My God-Given Mandate for 2013

Bloom where you're planted.

 

Just as Paul encouraged and charged Timothy, his words resonate in my heart today.

These words are for me.

These few verses make me alert, aware, and increase my hunger to KNOW God and to DO His will no matter what comes my way.

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

2 Timothy 4:1-5

Even though I am not a world evangelist, traveling the globe and preaching from a platform, I am called to preach the gospel.

I am called to share my testimony, to love those around me in word and deed, to lift the name of Jesus higher and to bless my family.

May God make it very clear to you what His will is for you in 2013.

We have been given a new year, full of new mercies! Each day is a new beginning in Christ.

 

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

Be encouraged today and hope in God!

Happy New Year and God bless,

Overwhelmed By Love

I just had the honor and joy of praying with my husband before he set off for work. Before the sun rose in the sky today, the Son rose in our hearts and took His place on the throne of our lives.
 
My heart is overwhelmed by the love of my great God and of my dear husband.

 
 

God's gift to me - a family.

 

 
What did I do to deserve any of this? God 's love and forgiveness... my husband's loyalty, care and kindness? Nothing at all.
 
 

 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

 

 
Today I am thankful for the cross and all the promises that are true in Christ!

God's little blessings enjoying the leaves.

 

As we enter this season of thanksgiving and celebrating our King Jesus' first coming, may our hearts be captured with love!

 
In His Great Grace,
 


 
 

Thank you Hannah of Crackjack-Art Photography for the family photo session. We love you and your amazing talent. We had lots of fun!

 

Grace Under Cover

"Grace is God's empowerment to do what we are called to do. When we are properly aligned under the leadership God has placed in our lives, grace flows freely."

- Banning Liebscher

As I think on unity and spiritual covering and the blessing that flows from them, I can't help but think about my husband.

Me and my love (and our little girl) ~ Oct. 2011

Our last devotional session of Good Morning Girls was on the book of Ephesians. Certain verses come to mind when I think of being under the protective covering of my husband:

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be subject to their own husbands in everything." Ephesians 5:22-24

There is blessing in being aligned properly - according to God's Word. Our husbands are the head of our home and we are told to follow their lead in everything! (as long as it honors God and doesn't break His commands) I am not to only listen to and submit to my hubby when I feel he is right, or when I like his decisions and requests, but always. This commands blessing and grace on my life!

The book Spiritual Java is so encouraging! Here are a few more results of God's grace under the cover of proper authority in our lives (from the aforementioned book):

• God accelerates us towards our destiny (1 Peter 5:5)

• God grants us wisdom - we can learn from the experience of those who are in authority above us, whether our husbands, spiritual leaders, or mentors.

• God provides protection - we are truely under cover (like a big umbrella protecting us in a rainstorm) when we are under His great grace!

• God gives us a strong identity. "Knowing who you are in God produces security, and that security produces confidence." - Banning Liebscher

You are free to be who God created you to be, under the cover of spiritual authority!

So many blessings are sure to follow us as we follow those in authority in our lives. As a married woman that first person is my husband.


I would encourage you, and myself, to pray for our husbands as often as we can. They need our love, support, acceptance, encouragement and submissive hearts if they are to lead our families successfully.


May God bless you and pour His great grace on you today!

Much love,




PS - Don't miss out! The next session of Good Morning Girls begins May 14th! We will be studying the book of Proverbs 31 this summer. It's a great opportunity to be encouraged and challenged to grow in the Word and in our role as wives, mothers and keepers of the home. Read all the details here!

If you are interested in joining a group, please let me know and I can add you to our Women of the Word GMG Group on Facebook! Blessings!

I'm linked up with:

 

Beauty That Never Fades {Thoughtful Momma Monday}

Thoughtful Momma Monday

photo credit

I am participating in the Gentleness Challenge over at Courtney's blog, and have been thinking on gentleness throughout each day... the verse that comes to my mind first is:

Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.  1 Peter 3:3-4

A gentle and quiet spirit does not come naturally to me... it's something I have to ask God to help me with.

I need help to:

• Bite my tongue - I don't have all the answers.
• Slow down - My hands reflect my heart, especially with my children. Whether it's when brushing my daughter's hair or dressing my son for the day I need to be soft and easy with my hands - imparting peace and love.
• Listen - not just hear the words that someone is telling me, but truly listen to them - with my eyes, ears and heart.
• Sit still - in God's presence. It's a busy life we lead. Family to care for, friends to visit with, and a "To Do" list that's ever-growing. My Jesus desires my attention and affection. I need to sit still.

My heart wants all these things but I know it's impossible outside of God's grace.

I choose to daily ask for help from the One who made me and knows me, even better than I know myself.

ALL things are possible! I'm excited for a new season of growth in my life. Thank you, Lord!!!


Have a wonderfully, blessed week,

 

You can read more about the Gentleness Challenge here:

 

Happy Birthday Deanna!

Friends are like flowers in the garden of life.

Beginning with a seed of trust,

Nurtured with laughter and tears,

Growing into loyalty and love.

~Author Unknown~

Today is the birthday of a dear friend. She is walking into the last year of her 20's and she has so much to look forward to (I can say that since I'm over half way through year 29, right?  :o).

Only 9 years ago, when she began her 20's, we met as roommates at Bible college. We were both new to the campus and were grateful for a smiling face and fast friend as a roommate. That night we celebrated her birthday with homemade chicken fajitas. We have a common love for Tex-Mex so it was a hit!

We began a journey of a lifetime that year - we began to understand more who we were created to be and what God had in store for our futures. Studying at Christ for the Nations Institute was a blessing to us both. I remember asking her, "So what are your plans for the future?". She replied that she was going to stay a semester or two to get a firm foundation of God's Word, etc. and then go back to college and finish her degree. I though, "We'll see about that!." Two years later we graduated from CFNI together!

She went on to marry the man of her dreams the spring after graduation and I transferred and finished my degree. A couple of years later she helped coordinate my wedding as I married my sweetheart! (we met both of our hubbies at Bible school, and we weren't even looking! :o)


We were both pregnant with our girls at the same time and our lives have crossed paths over the years as she and her family have moved across the country and back.

Our girls - best little buds.

Sweet as sugar!

I'm HAPPY to say that she now lives twenty minutes down the road and I get to see her often! I'm so excited to celebrate the arrival of her baby boy in a couple of months! What a blessing to stay connected to sisters in the Lord and friends who are going through similar seasons of life (we have a network of roommates who keep in touch - love it!).

     

Auntie D with my daughter, while pregnant with her girl... and 2 years later holding my son!

As friends we get to listen to one another's hearts and as believers we can stand in the gap for each other and encourage one another. Proverbs 27:17 is true in this relationship - we get to sharpen one another, as iron sharpens iron... especially when it comes to being godly mothers and wives!

I pray that you, dear reader, are as blessed as I am to have a good girl friend or two who you can walk through life with, whether they live near or far away. It helps to have someone you can call on for prayer or just to laugh or cry with (or both at the same time!).

You can always count on me to make us laugh and smile our "real" smiles :o)

Today is YOUR day, dear Deanna. I pray it is a blessed one and that this year holds abundant blessings for you and your family. May your Blessed Warrior arrive in his perfect timing and may your labor and delivery be all that you hope for!


You are a gem of a friend and I'm so thankful we were thrown together as roommates 9 years ago. God knew what He was doing! You "sharpen" me in many ways. I look forward to learning more from you and growing together with you in the years to come!


Much love,


PS - Told you they were lovely pictures!

Worshipping the Lord at Home! {Thoughtful Momma Monday}

Thoughtful Momma Monday

Are you tired, stressed, sick, or depressed? Is it difficult to speak kindly to your spouse or kids because of negativity in your heart? I've been there before, and am not exempt from those thoughts and feelings again. One thing I've found that turns things around is lifting HIGH the name of JESUS! 

Our dancing girl, worshipping JESUS!

July 2011

Turn on some praise music and worship the Lord! He alone can give you the strength, health and peace that you need!

"I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise
to my God while I have my being."

Psalm 104:33

I remember at my home when I was young, my mother has music going constantly - kids praise as well as worship songs (mostly on cassette, but sometimes on vinyl  :o). My sister and I would sing and dance along to the music. It created an atmosphere of joy and peace. That's what I want for my family as well!

Having some musical instruments, ribbon on a dowel rod, or a tutu for little girls to wear are extras that add another dimension of fun! My daughter hears a worship song she likes and asks for her tutu! She is ready to worship the Lord and wants to dress up for the occasion!

Mo with her "glory ring" from Grammy ~ December 2012

"Let them praise His name with the dance;

Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp."

Psalm 149:3

In the New Year I desire to LIFT my eyes to the Lord more often than not. I don't want to waste time moping about or feeling discouraged. My heart WILL delight in the Lord and I WILL rejoice in the joy of my salvation!

"I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me."

Psalm 13:6

I hope you are encouraged to turn up the music and worship with your kids.


Blessings,




I'm participating in The Gentleness Challenge over at Women Living Well. If you are a mother, I would encourage you to stop by Courtney's blog and read more about it. I will grab ahold of the opportunity and encouragement to be more gentle with my children. And I know that God will help me as I rely on His strength!

Longing to Linger - GMG

I feel the pressure. I feel pulled in all directions.

I feel the holidays coming.

Why is it that the time of year when family should rest with one another and relax has become the busiest, most stressful time of year?

Finances get tight and tempers get short. We lash out at those we love most.

I pray for PEACE this Thanksgiving and Christmas - PEACE and JOY for my family and for yours.

I hope that we would take time to reflect on the reason for these holidays and not get sweep away by materialism, as every commercial on TV screams that we should.

My heart is feeling the pressure to do and be more, yet I long to linger. Linger with my children over a puzzle, linger with my husband over a cup of coffee, linger in the WORD and let Christ fill me!

I'm so thankful for my Good Morning Girls group - without them I wouldn't be as encouraged to read the Word each day.

My morning time in the Word seems to be cut shorter each day with interruptions - that's life. Yet when I pick up where I left off, later in the day, I'm so blessed by what I read.

Ready to linger...

Today, the sweet gift of the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me...

1 John 4:13
"By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit."


And a few days ago, the reminder of the gift of the Son blessed my heart anew...

1 John 4:9-10
"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

All for love, God SENT His only Son.

All for love, Christ CAME.

All for love, God SENT His Spirit!

Thank you, Lord for coming to this world - for loving a people who didn't know you. Thank you for loving me and for giving me the greatest gift... yourself.


Have a blessed week,

I'm linked up with the lovely ladies at:

Thank you, Angela, for showcasing our GMG group today!

We ladies are blessed to have one another and to be able to connect daily.

Clearing Out The Clutter - Making Way For Love!

This weekend my handsome husband and I ATTACKED our house. He has every other Saturday completely off work and we like to head to Six Flags to put our season passes to work or take the kids to the park, but this weekend was different. We worked as a team to accomplish some much needed work around our house!

I really wish I would have taken some before and after pics... a guess I could still take the after ones... hmmm. Anyways - my laundry room was a disaster! I was almost avoiding doing laundry for all the CLUTTER, dust, and junk in the way.

I can dream, can't I?

Then we found that in order to really clean things out and put things were they belong (tools, paint, totes of more stuff, etc), we needed to clean up our storage shed next to the house. One ugly mess led us to another... but by the end of the day we were so happy to see that our hard work paid off!

Now I can walk right in to my laundry room and wash our clothes! I can find what I'm looking for! And I'm not afraid that my crawling son will get into something that will hurt him. There is more light, more space, more freedom without all the clutter. Many sources of stress are now gone, and peace prevails!!!

All this clearing out of clutter made me think about the clutter that builds up in our minds and hearts, if we let it. This clutter takes the shape of negative thoughts, regret, guilt, shame, fear, bitterness, hatred and the list goes on. Sometimes we have this kind of clutter without realizing it.

As believers, God's Spirit is living in us. His precious Spirit is here. We want a pure heart, a clean vessel for the Spirit of God to dwell in and work through. I know that sanctification is a process... this is part of that process. I'm finding that I need to ask God to shine His light on my heart, even on the unseen things. That He would bring to light those things that don't please Him. The dead, stinky things.


The Word of God tells us this:

He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings the shadow of death to light.

Job 12:22

My Bible reading accountability group (Good Morning Girls) is reading the book of 1 John.
Just last week the portion of scripture that stood out most to me, especially as it pertains to clearing the clutter, is 1 John 3:13-15. It reads:

Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murdered, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

1 John 3:13-15

We are to love others, forgiving them and freeing them. Love is the result of new birth! But learning to love and forgive is a process.

God has done so much in my own life. He has helped me to forgive others who have hurt me and to even forgive myself. Yet as God's Word and His Spirit bring to light any darkness that remains, I hope to stay vigilant to repent and love. God WILL complete the good work He has begun in me, and in YOU!


May God bring peace to your heart and life as you clear the clutter with His help!

Blessings,

I'm linked up with the lovely ladies at:

 

From Where I Sit - Blog Bash 2011

My girl and me, a month ago...

This chair is comfortable, yet lumpy. It belonged to my husband even before I did  :o)

This is my overstuffed recliner, my front row seat to the blogging world.

I love it and hate it at the same time... It's a mellow tan color, cozy enough, yet I have to put two puffy pillows behind me for some sort of back support.

Moriah ~ January 2009      

 

    

Josiah ~ November 2010

I've nursed two babies here, enjoyed our Sunday fellowship meetings here, rocked sick children through the night and dozed off more than once (not during church, lol).

At first glance, I didn't like the chair... it looked old, worn out.

But now it's a good friend. We've been through thick and thin together.

And who knows what the future holds!

Moriah "nursing" her baby

This is where I sit and type - my heart's desire is to be a voice, make an impact, be a light. I hope to encourage and inspire and challenge others. I may not do all of that, especially not all at once, but I hope to do some of it each day. Even if it's only to my husband, and my children. I get to cheer them on, applaud their efforts, care for them and impact their lives.

I'm not just another mom who needs a creative outlet, so I blog. I am Moriah and Josiah's mom who IS creative and enjoys to share ideas, recipes, and

encouraging words with others.

Sweet feet

I'm so thankful for Courtney at Women Living Well. She sets an example to follow - to pursue Christ, be in the Word daily and live a life that pleases God and spurs others to know Him more.

So there's a little about me and my trusty chair. I look forward to sharing more with you as time and life allow.

Blessings,

I'm blessed to get to participate in Blog Bash 2011!

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Lighthouse: The Word of God

"I'm Scuppers the Sailor Dog--

I can sail in a gale

right over a whale

under full sail

in a fog."

The Sailor Dog is now a favorite storybook in our home, thanks to my mother who introduced it to us on our last visit to Oregon. We got to bring home a copy and it makes a great bedtime story - it is so endearing!

As I was reading it to a sleepy-eyed darling a couple of nights ago, something caught my attention. On the last page there was a picture of Scuppers in his little boat and ahead of him, high on some rocks, was a lighthouse. It was then I began comparing the Bible to a lighthouse.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"

Psalm 119:105

When our world is shaken, when darkness surrounds us and life is stormy there is a light that will not fail us. It is the precious word of God. It is the only truth in this fallen world - it is steadfast because the author is steadfast.

"The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand."

Psalm 119:130

Art by Jill: Lighthouse at Night

Lighthouses were built to help sailors see through the thick fog and storms and be aware of rocks so they wouldn't crash! They were also build to aid in navigation. They were placed high enough to be seen by the mariner before danger was reached. (Wikepedia)

God's word lights our way so that we know where to walk, but it also shines light on sin so we see it for what it is and we don't crash into it and die! Even so, it's our responsibility to open that word and read it. It won't do us any good sitting on our bookshelf gathering dust.

His word is to be the final authority in our lives and will daily aid us in navigating the waters of life if we allow it to!

For a long time I tried to dig into God's word daily yet it was such a struggle and I felt like I was failing my King and my family. I am so thankful for the chance to join many other women on a journey through 1 John this fall. This study is hosted by Courtney and Angela at Good Morning Girls.org. I am encouraged and held accountable to read the word and then have the opportunity to share what I'm learning with friends!


***You can do this as well! Find a friend or two to walk through a book of scripture together. A verse or two each day is enough to meditate on. There is such joy in learning God's word with others!***


May you (and I) hunger for more of God's word - His true and precious promises!


Blessings,

I'm linked up with:



His Great Name

Good Morning Girls!!!

Four of our fourteen GMG ladies!
We had a wonderful lunch and visit last week.
Me, Deanna (due in March!), Dawn & Barbara (due in Dec with a boy!)

(My son looks like he is trying to escape for his life... lol)

Beautiful Alanah

My girl enjoying the sandbox

My boy - getting so big!

Maddie - such a sweetie!

Paired up :o)

I am a part of a LARGE group of ladies (Good Morning Girls) who are walking through the book of 1 John this fall. Every Wednesday I hope to write a little something about what I'm learning from my time in the Word of God. We are on week 4 of the study and I'm enjoying it so much!

These are some tidbits of encouragement that I have taken away over the past couple of weeks:

• Just as the author John did, I am to speak what I have seen Christ do in my life. (1 Jn. 1:2) Courtney's challenge to our GMG group on week one was to share our testimony with others. Here is mine.

• This life is about fellowship! Fellowship with Christ and with others. (1 Jn. 1:3) I was placed in my family, my neighborhood, my circle of friends to participate and contribute. Each of us has talents and gifts that would be missing if we didn't share them with others.

• I get to be light to those around me! (1 Jn. 1:6-7) Not only are we, as believers, to follow Christ but to BE Christ to others - His hands, His feet, His arms of love...

• Continually confess my sins, so that I can be forgiven by God - He is faithful!!! (1 Jn. 1:9)

• Love God by keeping His commands, keeping His commands shows that I truly love Him! It's a win-win situation  :o) (1 Jn. 2:5)

• I am to forgive others freely and quickly. If I hate my brother, I walk in darkness. (1 Jn. 2:9-10)

Overall... I'm learning A LOT! Most of these truth I have learned before, but am so thankful for the reminders! And, learning alongside my dear friends is priceless! I so enjoy reading different insights and questions that come from my GMG group.

This week I'm stuck on 1 John 2:12:

"I'm writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name."

HIS NAME!!! JESUS - the Lamb who was slain. He is the Perfect One, God's only Son! There is power in His name. There is no sin tied to His name - He is spotless!

May you rest and find strength in the name of Jesus this week.

Blessings

Here is a song that came to mind during my time in the Word on Monday. Let's lift up the name of Jesus together! Natalie Grant sings Your Great Name - lyrics are below.

 

Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of your great name

All condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of your great name

Every fear; has no place; at the sound of your great name

The enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of your great name

Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man

You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise your great name

All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of your great name

Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of your great name

The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of your great name

Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of your great name

I'm linked up with: