This has been a thought of mine for awhile. I thought about writing about this for Valentines Day. As Christians everyday should be a day in which we share and show love to one another regularly and not just on holidays.
Recently I have been dealing with some things centered around the concept of "What is true love". Many of us are married and may consider our mates to be our "true love". That is what the world tells us. In fact the world has various views about true love. For many true love doesn't require a commitment. Or if it does, it is something with an attachment and any easy way out it things become uncertain.
For me however I have a very strong thought and opinion about love and true unyielding "Agape" type love. For those not familiar with the word Agape, it is a love that God has for us, also a description of a Christian love feast, a spontaneous altruistic love.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Mathew 13: 3-23 (Referred to in What a busy week post.)
Mathew 13 Jesus tells and explains the parable of the 4 soils.
3. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.
4. "And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
5. "Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.
6. "But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
7. "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
8. "But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
9. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!''
10. And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?''
11. He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12. "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
13. "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14. "And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: `Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive;
15. for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them.'
16. "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;
17. "for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
18. "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20. "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21. "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22. "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23. "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.''
Trying to not let the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches (the second one not as much of a challenge as the first, for me that is,) choke or steal the seed which was sown . Probably the hardest one to struggle with , since most of us are or tend to be concerned about our surroundings and what others think of us and how we are treated by those who are in the World. Thankfully and praising the Lord for his continued instruction of my heart, soul and life. I serve the one and only true God. The God with whom nothing is impossible.
3. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.
4. "And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
5. "Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.
6. "But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
7. "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
8. "But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
9. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!''
10. And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?''
11. He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12. "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
13. "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14. "And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: `Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive;
15. for the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them.'
16. "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;
17. "for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
18. "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20. "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21. "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22. "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23. "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.''
Trying to not let the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches (the second one not as much of a challenge as the first, for me that is,) choke or steal the seed which was sown . Probably the hardest one to struggle with , since most of us are or tend to be concerned about our surroundings and what others think of us and how we are treated by those who are in the World. Thankfully and praising the Lord for his continued instruction of my heart, soul and life. I serve the one and only true God. The God with whom nothing is impossible.
What a busy week!
Wow. I can't believe I went all week with out posting anything. It has been a busy week.
For starters our car needed some repairing done. We had a scheduled Tuesday appointment. My dad stopped by for a visit on Tuesday. My children love to see and visit with "Pa Pa". My sweet husband had to work on Wednesday afternoon. I woke up to a bouquet of red roses on the pillow next to me on Thursday and a sweet loving card that expressed my dear husbands feelings and concerns for me. (That was a suprise!) Tried to get the house cleaned for company coming on Saturday. Company came on Saturday and we went sledding in 10 degrees weather. (Could hear the wind howling at us.) Had a fun but chilling time. Came home after about 45minutes or so of sledding and mega calorie burning, to a bowl of hot potato soup and crackers. Yummy. I made my friend a wonderful assortment of cookies. One in particular that has been getting many tasty replies. A version of the "Little Debbie" snack cakes, called "Whoopie Pies". An oatmeal cookie sand which with a creamy filling center. I have made this recipe 3 times in the last 4-5 weeks. My last variation has been the best. I will post the recipe and my techniques this week....
Will try to be less busy this week, although I hear this quote quite often when I am out and today was not exception. "Boy you've got your hands full". So if I happen to miss a few days just keep me in your prayers and know that I am letting the Lord work things out in my heart, life and spirit so I can be of some valuable use for Him.
One more thought about our reading from Mathew. We read about the four soils awhile back. Well this week I had one day that was tough. Emotionally I couldn't shake something that had/has been a struggle of mine for most of my life. I realized this week it was and is b/c I am focusing on the issue and "the cares of this world" and possible could lead to my seed being stolen. I am thankful and overjoyed to have this revealed to me by the Spirit. Of all things it was while I was praying and washing the dishes....Praise be to God for answering us in ways we most dearly need it.
Reminding everyone that God is so Good and not to underestimate his awesomeness.
For starters our car needed some repairing done. We had a scheduled Tuesday appointment. My dad stopped by for a visit on Tuesday. My children love to see and visit with "Pa Pa". My sweet husband had to work on Wednesday afternoon. I woke up to a bouquet of red roses on the pillow next to me on Thursday and a sweet loving card that expressed my dear husbands feelings and concerns for me. (That was a suprise!) Tried to get the house cleaned for company coming on Saturday. Company came on Saturday and we went sledding in 10 degrees weather. (Could hear the wind howling at us.) Had a fun but chilling time. Came home after about 45minutes or so of sledding and mega calorie burning, to a bowl of hot potato soup and crackers. Yummy. I made my friend a wonderful assortment of cookies. One in particular that has been getting many tasty replies. A version of the "Little Debbie" snack cakes, called "Whoopie Pies". An oatmeal cookie sand which with a creamy filling center. I have made this recipe 3 times in the last 4-5 weeks. My last variation has been the best. I will post the recipe and my techniques this week....
Will try to be less busy this week, although I hear this quote quite often when I am out and today was not exception. "Boy you've got your hands full". So if I happen to miss a few days just keep me in your prayers and know that I am letting the Lord work things out in my heart, life and spirit so I can be of some valuable use for Him.
One more thought about our reading from Mathew. We read about the four soils awhile back. Well this week I had one day that was tough. Emotionally I couldn't shake something that had/has been a struggle of mine for most of my life. I realized this week it was and is b/c I am focusing on the issue and "the cares of this world" and possible could lead to my seed being stolen. I am thankful and overjoyed to have this revealed to me by the Spirit. Of all things it was while I was praying and washing the dishes....Praise be to God for answering us in ways we most dearly need it.
Reminding everyone that God is so Good and not to underestimate his awesomeness.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What a week! / Menu Ideas.
Well we had a pretty eventful week. For starters our Alaskan weather is living up to one of its familiar names " the frigid north". This week we experienced tempts anywhere from -5 to -15 below zero. That was of course at night and around the Anchorage area. Where as during the day we had highs like 5 to 10 above. We are actually thankful for those temps. Other places further north are not so warm, ha ha ha... In the interior, Fairbanks and Tok had tempts from -30 to -60 below zero. Due to the extreme cold tempts our station wagon was not wanting to perform well. We had to get our second station wagon running, and that took a little work. First we had to uncover it from all the buried snow. Then we had to get the battery working, ended up buying a new one. Finally we had to air up one of the tires due to a slow leak. We tried to figure out where the leak is but have yet to find it. In a few days we may have to get the valve stem replaced and sealed. Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit and we can get our other wagon fixed and running as well.
Had a great time reading out of Mathew this week. Here are a few verses from the chapters of Mathew that we read from this week. Mathew 10 : 39:" Whoever find his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Mathew 11:28-30 28. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'' Mathew 12:36-37 and 48-50; 36. "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37. "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'' 48. But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?''
49. And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!
50. "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.''
Mathew 13:18-23 18. "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20. "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21. "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22. "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23. "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.''
Mathew 14: 27-33 When Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, 27. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.''
28. And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.''
29. So He said, "Come.'' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!''
31. And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?''
32. And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God.''
I enjoy reading the parables that Jesus taught the disciples and others with. There is nothing more intriguing than hearing a story that has a valuable message to it. I know many, (myself included) who learn better by someone else's mistakes. Although some of the best lessons are learned from making our own mistakes, the parables are there for us to understand so we don't do exactly that.
Something about the parable of the four soils just really speaks to my heart. I think it is b/c we may know of others around us who are described as one of those soils. It is actually very saddening. I wish everyone would except the Lord and his word like the last soil mentioned. The one who received the seed and produced an abundant crop. I pray daily that my children become soil like that and ready for the harvest.
I think for many of us we can relate to Peter. His life reflected some flaws, but he certainly didn't lack motivation and desire to please the Lord. He certainly of all the disciples had a behavior many of us can understand, if not emphasize with. I consider Peter and his errors and later his faithfulness unto death, as being an example which we can learn from. Possibly even to tap into as to challenge us, to grow our faith. Learning these experiences of Peter's helps us to visualize the human aspects of our own walk w/ the Lord. Peter's own errors gave him plenty of ways to relate to others who were weak in their faith in the beginning also. Of course learning from his errors made him the successful apostle, preaching, teaching and baptizing others into the Kingdom of GOD.
After all he may have made a few mistakes, but through it all he remained obedient and "Fed the Sheep".
My menu for this week: February 11-15
Monday- Spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread.
Tuesday- Tilapia(fish) w/ rosemary and garlic seasoning and long grain and white rice w/ green beans.
Wednsday- Potato Soup w/ ham pieces and corn and cornbread w/ creamed corn inside.
Thursday- Turkey Stroganoff and egg noodles and mixed veggies and rolls (homemade croissants). (Cream of mushroom soup added to browned ground turkey and chopped onions and milk. Then mixed together w/ cooked egg noodles,( about 2-3 cups cooked noodles).
Friday- Pizza homemade of course. Made with dough from our bread machine.
Prayers for this week; may the Bible readings be more encouraging to my spirit, and a learning tool for my children, prayer for a family who are going through many struggles, that our visit and time spent w/grandma (my mom flying in from Texas) is a blessing to all of us, that our friends little boy will begin to heal from his broken hip (little Issac), the hearts and spirits of those who need to refresh their spirits with that of the Lords and that we all shed our robes of pride and embrace the garment of humility.
Had a great time reading out of Mathew this week. Here are a few verses from the chapters of Mathew that we read from this week. Mathew 10 : 39:" Whoever find his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Mathew 11:28-30 28. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'' Mathew 12:36-37 and 48-50; 36. "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37. "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'' 48. But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?''
49. And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!
50. "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.''
Mathew 13:18-23 18. "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19. "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
20. "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21. "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22. "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23. "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.''
Mathew 14: 27-33 When Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, 27. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.''
28. And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.''
29. So He said, "Come.'' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!''
31. And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?''
32. And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God.''
I enjoy reading the parables that Jesus taught the disciples and others with. There is nothing more intriguing than hearing a story that has a valuable message to it. I know many, (myself included) who learn better by someone else's mistakes. Although some of the best lessons are learned from making our own mistakes, the parables are there for us to understand so we don't do exactly that.
Something about the parable of the four soils just really speaks to my heart. I think it is b/c we may know of others around us who are described as one of those soils. It is actually very saddening. I wish everyone would except the Lord and his word like the last soil mentioned. The one who received the seed and produced an abundant crop. I pray daily that my children become soil like that and ready for the harvest.
I think for many of us we can relate to Peter. His life reflected some flaws, but he certainly didn't lack motivation and desire to please the Lord. He certainly of all the disciples had a behavior many of us can understand, if not emphasize with. I consider Peter and his errors and later his faithfulness unto death, as being an example which we can learn from. Possibly even to tap into as to challenge us, to grow our faith. Learning these experiences of Peter's helps us to visualize the human aspects of our own walk w/ the Lord. Peter's own errors gave him plenty of ways to relate to others who were weak in their faith in the beginning also. Of course learning from his errors made him the successful apostle, preaching, teaching and baptizing others into the Kingdom of GOD.
After all he may have made a few mistakes, but through it all he remained obedient and "Fed the Sheep".
My menu for this week: February 11-15
Monday- Spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread.
Tuesday- Tilapia(fish) w/ rosemary and garlic seasoning and long grain and white rice w/ green beans.
Wednsday- Potato Soup w/ ham pieces and corn and cornbread w/ creamed corn inside.
Thursday- Turkey Stroganoff and egg noodles and mixed veggies and rolls (homemade croissants). (Cream of mushroom soup added to browned ground turkey and chopped onions and milk. Then mixed together w/ cooked egg noodles,( about 2-3 cups cooked noodles).
Friday- Pizza homemade of course. Made with dough from our bread machine.
Prayers for this week; may the Bible readings be more encouraging to my spirit, and a learning tool for my children, prayer for a family who are going through many struggles, that our visit and time spent w/grandma (my mom flying in from Texas) is a blessing to all of us, that our friends little boy will begin to heal from his broken hip (little Issac), the hearts and spirits of those who need to refresh their spirits with that of the Lords and that we all shed our robes of pride and embrace the garment of humility.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Getting to know you, (pertinent facts about myself).
As you can probably tell I like to read my bible and talk about it/or write about it. I love sharing what I have learned about God's word with others. I also especially love to pray for others. I find that when I focus my thoughts and concerns on others mine own situations are less of a worry to me. I am also able to find the peace about my own problems when I consider the problems others are facing. It helps me to see what true struggles are all about. I may consider my struggles as being real b/c they are happening to me. All around the world others are struggling with health issues, poverty, lack of food, even persecuted for their faith. Praying for others is blessing to me in my walk and relationship w/ the Lord. The bible does mention in several places that thinking of others is better than thinking of our selves.
Of course I am a mother and a wife. I enjoy the rewards and perks of being both. My days are busy from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Some days seem more restful than others but I am also learning to relax more. I appreciate my family more when I take the time and consider how blessed I truly am.
Here are some pertinent facts about me:
I like making things for others, ie..quilts, food/dinners, blankets, afgans, clothes for my children, cinnamon rolls, and homemade goodies.
Unclean floors and counter tops are my petpeves.
I love playing word games, like boggle or scrabble.
I am a night owl.
I am a chocoholic, anything chocolate even ice cream, although I am lactose intolerant.
I love fabric, all kinds, especially corduroy and flannel.
I know how to crochet, quilt, cross stitch, needle punch, stencile, caligriaphy, scrap book, sew, bake and cook.
I procrastinate at putting laundry away.
My favorite food is Chinese.
I was not nursed as a child, but have nursed all of my children.
My family traveled a lot due to my father being in the military.
I have lived in Alaska off and on for 28 yrs +.
I met my husband at a college Inner Varsity Bible Study group.
My children all have Hebrew names from the Bible for two reasons, I like the originality of the names and our last name is so common, (Smith).
I laugh at my own jokes.
I was delighted when I realized two months into my marriage that one day I will be my favorite apple, a Granny Smith.
I was born on Memorial day in 1972, but memorial day is not the same date every year.
Before I had children, I had the memory of an elephant.
Somethings I have realized to be a truth about G0d through the years. He never ceases to amaze me. His complete knowledge of what we need before we even pray is astounding. Even though I may know a lot about the Bible, (I am married to a minister) there is still plenty for me to learn. My faith has grown exceedingly more since I have become a mother. Especially with each one of my pregnancies. God always seems to show me more about Himself through the nine months of pregnancy. Some of my favorite passages are : John 14 and 15, the whole book of James, Malachi, Psalms and Proverbs. Reading the Bible always puts my heart and spirit at peace.
My sole desire for this blog was to share my life and testimony through God's word to help encourage and edify others. I know through prayer and faith in God anything is possible.
John 15 :1-23 1. "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
9. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
10. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
12. "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
13. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
14. "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
15. "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
16. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
17. "These things I command you, that you love one another.
18. "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20. "Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
22. "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23. "He who hates Me hates My Father also.
My favorite hymnal song is : What a friend we have in Jesus.
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All b/c we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer. do they friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
Praying that we all learn to lay our burdens down and carry His yoke instead.
Of course I am a mother and a wife. I enjoy the rewards and perks of being both. My days are busy from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Some days seem more restful than others but I am also learning to relax more. I appreciate my family more when I take the time and consider how blessed I truly am.
Here are some pertinent facts about me:
I like making things for others, ie..quilts, food/dinners, blankets, afgans, clothes for my children, cinnamon rolls, and homemade goodies.
Unclean floors and counter tops are my petpeves.
I love playing word games, like boggle or scrabble.
I am a night owl.
I am a chocoholic, anything chocolate even ice cream, although I am lactose intolerant.
I love fabric, all kinds, especially corduroy and flannel.
I know how to crochet, quilt, cross stitch, needle punch, stencile, caligriaphy, scrap book, sew, bake and cook.
I procrastinate at putting laundry away.
My favorite food is Chinese.
I was not nursed as a child, but have nursed all of my children.
My family traveled a lot due to my father being in the military.
I have lived in Alaska off and on for 28 yrs +.
I met my husband at a college Inner Varsity Bible Study group.
My children all have Hebrew names from the Bible for two reasons, I like the originality of the names and our last name is so common, (Smith).
I laugh at my own jokes.
I was delighted when I realized two months into my marriage that one day I will be my favorite apple, a Granny Smith.
I was born on Memorial day in 1972, but memorial day is not the same date every year.
Before I had children, I had the memory of an elephant.
Somethings I have realized to be a truth about G0d through the years. He never ceases to amaze me. His complete knowledge of what we need before we even pray is astounding. Even though I may know a lot about the Bible, (I am married to a minister) there is still plenty for me to learn. My faith has grown exceedingly more since I have become a mother. Especially with each one of my pregnancies. God always seems to show me more about Himself through the nine months of pregnancy. Some of my favorite passages are : John 14 and 15, the whole book of James, Malachi, Psalms and Proverbs. Reading the Bible always puts my heart and spirit at peace.
My sole desire for this blog was to share my life and testimony through God's word to help encourage and edify others. I know through prayer and faith in God anything is possible.
John 15 :1-23 1. "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
9. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
10. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
12. "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
13. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
14. "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
15. "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
16. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
17. "These things I command you, that you love one another.
18. "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20. "Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
22. "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23. "He who hates Me hates My Father also.
My favorite hymnal song is : What a friend we have in Jesus.
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All b/c we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer. do they friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
Praying that we all learn to lay our burdens down and carry His yoke instead.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Master Builder.....What are you building your life on?
Psalms is a great reference to see the heart of God. We know that David is the author of the Psalms. David was a man after God's own heart. So if we can read any one of the 150 chapters of Psalms we can get a glimpse of the Heart of God.
Lets look at one of my favorites; Psalms 127
1Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves. 3Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
There is a comfort in knowing the LORD is in the construction business. Not so much like the constructors of today. He just doesn't build buildings and houses. But great vessels for his usage. God builds families, lives that are formed together constructed for one purpose. His purpose. There is NO GREATER joy or comfort than to know God has a greater purpose for our lives and means to use us in any and all ways for his glory!
Consider why in verse 4 and 5 it refers to "sons as a arrow in the hand of a warrior" a tool that is of great importance for serving in the Army of God. Then "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full", a quiver is a basket or bundle holder which stores the spar arrows. As if to mean that a man needs many arrows for the task that is expected of him. If a man is blessed when his quiver is full, then how many arrows does it take to have a full quiver?
Does 1 qualify as a full quiver, probably not since one is singular. Which clearly the verse is meaning arrows in the plural sense. So if sons are like arrows in the hand of a warrior, what about daughters? I know that the idea of having more than 2 0r 3 children seems too much in todays mindset. But if we are believers called to a higher purpose, than we should follow God's lead NO MATTER the cost.
I know several families who have contemplated this exact issue. The final conclusion was to follow God in whatever size family he has designed for them. This decision is difficult if you do not know how God will provide the means to help care for and provide for your family. That is where faith w/out fear comes in to play.
This week I read Mathew 6 to my children. Concerning worrying about what we will wear or eat. God cares for the birds w/ out the birds sowing or reaping. Then about the flowers that are clothed by God, they don't toil or spin. Yet even King Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed as fine as the flowers of the field. Yet we have so little faith. What are we suppose to be concerned about? What are we to be seeking? Things that will not last or fade away? NO. We are to , Mathew 6: 33 " Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you."
Realizing that what is the most important thing to be chasing after is God's kingdom and his righteousness. Not the shallow material things we think are worthy of our time and effort. It is Mathew 6 :19-21 "Do not store for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Have you ever had anything stolen? How do you feel when you realize someone consider an item of yours worth something enough for them that they had to take it from you to have. Possessions no mater the item are not eternal. Things are not eternal, but a person can be. Sometimes we hold our valuables to close, and our relationships we throw away. We should be holding people close as in relationships or restoring relationships. A person has far more value to God than any possession.
My children learned this week that Jesus died on the cross for them (my sons are 6 & 4). It is so precious and touching to see their innocent understanding that Jesus bled for them. B/c of their sins Jesus died on the cross. A sacrifice that we do not deserve. It is really awing to witness little "arrows" sharpening before your eyes.
After all did Jesus count the cost when he died on the cross for us? He fulfilled his purpose to His Father by surrendering his life completely. I am convinced that If God is calling me to follow w/out fear and give my life unselfishly then so be it. I am more than delighted to obey even if it makes me and my family different from those around us. There is a higher price to pay if obedience is ignored.
My husband likes to say, "Obedience is Life". He couldn't be more correct. Obedience to God is Eternal Life. Are you obey God completely? Do you have Eternal Life? Ask me how and I will gladly point you in the right direction. Pointing you towards Heaven, that is.
Lets look at one of my favorites; Psalms 127
1Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves. 3Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
There is a comfort in knowing the LORD is in the construction business. Not so much like the constructors of today. He just doesn't build buildings and houses. But great vessels for his usage. God builds families, lives that are formed together constructed for one purpose. His purpose. There is NO GREATER joy or comfort than to know God has a greater purpose for our lives and means to use us in any and all ways for his glory!
Consider why in verse 4 and 5 it refers to "sons as a arrow in the hand of a warrior" a tool that is of great importance for serving in the Army of God. Then "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full", a quiver is a basket or bundle holder which stores the spar arrows. As if to mean that a man needs many arrows for the task that is expected of him. If a man is blessed when his quiver is full, then how many arrows does it take to have a full quiver?
Does 1 qualify as a full quiver, probably not since one is singular. Which clearly the verse is meaning arrows in the plural sense. So if sons are like arrows in the hand of a warrior, what about daughters? I know that the idea of having more than 2 0r 3 children seems too much in todays mindset. But if we are believers called to a higher purpose, than we should follow God's lead NO MATTER the cost.
I know several families who have contemplated this exact issue. The final conclusion was to follow God in whatever size family he has designed for them. This decision is difficult if you do not know how God will provide the means to help care for and provide for your family. That is where faith w/out fear comes in to play.
This week I read Mathew 6 to my children. Concerning worrying about what we will wear or eat. God cares for the birds w/ out the birds sowing or reaping. Then about the flowers that are clothed by God, they don't toil or spin. Yet even King Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed as fine as the flowers of the field. Yet we have so little faith. What are we suppose to be concerned about? What are we to be seeking? Things that will not last or fade away? NO. We are to , Mathew 6: 33 " Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you."
Realizing that what is the most important thing to be chasing after is God's kingdom and his righteousness. Not the shallow material things we think are worthy of our time and effort. It is Mathew 6 :19-21 "Do not store for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Have you ever had anything stolen? How do you feel when you realize someone consider an item of yours worth something enough for them that they had to take it from you to have. Possessions no mater the item are not eternal. Things are not eternal, but a person can be. Sometimes we hold our valuables to close, and our relationships we throw away. We should be holding people close as in relationships or restoring relationships. A person has far more value to God than any possession.
My children learned this week that Jesus died on the cross for them (my sons are 6 & 4). It is so precious and touching to see their innocent understanding that Jesus bled for them. B/c of their sins Jesus died on the cross. A sacrifice that we do not deserve. It is really awing to witness little "arrows" sharpening before your eyes.
After all did Jesus count the cost when he died on the cross for us? He fulfilled his purpose to His Father by surrendering his life completely. I am convinced that If God is calling me to follow w/out fear and give my life unselfishly then so be it. I am more than delighted to obey even if it makes me and my family different from those around us. There is a higher price to pay if obedience is ignored.
My husband likes to say, "Obedience is Life". He couldn't be more correct. Obedience to God is Eternal Life. Are you obey God completely? Do you have Eternal Life? Ask me how and I will gladly point you in the right direction. Pointing you towards Heaven, that is.
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