Summer Lovin'

Pastor Jeanne did a series this summer called "Summer Lovin'". It was so good!! She really has a way to get you to think & step on your toes but she does it in a loving way.


The first "lovin'" was God. We are supposed to love God above all other people & things.


The second was Spouse. I'll be honest this is where I get tripped up. I love Ed so much but often I put the kids in front of him. I'm working on it though!!


The third was Children. We are supposed to love our kids enough to discipline them & by teaching them about God.


The fourth was Church. We are supposed to love our church & committ to building it up & not tearing it down.


The fifth & last was Work. We are supposed to do our work as. If Jesus is beside us all day long.


This series I really enjoyed & it made me think a lot about where my priorities are. What about you? Where are your struggles in this list?

Francis Chan - Balance Beam

This was so awesome to me!! I can't wait to start "Crazy Love" with the ya Ya's (probably in October) BUT everyone is invited. It will be challanging and a life changing study!!

I dare you!!

So I thought....

Have you ever had that one issue, or person that you have felt like you were past the feelings, hurts, & resentments only to have it or them creep back up & smack you in the face??? (Not literally of course)


I've found that I deal pretty well with things..... Lol that is while they are out of sight, out of mind! Only to have it creep back in & you realize maybe you hadn't dealt with it quite as well as you thought.


For me, I tend to "self protect" in order not to get hurt. I have a hard time trusting people. You mau find that odd but it is so true. For many years I masked it by being hateful & mean. You see by doing that people don't want to get close to you & so trust issues solved right??? Not so much.


Once my relationship with God became stronger & stronger I started inching to the end of the dock in my relationships with people. I started opening up & putting myself out there. Do I still get hurt? Yes. People will always let us down due mainly to our expectations of them BUT once we rely on God's grace it makes it a little easier to handle.


I struggle daily with my expectations of what I think people need to be to me. How unfair!! I'm working on looking at the world through Jesus' eyes. It's a continual process that takes lots of work & prayer.


Take your worries, concerns, expectations, hurts, attitudes, & human nature & lay it at HIS feet to deal with. Put your trust in God & as it says in Proverbs, he will make your paths straight.

Tuesday Tunes

Jamie Slocum - Dependence On You


This is the life I've always wanted
To know the prince of peace
To feel my faith restored
As your grace surrounds me

This is the day of new beginnings
This is where my freedom starts
And now death has lost its sting
And Jesus how can I thank you?

Just to know, just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me? No, no
Just to know, just to know that you're with me
On all these roads I traveled on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you

There is a lightness in my laughter
There is a joy inside my soul
My heart is overwhelmed
And Jesus how can I thank you?


Just to know, just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me No, no
Just to know, just to know that you're with me
On all these roads I traveled on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
Dependence on you

Just to know, just to know that you love me
It gives me hope to carry on
You're the one thing that I can turn to
Just to know, just to know that you're with me
On all these roads I traveled on
You're the one thing that I can turn to
Just to know, just to know that you love me
It gives me hope to carry on
There's nothing this world can do
I confess my dependence on you
Lord, I confess my dependence on you
Dependence on you

Fully Convinced

Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live.
Proverbs 4:4

In his book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Dr. Tedd Tripp clearly defines obedience for parents so they understand when and how to discipline their children in a godly way. He states that, “It means more than a child doing what he is told. It means doing what he is told without challenge, without excuse, without delay” (p.134).

When God is guiding us in His direction, oftentimes we get distracted by the little things that seem more important to us at the moment. Just as a child believes putting one more piece of a puzzle into its place is of the utmost importance before getting up to obey, we often consider our immediate desires a higher priority than promptly obeying when we hear God’s voice beckoning us toward His way.

Imagine the kind of life we would experience if we were to follow God without challenge, without excuse, and without delay. Those things which seemed so important to us would fade, and we would begin to see what the Lord can do when we are not just almost persuaded but fully convinced that His way is better than our way.

To be successful in God’s work is to fall in line with His will and to do it His way.
Henrietta C. Mears

Behind...

No we are not going to be talking about my "behind" cause we don't even want to go there!!


I am behind on blogging!! With school starting and formations for Emmaus I am busy, busy!! I'm not sure Cole expected high school would be this hard. Meaning, he has had homework every night since the first day. We even stayed up until midnight one night working on Biology. He has said he likes it though. He and Aimee are full swing into soccer and volleyball. I really enjoy soccer games, the weather is great and I like being outside! Volleyball, not so much.... I don't know a lot about it and really I find it rather boring! Sorry to all those volleyball fans out there!


Yesterday we had Aimee's senior pictures taken. It was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see the proofs!! We have 6 games this week so it will be another busy week. Ed and I take turns going to each of the games if they fall on the same night but this week it is just Saturday so we will be at the games together which is odd! I am happy that we won't have to do this with basketball this year.


Our Emmaus formations have been awesome. God shows up BIG at each and every night. The team had bonded already, it's always neat to meet new friends in Christ and the similarities in where I am at in life.Five of the Ya Ya's have been riding together to them since they are in Bloomfield so that makes the late nights better!


Well, gotta run. Enjoy this beautiful weather!!

Daniel

Last night I made my first trip to the jail to see my little brother, Daniel. Folks, there is a reason I haven't gone yet but I put "myself" aside and went and boy was I glad I did.


He looked really good. Dan has this smile about him that just lights up a room. He has so much personality and is super funny! We always have a good time when we are around each other. So, here it was myself, my Mom and Dad, my sister Andi and my uncle Danny. There was only one phone to use so Danny tried at first but his hearing aid wasn't cooperating well so I took the phone only to hear my Dad say "Won't get that phone back" and yep he was right. I held on to that phone, Daniel picked up another phone in the booth beside him and Andi go on the other phone on our side. We talked and laughed and laughed some more. We even did the silly hold your hands to the glass thing where they meet perfectly (several times). I commented on his stylish attire to which he showed me that he has named brand on. He had taken a pen and wrote the name of a brand on them. He said I have an American Eagle pair too.... lol


It was good to see him not strung out on drugs but back to the "old" Daniel. I know that God has a plan for his life or he wouldn't be here today due to several different instances.


He has 13 more months to serve and my prayer is that when he gets out he stays clean and begins a new life, we know that God makes all things new. Will you pray this along with me friends??


As soon as I dropped Andi off it started...the big ugly cry. It broke my heart to see him behind that glass, knowing what a big heart he has and what he would do for anyone but also knowing that is what got him in trouble. So what was a girl to do??? I stopped at Speedway and bought a frozen Coke and a box of Krispy Kremes.....


This wasn't my last trip to see him. I will go back.

New Again by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans

This is an amazing video. Bet you can't make it through it with a dry eye!!


Mother - do not cry for me
All of this is exactly how it's supposed to be

I'm right here. Can you hear my voice?
My life, my love, my Lord....my baby boy


As they nail me to this tree
Just know the Father waits for me

God how can this be your will?
To have your son and my son killed?


Whatever happens...whatever you see...
Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me
This is not...
Not the end...
I am making all things new again


I remember when you were born
In that manger where I first held
You in my arms
So many miracles and lives you've changed
And this world repays you how?
With all this pain


As they nail me to this tree
Just know the Father waits for me

God how can this be your will?
To have your son and my son killed?


Whatever happens(Whatever happens)...whatever you see(I don't wanna see)...
Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me
This is not(Tell me it's not...
Not the end...
I am making all things new again



Whatever happens...whatever you see...
Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me
This is not(No)...
Not the end...
I am making all things new again

As I started this post it was headed in one direction but God has changed that a bit so bear with me.

As many of you know I LOVE to read. I am currently reading 2 different books plus my Bible. The one book I started is the first in a series of twelve. It's kind of a sci-fi book based on the television series The Legend of the Seeker. I watched one episode of it while on vacation & I knew I had to find the books. The first one is titled "Wizard's first rule". Basically, there is a dark power trying to get to the "good lands" to destroy it. The key to defeating the bad guy is this book. It holds the secrets to everything. I am throughly enjoying this book. There are 835 pages in the first one alone. As I read it I continue to find similarities to my spiritual life. The ole scum dog lurking around waiting to destroy us & what hold the key to our fighting him?? THE BOOK. It was a God moment for me because for so long I've grieved myself over reading novels but I can find God things in most all of what I read!!


So, last night was another formation & boy did God show up. It was amazing. I love preparing to work these walks so much better than making my walk!!! I got home around 1130. My kids were on my bed & Ed was in our room. What a joy to sit with them & talk about their night, plus help Cole with his Biology =), yes they should have been in bed but I couldn't shoo them off. This morning I have been emailing a fellow team member back & forth. Now I know why Lauren lives with her part time!! She is such a special woman. We had a God moment as she was telling me about another God moment in the restroom (I know, I know) she had last night. My 2 kids at home & her kids are the same age & we have shared how for too long worry for our kids have consumed our minds. That is one thing I laid down last night. Although I know my kids are good kids & have Christian backgrounds, & know what is right. I would still worry SO much about the direction their lives would take. I worried about their friends, their thoughts, their actions when not around me. Why?? Because as a mother you want the best for your kids. I don't want them to make the same mistakes I have made but I also realize they have to make their own mistakes. I cannot shelter then their whole lives, darn it!!

I truly feel God has placed this team together "for such a time as this". There are so many similarities in where many of us our right now in our lives. Thank you Jesus!!!

What is it that you need to lay down at the foot of thr cross that seperates you from the love of God??

Agape Love

This keeps smacking me in the face this week!!

Agape Love =) a selfless love, giving, it's a choice we make to do.

How many times have you told some that you loved them lately?? Do we love what that are doing for us or who they are regardless of what they do or don't do??


1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version)
1 Corinthians 13 Love

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

What if Things Only Get Worse? by Max Lucado


Christ tells us that they will. He predicts spiritual bailouts, ecological turmoil, and worldwide persecution. Yet in the midst of it all, he contends bravery is still an option. (Matt. 24:4-14)Things are going to get bad, really bad, before they get better. And when conditions worsen, “See to it that you are not alarmed” (Matt. 24:6 NIV). Jesus chose a stout term for alarmed that he used on no other occasion. It means “to wail, to cry aloud,” as if Jesus counseled the disciples, “Don’t freak out when bad stuff happens.”“See to it…” Bosses and teachers are known to use that phrase. “See to it that you fill out the reports.” Or “Your essay is due tomorrow. See to it that you finish your work.” The words call for additional attention, special focus, extra resolve. Isn’t this what Christ is asking of us? In this dangerous day, on this Faberge’-fragile globe, with financial collapse on the news and terrorists on the loose, we have every reason to retreat into bunkers of dread and woe.But Christ says to us, “See to it that you are not alarmed.” (NIV)“Keep your head and don’t panic” (MSG).“See that you are not troubled” (NKJV).And remember: “All these [challenging times] are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8 NIV), and birth pangs aren’t all bad. (Easy for me to say.) Birth pains signal the onset of the final push. The pediatrician assures the mom-to-be, “It’s going to hurt for a time, but it’s going to get better.” Jesus assures us of the same. Global conflicts indicate our date on the maternity calendar. We are in the final hours, just a few pushes from delivery, a few brief ticks of eternity’s clock from the great crowning of creation. A whole new world is coming

It's been a bit of a crazy week. It's been busy, I was sick Tuesday, better Wednesday & not feeling 100% today. Formations Tuesday, board meeting tonight & first day of school tomorrow!!!


Yesterday I had to run to Loogootee so I stopped in to see my Pastor. I absolutely love this woman, she is an amazing instrument for God. As we talked, it became clear to me how too often we put our clergy on a platform, thinking they are above us. She goes through real struggles like the rest of us but often has no one other then her husband to talk to about them. she has been going through a lot of opposition, that sorry folks to be so blunt, but it is just ridiculous!! She is trying to do God's will. Is she perfect? Of course not but I realized that we neglect our pastors all too often. We don't realize how when they take that oath, they open themselves & their lives up for all to see & judge.


As I was driving home after talking with her, my heart broke. She is an amazing preacher, with a heart the size of Africa!!


So, my challenge to you is this: take time to pray for your pastor, what an amazing concept right?!?! Tell them what they mean to you, send a card, call them up, shoot them an email. Remember. They are our leaders to the throne of God. Next time we feel the need to complain about them, step back & realize what the call on their life is all about.... GOD!

Paper

As I was looking at the Shoals News today, the fron page featured the Varsity Volleyball team. This is it, Aimee's senior year. As sad as it seems to me at times it is also exciting knowing she will be moving on & starting a new chapter in her life. She is an amazing young woman, with a heart for God!


I've been feeling pretty sick today. I came home at 10 & went right to bed. I got up at 2 because Cole had a doctor appointment. I still feel weak & have a horrible headache with stomach pains. I will survive but I hate being sick!! Cole is growing like a weed!! He is taller then both Ed & Aimee and he is catching up with me pretty quickly!!


I hope this finds you all well this week. Enjoy summer winding up!!

Women of Faith

The Ya Ya's had a wonderful weekend at Women of Faith... here are a few pics to prove it!!

The Ya Ya's =)

The usual fake smile!

Coincidence??

This was my devotional today & I thought it appropriate to share cause it was spot on!!


Suggested Bible Reading

The LORD spoke to Moses and said, "I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'" In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.'" The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed.-


Exodus 16:11-18 (NRSV)
Today's Scripture
My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.-Philippians 4:19 (KJV)


WHEN I met my friend Jan many years ago, she was one of the nicest people I had met, but she didn't know Jesus Christ. One of the blessings in my life has been watching the transformation that has taken place since Jan came to know Christ as her personal Savior. One of the tools she has used to help her grow as a Christian is The Upper Room. Our standing joke is to say that each daily meditation was written with us in mind: "I don't know what your Upper Room said today, but mine definitely was written just for me." Recently, on my birthday, I had the last laugh because the Prayer Focus was for "those celebrating a birthday today."Although Jan and I joke about it, the truth is that God does know what each of us needs for each day. God can and does speak to each of our hearts through the words we read, the smile of a stranger, a call from a friend, and many other encounters that help us with individual needs and problems. We need only be open to the Holy Spirit and aware of the "coincidences" that take place in our daily lives to hear God speak to us or see God's hand at work.

Ok, so ignore the video but I found this song today and since I missed Tuesday Tunes I thought I'd use it. It was in our wedding so it brought back memories! Enjoy!!


Go There With You by Steven Curtis Chapman

I know you've heard me say these words before
But every time I say I love you the words mean something more
I spoke them as a promise right from the start
I said death would be the only thing that could tear us apart
So now that you are standing on the edge of the unknown
I love you means I'll be with you wherever you must go

I will take a heart whose nature is to beat for me alone
And fill it up with you make all your joy and pain my own
No matter how deep a valley you go through
I will go there with you
I will give myself to love the way Love gave itself for me
And climb with you to mountaintops or swim a raging sea
To the place where one heart is made from two
I will go there with you

I see it in your tears you wonder where you are
The wind is growing colder and the sky is growing dark
Though it's something neither of us understands
We can walk through this together if we hold each other's hand
I said for better or for worse I'd be with you
So no matter where you're going I will go there too

I will take a heart whose nature is to beat for me alone
And fill it up with you make all your joy and pain my own
No matter how deep a valley you go through
I will go there with you
I will give myself to love the way Love gave itself for me
And climb with you to mountaintops or swim a raging sea
To the place where one heart is made from two
I will go there with you

I know sometimes I let you down
But I won't let you go we'll always be together
I will take a heart whose nature is to beat for me alone
And fill it up with you make all your joy and pain my own
No matter how deep a valley you go through
I will go there with you
I will give myself to love the way Love gave itself for me
And climb with you to mountaintops or swim a raging sea
To the place where one heart is made from two
I will go there with you

Hebrews 4:1-2
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.


As I opened my Bible today I read these verses. It got me to thinking how in the difficulties of life or the moment right now, they tend to overshadow the reality of God's promise, we then doubt that God will fulfill his promises to us.


Why??


When we trust in our own efforts instead of Christ's power, we become in danger of turning back. Our efforts are NEVER adequate, only Christ can see us through!!


I got a lesson today from Cole when I asked him how his spiritual life is going (as I do from time to time) he said a lot better. I said that's great & the next statement made his ole mamma cry. He said " its like when i want or need something I just stop and pray and like when i am playing soccer I trust that he will help he do my best at all times". Wow from the mouth of a 14 year old.

Well, it's that time of year again. Usually I don't mind school coming around but this year depresses me!





Aims will be a senior and Cole will be a freshman. Where did the time go????


Although I know they must grow up, I am not ready for them to. Did I do a good enough job preparing them for life?


Well I know even if I failed in some areas God is holding them in the palm of his hand and folks, that's what makes it easier to let them grow up!!

Make Friends With Whatever’s Next
by Max Lucado

Embrace it. Accept it. Don’t resist it. Change is not only a part of life; change is a necessary part of God’s strategy. To use us to change the world, he alters our assignments. Gideon: from farmer to general; Mary: from peasant girl to the mother of Christ; Paul: from local rabbi to world evangelist. God transitioned Joseph from a baby brother to an Egyptian prince. He changed David from a a shepherd to a king. Peter wanted to fish the Sea of Galilee. God called him to lead the first church. God makes reassignments.


But, someone might ask, what about the tragic changes God permits? Some seasons make no sense…do such moments serve a purpose?


They do if we see them from an eternal perspective. What makes no sense in this lie will make perfect sense in the next. I have proof: you in the womb.


I know you don’t remember this prenatal season, so let me remind you what happened during it. Every gestation day equipped you for your earthly life. Your bones solidified, your eyes developed, the umbilical cord transported nutrients into your growing frame…for what reason? So you might remain enwombed? Quite the contrary. Womb time equipped you for earth time, suited you up for your postpartum existence.


Some prenatal features went unused before birth. You grew a nose but didn’t breathe. Eyes developed, but could you see? Your tongue, toenails, and crop of hair served no function in your mother’s belly. But aren’t you glad you have them now?


Certain chapters in this life seem so unnecessary, like nostrils on the preborn. Suffering. Loneliness. Disease. Holocausts. Martyrdom. Monsoons. If we assume this world exists just for pregrave happiness, these atrocities disqualify it from doing so. But what if this earth is the womb? Might these challenges, severe as they may be, serve to prepare us, equip us for the world to come? As Paul wrote, “These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing” (2 Cor. 4:17 CEV).