Monday, December 30, 2013

Blessings

This year has flown by! I feel like we were just at the end of December 2012. As days fly by, it is so easy to focus on the negative and what we don't have, but want. In 2014 I want to be a more thankful person. A person who complains less, rejoices more and radiates God's love. Apart from God, none of this will happen. With God all things are possible. I am making a list of the blessings God has given and things that I am thankful for as 2013 comes to a close. This list is just a beginning...there is so much more. 

1. God
2. His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior 
3. the Holy Spirit 
3. my salvation
4. everlasting life
5. unconditional love
6. endless grace
7. continual mercy
8. that God is always with me
9. His strength that allows me to do all things 
10. peace beyond understanding
11. the Bible
12. freedom to worship without fear of prosecution
13. freedom of speech
14. freedom, period. 
15. freewill 
16. my family
17. my church family
18. my small group
19. a house to live in
20. heat in the winter
21. AC in the summer
22. a car with a heater/AC
23. clothes
24. food
25. shoes
26. blowdryers
27. makeup
28. Christian music
29. Christian authors
30. Christian podcasts 
31. my job-a dream fulfilled 
32. friendships
33. Cedarville 
34. my health 
35. the fact that God has enabled me to still teach full time
36. being able to go to the gym even if just for a short time
37. nature
38. sunsets/sunrises
39. snow-its so pretty when its falling
40. shoveling-yes-because I haven't been able to in years but have twice already this year
41. clouds-I love looking at the clouds. 
42. books
43. energy drinks
44. health insurance
45. a computer
46. a cell phone
47. a kindle
48. Facebook-so I can keep in touch with friends near and far and see how God is working in their lives
49. pictures
50. the ability to sing-even though I cannot carry a tune :)




Linking with Titus 2 Tuesday

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Glorious One

A few weeks ago at church we sang the song "Glorious One." It has been stuck in my head ever since. I don't mind. It is a praise song and God deserves my praise. Psalms is full of verses that talk of praising God joyfully:


O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your 
praise. ~Psalm 51:15

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. ~Psalm 63:3


My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, 
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips
 ~Psalm 63:5

My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; 
my soul also which you have redeemed. ~Psalm 71:23

My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. ~Psalm 119:71

and continually


I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. ~Psalm 34:1


Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mothers womb. My praise is continually of you. ~Psalm 71:6


But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.~Psalm 71:14

and in Hebrews: 


Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. ~Hebrews 13:15 

One of my goals for the coming new year- for my lips to joyfully and continually sing praise to God, my Savior. Here is the song "Glorious One" by Steve Fee. 



(If you receive this post through email, please go to worshipingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com to view the video)

Linking with Inspire Me Monday

Friday, December 27, 2013

Late Night Thoughts


Its night two of not being able to fall asleep. So what does one do when they cannot fall asleep? Well in my case they look at Facebook and Instagram over and over again because I have already used up all my Candy Crush lives and have to wait 30 minutes to get a new life. Then I try to fall asleep, but my mind starts thinking about my singleness and wondering if I will be alone forever. Wondering if I will never have the opportunity to be pursued by a man of God. Its fun to be pursued. Its been a long time since it has happened to me. 

Don't get me wrong-I don't want to be pursued just because its fun. I want to be pursued by my future husband, by the man that will love me like Christ loves the church, who puts God first and is hungry for more of Him and wants to actively serve Him. I want a man who wants a family and considers children a precious gift from the Lord and has entrusted us to raise them in His ways. I am not naive. I am not looking for a husband to make me complete or to find my satisfaction in him. I have already found my completeness and satisfaction in Christ and Christ alone. I know marriage is not a fairy tale. It is hard work, but I think it is worth it. 

However, I know that might not be in God's plan for me. I hope it is, but I know that God will provide grace and strength and peace if it is not. His plans are perfect and my times are in His sovereign hands. Each day is a gift from above. I have been created by God to glorify Him, to become more like Him, to be His hands and feet. This world is not my home. I cannot wait for Jesus to return and take me away to live with Him FOREVER!! The sooner the better. Here is a song I want to share with you tonight by Michael W. Smith called "Take Me Home."



(If you are reading this through email, please go to worshipingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com to view this video)

Linking with Faithful Friday Blog Hop

Thursday, December 26, 2013

The Gift


Christmas is such an exciting time of the year! For those of us who have accepted the ultimate gift, Jesus Christ, Christmas is so much more than the glitz, glamour and gifts. It is about the birth of our Savior! Jesus' birth was prophesied in the Old Testament long before He was born. This baby was born to conquer death, born to save us from our sins, born that we may have everlasting life with Him! It is the gift that has no expiration date, no monetary value, no end. It is the gift that we can share and proclaim to others each day God has given us on this earth. It is the only gift that has changed my life and that can change your life FOREVER!! Christmas is just the beginning of the story!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; 
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, 
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 Of the increase of His government
 and of peace there will be no end, 
on the throne of David and over his kingdom, 
to establish it and to uphold it with justice 
and with righteousness from this time forth and 
forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." 
Isaiah 9:6-7 



Monday, December 23, 2013

Unashamed

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." ~Matthew 28:19-20

Witnessing has never been a strength of mine. I am a shy person, quieter than most and definitely do not like to be the center of attention (yup-I'm the person with the beet red face). However, God gave us this command in Matthew. He does not add an asterisk* next to it and say at the bottom-only those who are outgoing or great speakers, etc. Nope, its not there. However, He gives me Himself. He goes with me always and that is why I can witness. Through Him and Him alone. I have this amazing, life-changing news (John 3:16) and how can I possibly keep it to myself?!?! 

This is what the latest controversy has me thinking about lately. Phil Robertson..."Duck Dynasty"...you know what I am talking about. I love the Robertsons. I love the show. I would love to meet them and hang out with them for a day or a week or a month. The longer, the better. When you watch the show, week to week, you see what is important to them. Their faith, their family and ducks! Their millionaires yet they don't act like it. They are warm, relatable and loveable. There is no pretense or airs. What you see is what you get. And you get a lot! 

The Robertsons are not afraid to witness. There are unapologetic, unashamed and undaunted. It does not matter who you are...a neighbor or a GQ reporter...they are going to tell you the Gospel news! They will share with you this life-changing news no matter what. Phil knows who he answers to and it is not men. Phil loves people so much that he wants to share the Gospel in order that people can be saved and have eternal life. If you have never heard the Robertson stories of redemption, listen here at  http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/the-robertsons/

The Bible tells us: 

"For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38 (see also Luke 9:26)

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

"for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began..." 2 Timothy 1:7-9

"for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." 2 Timothy 1:11-12

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." 1 Peter 4:16 

At one point in the interview, Phil did not use the best choice of words. However, that is between him and God. It is not my place to judge as I do not always make the best choices and have the best reactions. Each day I fail, yet God is full of grace and mercy. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 

As a Christian, I believe you cannot pick and choose which parts of the Bible you want to believe. All Scripture is God's truth. The Bible is used-for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness-why? so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 


I stand by the Word of God. 
I stand by my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 
I am not ashamed. 


Linking with Inspire Me Monday and Titus 2 Tuesday

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Free Indeed



A dear friend of mine shared a video on Facebook today. She knew I would love it. She mentioned me in the comments so I would see it. I am so thankful that she did. This video is from the I Am Second ministry. It is about my favorite family-the Robertsons. Yes, those Robertsons from Duck Dynasty. I love this family and the way God is using them to represent Him and to spread the Gospel message. This family is not perfect-they never claimed to be. They are real, authentic, genuine. They have a past, but they know Who holds the future. Please watch this video when you have time. It piggybacks my last post about the "prodigal parade." God uses them, He uses me and He can use you. No matter what your past. He died for YOU because He loved you so much! God is first, I am second! 

Click this link to take you to the video: http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/the-robertsons/


Monday, November 18, 2013

Prodigal Parade

I have been listening to the My Hope: Songs Inspired by the Message and Mission of Billy Graham. The whole CD is incredible because of the message of hope and truth it contains-the truth that leads to eternal life. One song has resonated with me more than the others and I find myself listening to it more often. It is the song "So Loved" sung by Matthew West. I would like to share it with you.


(If you receive this through email, please view the video on my blog. Thank you!)

You see I was part of the prodigal parade West is singing about. I was the child who grew up in church, went to Christian schools for 16 years and could tell you lots of different Bible stories. I wasn't a perfect child or teenager and I did not make the best decisions in high school. However, I truly wanted to live for God and please Him. I went to Cedarville University for college and it changed my life. I met some incredible women-my forever friends-, learned how to become a teacher (my life long dream since 3rd grade) and grew in my walk with God. May 2005, graduation came and many of my friends were engaged and getting married in the next few months- including two of my very best friends/roommates. I was a part of both weddings, which were a week apart and I hopped from Ohio one weekend to Indiana the next to celebrate the marriages of two truly beautiful, Godly women who had chosen their forever loves. 

And me? I was single throughout college, but I wanted what my friends had. And that is where my choices went downhill very quickly. I believed the lies Satan whispered into my ear day and night- you're not good enough, you're not beautiful, you're too fat, there is something wrong with you, you will always be alone, you're relationship with God isn't strong, no one wants you. You get the picture. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. As the song says, "In my life, I've failed and fallen, I've drifted far and wide, I have wandered from my calling, I've believed that devil's lies..." 

After graduation, I waitressed at the restaurant I had worked at since I was 16. When my hours increased, a guy started giving me the attention I so desperately desired. He was not a Christian, had no desire for anything related to God and knew the words to say to keep me by his side. You see this guy was a user. He used me for what he could get-from my wallet, from my body, from my heart. I gave up everything I believed in thinking I could have the love I so desperately thought I needed to be happy. Instead, what I found was anxiety, depression, 80-hour workweeks to pay the bills (mine and his) and a hot/cold relationship that broke my heart. 

And then it happened. I got the call from him that he was arrested again. I had already bailed him out once before ($500 later) and he had lied to me again about what he was doing that night. I couldn't do it anymore. I hung up on him and called home crying, in the middle of a panic attack. My mom sent my brother to pick me up from my apartment and bring me home. Home to my family that did not agree with my decisions, but always welcomed and loved me. Home to God and a relationship with Him that I had never known. Home to the only One who could love me the way I so desperately wanted. 

God redeemed me again that night. He forgave me for my sins, washed me white as snow. He was right where I had left Him. He had always been faithful. I was unfaithful, but He accepted me back with His mercy, grace and amazing love. God has taught me over these last few years that He is the only one who can satisfy me. He created me, my heart. He knows my every thought, yet never lets go. 

I'm still single. Almost 31. And yes I still long for a husband and family one day. My desire has changed though. Before it was about finding satisfaction and happiness from my husband. Only God can do that and does each and every day. Now it is about praying for the man that will serve God beside me, lead me and my children in the Truth. My desire is that together we can do more for God than apart. This life is not about me, my own desires and needs. It all points back to Him. It all goes back to the God who loved us so much that He sent his one and only Son to die for me, for you, for the world. 

Linking with Inspire Me Monday

Saturday, November 16, 2013

I Believe...

I love having Mondays off! (last Monday the 11th) :) Especially when there are no doctor appointments to go to, no big errands to run, no pressing, urgent matters to attend to. A day of pure rest and relaxation...??? Well if you are anything like me, then you know that rest and relaxation does not come easily. My brain does not turn off. I cannot turn the volume down. I have a restlessness that easily comes over me. 

The only way I can truly rest and relax is when my mind is stayed on Jesus. When Dr. Dixon was the president of Cedarville University my freshman and sophomore years of college, he would sometimes start chapel off with the song, "I woke up this morning with my mind, with my mind, stayed on Jesus. (Repeat 3x) Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!" Those simple words have never left me. 

Today I bought the album My Hope: Songs Inspired by the Message and Mission of Billy Graham. The first song is by the Newsboys titled "We Believe." The words to the chorus are:

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit 
And He's given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe He conquered death 
We believe in the resurrection
And He's coming back again

Joy and peace washed over me. Yes, I believe! I believe in God the Father, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit, that He's given me new life, I believe in the crucifixion, I believe He conquered death, I believe in the resurrection and that He's coming back again. I believe! I would like to share the whole song with you below. I hope it encourages you and gives you true rest and relaxation in Him. He is coming back again! 


***If you are receiving this via email and the video does not show up, please view on my blog at worshipingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com***

Monday, November 11, 2013

Truth

Truth. One small word, but it can be very powerful. The truth has the power to heal, to hurt, to enlighten, to set free. The word gospel means "good news." The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, the Gospel is contained in the first four books of the New Testament-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books tell the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel is THE Truth. The truth that will set you free. The truth that will give you reason and purpose. The truth that will give you forgiveness for your sins, unending grace, continuous mercy and everlasting life. The price has already been paid. Jesus was the sacrifice. Why? Because God loves each and every one of us so much that He gave us His Son. His only Son. For who? Every.single.person. 

God tells us in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 8:31-32 says "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Billy Graham's 95th birthday was Thursday. This great evangelist has shared a final message with America. Billy Graham has been sharing this Truth most of his life. Mr. Graham believes the people of America can still hope, can still turn to God, can still be saved no matter what the situation or circumstances in life, past or present. Please watch this powerful message of the only truth that will matter at the end of your life. These twenty eight minutes could change your life- that is how powerful the Truth was, is and forever will be. The truth will set you free! 



Linking with Inspire Me Monday and Titus 2 Women

Friday, November 1, 2013

Chronic Thankfulness???

Have you ever heard those two words together before? I know I sure haven't. However, that is exactly what God brought to my mind as I lay in bed after a long week at school. I was thinking about the pain running through my body and the fatigue and weakness in my joints and muscles and then I thought about the words "chronic pain" and how depressing and negative that sounded. Then the words "chronic thankfulness" popped into my head and I knew these words could only be from my heavenly Father. It all started this morning while I was eating my cinnamon Chex cereal and reading today's devotional from The Quiet Place by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Here is the first half:


Sacrifice. The one word constantly repeated in this text. I can choose to sacrifice peace, contentment, freedom, grace and joy...OR I can choose the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Will it be easy? No. Will it come naturally? No. Will I have to do it alone? No. God has promised me in Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave you nor forsake you." The devotional does not end there. 


Life is not perfect. We live in a fallen world, we are born with a sin nature, BUT there is redemption. I have been redeemed. God sacrificed His only Son to die for me. Why? Because He loved me so much-much, much more than any person could ever love me. I am His beloved. Despite everything else going on that might be viewed by me or the world as negative- 30, single, autoimmune diseases, living at home, etc.- God is still in control and always has been. He is orchestrating every event of my life to bring Him glory. Jesus never promised it would be simple, cushy, effortless or painless. He told his disciples repeatedly that they would be persecuted, rejected and ridiculed for His name. Matthew 16:24-25 says, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."" 

So back to "chronic thankfulness." Through the Holy Spirit, I would like to be able to daily thank God for this season of life that requires me to draw nearer to Him each day, to boast in my weakness and to be able to proclaim that it was only through His power and His grace that brought me through each day. God is more than enough and for that truth alone I am forever grateful. 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Above All

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." 
~Hebrews 10:24-25 

God has blessed me tremendously at the church He led me to almost two and a half years ago. This body of believers, my faith family, has been and continues to be a source of joy and encouragement. 

These past few weeks I have found myself longing for Sundays and the opportunity to worship my Savior with my brothers and sisters in Christ in song and through the teaching of His Word. And even though I have not been to my small group following the service in the last few months, these wonderful ladies welcome me with open arms, listening ears and loving hearts each time I walk through the door. 

I am so thankful for this church-this body of believers-who each week live out the Gospel message and teach me what it means to love like Christ. We sang this song today before and after communion. Throughout the entire service you could feel the presence of God. 

God never ceases to amaze me! He is my Rock, my Shield, my Savior! He is always with me! He died for me, the worst death anyone could endure, for me. All I had to do was accept this gift-the gift of eternal life. There's no way to measure what He's worth! 



Monday, October 21, 2013

Failure and Grace


Since school began my blog has taken a backseat to the endless piles of school work that keep me working into the late afternoon, that occupies my time in the evening and that definitely sucks up the majority of the weekend. Don't get me wrong-I love my job-but what happens when my job becomes my priority and focus above my time with God? A tempted, ungrateful, complaining mess! 

Yup that's me! I find my life backward and upside down right now. I feel unsettled and restless, pain-ridden and exhausted, frustrated and guilty. Guilty? Yes, because I know the precious truths written in the greatest love letter I will ever receive. God has given me His Son, broken and bloody, on that cross because He loves me. His Son rose on the third day to defeat death and the grave. To give me life everlasting. Yet I long for what I do not have. I long for that husband, those children and yes, my health again. Oh to feel like a real 30 year old again. To be able to run and jump and live without pain. How I long for heaven though God's plan keeps me here on earth. 

I think these things and then GRACE falls down like rain around me-that extra hour of less pain, the open doctors appointment that should have taken months, the beautiful children that light up each morning when they arrive at school, the encouraging words and prayers from people who might not even know how much I appreciate them. God gives me so much to be grateful for each day. He gives me each day! He gives me grace each day! He walks with me each day and I know that sometimes He really does carry me, because I cannot imagine life without Him. 

So you might ask what is the solution for this mess I am? A refocusing of my priorities. Making God first by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Having gratitude instead of negativity. Knowing that He is sovereign and has EVERYTHING under control. 

Be still and know that I am God ~Psalm 46:10

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Someday...


The first week of school is complete. The weather has turned from hot and humid into cool, breezy days full of sunshine while the leaves start to change color and the sweatshirts come out from hiding. It is my favorite time of year. Back to school, cooler days, sweatshirts, blankets, apples and pumpkins...well, you get the idea. I love fall! It is a time of transition. 

As I was doing some school work, I heard squeals of laughter and cheers outside the house. In the road, our neighbors are teaching their twin girls to ride their bikes without training wheels. One has it down, one is a little less confident. As I sit here writing this, mom and dad are shouting words of encouragement and cheer and patiently running back and forth while their little girls reach this milestone. 

My heart fills with joy for this family-together and whole-just the way God designed it to be. My heart aches with longing for a husband to love and serve, to glorify God with and for children of my own someday who I will guide through this life cheering and encouraging, training and supporting. I don't know the future, but I know that God does. He knows what is best for me and my desires and dreams and hopes. He knows that at the same time I am filled with joy, a deep sadness also surfaces. It is okay. He has designed me this way. He is sovereign. He is always with me. He sustains me and guides me. My God is a faithful God and I can trust Him always even when it hurts. 

Linking with Inspire Me MondayFaithful Friday Blog HopFriday Flash Blog, The Weekend Brew  and Faith-Filled Friday

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

My Mission Field

Our Calendar Wall 
Tomorrow is the first day of the new school year! This will be my 8th year teaching, 2nd year in kindergarten! My kids from my first year of teaching are starting 9th grade! It amazes me how the time goes by quicker each year! 

Tomorrow I will welcome 28 little blessings! Yes, 28 and yes, I will choose to see each one as a blessing! Each of them were "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God (Psalm 139:14). God has brought each one to my classroom. They are all there for a purpose and through the power of the Holy Spirit living in me I will do my best to make sure that they have the best first year of school possible. 

Please join me in praying for this school year, this class God has brought together and that the love of Christ will shine through me to them- not just on day one but until the last. 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Worthy of Praise


Each day is a gift and a blessing. Yet I don't always believe that in the moments that make up the day, the weeks, the months. The years keep flying by and now that I am 30 I find myself more aware of how precious and fleeting life is. God never ceases to amaze me! Whenever I stop looking at myself and this world around me and start looking up to the Creator, I am filled with a sense of awe and wonder. God is so good, so real, so powerful and completely in control even as things fall apart here in this country and around the world. I know His Spirit is living in me and His grace is the reason I make it from day to day with the trials that He has allowed to be a part of my life right now. His mercies are new every morning, great is his faithfulness! (Lam. 3:23) His love never fails and He is so worthy of praise. 

I have a Casting Crowns CD playing in my car right now. The song "Life of Praise" came on and I completely lost myself in praise to my Savior. Here are just some of the words:

But I'll praise You for You are holy Lord
And I life my hands but You are worthy of so much more 

For You are awesome God of the nations
Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages
Alpha, Omega, Worthy of all praise
More than the hands I raise
I'll live a life of praise

That is what He created us to do-to worship Him and to glorify His name! He is worthy of so much more than I can give Him, but what He wants is me. He sees my heart and still loves me. God gave me everything-His precious, only Son-to die on the cross for my sins-so that I could spend eternity with Him. I'll live a life of praise through the power of His Spirit who lives in me! If you want to listen to the song, I posted a video below from Youtube. 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Grace


GRACE is...

*something you are given that you don't deserve (or haven't earned) ~Dawn

*how much God loves us, to pour out His grace on us that we do not deserve -Gina

*forgiveness, love and a shield- for nothing I've done ~Lisa

*that He loves me so much even though I do not deserve it, His grace is sufficient -Linda

*God's Riches at Christ's Expense; an unearned, unmerited gift or favor that I can never repay ~Sue

*something I desperately need -Pam  
*something we ALL need -Sue

*no matter your past, no matter what's happened, no matter what's a mess today---here is your miracle-grace ~Susan 

*an intimate gift to the heart that goes way beyond my ability to be grateful enough -Kim

*God's mercy towards those who put their trust in Him ~Elizabeth 

*undeserved favor -Lindsay 

*power - God getting involved and doing through you what you could never do on your own -Susan 

*that I didn't deserve it, but received it anyway ~Sheri 

*when God gives you that peace you need at that moment, when you hold your newborn for the first time, when you say goodbye to a loved one, when you are touched by the spirit and able to act upon it -Patty 

*saving grace- I was saved by grace - not something I did ~Barbara 


Photo by: https://www.facebook.com/BeingAChristian

Linking with Inspire Me Monday and Titus 2 Tuesdays

Thursday, August 1, 2013

For You!

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



God sent His Son for YOU! 
His Son died in YOUR place! 
He is waiting for YOU! 
Why?
 Because He LOVES YOU 
and 
wants to have a relationship with YOU! 

Video Script link

Linking with Friendship Friday @create-with-joy.comFaithful FridayFaith Filled FridayFlash Friday Blog and Titus 2 Tuesday

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Waiting Here For You

Last night I had the privilege of attending a women's night at a coffeehouse. Unfortunately, it was the final week. It was no mistake I was there. A dear friend invited me along and I said yes. Little did I know what God had in store for me. Since it was the final week, the pastor of this church was also there for the first time to speak to the women. He spoke on Genesis 3:15. I had never heard this perspective before. He spoke of the value of women and how Satan lies to us starting at a very young age. He hates us because Eve was the one who told God that he led her to eat of the fruit in the garden. Satan hates women and the Bible tells us that hatred is murder. Satan is a murderer-just look at the abortions that take place in this country each day and the abuse that women endure. Not only does Satan hate women, but he also hates their offspring. Bottom line, without godly women there would be no godly men. Women are of great value to God. We have a great responsibility as a helper to the men in our lives (husbands if you're married). We need to raise up our children in the way of the Lord (or if single, spiritual children). We need to be making disciples-being mentored and mentoring others. 

We also had worship last night and the song was new to me and is now a favorite. "Waiting Here for You" sung by Christy Nockels, written by Passion Worship band is my prayer to God and is such an encouragement to my heart (especially when surrounded by women lifting up their voices together to worship their Savior). I found a video on Youtube with the lyrics. It makes me long for the day we sing alleluia to our Savior together in eternity!  





God's Promise


Linking with Wordless Wednesday

Monday, July 29, 2013

Ups and Downs

Yesterday was rough. The morning started with a migraine and was up and down from there. As evening approached, the pain spread everywhere and I felt like I was back at square one. Let me back up for a minute- Since school ended and I have had time to relax, sleep, go to the gym (for some light, low impact activity), etc. I have felt pretty good which was exciting. Also during the last week of school I had to stop antibiotics due to a low white blood cell count. Then I decided to just give my body a break. So imagine my disappointment when I wake up today with more pain like yesterday. 

I know God is in control. I know God can heal me. I know God is always with me. Do you hear the "but" coming? Because that is where I was yesterday with a "but" racing through my head. "but God I thought you were healing me..."but God sometimes I think you hate me...(I know He doesn't-just keeping it real) "but God I feel like this is some punishment for past life choices (I know it isn't). 

God has forgiven me for sins. He does not hold them over my head, use them as punishment, throw them in my face...but I know who does-Satan, the enemy. He likes nothing more than to get in my head and feed me these lies. He lives for it. And sometimes he gets the better of me. 

After confessing my bad attitude to God and choosing to say "Blessed be Your name" (see earlier post Choose to Say) that I felt a calm spread over me and peace in the midst of pain. On my way to a doctors appt. this morning I was listening to Chris Tomlin. Nothing takes me from a place of despair faster than praising my Savior. He is sovereign. He is a God of wonders! I just need to look up!


Linking with Inspire Me Monday and Titus 2 Tuesday

Monday, July 22, 2013

Valuable



According to dictionary.com the word "valuable" has three definitions:

  1. having considerable monetary worth
  2. having qualities worthy of respect, admiration or esteem
  3. of considerable use, service or importance
So what is valuable? Well, that depends on the person. One person might think their diamond ring is valuable while someone else might value their car. I might believe that my job as a kindergarten teacher is valuable, but others might not agree. What a person defines as valuable or of value can depend on how they were raised, choices they have made in life or other determining factors. 

Today William and Kate had their baby boy. The whole world had been watching and waiting for this since the couple tied the knot. When Kate did become pregnant, then the focus shifted to the due date, the sex of the baby and the possible names. Not once did anyone think that this was not a life growing inside Kate. This little guy was valuable right at conception. According to the world, he was worthy of respect, admiration or esteem even before he was born. He was of considerable importance. 

Throughout the day I have thought what if all babies were considered valuable? What if all pregnancies were celebrated with such great joy as Kate's? What if each precious baby was given respect and admiration and considerable importance immediately at conception? In a perfect world, this could be true, but we live in a sinful, fallen world. However, God values life. Each life is valuable and precious to Him! Why? Because we are created in His image! (Genesis 1:27) 

There are many verses in the Bible that discuss life-including before birth. Here are just a few: 

Jeremiah 1:4-5- The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 

Isaiah 49:1-Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother's womb he has spoken my name.

Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. **I love this whole chapter.**

And a few verses about the value of life: 

Mattew 12:11-12a- He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep? 

Matthew 6:26- Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

 John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

Think about it, what if...? 


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Choose to Say


Life is all about choices. God gives us freewill. Throughout this chronic illness, God has been truly teaching me to say "Blessed be His Name" whether the day is good or bad. The words from this popular song played through my speakers this morning on my way to get another cortisone shot.


Blessed be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness 
Blessed be Your name


As I listened to these words, I thought do I? Do we, as children of God, truly say blessed be Your name to our Heavenly Father when things are dark, when life doesn't go the way we want it to or the plans we have aren't God's plans? Here is the rest of the song:


Blessed be Your name 
When the sun's shining down on me
When the worlds all as it should be
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name 

Every blessing you pour out 
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be Your Name! 

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will CHOOSE to say 
Lord Blessed be Your name!

"Blessed be Your Name"
Matt Redman lyrics 

God has taught me that my suffering and pain can be an offering to Him depending on my attitude. God does give and take away- my heart will choose to say! It's a choice and it makes all the difference. I cannot do it through my own strength. It is the power of the Holy Spirit living in me that allows me to genuinely say Blessed be Your name God- no matter how dark life gets. 

However, my "bad" day will never compare to someone who does not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I am just a sojourner in this world-it is not my home. I am humbled and amazed each day that God chose me to be adopted into His family before the creation of the world. This free gift alone should cause me to shout Blessed be His Name! each day. 

God's plans are far superior to my plans and His way is the only way to true joy and contentment. This is what He has taught me-the hard way-but I would not change this path He has me on. Why? Because I know it is His will for my life and there is no better place to be. 

Linking with Titus 2 Tuesdays, Simply Helping Him, Faith-Filled Friday and One Sharendipity Place