Life is a Tapestry

The Death That Brings Victory!

2012-01-17T13:43:00.001-05:00

How can death bring us victory? Just look at the Cross of Calvary, without Christ's death on the Cross there would be NO victory over sin, death , hell and the grave. Well, of course His resurrection brought about the victory but without His death there would have been no reason for His resurrection!

Christ has conquered our greatest two enemies, Satan and sin! So we can just sit back on our laurels and coast into heaven right? WRONG! We still battle our flesh. Yes we live by faith but we still have to strive against sin and our flesh. Dying to self is so HARD! I truly believe it's easier to die to what we consider "big" sins, than it is to die to "little" sins. Which by the way aren't "little" in God's sight. Those habits & hang-ups we have grown accustom to living with have to go! The ways we have learned to respond & react to situations and others is one of the hardest things to die to. Why because they are rooted in pride.

While we do have a race to run. We do have an enemy to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and our testimony and in the end we will see the victory. But it is not without a cost to SELF. Self has to die in order that we may truly live in Christ! It is called sanctification. It is an on-going process from the time we are born again until we see Jesus Christ face to face. If you don't believe me go read Romans 6 the entire chapter. We are called to be warriors over our flesh. To not let sin master us. To no longer offer our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness but to present our bodies as instruments of righteousness. That my friends takes work on our part. Paul uses lots of athletic terms to describe the Christians walk with the Lord; words like: striving, fighting, running. So, indeed it takes effort, energy and exertion to embrace this abundant life Jesus promised to those who would love Him and obey Him. God keeps reminding me to crucify the I. I actually see the word C R U C I F Y with the "I" crossed out in my minds eye and it always grabs my attention. I guess He really wants me to understand that in order to live in the "resurrection power" He used to bring His Son back to life I must first learn to die!

Thankfully, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith if we keep our eyes on Him (the prize) we will overcome and victory is ours! Thank you Jesus. The truly Victorious One!

In the shadow of the Almighty,

Renee

Delight in God's Word

2012-01-13T11:07:00.002-05:00

This morning I was teaching Mikayla my 7th grader how to study God's word using the 3 pt. method. I learned how to "hear God's voice" in my personal quiet time years ago through a wonderful community bible study me and my kids were involved in. I will be forever grateful for those years of training & giving me the "tools" I needed at that time to dig deep for myself. There comes a time in your walk with the Lord that you must begin to wean yourself off the milk and begin to feed yourself solid food. If you always rely on the pastor, teacher or small group leader to feed you, your spiritual growth will be stunted to say the least.

We were comparing God's word to a seed & discussing how a seed needs to be planted in nutrient rich soil, given fresh water and sunlight for it to take root and begin to spout. There are many ways for a plant to begin to grow roots and to sprout but eventually to produce fruit or flowers they need to be transplanted outside at the right time to get the appropriate amounts of nutrients, water and sunlight. So what does that have to do with teaching a child bible study? It's the same way with our spiritual growth or the study of God's word. There are many ways to study God's word. No one method is better than another, it just depends on where you are in your walk with the Lord. A baby christian needs to be nurtured and taught how to drink the milk of God's word before they begin to cut their teeth on the meat. Discipleship takes patience and shoving a 7 course meal down the throat of a baby could cause them to choke. Growing in God's word should be a delight. We should look forward to eating God's word one course at a time. Precept upon precept. Line upon line. The more mature believer. One who by practice has learned to dig deep into the word of God should be patient, gentle and not push a baby believer to grow up too fast.

What I have learned over the years of studying God's word is that doing the same old method can get really boring, dry and quite frankly make studying God's word a drudgery instead of a joy. God's word is not dull but the way we go about digging can get old. The important thing is we are in God's word, digging deeper and deeper so our roots are deep in Christ. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that it's not the method as much as the message we should be concerned with. If we get STUCK on one method of "how to study the bible" we could miss out on the joy and pleasure of studying God's word. It should not feel like a chore but something we look forward to.

Jesus said in John 8:31 - If you continue in my Word, then you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. I spent years in "bondage" to one way of digging into God's word. That is not god's design for my life. So if you are getting bored or feel like a prisoner to one style of bible study I challenge you to get alone with your bible, pick a book to go through consistently . Grab a notebook and have pen poised and ready; ask God to speak to you through His word. When you read don't forget to put on your 3-D glasses. Get into the story, look at who is speaking, the audience they were speaking to, look for names of God and lessons he is trying to teach you today in 2012.

I promise God's word never disappoints!

Renee

Your Life is a Tapestry!

2011-11-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

Anyone remember the cotton commercial's jingle? "The look, the feel of cotton, the fabric of our lives."

Continuing on with my blog's title, Life is a Tapestry....

What threads or pieces of fabric will make up your tapestry?

If like the jingle says, "cotton is the fabric of our lives" (the clothes in our closet); what makes up the fabric of our spiritual lives?

One thread we must have is the Word of God. The Word of God gives us a strong framework for all the other threads to be connected to. Prayer is another essential thread in our tapestry; without prayer our tapestry will not be strong and will come unraveled at the corners. Prayer is what holds it all together.

The commitment to "go & make disciples of all nations in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth" is a vital apart of our tapestry. Fellowship with other believers and being connected to a local bible believing church in our community is also important. Relationships built on the word of God, prayer and agape love. All of these threads should be woven all throughout the tapestry of our lives.

The threads in our tapestry are sometimes vivid and vibrant in color & soft and smooth in texture. Then there are threads in our tapestry that are of a darker hue like black, gray or beige. These threads represent the times of sorrow in our lives put there to make us more dependent on the Master Weaver.

There are also threads that are thick, rough and coarse these threads represent the trials and perseverance through difficult times in our lives. Any designer or artist knows that a little black or gray will enhance the finished piece. It's on a back drop of black that the colorful threads are made even more beautiful.

While we welcome the beautiful and soft threads, it's the combination of each and every strand that we need to embrace, knowing that the master weaver can be trusted. After all, He alone knows what the finished tapestry should look like. He knows just the right color, texture, size and strength of each thread He weaves into the fabric of our lives in order to achieve His desired purpose.

Have you ever seen the back of a tapestry? It's not pretty, in fact from the back it looks like a mess. When you look at it the right way, from the front, the mess is transformed into a masterpiece! It's the same way with our lives. What we see from the backside can look messy, ugly and sometimes hopeless. But not so with God. He looks at it the right way. He can take those messy threads of our lives and create a masterpiece.

Will you turn your life over today to the Master Weaver? Will you allow Him to choose which threads to use and just where to place them in our lives so our tapestry will bring glory to Him?

YOU are His masterpiece!

Fear Factor

2011-10-31T11:27:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the show Fear Factor? I never watched it much because "fear" is not something I enjoy. I figure real life has enough of it's own "real" fears, why on earth would I want to add anymore to my life! The one time I did try to watch it, the episode had something to do with spiders! Needless to say, I quickly turned the channel. I don't like spiders or snakes!

Today is Halloween the day most people are looking for a little "fear factor". Whether it's visiting a haunted house or dressing up all ghoulish and ghostly, this is the night that most get a thrill out of fear! This morning while reading in my One Year Bible (a great quiet time bible) I read two passages concerning the "fear factor". The first was in Hebrews 2:14-15 which reads: Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

The second was in Psalm 103:11-18 a little longer section so, bear with me please: For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD'S love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Notice in Hebrews fear is used to describe a form of slavery in this case death. In Psalms fear is used in a holy and healthy way. Promises are in store for those who fear God and obey His precepts. One little word with so much power! Fear depending on how it is used in our lives can put us in slavery or can set us free to enjoy all the power and promises of God Almighty. Jesus died so He could set us free from the fear of death, hell and the devil and live a holy and healthy life in the fear of the LORD.

Not all fear is evil! Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and discipline. The right kind of fear can be very healthy!

So, which "fear" will be the determining "factor" of how you and I live out our days?

Lord Jesus, I pray today that those who don't know You as their personal Lord and Savior would enter into a relationship with you today by grace through faith. I also pray for those of us who know you that we would be determined to walk in the fear of the LORD not in the fear of man.

History Doesn't Have to Repeat Itself!

2011-10-19T13:59:00.024-04:00

Isaiah 43:19~ "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." God gave me this verse several times last year through his word, christian radio, in conversations with others and in books I was reading. It seemed like everywhere I turned this verse was starring me in the face! It wasn't until a few days ago that He allowed me to understand just how He is going to use this verse to do some pruning, uprooting and cultivating in my family tree.

We've all heard the expression, "history repeats itself". That is not only true in world history but also in the our family history. Another truth is that one nation or one person can stop history from repeating itself. God has been revealing some things to me lately in my own family tree that I believe He wants to redeem. I'm just one person, but with the Lord as my Shepherd and His Holy Spirit directing my footsteps I believe I can change the shape of my family tree for generations to come!

This year I've spent some time experiencing God as "Revealer". Some of the things he has revealed have been joyful, some painful, but all good. Sometimes in order to move forward we must look back. In the song "Safe" by Natalie Grant are these words: " I'm not gonna hide, I'm not gonna run away. I'll uncover the scars and show you every mistake. Your love is mending my blisters and the bruising shame. Here with you I am safe." In order for God to heal our blisters and bruising shame we must be honest, open and transparent with Him. It is then He will gently begin to reveal & heal us from the inside out! Pain is part of the package but God is right there applying His Word which is like a balm, a healing ointment. He desires for His children to be whole. God is in the redemption business, but it will require our cooperation!

So as I have looked back at my own family history; God in His love and mercy has revealed and uncovered some things that He wants me to stop, so history doesn't repeat itself in my grand children's lives. When I was first saved an older woman in Christ told me I could start a new legacy with my family. I didn't have to continue in the legacy left to me by those who went before. We began a new legacy when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Yet the legacy doesn't stop there, part of building that new legacy is taking stock of the past and learning from history in order to not repeat it. We have to live intentionally not haphazardly in order to create a new family tree. One that is holy and healthy. To leave a legacy for those coming after us. A legacy that is rooted and grounded in God's love through Christ Jesus.

The first few steps in my journey to wholeness will be difficult ones, but courage as defined by Dictionary.com is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. Lord help me to be strong & courageous! I'm ready for you to do a "new" thing! I love you My Redeemer! Listen to the song below, Awesome!

You Are An Image Bearer!

2011-10-13T10:09:00.002-04:00

This morning before my girls headed out the door for school I talked to them about being "image bearers" for Christ. I wanted them to have something to remember throughout the day as they entered their battle field. A visual picture is always something that sticks with us. So, we talked about how every coin has the image of someone on it, whether it's George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. The image is molded into the metal. Every time we look at a quarter we are reminded of George Washington. When we reach into our pockets for a penny we are reminded of Abraham Lincoln because his image is forever minted or ingrained into that particular piece of money.

In Genesis 1:27 God's word tells us "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." We were made in the image of God! We were intended from the beginning to be image bearers of our Creator. So, what does it mean to be made in the image of God? The word image in the original language is the word tselem which means: image, likeness or resemblance. In the beginning we were made in the likeness of God. We were made to resemble God. How cool is that!

Now, we know the rest of the story. How the crafty serpent twisted God's truth and deceived Eve and she took the bait, hook, line and sinker and sin entered into the world. Sin distorted and marred the image of God in us. According to Genesis 5:3 - When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. So no longer "image bearers of God" but image bearers of sinful man. But God had a plan, the Father knew one day His one and only, perfect, sinless Son Jesus Christ (born of a virgin), would restore us back to God through His shed blood on the Cross. He would be crucified, to die a cruel brutal death for our sins and be placed in a borrowed tomb and on the third day He would rise from the grave ALIVE (not a ghost) flesh and blood. He would once again be joined with His Father in heaven, seated at His right hand, making intercession (praying) for His children.

Jesus Christ has made a way for us to be restored and reconciled back to our Father. To once again be "image bearers of God". 2 Corn. 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (18)Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (20) Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (21) He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

So, if you are saved by the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ if you have repented of your sins and asked Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you of all your sins, to be the Lord (Adonai - Master) of your life, you my friend are made a new creation. No longer marred by sin, but now you and I are image bearers of Christ.

With that being said, let me ask you a question. Remember the coins we talked about earlier, when we look at a quarter we see George Washington's image. If you are a born again Christian think about this question, when people look at you do they see the image of Jesus, the image of God?

Whose image are you bearing?

Growing Up is Hard Work!

2011-10-11T09:08:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, while commenting on a friend's post in regard to her 12 year old daughter's attitude, this thought popped into my head,"growing up is hard work". Wouldn't you agree? So many obstacles to overcome. Think about it. When a child is born they are completely and utterly dependent on their parents to feed, bathe, clothe, wash, protect, shield, teach & care for them. They can do nothing by themselves. As they grow and begin to sit up, crawl, drink from a cup and eat by themselves you begin to see this need for independence and also a need for dependence.

Looking back on my parenting years early on I clung to the verse "children obey your parents, for this is well pleasing to God, that it may go well with you and you may live a long life on the earth". Oh yeah, and the commandment "Children honor your parents....". This is a command from God Almighty and I believe with all my heart that we should teach our children these truths and require obedience, honor and respect from them. However, what I don't believe is that we are to drill it into their heads 24 seven! I did this with my oldest son for years, but didn't do a lot of checking in on my own heart and attitude towards him. Honor is a little like a two way street. We can't expect our children to honor and obey us if we give them no respect or honor can we?

God who is the Father of us all is respectful to His children and He gives us honor. Yet, we sometimes expect them to behave according to "the book", while make excuses for our dishonorable and disobedient attitude. This is not right. I think it is easy for Christian parents to forget the heart of the law because we are so busy when they are young laying down the law, having them memorize the 10 commandments and other scriptures they "should" know because after all, "God's word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Him".

What I have learned in my 26 years of parenting is that many times my children's attitudes are often a reflection of my own attitudes or behaviors. OUCH! That hurts, don't like admitting that one! At the same time we have to remember that growing up is painful.

Growing up hurts! That's why when children are growing physically we call it "growing pains". I remember as a child waking up at night and my legs or feet would just ache. My mother would rub them with lotion until I fell back to sleep. Maybe what our children need is for us to be more merciful, more understanding, more patient, gentle, slow to anger, less irritated by their growing up pains! Maybe what they really need is a little "balm" on their pains. Instead of wanting them to be the perfect little cookie cutter Christians. We need to take a long look in the mirror and own our own bad attitudes and behaviors.

Growing Up is Hard Work! We are still works in progress so expecting little Johnny or Suzie to behave in a "godly" way 24 hrs. a day is unrealistic at best! Do you and I behave "righteously" at all times? Are we perfect? Absolutely NOT! What they need to see is a parent that will humble themselves and apologize to them or maybe instead of getting mad or irritated at our children we should first stop and don't say a word. Maybe we need to just pray and ask God to help us exercise the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23) that we possess by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.

Now before some "law abiding" christian begins to read into what I'm "trying" to say, don't hear me say; you shouldn't have rules, you shouldn't correct your children's bad behavior or attitudes. I'm not saying that at all. You should do those things how else will they learn. We are their first teachers, it is our God-given responsibility to "Bring them up in the love and admonition of the Lord" but, Ephesians 6:4 also tells us, - "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord". God's word is clear we are not to embitter or enrage our children. Not to provoke them to anger but to bring them up in the discipline & instruction of the Lord.

Discipline - comes from the word - paideia

1) the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body 2) whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. a) instruction which aims at increasing virtue b) chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment).

The word for instruction is nouthesia which means admonition or exhortation. The root word of nouthesia is -nous - meaning: 1) the mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining a) the intellectual faculty, the understanding b) reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognising goodness and of hating evil c) the power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially 2) a particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts, feelings, purposes, desires. A derivative from tithēmi -1) to set, put, place a) to place or lay/ b) to put down, lay down 1) to bend down, 2) to lay off or aside, to wear or carry no longer 3) to lay by, lay aside money c) to set on (serve) something to eat or drink d) to set forth, something to be explained by discourse 2) to make a) to make (or set) for one's self or for one's use 3) to set, fix establish a) to set forth b) to establish, ordain. As we can see from the word of God discipline and instruction is hard work. Requires the Power of the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, discernment and discretion in parenting.

Growing up is hard work!. While there will be times when we must be hard on our children and experience the grief and pain that goes along with that as a parent; most of the time we should extend, grace, mercy & forgiveness to them, as God has extended to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Yes, there are times when we must punish bad behavior, there will be times when we need to pick up the "rod of correction" and drive childishness out of the heart of our children in order to help them grow up to be good earthly as well as kingdom citizens. Mostly though, we must "practice what we preach". We must walk the talk, this is where I've found the rubber meets the road. It is in the every day living out the common life where we are to be their example of what a grown up in Christ looks like.

We must remember Growing up is hard work!

Renee Peebles
Zebulon, NC

M.I.A. - Missing in Action

2011-09-27T14:08:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard the expression M.I.A. (missing in action)? It's a military term. When someone is found to be "M.I.A.", the military will search high and low for their fellow soldier(s). No cost is too high, no mission is too dangerous. The goal is clear; find the one MIA and bring them back safely.

In Luke 15 Jesus taught a parable to those who were "questioning", the company he kept. The lesson was that He the Good Shepherd came to seek and save the lost. That He didn't come to save the "righteous" and was willing to do whatever it took to leave the 99 sheep to go looking for the one that was lost. Do you know someone who once walked with the Lord, was involved in their local church and at one time was serving God, but are now M.I.A. - missing in action? I know a few, it seems they have just walked away from their faith. They have no desire to hear about the things of God. They never darken the door of a church and certainly don't enjoy being around those who follow Christ. Do you know someone like that? I'm sure for most of us the answer is yes.We don't know if they have "left" Jesus or just our churches but one thing we do know is they are M.I.A.

So, what are we to do about it? We need to start with prayer. Praying to the Good Shepherd, the all knowing God of the universe, who sees all mankind in one fail swoop! He knows the condition of each heart (a lost or just a wondering heart). He knows where that lost sheep is, I don't! He knows how to bind up the broken hearted and set the captives free! So we should start with passionate, powerful & purposeful prayer!

We don't stop there! If it is someone close to us, we should lovingly ask them what happened & then listen to their reasons with a non-judgemental, non-critical ear. We should seek them out, that's what Jesus does, He is the Seeker of lost & lonely hearts. Another thing we can do is just love them where they are at. God's word tells us in Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. So the key is a spirit of gentleness. We don't need to beat them over the head with the Bible or make them feel even more guilty. We are to be agents of restoration. To restore or katartizō: means to render (mend what has been rent) to repair, to complete, to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be.

Isn't that what Jesus the Shepherd of our souls does for us? He is the repairer of the breech, the One who completes us, He makes us perfect "in Him", He is our strength and He is the One who can make us what we ought to be. Don't give up on those who have gone astray. As followers of Jesus Christ we are to be engaged in active duty. We are in God's Army, no retreat! We are Ambassadors for Christ and part of our calling is to be ministers of reconciliation.

So, who has gone M.I.A. in your platoon will you follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd and leave the 99 and go after that one?

Memories

2011-09-25T07:50:00.000-04:00

Pictures of my sweet oldest daughter who is soon to be married can't believe how the years fly by:

Jessie's 1st b-day w/Grandma Peebles

Jessie dressed up like Minnie Mouse for Halloween

Jessie at Pony ride at Faith Baptist

Jessie at lake with family

Time at the lake w/the Pollocks

Jessie's High School Graduation Picture
2008

John 5:39 - You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;

2011-09-24T20:42:00.001-04:00

While sitting in the carpool line last week, I heard James MacDonald say something to the affect of, We can do bible study after bible study but never truly know the Person of Jesus Christ. The bible is not our object of worship. We study the bible because it is in the Bible that we find Jesus Christ. Those were not his exact words but you get the point.

So, why do you read & study the Bible? The reason we should read and study the Bible is that it points us to Jesus Christ. Yes we learn His principles, but if all we ever do is attend bible study, learning all the principles of God's word but never come away different, then we have missed the Person of Christ! We simply become knowledge seekers and soakers instead of Christ followers.

We are warned in scripture that "knowledge puffs up" (I should say knowledge alone puffs up). One of the definitions for this is: to inflate, blow up, to cause to swell up a) to puff up, make proud b) to be puffed up, to bear one's self loftily, be proud. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. Again in I Corinthians 13:2- If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. Jesus is the epitome of love! The scriptures also teach us that God is love and those who love (agape) know God and are His? It doesn't say those who attend bible study and have all knowledge are known by God and are His does it?

Jesus tells us in John 15:12- "This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you". I find it interesting that the Word of Life's word to His disciples was not, gain more knowledge about me. Become a "good bible study girl", or do it the right way. No!, He tells us to love (agape) one another as He loved us! Again in John 15:17 - "This I command you, that you love one another". So how on earth are we to learn what his commandments are? The Bible of course, but not just to learn them over and over. Not just to memorize them and get a sticker or badge on our vest or on a role in some one's classroom. Not just to fill our heads with knowledge and become "fat and happy". Not just to "know" them.

We are to read and study God's word in order that we may walk in the truth, as stated in 2 John 1:4-6 - " was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. " The Word of God is alive and active and the words of life are Jesus Christ the person.

We should study the scriptures because the words testify about Christ! From Genesis to Revelation scripture points us to Jesus Christ. Don't stop bible study but make it your aim to not just get more bible knowledge but make it your aim to know Him more fully, to be rooted and grounded in the Person of Jesus Christ not just in biblical principles!

Wedding Bells are Ringing!

2011-09-19T16:50:00.001-04:00

On Saturday I was in my kitchen printing off wedding programs for my oldest daughter's upcoming wedding, when it hit me like a ton of bricks! She only has a few more weeks in our home. I've been so busy with wedding plans and details I haven't had time to stop and think about Jessie not being here. It seems like yesterday she was a little girl sitting at the counter painting a picture or going on and on about her friends or about what she would like to be when she grows up. As a matter of fact, someone must be playing games with my memory, why, wasn't it just last year when we were in this very kitchen baking brownies and making homemade hot chocolate mix to give to our neighbors at Christmas? Wow!, like the song says, "don't blink", that is certainly the truth!

This house is going to be so different without her around on a daily basis. No more days of her sitting at the counter watching me cook and telling me all about her day at school or work. No more of me listening for her to get home at night before falling off to sleep, knowing she is safe and sound. No more late night visits to our room to say, "Mom, Dad guess what?" conversations. I must admit this is a little harder than I thought it would be.

Isn't it funny how quickly time flies by for those of us who are Moms or Dads? From our children's perspective it seems like time just drags on and on. They are always wanting to be one year older, to be 13, 16, 18 or 21 yrs. old. They are always wishing time would just hurry up. It's a normal part of life. I remember my Grandma Madie telling me, "don't wish your life away". I didn't get it when I was a little child, but boy!, do I get it now! I love being a Mom! I have been blessed to be a stay at home Mom for 21 years; thirteen of those were homeschooling Mom years. I am so grateful for the time I have had to raise our children and be for the most part an "all there Mom". I just wish time didn't have to fly by so fast!

I am so happy for my Jessie and her Glenn. He is like a son to us and we all love him with all our hearts. He became part of our family (not officially) a few years back, so it's all good. This season of life is full of excitement, joy, sadness, happiness, laughter and yes a few tears. Thankfully not tears of regret! I wouldn't want it any other way. I want to take it all in and enjoy every bit of it.

So, let the wedding bells ring!

Breaking Camp

2011-09-07T11:41:00.000-04:00

Deuteronomy 1:6-8 - The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples ....."

God's word of confirmation regarding our decision to enroll our girls in public school next year. God truly speaks personally into our lives if we will get still, be quiet and are in His word on a consistent basis. He speaks to us through His word and through the nudges of the Holy Spirit.

For the past three years, I've felt gentle nudges and knew a change of direction was in store for our family but wanted to make sure I wasn't loosing my mind! After much asking, seeking and knocking He has made it clear for all of us.

When I read the verse above, the first question I asked myself was, "what represents our mountain" and immediately God whispered into my heart, "homeschooling". Just like Mt. Sinai or Horeb was the place where God taught the people to fear him, to obey him; where he gave them His Word (law) and warned them about the place they would be living in on a daily basis and how to be "set-apart" in a pagan society. So homeschooling has been that mountain for our family. It has been a place of not only academic instruction but also one of spiritual instruction. The time and togetherness homeschooling has afforded us has been a training ground of sorts. A place where discipleship was intentional. A place where we have worshipped, worked and witnessed together. They have been grounded in God's word and have been equipped to have a personal relationship with God through salvation in Jesus Christ, if they so choose. Homeschooling has been a place of preparation to enter the "world" where they can be tested and tried with the careful guidance of their parents.

I've had some other homeschoolers make comments like, "God never calls his children to sit under the tutelage of the world", I get what they are saying but I'm not following any man's voice, I am listening to the voice of my shepherd Jesus Christ and He knows all my fears, concerns, apprehensions and believe me there are many.

In a sense I feel like Abraham when God asked him to go and sacrifice his son of promise Issac. He didn't consult with man, Abraham had a three day journey to listen to the voice of "reason", to the voice of his own conscience, but He headed straight to that mountain with knife in hand and the wood on his son's back. We all know how the story ended. Abraham knew that God was the PROMISE keeper and He had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, he didn't understand but he trusted the Lord knowing that according to Hebrews 11:17-19 - By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Issac, and he who had received the promise was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said; "In Issac your descendants shall be called." He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

Thankfully God isn't asking us to sacrifice our children on a literal alter! He is however asking us to trust in His person, promises and power. He is asking us to sacrifice our version of "best" for His best! To die to some dreams we might have had in order to embrace the plans and purposes He has designed for these children. If my girls were younger I don't think we would even be having this discussion. He led us to home school for a season. Now it's time to move on into a new season.

While I am apprehensive about this year I am also excited at the possibilities and opportunities to "go" on a daily basis. Trusting in the Good Shepherd to guide, protect and provide them with what they need to face this world. Of course we aren't throwing them to the wolves, we will be there guiding them as well, teaching them His word, praying for them. We are still their parents and will still be overseeing their education, just in a different way.

In the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91)

A Message for Young Moms

2011-08-31T11:30:00.002-04:00

Young christian Moms listen to me - It's good to want to do "it all right" (but you won't), to desire the very best for your children (you would be abnormal if you didn't want their best),to teach your little ones about Jesus, God's Word and to train them up in the Lord. It's all part of God's plan for us as parents. We should do these things, but remember nothing is "textbook"!

Today in the church and in our society we want everything to be programmed and packaged nice, neat, tidy and clean that sometimes we get the message that if we follow the "rules" and "do it right" we will produce these godly little people or big people who will always follow Christ, always love Him and serve Him. Have we forgotten that we are dealing with little people who are born to sin, chose to sin and live (for the most part) for the flesh. Why do we expect them to behave perfect or "godly" when we are made out of the same stuff they are? Why do we become shocked when our precious little ones act well "sinful"? When they argue with their siblings, or hit their friends? It doesn't shock God, after all His children behave the same way, yes even those "righteous", "rule keeping" "good" children.

After being a Mom for 25 years - (the first three of which I was living in and for the world lost as a goose!) What I have learned after reading scores of good books on parenting, attending several bible studies and digging into His word for insight, is this...ready? GOD is Able, He is big enough to cover all the gaps we leave. To repair the damage we have done or will do. He is ABLE! YOU will NOT do it all right neither will your friends, don't look to another Mom to follow. Mentors are NOT to be our idols. One time I heard a young Mom say "I'm going to look for a Mom whose kids have turned out "godly" and hook myself up with her and follow what she did". I get that, after all Titus 2 tells the older women to teach the younger....I get that. We all need mentors but we aren't to be carbon copies of any person other than Jesus Christ. Most of my mentors have been through tapes, CD, books and I've been fortunate to be a parent long enough to walk along side some awesome mothers and friends. These mentors have pointed me to God.

So, Look to God The Father. Cling to Him and love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Let your words be few but let them be full of grace. If you err - err on the side of mercy. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your child's heart, dont' control!!! When you blow it confess it to the Father and to your children they need to see vulnerability and transparency in this area. Laugh alot, laugh at your mistakes, laugh with your children NOT at them. Guard your relationship with your children. Ask God to do what ONLY HE can do. Don't stop doing what you are called to do as christian Mother. Keep on but keep trusting and turning it all over to God.

One very important and I truly believe one of the last things even "good christian parents" dont' do enough of is to Bathe them in prayer. As a friend's face book post reminded me this morning "when was the last time you were driven to your knees?" The daunting and often demanding role of parenting should drive us to our knees or like Beth Moore says, "nose to carpet", that's desperate, that's dependent!

Every one has heard about St. Augustine but few have heard about his mother. She was a prayer warrior on her sons behalf. She saw him going the wrong way, the way of the world and went to her pastor and begged him to speak to Augustine, to which he replied, "no, he is not ready to hear", the pastor told Augustine's mother to pray, to let God do what only He can do. The rest is history! Intercessory prayer will not always result in the outcome we desire. It will however keep us devoted & dependent upon God Almighty!

Lastly, be there when they fall, if they live long enough you can bet your bottom dollar they will. Trust in His plans NOT in your plans no matter how spiritual they are. God knows how to get our children's attention and He knows the plans He has for them you don't. He loves them more than you do!

Enjoy your children they grow up so quickly! They will still need you but in very different ways as they grow up and out. If you have an open and honest relationship built on trust in each other and in the Lord Jesus Christ you will become some of your grown children's trusted advisers. God bless you in this wonderful journey!

Learning at His Feet,

Whose Yoke Have You Taken On?

2011-08-16T11:50:00.000-04:00

Matthew 11:28-30
Don't the words of Jesus just refresh your soul? "Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, I will give you rest! Take my yoke upon you, let me teach you, I am humble and gentle, I will give you rest for your soul, my yoke fits perfectly and my burden is light."

As I have listened to and observed many christian women today I don't come away with a sense of rest, humbleness or gentleness. What I do come away with is a sense of weariness, heaviness, burden and unrest. I am including myself here. I have been troubled about this over the past few months and been in His word looking for the why? The word simplicity has jumped out at me, through devotions, conversations, during prayer and in Jesus' very own words.

Why are we weary and carrying heavy burdens? Why are our lives not offering the world something different? While we were yoked with Christ at salvation and began our walk in freedom, with the faith of a child, trusting our Heavenly Father to make us fruitful; somewhere along the way we have taken on the yoke of another. We have taken on the yokes of religion, regulation, and rules. We have taken on the yoke of this world's philosophy, ideology, and theology. We have taken on the yoke of our christian friends, we have taken on the yoke of service out of duty not devotion, we think we must be involved in every "good" ministry our church offers or we are somehow not being what we need to be for Christ.

Most of us falsely believe that "ministry" happens within the four walls of our local churches. If you go back to the scriptures and look at how Jesus ministered, most of his ministry was done outside the walls of the temple. The local churches we attend are supposed to be the place where we come together in corporate worship of our Savior, join our hearts in prayer, hear God's word, observe the Lord's supper and fellowship. A place to be equipped so we will then be prepared to go outside the walls of our churches and minister in our mission field.

In our earnest efforts to make Christ known we have put Him in a box of our own making. We have become a people who depend on the programs and tools of our own design more than the simple word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through His people to reach a lost and dying world. Don't get me wrong, we need teachers and preachers, we need to disciple others in the word, the tools that have been developed over the years to help us dig deeper in God's word are great, but they are just that,"tools". Sometimes, we become a slave to the tools we have created. We have bought into the lie that bible study, prayer and our relationship with Jesus is a formula. We have tried so hard to understand who God is and how it is we are supposed to relate to Him, we have made what is supposed to be a joy and simple into something complicated and hard. In the process of trying to do it "all right", I am afraid we have forgotten how to rest, trust and yoke with Christ.We can never "improve" on the Word of God, and nothing is more powerful than the testimony of those who have been transformed by the saving grace of Jesus Christ!

We live in a day of the "Mega church" mentality. Ministry has taken on a whole new feel, flavor and flow. Every thing is pre-programmed and pre-packaged in attractive ways. The problem is, our lives are supposed to be the "package" that attracts unbelievers to our Savior. Unfortunately for most of us, when the lost world looks at us they see overcommitted, overworked, overwhelmed and overly intense people, not too different from the way their own lives look.

At the risk of sounding like a rebel, I say, let's throw off the yokes of slavery, sin and society and embrace the yoke of Christ where we are called to walk in faith, freedom and fruitfulness!

So, whose yoke have you taken on?
Renee

Ministering As We Go!

2011-08-05T09:16:00.007-04:00

Do you believe in divine appointments? I believe divinely directed appointments or maybe a better word would be "interruptions" are placed on our path each and every day; if only we would have the eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that would respond to the Holy Spirit's nudges!

Over the past several weeks God has put people in my path at unexpected places. Not in a homeless shelter setting or during a scheduled "ministry" event, but just as I am going about my day. Yesterday was such a day. I took my 16 year old to get her hair highlighted and cut. We were there for a long time, normally I would have been very frustrated and anxious but while there I met an odd little woman who told me her life story. She was so proud of so many things: her big house, how beautiful she once was, how talented she had been as a ballerina, how smart, successful and beautiful all her family was. She talked about herself for at least 45 minutes. I just sat and listened and made a few comments here and there, when she would come up for air!.

Since my daughter was still in the salon chair, I ended up giving the lady a ride home because she hinted that she didn't know how she would get home! During the ride to her house I sensed how lonely, hurt and empty she really was. My heart broke for her. When we arrived at her driveway she asked me if I wanted to exchange numbers; now to be completely honest, my flesh wanted to find a way NOT to give her my number but the Holy Spirit nudged me so we exchanged numbers and went on my way.

I couldn't get her off my mind all night and prayed for her that God would go to her and reveal His amazing love for her in the quietness of her home and life. Then this morning God reminded me of the way Jesus ministered to those around him; with these words, "as he went", or "as he was going". God revealed to me this was no chance encounter. It was indeed a divine interruption. This lady needs Jesus! I am to be the channel of His love and grace to her. I am to "minister as I go".

We are such busy people. We don't have time to sit and listen to some one's life story. If we do listen, it is usually not with attentive hearts and ears. I know I don't, as a mom of four with my plate running over with things to do, plan and places to be; my schedule is usually so full of me, mine and scheduled ministry appointments that I just don't see those divine interruptions that God places in my path each day. Because of the distractions and yes sometimes the "to do list" I miss out on being His eyes, arms, hands and feet in this world. I miss out on being a blessing and receiving His blessing.

There are so many broken hearted people all around us. So many lonely, isolated people who just want a friend. Someone to listen to their story. Someone to care. Jesus, our Savior, our Shepherd looked at the multitudes and had compassion on them because they were, "sheep without a shepherd". He took the time to minister "as he went along his way" to see their need, to hear the cries of the brokenhearted, sick and blind. Jesus "as he walked along the way", didn't walk aimlessly through life, even though he was headed to the Cross of Calvary to die for our sins; he took the time to see people, to look into their eyes, to hear their stories, to "minister as He went".

Help us Lord to see people with your eyes and hear them with your heart. Help us to see that those seemingly insignificant interruptions that so irritate and frustrate our busy schedules are actually divine appointments. Help us to "minister as we are going". I love you Lord Jesus. Thank you for not seeing me as an irritating interruption to your kingdom agenda but as a lost sheep who needed a Shepherd! Thank you for reaching out to me through others, for healing my broken heart and for setting me free. Help me to point others to You!

Renee

"It's only an hour"

2011-08-02T19:55:00.000-04:00

One Sunday morning I heard someone say when they were trying to decide if they would go to church or stay home and do some yard work, "Well, it's only an hour". Those words penetrated my heart and hurt down to my core! The first thing I said to them was, "Jesus hung on a cross for us for 6 hours, the least we can do is honor Him by going to worship." I ended up in my prayer closet, crying crocodile tears over the condition of hearts. When I came out my anger, hurt and tears were gone. Worship was great for me. I enjoyed every song, every word the pastor preached from Colossians 2:1-5! I realized in my prayer closet, that God can handle the other person's heart condition, I can't make anyone love God. No amount of preaching or prodding on my part will make a difference in the lives of others. What I can do is worship my Lord, give myself away to Him daily. Live out His purpose in my life, day in and day out. He is plenty BIG enough to handle the others.

I have asked God for years to break my heart with what breaks His. This morning was a sweet and painful reminder that He has heard my prayer and He is indeed breaking my heart with what breaks His. It literally broke my heart to think about how callous and flippant that comment was..."It's only an hour". To think of all my Savior went through for us. To think of how that must make God feel after He gave His most precious Son to redeem a sinful world. How that must be a slap in His holy face? The Holy Spirit gently reminded me not to judge for I too have had those thoughts here and there over the years when I was tired on Sunday or had lots on my to do list.

What if God had the same attitude towards? What if He didn't give us the time of day unless He needed something? What if God only talked to us when He had no one else to call on? What if God had the attitude of, "It's only six hours", then it's done and I'm through? What if God said, ok I've done my part, I gave you the six hours I sent my son to die isn't that enough already, you are on your own now. I've got more important things to do today?

What if God had such a flippant attitude towards you and I? Wow, what trouble we would be in, what turmoil, anguish, darkness we would be in. But God, is long suffering, merciful and full of compassion. I am so thankful that God is not like us.

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seems right to a man, But it's end is the way of death.

2011-07-26T10:03:00.000-04:00

We do our part and HE will always do His part. What areas are you pursuing, plotting, planning and trying to produce life in that are coming up empty or lifeless? God is in control. Do what He has called YOU to do and leave the results to Him. He is our Enabler! He calls us to be obedient and follow him. We are not responsible for the results.

Are there areas (be honest) in your life, marriage, parenting, work situations, leadership roles where you are trying to produce life but they are coming up dead? Have you done all the right things (as much as you can do) and yet, things have not turned out the way you imagined or thought they would? Could it be that you either knowingly or unknowingly have been IN CONTROL? Could it be that you have a TRUST issue? Could it be that you are using subtle methods of manipulation to "get the results" you want or desire?

I know for me looking back over the years I can say a hearty AMEN to that one! God's word tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 - "the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?". It's true that if you are a disciple of Christ you have been given a new heart, a pure heart; but we can still deceive ourselves especially where our children are involved. What's even worse is sometimes we add a layer of spiritual flavor to it. This is a hard one to see because the root of control and manipulation is PRIDE! Yes, one of the seven things God hates!

Hard to admit, but if we are COMPLETELY honest with ourselves and God (no shock to Him) and remember God also hates a lying tongue; we have to admit that there have been times, maybe even years where we have had such a controlling grip on those closest to us or were manipulating the circumstances that we have hurt more than we have helped. We like being in control. It gives us a sense of safety for a season. The fallout or backlash from that tight grip of control can be very destructive.

Recently, God has broke my heart once again by putting His finger on something I was about to do without realizing the fallout. I was pursuing, plotting, planning and trying to produce life all in an effort to "help" and show "mercy" but that too has come up empty. The backlash has been painful but I would rather fear God than man. I would rather fear God and live than fear the backlash of man's response and possibly bring destruction or even death by choosing to break God's heart! Thankfully God's word stopped me in my tracks and showed me just how manipulative, mis-guided and down right wrong it would be in His sight, and it's Him I want to please.

Proverbs 19:21-23 - Many plans are in a man's heart But the counsel of the LORD will stand. What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life. So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

Are You a Disinfected Christian or a Disciple of Christ?

2011-07-25T07:17:00.001-04:00

Last year me and my girls read "Radical" by David Platt. This book rocked my world! It left my mind reeling and my heart rolling around the words of Jesus Christ. I love to read books that help weave God's word into my life. I've read lots of books on prayer, fasting, bible study, books written about books of the bible, leadership, etc. No other book besides the bible itself has made such an impact on me. This little book has drastically changed the way I look at the world around me, discipleship, the church, my home, family, friendships, finances, well; everything to tell you the truth.

For more than 7 years I have had these thoughts that I thought were contrary to what I was seeing and at times hearing in the church today. I knew there had to be more to this Christian life than attending a bible believing church, serving, going to revival (which were placed on a calendar a year before?). Can I just say religious routine and at times boring? Really, when you go back and read the gospels and the words of Christ, there is nothing boring about being a disciple of Christ.

Never could put my finger on why I would become angry at leadership when they did things like give away gifts to the students if they could get a set number of youth to an event or things like park a car in our welcome center to be given away to the student who could get the most "unchurched" kids to come to an event at their church. I remember being so deeply angry, so disappointed. I would make comments and no one would seem to be tracking with me; so I thought the problem must be with me! I mean if the pastors see nothing wrong with parking a car in the welcome center or bribing kids with prizes to get people inside the church then why should I?

Oddly enough I never remember Jesus offering such trinkets for following him? I always thought giving a kid an i-pod because he brought 10 kids to church who for the most part already attended their own church, was twisted to say the least...what kind of message are we sending to the future leaders of the next generation? If you commit to serve Jesus, your reward will be a new car, i-pod, lots of money? It flies in the face of the Word's of Jesus. Who according to His Word and according to the book Radical, promised those who would live godly in Christ Jesus would get just the opposite...."will suffer persecution". Jesus promised you would indeed suffer for the sake of the gospel...He promised you would be laughed at, ridiculed, spit on, beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, whipped, made a mockery of and possibly loose your life for picking up your cross and following HIM.

We have taught the youth of today to "be good" to "not touch" to be "disinfected" Christians. We have taught them to follow a set of rules and if we do it right, everything will be ok...WRONG! How dare we take such liberty with the Word of God Almighty! We are called to be "disciples" of Christ not just disinfected Christians. I believe every Youth worker and leader needs to read the book Radical. I believe anyone who is working with this generation should read this book.

The first chapter of Radical my eyes filled with tears and my heart ached. I saw through the words of Jesus that we are NOT making disciples in "most" of our youth groups. We are making worldly, carnal Christians all in the name of "salvation". It makes me cringe as I read about the lives of the disciples and church history books of the persecuted church, even today's persecuted church all across the globe; we are doing our youth a HUGE disservice!

Ministry is not "ministry" anymore. True ministry according to the way Jesus did it looked like, getting involved in the lives of the lost, broken-hearted and the hurting. To bind up the wounds. To walk alongside and help others grow in Christ. Not to just bring people to your church event but to bring them into your life and invite them into your home. To help those who actually needed and wanted help (not a hand out) but a hand up!

To be a disciple of Christ is to be His hands and feet and that requires action! It is not always something we can put on a calendar or plan. True ministry is "as we go", it's those divine appointment moments that interrupt our plans in order to fulfill His purpose. Ministry is not a business or an organization. Ministry is to be done by the church (the body of Christ) which is not in a building! We are the church, each of us individually as well as corporately.

Not disinfected from the world but disciples in the world!

Extravagant Worship

2011-07-18T08:24:00.139-04:00

Matthew 26:6 - Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. (read the rest of the passage).

A woman worshipped Jesus in a way that seemed extravagant to those who witnessed it. She poured out very costly perfume on His head as an act of worship. Others became indignant with her, asking "why she had "wasted" what could have been used to help the poor." Jesus, knowing their hearts rebuked them and told them to leave her alone; not only that, He honored her for her extravagant worship.

What about us? Do we worship God extravagantly? His love for us is certainly extravagant isn't it? He held nothing back. He gave His all. He gave His best. He is still giving today. His mercy, grace & forgivness are extremely extravagant.

I am definitely not known as an extravagant person. I'm pretty simple really, frugal even. My needs aren't extravagant or expensive. I've never spent alot of money on clothes, cars, or material things. I like nice things but due to one income and a big household, being "extravagant" has never been part of my vocabulary.

After watching a dear friend of mine walk through some hard things because of her extravagant love for the Father; I've realized that God loves an extravagant worshipper!

I want to be known by God as an extravagant worhshipper. To pour out my life and love for the Savior in a way that would make others curious about this God I worship. To exceed the limits of reason or necessity. To not care about what those watching think, but to bring honor and glory to the ONE who died for me.

What about you do you think of yourself as an extravagant worshipper?

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Are You a Squirrel or a Bird When it Comes to Feeding on God's Word?

2011-07-13T09:52:00.002-04:00

A devotion my Mom wrote a few years back. Thought it was worth sharing......

I was standing at the kitchen window and looking out this morning, after my quiet time with God. There at the bird feeder, where usually birds come to eat all day, was a squirrel eating the seeds that had fallen on the ground from the feeder. She doesn't come everyday, but when she does, she eats her belly full. Then she scampers off to do her folly and comes back every now and then to eat some more. A little bird was standing there at a distance watching, but making no move to disturb the squirrel, just allowing her to eat the seed.

The picture I saw was one of a spiritually hungry believer (the bird) who knows who she is in Christ Jesus, and she knows she needs the seed (God's word) everyday. So, faithfully she comes every single day to eat the seed (the word of God).

Then I saw the carnal believer (the squirrel), who has not fully grasped who she is in Christ Jesus. After being gone for days or weeks and taking part in the world. She doesn't sustain her balance because she is still out in the world eating all it has to offer her. She realizes that God is drawing her back to Him, wooing her to eat the good seed that will heal, nourish and strengthen her (His Word). The more often she comes to eat from the good seed, the more she understands who she truly is in Christ and how much she needs the Word of God. Sooner or later, she begins to mature as God's daily seed gives balance to her life.

Sometimes we are more like the squirrel. Can you relate?

Reminds me of Luke 8:5-15 The Parable of the Sower. The Sower is God, the seed is the Word of God, some seed fell on the road where it was trampled underfoot. Some fell on the rocky soil, but as soon as it grew up it withered away because it had no root, some fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it out. Other seed fell on good soil and grew up and produced a crop a hundred times as great. The soil represents the hearers or the hearts of the hearers. All soil received the seed (heard the word), but with very different results.

Which soil is your heart most like today? If we are honest, we have experienced every type of soil where the Word of God is concerned. There have been times in my walk when my heart has been like the "road" where it is heard but certainly not heeded. Other times my heart has been like the "rocky" soil. I've been attentive and heard the word and begun to apply it but because I wasn't "rooted" in Chris but rooted in the things of this world or self, it yields no fruit. Of course we have all had days when our hearts were like the "thorny" soil, where the cares and worries of this world of the temporal things have choked out the word of God. Oh, but then there are the days where hopefully we live most of our life with God; where our hearts are the "good" soil. We not only receive the seed but because we are rooted in Christ, we respond to the heart of our Father with honest, open hearts and it grows up and produces a crop a hundred times as great.

Dear Lord, you are the master gardener you know condition of hearts (soil). You alone know how to cultivate our hearts into the good soil. I ask you today dear Lord to prepare our hearts, to give us the "Son", the Living Water and remove the rocks, thorns and anything else that is preventing us from hearing and heeding your word. I want to be a fruitful believer. Producing fruit that will last. Thank you Jesus.

10 Things I'm Thankful for today

2011-07-13T09:17:00.000-04:00

Well I'm a few day behind on 10 thing I'm thankful for? Here goes....

1 - Time to sit still and know!

2 - A fresh cup of coffee.

3 - Kids who slept late so I could sit still and know.

4 - Good friends who are helping me to plan a wedding.

5 - Date with my sweet Jessie yesterday.

6 - God's forgiveness, grace, mercy and blessings.

7 - Opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ!

8 - The Power of Prayer.

9 - That God is teaching me a new language.

10- The Body of Christ.

Thanks for the idea Beth Herbert from http://nclighthousekeeper.blogspot.com/

Is Our Faithfulness Important to God?

2011-07-12T09:30:00.002-04:00

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14 Focusing on verses 1 & 14

Today while reading my One Year Bible the two verses above connected for me and stopped me in my tracks. "The people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness." Then again at end of chapter, "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."

The two words that jumped off the page at me were in verse 1 as well as 13; unfaithfulness and unfaithful, then the words "to the LORD" in verse 13 stood out to me.

Most of us would consider ourselves faithful wouldn't we? We are faithful to our spouses, children, careers, churches, even to our ministries. We faithfully pay our bills, keep up our homes, show up at work on time, work hard at whatever we do. Could it be that we are still found unfaithful to the LORD?

Think about it. Look at verse 13-14 again. "So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD." Can I truly say I have been faithful to the LORD? Can you? Look again, "He did not keep the word of the LORD." Can we truly say we have been faithful to keep the word of the LORD in our lives?

Check this out!, "and even consulted a medium for guidance", are we in the practice of consulting mediums through horoscopes, seminars, CD's, books, new age practices of our day? How about the Oprah craze or Dr. Phil? The 1st part of verse 14 states: "and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." How many times have we made decisions whether small or big without first inquiring of the LORD through prayer, God's word or godly counsel? What were the results?

This passage has made me stop and take a good look at my faithfulness "to the LORD". The Holy Spirit has already begun working and showing me areas of my life where I too have been unfaithful "to the LORD".

How about you? Where have you been unfaithful "to the LORD"? Will you stop, be still, ask God to search your heart and show you those areas of unfaithfulness and respond with repentance? Don't you want to hear God say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"?

God, forgive us for neglecting our relationship with your Son Jesus Christ. Forgive us for neglecting the house of God. Forgive us for forgetting our first love. Forgive us (the church) for prideful and arrogant hearts. Forgive us for being so critical of our brothers/sisters in Christ. Forgive us for being really good "doers" but unfaithful "be-ers". Show us where we have been unfaithful to You Oh LORD. Thank you for your mercy and grace as we confess, repent and turn back to you with faithful hearts.

In Jesus Name,

MATCH

2011-07-11T12:15:00.002-04:00

I am posting today to spread the word about a wonderful program in the North Carolina Women's Prison System. It's called MATCH which stands for Mothers and Their Children. MATCH is a program that is run entirely by volunteers and donations. You can go and to the following link to learn more: http://www.mothersandtheirchildren.org/.

I had already been exposed to the women prison through serving as a small group bible study shepherd for a few years. So, I already knew about the women's prison environment. It was exciting to help these women learn to study God's word and learn about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When I realized that the prison also had a program for children I was ecstatic! To be able to make a difference in the lives of their children as well? What an opportunity to reach into the next generation and make a kingdom difference.

Would you be willing to make a difference in the life of a child? You can help by donating money, gas cards, toys for the birthday closet, or by donating your time to sit in on a visit with a mother and her children. This would be a great project for a ladies ministry or small group to take one.

These children by no fault of their own are living each and everyday seperated from their mothers. That just breaks my heart. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can help. Go to the link above.

In Christ,

Your Status Never Changes with Jesus!

2011-07-07T17:01:00.000-04:00

Colossians 1:13-14 (from message preached by Mark Cottrell, Pearces Baptist Church)

While listening to a wonderful message at a church in our community, I heard a quote that stuck in my mind, "Your status never changes with Jesus".

Our status changes weekly and sometimes daily on our facebook pages. Our status in our places of employment can change on a dime these days; one day you have a well paying "secure" job and the next you're standing in the un-employment line. As a follower of Christ a believers status in the world is sometimes seen as weak, helpless and sometimes a laughing stock, but with Jesus Christ our status is secured forever!

The pastor pointed out 5 things God has done for us. These five things came from the book of Colossians out of 2 little power-packed verses!

1 - He has qualified us

2 - He has rescued us

3 - He has transferred us

4 - He has redeemed us

5 - He has forgiven us

Because of those 5 things that GOD alone did for us who were once without hope, our "status" can never change with Jesus.

Those 5 things would not have been possible except for the Cross of Calvary. Those 5 things are not something we can do by working harder, attending church more, denying self, serving, nothing we can ever do in regards to "good works" would ever be enough. God in His love, mercy and grace did these five things for us!

These 5 things can never be removed from a believers life. They are all dependent upon His faithfulness and promises! Isn't that good news!

Have We Erected a Tower of Babel?

2011-06-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: before anyone reads the below and gets offended or angry at me. I do believe each family has to prayerfully decide which method of education is best for their family. After 12 yrs. of homeschooling (for which I am eternally grateful for the time that God allowed me to lay a solid foundation for our children) this is where we are at NOW.

Genesis 11 & Matthew 28: 16-20 -

Isn't it funny how man is always trying to get back to their "tower of babel", when GOD has already told man to spread out, fill the earth, be fruitful and multiply, subdue and have dominion? Christ also told us the same thing...Matthew 28 - GO!!! Something to think about. What "tower of babel" have you erected? What will it take for it to fall?

Ok, so what in the world is Renee talking about? See I am a homeschooling Mom and have been for 11 years now. My oldest daughter graduated in 2008 and at present I am teaching my 9th and 6th grade girls. Up until this year I had a strong conviction about home education for our family. I did the research, read books written by homeschooling pioneers. I believe in parents having the freedom to choose the way they want to educate their children. With all that said....

Can I just tell you that the Holy Spirit has done a 180 degree turn in my heart and in my convictions! I am shocked and at first I was a little bewildered at how I have been thinking over the past few years.

One day while at a homeschool event, God revealed to me a "Tower of Babel". I saw people insulated and isolated from the lost world around them. The very world Jesus told us to Go and make disciples in! My children have been involved in sports through homeschool leagues, we have been in a large support group made up of for the most part "solid Christians", you won't rub elbows with lost people there? It just got me thinking, what in the world are we doing? Are we truly obeying God's call on our lives, by staying in groups of like-minded people? When Christ has clearly commanded us to be salt and light in a dark and dying world?  Has "family" become an idol? Our children like little trophies?   I have prayed for two years that God would break my heart with what breaks His and He has answered!

God began a work in my heart last year, but I didn't understand what He was up to, so I submitted to my husband and committed to homeschool this year.   After going to the local homeschool conference I even had a renewed vision for the next generation through home education. Yet, all year the Holy Spirit has impressed on my heart the need to prepare them to GO to the public school system.  So, me and God had a talk that went something like this:  "Lord, WHAT? Send my girls to a public school! I have read books on the public school system. Lord, I know what the modern day public school system's agenda is, I am aware of the ideologies and philosophies behind the system...humanism and evolution...not to mention the goal is to produce little socialist minded robots to make money for our government! How in the world I am supposed to send my girls into that war zone? It goes against "MY" convictions. It goes against everything I have read and have stood on."....notice I did all the talking! God was silent.

One night while reading of all things, one of my homeschooling magazines; God spoke to me through one quote in an article about The Arts. This is what I read, "A theologian named Calvin Seervald once said, 'Whatever arena Christians withdraw from goes to hell.' "   I was amazed and the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention!

A week later, God placed in my hands a little book by David Platt titled, "Radical". http://www.radicalthebook.com/ As I read each chapter outloud to my girls, tears just streamed down my face. My heart has been broken over and over again with each word. Through the words of Christ that Mr. Platt quotes, my convictions of what I thought was best for my family (notice I said my family not yours) have been "radically" changed. Only God can change a heart that was so sold out, so solid, so secure in an instant.

So, of course I've been thinking and praying, not just about homeschooling but about my life in general. I came to the following conclusion: If the convictions I am holding on to (no matter how much scripture I can find to defend them) keep me from "following, obeying the words of Christ, from "following Him", "denying self", "picking up my cross", laying down my "Issac", or better yet, keep me and my family insulated and isolated from the lost world that Christ commanded we infiltrate in order to be "salt and light", then what good are they?

I am still praying through all the things God has been revealing to me in just the past two weeks. My head has been spinning, my heart pounding, and my tears flowing over the lost in my community, churches and world! God is broken over the state of the church, our communities and the world around me. God is breaking my heart with what breaks His.

He created, consecrated and called us into a lost, dark world to break through the darkness and shine the light of Jesus Christ.

Book Give Away at "Growing in Godliness" Check it out!

2011-04-19T16:01:00.000-04:00

Go to link below and comment on Growing in Godliness's post Resurrection Day Book Giveaway for a chance to win a bible study book... http://www.growingodliness.com/2011/04/resurrection-day-and-giveaway.html

2011-03-25T18:19:00.000-04:00

So excited I won a book at http://surviving-motherhood.blogspot.com/ written by Leah at http://www.leahadams.org/2006/01/point-ministries.html

So Excited During Christmas! A Devotion I wrote was published!

2011-02-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

I was so excited during Christmas break to receive the Jan/Feb issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine and to see my name in the table of contents section! To my surprise a devotion I sent in a while back made it in the magazine. It was a full page (not the article) but large title, beautiful picture and then there it was my name in print! I know I'm not the best writer in the homeschooling or blogging world but it was such a treat to see something I had written in my quiet time end up in a national magazine! Picture below:

Not such a great picture but who cares!

Parenting is Like Panning for Gold

2011-01-31T09:24:00.003-05:00

Have you ever thought that parenting is a lot like panning for gold?

When my oldest daughter was in 1st grade we took a field trip with her class to pan or "mine" for gems. The kids wore plastic smocks and were handed a sifting screen with wooden handles. They worked diligently looking for something of value. Most of their time was spent sifting through the sediment and sand to find only a few pebbles or stones, but by the end of the field trip, many of the children came away with a few pieces of ruby, emerald or topaz! Their patience, practice and perseverance paid off!

The memory of that field trip was tucked nice and neatly away, until a recent phone conversation with a dear friend retrieved it from my memory file. We were catching up, sharing the struggles and joys of parenting. I shared with her something my oldest daughter had said, that was full of wisdom. My friend made the comment, "You have received a gold nugget!". She went on to explain, that one day her mother told her,"Parenting is just like panning for gold or gems. Most of our days are spent sifting through sediment and only to discover a few pebbles or stones. Then there are those days, when you least expect it, your child says or does something that just blesses your heart. God has just given you a gold nugget!

What perspective! I know so many parents today who have given up on panning for anything of value in their children's lives. If we are not careful we get so busy looking at the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones that we overlook the gold nuggets! In a world that demands instant gratification and quick results, parents must learn to be patient, through the practice of parenting. If we diligently persevere through the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones we will find a few gold nuggets along the way.

Keep on panning,
Renee

Are You A Friend of God?

2010-11-16T11:54:00.002-05:00

James 4:4 - You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

I have been thinking lately about why so many in this generation can claim Jesus as their Savior but not live for Him. To live year after year with one foot deep in the world and the other in the church. Many have been raised in Christian homes, gone to church all their lives, know the language and music yet, there is no change in lifestyle or behavior; nothing to set them apart from the world. Other than the fact that they attend church on Sunday morning. I am afraid that many in this generation have believed a lie from the enemy of their soul disguised as an angel of light. The lie that they can "accept Jesus as Savior", say a prayer, walk down an aisle, bend a knee and they are good to go, heaven bound! Still embracing the same lifestyle as before, because after all, "Jesus is my friend", right?

Could it be that many churches today are preaching and teaching a one sided Jesus? A "Jesus is your friend", all inclusive Jesus? A Jesus that is accepting of us no matter what? Don't misunderstand what I just said. Jesus is all inclusive, He does accept us when we come to Him, "just as we are", but part of as we are is with an understanding that we have remorse over our sinful condition, we are not just sorry we are caught in our sin or that our "poor choices, or mistakes" have been found out, NO we are truly sorrowful over our sin. We realize that Jesus is God, He is Holy and we deserve death, not mercy or grace. We realize what He did on the Cross of Calvary was for our personal sin not just the world's. We enter into a personal relationship with the true and living God. It doesn't stop with a get into heaven "Free" card!

The problem with seeing Jesus as only our friend is we leave out the biggest side of His character and person. He is STILL HOLY! He does have a standard of right and wrong. He does have moral absolutes. Truth is not "relative" to each person's situation or morals. He is TRUTH and His Word is Truth! He does require some things of those who say they love Him. So maybe we have done this generation a dis-service by teaching them that "Jesus is their friend"?

The truth is we are the ones who need to do the accepting of HIM! Maybe we just haven't taught them about the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus in John Chapter 8 who told the woman caught in adultery..."woman where are your accusers?...they are gone she told Jesus, to which he replied, "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more". He didn't embrace her sinful behavior or excuse it, nor did he condemn her...he did have an absolute about her sin, "don't' do it again". This same Jesus of the bible said in Matthew 7:12-14 "Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, many there will be who find it ", "Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life, few there will be that find it". Again, the Jesus of the bible told his disciples in John 8:30-31 "If you are truly my disciples, you will continue in My Word." This same Jesus talked alot about denying yourself, picking up your cross and following Him. What happened to teaching the Jesus of the Bible?

God's word tells us that to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. So maybe what we should be teaching them is that they need to be "a friend of God". We teach so much about Jesus accepting us "where we are", but what we should be teaching is that we must accept Him completely. If we are a friend of God we will spend time getting to know Him, talking to Him, sharing our life with Him. We will go the places He wants us to go. We will live a life set apart unto Him. We will understand that to be friends with the world would betray our friendship with God. We will follow the Jesus of the Bible, not some watered down, Jesus made in our image version!

So, is Jesus our friend? I guess that depends on where you stand with Jesus? He told the disciples after they had walked with him for three years and witnessed His miracles, heard His teaching, believed in HIM, left all to follow Him, that they were indeed His friends, so yes He can be our friend, but I believe a much better question to ask is...AM I A FRIEND OF GOD?

A Must Read Blog Post from a Fellow Blogger....

2010-11-12T08:02:00.000-05:00

Cultivating a Friendship with Your Husband

2010-11-08T09:15:00.003-05:00

This year I have seen many Christian marriages fall apart and it has made me take a long hard look at my own marriage. It's made me ask myself some important questions like: am I my husband's friend or simply his wife? Do I take the vows I made before God serious? Do I work at making my marriage good or do I simply just let it happen. Am I intentional in loving my husband or just hope he knows I love him? How much time do I spend cultivating a friendship with my husband compared to the time I spend cultivating my relationship with my children or girlfriends?

I think of my husband as more than just my "significant other", my "spouse" or "husband"; he is also my closest friend and he tells me I am his closest friend too. We enjoy being together whether we are sitting on our deck drinking a cup of coffee, catching up after a long day or taking a walk through our neighborhood. We don't feel the need to spend lots of money and go "do" something. Just being together is enough for us.

I've often told my girlfriends that I'd rather be with Lynn than with any of my other friends. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the friendships God has blessed me with. I have a few really good and godly friends in my life and I know if I ever needed them or they need me we are there for one another. I enjoy time away with a friend as much as the next woman; but my marriage comes first after my relationship with Jesus.

God's word has called me to be a "help meet" according to Genesis 2:19-22 I was made to be a "helper suitable for him". Wow! Made suitable to my husband. We are complete in Christ and also we complete one another in our marriage. His strengths compliment my weaknesses, and visa versa. It's amazing when we take the time to invest into our marriages how rich they become. Marriage was meant to be enjoyed! Funny in today's world even well meaning "godly" women have flipped it to the point that their husband's are their "help meet". Totally contrary to God's word, yet we can justify it by adding a "spiritual" twist to it.

I wonder what would happen if  we would cultivate a friendship with our husbands. If we would accept them for who they are and pray for those areas where they need to "step it up" or maybe areas they need to be more tender in? Instead of trying to change them or dictate to them how it's gonna be, what if we took God's word seriously and did what scripture clearly teaches a wife to do. To have a gentle and quiet spirit. To submit to our husbands as is fitting in the Lord. To without a word "win" our husbands over to God and to us (Peter 3:1 - In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives).

What if we quit trying to be in control of everything and everyone around us. What if we quit manipulating the situations and began to truly trust in our Sovereign Lord? If marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, He being the bridegroom and the church being the Bride shouldn't we be more well, "bridely" (made that one up). More pure in our hearts, more pure in our behavior, more purely devoted to our God and husbands?

A pastor once said, "Marriage was not meant to make you happy but to make you holy". Unfortunately, if we are not in love with Jesus allowing Him to meet those deepest needs that ONLY He can meet marriage is not very happy. It is down right miserable. Assuming that my husband knows how I'm feeling (like he's God or something) how crazy is that? We've heard it said, " communication is the key". That pertains to any good marriage, but it has to be kind communication, not ridicule or belittling communication. Believe me after 22 yrs. of marriage I know what I'm talking about. I used to belittle and demean my husband ALOT, of course most of the time I didnt' realize I was doing this, but then there were those times when I knew exactly what I was doing. All it did was put distance between us and make him feel like less of a man.   If I'm honest my flesh liked being able to put someone in their place and I could wrap it all up in scripture to top it off. I spent lots of time reading books on marriage, written by people who were just as "dysfunctional" as we were. I bought all the books for him to read and would end up reading them myself, which only made me more discontent which led to more arguments, more belittling and more negative communication.

As I have thought about what marriage can be I wondered if most of us go into marriage thinking our relationship with our husband will fulfill our deepest needs? Or we don't see the whole meaning of marriage from a biblical perspective. For years after I was saved I truly thought if I did what a   wife is "supposed" to do: provide nice meals each and every night, a clean and organized home, make sure his laundry is done and folded, hung up and put away, make time for him in the bedroom, that I was being a "good" wife. What I missed for many years was he needed me to be his companion and friend! Friends encourage one another, want God's best for their friend. Care about what is going on in their life. Prays for their friend. Spends time with their friend building a solid relationship. Friendship takes time, energy and effort.  Husbands want someone to listen to them. Someone to appreciate how hard they work to provide for their families. To be respected for who they are, not who we are trying to make them.

So I ask you today; are you and your husband friends? If not, what steps can you take today (without saying a word) to begin cultivating a solid friendship with your husband?

2010-10-20T21:47:00.009-04:00

THE HEARTBEAT OF CHRIST

When Mikayla my 11 year old was a toddler, almost every morning she would come into the living room where I would be having my quiet time with the Lord. She would crawl up in my lap, lay her head on my chest, look up at me with those big brown eyes and say “Mommy, I can hear your heart beeping.” As I was thinking back to those mornings it was as if God whispered in my ear…That is my heart’s desire for my children, that they would get so close to me they could hear my heart beat.

One of my favorite names of God is Abba Father, Abba means Papa, He is my Daddy God and if you know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior He is your Papa, your Daddy God and you are I are his daughters. You are a daughter of the King! A princess! He loves You so much and He desires for his daughters to crawl up in his lap, put their head on his chest and listen to his heart beat.

We can crawl up in his lap through prayer and tell him all our hopes, dreams, desires and also our fears, worries and sorrows. We can also lay our head on his chest and hear his heart beat by opening up his word. For it is in His word where he reveals his heart to us. His word is like love letters to us.
I have asked myself over the past few months, do I know the Heart of Christ? Can I hear the heart beat of my Father? Am I carving out a special time every day to spend time alone in his word away from distractions, and the demands of the day?

Are you aware that Christ desires to be your First love? He wants first place in your heart. In the book of Revelation Chapter 2: 1-4

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: [2] 'I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; [3] and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. [4] 'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

We must guard, cultivate and protect that intimacy with our Lord. We can’t allow even our “service” for him to take first place. We must put our worship and fellowship with him first and then our service for him will flow from there.
I believe He wants us to be consumed by His love.

If you are married or have ever been in love. Think back to when your love was new, Remember how you felt? Consumed is a good word. We wanted to spend all of our time with that person. We desired to please them and bring a smile to their face. Thought about little things we could do to make them happy. We wanted to know everything about them, their past where they had been and their future hopes and dreams. We paid attention to their likes and dislikes. We spent lots of time on the phone when we had to be apart. Do you love Christ like that? Do you desire to be in His presence, to spend time with Him? Do you know what pleases Him? Do you know what will bring a smile to his face? Do you know what thrills his heart? Do you know what breaks his heart? Do you know the heart of Christ?

Valentine's Day can bring on awide variety of feelings in a woman's heart: expectation, anticipation, eagerness, but also feelings of loneliness, sadness, disappointment, discouragement. But I have good news, whether you are happily married, unhappily married, divorced, widowed, single and hoping, single with no prospects for the future or single and content. Whether you get a Valentine's Day card, or NOT!

NO ONE CAN LOVE YOU LIKE JESUS CHRIST! Husbands can disappoint and hurt us, friends sometimes betray us, kids will graduate or get married and leave home, even our service for Him will change, end, and begin again. But the Heart of Christ is Forever Faithful and True.

God gave me an Acrostic for the word HEART that only scratches the surface of His heart…

H - holy, honorable, humble, healing

E - extravagant, excellent, exalted
A - affirming, affectionate, abiding
R - redeeming, restores, rescues, rewards, his is our refuge
T - true, trustworthy have you been hurt and lost trust in someone? You can

Trust the heart of Christ. His love is total. He is enough.

Choose today to crawl up in your Heavenly Father’s lap, lay your head on his chest and listen to his heart beat and ask Him to help your heart beat in time with His…

Our God Given Personal Trainer!

2010-10-05T10:08:00.008-04:00

Have you ever considered how wonderful it would be to have your very own Personal Trainer?

The Wikipedia states “A Personal Trainer is a fitness professional hired for private instruction to help a person achieve fitness goals. The emphasis on personal training should come from the personal trainer's understanding of what works best for their client and an understanding of human movement. It is not just about pushing someone hard, but more about working out at an effective level to achieve their goals. A few people need only one session to get them on the right track, ensure their program is balanced, and answer their questions. Others prefer to work with a trainer for several months to get in the habit of exercise and to see actual results. And still others who can afford the price prefer to work with a trainer indefinitely because they feel that they will get better results and have more fun working with a trainer then working alone.”

I have good news for you the Holy Spirit is your God given Personal Trainer. He knows exactly what level each member of the body needs to be working out at to effectively achieve His goals. To get the body of Christ in shape requires the Holy Spirit to train us indefinitely, because we will get better results and have more success working with a trainer than working alone.

A friend of mine who has been in the role of personal trainer shared with me what a personal trainer does. A personal trainer: plans your workouts, give you encouragement, works alongside you, helps you reach physical success, motivates you to try strive harder, shares your vision on the person you want to be, listens to you, laughs with you and helps you through the muscle soreness.

I just recently started an exercise program and I am learning that physical exercise takes effort, energy and exertion; but I am blesssed enough to have a running partner (my neighbor) by my side. It has been an incredible thing! She motivates me to go the distance and "to keep keeping on". Her help, encouragement and commitment remind me of how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. We must partner with the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. Are you partnering with the Holy Spirit (your personal trainer) following His workout plan, allowing Him to encourage, comfort and motivate you through the word of God and prayer? Are you relying on Him as your helper as you reach forward and press on to the prize and strive against sin? (Philippians 3:12-14, Heb. 12:1-4)

Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness is hard work We will experience “muscle” soreness as we are called into places that will be uncomfortable and sometimes down right painful! The Holy Spirit is doing a work and He will continue to put us in those uncomfortable and unfamiliar places to stretch us and teach us to use new “muscle groups” so we will learn to wholly trust and rely on the Lord Jesus. If you are in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar place right now, just listen to your personal trainer, partner with the Holy Spirit and work through the muscle soreness.

DO IT NOW!

2010-10-05T07:14:00.006-04:00

Today I began my 2nd week of couch to 5k!

You have to understand I HATE exercise! I especially detest running. I have often said, "the only time you will see me run is when someone is chasing me in order to kill me!"

I kept hearing a friend of mine talk about couch to 5k, she was also not a "runner" by choice and had done great! So, I thought what do I have to lose, except all these unwanted inches and pounds?

Over the years, I have tried many different types of exercise, from aerobics, step aerobics (hard on my knees) to the EXTREME P90X (sorry but too Xtreme for someone w/injuries and health issues). I've enjoyed walking more than anything.

A neighborhood friend saw my status on facebook about starting "couch to 5k" and came to my door one morning offering to be my partner. I was amazed, it is much easier, (well if you can even say exercise is easy) to exercise with a partner, especially if you are someone like me in need of LOADS of motivation and encouragement. I am so thankful for her willingness to keep me moving.

Now, I'm only a little over a week into the program and can't believe that I am actually running for more than a few seconds and no one is even chasing me!! If you are looking for a "do-able" exercise program that will challenge you each week. I suggest that you check out this link http://www.coolrunning.com/ If I can do it, YOU can do it!

Have a great run!

Check out Disciple Life Ministries

2010-10-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

Check out Disciple Life Ministries

2010-09-27T15:40:00.001-04:00

AUGUST 2010 FAMILY BEACH VACATION
IN CAROLINA BEACH, NC
ONLY ONE MISSING MY OLDEST SON

MY HUBBY AND OUR FAMILY DOG ANGEL
ANSWER TO MY DAUGHTERS PRAYER OF TWO
YEARS FOR A DOG...SHE'S BEEN WITH US
FOR 6 YRS. NOW

VIEW OF OCEAN

LYNN (MY SWEETIE) AND ME WATCHING THE MOON AND CLOUDS OVER THE OCEAN

VIEW FROM PRIVATE WALKWAY

OnePrayer - Francis Chan

2010-09-23T15:26:00.000-04:00

Cheering From the Sidelines: Lessons Learned Through Volleyball Part 3

2010-09-13T08:21:00.011-04:00

1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Sunday Mikayla my 11 yr. old broke her wrist while playing with a friend in the yard. This is her first year playing volleyball with our local home school team the Lighthouse Eagles so, needless to say she was very disappointed. She has been practicing harder and getting better at her serves and returns. Her eyes filled with tears as she knew she would not be able to finish out the season. After the tears stopped flowing she asked me if we could still go to the games, she would wear her uniform and sit with her team to cheer them on. What a great attitude, even though she is on the "sidelines" she is still willing to go and support her team!

This experience has really made me ask myself some pretty hard questions. For the past several years I was part of an awesome ministry. Through this ministry I was privileged to go into the women's prison and lead a small group, teaching them how to dig into God's word and apply His truth to their lives. I also had the opportunity to be part of the prayer team, where I made some life long friends and prayer partners. God pulled me out of this ministry for a season and I am missing it. My intentions were to continue praying for them diligently, even though I was on the "sidelines". To my shame, I have dropped the ball of prayer more times than I would like to admit. Even though, I am on the sidelines my heart should be like that of my daughter's. My attitude should be to cheer them on, even if it is "from the bench", for now.

God has used my daughter's attitude of commitment from the sidelines to encourage me to get back "into the game" of praying for my sweet sisters in Christ and also for those they are ministering to. We've all had seasons in our "game of life" when we were benched either by sickness, finances, our own choices or God just said, "no".

What about you? When was the last time you were let down by circumstances beyond your control. Maybe, like Mikayla you have been working hard, practicing your "serve" and preparing for your game, but someone else is called to teach that class, lead that bible study, sing that solo. Maybe it is a work situation, you have put in long hours, done extra work, taken on more responsibility, yet someone else gets the promotion you were hoping for. How will you respond? Will you be wiling to cheer your team on from the "sidelines" or will you choose to give up on the game all together.

The church needs a few more cheerleaders today. We are not competing with one another to be the star player. We are the family of God! A family supports one another. God's word tells believers in Romans 12:15 - to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. There is no room for pouting, doubting or giving up on God's team.

So, a challenge to all us "adults"..the next time you are disappointed, let down or looked over. Remember Mikayla's response and "Cheer from the sidelines"!

A Friend Loves at All Times or Do They?

2010-09-08T18:01:00.008-04:00

Do you have "friends" that call you when they need prayer or someone to vent to? I guess we all do maybe more than one. God's word tells us in Proverbs that, "A friend loves at all times". That's hard! Sometimes I know it may seem childish, but truthfully there are times when you wonder if they are really your friend or not! They never ask about your family, how you are doing, what you've been up to. It's always about them! You never get invited to any celebrations or outings, yet when they need a "listening ear" you are the one they call. Maybe not the only one they call but still they do call.

Sometimes it just hurts, makes you feel used. I've had a relationship like that...well, if you can even call it a relationship! Someone I prayed for a long time about a particular situation, we talked on the phone and would even meet for coffee from time to time. I really thought we were building a good friendship. God answered our prayers and boy did He deliver! I understand how busy life can get...after all, I am a mother of four children myself BUSY is my middle name. Things just stopped with this "friend". No phone calls, no comments on my fb page. Not even a quick chat when we are both on.

I can't help but feel hurt by it all. It's perplexing! I don't know if I did or said something that offended her? I am bewildered by the whole thing really. My friends like my family are very important to me. Women were made for relationships. Men are too, but they don't seem to have so much of their selves invested in their "buddies". I tried talking to her (not wanting to seem "needy"), but her response is always "adjusting has been hard";yet I would see her going with other friends and doing things. Inviting others out on special occasions. I fervently prayed for her and her family during the time when they were waiting on God to deliver. Doesn't that mean anything now?

Proverbs - "A friend loves at all times" is a two-sided thing. Would it hurt to just send a note or pick up the phone once in awhile? I have other friends who are just as busy...but somehow, we manage to make time for one another, not often as we would like after all we all have families and commitments. But, we are there for each other when it counts and do try to get together once in awhile. Maybe there is a reason why this friendship hasn't grown....

In the meantime, God has called me to be a true friend no matter how the other person responds. So hard as it may be it is another chance to die to self, to love by His grace and His power, to know when to let go of something that is not producing fruit.

Several years back I lost a very "good" friend. We had been friends for 10 years. It was over something that should have been fixable. It was very painful. I grieved over that friendship for a while. It was like a death! It was so hard I would see her out and it was as if she had just met a stranger and was being polite, how odd? Someone, I spent lots of time laughing, crying, praying and sharing life with all of a sudden was no longer there. They were cold and far away. God helped me to recover from the blow, even being sweet enough to show me some of the "why" behind it. He is so good!

Maybe I just care too much? I don't know. I know I think too much and at times can over analyze things. Just wish people would be honest in their relationships and not leave people hanging. To speak truth with your neighbor is more than just speaking the truth of the gospel..it is in everyday dealings. God has called us to be truthful in our relationships.

All this has made me ask myself a few questions: What kind of friend am I? Am I a self-centered friend? Am I consumed with me and mine? Do I care about things that are going on in my friends lives? Am I willing to die to self in order to let them know I am thinking and praying for them? Do I make time for them? Will I make time to build healthy relationships? Or, do I like surface, shallow relationships that the world or the carnal christian offers? Or do I desire to be like Proverbs says - "A friend that loves at all times"?

Something to think about.

Learning to "love at all times"...even when I don't "feel" loved back.

Following His Lead,

You Never Know What a Day Might Bring

2010-08-09T17:59:00.006-04:00

Last Friday we were all having a great day shopping for Alyssa's 15th birthday party. We made our usual trip to Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store. We had just walked in the door to our house when Mikayla came into the kitchen panicking, she had something stuck in her throat. It was a "Gobstopper" a hard, round candy that you can't bite and it doesn't dissolve very quickly, to say the least!

We yelled for Alyssa, she is very calm in an emergency, she tried to do the heimlich, but nothing was coming. I immediately called 911 and Jessie ran to our even "calmer" neighbor, Gina Smith. She also tried to help still, nothing was moving. Mikayla was gurgling, spitting up saliava, face red and she was terrified.

The first responders got to the house and because she was breathing, they couldn't do anything. The paramedics were next. They immediately put her on the gurney and I jumped in the front seat. We thought it was stuck in her wind pipe. The driver told me if the gobstopper moved we were in trouble. I learned later, the reason I was asked to move to front seat was due to the fact that they might have to go into action. So glad I didn't know that part while on route to hospital. I prayed. All I could think of was that I didn't want to say goodbye to my baby girl. I prayed the whole way there, knowing the God who created her body, each intricate detail, had her in His hands. Everything that comes into the life of a believer has to first be filtered through the hands of God. All year He has been asking me, "Do you trust me with your children's lives?" I didn't know He meant their literal lives.

Once at the hospital they did x-rays and found that the "gobstopper" was in her esophagus and wasn't budging! The ENT surgeon informed me they would have to perform surgery, hopefully going through her mouth if all went well, if not possibly through her throat. Needless to say, I was calm but very alarmed. As they prepared to make all the arrangements to get her ready to go upstairs to pre-op we sat and talked to her, assuring her she would be just fine, telling her she was in the best hands. She would simply nod and stare straight ahead.

20 minutes later she began talking, she had stop salivating and spitting up and even cracked a smile. I knew it had either dissolved or moved into her stomach! The Dr. came by and was so relieved. They ran another set of x-rays and just as everyone had suspected the gobstopper was gone! A few minutes before and she would have been wheeled up to surgery. God's timing is PERFECT. He strengthened my faith and trust that day. You never know what a day might bring, but you certainly can trust the ONE who holds each day in His hands!

Reposted after the Proposition 8 California ruling recently

2010-08-05T10:04:00.003-04:00

Monday, March 31, 2008

Is America becoming a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah?
　
Thoughts on the things going on in California and spreading across our nation... In Genesis 13:12 - 13 God's word states: Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Read these words spoken by the father of the children in question from the case in California. These words were taken from World Net Daily. "We just don't want them teaching our children," he told WND. "They teach things that are totally contrary to what we believe. They put questions in our children's minds we don't feel they're ready for. "When they are much more mature, they can deal with these issues, alternative lifestyles, and such, or whether they came from primordial slop. At the present time it's my job to teach them the correct way of thinking," he said. "We're going to appeal. We have to. I don't want to put my children in a public school system that teaches ideologies I don't believe in," he said.

Also taken from World Net Daily's new article: It's because the California Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger worked together to establish Senate Bill 777 and Assembly Bill 394as law, plans that institutionalize the promotion of homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism and other alternative lifestyle choices. "First, [California] law allowed public schools to voluntarily promote homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality. Then, the law required public schools to accept homosexual, bisexual and transsexual teachers as role models for impressionable children. Now, the law has been changed to effectively require the positive portrayal of homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality to 6 million children in California government-controlled schools," said Thomasson.

As I was reading the above article in World Daily Net about the ruling that came against a homeschooling family in California by the court system and all that implies. God brought to my mind the story of Lot whom the bible calls a "righteous" man.

My words: Alternative Lifestyle is just that an "alternative" according to Merriam Webster's definition : different from the usual or conventional: as a: existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system. The Homosexual community has made a choice that is different from the usual or conventional, established cultural, social and (may I add) religious system in our nation. They have "chosen" an alternative lifestyle and are in the process of forcing our children and our nation to embrace and accept this alternative lifestyle. Not only do they want civil rights but, far more. They want the same rights and privileges that apply to a married couple (oh, for those of you who have been deceived by the media that is: one man married to one woman).

If they want to choose to live in direct opposition to what scripture teaches that is up to them, that is their "choice".

What I oppose is their aggressive and hostile approach in imposing their choice on the rest of us, especially our children! If they want free choice "go for it" but, please allow the rest of us (usual, conventional, tradition, those who live in established cultural, social and religious systems) to also have the choice to decide what we will teach our children and don't force us to conform to their alternative way of thinking and living!

As I was upset by all this....God led me back to read about Sodom and Gomorrah....we are there people, wake UP! Listen to the words of God.... Genesis 19:4-9 Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; [5] and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them." [6] But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, [7] and said, "Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. [8] "Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof."(I guess his daughters were not under "the shelter of his roof"?) [9] But they said, "Stand aside." Furthermore, they said, "This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them." So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door.

Read that again…”So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door” I saw this picture in my mind as I was reading the article about what is going on in the public school system in California and by the way there are other places this is happening
The militant homosexual activist are "pressing hard" against the doors of our courthouses, legislatures, networks, schoolhouses, neighborhoods, churches, and our homes demanding to have their way, just like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. America is becoming more like Sodom and Gomorrah everyday. We were once a nation built upon the very Word of God. Our forefathers came seeking religious and economic freedom. The closer we get to Christ's return the more accepting we have become of a lifestyle that GOD Himself calls an abomination! Yes, "sin is sin" but, to force your sinful choices on others is not right. My heart is burdened for our nation. America is a baby nation compared to other nations that have come and gone over time. God has been merciful and so patient with us. How long Lord will you wait?

So, what's the solution? It's not what but WHO! Jesus Christ is our only HOPE. We must love ALL men but not as the world loves. Love is first truthful love does not lie. We must share our hearts, lives and most importantly the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ and the truth of His word no matter what the cost.
　　　　　　
Could that mean persecution? YOU BET. Jesus promised not only eternal life but much more. He promised those who pick up their cross and followed Him would suffer persecution, it's a given. We in America are spoiled and pampered Christians(I know I am). Our generation has known little if any real persecution like we see described in the Sudan, China and other countries. We must be like Abraham and plead for our nation as he did for Lot and his family. Will you join me? Will you set aside one day each week to fast and pray for the souls in our nation?

Alert and sober,

Are You a Friend of God?

2010-07-21T22:35:00.010-04:00

James 4:4 - You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

I have been thinking lately about why so many in this generation can claim Jesus as their Savior but not live for Him. To live year after year with one foot deep in the world and the other in the church. Many have been raised in Christian homes, gone to church all their lives, know the language and music yet, there is no change in lifestyle or behavior; nothing to set them apart from the world. Other than the fact that they attend church on Sunday morning. I am afraid that many in this generation have believed a lie from the enemy of their soul disguised as an angel of light. The lie that they can "accept Jesus as Savior", say a prayer, walk down an aisle, bend a knee and they are good to go, heaven bound! Still embracing the same lifestyle as before, because after all, "Jesus is my friend", right?

Could it be that many churches today are preaching and teaching a one sided Jesus? A "Jesus is your friend", all inclusive Jesus? A Jesus that is accepting of us no matter what? Don't misunderstand what I just said. Jesus is all inclusive, He does accept us when we come to Him, "just as we are", but part of as we are is with an understanding that we have remorse over our sinful condition, we are not just sorry we are caught in our sin or that our "poor choices, or mistakes" have been found out, NO we are truly sorrowful over our sin. We realize that Jesus is God, He is Holy and we deserve death, not mercy or grace. We realize what He did on the Cross of Calvary was for our personal sin not just the world's. We enter into a personal relationship with the true and living God. It doesn't stop with a get into heaven "Free" card!

The problem with seeing Jesus as only our friend is we leave out the biggest side of His character and person. He is STILL HOLY! He does have a standard of right and wrong. He does have moral absolutes. Truth is not "relative" to each person's situation or morals. He is TRUTH and His Word is Truth! He does require some things of those who say they love Him. So maybe we have done this generation a dis-service by teaching them that "Jesus is their friend"?

The truth is we are the ones who need to do the accepting of HIM! Maybe we just haven't taught them about the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus in John Chapter 8 who told the woman caught in adultery..."woman where are your accusers?...they are gone she told Jesus, to which he replied, "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more". He didn't embrace her sinful behavior or excuse it, nor did he condemn her...he did have an absolute about her sin, "don't' do it again". This same Jesus of the bible said in Matthew 7:12-14 "Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, many there will be who find it ", "Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life, few there will be that find it". Again, the Jesus of the bible told his disciples in John 8:30-31 "If you are truly my disciples, you will continue in My Word." This same Jesus talked alot about denying yourself, picking up your cross and following Him. What happened to teaching the Jesus of the Bible?

God's word tells us that to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. So maybe what we should be teaching them is that they need to be "a friend of God". We teach so much about Jesus accepting us "where we are", but what we should be teaching is that we must accept Him completely. If we are a friend of God we will spend time getting to know Him, talking to Him, sharing our life with Him. We will go the places He wants us to go. We will live a life set apart unto Him. We will understand that to be friends with the world would betray our friendship with God. We will follow the Jesus of the Bible, not some watered down, Jesus made in our image version!

So, is Jesus our friend? I guess that depends on where you stand with Jesus? He told the disciples after they had walked with him for three years and witnessed His miracles, heard His teaching, believed in HIM, left all to follow Him, that they were indeed His friends, so yes He can be our friend, but I believe a much better question to ask is...AM I A FRIEND OF GOD?
Renee

Lessons Learned at Volleyball Practice...Lesson 2

2010-07-15T16:30:00.017-04:00

I thought when I signed my youngest daughter up to play volleyball with our local home school team that the practice times would be for her learning, not mine! I never imagined God would use the time there to teach me some valuable life lessons!

Lesson #2 - "If You Move Your Feet Commit"

Another phrase I often hear the coaches say during volleyball practice is "move your feet, commit". Ok, so maybe it's just me but these phrases just stick in my head and begin to connect to my spiritual walk. So here goes....

So what does it look like to "move your feet - commit" in your spiritual walk? It looks like serving. Whatever spiritual gifts God has given you, it is your responsibility to develop the gift within you. Ask God where He wants you to "move your feet", then move in that direction and commit and follow through.

As I have watched the girls during volleyball practice there are times when they know they have a good shot at returning the ball, so they move their feet, call out "mine" and follow through with the return. Then there are other times when they are not so sure, but they move their feet, whisper a weak "mine", hesitate to follow through and the other team gets the point.

It's the same way in our commitment to use our spiritual gifts. Sometimes we "know" we have a good shot (with Christ's help) and so we step out in confident faith to use our spiritual gift and the "return" is great! Then there are those times when we step out in wavering faith, hesitant and reluctant, knowing we are called to take the shot but not sure how it will end up. That's why it's called stepping out in "faith". God just wants us to listen to His coaching, practice what we have learned, shape and sharpen the gifts within us and then "move our feet - commit".

Lessons learned During Volleyball Practice.....

2010-07-09T10:31:00.006-04:00

I thought when I signed my youngest daughter up to play volleyball with our local home school team that the practice times would be for her learning, not mine! I just figured it would be a time for me to sit and watch; maybe learn about the game, catch up on some reading or talk to friends. I never imagined God would use the time there to teach me some valuable life lessons!

During the volley ball clinic I heard one of the coaches say, "focus on your target". She repeated this phrase all week. I don't know if it stuck with the players, but I can tell you it stuck with me. I kept hearing it in my head all week. The following devotion is what came from that little phrase:

Today was my youngest daughter's first day at a volleyball clinic. She thinks she might be interested in playing on our local homeschooling volleyball team in the fall so I thought doing the clinic first would give her a chance to see if this was her thing or not. She loved it!

While I was listening to the coaches instruct the girls on their passes, I heard one say, "Focus on your target, if you don't focus on the target you will miss it everytime." I thought to myself....what an excellent lesson to teach these young girls, so practical and yet so profound! A lesson not only for sports but for many things in life. Whether it's for setting personal, professional, educational, financial, or relational goals you must focus on your target.

For me it was a spiritual lesson today. As a believer in Jesus Christ in order for me to achieve victory in my spiritual walk I must "focus on the target". God's Word tells me in Philippians 3:12-14 -"Not that I have already obtained it or have become perfect, but I press on that I may lay hold of that, for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus, Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." In other words Jesus is at the finish line and He is my target. I must focus on my target.

So, what is your target? Or maybe a better question would be, is it one worth focusing on?

Focusing on My target, (more to come...)

David Platt- Religion or Devotion?

2010-06-30T13:40:00.000-04:00

Lessons From John the Baptist

2010-06-28T08:41:00.005-04:00

From Matthew Chapter 3, Mark 1:3-8
Luke 3:2-17, John 1:6-28

God impressed upon my heart a desire to go back to the basics and see for myself how Jesus ministered and taught his disciples to minister to those around them. It's easy to get our eyes on others, to be bound by traditions of men, religion, etc. and miss JESUS in the middle of it all. While slowly, prayerfully, and methodically going through the gospel of Matthew, God wouldn't let me get past Chapter 3. I was captivated, challenged and convicted by John the Baptist's call, courage, and commitment to Christ. The word humility kept coming to mind. A much needed quality that is so lacking in business, society, the church, and sadly to say in many Christian homes.

Listen to Isaiah's prophecy Chapter 40:3 - "A voice is calling, clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness, make smooth in the desert a highway for our God". John the Baptist was that voice calling out in the wilderness. John was the baby boy in Elizabeth's womb that leapt within her when she spoke with the mother of Jesus, and she was immediately filled with the holy spirit. John knew who he was, why he was here, what his purpose was...talk about the purpose driven life!

More importantly, John knew who Jesus was. In the gospels John sees Jesus coming to be baptized and says "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world"." John was a man with a mission and a message. His mission, to point others to Christ; his message, "Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The simplicity and humility of his mission and message are so refreshing. John a man with no seminary degree, PhD, or masters was commissioned by God Almighty to point others to Jesus "His Beloved Son in whom He is well pleased".

John, who wore a camel's hair garment with a strap of leather around his waist, who ate locust and wild honey, who lived outside of the city in the wilderness? Not a very likely candidate for such a task in mans eyes. I love how God works. He most often chooses the "ordinary" to perform the "extraordinary". I wonder how many churches would allow someone with John's appearance to stand in the pulpit and preach the same message today? How about your church?

John’s life is a picture of what a true servant leader should be. He always pointed others to the coming Christ. He didn't think more highly of himself than he should have. When the people came to him to be baptized in the Jordan River after repenting of their sins, John made sure they knew who could forgive and cleanse them from their sin, "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire“. Never once did he want others to look to him, only Christ. What humility!

John the Baptist baptized our Lord and Savior, how humbling that must have been. He did it out of obedience to the Lord. When Jesus began his earthly ministry John's disciples left him and followed Jesus. You don't see a streak of jealousy, pride or an arrogant spirit. John said, "I must decrease, He must increase". He humbly and gracefully let go. His mission was complete. His message had been delivered. Jesus had come to seek and save the lost.

Ask yourself these questions: Do I truly know who I am in Christ? Do I recognize who I am not? Do I know why I am here? Do I know my purpose and am I living it out in Christ, daily? Would those whom I come in contact with describe me as a woman of humility and grace? Ouch!!! Am I willing to decrease so He may increase? What am I doing today for God‘s Kingdom?
More importantly do I know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior? If we are in Christ we also have a mission and a message, we need to get busy "the kingdom of heaven is at hand"

Renee

Summer Bible Study

2010-06-16T20:51:00.008-04:00

Today me and Mikayla began our first lesson in "Growing Little Women by Donna J. Miller. This is a family tradition. She is the third daughter in our family to go through this bible study with me during the summer and at the same age her sisters were (almost 12).

This is a great Mother/daughter study! There is also a book for the younger girls that we did before this one. If you are looking for a study to do this summer with your little girls or soon to be little "women" check it out on Amazon.com.

You will not regret it.
God bless you as you Grow Little Women!

Renee

Panning for Gems

2010-06-16T15:01:00.008-04:00

Proverbs 2:1-5 - My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.

Have you ever thought that parenting is a lot like panning for gold?

When my oldest daughter was in 1st grade we took a field trip with her class to pan or "mine" for gems. The kids wore plastic smocks and were handed a sifting screen with wooden handles. They worked diligently looking for something of value. Most of their time was spent sifting through the sediment and sand to find only a few pebbles or stones, but by the end of the field trip, many of the children came away with a few pieces of ruby, emerald or topaz! Their patience, practice and perseverance paid off!The memory of that field trip was tucked nice and neatly away, until a phone conversation with a dear friend retrieved it from my memory file.

We were catching up, sharing the struggles and joys of parenting. I shared with her something my oldest daughter had said, that was full of wisdom. My friend made the comment, "You have received a gold nugget!". She went on to explain, that one day her mother told her,"Parenting is just like panning for gold or gems. Most of our days are spent sifting through sediment and only to discover a few pebbles or stones. Then there are those days, when you least expect it, your child says or does something that just blesses your heart. God has just given you a gold nugget!

What perspective! I know so many parents today who have given up on panning for anything of value in their children's lives. If we are not careful we get so busy looking at the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones that we overlook the gems!

In a world that demands instant gratification and quick results, parents must learn to be patient. Through the practice of parenting, if we diligently persevere through the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones we will find a few rubies, emerald's and gold nuggets along the way.

Keep on panning,
Renee

Tim Hawkins talks about Moms

2010-06-15T20:38:00.000-04:00

Broken and Poured Out

2010-06-14T19:50:00.004-04:00

"When Mary of Bethany "broke the flask of very costly oil and poured it on Jesus' head," it was an act for which no one else saw any special occassion; in fact, there were some who said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted?" Jesus commended Mary for her extravagant act of devotion. (Mark 14:3-4)"

One morning after reading these words in Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"
I was struck with the following thought:

Mary of Bethany poured her most treasured possession on her Savior, she poured her life out for the One who would one day soon pour His life out for her on the Cross of Calvary. Some of those watching just didn't get it! They questioned and condemned her act of devotion because they didn't see the true value in what she was doing. Jesus on the other hand saw the true value and commended her for it.

As a homeschool Mother I am often misunderstood by those who just don't get it! They don't see the true value in what I am doing. Some question my act of devotion thinking it is a waste of time for a woman in today's liberated world to be at home with her kids much less choose to educate them at home! Some even have the audacity to condemn my act of devotion because God has called our family to this journey, dismayed at how we can possibly teach our own children without a "teaching certificate"! They just don't get it!

To pour myself out into the lives of my children is costly and it does require daily commitment, but I know God has lead our family down this path of home education and He sees GREAT value in it!

At His Feet,
Renee

The Bible in 3-D

2010-06-12T15:25:00.005-04:00

Imagine going to the movie theater and purchasing your ticket to see a 3-D movie then choosing NOT to wear the glasses! Have you ever tried to watch a 3-D movie like this? Of course not, you wouldn't think of doing that, it's called 3-D for a reason. Without the glasses the movie would be fuzzy, out of focus and well, flat!

But, don't we do that when we read God's word? Scripture tells us the word of God is alive and active not flat but three dimensional! Yet, we read His word as if it were one dimensional with no character, no action, no passion or drama.

Recently, while at our state's homeschool conference I had the privilege of hearing someone tell the story of Moses birth from Jacobed's view. There was not a dry eye in the room! As a mother I felt Jacobed's sorrow, fear and love for her baby boy. I also got to see her trust in the Lord as she released Moses into His hands. I got to see faith lived out in a very real way. Through the speakers passionate portrayal of Jacobed's story I was connected to Jacobed in a way I have never been before. I will never forget that story, it is seared in my memory; all because someone took the time to bring the word of God off the flat written page and helped me to see the word of God in 3-D!

So here's my challenge: The next time we pick up the Word of God to read or teach our children or Sunday School classes DON'T FORGET TO PUT ON YOUR

3-D GLASSES!

Renee

We Pray and God Pursues!

2010-06-11T15:41:00.003-04:00

Are you the mother of a prodigal? If so, have you been pursuing your child in order to bring him back to the fold? You know what I mean; do you find yourself filled with anxiety, pleading, preaching and prodding them? One more question; in the words of Dr. Phil, "How's that working for ya?"

After a few years of preaching, prodding, worrying and yes praying; I am finally understanding that as our children become adults our role as mother changes. While we still have influence in their lives, the way we go about it should be drastically different. Our job of laying the ground work and the foundation is over. We are to love them unconditionally, be a listening ear and speak the truth when the Holy Spirit leads us, but our main job is to PRAY and let God PURSUE!

Recently, when I shared these words with a dear friend, another friend reminded us that God's feet are swift, He can pursue like no other! I am also reminded that not only are God's feet swifter than mine but His arm is longer and His reach is farther. Our prayers for our wayward children are part of the long arm of God.

He is the Good and Chief Shepherd! He will leave the ninety-nine and go after the one who has strayed or is lost in the wilderness. What encouragement to a mother of a prodigal. One day they will return to the fold. The Great Shepherd of their souls will welcome them with open arms, a kiss on the neck and cover them with His righteous robe.

Until then my sisters...."We PRAY and God PURSUES!

Praying Twenty-Four Seven!

Jeremiah 24:7
Renee

His masterpiece!

2010-06-11T13:16:00.009-04:00

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us a long time ago.

I am not a seamstress. I don't do needle point or crochet. The extent of my needle and thread expertise is sewing on a button and tacking a pair of pants, that's it! So if I were to try and explain how a tapestry is made I would be in trouble. Therefore, I won't attempt it. Although, I have always admired those who have the artistic and skillful abilities to make these wonderful pieces of art, but that is as far as it goes.

As I was reading a little today about how tapestries are made I ran across a tidbit of information that can be compared to the life of a disciple of Christ. The article stated that Jacquard Loom weaver tends the looms, in order to locate the possible defects. The warp and the weft will interlace each other, and the design will take life. Isn't that what our heavenly Father is doing in and through our lives? He being the Master Weaver, tends to our lives in order to straighten or make right any defects that would possibly destroy His design?

We know ultimately the design he has for all of those who are true disciples is His Son, but that will only happen if we the "thread" are pliable, flexible and put ourselves in the Master Weaver's hands.

Isn't it amazing to realize that God is the Master Weaver and he has a Master design for our lives? Will we submit to His handiwork and allow Him to tend to our lives and remove the defects sin brings into His beautiful Masterpiece?

Trusting the Master Weaver,

Renee