In all things

Honor Him in All That You Do

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work" (Titus 3:1, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria In what ways do you honor God? A lot of times, people think “I go to church to honor God. I read my Bible to honor God. I sing and clap to honor God.” And yes, those are ways to honor God, but did you know that you honor God just as much when you get to work on time? You honor God when you are productive each day and honor the people in authority over you. You honor God when you excel in your career.

Actions speak louder than words. When you give your very best in the workplace, your whole life is giving praise to God—it’s one of the best witnesses you could ever have. Just showing up with a good attitude, friendly, organized, being your best—people will notice there’s something different about you. They’ll want what you have.

As believers, we should set the standard in all areas of life. People should see the depth of your character and your spirit of excellence and know that you are a child of the Most High God. Make the decision to honor Him in all that you do because you are His representative in the earth today!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, I choose to honor You in all that I do. I choose to set the standard and do my very best. Thank You for the privilege to be Your representative. I love You and bless You! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

I have posted my first items on Etsy .... www.bethshelby.etsy.com

I will continue to work on the photos for the pieces, jewelry is not the easiest to capture. BUT I have access to my sisters AWESOME camera and that helps.

GRACE AND PEACE!

From the Belly of a Fish

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

Salvation comes from the Lord."

Jonah 2:8

(then the Lord commanded the fish and it vomited Jonah onto dry land)

I read this passage this morning .... I have created idols.

Last week I drafted an email. In regards to my teaching position. I spent hours talking with God and Aaron about why I would or would not return. Boiled down, the reason to return, the money and security.

Money became an idol.

Security became an idol.

Before you laugh thinking about a teachers salary - it is reliable, consistent, and actually better then you might think. Granted, I was also coaching or working in some extra-curricular area. Never in 12 years did I simply "just teach". But I never started a school year for the money or the security, I loved working at the school, building relationships and creating all day. The feeling of only going back because of money and security is a new to me. By clinging to these idols I was FORFEITING grace from God to have the ability to take full action in my life.

Therefore, I have laid it all on the alter of the Lord. He has complete control over my life. He has brought so many opportunities to me over the past 5 months that I would not have imagined a year ago.

I am a slow learner - God likes to shake things up. I was getting very comfortable in my routine. For me, it is time to move to the next chapter of this unfolding tale. I have continued to work close with Aaron in ministry, that continues to unfold. I have set up my studio and am busy working on multiple jewelry orders. I am about to go pubic with my Etsy site, just working on quality pictures.

I have vowed to work for the Lord, following his will for me - getting out of the way of myself and trusting HIM. Please continue to pray for Aaron and I as we continue to take steps of obedience in the Lord.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Expectation

Looking over my journals and my blogging, have noticed a theme of expectancy. I have been constantly expecting God to do something BIG ... and I know that he will. But He has also been doing MANY MANY smaller things that when placed all together have created something big. I am always amazed how my mind cannot even begin to put together all that God has planned. I am a work in progress, working on not seeing things through my eyes - but through Kingdom eyes ....

FROM JOEL: Expect God to Act

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"[A Psalm] of David. Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity; I have [expectantly] trusted in, leaned on, and relied on the Lord without wavering and I shall not slide"
(Psalm 26:1, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that God loves to hear you call upon His name? He has ways to meet your needs that you´ve never imagined, and He´s just waiting for you to ask expectantly. Are you expecting God to act on your behalf today?

So many people pray with an attitude as if they are trying to hit a dartboard blindfolded! They know the target is there, they have an idea of the general direction; they just hope they´ll just get somewhere close. But understand, when you get into God´s Word and declare His promises over your life, it´s like taking the blindfold off and walking straight up to the bull´s eye! When you pray with expectancy according to God´s Word, you´ll hit the target every single time.

What are your needs today? Find the promise in God´s Word that addresses those needs. Then, expect God to act! He is faithful to His Word, and He´s just waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I come to You with an attitude of faith and expectancy. I know that You have good plans for me, and I choose to come into agreement with Your Word. Thank You for hearing my prayers as I wait patiently for You. In Jesus´ Name. Amen."

GRACE AND PEACE!

And again ...

wow- this was a must share from Joel today ....

Get into Agreement with God

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them"
(Matthew 18:19-20, NKJ)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

There´s a spiritual principle in the Bible that tells us when two or more agree on something, that thing shall be established. There is great power in agreement. In another verse it says, "How can two walk together unless they agree?" In other words, if we want to walk with God, if we want to see His promises established in our lives, if we want to live in His power, we have to get into agreement with Him. We have to know what He says and make our thoughts and actions line up with His.

For example, God wants His children to live in victory, but in order to experience that victory we have to think it, believe it, and speak it. We can´t go around thinking, "Oh my breakthrough is never going to happen. Nothing works out for me. It´s been too long." No, that attitude will stop the power of agreement. Instead of complaining, get into agreement with God and declare, "I know my breakthrough is coming. I know God hears my prayers. I am in agreement with Him and all things work out for my good!" Choose His words, thoughts, and actions and watch His promises come to pass in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, today I humbly come to You. Search my mind and heart and show me any areas of my life that are not in agreement with You. I choose to align myself with Your Word knowing that You have the best plan for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE

Even Jesus!

Yesterday I was feeling like a "loser" in my inability to follow the Lord obediently ... then while mowing the lawn and listening to a podcast ( Greg Boyd, Woodland Hills Church) he pointed out this scripture:

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered ... Hebrews 5:8

the HE is Jesus ... God created himself as man, he was perfect - sinless ... but even HE had to learn to be obedient.

A wave of relief moved through me yesterday. I know that everyday I learn a little bit more how to be obedient. We must learn ... We have to CHOOSE to be in obedience.

Moreover, the obedience was learned through his suffering. Jesus was a suffering servant. And where did that land him .. on the right hand of His Father. I reflect on my own suffering and can not even begin to image how God will bless me when I align myself with Him in obedience. That excites me.

In my own walk to be more like Christ, it is so helpful to know that there were somethings that He also had to learn - and I also know that while I strive to be more like Christ, I will fall short, but praise to his grace and mercy He will keep picking me up and moving me forward.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Aaron

This weekend snuck up on Aaron. He was not expecting the feelings and emotions of Father's Day to have an impact on him. I could have warned him, but it was best to simply let it unfold. He was working on his sermon for Sunday, the final in a series called "Triple Threat" one that he planned specifically to end on Father's Day with a special word to Fathers. As he worked, he was agitated and went for a long walk Saturday afternoon, then after the Northview service, before going to Life Group - he mentioned to me "I am having a hard time today". I smiled and said "I know - do you want to talk more?" We did when we got to the car - he shared with me his feelings regarding the short time he knew Jeremy. And the waves that grief rolls through. I am so blessed to have a husband that can share his feelings, honest and raw. It was helpful to me, because 6 weeks ago with Mother's Day - I was there. One more opportunity to see how God has pulled us together.

Aaron felt connected to Jesus this weekend ... he shared this scripture with me:

... a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Isaiah 53:3

The weekend was a reminder that there are going to be twists and turns on our journey, as well as the straight a ways. We remain rooted and steadfast in the Word. Thankfully, knowing and understanding that we are not the driver - and God has a good and perfect plan for each of us.

I am amazed how everyday God grows my love for Aaron. What a blessing.

My Devotion Yesterday from God Calling

Go forward fearlessly.

Do not think about the Red Sea that lies ahead. Be very sure that when you come to it the waters will part and you will pass over to your promised land of freedom.

I am wrestling in my mind - walking my own walk or walking in obedience ... my own walk is very familiar ... obedience is unknown. Moses chose to walk in obedience, right up to the raging Red Sea and he trusted the deliverance of God. Moses had to see what was up ahead, but he continued forward.

My Prayer: Lord thank you for your love and guidance. Build in me the courage and strength to be obedient to you. To follow your will placed by you in my soul to do the good works you have prepared in advance for me. Help me Lord - to walk in faithful trust of your plan. Right now, Lord be with me, comfort my mind silence the voices that are not yours. Thank you Lord that you know what I need before I ask - thank you Lord that you go before me in all things. In your son's precious name, Jesus, I thank you Lord. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE

God Calling

Wait to hear My Will and then obey. At all costs obey. Do not fear. I am a wall of protection around you, See this. To see this with the eyes of faith is to cause it to manifest in the material.

Remember I long to work miracles, as when on Earth I wrought them, but the same condition holds good. I cannot do many mighty works because of unbelief. So only in response to your belief can I do miracle-works now.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Hope - Expectation

Chatting with a dear friend and sister in Christ last night we talked about how there is a fine line between HOPE and EXPECTATION.

My mind continued on the topic this morning in my time with God. I concluded that the line is not so much between Hope and Expectation, but in GOD and MAN.

Anytime we place either of these feelings and emotions in Man we will almost always be let down or disappointed. They are outcome dependent, typically an outcome that we pre-determined to be the correct one. In contrast, when we place our Hope and Expectation in God - we trust and rely on the FACT that God is Good and HE has a perfect plan for us. Regardless of the outcome, we are trusting God - the perfecter and author of us.

Of course last night and this morning I was rolling over in my mind and heart Jeremy. My hope was to have my son with me for many years and the expectation that the medical professionals were all wrong. All of that was in Man. God did so much more. While I miss Jeremy daily, and spend time thinking about what my 5 month old son would be doing. I am utterly amazed at how God has used this opportunity to grow me, mend me, and stretch me beyond anything I (on my own) could have started to imagine - therefore I was not even able to hope or expect.

It simply comes down to where are we placing our hope and expectation ... in MAN or in GOD?

GRACE AND PEACE!

Only Wednesday

This week has been so full of goings on!

Sunday was full, which brought on the start of KidsGames ... which my roll was on the front end and not so much during the event except as support. Connection Pointe Church of Brownsburg is doing a phenomenal job leading the event. They are on a week long Urban Mission Trip with 3 members of Lead Staff, 3 other adults and 18 "youth" 7th and 8th grade students. It is awesome to observe the interactions and love pouring from them. They are staying at a nearby church that can house the group. They spend the day at Brookside, then have various evening excursions. What a blessing! This is a groundbreaking model for KidsGames ... with the hopes of repeating this model city wide next year. YEAH!

Last Night was an entirely different adventure ... I had the opportunity to see the Broadway Musical Wicked. 2 years ago I read the book, so I knew the premise - and in typical fashion the musical is "loosely" based on the book. I am always amazed at the talent of stage actors - live performance is awesome. My sister's husband had secured great seats, some of the best in the house. The interesting turn of events happened when while we were eating dinner (MacNivvens sp?) a Scottish Pub/Eatery ... the rain did not let up. When we got to the show, we (Aaron, Laura, Sarah, Sheri and I) were soaked - dripping wet. There was only one umbrella and our Mother used it. But the show was great and I hope for more opportunities to attend shows with Aaron ... he also let me know not only does he enjoy musicals - but he would like to go to the symphony and not just on the Prairie.

So now it is Wednesday, I am preparing to head to Brookside ... I will be able to assist with the Tie-Dye activity. We are hoping to do this outside - rain please stay away!

From Joel:

Something to Talk About

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Sing praises to the Lord, Who dwells in Zion! Declare among the peoples His doings!"
(Psalm 9:11, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God wants to give you something to talk about! He wants to overwhelm you in such a way that everywhere you go, you talk about what God is doing in your life. You tell your friends, your neighbors, your children, your grandchildren about the great things God has done for you!

Are you looking for His goodness? Are you talking about what He’s already done in your life? God never intended for us to just drag through life defeated and discouraged. We aren’t supposed to go around with a negative attitude saying, “I never get any good breaks. I never get promoted. My back has been hurting for three years.” No, we are supposed to declare His Word and watch it come to pass!

I encourage you to choose an attitude of faith today. Start talking about His goodness and be a living testimony of all God has done. If you’ll start living breakthrough–minded, God will show up and give you something to talk about

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You for blessing me with life today. I choose to have a thankful attitude and to declare Your goodness everywhere I go. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Dean Alexander

Too Cute - I know.

This is Dean Alexander ... he arrived 6.15.2009, 6lbs 10oz

EVERYONE is doing well.

Aaron and I were able to visit Monday night. As we turned into the hospital, I dawned on me that we had not been to that hospital since our 17 week high resolution ultra sound. Amazing how specific memories can flood right in, but God is good and He moves us one step at a time.

It was quite refreshing to enter and meet such a cute little man. Also great to be with Aaron's Parents - I even was fortunate enough to change a "dirty" :)

GRACE AND PEACE!

HE did it!

God is so good - I think he slowed time for me yesterday. I was able to attend Brookside, make it to Jameson's baptism, and return to Brookside for the coordinators meeting and KidsGames vision training! I was worn out by the time Aaron and I got home - but God was so good in preparing the way for the day. GLORY!

Just got a text from Kim, my Sister-In-Law, this morning ... Stephanie's water broke, so Dean should be arriving today! This will be our 9th nephew ... 12th over all. The girls are seriously out numbered in this family. Nonetheless, Aaron and I will head over tonight.

I must share the devotion from God Calling....

I am planning for you. Wonderful are My Ways beyond your knowledge.

OH! realize My Bounty and My Goodness more and more. The wonder of being lead by ME! The beauty of a guided life!

These will enter your consciousness more and more and bring you ever more and more Joy.

You are very nearly at the point when you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you.

You have entered upon a wonderful era - your lives are planned and blessed by ME as never before.

You are overcoming. You are counting all things but loss if you can win ME. And the promises to him that overcometh are truly wonderful, and will always be filled.

Wonderful encouragement ... I have started to set up my workspace, the beading will begin this week. I have so many ideas for jewelry in my head just scratching to get out ....YEAH! That is an answer to prayer. Tentatively, I will have an open house in July .... details to follow.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Good Stuff

This is a full day - with a week that will be equally full.

Today, Sunday June 14th .... I am dependant (like always) on God to determine what gets accomplished!

here is the time line:

8:45 head to Brookside

9:15 - 9:45 prep class rooms, attend to any needs

10 service begins, Aaron is preaching

10:45 Kids dismissed, then I will know if I have kiddos

11:15 - 11:30 service ends

....

11 am, Jameson (my nephew,8 months) is being baptized @ Northminster Presbyterian Church

12 - Northminster Ends service

Jameson is being baptized as part of the sermon .... so that should be about 11:30 ??

....

12:30 - 1:30 ish Brookside Coordinator Lunch (Aaron and I are providing the lunch)

2 pm - 5 KidsGames Vision Training

5 - 6:30 KidsGames Dinner

So the trusting portion ... will I make it to the baptism???

I am completely relying on the Lord to provide that answer. Thankfully my sister is very understanding - and is not upset that Aaron and I cannot be there for the lunch and might not make the service ...

FROM GOD CALLING:

Take each day, and with no backward look, face the day's problem with ME, and seek MY Help and guidance as to what you can do.

All is well - the Lord knows what will and will not happen today, in that I rest and do not fret. I will do my best to go with the flow. The Lord will move me and provide as needed. PRAISE HIM!

GRACE AND PEACE!

worth sharing

Turn Away From Discouraging Voices

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"And David turned away from Eliab..."
(I Samuel 17:30, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When David was a shepherd boy, his father asked him to take lunch to his brothers out on the battlefield. When he arrived, he heard Goliath taunting and challenging the people of God. David asked the men standing around, “What is the prize for defeating this giant?” They said, “The reward is one of the king’s daughters in marriage and no more taxes.” That got David’s attention. He knew this was a battle worth fighting.

When David’s older brother, Eliab, heard him talking about fighting the giant, he tried to embarrass him. In front of all those men Eliab said, “David, what are you doing out here? And what have you done with those few sheep our father left you with?” He tried to make him feel small. He was saying, “David, you’re not important. You’ll never do anything great.” But I love the way David responded. The Scripture says that David turned and walked away from Eliab. I believe one of the main reasons that David was a champion is because he knew which battles to fight. He knew to turn away from discouraging voices so he could focus his energy on the real battle.

Today, what are the discouraging voices coming against you? Choose to turn away from those distractions so you can turn toward the victory God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I humbly come to You today releasing all my cares and concerns and focusing on the plan You have for me. Help me to turn away from the discouraging voices so that I can walk in the victory You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For me, the discouraging voice is in MY OWN HEAD! As I move into working fully with Aaron, resulting in choices that will eventually effect the family we anticipate - I hear on a regular basis the committee in my head. But with God, He is the only way to work out those voices. He is the one that allows me to move past those voices and they become faint. - less audible. I am so very thankful that I live with a mighty vessel of the Lord - Aaron is amazing. I am able to share my fears and the thoughts in my head ... he directs me to the Word ... and helps me discern the voice of God in my heart, how blessed am I that I have married such a great man. As Aaron reminds me, he was prepared by the Lord for me:)

Also ... you notice the ads on the page - if you click on them I earn $ .... I am just testing this out - but that is why they are now around.

Finally ... I have started taking jewelry orders. My site is linked to this blog: beads by beth

GRACE AND PEACE!

All Smiles

The retreat Saturday was awesome! What a great day - I am thankful for all the hard work put in prior to the event - but it paid dividends with the out pouring trough the day. So awesome to see the Holy Spirit move through a room of women. Barriers of Trust not easily broken crumbling down. I found my self wanting to step back and absorb all around me.  When it was time to transition to a new portion of the day I was constantly breaking up conversations ... it was not a quite place! Praise God! :) 

The ladies that attended the retreat were STILL smiling and glowing when they came to church on Sunday. Although we were worn out - huge smiles, great stories and many many hugs! I am so honored that I have been blessed to serve along side these ladies.

So next on my docket .... KidsGames. This program will start Sunday June 14 and end on Thursday June 18. I am working on the curriculum, specifically the "crafts". Which is proving to be somewhat challenging ... I am used to High School students ... these kiddos will be 4 - 12! A but different. But I think the Lord has helped me tremendously create activities that can be worthwhile across the spectrum.

This morning I loved what I read from Joel

 Choose Obedience

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Give heed to Him, listen to and obey His voice..."
(Exodus 23:21, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that when God spoke to Noah about building the ark, it had never even rained before? Can you imagine that? Noah knew people were going to make fun of him or call him crazy. I’m sure he had every opportunity to talk himself out of it. He could have come up with plenty of excuses. But Noah didn’t do that. He recognized that God had asked him to do a difficult thing, and he chose obedience. Noah didn’t run from the challenge; he chose to believe God. Noah’s obedience is what opened the door for God to supernaturally empower him to fulfill his destiny. Now he is one of the great heroes of faith.

If you will decide to do the difficult things God is telling you to do—even when it looks impossible—if you’ll choose to be obedient, then God will do more than you could ask or think. He’ll take you places that you’ve never dreamed of. He’ll bring up out of you gifts and talents that you never even knew you had. He’ll empower you to fulfill your destiny, and who knows, you may become the next hero of faith.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for calling and equipping me. I choose to be obedient to Your Word and follow Your voice. I give You first place in every area of my life and trust that You are empowering me to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Just a reminder, to continue to be obedient to the Lord. What a freedom I have been blessed with, knowing that He goes before me and comes behind - when I am obedient! 

GRACE AND PEACE! 

who does not need this!

These are "wild flowers" in my back yard. They are blue cornflowers ... except this one pink one:) Not easy to see in the picture, but it really stands out with the blue flowers all around. Just a simple reminder that God is in control ... and he does surprise us every now and then. 

SO now on to the post ..... 

Joel today: 

The Armor of God

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places"
(Ephesians 6:11-12, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has equipped us to stand and fight every battle we will face in life. The Bible tells us in Ephesians chapter 6 that we are to put on the whole armor of God—everything that He has equipped us with. The armor tells a lot about how we are to fight our battles. If you study the armor of God, you’ll find that it only mentions things that cover the front of us. It talks about wearing the breastplate of righteousness which covers our chest, our heart. It talks about having our loins girt about with truth; it tells us to put on the helmet of salvation, and to protect our steps with the shoes of peace. Then it mentions the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit.

But notice, interestingly enough, not one piece of that armor covers our back. Why is that? It’s because God never intended for us to be running from the enemy. If you’re running from adversity, then you’re leaving yourself wide open to the enemy. But if you’ll put on the whole armor of God and stand on His Word, you’ll move forward into the victory God has already prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me to overcome every challenge and obstacle I will ever face in life. I choose to put on the whole armor so that I can stand in victory the way You intend. I bless You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tomorrow is a big day for me and Brookside (we have had a busy two weeks!) Saturday myself and 44 sisters in Christ will be participating in the Inaugural Brookside Ladies Retreat! It is hard to believe it is here. Today the hardworking leadership team will meet to set up the gym, fellowship hall, and anything else we see fit for the Ladies. I am again so blessed to have these super special women in my life. So many gifts and talents- they have all been so diligent to share their time and hearts with this project. The retreat is bound to be powerful for all of us. We are doing the Beth Moore Loving Well Retreat in a Box. SO awesome! If you have never heard Beth Moore teach - it is a real treat. I have watched each teaching 3 times ... there are 4 total and I glean something new each time. I cannot even begin to imagine what will speak to me tomorrow! God is Good.

As we head into this weekend, I of course am thankful that Joel sent word regarding the Armor of God - while we have not faced any big trials, (praise God) there have been small trials that could have derailed us. With the Power of God and His Armor we have continued to move forward - and will continue.  

Special Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you go before is in all things. I pray God that you will provide safe travels for all the women planning to attend and the day will be full of the Holy Spirit. I ask you Father that if there is a barrier standing in the way of a woman attending that you will remove that barrier. I thank you deeply for the help you have sent for this weekend and all the women that will be attending. Thank you Lord that you are good and you hear our prayers before we ask. I love you Lord, in your son's precious name, Jesus. AMEN

GRACE AND PEACE!

5 months

5 months since I was blessed to meet my son ... this morning I was reflecting on how the Lord blessed me with such a precious little man. I can only smile when I think God picked me to be his mother. 

Joel continues to share a good word with me daily ..... 

Be Determined

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"“[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,"
(Colossians 1:11, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you know what causes God to act on your behalf? Do you know what gets His attention? God is not moved by our needs. He’s not moved by whining or complaining. He’s not moved by a “poor me” mentality. No, God is moved by our faith in Him. We have to be determined to stand on God’s Word no matter what is going on around us.

Remember, God promises in His Word that He will fight our battles, but understand that it’s not going to happen automatically. We have to do our part. We have to dig our heels in with an attitude of faith and exercise endurance, patience, and perseverance. We have to be determined to stand strong in faith and face those challenges that come against us.

Just like the scripture says, I pray that today you are strengthened with His power to exercise endurance, perseverance, and patience so that you can stand strong and be determined to take hold of every promise He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for giving me a measure of faith that grows as I receive Your Word. Today I declare that I am determined to put You first and stand on Your promises so that I can live the life of victory You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

GRACE AND PEACE!

What a weekend!

Whew - the weekend was awesome! 

Friday: Good Neighbor Night, Urban Cafe ... how fun!  Aaron and I stayed up late talking about all the electricity produced. Then Saturday we found out we were not the only ones! :):) God is so good and He knows how to start a fire. We look forward to how the evening will impact Urban Ministry and Brookside Community Church.

Saturday: We had an open house at Brookside ... while no new faces came by the life group that had a work day did some amazing work for the building. I was also able to clean up and prepare a special "class room" I have come on board with the Children's Ministry Team, I am heading up the 5th and 6th graders ... 10-12 year olds. Saturday night at Northview Aaron participated in the Baptism service - he has developed a very special relationship with a family and they requested him to baptise the family. It was a very special evening for Aaron and I both. 

Sunday: When I woke up on Sunday I absolutely thought it was Monday! Eventually I figured it out and we headed to Brookside at 7:30. Aaron was preaching and the Children's Ministry was taking a BIG leap. The children are now divided into 4 class rooms, and it was simply amazing! It was a little scary to make this jump, but it went beautifully! Previously, due to he number of adults working with the kids (I have been very hesitant to step in) k - 6th grade have been in one room. Praises for those that have been managing them! So Sunday was a big leap, and it was GREAT! We have rooms in the building for the 4 divisions and JR and SR high students. I really enjoyed the 3 students I met with. I will be adding to my group - there are a number of students that have been retained in school but are 12 - so we will move those kiddos around so they can continue to grow in a relationship with Christ. I could not (and still can not) stop talking about our time together. I look forward to coming along side these "TWEENS" as they transition from being "children" to "teens" this is a pivotal time in their life - and I so look forward to being with them.  :):) God is Good, he knew when the right time would be for me to get involved. 

Monday: Is our sabbath - it is great to have a day that Aaron un plugs, and I get to do that with him too!

Ahead this week, final preparations for the Beth Moore DVD retreat at Brookside. I am truly blessed with hardworking determined women!  I am so thankful I have learned to ask for help:)  (Still a bit reluctantly - but wow the pay off when it happens!)

I continue to read Jeremiah, today in my journal I wrote 3 promises ...

 "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 'I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?' " Jeremiah 32:26-27

"Call on me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" Jeremiah 33:3

My Prayer: 

Lord I pray for clarity and knowledge. I ask for ears to hear you and pray to be a good listener. Thank you Lord for knowing my heart before I do. Continue to create in me a clean heart that is pleasing to you. Assist me to be willing to follow your and all your glory. Thank you Father, that nothing is too hard for you. Thank you for filling my life with so many that can come along side me an help. You are awesome Lord - in your son's precious name Jesus. AMEN

GRACE AND PEACE!