Him. Then when God starts to act in your life, you will recognize that it's Him...Accept the invitation!

Are you in?!?

Change is necessary...You cannot stay who you are and join Him.

God uses the insignificant to accomplish SIGNIFICANT things...think Moses, Elijah, Mary, the boy with the fish and bread....it goes on and on....

You are INSIGNIFICANT.

Do you feel weak, limited, or ordinary...you're just right for the job. You see God's standards are not our standards! He doesn't look at what we can accomplish FOR Him, He looks at what He can accomplish THROUGH us!

"When you believe nothing significant can happen through you, you have said more about your belief in God than you have declared about yourself." --Blackaby

You see, my dear sisters--- You are not being humble you are being disrespectful and unbelieving! Yikes!!

Bet you didn't see that one coming!! I sure didn't when I read it.

Father, Thank you for revealing to me what You are about to do. I accept your invitation to join You where You are. I realize I can't stay where I am and go with You and I know You can do anything with an ordinary person who is consecrated to You. Here I am!...I am so thankful Your standards are different from the world's. I wholly yield to Your invitation to be pleasing to You even if it means being insignificant in the eye's of the world. Amen.
Many blessings to you all--Beth

Please visit Proverbs31 Wisdom

Experiencing God...Day 3

2009-06-23T10:14:00.002-04:00

Learning to Be a Servant of God

The servant by worldly means is merely one who finds out what the master wants and does it. A lot of people think that's the godly definition, too.

Think again...

A Servant by godly definition is one who God works THROUGH for a purpose.

To be a servant of God, you must first be moldable, and be RESPONSIVE to the Master.

And, secondly, you must REMAIN in the Potter's hands. Even though the Potter has stopped making the pot, it still can do nothing on its own.

An effective servant will:

--Relate to God

-----Respond to Him

-----------Adjust his life to Him so that he can do what he wants to do through your life!

Father, You are the Great Potter and I am the lowly clay. I want to be molded by you and remain in your hands for you to work through. Help me relate to You, respond to You, and adjust my life to You so You can do what You want through me. I don't want to just do something, I am standing here for You! Amen

Thanks for stopping by---Elizabeth

Experiencing God...Day 2

2009-06-22T11:41:00.008-04:00

Jesus Is Your Model

Always go to the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of your situation to you.

Experiences alone cannot be your guide!

Every event must be understood and interpreted by the Scriptures.

Get rid of your feelings - they are deceptive. Look to see what God says and how He works in the Scriptures.

Make your decisions and evaluate your experiences based on Biblical Truths.

God doesn't change (Malachi 3:6) He will lead the way.

Worldly solutions, programs, and methods cannot solve spiritual problems. God's Word is the only guide on how to live life.

Have you ever asked God what is His will for your life. Blackaby says we are probably getting the right answer but asking the wrong question. The question we should be asking is "what is God's will (period)." Learn God's will and adjust your life to Him.

Follow Jesus' model. He perfectly completed every assignment given to him by God.

Jesus watched where His Father was at work and joined Him!

Let's remember these truths as we go about today:

1. The Bible is my guide for Faith and Practice.

2. The right question is "What is God's Will?"

3. Watch to see where God is working and join Him.

4. God is always at work around me.

It's personal! Get personal with God. Start that loving relationship today!

Father, Today I want to ask the right question: "What is Your will?" I expect an answer because your Words assures me of it. You have always led other in the Scriptures and I know you will lead me. I will be watching to see where you are working so I can join in. Help me to recognise you as you work around me today and follow the model of my Savior Jesus. Alone I can accomplish nothing but with you I can accomplish anything! Amen

Experiencing God...Day 1

2009-06-18T11:38:00.011-04:00

I am so excited to share my walk through :

Experiencing God

with you. I hope it will encourage you to begin your own study. The materials are not too expensive and you don't have to have a small group. We can group and share right here.

Let's begin---The study is broken into 12 units with 5 days study for each unit. I am not planning on doing a study every day but will try to do 5 each week as time and spirit allow.

The first unit is -- "God's Will and Your life"

I am not the best at memorizing but I can do it with His help. So, I find it works best for me to focus on key words and then memorize it in pieces using those key words to anchor it all together.

Memory Verse:

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Day 1--Jesus is your way

Blackaby notes that Real Christianity is ...a relationship with a Person. We are to pursue an intimate love relationship with God.

Step 1 - A relationship with Jesus. Now is the time to commit yourself to Jesus and accept him as your Savior. If you are not sure how to do this please click the big, RED ready button on my side-bar.

This is the first step because Spiritual matters can only be understood by those who have the Spirit of Christ. If you are not filled with the Spirit, none of this will make any sense to you.

As John 14:26 tells us the Holy Spirit will be your personal teacher!

The 7 goals of this course are:

1. Hear when God speaks to you

2. Clearly identify His activity i your life

3. Believe Him to be and do everything He promised

4. Adjust your beliefs, character, and behavior to Him and His ways

5. Recognize a direction he is taking in your life and identify what He wants to do through your life

6. Clearly know what you need to do in response to His activity in your life.

7. Experience God doing through you what only He can do!

How exciting is that!!!

Finally let's concentrate on what I found to be the most inspiring part of today's activity and that was that Jesus is the MAP!

He knows all the paths that lead to a certain destination in our lives. You don't need the map or the GPS (stop being a backseat driver!)

You just need to trust that He knows the way and to TURN when He tells you to - no questions asked!

You can probably already guess one of the key versus for today:

John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life."

When you don't trust in Him to guide you at every step, you will have fear and worry over each and every decision you have to make.

We need to focus on "What does God want me to do TODAY?" Not tomorrow or next week. I think a lot of us spend way too much time worrying about tomorrow when we are totally lost about today.

Our goal should be to follow God day by day so He will keep you in the center of His will.

Claim this verse today:

Phil 2:13

"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose"

Father, I know if I follow you I can be in the center of Your will. Please make that a priority for me and help me to stop looking for the big map and just turn when I'm told to. Thank you for providing the Way and help me to know what you want me to do TODAY. All for Your glory...Amen

Thanks for stopping by--- Elizabeth

The Journey...Getting in God's face

2009-06-17T08:19:00.009-04:00

Every day I pray for wisdom. Some days I need it more than others but every day I need it.

Solomon the wisest of Biblical men, prayed for wisdom and was highly rewarded for it by God. My confusion begins when I see all that Solomon did that was not in God's plan afterward. What happened to make the "wisest" so "foolish" and what was God's purpose in using him as an example for us??

I understand that Jesus was the only one without sin. That's Christianity 101 and easy to grasp, but what makes these men of the Bible so special? If you look at their lives, they were anything but special?? Noah drank too much, Abraham was kind of a wimp and doubted God, Eli was a terrible father yet he foster-cared for Samuel, Lot was a drunk and hung out with perverts, David was abused his authority, Elijah was fearful and hid.....

When you think of these 'men of the Bible' you might want to try to find someone as a role model for your child or yourself. But there is not a one of them worthy of our respect let alone our praise.

And, that's when the message became clear to me....

1. There is no one to model after except Jesus.

2. Men of the Bible are just that...men. Their lives are to be used for us to learn from not to model.

3. We are to see the trials they went through, what their responses were, and what the final outcome was.

4. Most importantly, we are to see that God responds to sin and obedience, not to the person's character. We would all like to be His favorites, sitting at His feet receiving all His affection, basking in His Glory. But, be real, that seat is already taken.

I think we spend too much time focusing on people...an easy mistake but wrong just the same.

If you look deeper at these men we see that God reacted to these men based on their sin not their character. Moses would not be allowed to enter the promised land because of his arrogance. After much travel everyone was thirsty and tired, and even Moses and Aaron were a bit on edge. The Israelites were complaining, nothing new, and rather than tell them to pipe down, Moses made a poor decision.

He got in God's face.

Not only did he do this, he did it in front of the Israelites --like he was somebody. If I were an Israelite I would have taken a few steps away from Moses and looked skyward for the next bolt of lightening! LOL

I think we all know when we get too full of our self --God brings you back to reality. That's called growth through discipline....and the pain of growth can make all the self-glory feel like a ton of bricks on your chest rather than feathers in your cap.

As we see in Numbers 20:12...

Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

I'm guessing Moses was pretty crushed right then. No matter what he did right in the past or in the future, nothing would change this outcome. That picture in his mind of himself triumphantly leading the assembly into the Promised Land. Smiles and cheers of victory....they flashed before his eyes and were gone...POOF!

You see, God knows hearts - he created them. And, apparently Moses' heart was getting a bit full (of himself). God led him close enough to see what could have been. But far enough away to feel the error of his heart.

My point is, let's not focus on the man, but focus on the different examples these people give us in the Bible. Each man had points we should want to model and those that we want nothing to do with. It's up to us to study these and learn from them.

And finally----I do not think it is all bad to 'get in God's face.' I think it all has to do with your heart. God understands frustration, fear, hopelessness, etc. He's been there. But, you will notice that when Jesus prayed in His most intense moments --

He was alone with God.

He didn't do it in front of the masses, or even in front of his apostles....he did it one on one with God. There is no self-glory in that, just honesty. God rewards honesty.

And God will respond differently to one on one prayer. He will keep his promise and comfort you which is really what we need in those situations, not the adoration of others.

I hope this has been an encouragement to you. Please feel free to comment and link to my pages, but please give me credit, doing otherwise would hurt my feelings.

Thanks for stopping by.....Elizabeth

The Journey....humility

2009-06-16T09:49:00.014-04:00

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

I've often wondered why God put these verses in this order. It seemed a bit backward to me. So there must be something more to it that I wasn't getting.

God's mighty hand tells us He is in control of everything to ultimately accomplish His purpose. One thing we all need to work on is patience. God humbles us through the experiences we face - thus the purpose of each journey.

I think as wives and moms we can sometimes get down and feel unappreciated. We do a lot and though we may all preach humility, let's be honest - it's nice to be acknowledged once and a while....

My husband has a wonderful way of putting me in my place when I fish for a compliment. He can do it in a way that lets me know he appreciates me yet rebukes me for my pride.

I think this is what our Lord does. He wants us to feel good about what we're doing but rebukes us when we fish for a compliment. You see, dear reader, compliments are self-glorifying. It means the reason for doing it was to feel appreciated, not to glorify God.

But, do not give up yet. The passage continues to tell us that He will exalt us in His time.

Moms will, in time, be fully exalted for all their hard work. Before you think no one appreciates you, remember He does. He's the one who give you the job.

He has given us the hardest, worst paying, sometimes most thankless, job there is (in a worldly sense). Further, He expects us to do it with humility, grace, no appreciation, no pay, and with a servant's heart.

Pay? We will get paid in full, at Heaven's gate.

The verses aren't misplaced. They are right in line to the way we are to think. God knew there would be times of impatience, despair, and discouragement. He told us to cast those feeling off onto Him. Throw them like dirty laundry and know His plan is already in motion.

Submit, be humble, and trust that His plan is way better than your plan.

Those are 3 very important areas to work on for victorious Christian Living.

Thanks for stopping by----Elizabeth

The Books are here!!!! Feeling Retro!

2009-06-15T08:42:00.022-04:00

The Books are here - The BOOKS are here!

My church is holding weekly Bible study on the Blackaby series -

Experiencing GOD

I have provided a link for these, and I thought we could share this study with you :

Experiencing God

I was so excited to get these. They arrived in 2 days and I didn't even use express shipping!

I also bought the workbook "damaged" and the only thing wrong was some rubbing marks on the spine!

So, while I was saving all that cash on damaged items I got the Youth Edition for my 14 year-old. I'm not sure if our youth pastor is going to take them on this or if he will just study independently with us.

I will be sure to devote at least one day a week to this study! Adult and Youth. I hope everyone is up for it - I've heard it's wonderful:)

Here is a site from my mom. It is just a bunch of pictures of retro items - and by retro I mean 50s-60s not 70s all you young girls! LOL

I think you will enjoy looking at them - I did! Those kitchens looked just like ours and I can still remember going to Woolworth's for a hot cocoa on special days, TV dinners, drive-in movies, of coarse, I was just a baby then...... - Wow, takes me back!

Hope you enjoy it!

RetroLife

Thanks for stopping by---

Elizabeth

Flag Day Freebies....Homeschool....Pic of the week

2009-06-12T08:00:00.014-04:00

Flag Day is this Sunday. I always remember this because it's my parent's Anniversary (51 years!!)

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!

And here are some great home school freebies for you.

Home school Helper offers a free mini unit study on the flag.

Here is a USA flag fact sheet.

Here is a Pledge of Allegiance activity sheet.

US flag.org offers a lesson in folding the flag.

You can take a virtual tour of the Betsy Ross House at this link.

Read about Betsy Ross's life here.

Did you know you can cut a star in one snip? Betsy Ross did, and you can learn how here.

Here is a really great timeline of the American flag.

Learn about flag rules and regulations.

Sage in full bloom. Yes, it really is this color!
Stop by Everything Sage for information and recipes using Sage!

Thanks for stopping by!
Please check out my other blogs for:

Coffee House

and Friday Fun Night!

The Homeschooler's 23rd Psalm

2009-06-10T14:14:00.005-04:00

The Homeschooler's 23rd Psalm
Saturday/June 6, 2009: Daily Focus

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.

He maketh me to live on less sleep:
He leadeth me through the noise of many voices.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me to teach
The right lessons each day, for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of undone
Laundry and kitchen messes, I will fear no evil:
For thou art with me, my teacher's guides and
Answer keys, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
Of threatening school officials and critical family members:
Thou anointest my head with heavenly wisdom, my cup runneth over.

Surely educated and godly children shall follow after me
All the days of my life: and I will dwell again one day
In a clean house with the Lord forevermore.

Praise God, we do have a good Shepherd who leads us through every homeschooling problem and provides for our every need. Best of all, our Shepherd knows us and promises never to desert us when the wolf comes seeking to destroy (John 10:11-13). As we listen to the Shepherd's voice and follow Him, we are sure to receive a great reward, as we reach the peaceful green pastures of Christ-like, educated children. "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 5:4).

Father, how I praise You for leading my children and me in the path of homeschooling. Without You, we surely would be confused and lost. We come to You again this day and pray for Your continued blessings as we follow You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 4 - TOP 10 Be On GUARD!

2009-06-09T10:02:00.002-04:00

Are you living---

Day 1 - Godly vs. Gaudy

Day 2 - The Great Closet Clean-Out

Day 3 - The Great MIND Clean-Out

Romans 12:1,2 gives us sure guidelines to what should enter our bodies...

1 "...by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Here are 10 things you can fix right now that will increase modesty in your walk today-I could blog a week on each of these.....

Guard your wallet. When it comes to purchases watch out for excessive purchases of makeup, hair products, etc. Who are you impressing??

Guard your mirror. Would you wear that outfit at the gates of Heaven? Would you wear that wedding dress to be married to Jesus?

Guard your coffee table. Throw out any magazines whose main focus is on celebrities, gossip, sex, or all-about-me articles.

Guard your TV. Turn off TV shows you would not watch if Jesus was sitting next to you (because He is).

Guard your personal reading time. Toss all fantasy and romance novels, even Christian ones that motivate you to daydream and covet another's life.

Guard your computer. Stop visiting and Delete any Internet sites in your favorites that are not godly or promote ungodly behavior.

Guard your relationships. Stop building relationships on-line and off-line that take you away from your family duties. It's fine to comment or discuss with a nice group or on blogs or join a pray group, but it should not provide an 'escape' from your daily life or encourage ungodly behavior like gossip, nagging spouses, or coveting.

Guard your thoughts. That means staying busy! Idle hands definitely the devil's tool.

Guard your mouth. Watch what you say. That doesn't just mean gossip, it means foul language and ungodly topics, laughing at jokes made in poor humor, and forwarding ungodly e-mails to un-believing friends.

Guard your heart. That means renewing your mind constantly and without ceasing. This can only be accomplished on way - by being IN THE WORD every day!

An immodest mind shows a heart willing to flirt with the world.

Without careful discernment you will not be alert to effects the world has on you. One area is hard enough to maintain, as godly women we need to maintain ALL of them (and that of our young'uns).

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us of some very important things:

19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Who are you honoring??

Thanks for stopping by. I hope today's message has been encouraging to you. Please feel free to comment and tell me how God has been working in your life and if you have found new changes to gain modesty.

Waiting at the door---Elizabeth

A little something extra....

Trouble with math??
Here's a simple trick for learning the 9's times table:

9 times table tricks

Day 3 -- Cleaning out your Mind

2009-06-08T12:29:00.006-04:00

Happy Monday!

Ready for the next challenge - today we prepare for :

The Great Mind Clean-Out!!

Challenge 3 will be easier for some than others. Parts of it will take no time at all, but some parts may take a lot of time. It all depends how many bad habits, my dear reader, that you have! And, since we are dealing with your MIND you are the only one who knows what's really in there.

Take a moment and read on to see if you are hiding any "dirty laundry" or "out-of-style" behaviors in the closet of your mind....

Colossians 3:2 and 5 tells us:

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly

nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. "

You may take a quick glance and think you've got no worries, but let's dig a little deeper and see if there are areas that need addressing...

Matthew 15:11
"It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."

The trouble is what happens after it enters you, gets processed and comes out. That is is what Paul is warning us about. But we all know that what we hear and see stays with us, good or bad, and it is up to us as PROVERBS 31 WOMEN to guard what is in front of our eyes and ears and that of our families.

Everything that goes into through the eyes or ears runs through the same simple process...it all starts with...

1. What goes into the mind - via books, TV, radio, Internet, talking with others

2. What is within the mind - What you meditate on, think about, dwell on

3. What comes out of the mind - your attitude, conduct, demeanor and of coarse, the words you speak

Your CHALLENGE today and for the better part of this week is to look at what is around you, and take note of what influences your decisions for TV, radio, Internet, books, magazines. What are your family members devoting their time to???

*Do you read romance novels or watch afternoon (or evening) dramas and soap operas?
*Do you spend huge amounts of time building relationships on-line that are not with Christians?
*Do you read magazines that promote idolatry of money and fame?
*Do you enjoy "reality shows" that use profanity, encourage hateful behavior, and gossip...and promote cheering for someone to get "fired", all for ratings?
*Do you watch shows that promote a "view" point that is not Christian?
*Do you listen to music that has profanity, violence, or bad behavior promoted through out it?

If you find that you have slipped in some of these areas, don't be too hard on yourself.

It happens to the best of us...

I while back my husband and I used to watch a simple cooking reality show. Until one day we actually watched and said --this is really not a show we would watch if Christ were sitting here with us....needless to say our viewing choices have changed - drastically!!!

One book that helped us clarify what is "of the world" was:

Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World

Take note and we will continue this closet-cleaning tomorrow with a TOP 10 list you won't want to miss....

Top 10 Modesty Quick-Fixes!

Meanwhile, drop me a comment and let me know how it's going. Are you taking the modesty challenge, have you neglected any areas in the past that are now clean??

Thanks for stopping by------
Elizabeth

Modesty - Check Please!

2009-06-02T08:52:00.009-04:00

As spring unfolds and as summer draws nearer, families around the nation are turning their thoughts to sunnier days, warmer temperatures and spending more time outdoors. For some values-minded parents however, generally parents of tweens and teens and particularly of girls, a sense of uneasiness is taking hold as they consider the types of clothing they will allow their kids to wear this summer that actually fit their description of modesty. Anticipation of arguments to come can lead these parents to a full-blown sense of anxiety.

But, psssst… let me whisper so that your kids won’t hear… modesty has made a comeback in our culture and this year it’s likely to make a parent’s job at least a bit easier.

Read the article in full at Modesty Makes a Comeback

We are to present ourselves as godly women
not gaudy women!

“A chaste, pure woman can draw others to the Savior (1 Peter 3:1-2). As women we can either choose to highlight our female body by wearing teasing or revealing clothes or we can choose to draw attention to our soul and to our Lord.”

--Wanda Kennedy Sanseri, God's Priceless Woman: A Bible Course for All Ages

Read my full article on this at Proverbs31 Wisdom

Thanks for stopping by please see my other blog at:

Proverbs31 Cooking

Pure or Dirty - What's on Your Mind??

2009-06-01T09:18:00.012-04:00

Titus 2:4-5 tells us:

4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

HAGNOS defined:

Found in the New Testament:

1 time - Chaste (1 Peter 3:2 "when they see the purity and reverence of your lives")

1 time - Free from sin (1 Tim 5:22 "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. ")

1 time - Innocent (2 Cor. 7:11"See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be pure in this matter.")

5 times - Pure (2 Cor 11:2 "For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin";

Phil 4:8 " Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things";

Titus 2:5 (above);

James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy";

1John 3:3 "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

I would like to encourage everyone to read and meditate on these. Notice these versus are not all about women. Plenty of the information is about all Believers.

Return to: Proverbs31 Wisdom

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Proverbs31 Cooking

Top 10....Don't Give Up!

2009-05-27T08:45:00.005-04:00

Are you having a tough day homeschooling??? Before you throw in the towel read this great list from Camille Kendall at TOS.

Top 10 Reasons Not to Give Up!

If you stop homeschooling and enroll your children at the school down the road, you will have to have them all up, dressed, fed, and outside waiting for the bus by 6:45 every weekday morning with their books and school supplies in tow. Personally, with seven school-age children living under one roof, I don't think that is humanly possible.
If you stop homeschooling, you will have to graciously endure comments such as, "I knew that homeschooling thing was a totally hare-brained idea. It's good to see you finally came to your senses and decided to do the rational thing." Of course, such comments will come repeatedly and enthusiastically from those unsympathetic relatives who have offered so little help and encouragement all along.
Those same dear relatives will also offer the following words of comfort: "Now your kids can finally be normal." Gack! Now there's one compelling reason to NOT give up! Visit your local shopping mall on a Saturday night, take a long look around, and ask yourself if you really want your kids to become "normal."
At our house, homeschooling means our children have a diverse people group influencing and shaping their lives--70-year-old grandparents, 90-year-old WWII veterans, middle-aged farmers, college professors, trapping buddies, young cousins, and children of family friends. Giving up and going the more "normal" route would mean limiting their peer group primarily to a knot of same-aged friends with little life experience, diversity, or wisdom.
If you give up and send the kids away to school, who will feed and take care of the chickens? And the horses? And the cow? And the family dogs and cats? Who will check the boys' trap line every day, and who will tend the bees and cultivate the orchard? Who will help with the 4-5 loads of daily laundry, and who will cut and split firewood for the fireplace? Do you really want to take ALL THAT RESPONSIBILITY on yourself?
If you give up, just think of the educational opportunities you will miss. Already in my homeschool "career," I've mastered advanced algebra, discovered the difference between world history and the history of Western Civilization, contemplated Plato, recited Samuel Taylor Coleridge, conjugated a verb in a foreign language, learned a few basic principles of economics . . . oooooooh, this is just way too much fun to give it up!
Babies are beautiful; toddlers are terrific; pre-schoolers are precious; elementaries are exciting; pre-teens are precocious; high schoolers are absolutely fantastically amazing. Do you really want to miss even one single stage of this incredible journey?
I can't think of anything more intensely sanctifying than living together in the crucible of shared family experiences. In this context, none of us can escape the reality of our own sinfulness, and none of us has the opportunity to go too long without the correction, compassion, and/or encouragement of a brother or sister or parent or child. Each of us is challenged by those around us--those who observe us constantly and who see us without a facade--to align our practice with our faith, to love our Lord and our neighbor "not in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth." Call it Extreme Sanctification: Homeschool Edition. Where else will you find so many daily opportunities to run to the cross, to repent and to rest in the sufficiency of the work of Christ, if you give up homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an investment not only in your children, but in their children, and in their grandchildren after them. It is an investment in your church and your community, and in the churches and communities and countries where your descendants will live and have influence as adults. Imagine the long-term "returns" of continued investment over a lifetime--and don't give up!
What would you give this homeschool labor up for--what would you have instead? A clean, quiet, orderly house? A career and a sense of relevance in the broader culture? Another income for your financially-strapped family? Time to develop underused talents and pursue suppressed dreams? I would have given up homeschooling for all of these and more at different points in the journey, but God in His good providence thwarted me. Now, with two adult children and more on the very brink of manhood and womanhood, what encouragement can I offer to NOT give up? Persevere, for the rewards truly will far, far outweigh the costs. Words cannot express the joy and the humble amazement that is mine when I look at the children God has given me and consider the men and women they are becoming--nor can words convey the depth of gratitude I feel for God's allowing me--even constraining me--to participate in His purposes for them.

Thanks for stopping by!

Please check out my other blogs while you're here:
Proverbs31 Wisdom
Proverbs31 Cooking

The Journey continues...

2009-05-22T08:22:00.019-04:00

I am still taking those deep breaths but today Focus on the Family sent me a wonderful message about praying together. They included a whole series on couples who pray together. Here is this week's site. If you scroll down to the bottom you will see a link to Print the whole series.

FOF When Two Pray

These articles are written by Stormie Ormartian Writer of 'The Power of the Praying....'Series

Her books have been a huge encouragement to so many. If you haven't read any of her books get a feel for her style through these articles and if you like what you read you can order one of her books. If you do it through my link I can better afford to keep blogging - Thanks!

This February we were blessed to attend the simulcast of FOF's Marriage Conference. What a great day that was!!
Let's all include FOF in our prayers. Dr. Dobson meets much opposition and he faces it all with such grace. Thanks FOF!

Stop by the Coffee House for some great Christian videos!
and
Friday Fun Night for a super Pizza Recipe that can be started in your bread machine!

Finally, don't forget to pick up your Free Stuff at:

Only on Fridays - only at TOS!

The journey begins...

2009-05-21T09:36:00.005-04:00

Our Lord works in mysterious ways. As I was writing Take a Breath yesterday I was challenged and needed to take a breath myself. My hope was to encourage others but apparently I am to encourage you through my own trial.

My husband called while I was writing to tell me that all the teacher's in his district were receiving 'pink slips' at school year end. His good reviews and rehire recommemdation were of no concern; all were getting laid off the last day of school with the 'intent' of rehiring most by mid to late July.
Deep breath.....

This latest ploy in education is in response to cities who are not receiving the money they were promised and are following with cuts to education. Another one of those 'things' they were going to fix which they will further ruin. Ours was the second school in our state to do it and I am sure not the last and certainly not the only state.

I guess what makes it hard for us to believe is that my husband changed careers in 2001. God has blessed us with the time, money, and patience to switch careers. He has always provided for our needs and given him a teaching position, sometimes in the last hours. Patience is a virtue. But my husband says this is between me and God, it will work.
Deeper breath......

Anyway, I am a woman of my word. I hung up the phone and immediately prayed for my husband and our family. And I prayed for the strength to hold it all together in the midst of crisis once again. Some would say we are plagued by trials. I say we are blessed to show others how we rise above them.
Breath, prayer....

Our families are not believers and while appears to them to be 'bad luck' we are constantly challenged to show grace and confidence in the storms...With 4 of 6 siblings divorced and the other 2 visibly miserable, we are the only beacon of light for marriage in our 2 families. By God's grace this has not been a challenge to us but a privilege. My husband is my best friend and my other half. I cannot even imagine what it would be like without him. I am thankful every day that my marriage is full of prayers of thanksgiving and not petitions.
Happy sigh....

As my husband left this morning, I gave my usual "He's got a plan, He'll work it out." To which he retorted "He always does..."
Big sign, prayer, deep breath...

He always does. I write not because it is so unusual to overcome lose of a job, but because there will be so much of it in the months to come.

History is being made, you're not reading it - you're writing it.

I hope we can work this through together. I walk through doors that He opens.

Here's the door.

If you are having trials in any part of your life, take a minute and give it all to the Father. Accept Jesus as your Savior and you are one huge step closer to solving the trial.
Are you -

Waiting for you at the door,

Elizabeth

We'll continue this as time goes on. Join me on my Proverbs31 Wisdom Blog too!

You can also visit my Cooking Blog for some yummy recipes and practical gardening ideas.

Daddy's Empty Chair?

2009-05-19T09:16:00.011-04:00

I just thought this was adorable and wanted to share it with my dear readers...

Daddy's Empty Chair

A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. 'I guess you were expecting me, he said. 'No, who are you?' said the father. The minister told him his name and then remarked, 'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up.' 'Oh yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden man. 'Would you mind closing the door?'
Puzzled, the minister shut the door..

'I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter,' said the man. 'But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.' I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'the old man continued, 'until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, 'Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus...Here is what I suggest. '

'Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always'.

'Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now.'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though . If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon. Did he die in peace?' he asked. Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock , he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him. But there was something strange about his death.
Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, 'I wish we could all go like that.'

Please visit my other blogs while you're here:

Proverbs31 Wisdom Blog and Proverbs31 Cooking Blog

Thanks for stopping by!

Break it up- Plant it- Watch it grow!

2009-05-15T08:01:00.019-04:00

CBD - You know I can't say enough about Christian Book Distributors! If you have never visited their site click the link below for some super Friday Specials! You won't believe the prices and the shipping is fast too!
Today Only! Fabulous Friday Specials!

Break it up - Plant it - Watch it Grow!

This passage from Colossians gives us so much information on how a family should interact.

Each member has their own specific job to do.

You are responsible for yours, and as I've learned in the past: if you do your job, and let God do His, things work out quite well! When you try to make things happen - all you really make is a mess!

So, let's take a look and see what we can learn today:

Colossians 3:18-21:

18 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Verse 18 today:

Wives, this is a direct command to wives - and wives only. Commands are not optional or they would be called suggestions. They're not so let's not treat them that way...

be subject - when you are a subject you are to obey the one who has authority over you. Such as a king has subjects, the same here...Your husband is king and you are not.
You are to be obedient to him. No questions asked. Do not be mistaken my dear reader, this does not mean you have to be submissive in a cowardly, fearful way.
It means you obey reverently. God speaks to the family through the husband and because of this we need to listen to what our husbands say and act upon it. Of coarse, you need your own discernment and would not do anything that defies God but

disagreement with your husband is not a cause for disobedience.

I have found in the past that when I disagree with my husband on things, I really regret it. It's OK to state your opinions, but they are just that - your opinions, you are to obey the king.

to your husbands, I think a lot of Christian women are confused on this, or have been wrongly advised. Ephesians 5:22 further explains it accurately for us:
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

This means only your own husband. Women are not to be bullied and bossed around by men in general. And they are not to allow it themselves. I have seen some men act very inappropriately to women and I find this is usually because they are not treated as king in their own homes. Wives are to be submissive and obedient to their own husband only. That is why women can use their gifts and can hold positions over men in this world.

But in the home there is only one king.

as is fitting in the Lord. - this means putting God in Christ before you in your marriage. You are to treat your husband, like you would Christ, if you were married to Him! I assume that would be some pretty good treatment!!

But, you say, my husband is NO Christ. Yes, that is true but God expects (and commands) you to treat him as if he were worthy of being treated this way. Even when you don't "feel" like it. You see,
Marriage is not based on a "Feeling,"

Marriage is based on commitment to God.

Do you love God enough to be committed to your marriage the way He commands?

Remember: The higher the expectations the bigger the disappointment. Unrealistic expectations lead to bigger disappointments.

You see you're putting your expectations on the wrong thing.

Love people more than things (this includes feelings).

But, most of all love GOD more than all people!

When you set high expectations on GOD, you are NEVER disappointed!

When you are married to your "Christ-Man," God is your Father-in-law. Treat your husband as God's child. Would you whine and grumble at God? Then don't do it to his son. Would you cheat or back-talk God? Then don't do that to his son.

Follow God's plan for family and marriage and you can't help but please Him.

Learn to be a winner not a whiner.

Please your husband and you will please GOD.

Verse 19 today:

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

Husbands - this is a command to the husband in a Christian Home

love your wives - this is love in it's highest form. Though the husband's authority has been established, the emphasis moves to the supreme responsibility of husbands to regard their wives, which is to love them with the same unreserved selfless and sacrificial love that Christ has for His church.

do not be embittered against them - The form of this Greek verb is better translated "stop being bitter," or "do not have the habit of being bitter." Husbands must not be harsh or angrily resentful toward their wives. 1Peter 3:7 tells us that husbands should be sensitive to the needs, fears, and feelings of his wife. This should be done through his consideration, chivalry, and companionship not by conforming to the ultra-feminization of the secular world.
It's not unmanly to be sensitive (in-tune with the needs of others), just like you don't have to be weak to be meek (managed anger) .
Sensitivity to others and meekness are two wonderful, and very manly, qualities that were shown daily by our Savior as He walked the earth. They are qualities we should be praying for in our husbands (and sons).

Why write about the husband's role in a Christian Home? It's not for you to nag, whine, or gossip with other wives. It's not for you to worry that your marriage is below average.

It is for you dear Christian wife to understand the role of your husband so you can pray continually for your him.

Pray continually and specifically for these areas FOR your husband.

I hope this information has encouraged you today. As we define our roles in the Christian Home as God intended them to be, we will be happier and more purposeful. In the meantime, pray for one another as James instructed us in 5:16 of his book:

Therefore, confess your sins to one another,

and pray for one another so that you may be healed.

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Verse 20 today:

Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.

Children, - a direct command to children

be obedient to your parents - the child in the Christian Home is to be willingly under the authority of their parents. They are to be in obedient submission to them because of the authority given to parents by God. They are to obey their parents as if they were obeying the LORD Himself.
Ephesians 6:2 further explains this by restating the 5th commandment:

HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise)

Honor is a term which refers to one's attitude and throughout this passage, Paul is dealing with the motive behind the action of obedience.

In order to properly place into action the act of obedience

our children must first have the right attitude.

This is the first commandment to deal with (human) relationships and the only one to address the family. When it is obeyed, this principle alone secures the family's fulfillment.

in all things, - the only limit on a child's obedience is when parents demand something contrary to God's Word. For example, for some children this includes coming to Christ.

for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. - This is the way God designed it and that makes it the only RIGHT way. The only way to please Him is through obedience.

And, of coarse, it is always obedient to teach our children to repent their sins. We must teach them the forgiveness of our grace-filled God by showing grace and forgiveness toward them ourselves.

Know your child well enough to know their heart. Train when appropriate, Forgive as necessary, Pray for them continuously, but most of all show Grace as often as you can!
Emulate the Savior and they will respect Him as well as you. That is the goal!

Verse 21 today:

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Let's break it up and plant it------

Fathers, - Though this term usually means a male parent, it is also used for parents in general - much like the pronoun 'he' is used in the formal form. It is believed that since Paul is talking to both parents previously in this passage, he is addressing both in this verse as well.

do not exasperate your children, - some translations use 'provoke.'

During the pagan times that Paul was writing this, many Jewish families were ruled by rigid and domineering authority.

The desires and welfare of the children were rarely a consideration. Paul, a product of one of these households before his conversion, wanted it made perfectly clear that a Christian Home does not place unreasonable demands and strictures on the children that would drive them to anger, despair, and resentment of the family and of the faith.

This is not to be confused with lack of proper discipline. Ephesians 6: 4b continues this thought: "but, bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." This calls for systematic discipline and instruction, which brings children to respect the commands of the Lord as the foundation of all life, godliness, and blessings.

so that they will not lose heart.- The result of being an unreasonable parent is that you exhibit the complete opposite of the image we are to show our children of the Father. Parents are to exhibit authority in a way that leads to respect, not fear or resentment. Train them properly and they will honor the mother and father and the Father will be honored as a result.

We can learn a lot about parenting from these two....

but that's another day!

Thank for joining me today.

Remember it only grows when it's planted!

Please pray for our country :

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Stop by my Cooking blog while you're here!
Return to Proverbs31 Wisdom

What is FFN?

2009-05-08T13:31:00.008-04:00

What is Friday Fun Night?

An excellent wife, who can find?

For her worth is far above jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

And he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not evil

All the days of her life...Her husband also,

and he praises her, saying:

“Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all.”

-- Prov 31:10-12, 29

Many years ago I started "Friday Fun Nights" (FFN) in our house. These were basically "date nights" for my husband and I - but we stayed home.

We did not have babysitters or the money to go out so we would sit together and talk about everything and anything. I would make up some munchie-snacks, turn on some music and the evening would go by so quickly. No worry about getting home for babysitters, no bill, no drunk drivers on the roads, no indigestion.

This is quite unconventional in today's world but we love them and I really want to share them with you.

Don't fall into the self-entitlement "I work hard all week, he should take me out!" trap. That is worldly and the Proverbs 31 woman has no right to any of it. It's time to take a stand for our men. They are not equipped with estrogen and do not understand us anymore than the Father allows them (each is different).

There is waaaaaaay too much divorce within our faith and the time is now to

claim your man!

Give him a reason to come home on Friday nights.

Look good, smell good, and make him feel good.

Doesn't that sound a lot better than dwelling on your rights and needs. All you need the Father has already given to you anyway, you just need to see it. You may be working hard all day at home but at least you're home. He's out there trying to fend off the devil at every turn, every cute little Jezebel that flirts with him, and every co-worker that nags him for being a non-conformist. Give the guy a break!

You are made to complete him, not compete with him.

Anyways, I knew I could make a good time and I could do it better and cheaper.

I have read that men don't want a 50s-style women anymore. I'm pretty sure these articles are written by feminist, superMoms who want to glorify the fact that they work and still have time to attend their child's soccer game. I have met no husbands in our circle of friends who do not like dinner on the table when they get home and appreciate the sacrifices their wives make by putting the home and children ahead of their own selfish desires for recognition.

FFN can be as simple or as complicated as you want. It will take a little planning so that you have items on-hand and prepped so all you have to do is set them out on the table. If you are not the world's greatest cook (keep coming to my Cooking Blog and we'll work on that), then take it easy and use more ready made food. Just try to remember this is a date not a Sushi Bar.

You are to spend time gazing at your husband, giving him your FULL attention.

This may take a few weeks to work because at the same time you need to train your children that this is Mommy and Daddy's time. Feed your children at 4 and let them watch a movie or make it their special time of play together. Give them the option of getting along or going to bed, there are no alternatives. What kids need most are strong marriages and this will definitely work toward that. In warm weather we sit on the deck and watch the children play in the yard. There is no reason to seclude them unless they demand your attention away from your husband. Actually the kids grow to appreciate FFN as much as we do. They usually have frozen pizza and get to stay up late as long as they're behaving. It really is all GOOD once you get the hang of it.

The Bible gives us clear priorities in our relationships:

1. God

2. Spouse

3. Children

You cannot raise children well if your marriage is falling apart, and you cannot have a strong marriage if your relationship with God is falling apart.

It's all about priorities.

I can't stress enough how easy and worthwhile this is and I hope you will give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by! Here are the links back to my other blogs:

Proverbs31 Cooking
Proverbs31 Wisdom

Ready to Pray?

2009-05-07T09:15:00.013-04:00

Proclamation 4826 - National Day of Prayer, 1981

March 19, 1981

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's motto "In God We Trust"—was not chosen lightly. It reflects a basic recognition that there is a divine authority in the universe to which this Nation owes homage.
Throughout our history Americans have put their faith in God and no one can doubt that we have been blessed for it. The earliest settlers of this land came came in search of religious freedom. Landing on a desolate shoreline, they established a spiritual foundation that has served us ever since.
It was the hard work of our people, the freedom they enjoyed and their faith in God that built this country and made it the envy of the world. In all of our great cities and towns evidence of the faith of our people is found: houses of worship of every denomination are among the oldest structures.
While never willing to bow to a tyrant, our forefathers were always willing to get to their knees before God. When catastrophe threatened, they turned to God for deliverance. When the harvest was bountiful the first thought was thanksgiving to God.
Prayer is today as powerful a force in our Nation as it has ever been. We as a Nation should never forget this source of strength. And while recognizing that the freedom to choose a Godly path is the essence of liberty, as a Nation we cannot but hope that more of our citizens would, through prayer, come into a closer relationship with their Maker.
Recognizing our great heritage, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved April 17, 1952 ( 36 U.S.C. 169h; 66 Stat. 64), has called upon the President to set aside a suitable day each year as a National Day of. Prayer.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, May 7, 1981, National Day of Prayer. On that day I ask all who believe to join with me in giving thanks to Almighty God for the blessings He has bestowed on this land and the protection He affords us as a people. Let us as a Nation join together before God, fully aware of the trials that lie ahead and the need, yes, the necessity, for divine guidance. With unshakable faith in God and the liberty which is heritage, we as a free Nation will surely survive and prosper.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of March, in year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifth.

RONALD REAGAN

Return to Proverbs31 Wisdom

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:33 a.m., March 20, 1981]
Citation: John T. Woolley and Gerhard Peters,The American Presidency Project [online]. Santa Barbara, CA: University of California (hosted), Gerhard Peters (database). Available from World Wide Web: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=61699.

Do you have Issues?

2009-05-06T09:17:00.028-04:00

I have to admit it... I have issues....

Recently, a friend asked me how they are supposed to love people they hate. Good question. It's all well and fine to say Jesus loves us and we are commanded to love one another. But, let's be real here, some people make it really difficult to love thy neighbor.

Last night I was watching some "cable news " (against my better judgment) and a woman was on grumbling full force about Gov. Sarah Palin. She was thoroughly disgusted that this woman kills defenseless animals (aka hunting), doesn't believe in a woman's "choice"(aka doesn't support abortion), doesn't believe in global warming or Darwinism (doesn't believe in evolution) And - Gasp!! - she actually believes in Creationism!

My spirit was quite irked at this point. I could not see how a woman could be so against hunting animals and so for killing unborn children. How could a human with a God-given brain believe in global warming and that she came from a monkey, but in the next breath say there is no scientific evidence for Creation.

Deep breath, sigh!

DEEPER breath!

Good...Back to the question at hand:

How God, do you love, not just the unlovable,

but the totally, obscenely, blasphemous,

ugly-hearted, ignorant fools????

Was that too many adjectives? I didn't want to leave anyone out...LOL

I could tell you to pray for them (and we all should), and yes, Jesus died for them too, but that will only be a band-aid on a gaping wound.

I don't work that way, my spirit needs a purposeful solution. One I can really sink my teeth into. I need to heal the wound or it will never go away.

I must admit I was stumped for a minute. I'm sure it was because my spirit was so blurred by what I had witnessed. (I rarely watch this channel, but every once and awhile...You know how it is).

The answer should be easy, Jesus did it. He loved some pretty rotten people, but I am not Jesus.

I opened the book I was reading and it hit me...

The book isBeth Moore's To Live is Christ and it is about the Apostle Paul. Getting the picture yet??

You may remember Paul. He was the darling Saul born and breed to be a Pharisee. He was great at his job, so great in fact that he made Christians knees shake at the sound of his name.

He followed every rule and law of the land and made a few a long the way. He was the one they all bowed down to after Saint Stephen's stoning (Acts 7:58).

I'm sure if there was a rule about believing in global warming or abortion, Paul would have been right there to enforce it.

Paul was one tough character.

I'm pretty sure people had issues with him.

I'm pretty sure he troubled a lot of spirits.

But we all know what happened to the mighty Saul on the road to Damascus.

If not, please read Acts 9 and you will get a fairly good idea of the saving Grace of our Father.

In a nutshell, God showed us that

No job is ever too big for Him,

No heart is ever too hard, and

Nothing is without His approval.

Could these people on TV ever be as bad as Saul? Yet, if Paul was never saved maybe some of us wouldn't be either. What an example we would have lost out on if all the books written by Paul were missing...

Paul tells us himself in Galatians 1:15-16:

...But when God, who had set me apart

even from my mother’s womb

and called me through His grace,

was pleased to reveal His Son in me

so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles...

Paul knew that God had set him apart since before birth. Paul accepted His forgiveness and went on his way to do God's calling--immediately. He was well equipped against the enemy, he knew them well, he had been one. He didn't dwell on his past sins, he moved forward. I'm sure many were doubtful of his intentions at first. But he didn't care, he did his job (calling).

I guess what I'm saying is if God changed the heart of a man like Saul can't he handle a few loud-mouths in the media?

I should think He could do it in the blink of an eye should He choose to. Maybe there just aren't enough of us praying for these poor folks. It's easier to bash them, or ignore them, bury them in their ignorance - "You Fools!!" we'd shout. Plenty of people did that to Saul.

But, the battle is not ours. Sometimes we forget that.

What would please the Father more, sending all these people to hell for eternity or acting on the believers' prayers and opening the doors of heaven to them.

It's your choice,

Pray or Bash

Choose wisely.

You do your job, He'll do His.

Remember, someone prayed for you at one point,too.

If you've never trusted yourself to Jesus Christ are you Ready? Today could be your day! Just click on the big red button on my sidebar - it's that easy!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you found this message encouraging. Also, please stop by my Cooking Blog for some great EATS!

I would like to welcome one of my new affiliates This Old Schoolhouse!

I was thrilled when they came to my site and would like to encourage all you moms out there to stop by and see what they have to offer! They are a great help with spiritual growth as well as the growth of your homeschool! They give a little sanity along the way too!

What's the greatest?

2009-05-04T09:24:00.003-04:00

There is a lot of Christian art/collectibles out there with the "faith, hope, love" phrasing on them. But, did you ever wonder why the greatest is love?

If you say because love hides a multitude of sins, or we love because He first loved us, or love is forever, you are only half right.

...constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,--1 Thess 1:3

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three;

but the greatest of these is love. --1 Cor. 13:13

Faith is: the confident belief in the truth of or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

Hope is: a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life.

Love is: any of a number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection and attachment.

Simply put while in our earthly bodies we depend and rely on faith, hope and love.

When this life is done and we receive our heavenly bodies there will be no need for faith or hope - we will see with truth for ourselves and therefore remove any need for "belief."

You do not have a "belief" in what is seen and proven. Therefore the greatest is love for it transcends earth to heaven.

Love is a gift from God that we will never fully understand until we get to heaven. That is why our faith and hope need to be so strong now.

1 John 4:16 tell us:

"We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.

God is love,

and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. "

Abide in love and abide in God, and He will abide in you!

Who needs more explanation than that??

Thanks for stopping by...Have a great week!

How modest is your heart?

2009-04-29T14:32:00.005-04:00

Have you prayed for someone today?

Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...

Modesty, as with all behavior, begins in the heart.

Wesley's notes state:

So is he - You are not to judge of him by his words, but by the constant temper of his mind.

Wow, what's the temper of your mind? Are you sincere in your heart? Or are you just a bunch of words.

Let's not start judging others until we examine our own thoughts. I have met many a "Christian" who was dressed modestly but couldn't wait to "bare-it-all" to me through gossip and judgement of others.

If you see something in someone you think needs changing- pray for that person. Don't shame or embarrass them. Jesus had many opportunities to embarrass and shame those who came to Him. He has reasons to shame us every day! But instead of embarrassing the "guilty party," He shows us where the true guilt lies - in our own flesh.

Think of the adulteress woman who was to be stoned in John 8, He quickly gave forgiveness to her and shamed the scribes and Pharisees who condemned her.

Let's all take note of that.

There are many warnings of this line of thought -

"Let him without sin cast the first stone," (John 8:7)

"Take the plank out of your own eye first," (Matt 7:5) and

Prov 3:7"Do not be wise in your own opinions."

What ever you want to change, start in your thoughts. Whatever you think needs changing in another start with prayer for her.

This will give you time to think and pray and consider what you are doing with love as your primary motivation.

While you're dressing your body modestly, do the same with your mind.

Keep your thoughts pure, keep them under control, and you will develop a heart to match it.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you found this post useful and may God richly bless you today:)

Open the Floodgates...

2009-04-24T17:25:00.007-04:00

Open the floodgates...

Did you ever just need to feel cleansed?

Our Savior can do that -

cleanse you of all unrighteousness. Believe, faith can heal...the truth can set you free...

Are you ready?

Listen to the healing rain -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31D2g7t5Bjs

Father, I know I'm a sinner. I know you gave your Son so that I can be free. I accept Him this day as my Savior. Heal me, comfort me. I am not afraid! Wash me in Heaven's Rain. Amen

Guidelines for your mouth...

2009-04-21T16:25:00.008-04:00

Proverbs 31:26 tells us:

She opens her mouth in wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

I am really enjoying this book by Elizabeth George!

A Woman's High Calling

Sometimes we get so ignorant without even knowing it...as Proverbs 31 women we are closely watched by believers and unbelievers and need to be on our toes to represent our Lord at all times.

So what usually comes out of your mouth??

As Elizabeth George quotes Uncle Ben's Quote book:

A Christian is~

~a mind through which Christ thinks

~a voice through which Christ speaks

~a heart through which Christ loves

~a hand through which Christ helps.

We are to be worthy of our calling as His representatives at all times.

Father, Help us to be godly representatives. Guard our minds, our voices, our hearts, and our hands to work in unity to think, speak, love, and help Christ at all times. Help us to be worthy of this calling. Amen

Coram Deo

2009-04-21T13:07:00.013-04:00

"Before The Face of GOD"

I first heard of Coram Deo in the amazing book edited by C.J. Mahaney:

Worldliness

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.--1John 2:15

Coram Deo literally means "before the face of God".

It carries the notion of our living in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the honor and glory of God.

It is what each person was designed for by their Creator.

Living "coram Deo" has been best expressed perhaps by the Reformation tradition of the Church.

The Reformers recaptured and championed the great "solas" - sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), soli Christo (Christ alone) - soli Deo gloria! (to God alone be glory).

In this very relevant book Mahaney helps us align our lives with God in the areas where most usually try to ignore Him.

in my media - what are you watching?

in my music- what are you listening to?

in my Stuff- what are you idolizing?

in my clothes- what are you wearing?

1John 2:16 warns:

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

In a nutshell - take a look at what is before your eyes (and of coarse the eyes of your family). Would you be doing anything differently if you were sitting next to GOD? Coram Deo - in the face of God - He is always right there and we should never be ignorant of that fact!

The drift toward worldliness may be slow, starting with a dulling of the conscience until you are watching soap operas, listening to gossip radio or music, idolizing your precious time and money, and wearing inappropriate or showy clothing.

The Bible teaches us that the real "monster" is not the TV,the computer, or the mall;

he's US!

Our battle is with the FLESH.

Gal 5:17 Paul confirms this:

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh;

for these are in opposition to one another,

so that you may not do the things that you please.

We are warned and need to pray for strength in these area - Daily.

The FEAR (reverent awe) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7)

and is the best place to start. Living Coram Deo puts us in the right frame of mind - one of reverence.

The person who is unashedly aware that God is sitting right there, front and center, watching everything will properly fear the Lord.

I hope this has inspired you to read more on the subject. Meanwhile take inventory of your inventory.

Coram Deo (before God's face) we will find Grace.

Father, My eyes have coveted, my imagination has trespassed, my time has been squandered, all for useless conformity to this world. Thank you for your Grace that forgives and empowers me to change. Thank you for the Grace that leads me to desire and pursue obedience. Help me to live Coram Deo - in every aspect of my life.

All for Your Glory. Amen

Coffee House Friday

2009-04-17T15:46:00.008-04:00

This Winter my husband and I were pleased to be able to attend one of the simulcasts of Focus on the Family's Marriage Conference.
What a joy and a pleasure it was to hear the inspirational words of such prominent speakers as Del Tackett, John Trent, Gary Smalley, Gary Thomas, and one of my favorites - Beth Moore!
The music was supplied by Jeremy Camp and it was just wonderful. This week for Coffee House I would like to share some of his music with you. I hope you are inspired by it:)

(Note: if you cannot access the videos directly click on my blog site or click the link below to go to youtube, just remember to back arrow back here after)

Grab a cup of coffee and have a seat. Relax and enjoy these great gifts of PRAISE...

Beautiful One - Jeremy Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdF-cBk9CBU

Chris Tomlin - Indescribable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTvr755V8s

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyFxArMeRDI

I hope you have enjoyed these beautiful works. Praise the Lord!
Have a great weekend--Elizabeth

The LORD your God in the middle of you is mighty;

he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy;

he will rest in his love,

he will joy over you with singing.

--Zephaniah 3:17

The Gatekeeper..

2009-04-16T14:20:00.011-04:00

1Corinthians 3:16-17

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

2Chronicles 23:19

He stationed the gatekeepers of the house of the LORD, so that no one would enter who was in any way unclean.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

What do these 3 passages have in common?

The gatekeeper of 2Chronicles 23, had the job of keeping the unclean out of the Temple - where God dwelled.

In 1Corinthians 3, Paul calls our bodies God's "temples." And let there be no mistake there are plenty of forces at work each day trying to make these temples "unclean." The only difference is you have to be your own gatekeeper.

The location has changed,

the job has switched hands,

BUT the Owner remains the same.

You, the Proverb 31 woman, are the gatekeeper of your home. Philippians 4:8 tells us exactly what we should let into our "temples" - that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.

Guard the hearts and minds of your family.

I leave you with this...Romans 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

Father, Help me to resist the temptations of this world. Show me how to watch over my family that we may keep Your temple Holy. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that dwells in me. Change my heart to abhor what is evil and to cling to what is good. Let me be the wife and mother You have called me to be. Let me me the gatekeeper of my home for Your Glory. Amen

What's your Gift...

2009-04-15T14:35:00.012-04:00

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

What is a Spiritual Gift??

John Piper explains it so:

--a spiritual gift is an expression of faith which aims to strengthen faith. It is activated from faith in us and aims for faith in another. (Piper, 1997)

Another way to put it would be this: A spiritual gift is an ability given by the Holy Spirit to express our faith effectively (in word or deed) for the strengthening of someone else's faith.

WOW! Can he put make things easy or what?!?

Basically, we are all given certain talents from the Holy Spirit. We are to learn what these are, pursue them, encourage their growth, and use to strengthen our faith and instill faith in others.

The best place to start is in the beginning: What's your gift?

Paul speaks of the gifts in various passages in the NT:

Romans 1:11-12 (New International Version)
11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

Romans 12:3-8
By the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him... (v.3). Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith, if service, in our serving; he who teaches in his teaching; he who exhorts in his exhortation; he who contributes in liberality; he who gives aid with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness (vv. 6-8).

1Corinthians 12:4-11

4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Repeatedly we see the use of the term unity through diversity. Even though there are only a certain number of gifts, God uses them in innumerable ways through each believer.

Just as we only have so many features

(eyes, ears, nose...)

we are all unique beings.

In this same way He uses these gifts

in unique ways for each believer.

If you have never taken a group or class on Spiritual gifts try these fun web-sites that offer FREE assessments. I took all three to get the best overall assessment. They each have a lot of questions which makes them that much more accurate, plan on about 10-15 minutes each.

This one is from Ken Ellis:

http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/

This one is by the Evan. Lutheran Church of America:

http://archive.elca.org/evangelizingChurch/assessments/spiritgifts.html

This one is from Ephesians Four Ministries:

http://www.churchgrowth.org/analysis/index.html

Keep studying and polishing your gifts.

Thanks for stopping by:) Hope you were encouraged by this. Please feel free to comment on this blog. Thanks--Elizabeth

East to West....

2009-04-14T11:38:00.010-04:00

This is such a great video, I hope it inspires you today:)

If you receive this by feed and do not see a movie below, click the above access to go directly to my blog page or click the link below:

If you cannot access this above click on this to watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M

Father, Thank you that you are with me always. Thank you for showing me just how far the east is from the west. Thank you for washing me clean and making me a part of your eternal family. Let your truth be made know to me today and every day! Amen

The hand of God...

2009-04-13T14:46:00.008-04:00

I was a little disappointed this weekend. I am usually very joyful, and happy. But, the somberness of Good Friday and 'Sad' Saturday, may have contributed to my lackluster mood. I was expecting news on Saturday that would have been extremely good for my family. After months of praying, all signs pointed to a favorable outcome.

However, as usual, all the prayers resulted in God's mighty hand coming down with an unexpected decision. (No coincidence that I was able to find this perfect picture). In my heart I know the decision was perfect and will result in all things working together for good...It still was no less disappointing. I was hoping to move this item from my 'ask' list to my 'praise' list.

Every once and awhile, we as Christians, are given opportunities to practice what we daily preach. Therefore, with our children eagerly looking for direction, my husband and I modeled the behavior we would counsel others to have. We were content.

Now Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11:

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (NASB)

I just love this commentary on these main phrases:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. I have learned-The I in Greek is emphatical. I leave it to others if they will, to be discontented. I, for my part, have learned, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the dealings of Providence (Heb 5:8), to be content in every state.

content-The Greek, literally expresses "independent of others, and having sufficiency in one's self." But Christianity has raised the term above the haughty self-sufficiency of the heathen Stoic to the contentment of the Christian, whose sufficiency is not in self, but in God (2Co 3:5; 1Ti 6:6, 8; Heb 13:5; compare Jer 2:36; 45:5).

Therefore, we who have so much, must glorify God in our wealth of JOY. We, as Christians, must leave discontent to those who battle to find sufficiency in themselves.

In light of this revelation, I decided to move this item from my 'ask' list to my 'praise' list anyway.

You see, God answered my prayer.

It makes no difference whether I agree or disagree with the answer. What matters is that I got an answer that is 100% for my best interest, from the maker of all Creation. Who am I to be discontent? What a gracious and loving God we have!

Father, Forgive me when I act like a child instead of Your child. Thank you that you give me decisions that are for my good and not my want. Thank you for having a plan and a purpose and helping me to achieve it for Your Glory. Amen

Open your eyes...

2009-04-10T16:05:00.011-04:00

Acts 9:18
And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;

This passage has always intrigued me and God laid it on my heart once again this week while teaching my 9-year-old. She, as only a child can do, looked at me and asked, "What does that mean? How can scales fall from his eyes, gross!"

I was less prepared to answer this question than I thought. It seemed like there should be an obvious answer but, as we all know, the obvious is not always the answer.

Therefore, I consulted the usual scholars, MacArthur, Stanley, Swindoll...nothing. There was no deep, inspiring insight. No 'aha' moment. I was left to my own interpretation - and the Holy Spirit did not let me down:)

Paul was blinded to show his own blindness toward the Christians he was prosecuting. He was very full of himself and all the acts he performed in accordance with the laws he defended so strongly. He was the know-it-all of his day.

And we all know that:

you can think you know it all but later find out that all

you knew was completely wrong.

This is what Paul learned. And this is what we all have the opportunity to change.

As the "scales" fell from Paul's eyes, he saw the world with "new" eyes.

When we accept Jesus as our savior, the HOLY SPIRIT enters us and we, like Paul, are to see things with new eyes.

Father, Thank you for the Holy Spirit to guide and help me. Thank you for your word that I can learn from. Thank you for the questions from a child to help me see you more clearly. Help me to see things today through my new eyes. Amen

The Chosen Few...

2009-04-09T09:02:00.012-04:00

John 15:16

"you did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

What a great feeling to know that we were "chosen" by God!

We were chosen not only for salvation but for a certain purpose.

If you are a Proverbs 31 woman you have purpose everyday. You may think no one notices, but He notices everything.

When you are feeling unappreciated, think on Him.

When you wonder if this is your purpose, know He has chosen this for you - it is the highest calling to be a godly woman.

When you have a pity party over the laundry thinking "God, why me?" God would answer you: "If not you, than who?"

Rethink it as "Thank God it is me!"

You have the unique opportunity to influence every person in your home. You can choose to show a godly example to your children (even when they don't appreciate it), to be a sexy, loving, affectionate helpmeet to your husband (even when he doesn't appreciate it), a helpful, prayerful woman of the church (even when no one notices it).

All that matters is that HE sees it...

Paul tells us in his letter to the Colossians :

"And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (3:23-24)

When you choose something - do it purposefully. How great to be chosen by the All Mighty! Shouldn't that bring forth joy in you every day. A God-chosen purpose every day! Wow!

We are given a great command in Philippians 4:4:

"Rejoice in the Lord, again I will say, rejoice!"

What is your purpose? What were you chosen for? Don't dwell on these thoughts. I can answer that for you. Your purpose is to be a godly woman.

Start today, and start here at Proverbs 31:

"Her children rise up and call her blessed..." (v. 28)

"...the heart of her husband safely trusts her;..." (v. 11)
"She extends her hand to the poor..." (v. 20)

Proverbs 31 has so much to strengthen and encourage us. And I remind you: If not you, than who? Who could God trust with your job that would do it as well?

Father, Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for your special God-given purpose everyday. And thank you for the ability to accomplish this purpose today. Help me to be the godly woman you have chosen for Your purpose.

Amen

Do You Hear God's Voice...

2009-04-08T09:38:00.011-04:00

I can't tell you the number of times I have prayed to be able to hear God's voice more clearly. I'm sure I'm not alone...

1Samuel 3:1-21 relays the first revelation of God to young Samuel. Samuel lived with Eli, the prophet. But as Eli aged and was close to death, God called on Samuel. Thinking it was Eli calling him, Samuel ran to him and asked what he wanted. Eli said he didn't call him, go back to bed. Well, this happens twice more before Eli perceives that it is God calling Samuel. He tells him to go lay down and when he HE calls you again, say 'Speak Lord, for your servant hears.'(v.10)

How many times have you hoped that God could be heard so clear and so loud? What has changed that He could be heard so clearly by Samuel and not by us?
I truly think we have. We have noisy, busy, distracting lives. Think of what it was like when God revealed himself to Samuel. It was at night so it was dark, the room was quiet, and the boy was not distracted by TV, ipods, or cell phones. He was still.
Verse 19 continues to tell us that "Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground." Maybe we can't understand Him because we can't hear Him. There is too much going on in our lives, too much competing for our attention.

If WE are first, HE can't be.

In 1Kings19 God's revelation to Elijah is written about. In much the same way we are enlightened to God's "style." He was not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire - but "after the fire a still small voice."

To sum it up, I think we need to know God's word - so we hear who's talking to us. And, we need to be quiet and have quiet more often - so we can hear HIM. And most of all we need to listen and act on what we hear - Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates (Prov 31:31).

Father, Thank you for speaking to me even when I don't hear You. Help me to make those quiet times, just for the two of us. Help me to be silent long enough to hear your still, small voice. Thank you for always making me Your top priority. Constantly remind me that if I am first, You cannot be. Help me start putting You first right her and right now. Amen

More on finding and making that quiet time in the days to come. Thanks for joining me for a minute of encouragement.

What is Truth?

2009-04-07T14:05:00.000-04:00

I am writing about what hit me the most during the women's conference this weekend. That was Philippians 4:8:

"...Whatever things are true, ...- meditate on these things."

TRUTH...what is true?

According to Webster it can mean: fidelity, fact, actuality, the body of real things

Paul tells us that if something is true (real), meditate (think)on that - and conversely, what is not true, STOP meditating on it.

There is more to that verse, I'm sure you all know that, but to keep it short, it can be summed up as:

whatever things are true, think on them.

When we decifer what is true we can prioritize our thoughts. And, when we prioritize, as Proverbs 31 women, we can get much more done - with a much better attitude.

I think as moms we tend to overthink, worry, and sometimes blow things out of proportion. Paul is telling us to lighten up, don't waste your time and energy (all of which are in short supply) dwelling on untruth, what might happen, what might be...

The Bible tells us what IS - and it is written by the Great I AM - meditate on that!

Father, I want to meditate only on the your truth today. Guide me to discern what is true and what is a distraction. Help me to lead others to your truth and use my time and energy to further your kingdom, not my own. Thank you for your word -- the IS from the I AM. Amen

Thank you for joining me today on my first post.