Give it up!!!!

God is so good to meet us where we are. He knows our innermost struggles and He wants to encourage us and give us hope. Sometimes we just don't let Him comfort us. Sometimes we are just so busy feeling frustrated, hopeless, negative and bad that we don't turn to the only One who can help us. I think when we don't turn to God for insight, answers, comfort, breakthroughs - we basically are telling Him we don't need Him, we can do it on our own. He isn't going to force Himself on us. He is always there waiting for us to FINALLY lay it all down at His feet. To give up, give it ALL up to Him. Only then can He step in, once we surrender it all at His feet and tell Him to have His way. That is such a scary step to take one that most won't ever do. But without taking that step, we will continue to struggle and be anxious and frustrated fighting in our own strength.

I have been feeling down the last couple of weeks. Having to fight off frustration, despair, hopelessness. I have done battle in my room with Satan and all his minions many days now. I have read and prayed. But the heaviness has still been there. Went at it again tonight, and God showed up!!! God gave me some encouragement. Nothing concrete has changed with our situation, but He gave me promises to claim. Promises in His word. TRUTH!!!! God's Word will not return void, it is life giving. For me tonight, God's promises are in Psalm 16.

Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.

LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

This scripture encouraged me in a few areas I have been praying about. Seek the Lord for answers to what is troubling YOU. He desires to reveal Himself to you. Just ask Him.

Protect your Heart

Heart. Lungs. Stomach. Vital organs absolutely needed to sustain life. Parts of our bodies that are critical to protect. Without them we no longer live. While we are in battle it is imperative that we protect our body and the vital organs in it. In ancient times Roman Soldiers wore armour that protected their bodies from neck to thigh. Without this armour a soldier would quickly die from arrow or sword, whichever was quickest at penetrating his body. Likewise, when we are in spiritual battle we are instructed in both the Old and the New Testament to put on our own Breastplate. One made out of Righteousness.

And He (God) saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. Isaiah 59:16-17

In Ephesians 6:14 it says: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.

But how does one "put on" a Breastplate of Righteousness? For that matter, what exactly is a breastplate of righteousness and why is righteousness so important.

The Hebrew word for righteousness appears over 500 times in the Old Testament and the Greek word dikaios: appears over 200 times in the New Testament. The Hebrew word for righteousness is tseh'-dek, tzedek, which means righteous, integrity, equity, justice, straightness. The root of tseh'-dek is tsaw-dak', which means: upright, just, straight, innocent, true, sincere.

Righteousness is what allows us to stand up against the evil in the world. The evil attacks from Satan and his cohorts constantly try to prevail against us, righteousness is our protection against those attacks.

In the Old Testament, Job withstood much warfare and numerous attacks from Satan. He lost his family, his home, his health, his reputation and his livelihood all at the hand of the Evil One. And yet, he remained close to God and it did not defeat him. Job was also credited as being blameless and upright. In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:1. Job's righteousness helped him stand firm when so many heartbreaking trials came his way. And the Lord returned many times over that which was lost to Job as a result of his faithfulness.

But, what exactly is righteousness in practical terms? How does having a Breastplate of Righteousness actually protect us from Satan. I have been thinking long and hard on this one and this is my thought. When we live a life that is righteous before the Lord, our armour is sound, intact and strong. It is impenetrable from the arrows that fly by night and the sword that comes at day. But the heart is the source of evil as well. We must keep it righteous by guarding it because it controls so much of what we do and who we are:

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust. Proverbs 4:23-27 (The Message)

My thought is that when we don't keep a vigilant watch over our heart, the words we speak and the actions we participate in, can very easily cause us to slip into unrighteous living. And it is in those places where small chinks or cracks in our armour start to form and the primary defense for our body is then susceptible to attacks and arrows from Satan. We in essence give him a foothold. A place to hold on and attack us even more. Making it very difficult to stand up and fight, because we are now being wounded by his attacks.

In Ephesians 4:25-32 it states:

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

So with that being said, remain diligent in right living. By faith and love - stand firm - live righteously~

The Truth about Lies

You have no REAL friends. You're not important. You sure are fat and ugly. You haven't done anything of value with your life. You are a complete loser. Did you really think people would actually enjoy spending time with you? Nothing is ever going to work out well for you. You'll never find success. No one really loves you or even likes you for that matter. What a failure I am!

How many of these statements have run through your head? If you're like me, most of them. And that is just in the past week! What is amazing about each of these statements is they are all lies. Completely fabricated statements that beat us to the very core of our being. Lies that debilitate us and cause us to walk in utter defeat. Lies that are orchestrated and reiterated over and over again by the Father of Lies to demoralize us and render us useless.

If we are ever going to walk in victory it is imperative that we battle against the lies. TRUTH is the only way to walk triumphantly. We must daily add another piece of our armour. The Belt of Truth.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist... Ephesians 6:14.

In Biblical times the belt was used to tie up loose garments so one could run and fight in battle. Belts were also used to hold the weapons used in warfare (as they still are today with our military). So the belt was a necessary garment used to allow nimble and mobile actions as well as having weapons of warfare within easy and quick reach.

We are instructed to have the Belt of TRUTH on daily. The only way to fight the lies that so quickly invade our minds is to come at them with the Truth of God's Word.

Three ways to help keep that TRUTH close at hand:

1) Read scripture and memorize it. You have to know what the truth is to be able to war against the lies.

2) When you are dealing with the lies, recognize them for what they are and start quoting or reading scripture that exposes the lies.

3) Pray - ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to help you. Ask Him to help you recall scriptures and intercede on your behalf.

It is a guaranteed fact that the lies of the enemy will come against you. Lies that will steal your hope, joy and victory. And they can sneak in so quickly and quietly. I have been battling feeling really unloved for a couple of weeks now. And finally, I recognized it for what it is. A lie. For God says - I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3.

What lies have you been told? Have you found the TRUTH in God's word to tie up that belt and fight those lies?

Going to Battle - Part 1

How many of you feel like you are fighting a never-ending battle against Satan? Feel like he has the upper hand and is having a field day with your situation, emotions, feelings and very being. I think it is a state that many of us find ourselves in probably way more times than we care to count.

Do not forget your position in Christ. For we are seated in Heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Jesus WON the war already. He is victorious, as are we who have placed our trust in Him. Because it is HE who lives in us, we too have complete victory over Satan and his schemes. It is not Satan who is over you with complete and unabashed authority. You have all power to trample the enemy's attacks through Jesus Christ and by His blood. As it says: The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:17-19

Stand firm in Whose you are and in the full-knowledge of where your power and strength come from. So many fight fear, anxiety and hopelessness as well as a host of other things and don't know that they don't have to fight this battle on their own strength. These emotions are not from God, but you must stand firm in your fight against them.

One way to fight against those attacks is by the Word - the Sword of the Spirit. Find those verses that you can claim and memorize them and each and every time you feel fear or anxiety (or whatever you personally are dealing with), claim those promises in scripture.

A few verses to pray and claim:
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:17-19

Take captive your thoughts by the blood of Jesus.

Thankful for the Thorns

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her boots as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease.

During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come. What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.

"She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder.

Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an air bag that saved her life but took that of her child?

"Good afternoon, may I help you?" The shop clerk's approach startled her.

"I....I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.

"For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving "Special?" asked the shop clerk. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."

Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order."

She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses; Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.

"Want this in a box?" asked the clerk.

Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said as she gently tapped her chest.

"Uh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uh....she just left with no flowers!"

"Right, said the clerk, "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."

"Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."

"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk, "and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for good things in life and never to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop.

"Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man.

"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement...twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems," laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?"

"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special."

I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life," Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too...fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment.

"I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?" Sarah asked.

"Nothing; nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

It read:

"My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the life I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."

Praise Him for your roses, thank him for your thorns.

Author: Unknown


May you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones!

Much love to you all,
Kim

Loaves and Fish

Six months into a season of unemployment...it is hard to believe it has been that long. When James first lost his job, I thought FOR SURE he would be employed by September, but here we are heading to the holidays and no real job in sight. What is more amazing is the supernatural peace God has continued to envelop our family in.

I have been absolutely amazed at how God has continued to provide for my family. We are doing amazingly well. What a blessing this time has been for us to watch God at work in each of us. I have learned so much about the hand of God providing for our every need. God has faithfully kept His Word and promises.

I cling to His promises: Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. and Since ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. My God has been so faithful.

We have truly seen the principal of the fish and loaves manifest itself in our lives throughout this season. God told us almost a year ago to become extremely diligent in tithing and giving offerings to the Lord. I will be really honest and say it was one of the hardest things we have had to do. Money was so tight and we were living every bit paycheck to paycheck, but James and I made a commitment to become very obedient in this difficult area. The first five months of giving were not easy at all. It seemed like our finances were in worse shape than ever before, but we remained obedient. After the first five months of tithing and expecting God to give James a promotion because we had been faithful - the exact opposite happened and James lost his job instead. But then the miracles started to happen. We continued to tithe and amazingly our bank account had way more money in it then before. That was really cool. So we decided to start giving extra offerings on top of the tithe, and even more money was there. We were living out the fish and the loaves.

Just like the little boy who gave what he could give - some fish and bread - and Jesus turned it into enough food to feed thousands with food to spare. How is that possible? In our finite minds it isn't, but with God absolutely NOTHING is impossible.

This was happening with us, as we continued to give, God continued to keep the money in our account. It never empties, even though on paper it should have been empty - a long time ago.

I was reminded about the story of Elijah and the Widow. Elijah had prophesied that there would be famine in the land. During this time, Elijah ate well - bread and meat brought to him by all things, ravens. But then God told Elijah to move on and go to the next town and the widow woman there would provide food for him. As Elijah approached the widow, he asked for some water and she happily agreed to get it for him. He then also asked her for a piece of bread. She told him, "I only have enough flour in my jar and oil in my jug to make a very small loaf for my son and I and then we were surely die because there is no more left". Elijah told her to make him a small loaf first and then make bread for her and her son and there would be enough flour and oil for all of them. I wonder what that widow woman thought as she walked back to her home and proceeded to do as she was told. But guess what - every morning for two years while the drought and famine ravaged her land, she had enough flour in her jar and oil in her jug to make bread for her, her son AND Elijah. Although the jar and jug should have been emptied long ago, they never were. God provided.

I know that God delights in providing for us. He loves us, but He does want obedience and He wants our trust. I think it is also so very important to give to Him without fear and worry. Honestly, fear and worry is really just sin. It says to God, I know better than you and I really don't believe that You will do as You say and take care of me. Sometimes it is really hard to trust and believe, but God can't work if we bind ourselves to what WE think should happen (but that's a whole other post I need to write). For now, I love knowing that God is in charge and watching out for us and providing for us on a daily basis, just like the widow and Elijah.

So as we head forward, I anticipate with great excitement what happens next. James' job is coming soon - that I do know too - no idea where or when - but soon....

Parenting through hard choices

Never say never...that pretty much sums up my life. In my quest to be in control, I humorously thought that I could decide certain things and have that be so. I used to say, "I would NEVER marry a man that had red hair." I also had been known to say, that I was going to marry a pastor, youth minister or missionary. God must have thought those absolute statements of mine were pretty funny, seeing as how He gave me a wonderful husband (whom I love and adore) that most definitely is a red-head and is not in full-time ministry.

I have made other such statements throughout my life. What I will and won't do, how my life will and won't go. And I have recently realised that I have made such statements where my son is concerned. Even while pregnant with him, I was quite concerned which made me very resolute that he wouldn't be one of those hyper type boys that lacks self control and is impulsive. Up to the point I became pregnant with him, I had a little girl who for the most part was very good. School and learning came easy for her as did being well liked and highly thought of. Of course, me in my humble esteem, chalked it all up to my wonderful parenting. Being a teacher and all, I am sure that her good behavior and smart brain were a direct result to my input and training. SO when we found out we would have a boy, I figured he would be just as easy to raise and train. Boy, how that quickly changed.

My son has always been a pure joy to me. He is a delight and a very witty child, who is creative, imaginative and flat-out fun to be around. But he is also a very spirited child who can be difficult to corral, who can be quite strong-willed and defiant and over-the-top impulsive. I am not sure how that happened, as I was so certain of my excellent parenting skills when I was pregnant with him.

When I think about my 'absolute' statements I made about how my son would and would not be, I am sure God just shook His head. I am learning that God wants us to flexible. He wants us to rely fully on Him, even when what we see happening was not at all in our plan. He wants us to put aside our preconceived notions and ideas of what WE think is right and/or wrong and trust wholly in Him and His divine plan for our lives.

As my son has been growing up (he is 7) he has had numerous challenges. He started getting in trouble at school at the ripe ol' age of 17 months. Being an avid biter, it is sad to think how many children bore his teeth marks. We came to realize that he had a speech issue that probably lead to most of his biting issues. We were fortunate to get him into therapy at a very young age so his speech issues (and his biting problem) was corrected fairly quickly.

My son has always been very impulsive. Acting and then thinking, often I am sure with the thought, "Ah man, I didn't mean for THAT to happen." He gets off task easily, loses focus and cannot sit still to save his life.

I have struggled with this for years. Having one child that is often one of the teacher's favorites, reading at a very young age, straight As, awesome behavior is a blessing. But to see your other child struggle with bad daily reports, poor grades and simply not getting key educational concepts is really hard. It really caused me to become overly protective of my son. Each year, begging and pleading with God for someone to see my son as I saw him. To love him and see in him the great qualities I see in him and to appreciate that about him. But it has never really happened. I have probably been a little short with some people as they were less than supportive of him. And still I figured I could fix him somehow.

We had him repeat kindergarten because he was so young and needed time to mature. Not sure how much that helped. We changed his diet, took out things, added in things, gave him dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals. We woke him up at 5:30 in the morning to go running to try and get out his excess energy before school started. To say we tried it all, would be accurate. But none of it worked. Not even a little bit. And my heart continued to break further and further. I wanted so much for him to succeed. I was a teacher for goodness sake. And by this time, I had done extensive research on how best to teach boys and had become quite an expert. But even with all the knowledge I had, the techniques that I knew worked for many boys, did not help my own son. I was at the end of my rope.

And the despair, frustration and anxiety I saw coming from my sweet son was devastating. He was so upset and would often cry about not being able to read as well as others. He would often make statements about how he was a bad kid because he couldn't sit still and do the right thing. He would tell us how much he wanted to be good, his prayed the most heartfelt, tearful prayers to God to help him make the right choices, and was so disappointed when he didn't. But he would tell us how he didn't know what to do to change it.

This summer I was determined to get him ahead academically. He was going to first grade and I wasn't going to have him be behind. He received one-on-one tutoring from a teacher friend of mine. We played reading games, did flash-cards, body spelling. You name it, we did it. And still, my son would lose focus and you'd have to circle back around to where you left off and by that point we had to start all over again and he would have forgotten all that we had just went over. So if he couldn't do it in a one-on-one setting which incorporated a great deal of movement, how would a structured school environment with a classroom full of others work? It was at this point, that my husband and I started really praying about what to do and specifically about medication. I was so sure that God would not ever have us put our child on any kind of medication to help him succeed in school. But as we were praying God started putting people in my path who had walked down the same road as us and had put their child on medication for ADHD and there child was doing so much better. We had several meetings with his pediatrician. I talked to family and friends and prayed and prayed and prayed. It was a several month process from start to finish.

My husband and I each received a peace about putting him on medication a couple of weeks ago. No one ever wants to put medication in their child that is unnecessary or could be harmful. But I also know God uses all sorts of things to bring about His desired results. I think for me, He used the one thing I had said absolutely I would never do and made that be the one thing that absolutely is working. My son has just started his journey with medication, but he is doing remarkably well so far. It is our prayer that he continues to do so. His academics this week took a huge jump and he keeps saying, "I am making the right choices and I am so happy."

You know, as I think about my thought process on this (and probably many other things)I think it is sometimes easy to become like Jonah in the Bible. He was so convinced that he knew what was best. He knew the Ninevites were evil people. He didn't think they deserved his time or effort because they were not God-fearing and were down-right awful. But yet, that is where God told him to go. He fought God's direction so hard that he ended up in the belly of a whale. And only then was he willing to listen to God's direction. He did end up doing what God said, but with a very hard heart that was not joyful in obedience. I don't want to be like Jonah. I want to be obedient to whatever it is that God is telling me to do, even if in my mind it doesn't make sense. Even if the plan I have sounds a whole lot better to me. I want to follow God in HIS will with complete trust and abandonment to His desires.

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live, that you may love the Lord your God, that you may OBEY HIS VOICE, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

So as I continue on this journey, I think the first step is going to be taking those absolute words, always and never, out of my vocabulary!!!!

F.R.O.G.

We are heading through our third month of James not having a job and I am often overwhelmed by how much God loves us and is daily providing for us and taking care of us. When we stop to notice, it is amazing just how many blessings we have been given.

I have started my new job and tomorrow my students will have their first full-day in my class. When I knew I was starting a new job, I decided to go with a new room 'theme'. Up until this point, I had always had bumble bees because as was discussed in my previous post, I love the impossibility that bumble bees are as they fly even when they aren't aerodynamically supposed to be able to do so.

But I had used bees for over 5 years and was tiring of it. So I decided to use a frog theme in my class. Now I am not normally a huge frog fan, but the items with which to decorate my class were really cute! Several weeks after buying some things for my classroom, my sweet daughter asked me, "You know what F.R.O.G stands for don't you? Fully Relying On God." I thought that was pretty cool, but didn't think much more of it.

Fast forward a couple of months and James has lost his job and we are truly living - Fully Relying On God. My daughter persistently encouraged me to put that saying up someplace in my classroom so I could look at it and be reminded of it daily. I am glad she did (it is in large letters right over my desk - I can't miss it!)

I have been thinking a lot about relying on God lately. And how much do we FULLY rely on Him. I know I have always relied on Him some, but FULLY? That is a great deal more difficult. I can't control God, so I can't control when or what He does - even when it is on my behalf. Many times, I would rather control it all myself.

What does God ask of us? He wants us to lay it all down and TRUST Him - no matter what He asks and how much it may cost us. But goodness that is difficult to do at times! I have been reminded of the story of Joshua (starting in Joshua 2). Here he is, leading the Israelites out of the desert (FINALLY - it only took 40 years!). God told him to take Jericho. Now after sending in spies and scoping out the place, God tells Joshua to march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days and then on the seventh day to march around it seven times, blow the shofars and scream loudly and the great walls of the city would fall down. Now I don't know about you, but that seems like a pretty crazy plan. One most would have a difficult time following - it just seemed so far fetched. But Joshua FULLY relied on God and trusted Him and obeyed Him - no matter what. And God - who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than what we can ever imagine - indeed made the walls fall and Joshua and the Israelites took Jericho.

This story has always struck me as a bit odd. I mean, couldn't God just let the walls fall down? Couldn't He just have the Israelites fight those people of Jericho and win? But if that had happened, God wouldn't have received such glory. And sometimes when things just seem so weird and bizarre, God expects us to rely fully on Him and obey Him and trust Him and leave the results to Him. Because most certainly, none of the Israelites could take any credit for the defeat of Jericho.

God wants our hearts. He wants us to trust Him, lean on Him, fully rely on Him. And then when we do, we are at peace, we have joy and our so greatly encouraged by the blessings that the Lord gives us.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

There is a song that I love. It's words and lyrics fall right in line with relying on God.
Joy unspeakable that won't go away
And just enough strength
To live for today
So I never have to worry
What tomorrow will bring
'Cause my faith is on solid rock
I am counting on God

So the next time you see a frog remember to Fully Rely on God!!!

Impossibilities

One of my favorite stories is that of the bumble bee. A few years ago, scientists at the NASA developed an interest in bumblebees. The lab folks figured the insect held some secret of flight that may provide answers to questions about aerodynamics. They asked themselves how such small wings could produce enough lift for such a large, heavy body. They felt there was much to be learned from the bumblebee.

These scientists set about studying the bumblebee to discover its flying secrets. They hypothesized, examined, measured, timed, filmed, observed, thought about and debated the bumblebee. After weeks of study they came to one conclusion – bumblebees are not capable of flight. It is really impossible that they can fly. But God in His infinite wisdom needs them to fly to help pollinate the plants and flowers of our planet. So fly they will...impossible or not!

What in your life do you think is impossible right now? What situations are happening in your life that you just do not see any way out and can't imagine being worked out favorably on your behalf? It is really easy in the midst of many trials and situations and desert wanderings to see the impossible way more than the more than possible.

As I have been praying and studying, I have been focusing on God's name El Shadday. This was the covenant name of God that was given to Abraham by God. The name El Shadday, means God Almighty.

I have been thinking about what the word almighty means. According to good ol' Webster it means: all-powerful, supreme, absolute, unlimited, invincible, omnipotent. I love that it means absolute. There is not much that is absolute in life, but God is. El Shadday is basically the God for whom NOTHING is impossible.

The name El Shadday was introduced to Abraham in Genesis 17. When Abraham was 99 years old (then called Abram). God told Abraham to walk before God and be blameless and GOD would confirm His covenant and greatly increase his numbers. God then proceeded to share with Abraham how he would be the father of many nations and his wife Sarah would have a child at the age of 90. This made Abraham basically laugh in the face of God. To him this was absolutely crazy and impossible. I can identify totally with Abraham. I am pretty sure if God told me I was going to birth a child at the age of 90, I would laugh pretty heartily too. Quite preposterous and impossible.

El Shadday is the God for whom NOTHING is impossible. But yet, we doubt. We hear God say one thing, but then when it doesn't work out the way WE think it should, we doubt God. Maybe we think He changed His mind or maybe we think He doesn't care or can't do it. Maybe we just figure He forgot about us.

But in Numbers 23:19 it says: "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" God is El Shadday. He is God Almighty, He doesn't forget, change His mind or lie. He is absolute and all powerful. He can do the impossible.

In our path are often stumbling blocks that cause us to question and doubt the plans, the purposes and the promises of God. We need to pray to El Shadday, the God of the Impossible, to turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones of faith.

God will do what He has promised.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7: 7-11

Bound and in Jail

I have really been struggling during moments of quiet (thank goodness those have been few and far between!) At times recently it really feels like God has forgotten we are down here. Forgotten that I took this new job with 1/2 the salary of my former job. Forgotten that our insurance runs out the end of August. Forgotten that James STILL doesn't have a job, etc., etc.

I think when walking through the desert it is hard to always maintain an attitude of faith, trust and praise. I am sure the Israelites, after walking through the desert for 40 years, had moments where they definitely weren't feeling the love. And yet, God always provided. Every morning when they woke up...there was the manna on the ground. But I am sure at times they wondered, "Are we there yet? God did you forget we are down here just wandering around in this blasted desert?"

I tend to maintain smiles and be chipper and positive as almost a matter of principle. But there are times when lately the smile is very put-on and not at all where my heart is at that moment. I fake it until I can make it, but sometimes making it is really difficult. This is where I have been the last couple of days. I am frustrated that James isn't having more interviews, I am sad that I can't tell my son and daughter that they can take the dance class or play the sports they want. I am angry at times that it's hard. I'd like for it all to be easier. But after awhile those feelings of frustration, sadness and anger really become a bit like a jail cell.

But I do have to remember that God never promised us that it would be easy. He did promise us that He would always be with us and never forsake us. He did promise that He would provide for our needs, and He most certainly has NOT broken that promise to us.

I was reading recently in the Bible about Paul and Silas (Acts 16). They were flogged and severely beaten, placed in an inner jail cell, chained and bound. Were they frustrated, angry and scared? Possibly, but the Bible doesn't tell us that. What it does say is that in the midst of their horrific circumstances, they chose to worship God and sing hymns to Him. (For me that would not have been an easy choice to make). But praise Him they did. They worshipped their God and King and the most amazing thing happened. A great earthquake happened and their chains and bindings came undone and the doors of their cell flew open. They were free to go. But this was the amazing part, they didn't! They stayed there and continued to worship. The jailer having seen that Paul and Silas' jail cell was open became very upset (to the point of trying to kill himself) because he was sure he would be put to death for having lost the prisoners. But upon seeing Paul and Silas standing there, he accepted Jesus as his Savior as well.

I so want to be like Paul and Silas, when faced with difficult circumstances to chose not to become depressed, sad and frustrated. To chose to worship God! And even when God freed them from the jail they stayed and brought the jailer and his entire family to Jesus.

Paul and Silas walked completely by faith and embraced and embodied the verse: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12 - 13

It is not always easy to praise Him, though. Sometimes when life gets hard and hopeless it is downright difficult. But we are instructed: Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name Hebrews 13:15. Sometimes praise in the midst of pain is a sacrifice, but as is true with most sacrifices the end result - the Lord moving on our behalf is worth every bit of the sacrifice as He loosens our shackles and opens the door of the jail cell that is keeping us bondage and moves mightily on our behalf!

Elohim

God is our Mighty Creator - our Elohim. He spoke everything and it came into being. He designed us to change and grow and yet, He remains steadfast. He is our constant, our Rock, our Safe Place.

Let the God who is the same yesterday, today and forever steady your world today. Whatever challenge or change or ups or downs or problem faces you today, allow it to drive you towards the God who never changes, a God so stable and strong you can lean on Him and He will give you strength forever.

Information taken from Praying the Names of God

Moses Math

I received this in an email from my mom. I can't find who originally wrote it but thought it was a great faith reminder!

Here is something to think about next time you have a problem that dims your faith. Try to figure out the math in this without God in the equation! It cannot be done! Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have 1,500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day. Two freight trains each a mile long would be required!

Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, and they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4,000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. Just think, they were forty years in transit.

Oh, yes, they would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11 million gallons each day. That would require a freight train with tank cars 1,800 miles long, just to bring water! Then consider another thing: They had to get across the Red Sea in one night. If they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So, there had to be a space in the Red Sea, 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5,000 abreast to get over in one night.

Another problem also faced Moses. Each time they camped at the end of the day, it required a campground about two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island, or a total of 750 square miles long. Think of it! This space had to be provided each night for camping. Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not! You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him.

How foolish we are to try and control it and work it out for ourselves and to worry about our situation when we really can't figure it out or it doesn't seem to be going the way we think things ought to go. We are to TRUST God in ALL things.

I have been really convicted lately that my worrying about what is going to happen or is NOT going to happen is SIN. There...I said it. Plain and simple. No ifs, ands, or buts...SIN!

Everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23

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

God states that HE works ALL things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose Romans 8:28. So basically either we believe it or we don't. Moses did believe Him!

Frustration and Despair

Today started out as one of those days...A day filled with anxious and fearful thoughts, frustration and a touch and a dollop of doubt and despair. Now I will say that in the eight weeks since James lost his job, I have had incredible peace. I have felt the hand of God all over my family. Our financial needs are being met and life has been trucking along. But today, doubt and anxiety crept in, for both James and me.

What do you do when doubt, frustration, anxiety and despair attacks your faith and your steadfastness? For me, my first response is to fix it. As I've said before, I'm a 'grab the bull by the horns' kind of gal. I come up with a solution and make things happen. But in this situation, there is nothing I can do to fix it. I can't make a job happen. I can't change our situation or our circumstances. All I can do is trust and have faith and have patience. And to say that trust, faith and patience is not my strong suit is an understatement.

James and I were discussing in the kitchen how we were both feeling disheartened and frustrated while my sweet 7-year-old son sat eating his morning cereal. During a break in the conversation, he states, "There is nothing my God cannot do." WOW!!!! I asked him why he said, that, "I don't know, it's a song I like and it just popped in my head and so I decided to say it out loud."

The Lord is so faithful! He took the words of a child to bring this mother to her knees and turn her face from focusing on the situation that is causing anxiety and despair and back where it belongs on her Heavenly Father.

I had stepped out of the boat and started sinking when I took my eyes off of Jesus and focused on the storm that is raging all around me. My focus has got to be on Jesus at all times or I will sink in the muck and the mire of despair and anxiety.

We have no idea when this situation will be worked out, but I do know that God knows. He has been there the whole time, He's not anxious or frustrated or in despair about our situation. MY God is so big, so strong and so mighty...there is NOTHING my GOD cannot do!!!!

After I wrote this blog, I felt that I needed to make sure and include a scripture with my blog, but didn't have one in mind to share. I basically opened my Bible up and this is what the Lord showed me. Awesome, huh???

I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things He did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him. Psalms 40:1-3

Making Plans

I am a planner. I have a compulsive need to plan. Plan out meals, to-do lists, vacations, the future. I am not at all one to just let what happens happen. It drives me crazy. I am not a big fan of surprises or the unknown. I very much go by the motto that preparation breeds success. So I merrily go about my way preparing for what is coming up.

Unfortunately, we can't always prepare for what is coming up next. This season in our lives has taught me this. Never in a million, billion years would I have believed you if you had said James would lose his job. We had joked about how secure our jobs were and how nothing like that could happen to us. Joke was definitely on us. What is a planner to do when she can't plan? Panic (yeah, just a little), Cry (sure, did that too), Trust???(I'm getting there).

I have been thinking about Joseph's story in the Old Testament. Boy, did he have big dreams and big plans. He got that beautiful coat and God told him he would rule many. He was planning for a future that was very bright and big. Then - BAM! his own brothers sold him into slavery. Probably not on the to-do list HE had planned. But being a man of God, he made the most of it and God used him. So I am sure Joseph was making plans again for that great future he had dreamed about. Then - BAM! he was thrown in jail...and for something he didn't do!!! Where was the justice in that? Being in jail, certainly was NOT in his plan for a big and bright future. But then as the story goes, God rose him up from the jail cell and he became the second in command in Egypt and was able to help the Hebrews who were at this point on the verge of starvation from a great famine.

Joseph's story is so awesome to me. I love how what the Lord had shown Joseph about his future was spot-on, but the road with which it took for him to get there and what the end result looked like, only God knew.

When I was in college, a dear friend gave me a verse that I remember often.
"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21.

I love how the Message states this verse "We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails."

My goodness, I do so much brainstorming of options and plans. But even with that it is God's purpose that prevails. Now, I don't think that preparation is at all a bad thing. I think we need to prepare as best we know how with the information we have been given. But I do think we need to give the Lord ample room to move and direct and lead us on HIS path towards HIS purpose. In a word, we need to be flexible!

So as James and I are walking through this season of uncertainty we have really NO idea where God is leading us. We're putting things out there, but definitely learning to allow the Lord to lead. He has the plan, He is directing us and leading us.

What is amazing, is that I am actually learning to be at peace in the uncertainty. For I am CERTAIN of this. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to PROSPER you and NOT to harm you. To give you a FUTURE and a HOPE." Jeremiah, 29:11 God's plans are incredible. So much more than I could ever imagine or hope for.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Change

It has been 6 weeks since James lost his job. What a crazy 6 weeks it has been. Truly has been a roller coaster of emotions. We are just now starting to see some activity in the job search arena. James had his first interview today and it went very well. We are continuing to seek the Lord for HIS perfect plan for our lives and are waiting expectantly for it!!!

I have come to realize something VERY strange this last week. I am truly glad and very grateful that this all happened. We still don't know the outcome or how long it will take to receive the Lord's answer for James' next position, but I am glad we are walking through this. I never thought I'd be saying that!!!

The positive and wonderful changes I have seen in my husband are just awesome! Instead of becoming less confident because of the situation, he has gained confidence. My shy and quiet husband is becoming more talkative and outgoing. He is stepping up to the plate and stepping out in faith. What joy that brings to my heart.

I hate that it took something like this to get me to press into the Lord more, seeking Him out daily in my quiet times. But that is what has happened. I have never been one to want to pray too much, but now I find myself yearning to pray and talk with the Lord. He is showing me things daily and taking me to a deeper level of understanding as I read His Word and seek Him out. My prayer is that even when this is all settled, my walk with the Lord will not diminish, but increase even more!

The grace and the mercies the Lord has shown us has been incredible. We have been blessed so much by our family and friends (I know I have said this before, but WOW what a blessing you all are to me!). The Lord continues to give us so much grace each day. There is much peace in our home in spite of the turmoil - much more peace and grace than there was before this happened.

This verse has been on my heart the last couple of days:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
What is really crazy is that I never ever got this verse before. I couldn't understand how trials could be considered pure joy. I also wanted to think that I could have the faith I needed without walking through the trials. I am sure that might be possible for some, but I know for me, my faith has deepened through this time.

There is still a ways to go. My salary and state benefits will be cut starting in September (as I begin my new adventure of teaching at the kid's private school instead of the public school where I had been teaching.) We know God put me there before all this happened and we are confident He is working it out. He doesn't ever work in our time, but HIS time is perfect.

I wrote this blog two days before James lost his job. It is amazing to me how God prepares our hearts for things that are about to happen. Gratefully, we are now embracing the change!

My Big God

Walking through the valleys and storms is never easy. We long for and want those mountain top experiences. Lately it seems that so many that are dear to me (myself included) are walking through the valley right now. It is so hard when walking in the midst of a storm to not become fearful or anxious. We play and entertain the "What ifs" and fear moves in and makes itself at home, wrecking havoc in our lives.

Fear is completely Satan's playground. He loves to keep us up at night, ruin our days and make us miserable.

A friend of my husband's, Dave O'Farrell, recently encouraged people to "declare independence from the things of this world and to declare our dependence on God Almighty". I love this!!! God in His graciousness and love and mercy will see each and every one of us through the storms.

Check out this awesome promise:
"For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

I just read the verse for the first time recently. I love it!!! God is walking with us hand-in-hand telling us to not be fearful, HE will help us!!!! It is time to stand up and with the Lord fight against the fear and the what ifs and the anxious thoughts that so easily paralyze us

This all reminds me of a song we sing in Children's Church..."My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty, and there is NOTHING my God cannot do." We do have a HUGE God and we must stand and fight and war against the fear and allow God to work on our behalf.

It's time to stopping complaining about how big our storm is, and to start telling the storm how big our God is. Dave O'Farrell

I Spy Jesus

I have the best momma! She has taught me to look for the blessings of the Lord no matter how big or small and to look for them everywhere. She calls them "I Spy Jesus" moments. What is so amazing is that those moments are EVERYWHERE!!! And when you stop and take a breath and slow down...it is amazing how many are out there!!! I want to be much more aware of the Lord daily and His directing me moment-by-moment and working things out for me and blessing me even in the very small ways. He isn't a hands-off God who doesn't care about the small things, small wishes, small hopes...He cares..

***We went on a dolphin tour for Jack's birthday. He kept saying he wanted to see dolphins but mostly a baby dolphin. We were riding along on the boat and it didn't look like we would see any dolphins. Suddenly out of no where we came upon a huge pod...20 - 30 dolphins in all, swimming all around our boat. Jack's secret prayer was answered, we saw 2 babies too!

***We went on a second boat ride to sight see and look for shells....We were told that in years past there was a pair of bald eagles that flew around one of the islands, but it wasn't seen very often. It flew right past us several times!

***On our shelling tour we were told how to look for different types of shells. The kids and I actually talked before we went about what kind of shells we most hoped we would find. We found EXACTLY what we had hoped to find!


I know these may seem like small, insignificant things. The kinds of things you don't ever really say out loud, but secretly kind of think would be really special if it happened. Those are "I Spy Jesus" moments. Those things that HE knew you were hoping for and it mattered to Him to give them to you!

My best "I Spy Jesus" moment today????
***When I got home a very sweet and kind friend had cleaned my house for me so I could come home to a clean house...what a blessing. Being surrounded by such special friends is definitely a gift from the Lord!!!!

Tuesday Tips....Date Nights - 20 Fun and Inexpensive Ideas!!!!

So often when money gets tight, quality time spent with your honey often goes by the wayside. But what marriages need most is to spend MORE quality time together when times are difficult. This is definitely an area where my husband and I need to spend more effort. I've been scouring the Internet for fun cheap date ideas...Here are some of the ones that appealed to me....I am going to make an effort to do them much more frequently....

Babysitting~~Before I list the date ideas- one thing you have to consider is babysitting if you have young children.(and lets face it - babysitting can cost way more than the date itself). A couple of ideas - 1) Swap babysitting with another couple. I have a couple of friends I am going to hit up to swap babysitting duties with. 2) Have a date night at home after the kids go to bed. 3) Share babysitters - Plan with another couple and hire one babysitter for all the kids...it will still cost, but not as much per hour. 4) If you are fortunate enough to have family nearby enlist their help, but make sure and let them know how much you appreciate it.

DATE IDEAS
1) Wine, cheese and star gazing outside on your back porch/patio/deck after the kids have gone to bed.
2) Play board games or cards by candlelight.
3) Go see a high school production (musical, play, show choir, jazz band concert).
4) Go to a minor league baseball game (way cheaper and in some ways lot more fun then their major league counterparts).
5) Fondue night for two.
6) Try out some new recipes that your kids wouldn't like, but you do!!! (We do this one a lot - feed the kids frozen pizza earlier in the evening and have a late dinner in the dining room.)
7) Pack lunch or dinner and go for a bike ride or hike to get to a fun area to picnic.
8)Enjoy coffee at a local bookstore.
9)Listen to the music you grew up on..Reminisce.
10)Have another couple over and play cards or games.
11)Go to a local arts and craft festival.
12)Find a cheap or free outdoor concert.
13)Go for a late night swim .
14)Go browse antique shops and used bookstores.
15)Take a drive to a nearby small town and stroll their downtown area and enjoy a meal at one of their locally-owned family restaurants.
16)Go on a dinner date, but be sure and check out Restaurant.com to see where you can get a great deal for a nice dinner!!!
17)Wii tournament - There are so many fun games to play.
18)Go for a moonlight walk - hold hands.
19) Have a movie marathon at home...make homemade popcorn and cuddle under a blanket.
20)Look through old pictures together and remember all the truly blessed times you've had as a couple.

Dating is a fun and important part of a healthy married life!!!! Have fun being creative!!!!

Blessings in the midst of pain

I am starting to realize that God intends to bless us and give us hope even in the midst of many trials and difficult times. He is certainly doing that for us lately. We've been really walking through those valleys lately. Within the last month, James lost his job, he was in a car wreck and now two days ago his grandmother passed away. It almost makes me wonder if we're under attack...questioning...how many more bad things can happen??? how much more can we take???

But even now there is peace...AND many blessings. God is in the small details sometimes, giving us hope and peace and encouragement. What I think is amazing is how God uses each of us as instruments and change agents for His Kingdom. I am beyond blessed by those He has chosen to surround my family. He has given us family and friends who are always there for us, supporting and helping us.

A few examples of how God's unfailing love and the willingness of friends and family to be used by God to bless us:

~~We needed $900 to pay for the kids school books and fees for next year. My dad received an unexpected check that he used to pay that fee for us.

~~We had to cancel our vacation when James lost his job...but here we are on vacation when God who partnered with very dear friends to bless us with their house while they were out of town (and money for dinner out) and we are having a wonderful time making great family memories on our vacation.

~~A very sweet and dear friend(s)/family (I am not sure which as it is someone who would like to remain anonymous) blessed my family when we got here to the beach. We received two cards...one with a gift card for ice cream and one with money to enjoy on our trip.

~~Other dear friends who know we are watching every penny...giving us the opportunity to do some work they needed help with and paying us...others who are encouraging us and loving on us....

The author who wrote "Prayer of Jabez" - Bruce Wilkinson, recently wrote another book called, "You Were Born For This" that talks about this very thing. Allowing God to use us to perform everyday miracles that benefit others for the Kingdom of God. It is a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it!!!

Now did we NEED to have these things happen? Absolutely not...For the most part they weren't necessities at all. They were very much non-necessity type things. No one NEEDS a vacation, or dolphin boat tours, or dinners out overlooking the ocean. But that is the crazy part of it all. If the God of the universe cares enough that my family can have this vacation time, and money to do some fun things, have beautiful weather and allow us to see 20 - 30 dolphins (including babies - which was my son's special prayer)...then He certainly cares enough to provide us with the things that we do need.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, Matthew 7:9 - 12

And the thought does come that "I shouldn't take this", "We don't deserve it", "We don't need it", "I should give it back". But I know I would be truly devastated if I had felt that God wanted me to do something to bless someone and they had rejected it.

So I am trusting that my dear family and friends are blessed beyond all measure for the kindness they have shown my family. For my dear family and friends who have blessed my family so much...please know that my family is praying for you that our Heavenly Daddy just knocks your socks off with how much He blesses you. That you know that you have absolutely been Jesus with skin on to me. That through your love and kindness you have shown me the heart of the Lord and that it has given me much hope!!! I love you!!!!

Tuesday Tips - Top 10 Free or Cheap things to do with your kids!!!

Now that summer is upon us and the kids are home from school, it does not take long to start hearing those two infamous words...."I'm BORED!" If you are like me you don't want your kids becoming certified couch potatoes, but you can only take so many trips to the neighborhood pool. Being down to one income right now, we are having to be super careful about where we spend our money, but I also very much want to have a fun and memorable summer with my children (they are only little once!!!!). I've started looking around for ideas of things to do with my kids that are cheap or better yet - FREE!!!! Here are my top 10 things to do for free or cheap! I am sure there are a lot more - please share what you do!!!!!

1) Free Summer Movies - Most of the national movie chains offer free movies in the summer. They are normally in the mornings and offer movies that were popular last year. But hey, it's free, it's air conditioned and the kids love it! Check here for a list of the different movie listings.

2) Free Museums - If you are a Bank of America customer they offer free entrance to local museums the first weekend of the month. They have different museums across the country, so if you are traveling the first weekend of the month you might want to check those locations out too.

3) National Parks - There are great national parks all around our wonderful country. For the most part they are free. Many are historical sites where not only are there cool things to see, it is educational too!

4) Geocaching is a fun way to go on a scavenger hunt with your kids. Using your GPS and following the clues to different locations a fun day of treasure hunting can be had by all. It all teaches great problem solving and map skills! Double score!!!

5) Most cities offer a wide variety of things to do for free. Do a Google search of "Free things to do in your city name" I found a ton of fun things to do in the Atlanta area.

6) One of my children's favorite things to do is have a friend or two over and make a fun craft. They love to tie-dye, decorate flip flops or make treasure boxes. I think the water-bottle holders or the no-sew pillowcase skirt might be our next crafts!

7) We all enjoy going out to eat, but feeding an entire family can become pretty expensive fast! Planning your restaurant meals around places where kids eat free is a great way to cut that food bill!!!

8)One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to cook with them. Allowing them to work in the kitchen with me not only teaches them a valuable life-skill, but kids are much more likely to eat something that they have actually helped make. Just find some kid friendly and easy recipes and get cooking!

9) Outside fun - Pack lots of water to drink and a picnic lunch and have fun
a)Find a local park in your area with a great playground!
b)Go for a bike ride or on a family hike!
c)Never underestimate the fun of sprinklers, hoses or wet sponges!!!!

10) Last but certainly not least....visit your local library. Most libraries have special summer reading programs, fun activities and presentations and FREE books! What could be better.

Summer is my favorite time of the year because I get to be a stay-at-home mom for a couple of months. Having fun with my children and creating memories is so important to me, and it doesn't have to break the budget!

Hook up with some friends and not only will your children have more fun with other kids, but you'll get some adult conversation in too! Have fun!!!!

Sonship (or daughtership!)

Having just celebrated the fathers in my life yesterday, I obviously was thinking about what it means to have a daddy. I must say, I am more blessed than most, having a Godly husband, father and father-in-law. My children and I are very blessed.

We often hear of examples where Dads are absent or missing or uninvolved. And those stories truly break my heart. The majority of the children I have taught have very absent or non-existent fathers. How absolutely tragic. Dad's are so important and so help mold us and grow us up into what we can become.

What is such a blessing is that even if we have a very flawed or absent earthly father (or we have an excellent earthy father), we have a very good Heavenly Daddy.

As I was reading this week this scripture kept coming back to me. "Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:14 - 17

What amazing promises. We can become sons (or daughters) of the Living God when His Spirit leads us and lives in us. And that Spirit does not desire or want us to allow fear to rule us or manipulate us or control us. Because the God of the Universe desires that we have a spirit of sonship (defined as the FACT of being a son). And through this Spirit we can cry out "Abba, Father".

Abba is an intimately affectionate term for father often defined as calling ones father, "Daddy". Small children often use the term Daddy for their fathers. I am in my 40s and still call my father - Daddy. It is a term of much love and trust. We are to have that kind of love and trust in our Heavenly Father too. Because it is a FACT that we are his sons and daughters. And no GOOD Daddy would ever want his child to fear anything. Fear is such an awful emotion and condition that a GOOD daddy would do everything in their power to get rid of ALL fear!

The scripture goes onto to say that since we are sons and daughters of the Most High we are His Heirs and Co-Heirs with Christ. That is an incredible promise. Co-Heirs with Jesus? I can hardly imagine what that means! Now here is the caveat, we have to share in His sufferings, but so we may also share in His Glory!

"But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

When the fears or struggles or great disappointments of life frustrate me and overcome me, I am clinging to these promises. The Fear is most certainly NOT from the Lord because He gave us a spirit of Sonship. And the sufferings produce characteristics in us that allow us to partake in the glorious riches of Christ.

Be encouraged today!!!! If the Spirit of the Lord lives in you, You are a Prince or Princess of the Most High King!!!!!!!

Tuesday Tips

Job Seekers Support Groups
My husband, James, is incredible. He has taken the bull by the horns so to speak in this job loss situation and absolutely hasn't let any grass grown under his feet. (two metaphors in one sentence, I'll try to watch that!) Not even 18 hours after finding out he lost his job, he was at a local support group for those looking for jobs. He searched out help and it is making a world of difference for him. He went to a free class the support group offered on beefing up his resume. He is doing networking and receiving support from a career coach. He is going to a class on how to use LinkedIn to improve your chances of getting a new job. He has met with a financial advisor who told him how best to use his 401K money without incurring extra penalties if we end up having to go that route. He is receiving interviewing coaching and counseling as well. Best of all, he is getting to go to a 2-day, $1200 project manager course for only $100. All because of this AWESOME support group.

James shared something with me that was interesting. It is his understanding that many people do not seek out and attend a job-loss support group until about 3-4 months into their job search. And while I am sure those people are most definitely doing job searches on their own, the invaluable information and free classes and career counseling that these support groups offer is not being given to them.

I did a really brief google search and found that by putting in "job seekers support group your town name" you will find local support groups. Many are run by local churches as an outreach ministry. James said that there was a devotion time, but most of the time and effort is spent on how to find a job. He has received great tips, suggestions and tons of support.

Please take the time to find a support group in your area if you are looking for a job and then make the time to go. The information you will receive will definitely help you get a job quicker than just going it alone! You won't regret it!!!

The Power of a Positive Attitude

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Sometimes we have to choose to have a good attitude regarding our circumstances and our day. Positive attitudes aren't always just there. They are choices we make every day. And even in the midst of difficult and very trying circumstances we CAN have a positive attitude.

Check this video out. This girl has got the right idea! Maybe we need to all start talking to ourselves in the mirror each day!



My most favorite quote of all time is by Charles Swindoll:

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

So, I have no control over what happens to me, good, bad or indifferent. But I do have control over my attitude regarding it all. And my attitude is what is going to make all the difference!

Love One Another

I think it is so incredible how the Lord set this whole life adventure for us to have fellowship with one another. We aren't meant to walk through this thing called life alone. He gives us our family and our friends to make the times of our life better - in both the good and the bad times.

I have recently been struck by how many needs my family and friends have. I think far too often we go through life trucking along and everything is going pretty good... or maybe just okay, but things are manageable, doable. I know I too often allow myself to become far too busy to really focus on what needs are out there. Being consumed with only my own needs doesn't make me such a great friend at times.

Recently the Lord has opened my eyes and ears to others and I am struck by the needs of those around me. What is amazing to me is that I probably only know a small number. I am starting to see that there are many more needs out there than I could ever imagine. Illness, job loss, marriage problems, financial issues, family separations due to job or military, raising children, infertility. The list goes on and on and on. And what I am finding is that many just suffer in silence. I don't know if it is because of not wanting to burden others, pride or shame or something else all together. I also think many people just really don't have anyone to trust and truly confide in, so they suffer in silence. This makes my heart so very sad. One thing I want to personally make sure I am doing is reaching out to others. Maybe good friends, maybe acquaintenances, maybe strangers. Keeping my eyes and ears open to see how God would use me to show those around me the great love that HE has for them.

God did not intend for us to walk through trials alone. Yes, He most definitely is our Rock and our Strong Tower. But He also wants us to lift one another up and support each other in our daily life. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses' arms when he could no longer hold the staff on his own, so are we to support one another. Even Jesus surrounded himself with his closest friends when He went to pray in the garden of Gethsemene. God intends for us hold each other up. ESPECIALLY when we can't lift ourselves up any more.

There is a scene in the last Lord of the Rings Trilogy that illustrates this friendship point much better than my words ever could. Sam tells Frodo that "I can't carry it (the ring) for you, but I can carry you." This is the kind of friendship I think we are to have for one another.



I also think it is so important be in a place where you are being fed scripturally, spiritually and with good fellowship. My family loves our church. We have made the greatest friends there. I know that I am well loved and have people in my life that pray for us. If you aren't in a good church home, I cannot even begin to encourage you strongly enough to find one. God does not intend for you to walk through this life on your own. It is too easy to trip and fall and stumble (and sin) without the love of fellow Christians supporting you and encouraging you. Please make finding a church home a priority for your family. Because when the storms of life come - and they WILL come - you will need the support more than ever!

I also wanted to go on the record as saying I am surrounded by the absolute best people. My family and friends have been so incredibly supportive. I can't thank you enough for the multiple phone calls, texts, emails and Facebook posts. It means so much to be encouraged day in and day out. For the offers to go hang out, buy me lunch, thank you! For the prayers, words of encouragement, scriptures and gifts, Thank you! My family is so blessed to have you all in our lives. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you care! You are the best and you are making this difficult time in my life so much more bearable!!!!