Today it is a beautiful Friday! The sun is out, however it is supposed to rain later today and my back feels it. Last night a dear friend came over and mowed our lawn. Our home looks so pretty on the outside. And I am working as much as I can to make the inside look just as nice. There is just something wonderful about having a clean and organized home inside and out. The same goes for us a people. Do you just look good on the outside? Are you all messed up on the inside? Have you ever gone to Church, heart broken into a million pieces and you are ready to just throw in the towel? But the first greeter at the door asks, "How are you today?" You then LIE, smile and say fantastic! Why do we hide what is really going on? Especially at Church? That should be the place you can share your heart and try and heal. Why is it when we are going through something in our lives we cry out to God. But as soon as the situation is over and we think we survived it, we take back over and tell God, "I got this!" But on the outside we try and ALWAYS appear like everything is just fine. We don't share our hearts. And others watching us wonder how it is that everything is always fine and beautiful. Little do they know inside our house looks like a tornado just went through.
In my reading I was learning about the Parable of the Lost Son. The son who had spent all the Father's money and lived wild and crazy. When the son came back the Father had a celebration. The son who had been loyal was angry because he had stayed and served and obeyed and his Father had never had a celebration like that for him. The father explained that the loyal son is always with him and everything the father has belongs to him because of his obedience and loyalty. He then explained he had to celebrate the son who had been lost, thought to be dead and is now alive and found. We get lost in seeing the people in this world being awarded. It appears that God loves them more, why aren't we being blessed like that? Maybe we should live like them ... their life seems better than ours. But in reality they are being blessed her and now. All that God has for US we will get in Heaven. I don't know about you, but those rewards sound a lot better than the one's we get here on earth.
Psalm 81 A call to obedience. In Psalm 81 God is just asking us to obey Him. If we rely on our own strength then God will just take His hands off and give us over to our stubborn hearts to follow our own plans. However, God is saddened because He wants us to listen to HIM, follow HIS direction and then HE would quickly subdue our enemires and turn HIS hand against all our foes.
Proverbs 13:1 A wise son resonds to his father's discipline, but a mocker doesn't listen to rebuke. I love this verse. If we are WISE, we will listen to our Father when he disciplines us and change our ways. We will have a humble spirit and a tender heart listening to God's call for our lives and direction for our walk.
Galatians 2:20 says, I have been cruicified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live int he flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
In order to have our inside house to be clean and organized we must remember that we are cruicified with Christ. It is not all about US anymore but all about HIM. Does He live in your house? Are you following and obeying Him? Or are you looking at people around you wondering why God isn't blessing you? Remember you are only looking at the outside of people's houses. You do not know what is really going on in the inside. But, don't worry about everyone else. Just focus on how you can follow God and be used of Him.
Today let God work through you so that you can be a blessing in someone's life today. And be open to the blessings God has for you today as well! Happy Friday. God bless you!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
I have really gotten out of my routine over the last few weeks. I hate it when I do that.
I am now in Joshua with my Daily Audio Bible reading. God tells Joshua not to worry or be afraid. He is told to DO as he is told and GOD will protect and provide all that is needed. Why is it we question everything God tells us even when we have seen first hand so many things God has done in the past? I wish I could learn not to question and just to trust. What does it take for me to know. I have seen His miracles first hand over and over in my life. Yet I still question what He is doing.
Life gets so very busy. I have three children. David is 20, Daniel is 17 and Jannine is 10. You would think that because they are older it wouldn't be so difficult. However, I am finding now that they are older it is more difficult. David has a job in Venice and a precious girl friend. However, I worry about him when he is traveling around, especially coming home from work late at night. Daniel has school at the high school, a technical school, online school and a job. I worry about him driving around. I am concerned that he get all his school work done. I try and keep up with where he is and what he is doing. Then there is Jannine. She is still little and I have her at home, but she too is getting busier all the time. They are no longer safe and secure in their rooms during the day and night. Many days I am left here with three dogs and no children like today. I don't feel ready to be home alone. I feel like there should be little children running around again. However, with my back as bad as it is, I know I couldn't do it. I try and keep busy with school and various projects just to keep my mind busy.
When things are too quiet I begin thinking about bills that I cannot pay. I worry about meals that I need to prepare. I worry that logisticly everyone is where they need to be with a vehicle or arrangment to make it back home. I know I shouldn't worry as I mentioned earlier. But I am human and I do!
Currently we are waiting for our IRS refund. I am waiting for my disability. We are waiting for a solution about our home that we owned. We are waiting to hear what is going to happen in the home we are living in. So much waiting ... so many worries ... so much out of my complete control. Our refund has been delayed because of an incorrect entry of an IRS worker. I have called almost daily to no avail. They just don't care. We did our taxes back in February and I was supposed to receive the money within 21 days. It's been over eight weeks now ... I still have no idea when or if we will get the refund. I was counting on that money to pay some bills and get caught up. UGH!
So, since I have no control I just must wait and pray. God knows exactly what is going to happen... I don't! So I try not to worry. I try to just pray and give it to God. Through all the financial worries we continue to tithe because we are instructed to do so. I felt very convicted about this issue in January. I have fallen regarding my Bible study and time and blogging. But the tithing has not stopped or been missed.
Proberbs 12: 26 says A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor. But the ways of the wicked lead him astray. In spite of all the worry and stress. I have to be careful how I deal with things. I can't get angry. I can't get depressed and roll into a ball and hide. I just have to give it ALL to GOD and trust. Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 says Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. Lean not unto your own understand. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your paths.
Remember to stop and enjoy the blessings. Don't miss anything that God has for you today and everyday. And remember to be tender to being USED of God today. Maybe someone just needs a smile or a hug from you. A kind word uttered from you might change someone's world. Be the light in a very dark world.
God bless and have a great day! <3
I am now in Joshua with my Daily Audio Bible reading. God tells Joshua not to worry or be afraid. He is told to DO as he is told and GOD will protect and provide all that is needed. Why is it we question everything God tells us even when we have seen first hand so many things God has done in the past? I wish I could learn not to question and just to trust. What does it take for me to know. I have seen His miracles first hand over and over in my life. Yet I still question what He is doing.
Life gets so very busy. I have three children. David is 20, Daniel is 17 and Jannine is 10. You would think that because they are older it wouldn't be so difficult. However, I am finding now that they are older it is more difficult. David has a job in Venice and a precious girl friend. However, I worry about him when he is traveling around, especially coming home from work late at night. Daniel has school at the high school, a technical school, online school and a job. I worry about him driving around. I am concerned that he get all his school work done. I try and keep up with where he is and what he is doing. Then there is Jannine. She is still little and I have her at home, but she too is getting busier all the time. They are no longer safe and secure in their rooms during the day and night. Many days I am left here with three dogs and no children like today. I don't feel ready to be home alone. I feel like there should be little children running around again. However, with my back as bad as it is, I know I couldn't do it. I try and keep busy with school and various projects just to keep my mind busy.
When things are too quiet I begin thinking about bills that I cannot pay. I worry about meals that I need to prepare. I worry that logisticly everyone is where they need to be with a vehicle or arrangment to make it back home. I know I shouldn't worry as I mentioned earlier. But I am human and I do!
Currently we are waiting for our IRS refund. I am waiting for my disability. We are waiting for a solution about our home that we owned. We are waiting to hear what is going to happen in the home we are living in. So much waiting ... so many worries ... so much out of my complete control. Our refund has been delayed because of an incorrect entry of an IRS worker. I have called almost daily to no avail. They just don't care. We did our taxes back in February and I was supposed to receive the money within 21 days. It's been over eight weeks now ... I still have no idea when or if we will get the refund. I was counting on that money to pay some bills and get caught up. UGH!
So, since I have no control I just must wait and pray. God knows exactly what is going to happen... I don't! So I try not to worry. I try to just pray and give it to God. Through all the financial worries we continue to tithe because we are instructed to do so. I felt very convicted about this issue in January. I have fallen regarding my Bible study and time and blogging. But the tithing has not stopped or been missed.
Proberbs 12: 26 says A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor. But the ways of the wicked lead him astray. In spite of all the worry and stress. I have to be careful how I deal with things. I can't get angry. I can't get depressed and roll into a ball and hide. I just have to give it ALL to GOD and trust. Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 says Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. Lean not unto your own understand. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your paths.
Remember to stop and enjoy the blessings. Don't miss anything that God has for you today and everyday. And remember to be tender to being USED of God today. Maybe someone just needs a smile or a hug from you. A kind word uttered from you might change someone's world. Be the light in a very dark world.
God bless and have a great day! <3
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
April 2, 2013
Okay, so how did we get to April already? I have been so out of my schedule. I haven't been listening to my Daily Audio Bible, doing my devotions or writing my blog. UGH! That is so terrible. I hate it when life gets way to hectic.
The last college course I just finished really overwhelmed me. But, praise the Lord, I still ended with an A in the class. I thought I had this week off for Spring Break only to discover that there is no Spring Break. Oh well, I will survive.
Some really exciting things have happened since I wrote last. On March 23rd I had the honor of going to a gender reveal. It was an amazing experience. Let me go back and explain the history of this event. My best friend Donna Stewart and I have known each other for over 23 years. Her first husband David was a best friend of my husband Jeff. When Jeff and I got engaged he wanted me to meet them. The day he brought me to Marina West in Sarasota, David and Donna had just found out they were going to have a baby. Their first son was born on April 12, 1990. I wasn't in the room for his birth because Donna had a c-section. He was born just before our wedding on June 16, 1990. The baby was named David Justin and we called him DJ. His daddy Dave was our best man in the wedding. Donna dressed DJ in a onsie that looked like a tux with tails. It was adorable. Our friendship blossomed into more than just friends. We felt more like sisters and we did everything together. My father died suddenly on July 13, 1990 and Donna was there with me through it all. Our friendship just continued to grow and we celebrated together, morned together, laughed together and so on. So, being able to be there to find out what her first grandchild was going to be was just another thing we had done together. We found out that Davey and Erika are having a little girl. Her name is going to be Daisy Meadows. The other part of this excitement is that Erika has a younger brother named Jimmie. And Jimmy and Kate are due to have a baby four days later than Erika and David. Kate and Jimmy found out they are having a little boy. Jimmy and David have been friends since 9th grade so it is one big happy and loving family. I am so excited that I am going to be a great Auntie again.
We had a wonderful Easter celebration this last Sunday. I love going to our Church each week and especially on Holidays such as Easter. Unfortunately, our boys weren't able to join us this Easter because of their jobs. This was the first Easter without my entire family being together. We still had a wonderful day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. We had lunch together with our Church family and then came home and rested.
Yesterday the kids didn't have school so Jannine and I hung out with our friends Becky and Jessica. We went to the fountains in Venice and watched the kids play. Then we were to the ice cream shop and had a nice cold ice cream after sitting in the sun. It was a wonderful and relaxing day. I love down days like that. Everyone needs to stop and take a break once in a while.
Everyone needs to stop and recharge. That has been what I have been missing the last few weeks not spending time in God's Word. God's Word reaches into our hearts and comforts us, disciplines us, guides us and it is our counsel with Him that we need each and every day.
So, today I am back on track spending time in God's Word and blogging. Dear Lord, please forgive me for letting time get away from me. Please forgive me for not giving You the time you deserve. Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life. Thank you for the family and friends You have surrounded me with. Thank you Lord for loving me even when I don't deserve it. Thank you for protecting our family and providing for us.
Have a wonderful day and remember to stop and enjoy the blessings God has for you today. Oh, and don't forget to be a blessing to someone else today. It's better to give than receive. God bless you.
The last college course I just finished really overwhelmed me. But, praise the Lord, I still ended with an A in the class. I thought I had this week off for Spring Break only to discover that there is no Spring Break. Oh well, I will survive.
Some really exciting things have happened since I wrote last. On March 23rd I had the honor of going to a gender reveal. It was an amazing experience. Let me go back and explain the history of this event. My best friend Donna Stewart and I have known each other for over 23 years. Her first husband David was a best friend of my husband Jeff. When Jeff and I got engaged he wanted me to meet them. The day he brought me to Marina West in Sarasota, David and Donna had just found out they were going to have a baby. Their first son was born on April 12, 1990. I wasn't in the room for his birth because Donna had a c-section. He was born just before our wedding on June 16, 1990. The baby was named David Justin and we called him DJ. His daddy Dave was our best man in the wedding. Donna dressed DJ in a onsie that looked like a tux with tails. It was adorable. Our friendship blossomed into more than just friends. We felt more like sisters and we did everything together. My father died suddenly on July 13, 1990 and Donna was there with me through it all. Our friendship just continued to grow and we celebrated together, morned together, laughed together and so on. So, being able to be there to find out what her first grandchild was going to be was just another thing we had done together. We found out that Davey and Erika are having a little girl. Her name is going to be Daisy Meadows. The other part of this excitement is that Erika has a younger brother named Jimmie. And Jimmy and Kate are due to have a baby four days later than Erika and David. Kate and Jimmy found out they are having a little boy. Jimmy and David have been friends since 9th grade so it is one big happy and loving family. I am so excited that I am going to be a great Auntie again.
We had a wonderful Easter celebration this last Sunday. I love going to our Church each week and especially on Holidays such as Easter. Unfortunately, our boys weren't able to join us this Easter because of their jobs. This was the first Easter without my entire family being together. We still had a wonderful day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. We had lunch together with our Church family and then came home and rested.
Yesterday the kids didn't have school so Jannine and I hung out with our friends Becky and Jessica. We went to the fountains in Venice and watched the kids play. Then we were to the ice cream shop and had a nice cold ice cream after sitting in the sun. It was a wonderful and relaxing day. I love down days like that. Everyone needs to stop and take a break once in a while.
Everyone needs to stop and recharge. That has been what I have been missing the last few weeks not spending time in God's Word. God's Word reaches into our hearts and comforts us, disciplines us, guides us and it is our counsel with Him that we need each and every day.
So, today I am back on track spending time in God's Word and blogging. Dear Lord, please forgive me for letting time get away from me. Please forgive me for not giving You the time you deserve. Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life. Thank you for the family and friends You have surrounded me with. Thank you Lord for loving me even when I don't deserve it. Thank you for protecting our family and providing for us.
Have a wonderful day and remember to stop and enjoy the blessings God has for you today. Oh, and don't forget to be a blessing to someone else today. It's better to give than receive. God bless you.
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