Exciting News!

Just wanted to share some encouraging and exciting news with all of my sweet sisters of faith. A couple of weeks ago I found out that I am expecting another wonderful blessing. Of course I am thrilled. Not focusing on the past but wholly leaning and trusting in the Lord. I am currently feeling all the nausea and morning sickness feelings which is normal or par for me. We told the children right off and they were pretty happy. Our due date is April 29, 2010. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Not knowing what the future holds means Faith is all the more important. I think sometimes Faith is underestimated. I like to think about the example of faith from the Bible to encourage my faith as well.

For instance, Abraham had great Faith to leave his country and family and move long distance away with only his wife and nephew. Then when God told him how plentiful his descendants would be and yet he and Sarah had not one son yet. Finally when Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his son Issac, he Faithfully started to obey. Until God called out and prevented Abraham and spared Issac's life for the ram instead. (The story of Abram/ Abraham are found in Genesis 11 towards the end and through Genesis 22.)

I ask my self these rhetorical questions. Could I be willing to move a long distance away with only my immediate family to a country where I know no one? Then could I faithfully obey God to the point where it may cost me the most precious life of my child? I would hope my answers would be Yes. Faith usually asks the most of us b/c by sheer obedience to God we become stronger in our Faith. Thus Faith becomes easier to have or to use in every situation.

I also think about Peter and his faith. I know Peter gets a bad wrap b/c he had so many situations where faith wasn't his strong suit early one. Of course who could forget the walking on the water example. Brave enough to ask Jesus to allow him to go to him out on the water yet foolish enough to allow the wind and waves and his fear to loose his focus on Jesus and begin to sink.
Matthew 14:30-31 But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"" Yet at the end Peter seemed to exude as a purely Faithful follower and servant to the King!
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Just some thoughts on Faith. I hope they are encouraging to you as I have found them to be to me.

Praying that your faith continues to grow and strengthen. Just as God continues to give opportunities to show and share our Faith.

Choosing Joy.

Have you ever realized when you really need to hear a message from God he usually doesn't disappoint. About a week ago God revealed his truth to me through my nightly devotional with my children.

I had a really tough day and was glad it was almost over. I sat down to read the nightly devotional to my children when God revealed a message to me. The title of the devotional was "Be Happy Hearted". The verse was Proverbs 17:22 A happy heart is like good medicine. But a broken spirit drains your strength." I was stunned. I actually realized that it wasn't just that day but for many months I have felt "Unhappy" or having the lack of "JOY" in my life. I had been dealing with a lot of things and not really dealing with but allowing them to affect my spirit and attitude. I wasn't allowing the Joy of the Lord to be my strength. Rather my spirit was breaking or broken and my strength was being drained. Immediately I got the message. I thanked the Lord for showing me that although life has it's difficulties, choosing to be Happy in the midst of trials is a reflection of HIS spirit inside of me.

So for future reference I am going to choose Joy. I know it seems bleak at times with as many trials and difficulties we face daily. Just knowing though, that when this life is over if we have lived a life of choosing Joy then we will have something wonderful to look forward to. Just knowing Jesus loves me and is always near gives me peace and hope to help me endure whatever trail or situation I encounter.

As a side note, I have to mention the Veggie Tale story that fits with this passage also. Madame Blueberry has a house in a tree. One day the Stuff Mart sets up a store just down the path from her house. She is not a very "happy" Blueberry b/c all of her friends have nicer things than she. So she sets out with her two helpers, Bob and Larry to visit the Stuff Mart. Immediately she discovers all sorts of items her friends have that she just has to have herself. She proceeds to get the stuff and have it delivered by the french peas. On two separate occasions she is confronted with the idea of having a happy heart. Unfortunately Madame Blueberry learns a little too late about having a happy heart. Sadly her house ends up a pile of smashed sticks. But Madame Blueberry finally understands that happiness is having a happy heart and is more important than having things.

Having a Happy Heart is a choice. It is being content and thankful to God for all he has given and all he will give. Knowing that it is not what we possess physically that is important, but rather what we possess spiritually is what is important.