A Woman and Her Spiritual Journey

Urgent Prayer Request

2009-03-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Stellan. See the whole situation at MckMama's blog http://www.mycharmingkids.net. This beautiful child needs us all on our knees praying for God's almighty hand to heal his heart.

Friendly Challenge...

2009-01-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am to challenge you once again...

My best friend and I are still reading "10 Choices" by James MacDonald. This week is choosing to accept the bible as God's word (paraphrased because it is too late for me to strolling through the house to get the book...). So the challenge he posed at the end of the chapter we are reading is the following:

Get up every day for 30 days straight and read the bible for a half hour before you do anything else including getting dressed, taking care of the children, household chores, etc.

This is not an easy feat (especially for those of us who are night owls). Satan will do everything possible to keep you from doing this too. He will cause people to need you, put thoughts of procrastination in your head, and cause you to snooze too long. However, for real spiritual growth we need to be devoted to learning God's truth and applying it and the only way to do this through reading scripture.

MacDonald recommends that you start in John and then move on to John 1, 2 and 3. Read 1 Proverb every day (just choose the corresponding chapter number with the date). I am starting my reading this morning. So about 5 hours from now, I will be back at this desk and reading scripture. I will also be praying that a few of you out there will choose to do the same.

Let the reading begin!

Realization of something lacking in my blog title...

2009-01-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

I have been recently getting annoyed with how everyone was using the word "spiritual" recently. They are using it to pertain to a plethora of new age ideologies. I just want to make it abundantly clear that when I speak of my own spiritual journey, I am meaning my own growth pertaining to my belief in Jesus Christ the Son of the one and only true God.

We are all sinners and the only way to be forgiven for our sins and go to heaven is to trust in Jesus as our Savior. There is no magic, no amount of good deeds, and no hope in mankind that will save you from your sins. You have to confess that Jesus died for your sins,ask forgiveness for those sins, and then turn from your sinful ways. This is the only way.

With all of the hype that Oprah is getting with her "Best Life" stuff, I felt the need to make it clear that this blog is not about becoming "spiritual" in a new age world view. This blog is about growing as a follower of Jesus Christ and learning more about the biblical standards we are held to as Christians.

I am reading and learning more and more everyday about what I need to change and apply to grow stronger in my faith. But in all of the learning, I have failed to explain to all those reading what type of spiritual journey I am on.

I take it for granted that Christians are the only ones reading this, but this is the Internet...I hope I have made this clearer and if anyone has questions, feel free to ask...I invite all of you to learn and grow with me.

Biblical Womanhood - Voddie Baucham

2009-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

We recently watched a DVD at our small group bible study by Voddie Baucham. In it he eluded to another portion of the series that was about biblical manhood and biblical womanhood. A few of us showed interest in the topic and one of my friends actually found it on YouTube.

I am embedding part 1 of 8. Please go to see the others in order in their entirety. Completely mind blowing stuff here!

He preaches on a various array of topics that the world tells us to live one way and the Bible differs. He talks about Titus 2 and being a Titus 2 woman. He delves into the fact that Titus 2 is not for all women, but specifically for married women. He speaks about raising youth in a biblical manner and not a worldly manner and what that entails.

He goes into what it means to be reverent in behavior:

appropriate
meek
quiet spirit
not boisterous
not drawing attention to oneself
bringing honor to God and not oneself
do not become loud and obnoxious

He discusses how biblical women are to speak. "Biblical women use words to build others up and not tear them down".

Older women are to train the younger women in the way to live their lives. When the bible speaks of wise women it is not speaking of wisdom in age, but wisdom through character.

Please pay attention to the portion where he speaks of the "Wife Swap" (I am unsure which part it is in). I have NEVER looked at working in this light. Very eye opening.

I have caught myself saying on many occasions "I just am not sure if I could ever love another child as much as I love Jules." and of course, he goes on to completely debunk this way of thinking through a biblical perspective.

He speaks clearly on the biblical perspective of being spirit filled:

address one another w/psalms, hymns, songs and worship together
give thanks in all things with prayers of thanksgiving
submit to one another

He talks a lot about how you are to submit yourselves to the vision your husband has established for your family. You are not to contradict your husband in public under any circumstance (HELP!! Please pray for me in this area). You are to lay your endeavors aside to fulfill your role as a wife and mother.

I have a lot to chew on here and I hope you all are willing to listen to this 8 part series and openly discuss your thoughts and comments here with me. I would like to not be growing alone, but learning and growing together with my friends and family.

May God bless us and open our hearts as we strive to learn and apply the teachings on becoming a biblical woman.

Struggle...Struggle...Struggle...Pull yourself together!

2009-01-12T20:41:00.001-08:00

I think I am in a spiritual free fall right now. Don't get me wrong, I am learning more now than ever and I have even seen huge growth over the past year in my understanding and application of some of the biblical truths I am learning...BUT...for every step forward, 3 steps back again.

I am involved in a small group bible study, I lead a women's bible study, and I meet once a week with my best friend for another book study and accountability. These things are all wonderful and I really have learned what my life is all about. I am learning about reflecting God's glory back to Him through my deeds and actions. However, in all of this learning, I have become quite overwhelmed as well. The more I learn, the more I see how much more there is to change.

Right now, at this moment in time, I am studying on making the right choices, becoming a woman (mother, housewife, entrepreneur, chef, maid, etc.) who pleases God, to stand up for Christ, to have a character that models Christ, and so much more. How in all of this learning do I apply it all? Am I not focusing enough on one area, am I spreading myself too thin, am I missing something here?

Yep, yep, and yep...(light bulb comes on) I am allowing myself to be so overwhelmed in the details that I am missing the big message. What is that you ask? In order to get it together, I need to be in God's word daily. (I have had this same conversation with my husband and my best friend on many occasions. I just figured that there are others of you out in cyberland that may be struggling as well). I keep saying that I am "reading" my bible a lot (which is somewhat true). I read all of the passages that go along with the plethora of books I am reading, however, those are just chosen verses not the entire context! Wow what a difference context makes!

So, after much talking about "doing something" about my lack of reading and applying God's word I have decided as of yesterday to research different ideas of where to start, what to read first, etc. I have chosen a daily plan that I found on an ESV Bible website that I use quite often when I don't have my bible handy. It is called Every Day in the Word (catchy title!) http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/every.day.in.the.word/?date=2009-01-01 .

There are so many people that firmly disagree that you should do a "bible in a year" or other plans like this since they lack the application process and hinder the reader from gaining any real knowledge through the reading of the text. I, however, have a different thought on this. For me, I need structure and a plan or I will fail. I am not a self-driven or easily motivated person. I am a creature of habit who needs things to be spelled out easily for me. This plan does that. I will not be following it as a "bible in a year" program. I am merely using it as a guide to get me reading daily and making the bible a life guide instead of just another reference book.

This plan has me reading one New Testament chapter, one Old Testament chapter, one Psalm, and a Proverb daily. This may seem like a lot, but I have learned through each study I am involved in that we as Christians should be spending a bulk of our time in God's word and marinating in it. As those of you who know me can attest to, I can find plenty of time each day for the things of the world (shopping, Internet, e-mail, TV, etc.). Now I just need to reassess what I do in this free time.

So why not jump in head first? Christ gave His life so that I may live in eternity with Him. Is that not enough motivation to live my life to reflect His glory?

I am in faith going to be obedient to God by studying his truth and in return He will be glorified. I am taking this step towards gaining the biblical knowledge that I lack. I am asking for your prayers as I try to make this a habit and not just another passing thought not put into action.

As you can tell and will be able to tell as you read this blog, I am not a very private person. I have just learned so much recently about being authentic and I think by putting it all out there may help others who are struggling with the same issues. I hope this helps someone else to dive in head first!

God is in control of my life, it is about time I give Him back the steering wheel.

Restitution - A New Year's Resolution

2009-01-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

My 30th birthday is coming up this year, it is something that I am dreading more than anything up to this point in my life. I know it is really not a big deal, however, I am not at ease about it at all. I have many friends and loved ones whom I have teased relentlessly when they turned 30, 40, 50, etc...so I know I have it coming!

That is all fine and dandy except for the fact that I really want this year to matter. I want every year from here on out to matter. So each year from here on, I want to take a biblical principle and try to apply it to my life. This year is going to be restitution. There are so many people that I have hurt up to this point in my life whether it be on purpose or by accident. I want to make sure they all know that I am truly sorry and I want to ask them to forgive me. I want to change for the better in every aspect of my life so this is a beginning. With that said...

I just had a very interesting thing happen this afternoon...

I was putting all of my Christmas decorations away which includes packing up my beautiful houses that sit beneath my tree. MY mother bought my sister and I each 2 houses every year from 1997-2000. This meant that we each had 8 houses total. While packing the houses I was looking at the years that were written on the bottom of each box. We had our first initial and the year written on each of them so we would know whose was whose. Then the strangest memory entered my mind. I vaguely remembered switching houses one year because I liked my sister's better than mine (quite the usual in our household). It all went south from there...

As I was remembering this awful deed, it all came flooding back like a bad nightmare. I didn't just switch houses, I actually rewrote the initials on the boxes so no one would know. It was so obvious how I did it, but somehow I got away with it.

So there I am sitting on my living room floor rifling through boxes to find the house that was not mine. (still hoping all the while that I am remembering wrong)There it was in black and blue ink! I really did this! So I then started to feel awful. I could easily get away with letting things go (this was 12 years ago, who cares now?). I decided to do the right thing and call my sister and fess up to everything.

I explained to her what I had done (as a jealous teenager) and told her to look at her boxes. There were 4 boxes 2 with "A 97" and 2 with "M 97" written on them. I changed the one "A 97" to say "MELISS A 97" and the other to say "A M Y 97". I realize now how wrong this was and I do feel awful. I am just grateful that my sister is used to my shortcomings and forgave me.

After she forgave me she said, "Now put that on your blog!". So, Amy, here it is. I am truly sorry for all of the awful things I have ruined for you over the years. This includes, but is not limited to:

Eating your Chinese food and telling you I threw it away because it had maggots in it, switching Christmas houses, telling you what gifts you were getting for Christmas (and birthdays), taking your clothes (I might still have some), and of course for always tagging along with you when I wasn't wanted.

I love you and am glad you are still willing to call me your sister. I hope you have noticed that I have made many changes to my character since those days. As I grow as a Christian, I am sure there will be many more things that I realize I have done to you and I will yet again come begging for forgiveness.

Not gone!

2008-12-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

Thought I would let you know...I have not fallen off of the face of the earth. I have just chosen to take a few weeks off to spend some time with my husband and baby girl. (Which has been a wonderful choice). I will return after the New Year...until then...TTYL!

James MacDonald

2008-12-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

One of the pastors that we have been using for a small group and bible study recently has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please join the many fans of this beloved man and pray that he will show God's glory through this trial.

http://blog.harvestbiblefellowship.org/?p=991#more-991

Great Song

2008-12-10T21:10:00.000-08:00

While writing the last blog post, I was listening to an online Christian radio station. This song was playing and I think it is really powerful and quite appropriate. This is not a coincidence. Another God thing.

Sanctus Real "Legacy"

10 Choices - another must read!

2008-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Here is another book plug! "10 Choices" written by James MacDonald is a fantastic book. In it he has 10 choices that you can make to change your life for the better.

There are many different ways you can read the book. You can read it cover to cover or read the most applicable chapters to you first and go in priority order for your life stage. My friend and I are reading this as a replacement for "A Call to Die". We have chosen to read the most applicable chapters and work in order of priority. We will read each and every chapter, but we just are working on our weakest or most important areas first.

We started with Chapter 7 "I Choose to Love My Family First". At first glance, I thought to myself that it would be a breeze for me. Of course I love my family, who doesn't. Well as usual God had a plan for me that I was not aware of! You go God! I needed a gut punch and as always, you are there to provide my every need. Thank you for opening my eyes again to your word.

So, this chapter speaks all about priorities and the choices we make due to our priorities. To paraphrase MacDonald, wrong choices flow from wrong priorities. He says that you need to love your family above all else and that family should be your top priority (obviously this is after you have put Christ as the Head of your household!). This should be a no-brainer right? Read on please...

Our Monday night small group has been watching a DVD on Legacy by Voddie Baucham . Wouldn't you know...it is all about making your home and family your first priority. By doing so you are leaving a legacy of believers from generation to generation. What you put into your family is what you leave as a legacy that spans all generations to come.

What a coincidence right! It's a good thing that I already have this down pat! I think my family is great! I love them more than I love anyone else. Of course they are my top priority. No need to pay attention...and then...wait for it...God happens to tap me on the heart (or cause a huge chest pain in my case). It takes a lot to get my attention and he has it!

After each chapter in our book there is a list of questions. Question one goes something like this: What other priorities in your life are demanding first place treatment? Out of the blue, after having such confidence in where I stand in these matters, I was able to rattle off 6 separate things that I put in front of my family on a regular basis. Do I love these things more than my family? Of course not. Do I treat my family as if they are more important that these things? Not usually.

Every time I choose to check my e-mail after putting the baby to bed. I am telling my husband that the time we have alone together can wait until I handle this very important task. Every time I place my daughter in her jumper to have a conversation on the phone, I am telling her that conversation is more important than spending time with her. Every time I choose to do something without consulting my husband, I am telling him that item is more important to me and I don't need his input. Am I showing my family that I choose to follow Christ by reading my bible in front of and to my daughter? Will she grow up to know that her mother is a God fearing woman and what that means? This is a lot to wrestle with and I am grateful to be able to wrestle with it now instead of when my daughter is 16 and I wonder where we went wrong in raising her.

I pray, now that God has clearly spoken to me and convicted me, I can put an action plan together to give my family the proper placement on my list of priorities. It should look like this: God - Husband - Child - everything else. Right now I am far from that and only with God's intervention can I change.

I hope that those of you that read this will look at your own list of priorities and make a change for the better before your family loses faith in you and their trust in you. As Rocky said to the Russians at the end of Rocky IV "I guess what I'm trying to say is, if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change".

Merry Tossmas!

2008-12-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

I want to thank a wonderful friend for bringing this video to my attention. You can follow her blog at http://myblessedhome.wordpress.com/ to see the entire commentary. Great video!

Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks

2008-12-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while since I have written. I will be honest with you and say that I have been in a spiritual slump over the past week or so. Well, I have met with my best friend tonight and she has helped me put things into perspective through our wonderful conversations over dinner. It wasn't anything in particular that was said or shared, it was just being with someone who is willing to dig their heels in with you. Thank you dear friend!

So, I just reread my book for our Proverbs study and feel pretty inadequate right now. The feeling of inadequacy made my thoughts turn ugly against myself. I started to realize that my self-loathing was not what was needed or what the Lord wants for me. I decided that I will be dead to that way of thinking and think of good and pure things instead. In all of the good, the bad, and the ugly conversations I have been having with myself in the past 2 hours, I have decided that I need to just give thanks to God for all I have. So here it goes:

I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ (he paid the ultimate price and I will never be the same), my wonderful and hard-working husband (you do so much and sacrifice everything for our family without grumbling), my beautiful daughter (I have waited so long for you and you are worth every tear of impatience!), my best friend (where would I be without you), my sister (I love you more than you'll ever know), my mom (thank you for never giving up on me) , my family in general, my fabulous in-laws (you love me unconditionally), my wonderful friends new and old (you lift me up and bring me joy), my health (it could be worse), my freedom to worship (I am so blessed), and everything and everyone I have neglected to mention.

I am so blessed in so many ways and yet I get all caught up in the little inadequacies of my life. I need to be content and at peace with myself so that I can go humbly before the Lord and worship with a pure heart.

Lord, I have not forgotten you or all you have done for me. Things seem a bit crazy right now, but I know you are working in me for the better. I will just need to be more patient and search your will. My ears and heart are opened now. When you speak, I will listen. I will be obedient to whatever you have in store. I will praise you in all seasons of my life.

Amen.

11 Qualities of a Proverbs 31 Woman - Quality 6: Unselfish

2008-11-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

"She puts her hands to the distaff,and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:19-20

Well, it has been a while since I have written on my blog...why you ask??? Just look at the title of this posting and those of you who know me best understand. I am described as many things by my family and friends. Unselfish has never been a term used in the same sentence as my name. That is actually a hard pill to swallow for me. I am able to overcome many things that are wrong with my character. This is the hardest.

After reading the above verse, I thought to myself "I am not that bad. I always try to help those in need". I believe that this is a deeper calling than donating clothing to Goodwill or food to the food bank. I think that this really points to giving up something that is of value for some cause greater than yourself. It is bigger than a 50 cent can of ravioli or a tattered shirt. It is giving of my time (which is precious), giving away my good clothes, having someone over for a dinner, listening to problems of others without complaint, and using my "free time" for spiritual growth.

I often find myself complaining when I am needed by someone for a task that is not of my liking. I don't want to do laundry, I want to read a book instead. This principle is calling me to do for others and not for myself.

I need to put away my pride and put my own interests aside. I need to learn to give when I am asked and also when I am not asked. I need to share my time with others without complaint. I really am a great listener and I love to help people with their problems. I need to put those strengths to work and listen to God's commands to help those in need selflessly.

A Call to Die...Again

2008-11-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I just finished the book "A Call to Die" tonight. I am already mourning the loss of the weekly "dying to self" that this book has imposed on me. I wanted there to be more. Can I go on with this process without the guidance of a book? I hope with the help of the Holy Spirit and my best friend I can (or shall I say I will).

I have been researching other books for us to continue the journey. I have yet to find one that is as deep and challenging. This book was a great mix of scripture, life application, motivation, and spiritual cultivation. I truly think that it is due to the intensity of the book that I have been spurred forward to strive to become what God has planned for me. Now I need His power in me to continue on the right path.

Please pray for me that I don't become complacent again, that I go forward in my faith, and that I continue to seek God's will through scripture.

11 Qualities of a Proverbs 31 Woman - Quality 5: Economical

2008-11-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

"She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night." Proverbs 31:18

This characteristic is my favorite one because I love to be thrifty! You can be thrifty on a low or high income; the bottom line is saving your hard earned money. Any way that you refrain from wasting time, money, or any other of your valuable resources is a form of being economical.

On one hand I am very good at saving money on purchases, using coupons, and finding things at the lowest possible prices. On the other, one can say that much of my valuable time is wasted in doing the previously mentioned items. I think there needs to be balance.

My husband commented a few weeks ago that even though the 1,000 (exaggerating) coupons would save us on our food bill, was all of the time and effort it took to gather them, cut them, make my lists for all of the various stores worth the savings? After throwing a hissy fit about how I was "just trying to help our budget" (those who know me well know what my hissy fits look like), I took a step back and looked at everything I was doing to save money. I then made the decision I needed to limit the time it took me to prepare to shop. Now, I go to 2 websites http://www.couponmom.com/ and http://www.coupons.com/ each week. I view what is for sale at my local grocery store on the coupon mom's website and then clip any necessary coupons from the Sunday paper that is delivered weekly. I then clip coupons from coupons.com and make my list. I got a great shopping list from a friend's website http://myblessedhome.googlepages.com/keepingmomontask I stick it on my refrigerator and add items to the list as I run out of things. I then take the list and see what is on sale at my local grocery store at coupon mom's website. I write a brand name next to sale items so I do not have to spend time searching the aisles while at the store. If the coupon mom's website says there is a coupon for my item, I clip the coupon and put a star next to the item on the list. All I need when I go shopping is my list, the clipped coupons, and my calculator (no one should shop without a calculator!) and I am good to go.

As upset as I get when I am given suggestions by my husband, I am usually grateful in the end. (Here you go, dearest husband, it is here in writing for you to use for future reference!)

Here are a few more ways I am economical:

Always get prescriptions filled at places that offer gift cards, money off, etc. You can move your prescription from place to place and always get great deals. There is always an offer out there each week. Take advantage of the free money.
When shopping online, go through a website that offers incentives such as http://www.upromise.com/ (college savings), http://www.mypoints.com/ (gift cards for points), or http://www.fuelperksmall.com/ (10 cents of per gallon of gas at Getgo for every $50 spent).
Get gift cards at your grocery store to place that you will be shopping or dining each week. You can earn fuel perks for spending money you will already be spending anyways!
When shopping online never pay full price!! Go to sites such as http://www.retailmenot.com/ to get codes to lower your bill. You can also just search on the item using a Google search to see comparisons in pricing for any specific item.
When there is an item I just "have to have", I add it to my online wish list. When I get enough money, I buy it. Usually by the time I get the money I no long want/need the item as badly as I thought I did. The website I use for my family's wish list is http://www.thethingsiwant.com/.

Realize that is is good to be economical, but not through cheating, lying, or stealing. God hates false gain. (Proverbs 1:19) I will explain what I mean by this by giving a real life example:

After having my baby, many companies sent me formula checks. I was breastfeeding and had no use for them. I either gave them away or sold them on EBay regularly. One time while placing them in an envelope to give to a friend, I read the words "Void if transferred or sold". I pondered this for a while and then thought to myself "who on earth would know what I did with these coupons, there are people out there who could use them!". After much contemplation, I decided that I was basically cheating the system for self gain. I no longer sell my formula checks. I am not condemning anyone who does this, it is not my place. I am just saying I was convicted of this verse and needed to go with what God placed on my heart.

I will end this rambling session with some more wise words from Lisa Tatlock and Pat Ennis:

"Evidence that wealth is not the source of her contentment is found in her model of humility patterned after her Lord (Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 5:5). She does not trust in her wealth for security (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 11:28), and is a gracious (v. 16) generous woman (31:18)."

11 Qualities of a Proverbs 31 Woman - Quality 4: Physically Fit

2008-11-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

When it came to this part of the book, I wanted to just skip over it! Anyone who knows me knows that this is not something even on my radar when it comes to personal characteristics I strive to maintain. After clenching my teeth and finally reading on, I realized it doesn't just mean becoming an aerobic bunny. It means more than that. It means to be healthy and in good physical condition in order to care for your family. (Thank goodness because my aerobic bunny costume would never fit me now!)

Here are some notes that Pat Ennis wrote about the subject:

She has a realistic attitude toward her personal capabilities: Just because she can perform a skill does not mean that she should.

She acknowledges that her body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (Corinthians 6:19): the Holy Spirit will not empower a spiritually dirty vessel.

She realizes that she must be healthy to perform her duties efficiently: freedom from all habits that would injure her physically, mentally, or spiritually (Romans 12:1-2)

She understands the importance of recreation to maintain a healthy body: need for rest and privacy from demanding ministry.

She accepts the fact that sometimes others can, she cannot: each woman is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

She has clear perspective regarding her body cycling and wisely accommodates its ebb and flow: she balances the care of her home with the care for her body to avoid becoming frazzled.

She gives a great guideline to what it means to be physically fit. From what I read, I believe it is requiring us to be more in tune with our limitations and abilities. If you keep you body healthy, you abilities are greater than those who choose to be idle. Keeping healthy also gives you the strength you need to meet the demands of your family and household.

I have also read in various books that doing your regular household chores (sweeping, dusting, childcare, etc.) is equivalent to spending hours at the gym. I guess this means I need to stop typing now and get cleaning!

Catch you later!

Oliver Lytle Girdwood - 3 years later

2008-11-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been in a funk for a few days. Low and behold I look on the calendar and see a reason. One reason is that my calendar is packed full of things to do and places to go. Another reason is I am so caught up in the busyness that I didn't notice that Grandad G. has been gone from this world for 3 years as of today.

How could it possibly be 3 years already? In some ways it is as fresh as if it were yesterday, in others it seems like a lifetime since I last saw his wry grin on his face and heard his teasing quips.

A lot has happened in 3 years in our family and the world in general. We have added 5 great-grandchildren to his brood (if I have missed one or two, please forgive me). His last living sibling has passed away. Aunt Jane has moved out of Concordia. We have elected a new president (I can see him yelling at the TV now about how liberal the media has been, how the democrats are ruining society, etc). The economy has soured. We are losing ground as the number 1 nation in the world.

All I have to say is that if Grandad were still with us, he would have a solution to fix the economy, deal with our immoral society, and make this country better than before. You better believe he would be willing to tell you all about it for hours too. We could use that kind of leadership right now. He was a strong Christian man and his beliefs never wavered to go along with society or the latest trends.

I know I will see him again someday and I can't wait to hear whether or not he has approved of how I've lived my life, raised my family, and if the food in heaven is better than just "okay".

Thank you grandad for giving me strong male role model to look up to. You will never be forgotten and will always be my hero. I miss you terribly, but there is no need to mourn you since you are now healed and unbroken. Praise the Lord!

I love you and will see you again.

I will leave you with one of Ollie's favorite songs.

2008-11-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

My friend has led me to a phenomenal blog (if you have a lot of time and a lot of tissues I recommend reading the entire thing). One of the writer's latest posts was about praying over and for our children throughout the day. She gave permission to freely share the prayers with everyone. Please click the above link and start praying diligently over, with, and for your children. What a way to clothe them in God's love each day. Thanks BFF for the information!

Scripture Memorization

2008-11-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading "A Call To Die" by David Nasser with my accountability partner/best friend. It is a book/journal focusing on what it means to live for Christ by daily dying to self. It has had an amazing impact on my spiritual growth. We have been doing 3-4 chapters each week and then discussing their impact on us. Great conversation and wisdom has been sparked by this 40 chapter journey! I think that any Christian new or old should have to read this book at least once in their lifetime.

Part of each chapter is scripture memorization. This is something that I struggle with greatly. I have for my entire life as a Christian. Tonight my husband (who is also reading this book with his accountability partner) rattled off all of the scripture verses that we were supposed to have memorized. I am only able to remember 2 of them and one is John 3:16 so that doesn't actually count since there are many 3 year-olds out there that can recite it. I am really feeling beaten by this. I need some motivation and urging by the Holy Spirit to complete this before I finish the book (only 3 more chapters after this week!).

I can honestly say that I do not remember anything ever, however, I can also honestly say that I have not tried very hard either. Please pray for me as I try to memorize and marinate in these verses. I don't just want to say I have memorized them, I also want to be able to say that I have applied them.

For anyone else that struggles with this, I am ending this post with David Nasser's guide to memorizing scripture.

http://davidnasser.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html#3827345472871015280

Today's Sermon 1 Timothy 2:9-10

2008-11-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

"likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." ~1 Timothy 2:9-10

Today our pastor gave an excellent sermon on women and how they are to prepare themselves for church. It pertains to women who have publicly said they are Christians. This passage explains how women prepare themselves and how they dress. He explained that what women wear to church should not bring shame upon themselves, Christ, or the church.

What does that mean exactly?

Think of these questions the next time you are "getting ready for church":

Am I trying to draw attention to myself?
Do I hope to receive compliments on my attire?
Am I trying to look like or be like someone else?
Does my outward appearance reflect my inward intentions or convictions?

Use these as a filter. If you feel like something may be inappropriate or you just have second thoughts about what you are wearing, change. It is always better to be cautious. You also need to remember that what you are wearing may be causing others to lust and have sinful thoughts. If this is the case you are causing others to stumble in their walk with the Lord and you are sinning.

It is not wrong to want to look nice and be presentable. Being purposely unkempt is another way of drawing attention to yourself and away from God. Your works should be what others be focused on, not your looks. There are many ways to show your uniqueness without drawing attention to your appearance. Your looks should be a reflection of your attitude towards Christ. You should be seeking his acceptance and not acceptance from others.

Marks of a Godly Woman (from our pastor's notes):

She is modest. Will bring no shame to God or herself or her church.
She is self-controlled. She has her impulses or desires under control. She may want to dress for all the wrong reasons but she won't in order to not bring shame to herself or God.
She knows what is proper. She represents the Christian Life. *As Paul said, she considers everything rubbish compared to knowing Christ. (Her perspective on material things)
She is defined by her good works. This means actions that reflect her life in Christ.

I have not brought justice to our pastor's sermon, but I am just giving an opinion here as always.

Uber Amazing Blog Award

2008-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

Michelle (friend and author of my favorite blog) has nominated me to win the Uber Amazing Blog Award. She has a fantastic blog about house management, home schooling, being a Christian woman, and a great mom. You can visit her at http://www.myblessedhome.wordpress.com/.

About the award:

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:~ inspires you~ makes you smile and laugh~ or maybe gives amazing information~ a great read~ has an amazing design~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are:
* Put the logo on your blog or post.

* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!

* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.

* Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

I will pass this award on after I get to see what other blogs are out there. I have only followed Michelle's blog up until now...my list will be forthcoming.

Thanks again Michelle!

11 Qualities of a Proberbs 31 Woman - Quality 3: Energetic

2008-11-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

This is yet another quality that I wish I could say I excel...not the case at all. This is a trait that is shown through managing a household willingly and with great efficiency. One thing I am not is efficient. I am always asking my husband how I can do things in a more efficient manner and he is always helping me in this area.

Pat Ennis states that "Being energetic suggests strength or power efficiently exerted.". I can honestly say I do have strengths and I am somewhat efficient some areas. They all tend to be in things that I enjoy and keeping house is not one of them. I am really organized when it comes to my daughter's clothes and schedule, however, when it comes to our laundry, meals, cleaning, etc. I am not as efficient.

How do you become efficient even though you loathe what you are doing? I guess it all comes back to having a servant's heart. Knowing that it would please my husband more than anything if he could have a clean house without asking, I should do it out of respect for him. I need to channel the energy I have when it comes to my daughter and shopping into the thing I like the least.

Maybe a good compromise would be that I do what I like the least before I allow myself to do the things I enjoy. It would seem like I am getting a treat for all of my hard work. I have tried hard this week to be energetic at home. I will ask my husband if he noticed. If he didn't, then I guess I have a lot more to work on. I am blessed that he has been so patient with me, but I can't take advantage of that either because it is not fair to him.

I have used this mantra this week when I found myself not doing what I should:

"Be a worker not a shirker." - Pat Ennis

(I really wish I could meet the authors of this book!!)

Prayer

2008-11-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

To everyone that reads my blog, please pray for all of the couples at the Alliance Marriage Encounter Weekend at Conley's Resort. Just pray that it is enjoyable and meaningful to all of the couples. Pray that God will touch each and every heart there and bring the couples closer to Him and to each other.

Amen!

11 Qualities of a Proberbs 31 Woman - Quality 2: Trustworthy

2008-11-07T03:55:00.000-08:00

"The quality of being trustworthy is demonstrated by behaviors that lead to confidence in the honesty, integrity, reliability, justice, and loyalty of an individual." ~Pat Ennis

The passage goes on to say that how you handle prosperity demonstrates your integrity. An abundance tends to reveal ones value system. This is quite true I believe. The more wealth you have the harder it is to keep your integrity. Just take a look at all of the CEOs at the top of their game, athletes, rock stars, and Hollywood elite. It seems that the more they have the more they fall away from their morality. (This is just an opinion. I am not saying that all rich people are bad).

I believe that trustworthiness begins when you trust God to provide for your needs. You open yourself to be vulnerable to Him, and then your response will be to help others in their vulnerabilities. You talk to God about all of your problems and secrets and you trust Him to get you through. He is faithful to you and gives you the strength to be that rock for others.

When you are trustworthy, you are able to retain confidences of others. People feel free to come to you for advice and know that you will not go speaking to everyone else about it.

Another thing that Pat Ennis say in her book is that if you are married your husband's response to your character is trust. If unmarried, trustworthiness is the evaluation of those closest to you.

This is something that I struggle with very greatly. It is a running joke in our family that if I have a secret I can only keep it for less than 24 hours. This pertains mostly to gifts or good things that will happen to a person (I want them to know so badly!). This also pertains to playing board games and cards games. I have been known to cheat at games in the past. I have learned to start things off honestly and tell people that I can never be banker, dealer, scorekeeper, etc. I am turning the corner with this area, however, many people have been able to trust me with their problems and I have shown to them that I am worthy of that trust. I am still working on the board games, but I am sure this will come along in time as well.

Do people trust you? Do they share their problems with you? If so, you are on the right path to being trustworthy. Please take those confidences very seriously.

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." Proverbs 10:19

Lag Time

2008-11-05T20:53:00.001-08:00

I am sorry about the lag between posts. I will continue to post on our Proverbs 31 Woman. Princess is not feeling well, so I have been tending to her and not reading as much...I will return when things get back on track...

Election Day Tomorrow! Vote!

2008-11-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

I know that there are many of you who are sick of all of the politics right now and have had it with the ads and campaign signs. Well, after tomorrow it will all be over! Please pray throughout the day tomorrow that God's will be done for our country. As you seek God's will and use discernment through scriptures, exercise your right to vote. People have given their lives for our freedom to do this civic duty. Find your polling place and make a difference. That is all I have to say about that!

Get your voting information here: http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http://maps.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/elections/2008/us-voter-info/us-voter-info.xml

11 Qualities of a Proberbs 31 Woman - Quality 1: Virtuous

2008-11-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

When reading about being virtuous, I will be honest and say that I never really knew what virtuous meant. Thankfully Pat Ennis spelled it out in her book for me.

Virtuous~moral excellence, right actions, and thinking that is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, possessing virtue, and praiseworthy.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."~Philippians 4:8-9

This means not just speaking things with a pure heart and motives, but thinking this way as well. It just dawned on me that the few time I succeed at holding my real thoughts in and speak truth instead, I am actually still thinking things that are not honorable or lovely in any way. I am being a hypocrite with my own morally reprehensible thoughts. WOW! That is a huge pill to swallow. I guess we all have to start somewhere. If God could change the heart of Saul I am sure He can work in me as well.

Not only are my thoughts and actions to be pure and lovely, but my husband will have shame brought on him if they aren't.

"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones." ~Proverbs 12:4

Am I a crown or worthy of shame? When my motives and thoughts lack virtue I am worthy of shame and not reflecting an image of God. I do not want to cause my husband to be disrespected due to my lack of virtue. The thought of being rottenness in his bones is enough to make me think twice before doing, saying, and speaking things that are impure.

This day brings a new challenge of being virtuous in action and thought. May God bless me with a pure heart as I work to glorify His name.

Saturday Morning Bible Study

2008-11-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent study today. This was the first time we all met to discuss the first chapter of "Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God". We did not get the chapter finished, but the discussion was very helpful and I love to gain insight in scriptures from other women.

Each one of us in the group is in a different life stage and comes from a different background. This dynamic leads to wonderful insight and many different perspectives. It makes me realize how blessed I truly am to have a group of women to study with and have an open and honest conversation. I truly enjoy each and everyone of them!

It was my first time to lead a discussion and study. I was not nervous like I had thought I would be (and I did not throw up, always a plus). I went to Panera at 6:30AM to prepare my heart which helped greatly. I never realized how much insight you could gain with a few hours of alone time with just a book, pen, bible, journal and a million cups of coffee!

When I get time, I will post what we have learned and a bit of an action plan. I need to sit and digest it all first and prayerfully consider my words.

Proverbs 31:10-31 A Wife of Noble Character

2008-10-31T05:45:00.000-07:00

"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:10-31

This is the passage I am studying right now in one of my Bible study groups. The book "Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God" is based solely on the biblical principles in the Proverbs 31:10-31 passage. I have read the book before. My husband bought it for me when we were first married and I was mortified that he would want me to change. Was I not perfect enough for him already?! Then, I actually read the book (note to self: husband is not always out to get you he just tries so hard to do the right thing...give him credit). What wonderful content and structure! This has everything you need to know about being a God fearing and God loving woman! I plan to post more as I read and re-learn these principles. Applying them to my life...now we shall see how many times I fall on my face before I get it right...I will keep you posted.

My Chains Are Gone

2008-10-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

Every time I listen to Chris Tomlin's song "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" I feel renewed in my faith. No matter what I am going through or how difficult situations may be, this song reminds me that Jesus paid the ransom for my sins and I am free. What does that mean exactly? It means that God's own son Jesus Christ died a terrible and brutal death to set me free from my sin. I don't have to continue on in my sinful nature because Jesus died for me to be set free from it. I just need to be reminded every once in a while that I do not have to continue to live in the shackles and that I am capable of stepping away from my sin. Jesus died for me to have this freedom from sin.

This time here on earth is a vapor. You can choose to get caught up in the awful things in this life, but in a blink of an eye it will all be gone and the time spent will have been wasted OR for God's glory. You choose.