Luke 9:23
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
God's timing is always perfect and Sunday's message about taking time daily with our Lord was again perfect timing. Coming off summer where people are trying to fit vacations and play time in to there already busy schedule this was a great reminder.
Picking up our cross is not supposed to be a part of our schedules but a part of our being.
Being so thirsty and hungry for God's word and time with Him that we wouldn't think of putting anything before Him. This is what I want! But to be honest when I was sitting listening to the message I thought how do I get there. I have been there before and feel I have been very lax in my time and devotion lately and yet I don't want to be.
I know that when I get lax about my time spent with my Lord it is not Him who has changed, but it is me. I have shifted my focus to me me me instead of Him Him Him.
I find it interesting that when time with Him is top priority that to do list gets done and then some. When he is first he will guide my path and give me instruction on what is important. Maybe vacuuming the house 3 times a week is not a real priority and the Holy Spirit will speak that truth into my life when I am spending time with Him. This is just my heart and I don't have any questions or answers, but I know that when my first priority is HIM then the rest has always worked out. He gives me the time, energy and knowledge to get it done.
As I was emptying the dishwasher a song came on the radio and it was a great reminder of His love and how he is Jealous for me.- How he Loves David Cowder Band
Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise- the fruit of lips that confess his name
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Encouragement - To play in the Rain
Today was a great day to play in the rain and after a few minutes of the girls asking we headed outside. The girls had a blast playing in the puddles, with there umbrella and doing sidewalk chalk. There smiles and excitement were the best and even more fun than playing outside on a sunny day.
I have thought about taking the girls out in the rain may times but usually try to get them going on something inside. After seeing pictures on facebook of another Mom playing in the rain with her kids I was encouraged to do it myself. This Mom has no clue that she put the thought in my mind or encouraged me to do so, but she did.
I love that as Mom's we can encourage each other in the simple and big things.
Simple things like playing in the rain can be fun memories for our kids and ourselves. Thanks to a friend on facebook we had a great time playing in the rain!
I have thought about taking the girls out in the rain may times but usually try to get them going on something inside. After seeing pictures on facebook of another Mom playing in the rain with her kids I was encouraged to do it myself. This Mom has no clue that she put the thought in my mind or encouraged me to do so, but she did.
I love that as Mom's we can encourage each other in the simple and big things.
Simple things like playing in the rain can be fun memories for our kids and ourselves. Thanks to a friend on facebook we had a great time playing in the rain!
Picking up my Cross Today
Luke 9:23 If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
With my to do list in hand I notice they are all things I need to get done.
* laundry
* clean up the kitchen
* put laundry away
But what would God have on my to do list today. If I focused on this verse today and picked up my cross how might my day look different?
As I look at the list and know that all of these and more need to be done today, how would I find the time to do anything else. Not that I cant do laundry for the kingdom but I think you know what I mean. When I looked at the notes in my Bible it compared picking up our cross to putting away selfish desires.
Lord, As I sit here with hours of house work to do
I think how can I have or make time for anything else.
I pray that you would open my eyes and
heart to you plans for my day. I give you my day and ask you to
help me use my time effectively and for your glory.
I love you Lord and love that you give
me a chance daily to pick up my cross.
Help me today carry my cross and
put down my own selfish desires.
In His name
With my to do list in hand I notice they are all things I need to get done.
* laundry
* clean up the kitchen
* put laundry away
But what would God have on my to do list today. If I focused on this verse today and picked up my cross how might my day look different?
As I look at the list and know that all of these and more need to be done today, how would I find the time to do anything else. Not that I cant do laundry for the kingdom but I think you know what I mean. When I looked at the notes in my Bible it compared picking up our cross to putting away selfish desires.
Lord, As I sit here with hours of house work to do
I think how can I have or make time for anything else.
I pray that you would open my eyes and
heart to you plans for my day. I give you my day and ask you to
help me use my time effectively and for your glory.
I love you Lord and love that you give
me a chance daily to pick up my cross.
Help me today carry my cross and
put down my own selfish desires.
In His name
Sunday, July 19, 2009
When he Knocks do I open the door?
Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
I was woke up this morning around 6:30 by my oldest and I could tell she was not willing to go back to bed. She was ready for the day and very persistent about watching a Franklin. I was not ready to start my day, so I gave in and thought I will just go back to bed or sleep on the couch while she watches this show. Getting the show started I felt a nudge to spend some time in the Word. Warm comfy bed vs. hard chair in the kitchen. Well I knew what my flesh wanted but I knew that I needed this time in the Word.
The word lukewarm came to mind the other day as I was meeting with a friend and my words were not matching my faith. I was feeling lukewarm and knew there was a passage on that. As I looked up the passage and knowing that Jesus is not for lukewarm I thought I should dig a little deeper.
Reading in Revelations 3 I noticed the reason for them being lukewarm was because they are relying on their own resources. Focusing on there earthly position,and thinking they are set. Following most of the rules and blending into the world is not God's desire for our lives. We are called to be on fire for Him and look different and that is not the easiest road to take.
Rev 3:15-17 in the message gives me a better picture
15-17"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless
Stale and stagnant are not words that I want describing mine or my family's life. But how do I stay on fire for Jesus. How do I stay HOT?
Maybe this is not an issue for you and Praise God if it isn't.
I can think of three keys in my own life that help me stay on fire.
* Being connected with other believers
Hebrews 10:23-25NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
* Communication with God and asking for his help if I feel like I am starting to slip
1 Peter 5:6-8 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
* Getting my daily bread
Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
It is so key to stay connected to God and other believers so that we don't fall into temptation. These are the three that I thought of and I sure there are more. When I am pressing hard into community with other and seeking God's desires over mine I will not be described as lukewarm. Praise God
I was woke up this morning around 6:30 by my oldest and I could tell she was not willing to go back to bed. She was ready for the day and very persistent about watching a Franklin. I was not ready to start my day, so I gave in and thought I will just go back to bed or sleep on the couch while she watches this show. Getting the show started I felt a nudge to spend some time in the Word. Warm comfy bed vs. hard chair in the kitchen. Well I knew what my flesh wanted but I knew that I needed this time in the Word.
The word lukewarm came to mind the other day as I was meeting with a friend and my words were not matching my faith. I was feeling lukewarm and knew there was a passage on that. As I looked up the passage and knowing that Jesus is not for lukewarm I thought I should dig a little deeper.
Reading in Revelations 3 I noticed the reason for them being lukewarm was because they are relying on their own resources. Focusing on there earthly position,and thinking they are set. Following most of the rules and blending into the world is not God's desire for our lives. We are called to be on fire for Him and look different and that is not the easiest road to take.
Rev 3:15-17 in the message gives me a better picture
15-17"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless
Stale and stagnant are not words that I want describing mine or my family's life. But how do I stay on fire for Jesus. How do I stay HOT?
Maybe this is not an issue for you and Praise God if it isn't.
I can think of three keys in my own life that help me stay on fire.
* Being connected with other believers
Hebrews 10:23-25NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
* Communication with God and asking for his help if I feel like I am starting to slip
1 Peter 5:6-8 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
* Getting my daily bread
Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
It is so key to stay connected to God and other believers so that we don't fall into temptation. These are the three that I thought of and I sure there are more. When I am pressing hard into community with other and seeking God's desires over mine I will not be described as lukewarm. Praise God
Friday, July 10, 2009
Where is he asking you to Be Still?
Psalm 46:10"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Exodus 14:14The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
What a great reminder that our Lord will fight for us. I have seen this in our lives this week and last. We were working on refinancing our house and for whatever reason we missed out on the lower rate before it jumped. So we did some phone calls and talked to a few friend and decided to look at a different bank. With this other bank we will be able to pay our house off faster and our house payment will be about $150 less. When I first got the news that the other paper work didn't get in on time I was so upset. Then within a few hours we were checking out different options. Looking back I think God's hand was at work and he knew we would not be happy with that first bank.
He is fighting for us and he wants what is best for us.
This was a great reminder to Be still in the Big and Small things.
Exodus 14:14The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
What a great reminder that our Lord will fight for us. I have seen this in our lives this week and last. We were working on refinancing our house and for whatever reason we missed out on the lower rate before it jumped. So we did some phone calls and talked to a few friend and decided to look at a different bank. With this other bank we will be able to pay our house off faster and our house payment will be about $150 less. When I first got the news that the other paper work didn't get in on time I was so upset. Then within a few hours we were checking out different options. Looking back I think God's hand was at work and he knew we would not be happy with that first bank.
He is fighting for us and he wants what is best for us.
This was a great reminder to Be still in the Big and Small things.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Are you tired?
Matthew 11: 28-30 Message
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Sometimes with the daily responsibilities of being wife and mom I get tired and need rest. I have been more tired, and needing more sleep the last few days. Summer can be a fun and busy time and it can also get us off our normal routine. This is what I am finding. I had certain days in the fall and winter that I would have longer quiet time and writing times. With my daughter home from school it has been challenging to findpockets of time. The girls are going to sleep later and after putting them to bed I want to crash. I am only telling you this because I have found in the past if I am dealing with an issue usually another women is too. My feeling tired and quiet time in His Word usually go hand and hand. I get insight, and strength from His Word, so when that time with Him is lacking I get tired easily.
Today my youngest is taking a nap and oldest is golfing with Papa, and yes my house needs to be picked up but I knew I needed to have time in His Word.
When I looked up this verse I first looked at the NIV and then as I read the Message it really spoke to me today. Jesus wants us to come to Him when we are overwhelmed and tired and he will show us true rest. The rest I receive from Him is not laying on my pillow but it giving me a new strength, and new wisdom that will help thought the day. This verse also talks about walking with Him and working with Him and watching how He does it. The only way I can truly walk with Him is if I am in His Word and listening what he has to say.
This verse was such a great reminder of two important things in my life:
*He wants to spend time with me and you
* He is all about relationship not a religion
I hope you have time today to spend in His rest.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Sometimes with the daily responsibilities of being wife and mom I get tired and need rest. I have been more tired, and needing more sleep the last few days. Summer can be a fun and busy time and it can also get us off our normal routine. This is what I am finding. I had certain days in the fall and winter that I would have longer quiet time and writing times. With my daughter home from school it has been challenging to findpockets of time. The girls are going to sleep later and after putting them to bed I want to crash. I am only telling you this because I have found in the past if I am dealing with an issue usually another women is too. My feeling tired and quiet time in His Word usually go hand and hand. I get insight, and strength from His Word, so when that time with Him is lacking I get tired easily.
Today my youngest is taking a nap and oldest is golfing with Papa, and yes my house needs to be picked up but I knew I needed to have time in His Word.
When I looked up this verse I first looked at the NIV and then as I read the Message it really spoke to me today. Jesus wants us to come to Him when we are overwhelmed and tired and he will show us true rest. The rest I receive from Him is not laying on my pillow but it giving me a new strength, and new wisdom that will help thought the day. This verse also talks about walking with Him and working with Him and watching how He does it. The only way I can truly walk with Him is if I am in His Word and listening what he has to say.
This verse was such a great reminder of two important things in my life:
*He wants to spend time with me and you
* He is all about relationship not a religion
I hope you have time today to spend in His rest.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Are you Unforgettable?~Guest Post
Just a simple thought for today...
What are you doing to captivate your husband's thoughts?
I don’t want my husband walking out the door for work and forgetting about me all day, I want to be on his mind. I want him to miss me when he’s gone.
Let’s be unforgettable women!
www.praiseandcoffee.com
What are you doing to captivate your husband's thoughts?
I don’t want my husband walking out the door for work and forgetting about me all day, I want to be on his mind. I want him to miss me when he’s gone.
Let’s be unforgettable women!
www.praiseandcoffee.com
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