Refuge for a Single Mom

1 Praise the LORD!

How blessed is the man who fears the LORD,

Who greatly delights in His commandments.

2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;

The generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in his house,

And his righteousness endures forever.

4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright;

He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.

5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends;

He will maintain his cause in judgment.

6 For he will never be shaken;

The righteous will be remembered forever.

7 He will not fear evil tidings;

His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear,

Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.

9 He has given freely to the poor,

His righteousness endures forever;

His horn will be exalted in honor.

10 The wicked will see it and be vexed,

He will gnash his teeth and melt away;

The desire of the wicked will perish.   Psalm 112:1-10

Whew!  It has been really hard to dedicate time to the computer lately!  We have been on a quest to find a new car.  What an agonizing venture this is!  Something that should be so much fun is absolutely horrific!  Car dealers (most of the ones I`ve dealt with) have absolutely no concern or regard for their customers!  They just want to get you in whatever will generate the most commission for them!  Well, this search remains ongoing, but I`ll be sure to let you know how it turns out.

Also a very time consuming (but SO gratifying) task has been my new mission to generate sponsors for “Jenna`s Team”!  When I read Jenna`s story and learned of the trials and heartaches that this family has endured, I just felt that deep down sense of commitment to do `something`!!!

It`s been very disheartening for me to learn that most people don`t see it this way.  Although I sent out many, many requests for even just $1 donations, I found that wasn`t something that interested people!  (I mean all I could think was if a message board had 500 members and ½ of them donated $1, that would be $250 for the March of Dimes!  This wasn`t the case.)

On the other hand, I have to give a `hip hip hooray` to the few internet gals that stepped up, the ladies at the dentist`s office, the employees at Mom`s work, the American Legion and to my church.  When presented with the opportunity to do something good, kind and generous, we found people digging for every penny they had on them or even doubling the requested donations!  Whoo Hoo!  You guys rock!

This leads me to my thought for this weekend.  GENEROSITY

The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.  Proverbs 11:25

There are a lot of ways that we can be generous.  Besides monetary donations or contributions, we can give of our time, energy, talents, etc.  Quite frankly, it is Christ-like to be generous and giving! I also feel that if you have Jesus Christ in your heart, it comes naturally!

17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.  I Timothy 6:17-19

We are all so very different and have many different talents and abilities.  It`s important that we utilize these talents and share ourselves, (even if that means opening our wallets sometimes) ultimately glorifying God and spreading His Word!  It`s important for each and every one of us to step up and do whatever we possibly can!  There are so many hurting and struggling people out there.  Think about people that have had a positive impact on your life . . . a preacher, a teacher, a friend . . . what if they had stifled their gifts?  What if they hadn`t reached out to you?  Where would YOU be?  Personally, I shudder to think about it!

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And 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. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:1-21

Step out!  Have faith in God`s plan for you!  Someone out there needs you!  *wink*

Labels: Generosity, Godliness

Do you ever hear people tell those eerie stories about how they`re trying to get somewhere but the kids weren`t listening, things weren`t going well and they were ready to pull their hair out because they were going to be late?  But. . . had they been on time, they`d have been involved in a terrible accident?

Let me tell `ya sister . . . it is totally freaky!  I`m here to tell `ya about it!

There wasn`t anything particularly unique about this Monday morning, the birds were singing and the sun was peaking in . . . pretty usual.  Little did I know, that THIS Monday would evolve to be one of the most blessed and favored days of mine and my children`s lives!

A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,  Proverbs 12:2

The day started by our noticing in the newspaper that friends of ours not only acknowledged a donation my company made to them, but they did so in such a way that would give maximum exposure!  Very cool gesture guys!  Thanks!

So far, the day is off to a great start!

A bit later, as I proceeded to get my kids together to go BACK to the dentist, one got ready while the other totally drug his feet and did everything under the sun to slow us down!  I remember thinking “Man, my day started off well, but it`s taking a turn for the worst!”

Little did I realize that this was God`s way of protecting my day, my children and me!  Not only was He preventing us from having a much worse day, He made it even better still!

After traveling about 15 minutes into our 45 minute drive, we were detoured.  We didn`t really know why or what was going on.  Only that all traffic was being re-routed onto this twisty-turny, narrow, dirt road!

We arrived at the dentist`s office and as I proceeded to beg them to take my son, I found out that the appointment after us had cancelled.  Thus, allowing my son to not only get the rest of his own appointment, but the next 30 minute slot as well!  Praise God!  (When you are talking a 45 minute drive one way, with an onslaught of dentist appointments in your future ~ the more time the better!)

I was also informed that the detour was due to an accident and that it had involved a school bus!  Well, suddenly, all I could think about was that someone`s kids were on that bus!  I proceeded to pray and pray for those kids, families and the bus driver!

It wasn`t until later in the day that it was clarified.  There was not a school bus involved, but rather two coal trucks.  They collided head on, damaged a bridge and spewed coal and ash all over the road.  (Which took over 7 hours to clean up!)  One driver was injured, but not badly.

Had we been on time this morning, we very easily could have been involved in that accident!

The fact still remains Sisters, no matter how bad something seems, no matter how late we are running or how out of hand things seem, God IS in control!  He has a plan and He has a time!

`For I know the plans that I have for you,` declares the LORD, `plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.`  Jeremiah 29:11

He has the power to take something the enemy means for harm and turn it into something wonderful!

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.  Genesis 50:20

Stop rushing!  Stop being compulsive or forceful!  Trust God!  Give problems, situations and circumstances up to Him!  Unlike you and me, He is qualified to carry the weight of the world on His shoulders!

Labels: Praise

As some of you may or may not know, I am the owner of Personalways™, an on-line gift shop dedicated to personalized photo gifts.

This is NOT an advertising campaign or a sales ploy, but a request for your help!

Every so often, I am blessed by the opportunity to help people.

Currently, we are working hard to put together team shirts for “Jenna’s Team”.

Jenna’s Mommy (Jennifer) and Daddy (John) never really got to ‘meet’ Jenna, as she was still born at 8 ½ months.

It’s a heartbreaking story.  (I cried the whole way through!)  You are welcome to read it here:  www.johnabone.com

By the way, her daddy is an awesome photographer!

Please, join us in supporting Jenna’s Team!

Visit Jenna’s page on the Personalways™ website, where you can sponsor Jenna’s Team securely via Pay Pal:

Jenna’s Team at Personalways™

Or, you may sponsor Jenna’s Team directly via the March of Dimes website:

Jenna’s Team at Walk America

If every reader that visits my blog, through April 21st, donates just $1, Jenna’s Team would raise hundreds of dollars for the March of Dimes!

Please search your heart and donate generously!  Each of us really can make a difference in the fight against still births, premature births and birth defects!

Thank you so much!

Labels: Charities, Jenna's Team, March of Dimes, Walk America

Everyone just wants something to believe in ~ don`t they?  Everyone needs somewhere to belong and feel safe!  This issue came up in conversation several times yesterday and I felt compelled to `investigate`.

History is repeating itself as I watch my teenage son, attempt to distinguish himself, find a place to belong and to be accepted.  It seems like mo matter how much we love our kids unconditionally; they continue to want for something more!  They need their friends to accept them . . . they need to be accepted by the opposite gender . . . they need their teacher`s approval . . . it`s endless!  *smile*

In reality, most adults are no different!  We need our bosses, co-workers, social groups, etc. to `like` us!

Do you remember when you were an unbeliever and you roamed around always empty?  No matter how many friends you had, how much money you made, how much you exercised ~ there was still something missing?

I distinctly remember hearing the religious icons talk about this!  They would consistently try to impress the need for God in our lives!  (I often chuckle at how silly it all sounded then!)  But it is SO real!

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Why is it that so many people deny the existence of God?  They refuse to believe that He loves them and is willing to forgive them of all their sins!

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father`s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 “And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  John 14:1-6

be•lieve

to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so

Why?  Why is it so hard for people to believe in God?

Is it a trust issue?  Do they not trust the Word of God?

It could be guilt!  Yes!  Guilt is good.  I mean it`s a huge struggle to forgive yourself!  If you are fortunate enough to forgive yourself and believe that God has forgiven you, there is always somebody in this world that is more than happy to remind you of what a failure you are!

Is it pride?  Maybe they`re too proud to admit they need anyone else ~ including God?

Doubt?  That`s another huge issue!  If we aren`t proud, we lack self-confidence to do very much of anything!

OH!  I know!  They`re having too much fun drinking themselves silly and doing so many drugs that their bodies are dying from the inside out!  Then there`s the premarital/extramarital sex with dozens of people they don`t know (or know anything about)!  OOH!  Gambling!  That`s a good one!  It`s a real rush to gamble your paycheck away and not be able to pay your bills!

You might wonder where all that came from!  Well, because I know!  First hand!  I was completely throwing my life away!

What changed all that?  Believing in something!  REALLY believing in God!  Completely and totally believing that He loves me ~ unconditionally!

13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. I John 5:13-15

Praise God!


SPECIAL NOTE:Above I mentioned 5 different reasons why we might find it difficult to believe:  Trust Issues, Guilt, Pride, Doubt & Selfishness.  These are all huge pitfalls, especially for us single moms who often lack the Earthly support system we desperately need.  Shoot, I know a lot of married moms struggling with these same topics!  Next week, I want to research each topic individually and see if we can`t understand them a little better!

Best wishes for a weekend full of God`s love!

Labels: Believe, Doubt, Faith, Guilt, Pride, Selfishness, Trust

Wasn`t that the name of a movie?  With Clint Eastwood?  Isn`t he handsome?  He just becomes more distinguished with age!  Don`t `ya think?

Well, that kind of leads into my next thought which is the `Magic Eraser` by Mr. Clean.  *smile*  Have you ever used one of those things?  They are awesome!  They remove crayon, pencil and all sorts of things from your walls, the fridge, the stove ~ everywhere!

You know what`s really cool?  We all have the greatest `Magic Eraser` of all!  It`s the blood of Jesus Christ!  It washes away all of our sins!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  I John 1:9

But a lot of us continue to condemn ourselves anyway!  Why do we think that OUR sins are unforgivable?

Personally, I`ve been dealing with my own sense of condemnation.  It probably doesn`t even make sense to anyone else!

I have been spending a lot of time reading my Bible, learning and growing closer to God.  (I really enjoy it.)

The enemy constantly struggles to put a wedge between me and my salvation!  Some people might say that we give him too much credit.  Honestly, I don`t think that we give him enough!  He is a vengeful and spiteful creature!  He does NOT want anyone to find salvation, much less hold on to it!  And he certainly does NOT want people out there glorifying the Father!  He will resort to any means necessary to destroy us!

So, as I continue to study the Word of God I learn so much about sin.  I learn a lot about myself as well!  The enemy actually uses all this knowledge and continues to attack me.  I begin to feel guilty and condemned about sins from the past.    (He`s so desperate in his attacks against God`s people!)

“FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE.”  Hebrews 8:12

He WILL BE merciful!  He will remember our sins NO MORE!

If the King of Kings, Lord of Lords will remember our sins NO MORE, why on Earth are we hanging on to them?

These verses don`t say `some of our sins`!  They don`t say that He`ll forgive our sins sometimes or when He feels like it.  They say that He will cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness!

27 Then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and Your people Israel, indeed, teach them the good way in which they should walk. And send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people for an inheritance. 28 “If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, if there is locust or grasshopper, if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities, whatever plague or whatever sickness there is, 29 whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own pain, and spreading his hands toward this house, 30 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men.  II Chronicles 6:27-30

He knows your heart!  He knows everything about you!  (He has since before you were born!)

Remember growing up, you may have waited until Mom or Dad was in a `good mood` to ask for something?  It`s nothing like that with God!

All you have to do is ask!

Go to our Heavenly Father and repent your sins!

YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN!

Labels: Condemnation, Forgiveness, Guilt

"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 18:19

Do you feel guilty for asking people to pray for you or your family or friends?  Do you hesitate when the pastor calls for prayer requests?  Why is that I wonder?

I think most of us have trouble asking for prayer.  Does it make us feel weak?  Like a burden of some sort?

Lately, it seems like I`ve requested so many prayers and there are still so many more needs!  I have church friends that are suffering, people my Mom knows at work, and then there are my family`s needs!

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth.Psalm69:13

Personally, I think that prayer is SO important.

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.  Colossians 4:2-6

I wonder how often we speak with our Earthly parents?  Before my mother moved in with us, I know I talked to her daily.  Sometimes 3 or 4 times a day!  She was apprised of all of the happenings in our lives!  In fact, if I didn`t get to talk with her for some reason, I felt an emptiness!  How many of us even miss God when we `don`t get to speak with Him`?

Throughout the day I spend time with God, including Him in the day-to-day activities, thanking Him for something or asking Him for clarity, patience or tolerance.  Often, I will address prayer requests right away instead of waiting for my nighttime `chat` with Him!  *wink*

My evening prayer time is such a special time for me.  This is when I talk with my best friend!  I thank God for all that He`s doing in my life, all that He`s done and all the He`ll do!  We talk about the day, my children, my family, my church family, my internet family, current events, prayer requests ~ really lots of different things.  Often, after I`ve finished my `main` prayer, if it`s been a particularly trying day or if there are some particularly serious prayer requests, I will just lie there in bed and talk to God until I fall asleep.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.  Ephesians 6:18

Prayer can be a very simple way to minister to someone too.  I think that if you truly pray like you claim, when you tell someone in need that your prayers are with them or that you`ll pray for their needs ~ they know it ~ deep down inside!  Even people who won`t admit their belief in God, or pray themselves, they know that with your prayers, things can improve ~ it gives them hope and reassurance!

"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  Acts 6:4

There is so much going on in this world today.  Look at your own trials and struggles!  Some people may only have a few of the problems you do, but so many have more than most people can even imagine ~ let alone cope with!

Ask for Prayer!  Pray!  It`s our connection to our Heavenly Father until it`s time to go home!

Labels: Prayer

Some time ago, I did a post on weariness . . .

I hate to admit it, but I get so tired and so often!  In fact, last night, I managed to sleep from 7:30 pm (when I put my youngest down for bed) until 8:30 am.  The only reason I got up then, was to get ready for church!  *smile*

Anyway, that is 12 hours! (Daylight Savings Time)  Normally, I only sleep 5 – 6 hours.  Once my kids are in bed, I usually get this miraculous `2nd wind` and I use the time to read, study the Bible, pray, watch TV, socialize or whatever I can get in before I collapse!

It`s so easy to get caught up with everything.  We are overcome by all of the stress and the demands of the world and of the flesh!

Galatians 6

8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

I actually came across these verses while doing something else and that little light bulb in my head went off!  *wink*

It doesn`t get clearer than that!  When we serve the flesh and the demands of the world, we will only reap corruption!  When we serve the Lord and sow in the Spirit, we will reap eternal life!

DO NOT lose heart when you are doing good!  In due time you will reap!  Keep your eye on the prize!  God is at the finish line just waiting to reward you with His trophy!

Do good to ALL people!  ESPECIALLY those of the household of the faith!  My goodness!  Encourage and inspire your brothers and sisters in Christ!  Don`t criticize and condemn them!  Don`t take on a superior or condescending attitude!

What an awesome comfort!  When I feel weary, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, distraught, disheartened . . . I rest in the knowledge and comfort that I am sowing the seeds for a harvest in the eternal life my Heavenly Father has promised ~ I get a 2nd wind!  

Praise God!

Labels: Perseverance, Weary

Some days I get a little writer`s block and really don`t know what to blog about.  It`s pretty weird actually, because just when I think I may need to skip a day . . . the good Lord drops something into my lap and instantly my brain clicks and I think “That`s IT!”  *smile*

So this morning, I was taking my oldest to school and making the wonderful trip to drop off garbage (ours isn`t picked up) and it is just a beautiful day here ~ although it is absolutely freezing.  (Considering yesterday I shoveled snow with no hat and no gloves and barely needed a coat.)  Today is a completely different story.  It is very cold, you need gloves, and a hat wouldn`t hurt!  Regardless, the sun is shining and life is good!

My mom is off from work today, so my little guy got to stay home and play.  (Grocery store and play dough!)  I was driving up the road alone.  (A rare but wonderful time for a Mom!)  As I was listening to some great Christian music on a local radio station, singing along, I got to thinking about my absolutely favorite Bible verse:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

You know, this verse says ALL things!  It doesn`t say that things won`t come.  It doesn`t say that when they do they will be easy.  But it does say (promise) that ALL things are possible through Him!  He strengthens me!

Praise God!

I get very overwhelmed, very stressed out over a LOT of things and often!  I`ve always been this way.  I got to thinking about times when I really should have enjoyed my life, my children, where we were or what we were doing ~ all I can remember is getting stressed out or upset about something.

Many different songs played on the radio while I was in the car this morning.  One of them was about living your life like you might if you knew you were dying or if you had a second chance!

Well, basically, we never know when our last day might be.  Every single day is a blessed gift from God!  Our children are very precious gifts!  God hand selected each of us to be the mother`s of the children we have!  They may not be perfect, they may have some really bad habits – but they are ours!  God would never have given them to us if He didn`t trust us to raise them!  (Remember, He loves them even more than we do!)

Our circumstances?  Well, we all have different issues to deal with.  There are different people in our lives that we struggle to be kind to!  But the nuts and bolts of the whole thing is . . .  we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!

ALL . . . ALL . . . ALL!!!

A few definitions of `all`:

• the greatest possible
• every
• the whole quantity or amount
• everything
• wholly; entirely; completely

Our God is good!  He is greater than any problem, issue or person that we face!  We just have to trust Him, believe in Him and give it all up to Him.

For me, this is still a conscious decision I have to make.  Sometimes it is a lot easier than others.  But once you do it, the relief and peace you feel is amazing!  I guess you might even compare it to taking out the trash.  *wink*  When I get all that `junk` bagged up and hauled off, I feel a sense of relief and cleanliness.  `Bagging` up the weight of this world and handing it off to God is a relief that is almost indescribable!

For the weekend, I`m going to leave you with the remainder of Philippians.  Enjoy!

May God bless you in ALL that you do!

Philippians

Think of Excellence

1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.   Philippians 4:1~9

God`s Provisions

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well~pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar`s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Philippians 4:10~23

Labels: Determination, Faith, Perseverance

hope

1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
2. a particular instance of this feeling.
3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance.
4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered.
5. something that is hoped for.
6. to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
7. to believe, desire, or trust.
8. to feel that something desired may happen.
9. Archaic. to place trust; rely.
10. hope against hope, to continue to hope, although the outlook does not warrant it.


Better Things for You

Hebrews 6

9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.” 15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. 16 For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

`those who through faith and patience inherit the promises` . . . `I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you` . . . `it is impossible for God to lie`  Neato!

God`s promises are so good and the Bible says that it is IMPOSSIBLE for God to lie!

In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.  Titus 1:2

It seems like a lot of the things you purchase these days are faulty.  Toys break, electronics don`t work properly, clothing wears easily or falls apart . . .  Warrantees run out just as something does break or 100% satisfaction guarantees mean very little.

Luckily for us, God`s promises are good.  They are guaranteed!  We can easily trust and believe in the Lord.  We can have faith and hope for better things!

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

I have often said that one of the greatest gifts God blessed me with when I turned my life over to Him was hope!  Because of the faith I have in the Lord, the faith I have in His Word and promises, the faith I have in his mercy and favor, I can have hope for a secure future in Him!

“Then you would trust, because there is hope; And you would look around and rest securely.   Job 11:18

Hope can motivate you.  If you have hope, you have dreams!  You envision a better future!  There is so much potential and possibility in a future full of hope!

The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes.  Proverbs 10:28

Tribulation will come and there will be all sorts of trials and defeats, but the true promises of the Lord allow hope for a way through them.

Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.  Romans 12:12

God also promises us that if we stand by His word and remain faithful that He will restore double!  That means that every time you`ve been dealt an injustice, God is keeping track!  He will not only restore you once, but double!  Praise God!

Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.  Zechariah 9:12

With Him is ABUNDANT redemption!

O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.  Psalm 130:7

a•bun•dant

1. present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient
2. well supplied; abounding
3. richly supplied

Amen!

Labels: Hope

When you write a letter of request, often times, you will close it with something like “thank you in advance”.

My question today is why not thank God `in advance`?  He`s good for it, right?  His promises are guaranteed!

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.  Psalm 50:23

We really have so much to be thankful for.  Some days it can take a bit of effort, but it`s very important that we realize just how fortunate we are.

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.  Psalm 107:22

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.  Psalm 26:7

Early on in my fight against my depression, I decided to begin my prayer time with my `thankfuls`!

Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.  Psalm 147:7

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  Psalm 95:2

I start out really simple, like, `thank you Lord for another day` . . .  if it was a beautiful day, I thank Him for that.  If it was a particularly yucky day, then I thank Him that I work from home and didn`t have to travel in the muck!  I take time to thank Him for my children, their health, their safety . . . do you realize how many mommas out there spend every day of their lives fighting for their children`s health?  (What are we doing complaining because our 3-year old just spilled milk on the bed?  Or ran off to play post office with the bills we just prepared to mail?)

I`ve found over the years that not only has the `thankfuls` list become easier to recite, but it has become longer!  Praise God!  He is so wonderful!

From them will proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who celebrate; And I will multiply them and they will not be diminished; I will also honor them and they will not be insignificant.   Jeremiah 30:19

It`s really important to thank God for the goodness He has placed into your life. It`s also important to believe for more and thank Him in advance!  Thank Him now that your aches and pains are healed, thank Him now that your children will get good grades and grow up to be loving, kind, considerate, influential adults.  Thank Him for grandma`s recovery and the new home you know your family needs to find.  Thank Him for a good job or the ability to work from home and be there for your children!  Thank Him for good friends and companionship!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6

This is positive and proactive behavior that will cause for a wonderful and blessed future, for health, safety, success, prosperity and most magnificent of all His almighty favor!  Thank God in advance!  He IS good for it!  Amen!

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.  Revelation 7:12

Labels: Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

How often do our kids tell us that we don`t appreciate them or tell them how terrific they are?

Well, I just have to say that my son is totally awesome.  He is extremely smart and kind-hearted and I`m so darn proud of him, I could burst!  *smile*

For a History Day project, his class was given their choice of a tragedy or triumph in history to research and learn more about.  Afterwards, they had to do a presentation on it.

He and two friends chose to learn more about the Columbine High School Massacre.  Josh said that although he really wanted to learn more about it, he now knows more than he ever wanted to.

I`ve seen him in his room in tears many times over the last week.  When asked about it, he simply says “This is SO messed up!”  “How?”  Why?”  I think deep down, he was hoping to understand it better!  But like everyone else, he`s just left with more questions!

Here are some excerpts from the presentation:

We can never know for sure what drove them to this. We never will know what went through their heads. Theories have been made that they were bullied, videogames are to blame, depression, racism, and more. We do know their passionate hate for society and that they were driven to violence and eventually suicide. This might be a world filled with evil but death isn`t the answer.

The Columbine massacre has done many things, yes it was a tragedy and what happened can`t be changed but maybe it can be prevented from ever happening again. Schools have started anti – bulling rules and regulations and started to follow zero – tolerance rules. It also started gun control laws. We can`t imagine how the family and friends of the students who lost their lives feel, we should learn something and do something about it and not let the people who lost their lives die in vain.

Unbeknownst to me, these projects are similar to those of science fair projects.  Josh and his friends will be competing against other projects in the school and the winning presentations compete in county, state and national competitions.  Whoo Hoo!

When tragedies such as the Columbine High School Massacre happen, we tend to burry our heads in the sand because they don`t affect us.

Being on-line I have the opportunity to meet people all over the country and even the world.  It all becomes a little more real and `close`!  I just can`t even imagine how these parents and families must have felt or how they`re feeling now!  We send our children to school where they should be safe to learn and to be kids.  But that isn`t always the case!

Of all the `junk` that we face every day, I think it`s important to put it all into perspective!

Loving, encouraging and teaching our kids is so important!

20 My son, keep thy father`s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.  Proverbs 6:20-22

Nurturing them and `molding` them to be great adults is the most important responsibility we have!

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

The people they `grow up` to be will affect many generations to come!

18 “You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 19 “You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. 20 “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth. 22 “For if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you to do, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him, 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than you. 24 “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours; your border will be from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river, the river Euphrates, as far as the western sea. 25 “No man will be able to stand before you; the LORD your God will lay the dread of you and the fear of you on all the land on which you set foot, as He has spoken to you. 26 “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known.  Deuteronomy 11:18-28

Labels: Children

There is just so much that bombards our every day lives and it never seems to stop.  We wake up with a migraine, get stuck in traffic, someone is rude to us at the grocery store . . . I mean, trivial stuff to just sit and read it . . . but when you have a day filled with it . . . it can become too much.

Have you ever had one of those days where you fix the kids` cereal and end up spilling it all over the floor (the one you finally mopped the day before)?  Or, you rush to do a load of laundry only to spill the soap powder all over the laundry room floor?  I do this stuff all the time.  Some days though, it is enough to drive a person plum crazy!

Add in those days where your pre-schooler, whom you love desperately, hangs on your `mouse` arm while you are trying diligently to work, refuses adamantly to take a nap and then for some obscure reason, manages to stay awake until 10:00 pm.  Meanwhile, you have lost your mind ~ a few times!  *smile*

There really is hope for us girls!

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12

It is so refreshing to step back and take time with God.  Take time to pray. (Wherever you can manage it!)  Give your concerns, frustrations, and fears all up to Him.  He promises us a `crown of life` just for loving Him!  How easy is that?

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.   James 1:25

Don`t become so consumed by all this other `junk`, the distractions in life, that you become a `forgetful hearer`!  Be an `effectual doer`!  If you do, God promises that you will be blessed in what you do!  That means everything!  (Even the dishes and the laundry!)

I heard a preacher once talk about remembering to pray before you do the most simple task.  For example, you are looking for your car keys . . . say a little prayer!  Ask the Lord to help you find them quickly and without frustration!  I have actually started to do this and I have to tell you, it makes a world of difference!

That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.  Deuteronomy 30:20

He really just wants to be included in everything!  He loves us so much!  He wants us to love Him enough to remember Him and think of Him ~ always!

"Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."   Joshua 22:5

That says with ALL your heart and ALL your soul!  To me, that is such a deep down, through and through conviction and love that it can`t even be described in words!  It is something you `feel`!

I have been defeated and hopeless!  I have been weary and depressed!  I can tell you this first hand . . . there is only ONE answer!

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  John 14:6

Labels: Conviction, Dedication, Perseverance

I’m still new to blogging and what better way to make new friends than a party?

There is a nifty little party going on March 2nd – 9th at: 5 Minutes for Mom

Hope to see you there!

What in the world is `that` anyway?  People always say “that`s good enough”!

When I was married, I used to hear the phrase “that`s good enough“ quite a bit.  (At that point in his life, my ex-husband thought and said it ALL the time - he just did what he HAD to in order to get by.)

It used to drive me crazy!  So much so in fact, that after my divorce, I chose to pursue a life exactly the opposite.  I chose to strive for more of everything!  (This really wasn`t hard as I had always been considered an overachiever.)

There is nothing we should tackle in this life that we stop and say “that`s good enough”.  Go all-out!  Reach above and beyond the normal or the expected!  Don`t be average.  This applies to our parenting, our relationships, our education, our business, and especially our relationship with our Heavenly Father!  Always strive to know Him better!

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And 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. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:1-21

Don`t settle for the mundane or the mediocre!  God created us to be excellent, exceptional, successful, profitable, victorious, conquerors!

Go for it!  (Whatever IT is!) *smile*

Labels: Diligence, Encouragement