March ...

Trisomy Awareness Month~

March is now Trisomy awareness month!

Thanks to Gov. Sarah Palin, who made this proclamation www.gov.state.ak.us/proclamations.php?id=1676 which when done by a governor of any state makes it a National Observance. It is now up on the National Observances website as well.

Why the month of march?-since it is the third month and trisomy involves a third chromosome, it is just perfect. March 13th, will be specific for Trisomy 13 Awareness ...

So Long Insecurity ...

I am doing a Beth Moore book study ... through her blog.

LOVING IT!

The book, So Long Insecurity, you've been a bad friend to us.

It is an 8 week study, and very enjoyable to get the questions each week, read two chapters and then post with in the week - it is great to read through other posts and see how women all around deal with the similar issues.

Quite honestly, I always have felt that I was a pretty secure person, but upon further examination ... I have some insecure tendencies.

I wanted to share her challenge;

"To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in HIS glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are.

And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us. (Psalm 90:17, NKJV)"

A False Positive ... the one thing that would make you more secure in ALL THINGS.

Next week we will work on rooting them out.

The timing of this book could not be more perfect, I am questioning my self as I lead the Youth Ministry, I know that there is an amazing person that is on his/her way to lead the Youth of Brookside Community Church. But in the meantime, I am in a position that I am quite insecure ... Pleased to be a child of God and KNOW that I am not alone. That the Lord will provide me the wisdom, clarity, and patience necessary! I have printed out the challenge ... a reminder.

GRACE AND PEACE!

right mind

this word from Joel was direct from the Lord to ME ...

Align Your Thoughts

Todays Scripture: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria: Do you ever stop to think about what you're thinking about? The Bible tells us that what happens on the inside of us - our thoughts, attitudes and motives - are more important to God than what happens on the outside in our actions. You can fool people all day long by saying the right things, but the scripture tells us that God is looking on he inside at our hearts. He wants our thoughts and attitudes to come into alignment with His Word so that we can see His promises come to pass in our lives.

Remember , your life will follow the course you set with your mind. When you align your thoughts with God's thoughts, your life will follow the course HE has prepared for you. Jeremiah 29 tells us that His thoughts are for our good. His thoughts are for our peace. His thoughts are for for our victory! So today, align your thoughts with HIS thoughts by meditating on HIS Word. Let His promises sink down deep into your heart so that you can move forward in the life of victory HE has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father God, today I surrender every area of my life to YOU. Help my thoughts line up with Your Word. Bring your promises to my remembrance today as I meditate on YOU. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Monday, I had a mind that was not in alignment with the Word - I am so thankful for the reminder and the quick correction. Constant course correction ... thank you Jesus! From my player/coach past ... it is time to worry when the coach stops "coaching you". I am so very thankful that JESUS the ultimate coach has not stopped coaching me. PRAISE THE LORD!

On a sweet note, I had an amazing lunch Friday with a fellow T13 mommy. She lost her precious son, Christopher, in September. It was so healing for me to have some one to talk about our boys, our pregnancy, life after ... that really knows. Turns out our paths have many intersections we simply had not met, our boys brought us together. How precious!

The next time we get together, we will include our husbands:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

Focus

had to share joel, spoke to me while preparing to attend a former teacher, co-worker and friends funeral today.

Change Your Focus

today's scripture: "set your mind on things above, not on earthly things" 1 Thessalonians 4:12

today's word form Joel and Victoria: When others look at your life, what do they see? Does your daily life win the respect of others? As believers, we are Christ's representatives in the earth. We are called to a higher standard. The way we live our lives should bring glory to God the Father.

Notice this verse doesn't say, "go out of your way to do something major so that everyone will respect you." It doesn't say, "win a gold medal or Pulitzer prize so that people will glorify your Father in heaven." NO, it says that your daily life should win the respect of others. That simply means always taking the high road and living a life of excellence. It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It means finding the common ground in order to be a peacemaker. It means going out with an attitude of faith and thanksgiving.

Remember, you will become like whoever you spend the most time with. If you are committed to spending time with God the Father every day, you'll develop HIS character. You'll win the resect of outsiders and bring glory to your Father in heaven!

prayer for today: Father God, I dedicate every area of my mind, will, and emotions to you today. Help me live my daily life as an example of You. Show me anything in my life that is displeasing to You. Let my daily life win the respect of others and let everything I do bring glory to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

preparing to attend a funeral, provides an opportunity for those of us still on earth to consider our lives; past-present-future. A time to reflect on FOCUS ... I pray to use this time today to focus in a manner that will bring glory to The Father.

GRACE AND PEACE!

new adventure

Aaron and I moving into unchartered territory!

We are teaching together ... last night was the first class of the "Brookside Adventure" - aka: the membership class for Brookside Community Church.

The course is broken into 3 phases, each 6 weeks long. We are using a study called "Growing in Christ" - solid biblical truths that impact you regardless of where you are in your walk.

Aaron and I are teaching Phase 1, we had 20 students - PRAISE THE LORD! We also have 10 people going through Phase 2 - it is an amazing adventure to witness how the Lord is moving in the lives of our faithful.

So I have a standing prayer request for Wednesdays: that the Holy Spirit would make His presence known to Aaron and I, that we would be moved out of the way and HE would reach out to our class. Continue to bring those faithful servants to class - without any hinderance and cover the church with His Spirit. In Jesus' name. AMEN!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Each Day - every day

the word shared by Joel today:

Each Day

Today's Scripture: "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my request to You and wait expectantly" Psalm 5:3 NLT

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria: What are some of the things you do each day? We are all creatures of habit in one way or another, but can you say like the Psalmist that you wait expectantly each day? Most people find it easier to follow the first part of this verse. They bring their requests each day; but really, the key to seeing God move in your life is found in the second part - to wait expectantly each and every day. When you go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. You are declaring with your actions that you trust Him. That's why it's so important to feed your faith every day by spending time with HIM. So today, make time to study HIS Word. Take time to bring your requests to HIM. Then, go out with an attitude of expectancy and watch what GOd will do on your behalf!

A Prayer for Today: Father God, I dedicate this day to YOU. Thank you for all the blessings YOU have prepared for me. I wait expectantly on YOU today knowing that YOU are working behind the scenes on my behalf. IN Jesus' Name. AMEN.

What a word for me. I wrote in my journal this morning that I am continuing to "act" like I am the one in control. I have gotten better - but there is still more work to be done. I seriously need to work on the waiting - knowing that for certain HE has a plan and a purpose for me and that HIS timing is perfect. Each and Every Day!

I started the Beth Moore books study, "So Long Insecurity" I have never done a full Beth Moore Study, or read one of her books. I have seen her teach, her writing is like she is sitting with me telling me a story / teaching just me. Love it! What is the most interesting, I have never really considered myself to be "insecure" ... as she breaks down the definition, it has been revealed to me that there are areas in ME that need some work. I look forward to working through those areas - God is ALWAYS up to something ... PRAISE THE LORD!

GRACE AND PEACE!

2 hour delay!

Is it wrong that when the school district that I taught in for 12 years is on a 2 hour delay, I decide my day should be on a 2 hour delay?

Old habits die hard:)

Similar to my reading today, I have hit the part in Numbers where the Israelites are coming to the end of their 40 years of wandering - and they continue to complain to Moses and Aaron. God had been so good to them, took them out of Egypt, out of slavery, provided manna, then meat (quail), taught the people how to worship and live together after being slaves for hundreds of years .... and all they could do was complain and ask why didn't they just remain in Egypt to die.

It seems the Israelites were in the "habit" of complaining. Things get tough, they complain - they completely forget the many blessings that had been poured over them. Agian, I am thankful for the reminder, that even when life seems tough, we have already been delivered - and we can trust that God will continue to deliver us.

While I do not know the future - I can stand on the promises of Our Lord, that he has a good plan for me. I do not know the physical path, again I can trust that He will be with me. I also stand on the promise that He will DO what He promises.

Joel helped me see this today as well ....

What Defines Your Future?

Today's Scripture "You will also declare a thing, and it shall be established ... " (Job 22:28, NKJ)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In the Old Testament there was an Israelite woman who was about to give birth. She had just heard that the Ark of the Covenant that housed God's presence had been stolen. She was so upset about it that she named her baby boy Ichabod, which means "the glory has departed." Notice what she did; she named her future by what was happening in her present. She could just have easily named him "the glory will return," but she was so focused on the negative, so caught up in where she was at that moment that she defined her future by it.

Friend, don't ever name your future by your present day circumstances. You may have had some hard times in the past, but get that "Ichabod" spirit off of you. It may look like you're stuck in a rut and you don't really see how you could ever rise any higher, but don't speak defeat over your life. Instead, name your future: blessed, prosperous, successful, victorious, healthy, whole, strong, talented, creative, wise. Declare what God's word says so that you can move forward in the destiny He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good future that You have prepared for me. Today, I choose to come into agreement with Your Word and declare Your blessing over my life. Keep me close to You as I surrender every area of my life to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The word is Good! And alive - everyday the Lord is preparing me for something GREAT:)

Tonight, at Brookside Community Church we are starting the second round of "the Brookside Adventure", our membership course. The course has 3 phases, we will have 2 groups - phase 1 and phase 2. Aaron and I will be teaching Phase 1 together. FUN! In the Fall we will add the 3rd phase - It is so exciting to see how God is growing His people. :)

GRACE AND PEACE!

good weekend ...

even though the Colts did not win the Super Bowl ... the weekend was good.

Aaron and I get to spend a lot of time together - which is nice. He had a FULL week and he needed the weekend to fill me in. I am so thankful that I married a man that likes to talk. He keeps me in the loop with all the cool ministry movements.

Our Life Group gathered at our home Saturday night, it is so amazing that our group has been together 4 years. Awesome to have girlfriends you can trust - and their husbands too.

Aaron and I continue to work through our Dynamic Marriage course -very powerful. We are headed into week 4, almost half way! Really enjoying the relationships with other couples that are developing and a deepening relationship with Aaron.

Really appreciated Joel this morning -

Nothing is Wasted

today's scripture: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Todays Word from Joel and Victoria

Life can be full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We've all had to face challenges and difficulties. But did you know that everything you've been through up until now is getting you prepared for what God is going to do in your future? Nothing in your life has been wasted. Every disappointment, every set back, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use it for your good!

During the difficult times, we grow and mature. That's when our faith is stretched and out character is developed. God didn't sent that hardship, but He'll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will help make you and mold you into the person you are called to be.

You may be experiencing tough times today, but remember nothing is ever wasted. Have the attitude that says, "This is a new day. Things are shifting in my favor. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It's going to promote me. It was meant to bring me down, but I know the truth; God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life"

A Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for drawing me close to You. I choose to dwell in the secret place of Your presence. I know that with You, nothing in my life is wasted. Thank You for Your presence. I know that with You, nothing in my life is wasted. Thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places in to the place of victory. In Jesus' Name. AMEN.

I pray this week is a continuation of the weekend:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

To the Museum - again

My sister leaves her house every-other Friday when the cleaning lady comes ... in the Winter that means trips to the Children's Museum.

It is awesome, and when you have a membership you do not have to do EVERYTHING.

The girls have some specific places to visit, and LOVE the Merry-Go-Round. Just a year ago they cried when we tried to take them on, now they are riding jumpers and do not want off:) We rode 3 times today. I rode a jumper too ... they wanted to do it alone.

here is my first video posting ... turn the volume down, my voice is Loud!

GRACE AND PEACE!

still stompin'!

So excited by God! I am still stompin' and carrying on - wheew.

Next week, some of the girls in my Life Group are going to start the Beth Moore study of her new book, So Long Insecurity ... this is going to be all done through her blog!

We will get weekly assignments and have conversations through the blog. If you are interested her is her link: http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/

It will be an 8 week study ... and I am looking forward to it! I am also so encouraged that the girls are going to join me:)

I continue on my daily reading to read through the bible this year. The Bible I am using moves in chronological order, so as the event take place regardless of the book in the bible. So I have moved from Exodus to Leviticus and will return to Exodus.

Well, the tabernacle is built and Aaron along with his 4 sons have now been consecrated to perform the offerings. Again we have DETAILS! What surprises me the most is when 2 of Aaron's sons are consumed by fire, because they presented unholy fire .... They did not follow the detailed directions, disobedience. I enjoy these examples of how God deals with disobedient people - quite powerful ... like in Acts with the couple that lies about their offering.

My big take away today:

The direction given to Aaron was this: "You much distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and clean and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses." Leviticus 10:11

One of the core principles for our Youth MInistry at Brookside Community Church is to create a Biblical World View ... it is the same command given here. We need to break free from our Worldly View and transform our minds and lives to reflect a Biblical world view .... big task, but doable. With HIS help.

I am still excited about the upcoming year and decade!!! Yesterdays word from Joel was powerful for me - today continues to build it!

Good Things in Store

Today's Scripture: "... time and chance happen to them all" Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When GOd laid out the plans for our lives, He lined up the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities that we needed to fulfill our destiny. THe scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favor that GOd has already released into your future. If you'll let that sink down into your heart today, it will change your whole outlook in your future.

So many people miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, " What if I fail?" "What if they don't like me?" "What if I make a mistake?" to that I say' "What if you succeed?" "What if they like you?" "What if you do it better than anyone else?"

That's expecting God's goodness and favor. And when you go out each day with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you'll see those good things HE has in store. You'll walk into divine moments of favor, moments of blessing, moments of increase; and you'll be fully equipped to live the life of victory!

A Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for YOUR peace and joy that surrounds my every step. I choose today to keep my heart focused on the good things Your have in store for my future. In Jesus' Name. AMEN

Thank you Father for providing the model to follow ... help me to stay on the path you have laid for me. PRAISE GOD!

GRACE AND PEACE!

so much good stuff!

The word has been alive for me the past few days! There is so much to share ... this post might jump around more then usual!

Last Friday, Aaron and I had a date day ... we went the the IMA. Walked around the gallery and had a nice lunch with a great view and even better conversation. We talked about some of our hopes and visions for the future. Specifically the Brookside Neighborhood ( I have a pretty clear and vivid vision of the area in my minds eye - it is off the chain!). What came to Aaron at that time was ... Urban Planning. Aaron loved my vision, but also knows that I am in no manner trained or qualified to take on such an endeavor. When we got home and over the weekend i spent time checking out Ball State, and their Urban Planning and Urban Design Masters Program. Not sure where this might go, but I am open ... I am willing to follow the will of the Lord, where ever it might take me.

I have been praying for clarity, discernment and wisdom.

Aaron also brought to my attention Proverbs 31:10-31 ... AKA: Hymn to a Good Wife / The Virtuous Wife. So I went to Bible GAteway (a great source that Aaron uses for his sermons) and I printed off 4 different translations, that I have been reading each day. I printed the Amplified, the Message, NIV, and New King James ...

Anyway, following our homework for our Dynamic Marriage class, I learned (among other things) that my tendency toward clutter, stacks and "controlled chaos" - hurts Aaron. Last week we spent time finding our Love Busters. Yeah, talking about even the little things that might bother each of us - it was awesome. So Sunday I prayed that the Lord would give me the DESIRE to create a home that would provide peace, tranquility, and comfort.

The Lord showed me this yesterday: She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of Idleness. Proverbs 31:27

The desire continues to build ... along with the willingness to DO the actual work.

Today He showed me this:

She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. Proverbs 31:17(AMP)

MY PRAYER: Thank you Father, as I look to you to help me grow strong, I know you have already provided just what I need. Thank you LORD - open my eyes to see - build a burning desire to do them as well. You are the great provided - Thank you. Thank You.

THEN here comes Joel ....

Far and Beyond

Todays' Scripture: "Now to HIm who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever" Ephesians 3:20-21, NAS

Todays Word from Joel and Victoria

I feel strongly in my spirit that it's going to be an Ephesians 3:20 decade! God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all we can imagine! Let that take root on the inside. It's going to be a far and beyond decade. Here's what that means: you're going to come into opportunities that will boggle your mind. You're going to see your career take off like a rocket. You're going to meet the right people who will help you further your dreams. You're going to accomplish goals more quickly than you imagined. You're going to come out of debt and pay that house off even though it looked impossible. You're going to get well even though the medical report says there's no way. Things may be dark and gloomy around you, but keep your head held high. You have an advantage. You are a child of the Most High God. His face is shining down on you. God is saying it's not going to be an average decade. It's not going to be a barely-get-by decade. no, you need to get ready because it's going to be a decade of favor, a decade of increase, a decade where you accomplish your God-given dreams!

A Prayer for Today:

Father, thank YOU for an exceedingly abundantly above and beyond decade. I choose to put my trust in YOU knowing that YOU are directing my steps. Thank YOU for the good things YOU have in store for me. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

I love it when the WORD IS ALIVE! mmmmmm, mmmmmm, mmmmm, I am stomping and praising HIM! GLORY!

This is going to be a GREAT year for us all, and I am so excited to see how it all unfolds.

GRACE AND PEACE!!

Building the Tabernacle

So in my daily reading ... I am reading through the Bible again this year, and I have gotten to the extremely exciting part when Moses receives the details to build the tabernacle, then the details are written again as the Israelites build the tabernacle.

In all honesty the last time I read through the Bible and got to this portion I skimmed, went through quick - thinking why do we need to know all these details, why are these details shared not once but twice!

3 years later, I have new eyes, new heart and a new level of spiritual knowledge - it is so important! Part of the new me, Aaron and I did a study this past summer titled Worship in the Tabernacle, and we learned about how the Old Testament tabernacle is bright to life in the Nw Testament ... through Jesus and the Body. NEW EYES! NEW UNDERSTANDING!

Today, the words that repeated over and over: THEY MADE ... they, the Israelites, worked together with the gifts, talents, skill and directions from God - they built the tabernacle. Together. A community, a group of people with a common interest - built the tabernacle.

They had received specific instruction on HOW to ... such detail on a "building" imagine how much more detailed the plan is for each of us ...

This weekend during Sunday School (with 5th/6th grade) We talked about when God created the earth, his greatest creation was Humans ... so often I forget that I am important to Him ... more important than the "stuff". And if God is going to provide specific details for building a tabernacle, how much more does he care how each of his children are crafted.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the details of the tabernacle! AMEN

GRACE AND PEACE!