Thinking about all this rain ...

When I consider the amount of rain that continues to fall from the sky I praise God that He is working to birth something new ... 

from God Calling: Rejoice in the Springtime of the year. Let there be Springtime in your hearts. The full time of fruit is not yet but there is the promise of the blossom. Know surely that your lives too are full of glad promise. Such blessings are to be yours. Such joys, such wonders. All is indeed well. Live in My Sunshine and My Love.

You Have Been Planted

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" (John 12:24, NKJ)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria We all face difficulties and challenges in life. But you have to remember, as a believer in Jesus, you have the life-giving seed of Almighty God on the inside of you. When you go through disappointments or tough times, you may feel like you’ve been buried. You may feel like you’re in a dark, lonely place. You may feel like it’s the end, but in reality, it’s only the beginning. The fact is, you haven’t been buried; you have been planted. That means you’re coming back. And not only are you coming back, but you’re coming back in increase, better and stronger than before. In those tough times, you’ve got to draw the line in the sand. Make a declaration, “This difficulty is not going to bury me. This loss, this disappointment, this injustice is not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I refuse to live in self-pity. I know I am a seed. That means I cannot be buried. I can only be planted. I may be down, but it’s only temporary. I know I’m not only coming back, I’m coming back even better than I was before!”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, thank You for filling me with Your life-giving seed. I choose today to focus on the potential for my future. I know that I will overcome every obstacle by Your power that is at work in me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God is so good, I praise Him for the Grace He pours out, Grace that none of us deserve - but because He loves us and we receive the gift gladly. 

GRACE AND PEACE!

one step at a time

one of my favorite psalms: May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

As I step into the role of working with Aaron, I pray that the Lord will establish the work of our hands. I pray for Him to go before us in this new endeavor. The Lord is good - and I can feel He is about to do something big.  I have had a few questions regarding my teaching position, will I be returning to that ... right now - I do not know. I have talked with my Principal (who has known me since I was 14!) he will find out the when I have to officially make a decision, until then I am going to spend May and June working for Aaron. This time will allow me (and Aaron) to continue to search our hearts and be clear on our next steps.I praise God that He has placed Godly, Christian Men in leadership around me. Imagine that in a Public High School! God certainly has a plan!!!

Let God Arise

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered…”
(Psalm 68:1, NKJ).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Let me ask you today, what are you letting arise in your life? In other words, what are you focusing your words, energy, and thoughts on? You might say, “Oh, Joel, it’s just so hard right now. I lost a lot of money in the stock market.” “My health doesn’t look good.” “Somebody walked out on me.” No, you’re focusing on the wrong things. You’re letting defeat, discouragement, and self-pity rise up. Why don’t you turn that around and say, “God is still in control. Somebody may have walked out on me, but I know God is going to bring me somebody better.” “I may be hurting right now, but I know God is the restorer of my soul.” “I may have lost money in the stock market, but I’m not worried. I know God is my provider. He is supplying all of my needs. He is fighting my battles.”
When you start giving God glory and letting Him arise in your life, you can’t stay defeated. Your enemies will be scattered! They’ll tremble at your words of faith. Begin right now by declaring God’s goodness in your life and let Him arise so that you can move forward in the victory He has for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, I repent right now for allowing any negative, self-defeating thoughts or attitudes rise up in my life. You alone are my God, and I put my trust in You. I bless You today and always choose to look for the good things You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Continuing to walk in Faithful Obedience to the LORD! 

GRACE AND PEACE!

odedience

Yesterday I moved into obedience to the Lord. 

For the past 3 weeks (or more) I have been praying that He would create in me a heart like His, that He would fill me with His desires and not my own - that my life be His and not my own. I was asking to be conformed into His likeness - I have spent hours talking with Aaron. And not talking with my family, friends or really posting here in order to be very clear about what I was hearing in a still small voice - deep with in me. It all became evident and clear yesterday.

At least since spring break, I have not slept through the night with a burden hanging on me. Last night was the first night I slept all the way through the night - since I can remember. 

Going back one year, when Aaron and I knew we were expecting our lives began to change. For me, my focus began to shift - all things that I revolved around became diminished. My eyes were changing. How I processed and looked at events and situations changed. Then last July, all things that had been were no longer. From the time of Jeremy's diagnosis I began to change. My eyes were new. My life as I knew it would never be the same.

How joyful and awesome it was the day Jeremy arrived - what a blessing. Aaron and I, along with our family - got to spend an hour in fellowship with our son. Through the pregnancy we were given no expectation - when Jeremy arrived we received so much. And since that day, again I have been changing, the old Beth is gone - new Beth here. (God has a knack for getting us in alignment with Him)

My first outward move into obedience, I have retired from coaching. 

3 weeks ago, the players began spring workouts, lifting and some open gym. I really enjoy all the players - their interest in getting better and love for one another. But I had no spark, I was simply going through the motions.  Comparing to the past 5 springs, I was not prepared, not clear on the direction for the spring (typically I have the spring, summer and fall mapped out by this time). Last night was the call out meeting, and deep within me I knew without a doubt that I could not run that meeting. The program is too close to my heart to lie out right to the athletes, parents and athletic department regarding the state of my heart. To step away from coaching is a big step, but a confident step in obedience to the will of God. Last night I slept more soundly then I have in a long time. 

This decision seems very sudden to many - and I want to be clear that it was not a sudden decision, far from it. Many pages of my journal are filled with thoughts and feelings - many conversations with Aaron have filled our house. 

So what is next ... there are many things on the horizon all working directly with Aaron.

just a few:

1: Development Associate

2: Creating an Early Childhood program in the Brookside Church

3: KidsGames, sharing the gospel through sports

There will be more to come with each of these areas - and I am very excited to move into these roles with my whole heart. 

Allowing the Lord to change me from the inside out - to be a light for Him.

GRACE AND PEACE! 

 

For Sam

Today is my nephew Sam's first communion, along with all catholic 2nd graders in the area (maybe nation). He is also my GodSon, so me being the bead junkie I made him a rosary. It was quite interesting for me to learn about the construction of the piece and what the parts mean - I gained understanding for the purpose. This is a pretty big day for him ... 

Aaron and I also got him a special Bible ... "The Boys Bible: The Ultimate Manual" 

It is a pretty cool Bible, there are places to draw, write, go deeper and it even points out the gross and gory stuff in the Bible - what boy would not like that! The Bible helps boys learn to be more like Jesus mentally, physically, spiritually and socially ... all based on: Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

I think his whole family will enjoy this one:)

What an enjoyable few days - the sun is out the weather is above normal (high 70's and 80's) and I am so pleased we still have the jeep - love that wind, jamming the praise music.

Lots of things going on ... please pray for clarity and guidance. 

GRACE AND PEACE!

the SUN is out!

Today will be the first day of the "season" to take the top off the jeep! :) YEAH!

I continue to be amazed how God Calling seems so often written to me, on the day I am seeking ... today:  Guidance you are bound to have as you live more and more with Me. It follows without doubt. But THESE times are not times when you ask to be shown and led, they are times of feeling and realizing My Presence. Does the branch continually ask the Vine to supply it with sap, to show it in what direction to grow? No, that comes naturally from the very union with the Vine, and I said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches." So, My children, union with Me is the one great overwhelming necessity. All else follows so naturally, and union with Me may be the result of just consciousness of My Presence. Be not too ready to speak to others. Pray always that the need may be apparent, if you are to do this, and the guidance very plain. My Spirit has been driven out by the words of men. Discourage too much talk. Deeds live, and reecho down the ages - words perish. AS Paul: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, ... and have not charity, I am nothing ...  Remember that rarely to the human heart do I speak in words. Man will see Me in My Works done through you.

So often, I find myself "talking" ideas and thoughts over and over with various people - when I know inside what God has asked me to do - but if it does not seem the world would agree, I try to find justification from the world. What great wisdom has been gained today. Like a brick hitting me, this again makes sense. Thankfully, God is patient as we work to understand what he desires for us! 

Armloads of Blessings

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE"It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God [gave us the victory]…Now, God, do it again… so those with heavy hearts will come out laughing, with armloads of blessing" (Psalm 126, Message)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria When you have a heavy heart, when life deals you a difficult blow, God wants to turn things around in your favor. Not only does He want to bring you out, but He wants to bring you out with a smile and better off than you were before. He wants to give you the victory and fill you with armloads of blessings!

You might be thinking, “That sounds too good to be true. You don’t know my situation.” But understand, God wants to overwhelm you with His goodness. He wants you to feel like you are living in a dream. The scripture says that He delights in the prosperity of His people. In other words, it gives Him great joy to bless you. You can be certain that when you stand in faith, even when it’s difficult, God will reward you. He’ll fill you with His peace. He’ll give you supernatural strength. He’ll give you the grace you need to face those challenges. You can be sure that He’ll always lead you into victory and fill you with armloads of blessings!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of victory and blessing. I choose to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Have Your way in me and lead me into the life of blessing You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!!!!!

He is Good

From God Calling:

You will conquer. Do not fear changes. You can never fear changes when I, your Lord, change not. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am beside you. Steadfastness, unchangingness, come to you, too, as you dwell with Me. Rest in Me.

SO really - how much more can I be reminded that the change I fear is of this world. Thank you Lord, that You are unchanging - You remain the same and in that knowing I can enter into Rest.

Life is a training school. Remember, only the pupil giving great promise of future good work would be so singled out by the Master for strenuous and unwearied discipline, teaching and training.

Makes me think about sports -  when a coach sees potential for a player to succeed at the next level they push them hard. The expectation is greater for those players then others ... this I get - this I understand. 

What a reason to REJOICE - We are pupils of great promise of future work for the KINGDOM! 

On Sunday 3 of my mothers dear friends stopped by with a special gift for Aaron and I to honor Jeremy. They purchased a fountain to create a focal point for a memory garden. They also gave us a give card to select the plants of our choice. How AWESOME that we can create an outdoor space in memory of Jeremy ... I have begun sketches. I look forward to posting the pictures of our creation! (On the side ... we are going to be creating a porch to accompany the garden ... any help or advice would be appreciated:) 

The LORD IS GOOD! 

GRACE AND PEACE!

recap

Wonderful weekend - God is so good, the retreat this weekend was wonderful. There were about 60 women representing 5 different churches. Times for fellowship, teaching, healing and worship. It was exhausting and rejuvenating at the same time.

Suffering - we will all suffer. Suffering is suffering is suffering. The cause of the suffering is not really the important part - how you deal with it is. Most beneficial to me, was realizing (yet again) that none of us are alone.  

One woman's story hit particularly close to my heart. We are the same age, at 19 she was diagnosed with MS. This is a debilitating disease that effects the nervous system and the body begins to shut down from the inside out. There is no cure and very little known about who gets it and how certain people get it.  She is now a 35, in the past year she has been confined to a wheel chair as her balance is off and the use of her legs have been diminished. When she shared - never once did she cry out "why me", she only spoke of God and her Love for Jesus - that relationship was the core of her being. Always has been. She was truly amazing, I instantly was drawn to her. My Grandfather, my fathers Dad, had MS - this woman had a similar sense of humor as my Grandfather and I truly enjoyed talking with her - like talking with my Grandfather.  What a blessing. I will continue to pray for Shelly - and I do hope to see her again - I am sure our paths have crossed for a reason ... looking on expectantly to the plan for this one! 

He Anoints Your Head with Oil

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE “…You anoint my head with oil" (Psalm 23:5, NKJ)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In the Bible, oil is symbolic of the anointing of God. Do you know what oil does? It makes things flow. Whenever there is friction or something gets stuck, putting oil on it makes it become more fluid. That’s what God wants to do for you. He wants to anoint your head with oil. When he does that, notice what David says in Psalm 23, “Because God anoints me, because I walk in His favor; surely, goodness and mercy will follow me everywhere I go." His anointing makes things easier. People will go out of their way to be good to you for no reason. You’re going to have creativity, wisdom, and good ideas. God’s anointing on your life will cause the right doors to open. It will bring the right people across your path. It will make things go smoother. And the good news is, all you have to do is ask Him for it. Remember, He longs to be good to you. You can trust that His anointing will make things easier, and He will lead you into the abundant life He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, thank You for Your favor in my life today. Thank you for causing me to be at the right place at the right time. Anoint my head with Your oil so that I move forward in the path You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

As I look back now, and consider how we can determine how we deal with the suffering in our lives I was encouraged by the word shared today by Joel - we are anointed and he has caused us to flow in to specific places in life. I am pleased to know that all relationships will be used by Him for the Kingdom. I continue to walk in a faithful trust that the Lord has a good and perfect plan ... and I need to continue to move forward in this journey. What an awesome journey it is. Praise God!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Peace and Joy

Yesterday was a hard day for me - no real clarity on why, it just was. This morning I found much reassurance in my time with the Lord ....

From God Calling: (it was a long one, I pulled out parts)

Resignation to My Will keeps Me barred out from more hearts than does unbelief. Can anything be such a crime against Love as being resigned? My Will should be welcomed with a glad wonder if I am to do My Work in the heart and life. 

But the constant experience of Me, the constant persistent recognition of My Work in daily happenings, the numberless instances in which seeming chance or wonderful coincidence can be, must be, traced back to My loving forethought - all these gradually engender a feeling of wonder, certainty, gratitude, followed in time by Joy.

Joy is of two kinds. The Joy born of Love and Wonder, and the Joy born of Love and Knowledge, and between the experience of the two Joys lie discipline, disappointment, almost disillusion.

But combat in My Strength, persevere in obeying my Will, accept My discipline, and the second Joy will follow. 

And of this second Joy it was that I said, "Your joy no man taketh from you." 

Do not regret the first, the second is the greater gift.

I am between the two joys.

I long to move through this between stage to Love and Knowledge.

With His perfect Strength and Love - I will! 

From Stormie: Finding Peace in the Midst of Suffering (just part)

"And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:14

God's power and ways are immeasurable, far beyond our comprehension. We do not understand His ways that allow us to suffer. And we do not understand His power to redeem and restore us.

How much more should we praise God when we know for certain that God loves us, has a purpose, and is working out His plan throughout every experience.

So even in the midst of turmoil and grief, praise God for the path He has chosen for you and for His refining power and love. When the heat is on, allow the Refiner to purify your soul.  

Reading Job 26, the entire section very powerful.  Reminding me how big God is. How He really does control it all. I pray that I continue to walk in faithful trust on the path He has chosen for me. 

This afternoon I am heading to a Ladies Retreat, with some women from Brookside/Northview. I was looking over what to bring and I was reminded of the title:

Joy Cometh ... When Gods Will Doesn't Feel So Good

The retreat is 24 hours, check in at 5pm, depart Saturday at 5pm. Please keep me and all the women in your prayers ... I am looking on expectantly to hearing the voice of God.

GRACE AND PEACE!

 

another sunset

He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters 

for a boundary between light and darkness.   

Job 26:10

I have 3 different nights of sunsets - I am mesmerized by the colors and reflections. Then today in my reading I was inspired to post one of the images with the scripture above

 - God is so amazing.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Psalm 16

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." As for the saints who are in the land, they are glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord always before men. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16

From my journal today:

I feel left out, left behind. Out of the loop. 

So many friends with stories of births and pregnancy surround me. I am truly joyful for each one - many long awaited answer to prayers, which is awesome. But on a level inside I feel so alone and left out. I want to be in on the stories and have more to share. I long to share about a second pregnancy for our Family. Some days I struggle trusting this plan the Lord has for me. 

From Stormie, today:

Passing the Test (I pulled out the parts that touched me)

The most miserable times in my life as a believer have been during what I see now were periods of testing. And they came just before the most significant breakthrough of God's light. The good news is that the mores challenging the test, the more monumental the reward waiting for us on the other side of it - IF we react to it in the right way. 

We are often put to our most difficult test just before the greatest work of God in our lives is about to be accomplished.

The Bibles story of Job is important because the magnitude of Job's suffering in his time of testing is unimaginable. It is the worst case scenario. He lost everything, including his children, and his health. Although he suffered agony, he never doubted or turned against God. His reward for faithfulness was that "the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more then the first"(Job 42:12)

God decides the time, place, and manner of testing. No matter what the test entails, God wants us to have unflinching faith in the midst of it, just like Job had.

The only way God can lead you to where you 've never been , and you can't get there without Him, is to call you to a new place in your life that requires more purity of heart, more faith, and more obedience than you've ever known. Ask Him to help you pass any test necessary in order to receive all He has for you.

MY PRAYER:

LORD, be with me and in me. I am not strong enough to go through this test and this season without you. Fill me Lord will your Spirit. I need your strength in this process and I look forward expectantly to the other side of this test. I look forward to the great reward. Lord, create in me a heart that is full of your desire - make my will, your will. Continue to Strengthen me Lord.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Pictures

A glimpse of our week on the Beach. These are from my camera ... and I know my mom and sisters have more pictures as well. 

Nana and Papa laughing ...

brothers and sisters

The crew, sitting on the "fence" my dad made one afternoon at the beach.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Facing Fears

My daily reading today has taken me into Job ... over the past 9 months or so, I have had a number of friends tell me that they have studied Job and I should take a closer look at the book. I am sure sometime I will spend more time in just this book - I have spent time in Job, as part of my reading the Bible in one year (this is the 3rd year I am going through the Bible) but I have yet spent an extend period of time just with this one book. I know the story and I understand why it would be appropriate for me to take a closer look - but I just have not been truly inspired to do so - yet. 

With that stated - and looking back how last week I was considering my fears. Today's reading from Stromie was very timely - DUH.

"What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil" Job 3:25-26

Job was considered by God to be a righteous man, yet Job had fear. He feared something happening to his children,. He feared failing health. He feared losing everything. When each one of those fears came true, he said, "I have no rest, but only turmoil." Overwhelmed with grief, Job wished he had never been born. He had lived according to God's laws, had worshipped God rather than his possessions, and still he was afflicted. Who can criticize Job for his reaction?How many of us have lost everything - including our children, health, and possessions? How would we respond to such a horrible situation?

When the thing we fear most comes upon us, the only way to react is to praise God in the midst of it. That doesn't mean we have to act as though nothing bad has happened. Besides, healthy grief is important. But we must still recognize he things about God that are always true no matter what is happening  and how afraid we are.

Whatever your deepest fears are right now, bring everyone of them to God. Thank Him that He is greater than any of them. Thank Him that in His presence all fear is gone. "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands ... He will have no fear of bad news; his heart steadfast, trusting in the Lord"(Psalm 112:1,7)

God's love can take away your fear. His love gives the power to stand against the enemy of your soul when he wants fear to overwhelm you. And even if your worst fears do come upon you, God's love assures you that He will walk with you every step of the way toward restoration.

PRAISE GOD! 

I think about my current fear - change. And this past year that is all that has been occurring in and around me. Everything has changed. And the fears that became reality during the year of change God has been there - walking with me and many times carrying me. So now when I think more change is coming - I know in my depths that Our Father is with me, walking and ready to carry me if needed. 

Everyday, I recognize how weak I am ... and how the Holy Spirit fills me over and over with the love and strength needed to move through out my day. GLORY!

GRACE AND PEACE!

The Tomb is Empty!

The tomb is empty, Jesus overcame death. 

Because of this we have been forgiven -and will have the opportunity to party in the Kingdom FOREVER! 

This is a bittersweet Easter, like never before. 

Aaron preached today, the title "The Resurrection of a Dream" 

During his sermon, he talked about various people in the bible that lost their dreams during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. 

The person I related to ... Mary, the mother of Jesus. From Aaron:

Mary, the mother of Jesus, remembers the angel had said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” and Mary cries out within her heart, “What happened! My God, what happened!” 

The angel said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you bear!” But now, here she stands, a mother stricken with grief beyond words, the death of a dream.

But Glory to God - on the Third Day the Tomb was empty - Jesus had conquered death. With this day, our dreams have not died - they have the opportunity to be resurrected. 

the scripture shared today ... 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! On his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is reveled.1 Peter 1:3-7

Today, I have had the honor to think of my son, Jeremiah - and the never ending celebration in the Kingdom. What a welcoming party he experienced and I am blessed to know that he will be at my welcoming party too. How I long to meet Jesus and Jeremy - what an awesome sight, that I can only imagine. I think how every day is "Easter" in the Kingdom ... how marvelous, how wonderful .... Thank YOU ABBA FATHER! 

GRACE AND PEACE!

Wonderful Husband!

Some may know that Aaron is not known for preparing surprises ... so when he does it is a true blessing!

When I got home tonight after picking up the pizza, he had a card for me ... in the card a special surprise for tomorrow, breakfast, mani-pedi and tickets to Hannah Montana: the Movie with My sister and her daughter. 

We are having a girls day -planned by the boys! What a wonderful surprise! 

NICE JOB AARON ... what are we celebrating: RESURRECTION SUNDAY:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

great word

As I think about Changes and how I fear the changes ... 

Anxious for Nothing

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”
(Philippians 4:6, NASB).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

So many people today are living uptight, worried and anxious about the future, filled with frustration and concern. In the natural there may be good reason, but understand, that is not God’s best. God doesn’t want us to live in anxiety and frustration; He wants us to live in peace. You can find rest in Him knowing that no matter what is happening around you, God Almighty has His hand on you.
  
The next time you’re tempted to worry or be anxious about something, remember this verse. God invites us to come to Him. In fact, the Bible says He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. But notice, we can’t just come to Him any old way. He wants us to come to Him with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. Begin by simply saying, “Father in heaven, thank You for the privilege to come before You. Thank You for hearing my prayers.” As you come to Him with an open and humble heart, He will hear you and fill you with His peace and joy all the days of your life.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I choose to be anxious for nothing. I choose to set aside my worries and concerns. I thank You for Your faithfulness to meet every need in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Fears

Yesterday I wrote in my journal, "FEARS - What do I fear?  CHANGE.  Lord you are/have changed all that is around me. You are changing my heart. Provide the strength needed to follow. I will never be strong enough to do it on my own. "

today from God Calling, just a portion.

Fear and despair and tears come as you stand by the empty Tomb. "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." 

Rise from your fears and go out into the sunlight to meet ME, your Risen Lord.

When I begin to consider and reflect on all that has changed in and around me over the past year I become curious about the call on my life. HE chose a very direct way to get me to shift gears (which honestly I still feel could have been just as effective in a different manner) BUT I am in a season of change. It is strange and scary - at the same time settling, resting in the knowledge that the Lord has a plan and I trust it completely.

Today I began reading the book of Esther, I really like the story. 

And who knows but that you have come to this royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14b

This story is about being positioned to make a huge impact for the kingdom. Esther like Ruth, was willing to serve the Lord. They were obedient and willing. How I pray to be like them.

prayer: Prepare me Lord, for such a time when I can be Your instrument of salvation and deliverance for others.

This has been a week of change. 

We returned from North Captiva, that was my focus for the past 3 months. We are back and life is supposed to return to "normal" except I forget my current normal is not the same normal of my past. Which brings me to thoughts of change, how I am entering into a time of new change - I do not know what that will look like for certain, but I have surrendered my heart and mind to hearing the voice of the Lord to direct. 

Spring open gym started this week - I actually had tears in my eyes as the players arrived, excited to see each other (and me) they a a truly amazing group of young ladies that enjoy playing volleyball as well as enjoy each other. It was very calming. What a blessing. I will have the opportunity to see them 2 times a week through the remainder of the school year - catching up on their lives is awesome. 

GRACE AND PEACE!

Sunset

These sunset pictures were taken from our 3rd floor kitchen/dining/family room. On the right is "pete's retreat" it is a big red house that I have in all the pictures - not by choice. But the view was rather spectacular. 

This was the only sunset with out any clouds, the other nights were also spectacular ... but watching the sun go down into the ocean unobstructed was too cool not to share.

One of the twins asked if the sun went into the water with the fishes - that is exactly what it appeared to do this night:)  More to come.

 

New Video

I posted a new song / video over to the left. 

Yes, it is Miley Cyrus aka:Hannah Montana

I heard the song last week on my sisters iPod and LOVED IT!

It is from her new movie, I think out this Friday.

enjoy.

love this one

One of my favorite Psalms, I continue to listen for the Lord to speak to me ... 

from Joel today:

Delight In Him

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart” 
(Psalm 37:4, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you know what it means to delight yourself in the Lord? One of the definitions of this word in the original Hebrew means: to be soft or pliable. In other words, when we allow God to shape and mold our character, we are delighting ourselves in Him.
    
The scripture tells us that God is the potter and we are His clay. The potter can’t work with hard, dry clay; He has to use soft, moldable clay. We are the ones who decide if we will allow God to work with us or not. We decide if we are going to be soft and pliable or if we are going to allow the world to make us hard and dry. How do we stay soft and moldable? By simply immersing ourselves in the water of God’s Word. Friend, when you and I make God’s Word a priority in our lives, we are setting ourselves up to be used by God. We are delighting in Him. We are yielding to Him, and we are opening the door for Him to give us the desires and secret petitions of our hearts!.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I come to You giving You all that I am. I am committed to Your Word and I invite You to work in my life. Make me more like You and may everything I do be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

I will post some pictures tomorrow ... just trying to pick out my favorites from the over 200 taken!

GRACE AND PEACE!

4.4.09

We began the journey home Saturday the 4th, now we are home. I did not have an opportunity to post - but wanted to share this from my journal:

4.4.2009

Today is Jeremy's 3 month birthday. Three Months. 8 months since we knew to expect a boy. 11 months since we knew we were expecting a baby. What a wild ride. A journey that can only be of God. I pray I have completely surrendered to Him.

From God Calling, 4.4

I am all-powerful and all-knowing and I have all your affairs in My Hands. Divine efficiency as well as Divine Power is being brought to bear on them. All miracle-work is not the work of a moment as so often men imagine. 

My servant Peter was not changed in a flash from a simple fisherman to a great leader and teacher, but through the very time of faithfulness - through the very time of denial - I was yet making him all that he should be. Impetuous spokesman as he always was, ready to lead the other disciples, Peter could never have been the after the power he was, had he not learned his weakness. No man can save, unless he understands the sinner.

The Peter who was a mighty force for Me afterwards, who, more than all others, founded My Church, was not even first the Peter who said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," but the Peter who denied Me. He who had tested My forgiveness in his moment of abject remorse, he could best speak of Me as the Savior.

The kingdom of Heaven can only be preached by those who have learned to prize the authority of its Kingdom. A many-sided training My Apostles need. 

Oh! joy. Oh, rejoice. I love you. Not one test too much will I lay on you.

from my daily reading 4.409

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: He is good; his love to Israel endures forever  Ezra 3:11

prayer: Lord, I thank you for the solid foundation You have laid for me. Lord, I pray that you will provide for me the opportunities to be a light of your love, joy and peace in the areas that you desire, I pray that you will continue to direct my heart. Create in me a heart that is full of your desire. In your Son's precious name, Jesus. AMEN

I will write and post pictures regarding our trip ... soon:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

Stepping into Something Great

my reading 4.2.09: From Stormies Heart
Many people know their calling but can't see how it will ever be realized in the details of their lives. That's because they are always trying to accomplish it in their own strength. But God doesn't say, "Here's what I want you to do with your life, now go do it." He first gives you a vision and then says, "Walk step-by-step with Me, and I'LL do it through you."Also, the whole of our call does not suddenly drop in our laps. We grow into it a step at a time, and it is realized gradually.
If you feel called to something better than what you are doing at this time, let me assure you that it is probably because you are. If you have never sought God about His plans and purposes for your life, do that now. If you have already done that, then there must be a purpose for what you are doing at this moment that you cannot see. Of perhaps you have not surrendered your dreams to the Lord. In any case, know that He will not leave you where you are forever.
Don't be afraid of the perfecting process that prepares you to move into God's call on your life. It will establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:10). Just stand strong through the fire and you will be purified, molded, humbled, and made ready for what He has for you to do. If you walk step-by-step with God, you'll come out of that time with a sense of His presence and power that will make it all worthwhile. It will set you on the path of greatness.
Let me clarify the meaning of greatness. Too often when people think of greatness, it stirs up images in their minds of having great talent, great riches, great fame, great influence, great power, or great accomplishments. They mistakenly believe that greatness comes about because of something they are or something they have. But greatness is not about us, it's about His greatness in us. God's idea of greatness is having a heart, soul, and spirit so full of His greatness that it manifests through us.
In the bible, the word "great" is nearly always is used to describe who God is: "For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise" (1 Chronicles 16:25). Or what God has done: "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy" (Psalm 126:3).
A great person is one who obeys God: "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19). A great person is one who is a servant: "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26).
When we acknowledge God's greatness through our worship of Him, we invite His greatness to dwell in us. When we obey God and serve Him and others, we open the door for Him to do great things through us. This is the kind of greatness God has called us to in our lives.

I really enjoyed this reading this morning ... as I have been able to consider all that God has planned for me, for Aaron - for my family. We all want to be great - but do we really understand what that means?

GRACE AND PEACE!