Monday Meditations ~ Restoration

Have you ever been hurt by someone? I know that's a dumb question, because we all have. But what I mean is, has someone really hurt you . . . to the point that you aren't sure if you can ever forgive them? I know I've been on both sides of that situation. I've been the one hurt and the one doing the hurting. I'm human just like you.

But think about this . . . God has only ever been on the receiving end of that hurt. His children in Israel. You and I . . . and the rest of humanity. We've all hurt God. Any sin we commit hurts God. And yet we (humanity) continue to hurt Him . . . daily, hourly. And how does He react? Of course He is saddened, but He is also right there waiting for us to repent and come back to Him.

Man . . . I am so grateful that He is so merciful and full of Grace. I am also grateful that once He restores us, He forgets all those sins we've committed. He doesn't continue to beat us up over our past sins . . . we (and the devil) do a good enough job of that!

I was reading in Joel this morning and I love the way the Lord relayed this message to him.

. . . Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Joel 2:13 NLT

Isn't that great!?! "Eager to relent," I just love that. How eager are we to relent when someone has sinned against us . . . and we feel the retaliation is justified?

I challenge you to try and be 'slow to get angry' and to be 'filled with unfailing love' toward those around you today.

Foodie Friday ~ Out the Window . . . just for this week

Today's post will not be about food! *gasp* I know! For all of you hanging on the edge of your seats, sit back . . . you'll have to wait until next week. :)

I am humbled to have been chosen by There's Just One Mommy for the Stylish Blogger award! Having just started regularly blogging, I'm surprised! (surprised anyone's reading and surprised to be chosen) So a big thank you goes out to Just One Mommy for this award!

There are rules that go along with winning this award. Here they are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers, or less, up to you.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

Seven things about me:

1. I love Jesus with my entire being!

2. Although I know I don't sing well, you will often find me singing songs . . . very randomly I might add!

3. I really miss all my friends and sisters in Christ from A-Town.

4. I love shopping for baby girl stuff . . . even though I'm done having kids!

5. I have difficulty making time for myself. I know it's needed so I have to force myself!

6. I am still on a high from last night's Chris Tomlin concert!!

7. I like love live to serve others.

Now for the blogs:

1. This Thing Called Life
2. Daily Dependence
3. Deana's Daily Dose
4. Observations of a Token Yankee
5. Mothering in a Shoe
6. Nailing Jello to a Tree
7. The Toybox Years
8. Becoming Brea
9. Mommy and Me Giveaways
10. Kinship Adptions

Unfortunately, that's all I've got right now. I haven't had a whole lot of extra time lately to search for new blogs.

Thanks again to There's Only One Mommy!

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39

Thursday Thankfulness ~ A Faithful God

Today I am thankful for a God who is faithful to His promises. When we come to Him with a pure heart and a desire for more of Him, He is always faithful to give us what we can handle. As much as we sacrifice to receive from Him is how much He will give to us.

Our youth ministry had an amazing night of worship last night. Even though the enemy tried to throw some wrenches into things, God prevailed and the service was incredible.

Thanks God . . .

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:22

Wordless Wednesday ~ Prepared for Battle

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Stressed Birds?

Take a look at the birds in this photo. Do they look stressed to you? Well, they don't look stressed to me. Can a bird even be stressed? (not sure, but I don't think so)


So why do we stress?


In Matthew 6:25-27 Jesus tells us . . .

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

Think about that for a minute . . . really think about it. He's telling us that we don't need to worry about what we are going to eat or what we will wear. He's telling us that we are valuable to Him. We take care of the things/people that are valuable to us . . . how much more will God take care of those things/people that are valuable to Him.


Think about it . . .

Monday Meditations ~ Biblical Prophecies

I just finished the book of Daniel. And I must say . . . wow! First Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel and now this . . . I'm so completely blown away. You see, God took these men of faith on journeys that you and I could probably never imagine. He gave them visions of the future . . . the future that is now our present. (or at the very least, our not so distant future)

I don't know why I'm so surprised to see all of these things coming to pass, after all, this is GOD we are talking about here. Reading all of these books by the major prophets just makes me even more eager and hungry to read the things that God revealed to John . . . the book of Revelation.

There are so many things in these books of prophecy that are almost exactly word for word the same as in Revelation. I just hope that more people begin to see the signs as they are happening instead of after . . . when it's too late. Besides, that's why God showed these men . . . for mankind to turn and repent before it is too late . . . before He has to pour out His wrath on this sin-filled world.

Think about it . . .

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

Foodie Friday ~ Eating Out

We used to be that family that practically lived at McDonalds. I mean, we ate there so much that my girls' toybox was literally overflowing with Happy Meal toys. Now, however, not so much. I'm not sure why we stopped eating fast food or even at sit down restaurants so frequently, but you won't hear me complaining.

For one thing, our budget is saying a big ole, THANK YOU! For another, my waistline (while not shrinking as much as I'd like) says thanks too! But most of all, my heart says thanks.

Not my actual beating-in-my-chest heart, but my other heart. Sitting around the dinner table with my family every almost every night has done so much for our family. It has brought us closer to one another and to God. I couldn't ask for more . . . except for maybe a personal chef to do the cooking once in a while. Ha!

Besides the heart healing, it eases my mind that I know what is going into our food . . . because I put it there. We haven't quite gotten to the point that I make all of our breads and other miscellaneous ingredients, but we are slowly moving to that point. (Maybe I'll look into doing some container gardening this summer)

How about you? How often do you and your families eat out? Is that something that you'd rather do more or less of? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35,37

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Spiritual Family

I have a pretty fantastic family. My Mom is one of my best friends ever! She and I had a pretty good relationship growing up even, and for that I am grateful. I have some awesome siblings, too! I know that any of them would do just about anything for me and my family. (and I the same for them) This list could continue on forever, because like I said, I have a fantastic family.

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Blood is thicker than water," right? In most cases I 100% agree with this. But you have to stop and think. What about those 'non-conventional' families out there that don't have children born from their own bodies? Do those parents love their children less just because they didn't birth them? Absolutely NOT!! I have several friends (and even family) who are/were foster/adoptive parents. And I know for a fact that they adore their children as much as I adore mine. They would go to the same extremes that I would to protect their children.

Now, that being said, what about our spiritual family? Is that not the same kind of situation as an adoptive parent/child/sibling situation? Are we not adopted into God's family when we make Jesus Lord of our lives? Yes. So, that makes all believers, you and I, brothers and sisters . . . by adoption.

Ok, so we have a pretty huge family . . . LOL! Do I love my natural family more than my brothers and sisters in Christ? I don't know, I can't really answer that. There have been some situations in my life where my biological family was right there by my side all the way until the end. There have been some situations where my spiritual family has been right there. God has given me these 2 fantastic families and I am so grateful for them both!

At this point in my life, I am not physically close to my natural family. I live about 700 miles away from them and I miss them more than I can even describe. I am so incredibly grateful that God has sent some great sisters in my life while I am away from my own. They lift me up in prayer, laugh with me, cry with me, celebrate with me, learn with me, grow with me . . . all those things that a sister is meant to do.

Sometimes I take these sisterhoods for granted. Sometimes I forget how important they are to my life, my Christian walk, my sanity and my testimony. But God, as usual, reminded me how important these relationships are . . . and that in those, He is right there in the middle.

Thanks God...

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11

Wordless Wednesday ~ Beauty in Nature

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Perspective

Beautiful view, yes? I think so, but I was also raised on the coast. Now take a look at this one . . .

Not quite as breathtaking, I know.

Want to know the interesting thing about these two pictures? Well, I was sitting in the same exact spot while taking them both . . . just facing a different direction. With a different perspective.

That got me thinking . . . when we are in the middle of a trial, we (me included) often focus on things that make the situation seem endlessly horrible. God whispered to me that that is not how He wants us to be. Jesus did not promise us a peachy keen life once we became His followers . . . quite the opposite actually. He did say that He would never leave us, He would always be right by our sides.

Having experienced a bit of 'life' myself, I have learned from experience how changing one's perspective can seriously change so many things . . . for example, the seeming severity and duration of a trial. If we can only take our eyes off of all the negative things, and focus our eyes on Jesus, things will fall into place . . . like they are supposed to. Does this mean life won't be hard? Uh, no, but if we are focused on the right thing person, it won't really matter all that much . . . especially when we look back on it.

Think about it . . .

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Monday Meditations ~ Love

What is love? No really . . . what is love? Is it some feeling you get when that someone special looks at you that way? Is it that feeling between a parent and a child? Well, yes it's all those things and more.

Love can be summed up into one simple yet profound statement . . . God is love. It even says so in the Bible. Check out 1 John 4:8.

Ok, so what to do with that? Well, He wants us to be more like Him . . . to love like Him. That's a toughie though. I mean, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for you and I . . . because He loved us. I'm not sure I could sentence my child to die because I love someone.

So, on this Valentine's day . . . let us all try to remember what love really is . . . and Who it came from. As you celebrate the loves in your life, try not to forget the most important Love . . . God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Foodie Friday ~ Freezer Breakfasts

As much my girls love cold cereal, I'm sure they get sick of eating it every morning. This is why when I make pancakes, I usually make a double batch and put some in the freezer for quick other-than-cereal breakfasts on school mornings. This doesn't cost me much extra time or money . . . which makes me happy. I mean, have you seen the price of a box of 12 pancakes at the store? The off brand costs $2, Lord knows what the name brand costs these days!

The girls also love French Toast . . . and French Toast sticks. So, whenever I go to the Mrs. Baird's Thrift Store, I pick up a few loaves of Texas Toast. I usually take a couple of hours on a Saturday and make those loaves into French Toast. Again, it doesn't cost me much extra time or money . . . whoop! Here are some pictures from the last time I made French Toast.

After I make them, I cut each slice into thirds.

After they are all done, I put them on a cookie sheet and into the freezer they go. Once they are frozen solid, I put them in a zipper bag, and viola! The girls have a quick, cheap non-cereal breakfast!

Anyone have other go to non-cereal breakfast ideas you'd like to share?

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1 Corinthians 16:2

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Routine and Interruptions

Sometimes I wish I could be a 'fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants' type of person, but alas, I am not. I am a person who thrives on a routine. This is mostly a good thing, but can at times be a not so good thing. For example:

1. Incorporating new things into my routine can be hard. I have, at many points in my life, attempted to add things (like Bible reading) into my routine and FAILED . . . miserably. Why is this so hard? Well, I guess I just don't like change. It takes much discipline and diligence to add something new. I must be intentional. I must rely on God to show me those things that need to be added, and those things that need to be removed . . . and then I must lean on Him to help me. That, for me, is hard. I don't like needing anything, or anyone. I'm working on this in myself. Good thing God doesn't give up on me as easily as I do.

2. When my routine is interrupted, I get grumpy. Yeah, I said it, grumpy. Just ask my kids, it's true. For someone who likes structure and dislikes change, interruptions (like, oh I don't know, 5 snow days!) really don't sit well with me! I find it hard to stop worrying about my routine and just enjoy the company of the people I love. I know, shocking! This is another area in my life that God has really been working on me. He intentionally interrupts me to see how I will handle things. Will I not freak out and let Him direct my steps? (maybe after a little foot stomping)

He is constantly guiding me on this path He has placed me on. He is always fixing those little imperfections in me to make me more like Him. While it's not always enjoyable, it's welcome. I am grateful for the discomfort of the pruning process . . . it lets me know that He hasn't given up on me yet.

Thanks God . . .

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Wordless Wednesday ~ $7 Entertainment!

[Love for Enemies] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:43-45

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Life

There are days in my life when it feels like I'm living in the middle of a reality TV show. And there are days I wish I were. Not for the celebrity factor . . . no, for the documentation factor. You see, I have seen too many times how quickly our memories can fade when we age . . . and I don't want to forget this wonderful life I'm living.

Just yesterday, as I was dropping my girls off at school, I experienced an all too familiar situation. They kissed me and bid me farewell for the day and I sat and watched them walk into the school. No big, right? Watching my Angel walk into that big school by herself (they used to walk in together, but now I guess she's big enough to do it herself *tear*) I realized that she's not a little girl any more. She has grown so much. I said aloud, "She's getting so big." Big Girl was still in the car and just kinda shrugged it off. I said to her, "And you are practically an adult already." She just smiled and walked off . . . unaware of the emotions I was experiencing.

So on my drive home, God and I had a little heart to heart. I asked Him, "Why does it have to go so fast?" He ever so gently reminded me that this life is not the one that is most important. He reminded me that this time with them as children is precious, yes, but more importantly, crucial. Crucial to their success as adults. Success in what? Being workers and harvesters for the Kingdom! It is my job, my calling if you will, to raise them up to fear the Lord and to make Him their #1 priority. My job is to lay the foundation . . . and He will do the rest.

I only hope that my job thus far laying their foundation is good enough to stand the test. I cannot know the answer to that. I can only trust that I am doing what He has called me to do, as their mother. Today, He tells me I'm doing fine . . . just the confirmation I needed. Thanks God . . .

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1

Monday Meditations ~ God's Gifts

I don't know about you, but when I read I tend to get transported to a different time/place. If the author is really good, I feel every emotion, cry every tear and laugh every laugh right along with the characters of a book.

This is no different with the Bible. While reading in Ezekiel yesterday and today, I began to  wonder how the author felt while experiencing all these visions and prophecies first hand. I mean could you imagine actually experiencing something like this?

Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man. From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor. All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me. Ezekiel 1:26-28

Now I know things in the Old Testament times were different from now, but could you imagine? I have personally been given a Word to encourage someone else and I've also been prophesied over, but I don't think I've ever experienced anything quite like what Ezekiel writes about. How amazing/exhilarating/terrifying must that have been for him!?

I do love to be used of God. It is an amazing feeling. I'm certain this is exactly how Ezekiel felt. How about you? Are you making yourself available enough to be used of God? Trust me, there's nothing else on Earth that can make you feel the way you feel when God uses you to do His work!

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10

Foodie Friday ~ Ice Cream Sandwich Alternative

I don't know about you, but when I'm watching my calorie intake, I crave all kinds of junk. Some time ago, I found this alternative for ice cream sandwiches and I thought I'd share it with you. They aren't exactly the same, but they will do in a pinch!

Ingredients:
Graham crackers (chocolate, if you can find them)
Whipped cream (light is great to cut down on the calories and fat)

That's it! Just put as much or as little whipped cream between 2 halves of the cracker and freeze. The moisture will soften the crackers just a tad and the whipped cream has just about the same consistency as ice cream. Yummy!!

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Shelter

You know, as much as I want to (and do) complain about our crappy, drafty windows and our front door you can see light through (when it's closed), I'm thankful for them. I'm thankful that we are so blessed and have a roof over our heads. We have a heater that works. We have an electric blanket. We have a wood burning fireplace.

Even though our cold water pipes in the kitchen have frozen, we still have water. Even though I know the bill is going to be ridiculous, we still have electricity.

I can't help but think of all those out there who don't have running water that can freeze, electricity that can get shut off, windows and doors that shut or a roof that can keep them from the elements. My family and I pray for them often . . . but especially now.

Thanks God . . .

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

Wordless Wednesday ~ Snow Day!

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— 1 Corinthians 2:9