Making the right Decision

Romans 5:4-6 (New International Version)
4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Are you dealing with a situation that you know is character building? Maybe you are trying to buy or sell a house and it is just not happening. You are seeking God's direction and yet you feel like nothing is popping out at you. Maybe you are looking for a job and not sure if you should look into job A or job B. I remember a few months ago I was really hung up on making the right decision. I did not want to miss God's plan for me. I felt I should go in a certain direction but was that my own thoughts or was that the spirit guiding me? When I called to talk to a friend about it I really felt like I had to make a decision. It couldn't be both could it. She said don't get to hung up on the decision that you loose sight of God. If we focus so much on what to do next that can take up a lot of our thought process. So this time as I am faced with a decision I am just praying that His will be done. What will bring Him the most glory. Not what would I love or what do I want but what will glorify Him the most. This is NOT easy but I know that I am happiest in His will.
Exodus 33:21-23 Message
God said , Look, here is a place right beside me. Put yourself on this rock. When my Glory passes by, I'll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I've passed by. Then I'll take my hand away and you'll see my back. But you won't see my face."

This verse was in my devotional this morning and it made me think about God's hand on our lives. He put his hand on Moses but he has given us the Holy Spirit. He is always with us to giude us and all we have to do is ask.

My favorite part of this verse is God saying look here is a place right beside me. I feel so comforted by that and it reminds me that my God is with me and has his hand in my life.

Love this song!!

The day ahead

Lord I want to join with you to tackle the day ahead. I have a lot on my mind, some of which could take my thoughts captive. I ask for a sound mind today and your wisdom in all situations. Your purpose and plan is greater than mine help me to remember that. Thanks you for all the beautiful summer days you have given me with the girls and help us to enjoy the last few. When I think of all the blessing you have given us the stressful situation become minimal. Thank you Lord for your guidance
I Love you

Real and True

His Faithfulness

As I tried to have a minute of quiet before the girls woke up this was the song
I kept singing. I was attempting to read but these were the words God wanted
for me today. So putting my reading aside I really thought about this song:

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me!

Great is His faithfulness and yes unto me. Is it hard for you to
receive a compliment or gift from others. What about God?
When you know that God has given you a gift how do you respond?
His faithfulness is not something that is wrapped in a pretty pink package and yet
thanking God daily for His faithfulness is important. I so easy forget
all the ways he shows His faithfulness. I have been able to be a stay at home mom for
7 years and that is a huge gift for our family. I know that that is not His call on
every one's life but was for ours and His faithfulness has been revealed in that.
Great is His faithfulness!!
As I looked again at these words this verse came to mind

Psalm 40:3
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
My song was Great is Thy Faithfulness what is yours what is the NEW song in your mouth?

His Love

Romans ( Message)
31-39So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.
I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

The more I read about His love for us the more time I want to spend with my Savior!!

Hero HeadQuarters

This was so cute I have to share: We always look forward to VBS at Grandma Greats church and we received the invitation last week. The first line reads- You're invited to "Hero Headquarters" where kids join forces with God!
After reading just the first line Olivia looks at me with a tilted head and asks will God be there?
I loved this question and I have been thinking about it for the last few days. I can't remember my exact answer but at first it was no you will not see him but his presence will be there.
Sometimes the questions that kids ask make us dig a little deeper. What do we really believe. I know that God shows up to events like this and loves to see children learning about His love and praising His name. This VBS is all about the hero's in the Bible that are not super powerful, and yet there faith is used for great things by God. Now that's real life.
So will the kids that week be able to see God? The Bible says if we know Him we have eyes to see Him. As believers we see Him in the big and little in life. God has recently woven a relationship into our life and we know it is all His work. When our eyes are open and willing to see Him and His work you will see it everywhere.
So the question will God be there? YES but you have to have your eyes on to see Him. Now my 6 year old will not get that but I know this is only the beginning of our discussions about seeing God's work and plan in our life.

Deuteronomy 4:9Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

John 14:17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

1 Samuel 12:16"Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!

Psalm 34 Never hide anything From God

I am reading this morning in a message Bible and these verses are so true.
Ps 34:4-5 and 8-9
God met me more than halfway
he freed me from my anxious fears
5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.

8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.
9 Worship God is you want the best;
worship open doors to all his goodness

What a verse to start the day! God wants us to take
everything to him. Yes he already knows and yet he wants us
to share out hearts.
Romans 12:1(Message)
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.

What ordinary life can you put at his feet today?
For me as a mom have a hard time getting all the things done and still playing with my kids as I want to. Balance seems to be an issue in my life. I will be setting that at his feet, and much more I'm sure.

Indescribable

After drying my hair this morning I came into the kitchen to find Olivia climbing on the counter to turn up the radio. This song was playing. It is Indescribable to hear your kids singing a song like this. Also one of the lines in the song says: who has told every lightening bold where it should go. Yesterday Olivia was very scared of the storm and thought school should be canceled because of the lightening and thunder. Listening to this song with her was a great reminder that God is in control of all.

Freedom

2 Corinthians 3:16-18
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (The Message)
16-18Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

These verses remind us that
* Freedom comes from the spirit
* God is living and personal
* There is nothing between us and God
* All of us have the same opportunity to choose Freedom

Love them all!

If you Give a Moma Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin,
She’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
So she’ll pour herself some.
The coffee will get spilled by her three year old.
She’ll wipe it up.

Wiping the floor, she will find some dirty socks.
She’ll remember she has to do some laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She’ll trip over some snow boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper for tonight.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She’ll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With a Pound of
Hamburger.)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.
She will look for the checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two year old.
She’ll smell something funny.
She’ll change the two year old.
While she is changing the two year old the phone will ring. (Of course!)
Her five year old will answer it and hang up.

She remembers that she wants to phone a friend to come over for coffee on
Friday.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
She will pour herself some.
And chances are,
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Written by Kathy Fictorie

This was given to me by Olivia's teacher and when I read it I knew I had to share. This is so my life and maybe your too. Hope you had a great Mothers Day.

Fun quotes for Mothers Day

When I think about my kids they have brought more joy to my life than I would have ever expected. They are the biggest blessing, and yet it is the hardest job ever. I love it and need a break daily. They make me smile all the time, and yet I can see that I will be on my knees more often. They are a true blessing from God and give me a glimpse of how much he love us.
Happy Mothers Day!

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
Angela Schwindt


We cannot fashion our children after our desires, we must have them and love them as God has given them to us.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.
Walt Streightiff

Children make you want to start life over.
Muhammad Ali

A three-year-old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm.
Bill Vaughn

It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.
Barbara Kingsolver

Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.
Phyllis Diller

We must teach our children to dream with their eyes open.
Harry Edwards

Abundant life

John 10:9-11(NIV)
9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

1 Timothy 1:14(NIV)
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 1:7
Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth

There is nothing better than God's word. I love how we can gain insight and hope from just reading His Word. God says that he came so that we could have
life with him now and forever. Sign me up.
As I was listening in Bible study this morning and thinking about life, I see again that God is peeling away layers in my life and in the women around me. He is doing this so that we can have life more full with Him.

This next video has many great points but one that hit me was when we have experienced God's we are ruined for everything else. Nothing compares to time with Him!

Mia's First Dance

Place your ordinary life before God

Place Your Life Before God Romans 12:1-2 Message
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

I am learning that if I am having trouble or struggling with something that I need to ask more for Gods help and stop trying to do everything on my own. I needed a reminder that taking my every day ordinary life to God is exactly what he wants. One of the struggles I am having right now is my eating. I want to eat all the time and feel like I have little self-control. I know that eating at 10:00 is not what I need to be doing and my mind seems to be focused on eating that chocolate or popcorn until I eat it. Then I am frustrated with myself afterwards and feel crappy the next day.
For some reason I seem to gain weight in the spring and summer and I want that to be different this year.
When I read this verse I am reminded that it is less about what I can do and more about asking for Gods help and laying it at His feet. My everyday, ordinary life I love that. I am not asking to be a super model and he knows that I just want to feel healthy and not obsess about that chocolate until I eat it.
Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. - Wow I hope you take a minute or 10 with our amazing Father and soak in His Love.

Struggles in dealing with an addicted father

As I was listing to our Bible study this week the thought of having to call my dad was totally on my mind. I don't jump out and share this with everyone but know that there has to be women dealing with a similar situation. My biological Dad(if you know my family this is not my dad Mike) is an alcoholic and is still in that bondage today. Many things are so hard about that relationship. One of the hardest things I am dealing with at the moment is how far do I let him in our life, and the lies he continues to feed me. If you were to look at my life from the outside you might think we are normal and maybe even look put together. That's the great thing about just looking, the illusions we get look pretty and yet they are usually way off. We live in a nice house in a great neighborhood, I have a loving husband and two beautiful girls. All that is what you might see. Yet living the day to day is much different. I am passionate about living a life that has meaning and living it with Christ at the center. I have to because if I didn't I would be lost. As a women it shakes something inside of you to be lied to by your father. The relationship we are supposed to have with our Dads should be honest and loving, and yet can I be honest? The only time I hear "I Love You" from him is when he is drunk. No matter how much I walk in faith with Christ that still rocks my boat. Maybe it shouldn't but it does. All of this is right at the front of my brain right now because he called again last night and I need to return that phone call. With everything in my I don't want to and yet he is still my dad. I had to get this off my heart today and writing helps me. I want anyone dealing with this to feel that it's ok to want to scream, run and or cry. Some days I just crave normal whatever that is. I also wanted to add this list of characteristics that some children of alcoholics deal with. I don't want this to be something that we hang on to but the opposite. If you find that one of these describe you and you want to be freed, ask God to heal you. Ask for his help to over come this. Our God is a healer and Redeemer and if he heals that addict then he will heal their children too.

Adult Children:

...guess at what normal is.

...have difficulty in following a project through from beginning to end.

...lie when it would be just as easy to tell the truth.

...judge themselves without mercy.

...have difficulty having fun.

...take themselves very seriously.

...have difficulty with intimate relationships.

...overreact to changes over which they have no control.

...constantly seek approval and affirmation.

...feel that they are different from other people.

...are either super responsible or super irresponsible.

...are extremely loyal, even in the face of evidence that loyalty is undeserved.

...tend to lock themselves into a course of action without giving serious consideration to alternative behaviors or possible consequences. This impulsively leads to confusion, self loathing, and loss of control of their environment. As a result, they spend tremendous amounts of time cleaning up the mess.


I have to say the first time I read this list it made me feel that I was not as crazy as I thought. Most of these on some level have been a part of my life at one time or another. Sad but true. I am so thankful that God is not leaving me where I am today and that with His help these rough edges are being shaved away. I have listed the website where I copied this list and I am sure there are more out there like this.
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/adult/a/aa073097.htm
If you are dealing with a parent that struggles with addiction ask for God to surround you with His love. He is the only one who can brighten my day when I am dealing with an ugly situation with my Dad and I know that we can brighten yours.

Cat and Mouse

Luke 11:10"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?

I had read this verse many weeks ago in the Message and liked the wording, cat and mouse game. I love that we can go to our Father and ask what is truly on our hearts. The Bible says to come with confidence in Hebrews 4:16.

What passion spills out of you?? - repost

Day 1
If you have a minute after listening to this song write a prayer or what is on your heart.

Lord I need you today. I need you everyday but today I really need to be filled with your love. Open my eyes to see what you have for me.

What are your dreams what would you do if time and money were not in the picture. What passion has God given you that ties up your thoughts. Maybe I am just a dreamer, but I think about this often. As a Mom I went into motherhood wanting one thing and now my thoughts and dreams have changed. I have changed. How about you? How has being a Mom changed you?

As Mother I think we have less time for ourselves than anyone else, but what occupies your uninterrupted time?

What do you do with that uninterrupted time?

How much uninterrupted time do you have during the day or at night?

What would you love to do with that time if you are not already doing it?

God always knows the perfect time and as hard as it is to wait on his timing, we can be sure he knows the perfect time and perfect plan for our lives.
Lets look at Ecc 3: 1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
As you read through those verses what verse was most meaningful for you today, and in this season of life. Share this verse by writing it down

As I look and read these verse the one that really sticks out for me is 7- a time to be silent and a time to speak
I really want Gods direction and for him to speak into my life and I know that for that to happen I need to be silent. I need to be silent and to listen to him but I also need to be silent and respectful to others(my husband). Looking back at the verse that you wrote down write a sentence or two about why that is important in this season of life.

Take a minute today and just be silent before God and ask him to speak into your life and show you his love.


Day 2
I think this is such a fun song and yet it makes me think about the steps I am taking in my life and are they the ones that God has planned for me.

I love to watch shows like American Idol or So you think you can dance. I love to watch people going for and achieving their dreams. Most of these people on these shows are given a God given talent and they can not help but do what comes so natural to them. When they interviewed Joshua on So you think you can Dance last year(08) I remember them asking him so when did you start dancing? He was in about 2 or 3rd grade and was getting in trouble for dancing in class. So his teacher recommended to his parents that he should start taking classed outside of school. Dancing was just a part of him he could not help but dance. Some of the judges tell the dancers you were made to dance. I know that sounds a little dorky but when you watch them it’s true.
As I love to watch these show I think about what has God given me that I cant help doing. Something that make me feel so alive. Something that I know is my God given talent or interest. Think about that for a minute.
What is your special gift from God?
What has God given you that you cant help but doing ? What spills out of you?
Encouragement, teaching, Serving
Singing, Loving others, Hospitality
Dancing, Mercy, Cooking
These are a few to get your mind thinking. We are all given gifts from God so if you are having trouble and thinking what are my gifts take a minute to pour your heart out to God. Also ask a friend or family member that will give you an honest answer. Sometimes we cant see our own gift and yet to others they are so obvious.
See if you can find scripture to back our gifts given by God.
*
*
A few times when I have been watching these shows I have been a little convicted of the time that is takes away from other things. This is the thought that has come to me more than once. Are you going to watch their dreams come true or are you going to make your own come true. I know that I can not make those dreams come true on my own, but they also cant come true by watching T.V. for hours on end.
What can you think of in your life that might be a dream distract or dream killer? ( a negative attitude or maybe being around negative people)

Lets look at a few verses that get us back in God’s truth. I know for me just seeing what his word says helps me in the day to day.
These verses are very special to me because they are my daughter ( Mia’s) life verse. Lets write them out together Jeremiah 29: 11-13

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all you heart.
First God already knows the plans for our lives before we start praying or asking. Second we are to call upon and pray to him and then he has promised to listen. Third we will find him when we seek him with all of our heart.
How do we seek him with all our heart?

For me it is putting him above everything and everybody else. When life gets crazy you seek what God has to say not what your neighbor or you friend tell you to do. Also to spend time with him and put that time as a huge priority. God knows as Mom’s we are busy, but we are still called to be in relationship with him.
Take time and write a prayer today that God gives you the desire and the time to seek him with all your heart.


Day 3 -
I am sure that this song is talking about falling in love with a guy but what about our love for Jesus. My love for Shawn has grown through the years and has really grown through the tough times. I can see the same pattern with my love for Christ. Through the years my love, trust and faith in him has grown. Christ is always the same but for me that relationship has taken time.
When has your relationship with Christ grown the most.

We don’t wake up one day at the same level as Moses it’s a process. One day at a time and one step at a time. On a little deeper note we can take steps forward or backwards which way in your walk with Christ are you walking right now?
This question is for you feel free to Journal if you feel lead.

If you are taking steps forward in your relationship with Christ right now Praise God! If you are taking steps backwards Praise God that today is a new day and today you can take a step forward all you have to do is get up.
Who did Jesus call to get up in Mark 2:9 and Matthew 9:4-6

Lets all take a step forward today in our relationship with Christ.
Lets take a minute to pray and seek his guidance for our lives.

Lables

I remember the question well. What labels do you put on yourself. This was from a recent Bible study on Rehab the prostitute. Now that's a label. When I wrote these down I noticed something. Some of the same issues that I dealt with as a child are still part of my struggles today.

School was always challenging for me. I hated to read, and spelling and story problems were also very difficult.
* slow and dumb were definitely feelings I had growing up

So many times I see these labels as a negative or a struggle. Why do I still deal with these labels today? I get frustrated should be over this right! Well the evil one knows where I am weak, so he will use what he can to have fear creep in.

The great thing for children of God, is he uses our weaknesses to show His strength and Glory.

I had trouble reading and spelling ... and funny how this is now my passion. I can't get enough of reading His word and writing how it has impacted me and others. I get excited just thinking about it.

Hebrews 4:15-16
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need

I know that without God's help, and hand in my life there is no way I would be writing, blogging and wanting to share it with others. He wants to take what we see as a weakness and show us and others His glory. If we always do what we can easily do on our own then our dependence on God is little. I am going to steal a line from a friend(Casey) The More We Depend on God the More Dependable He Becomes. God does not need to do anything to become more dependable and yet the more we trust Him the more our confidence grows in what he is asking of us. When we trust in Him and lay our lives down for Him to be in charge we will be truly blessed.
All thing are possible for those who believe - We have a choice believe in your weakness, or believe He can and will use it to His Glory

*Do you have a weakness in your life that you see God wanting to use to touch others

Near or Far

Jeremiah 33:1-3 While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him a second time: 2"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 3'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.(NIV)

So much I would love to say about this: I am so thankful that our God our creator gives us wisdom, knowledge, peace and so much more and yet I can't say it better than the Word. Here is some scripture that spoke to me today:

Hebrews 11:6(NIV)And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Psalm 119:2Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

James 1:5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Acts:24-29
24-29"The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?

Our God our creator is more than enough, and more than capable of providing for what we need.
Hope you have time in His Word today it really has a way of putting it all in perspective. Jaime

We are His Workmanship

This was a video that a friend sent me a few weeks ago and was God's perfect timing.
We all need reminders that God loves us to much to leave us where we are. I hope you enjoy.

Yes Lord - You are enough

Exodus 15:13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. (NIV)


I was given the new Hillsong CD for Christmas from my sister and this song has become one of my favorites. There is a much longer version on you tube but I love the verse that she referenced.
The song and her words about the song speak to my life and where I am at right now. She said there are points in the journey and that is so true. I have felt a nudge from the Lord to close a door now for a few years and yet questioned is that really what he is saying? I would ask other believers what do you think, or what do you think I should do. The problem with that is they were not hearing what I was hearing. I knew in my heart what I wanted and what he was asking me to do and yet I was not listening.
I was looking to others for the answer when HE is my answer.
There were two things that helped me shut that door, lock it and trust that he knows what is best for me.
* Shawn's blessing
* Really seeking God and wanting to love Him 1st and do what he has called me to do even when it might look crazy
I see again and again in the Bible that God asks his children to do crazy things according to the world, and yet to Him it is an act of trust. Do we trust that he is who he says he is. Doing a Beth Moore study once she said there is a difference in believing in God and Believing God. God has already shown he is who he says he is and he is trustworthy and yet he keeps showing me more and more of His plan and love for me.
I am not doing anything special I am just putting Him first. Yes, I fail, but overall I am making choices that say you Lord are more important than the T.V., than that extra 30 minutes of sleep.
It is a journey and all I know is I want to be on the journey with Him and doing what he has called me to do. Do I know all the plans he has for me, no, but I know that they will be better that what I could ask or imagine. The fact that I get to walk with Him daily is enough. I had to get to that point that he was enough!
I am so thankful he was patient with me because it took years.

Pray with me
Lord,
I get fired up and excited for what you are doing in
my life and so many others. You love your children
and lovewhen we put down the distractions of the world
and spend time talking, praying and reading your word.
Open our eyes to see more of you today and this week.
Help us not look at pleasing others, but pleasing you.
We know that your plan for our lives is so much better
than what we could think up, and yet sometimes it's hard to wait.
Help us to remember its a journey and the best part of the
journey is you.
I love you Lord - Amen

It's a Faith walk

Psalm 23: 1-2
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams
Where will the Lord lead his children? Closer and Closer to him and that may be a peaceful stream, or through the Rea Sea, or through a storm.
I love this verse that leads me besides peaceful streams, but if we are honest I think we notice and cling more to Him when he is leading us through the Rea Sea or through a storm.
Exodus 14: 21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left
Close your eyes and imagine the Israelites taking that first step. The Sea on either side of you and yes dry ground in the middle. Do they(you) trust or go back to what they(you) have always known. Then every step they took still had the sea right next to them. With that many people they could not just close there eyes and run, it was one step at a time continuing to trust. Scary and new, and yet completely in God's will. He was leading His precious children to freedom, and to do that it was a faith walk.
If you have walked with the Lord for a while, you have your own stories. We have the privilege of reading about the Israelites, Abraham, Daniel, Ruth's and many others whenever we want. I encourage you to write a few of your faith walk stories down to share with others.
Testimony of Gods work, faithfulness is always an encouragement.

Praise Him

Luke 19:40 (NIV)
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
This is one of those songs that I can't help but sing.
He moves mountains
He is mighty to save
His love is unfailing
His mercy is new every morning
He is forever
He came so we could have life with Him now and forever

It's funny how time praising my awesome God fills my tank to handle the tasks of the day and week.
Do you have a song that you can't help but sing. Please share.

Your Husbands World

Entering your husbands world

Do you really KNOW your husband? We are made for and transformed through intimate relationships. When we have a personal relationship with God we are able to form a bond with Him and our faith and trust is increased. When we let those walls down and choose intimacy with our husbands we will also grow in faith and trust with him.
One way we can connect with our husbands is to enter his world. What is he passionate about?What spills out of him without effort?What brings him Joy? For my husband it is football, more specificly Notre Dame football. His love for the game, stats and players is really hard for me to comprehend. Honestly, the only time I think about ND football is on Saturday when the game is on. In years past, it was really a sore subject for me. I would get so upset that he loved ND football so much. How could he sit and watch games for hours? He doesn't show that much passion for me....
After attending a marriage conference, God opened my eyes to see that I can look at our different passions as a positive or negative. God sees them as a positive and he wants them to strengthen our marriage. We were given the opportunity to go to three, yes three ND games this year. When Shawn got tickets for the first one I told him to take a buddy. Shawn and his buddy both wanted me to go and thought if I went I might convert into an ND fan. Well they were right. My passion is not like Shawn's but I loved going to these games. What I really loved was Shawn's joy and sharing it with him. This gave Shawn and I an opportunity to spend many hours together and talk, laugh and just have fun! So many times we get caught up in the daily grind and forget to have fun and enjoy the gift that God has given us in our spouse. Work, pay bills, planning dinners, home work for you and or the kids... All of these responsibilities are necessary and yet they tend to suck the life out of us. My husband like many men is a kid and heart, and loves to play outside, be involved in or watch sporting events, or just be active. Men love to share these activities with there wives. What does your husband enjoy doing with his buddies? Go fishing, watch a game or the races, play golf. We have a connection and bond with our husbands that no one else can touch, so if they enjoy watching a game with there buddies they would love to share it with us too. When we enter their world, take time to show interest in what they are passionate about it ends up as a win for your marriage.

If I would have insisted that he take his buddy I would have missed this opportunity. After the first game I was totally hooked and wanted the ND gear and was looking forward to the next game. I entered his world and totally loved it. We were blessed with time alone together and it gave us a new bond that we hadn't had before. With busy lives and daily responsibilities this gave both of us a chance to be a little goofy, wear the gear, do the cheers and totally enjoy the game and each others company.

What does your husband love that you could care less about? What does he love that you could do with him? You might even be surprised as I was that you totally get into it and have a great time.

Struggles

Romans 8:37
No in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him who loves us. I am not sure about you but there are certain areas of my life that I don't feel like a conqueror. In a Bible study that I am doing it asked the question what labels do we put on
ourselves? Crazy how those labels are still issues I deal with today. Sometimes they seem to go away for a while, and then bam there they are again. Insecurities! Like many women I can
go through my day and no one would guess the insecurities I am dealing with. What I find is I tend to dwell on them and this takes my focus of God. He is saying I am more than a conqueror and he also says where I am weak he is strong. So it is crazy that these are still stumbling blocks.
If you are like me I hope you take a minute and think about one of you insecurities or labels you are struggling with and give it to God. Pray that God would help you in your weakness. Know that he will.
Ephesians 3:20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

Remember the Gift God has Given us in our Kids

This is an email that I just received from a friend and what a great reminder to slow down and take time to just be with our kids. I was just thinking how thankful I am for such a beautiful day and the time God has given me to spend it with my girls.
Thank you Lord!!

TO MY DAUGHTER

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over
the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

*Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

*Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

*I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.

--
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

He is Holy

Revelation 4:8
Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

We serve a Holy God! This a great song to listen and think of the times
in your life that you have God's holy hand.

Knowing His Plan

It would be really sad at the end of my life to find out I had missed God’s plan for me. That I followed my own agenda and missed his. Maybe you are not completely sure what God has planned for you and you wish it was more clear. I know many women that feel that same way. I also know for me there was a lot of fear involved with totally surrendering to his plan. Also a lot of questions. Questions that I had and have to voice and give up to him. Our God is an awesome and understanding God, and wants us to share our hearts. If you are on the fence about what his true plan is for you voice that to him. When I take my concerns to him and give them over I will get clarification. Through his word, through a devotional, through a message at church. He does answer.
Heb 4: 16 - Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
There are many keys to being on fire for Jesus but I think that one of the first’s is constant communication with him. Our world can be scary, challenging and confusing so we have to take our thoughts to him. I love that he knows them no matter what but he wants to hear our voice. I can read my kids and know what they are upset about before they tell me, but I still listen and want to hear what they have to say.
1. Because I love them
2. Because it makes them feel important and loved
Heb 4:15 ties it all together - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every was, just as we are yet was without sin.
I think God just wanted to reiterate in this verse that we can take anything to him. He already knows our weakness it no shock to him.
What is a weakness that you struggle with that you would love some wisdom and guidance on?
Know that no issue is to big or small God.
My daughter had a finger nail that was bothering her the other day and she reminded me to pray for it. For her it was bothering her and so she wanted to pray about it. Do you, do I have that same attitude about everything in our lives?
Mark 10:15 - Receive like a child

Protect your quiet time

This song is one to listen to in your quiet time. I hope you take a minute to listen and share your heart with Jesus.

Do you find these words to be true in your life. When you set down the distractions and totally seek Him what do you feel?
I find as a woman, wife and mom that more and more I need to be filled with quiet time with my Lord. For years I have been doing my quiet time when my girls nap and that worked at the time. Now those days of 2 hour naps are coming to an end and I was noticing that by the end of the day I had little energy to read, study or pray.
So I decided I would set the alarm and have that time before anyone is up. When that alarm goes off I think to my self really is it time to get out of this warm bed already. Going to the basement half awake I usually pray, read and sometimes listen to a song. It takes me a while to wake up and there have been days when I think did I really give God the time he deserves and desires.
What I am noticing is that through out the day a verse will come to mind when needed,and I am more productive and less tired. As much as the world sucks us dry the Lord wants to fill us up. I can now see and feel the difference when I take that time in the morning and when I choose to sleep in.
The more I seek Him the more He is there to give me what I need.
Thank you Lord
This is a great song to have in your quiet time. I have closed my eyes and tried to imagine sitting at the feet of Jesus. Sisters in Christ we will have that privilege some day!
Have a Blessed week - Jaime

Nap Time Can't Come Soon Enough - Previous Post

Today Nap time can't come soon enough. As I am preparing lunch I am listening to
NaNa Na boo boo, your a boy, don't look at me, It's mine, stop. This is all in one minute and this picking has gone on all morning. Most of the time my girls play great but today is a day where they can look at each other and be on each others nerves. I am trying to stay positive and not lose my cool and yet I want to scream. I know that me going to their level never turns out well. I am sure we all have different methods to redirecting our kids and for this one I used the timer and we played the quiet game. It seemed to work for a few minutes anyway.
My point is not about my misbehaving kids it's about my quiet time last night. I was able to come in my room and close the door and have quiet time doing my Bible study. It was raining and listening to the rain while doing the Bible study was so calming. On my to do list for the night was quiet time, look at bills and a load of laundry. The only thing on my list that was accomplished was the quiet time. I found that even though I was only able to get one out of three things done God really blessed my time. This morning I was able to do a little catch up and I feel the Lord really blessed my work this morning. Yes the girls were a little bit of a handful but in that I was also very productive. I think he multiplied my time.
Yes now the girls are napping and I should be working on my list but I had to quick write this down. In hopes that a Mom just like me is trying to be a patient Mom and she might need a little encouragement today. To take time that was supposed to be for laundry or looking at bills and just spend time with God. When I spend that time with him he fills me up so I(we) can tackle the day ahead. I put we because he helps me everyday.
One of the verses in my Bible study last night was a very familiar verse and yet it made me think about how I go about the day to day tasks.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Love is patient Love is kind....
Sometimes as I go about the day to day tasks I am not leading in love. As I made lunch and was very irritated with the constant picking I tried to lead in love.
I find God continually equips me for what I need for later that day or the next day and this verse was very helpful. Also with my tank full I was more patient and more understanding - they are only 5 and 3 not 25 and 23.
2Tim 4:17
so that the man of God me be thoroughly equipped for every good word.
I Love that God gives us just want we need.

His Instrument for His Glory - previous post

Gods word tells us we can either be an instrument of His Glory or an instrument to this world.
Romans 6:12-14 NIV
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Can God really use anyone for his instrument? Can he use me a stay at home Mom from a small town that drives a minivan. Can he use a Mom working full time at home and in the work place. Can he use a single women looking forward to meeting her mate. Yes Yes and Yes he can use what ever we give over to Him.
I smile inside when I see God show up where I didn't expect it. A garage sale, in McDonald's,riding my bike. He likes to remind me He is in control and he is with me always. As I sit here this morning with no children, a hubby golfing and a quiet house I am excited to dig into His word. I love this song and loved the part about being His instrument. When I looked up this word I was excited to find Acts 9:1-16. I hope you take a minute to read it and see that God can and will use anyone. He used a man that was killing His people. He used a man that Hated Christians. He used a man that was lost and dead inside. Reading these verses I find it interesting that he hated Christians and yet when he hear the voice of Jesus he listened.
Acts9:15-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
God had chosen him to be his instrument. God sees what we cant see in ourselves and I love that he used another man to place hands on him. God not only uses Saul but he used a Ananias. They were both able to see and experience Gods glory. I was reading in my Bible and it goes into more detail about Paul saying "Paul's personal encounter with Jesus changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but for then on it was channeled for the gospel."
Jesus has definitely change my life and my families. HE opens my eye to new things daily. When I am upset or hurt about something it doesn't take me long to look at the other side. I know that is him softening my heart. I mess up daily and yet I am changed daily and I hope you are too. Have a great Day

Indecisive

So many times I came to the Lord and expect a answer on a question.
Should we have more children yes no
Am I moving in the right direction yes no
Should I discipline in this way yes no
I am confused should I go to ...... yes no
I feel a stirring in my heart so I want to do the right thing and yet when I ask for direction I almost sense Him moving back. I ask day after day and one day I feel this way and then the next my mind changes. I don't like being indecisive. What am I missing Lord? I know is has to be obvious, I am just not getting it.
Yet again as I am facing a fork in the road I am feeling like a ping pong ball back and forth back and forth. So while reading today I did not have God say yes or no but I feel His Word give clarity.
Luke 10:20-30 (The Message)
18-20Jesus said, "I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that's the agenda for rejoicing."
When reading this scripture in the Message and NIV this part really stuck out for me. I get so focused on what I want to do for God. I think my original intent is good and then I lose focus. I was reminded that I need to come to Him like a child and just trust. Trust that he will give me clarity, trust that he is who he says he is, and rejoice before I even know what direction I am going. I get so ahead of my self and want to know now, one because I am excited and two because I am impatient.
Again Lord you remind me 1st - Love the Lord with all your heart soul and mind.
If I am so focused on the next thing or next decision then how can I love Him with all my heart soul and mind.
Lord you know my inmost being, you know when I sit and when I rise. You know my heart, my passions and desires. I lay them at your feet. I give them to you. I will not ask again. I will trust and know that you will work all things out for your Glory. I ask that your will be done.

I love you and help me to love you today with all my heart all my soul and all my mind!!
Isaiah 43(Message)
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

Is it OK to love my life?

I was looking at a friends facebook and noticed on the side it said
I love my life. It made me think what makes us love our lives. With all that is going on in the world, war, disease, killings, drunk drivers, divorce, ... What makes us look and focus on the good and not the negative?
When I thought about what I loves about my life the obvious came to mind hubby, girls, my mom dad and sister ... These people all have a special place in my life and make me better as a wife, Mom and women. As Olivia and I were down stairs looking for pictures to take for sharing day I had an ahha moment. In most of the pictures we are capturing moments that are special to us. A silly face, a vacation, dress up time, a game, time with friends, and you can add to the list. When I think about what I love about my life it's these moments. Moments with the ones that I love. Moments with the people that God has chosen to be a part of my every day life. Little moments like silly faces and pudding all over there faces. Big moments like having a new baby, Christmas morning, Birthdays...
When I looked at the list I noticed that my car, couch, new carpet,.. didn't make the cut. I enjoy having a car that fits my family and gets us from here to there but when I think about the moments my car,couch and or new carpet don't measure up.
What do you love about your life?
What are the Silly Faces in your life?
What has God blessed you with that makes you smile everytime?

Hope

He gives us hope when really there should be none
He makes us whole after our heart has been broken
He shows us love that no one could ever match
He has to be number one in our lives
He changes our lives
He is amazing
He will heal
Seek him and share your hurts your passions and desires
Know that he loves his children
He died so we could live - live now and live forever with Him in Heaven
He is amazing
Sometime I just smile because he calls me daughter
Know that he loves you!!