Thanksgiving Days 3, 4 and 5

As I'm counting the things I'm grateful for, my precious daughters hold an extra special place. We've been home from our mission trip a little over a week now. I can honestly say, I have never been more proud of them.

Serving on the school team with some of favorite ladies and my daughters was incredible. Precious memories were made. Honestly, my heart is undone and I can hardly speak of this trip without tears.

Here are just a few pictures from the week.

Emma hanging out before dinner one evening. Laurel Lake Camp was the beautiful place we called "home" while there. I would love to escape there for a few days and write music.



Chloe playing with some of our "props". These shoes belong to my friend Sarah and were part of our program. Emma attempted to walk in them as she tried to be a supermodel...but since that wasn't what God made her to be, it didn't work out for her.



Chloe and Emma with Scratch. (My friend Michelle) Scratch was the STAR. :)


This is my favorite picture because it was a Ebenezer moment for my baby. Emma had the privilege to help our Shelter team serve dinner one evening. She is still talking about meeting the people staying at the shelter and serving them dinner. She says that she is going to ask to spend time at the shelter next year. (If God tells us to go back.)


At the end of our program, the girls have learned that being who God designed you to be is the best. They did a short karate demo at the end. This was taken at out very last program on Wednesday night. We had three programs that day and we were all tired, but God brought some very special children that evening and it was an honor to serve them.



Moving through my thanksgiving list, this year I'm incredibly thankful for God's word. This year, I have been reading through the Bible. I can testify to the fact that each and every time I sit down and say "God, speak to me today. Show me how to apply this to my life.", He does. His Word is powerful, yet tender and always life changing. His Word is my lifeline and I can not imagine doing life without it or Him!

Finally, tonight I am thankful for Sabbath time. Since Deeper Still in June, God has been placing the concept of Sabbath time in front of me. I have been hit and miss at taking concentrated time to sit still and quiet with God. After our mission trip, God REALLY impressed on my heart that I needed to have some daily "Sabbath time". Each day this week I have done just that. Tuesday, the girls were at school and I had the house to myself. No t.v., no computer. Other than my Bible, no books not even my Bible study. Just me and God. I read a little then was still. It was incredible.

What a special time He and I have had. I'm just beginning to understand the reason He commands us to take Sabbath...to REST. He continues to use my life verse to woo me to take Sabbath time.

Deuteronomy 33:12

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long,and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

My children.

His Word.

Time with Him.

Three things that have changed my life and for that, I am thankful.

Thanksgiving Day 1 and 2

Thanks to Facebook,November has become my favorite month. Over the last few years, I have LOVED watching people post the things they are thankful for. Yesterday, along with some of you, I kicked off my month of thanksgiving. My first post was a simple one. I am thankful for a warm home.

After our trip last week, where we looked poverty in the face, I am consumed with gratitude for a warm and safe home. It is a gift. This year, I am sincerely grateful for this place God has given us.

When I say I'm thankful for this warm home, I am speaking of more than the physical dwelling place. I'm referring to the spiritual "place" God has brought us. One of my memory verses from early in the year says "He brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers." Deut. 6:23

I believe with all my heart that the home we live in is our "promised land". It is the safe place that God has given us for this season of our life. Last January I had NO idea 2011 would be a year of moving for us! Selling the old house, moving to the new house was not on my radar at all!! But it was God's plan for us. We have seen His faithfulness in a new way in 2011 and selling the old house and moving to the new was just a small part of it.

Today, I am thankful for my husband and his work ethic. I'm thankful that his desire is for me to be at home with our girls. I'm thankful that he is willing to sacrifice "fun stuff" to make this happen. It isn't always the most popular or understood choice and I'm thankful he is willing to take a stand on what God has called our family to. God has truly changed our hearts on this topic and I'm thankful that Chad puts God's plan before his own.

Ezekiel 36:26 speaks exactly to this, "And I will give you a new heart,and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

I'm thankful that God gave us both heart transplants and that our heart desires are the same.

31 Days Transforming My Quiet Time Day??

Because I have spent the last week preparing for our mission trip, I have been quiet on the old blog. We leave after church tomorrow. The car is packed and we have done all we can do to prepare, and yet my heart is not sure it is ready.

I was thinking back to the day we committed to go and the excitement we all felt. It wasn't long after that day that God put a passage of scripture on my heart. That very passage was a huge part of this week in my 8th grade girls Bible study. Isn't it just like God to drop it right in front of me again!!?!?!

Genesis 16 tells the story of Sarah and Hagar.

Hagar had been used and mistreated by Sarah. She ran away. She left the family camp and found herself in the desert alone and pregnant. Then God, who had never taken his eyes off of her, sends an angel to give her some guidance.

There is SO much in this story, but the thing that has been on my heart for several months happens in verse 13.

Hagar identifies God as el-roi, God who sees.

God had seen her used. He was fully aware that Hagar despised Sarah and probably had a bad attitude toward her. He saw Sarah mistreat her and He knew the minute she fled into the desert to escape.

Can you imagine what she must of felt like? Sitting in the desert alone when the Angel of the Lord appears? In the next few moments she would realize that she was NOT alone. She was NOT forgotten.

All of us have had times where we feel a bit like Hagar. Used, mistreated, and maybe even forgotten. You may feel that way today. Perhaps you need to be reminded that God sees Y.O.U. He is fully aware of your heartache. You, sweet one, are not forgotten. God knows. God sees.

As we prepare to go this week, God has reminded me that we represent Him. We are to remind those children and their teachers that HE SEES them. He is VERY aware of
each detail of their life.

As we have prayed over the details of this week, I feel strongly that this will be a seed planting trip. I can not imagine sweeter seed to plant than "God sees you. God loves you."

This will make someone mad. 31 Days Transforming My Quiet Time Day 12

This morning, I was catching up in Ezekiel. Instead of one chapter, I needed to read two. (Chapters 33 and 34) As I read chapter 33, verses 30-32 seemed very, well...strong to me. They made me think of other scriptures and I honestly thought about my 8th grade girls lesson tonight and how it tied into what we'll be discussing. And then...

I checked twitter. I saw a tweet that just absolutely burned me up and THIS passage immediately came back to mind. But this time, it came as a challenge to me.

First here is what Ezekiel 33:30-32 say. (This is from the ESV)

As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, 'Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.' And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.

Oh, it gets better...read it from The Message.

As for you, son of man, you've become quite the talk of the town. Your people meet on street corners and in front of their houses and say, 'Let's go hear the latest news from God.' They show up, as people tend to do, and sit in your company. They listen to you speak, but don't do a thing you say. They flatter you with compliments, but all they care about is making money and getting ahead. To them you're merely entertainment—a country singer of sad love songs, playing a guitar. They love to hear you talk, but nothing comes of it.

So here is the tweet that burned me up.

On the cover of Seventeen Magazine: Be His Best Hook-Up Yet!

As a mom of a teen and a tween I am absolutely infuriated at this, but at the very same time, God is convicting me.

Convicting me that we Christian moms have spent a little too much time doing church and "churchy" activities. We have listened to pastors, Bible teachers, worship leaders speak. We have said "Amen" and "That's so true" and then we walk away and live life.

We watch the same television shows the world does because it is "just entertainment".

We listen to the same music because we "admire the talent of the artist".

We dress in the latest styles and trends regardless of whether or not it's modest because we "need to be relevant".

The list could go on and on. But this morning.

This morning when I read that tweet...I got physically sick because in all our attempts to fit in or be well liked...

We have sacrificed personal holiness on the alter of being "relevant."

The purity of our daughters mind, body and emotions are now being assaulted.

As Christian parents, God has called us to more. It's time to makes some changes.

It's time to as James demands...quit being hearers only! (James 1:22)

It's time we quit saying things like "well...it's okay for them to listen, watch, read (fill in the blank) because they know what the truth is and it's just entertainment." Sorry. Not an excuse.

Three times it says in Song of Solomon Do not arouse or awaken love. THREE times. (2:7, 3:5 and 8:4) The vast majority of media (T.V. Music, Magazines, Books) our children are exposed to, are nothing but an alarm clock to passion. And this alarm clock? Well, until we say "I do" should NOT be ringing.

Here is what God pressed on my heart.

As Christian parents it's time to stop wimping out in regards to our children's emotional, physical and spiritual purity.

WE, have to be willing to take a stand. Willing to say "no". Willing to change what we allow to invade our homes. Through the television, the clothes we purchase, the books we read. And not just for our children, for ourselves.

We have to stop being "churchy" and be Christlike.

It's time we stop allowing culture to influence our homes and start asking God..."is this acceptable for our family."

Will we be asked to walk away from all sorts of things that right now may seem okay? Yes, we probably will. Philippians 4:8. I know at least 80% of what is in my DVR right now turns the stomach of God.

Will it be hard? Yes. Isaiah 55:8 His thoughts and ways are not mine and His, are much purer than mine.

Will we be faced with questions from family, friends and even other believers? Yes.


Is it really necessary to set ourselves apart and be so extreme? Yes. Why?

Because as 1 Peter 1:13-16 says,

Therefore, preparing your minds for action,and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

1 Peter 5:8 tells us that our enemy is waiting to devour us. We don't have time to worry about sticking out or being strange.

The physical, emotional and spiritual health of our children are at stake.

Mom and Dad, it's time to quit having our ears tickled and start applying what God's word says to our everyday life.

31 Days Transforming my Quiet Time (Days 8-11)

Over the last few days, God has been reminding me why time with Him is so important. Our weekend was crazy busy. This is very unusual for our family as we are careful to guard our weekend family time. Last weekend was one of those few weekends where each day was F.U.L.L. BUT..

Each thing was very important and we had an awesome weekend! (Well, all good except TN's loss to GA which resulted in a tacky GA flag being placed in our yard for the week!)

I will admit that I did not get to my quiet time first thing Saturday morning. We had to leave our house at 7:30 that morning and I slept until 6:00. My body was tired and I needed that extra hour. It was totally okay, God gave me some time a little later.

Sunday morning was an early wake up. Chad left at 4:15 AM for a triathlon so I was awake SUPER early. I spent a little time just being still. Awake, but just thinking about God. I thought about how The Message words Psalm 46:10

Step out of the traffic, take a LONG, LOVING, LOOK at me, your High God.

God didn't prompt me to turn on the light and pick up my Bible. I felt at complete peace just being still in His Presence.

And He spoke to my heart.

Since the beginning of school I have felt like I'm on a roller coaster. (Which I do NOT like at.all.) God has totally changed my direction in some areas. I love what He has me doing but at times, it can seem a bit overwhelming. He is stretching me.

Last weekend, I was emotionally exhausted. The longer I concentrated or meditated on Him, the more scripture He brought to mind. I simply needed to be still long enough for God to do a little heart rejuvenation. :)

Those few hours early Sunday morning were precious to me. It was sort of like a mini-retreat before the day began.

Here is where I'm at in my daily reading.

For Today:
Psalm 71
1 Kings 6
Ezekiel 33
Romans 5:1-11

I still have to read Ezekiel and Romans tonight. So from what I have read today, my light bulb verse is Psalm 71:18

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

31 Days Transforming My Quiet Time Day 7 Praying for the Nations

God has certainly been showing off around these parts lately. One way He has shown His handiwork is in this weather. It has been absolutely beautiful today! When I came out of school today, I gasped at just how beautiful it was outside. In fact, I feel like I was living my light bulb verse of the day.

Psalm 67:1-2 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among the nations.

Sunday evening our service will be focused on praying for the nations. I've been thinking about that service quite a bit. As I read this Psalm today, I couldn't help but notice a few things as I prepare my heart for that service.

First, this Psalm has 7 verses. In those verses the word nation is used 3 times.
(I should tell you that I'm reading in the ESV.)

Verse 2 states the sole purpose for God's way being made known is so His saving power may be known in all nations.

Verse 4 says "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity, and guide the nations upon earth." We can rejoice that we have a just God. Our God's heart is for ALL to know Him.

The second thing that stuck out was the phrase "let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!" Twice it appears. That fairly long phrase is found in verse 3 and again in verse 5. The only difference was that in verse 5b it said "let ALL the peoples praise you!" Once again...ALL.

Side note - Our God is not exclusive. We do not belong to some hooty tooty religious organization that you have to do something to be part of. This is not some multi-level get to heaven quick scam. Nope.

God sent His son Jesus to do die for ALL. Our God is after a personal one-on-one, heart to heart relationship with you.

The last thing that changed my day was in verses 1 and 2. I posted it above but read it again here.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among the nations."

This morning it was easy to feel like God had been gracious, has blessed and made His face to shine upon us. Just look at the country we live in. Despite our problems, we still have the freedom to worship. We are free to blog about what we believe. Free To educate our children in the manner we feel best. Our list could go on and on. But today.

Today, I realized that the very well known prayer "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us" doesn't end where we often hear it end. How selfish of us for praying that way!

Properly positioned Christians pray this, dare I say, LONG for this blessing for one reason and one reason only:

"that your way" that would be GOD'S way, "may be known on earth, your saving power among all the nations."

One of my daughters is seriously praying for Christ return. It's heavy on her little heart. We've daydreamed about the moment God the Father looks at Jesus and says..."Go get them". Until that time we pray for the nations. The one we live in and the ones we have never set foot in.

Praying for those that have yet to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Praying that soon, very soon...that last person will say "Jesus, save me."

We have been blessed. God has been gracious to us and His face...it has been shining on us.

Now it's our turn. Our turn to pour ourselves out.

And we do just that until the last person has been told.

31 Days Transforming My Quiet Time Day 6

Yesterday I said that I needed a commentary for Ezekiel because I was just struggling. Wouldn’t you know that this morning my light bulb moment was the entire passage from Ezekiel? God is so good.

Before getting to that here is what my reading plan had for me this morning:

Psalm 66
1 Kings 1:28-53
Romans 1:18-32
Ezekiel 27

Oh Ezekiel. This morning, as I read the caption above chapter 27 my heart kind of sank. It said “A Lament for Tyre”, it was early and I wasn’t sure a “lament” was going to speak to my heart. I prayed Luke 24:45 asking God to open my mind and help me understand this passage.

Tyre. Its location enabled this city to become an international commodities exchange. Many nations traded there and this little dot on the map became quite wealthy during Ezekiel’s time.

The first part of the chapter gives you a vivid picture of that wealth. Words such as emeralds, purple, embroidered work, coral, and ruby are used to describe the trade going on. Tarshish, Syria, Damascus, Arabia and Kedar were all listed as nations that did business with and in this city. It’s fair to say this place was well known, busy and full of luxury.

Tyre is described in this passage as merchant ship. A ship that is exquisite in detail. Verse 25 says that Tyre was filled and heavily laden in the heart of the seas. There was great wealth. The best of the best in every area. From those who designed and constructed this ship, to the pilots, all the way down to the ones doing the rowing, only the strongest, most skilled people were employed.

This great city had it all. Verse 33 even says that, When your wares came from the seas, you satisfied many peoples; with your abundant wealth and merchandise you enriched the kings of the earth.

But all the wealth, all the success could not stop what happened next. This picture of success was shipwrecked.

Verse 34 says Now you are wrecked by the seas, in the depths of the water; your merchandise and all your crew in your midst have sunk with you. Verse36b ends the chapter saying you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.

What God spoke to my heart this morning was this:

Great wealth can be used to change the world. It can make a great impact on those in need. Taking care of the poor, the orphans, the widows and the hungry is a biblical concept. It is the heart of our God and we as Christians are called to do that.

However, if at the moment of our “shipwreck” or death…good works are not going to save us. Our good works, without Jesus are like filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6 says that all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.)

Each of us has been God given gifts, talents and abilities.

If we take those abilities and create things that change our world for the better – it is good.

If we take the money we make from those things and give it away- it is great!

If we do everything in our power to make sure our family is first and taken care of-we have done what we should do.

If we live a life of generosity, but die without Jesus……

Jesus says in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.”

This morning, God reminded me that any life that ends without Jesus ends as Tyre ended…dreadfully