Whew! A lot of killing, and land disbursements. There are some awesome key verses throughout the storyline that really hit me. Some are pretty well known, Deut 29:29 (The secret things belong to God, but the things that He has revealed to us belong to us and to our children), Joshua 24:15 (Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve...as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord) or Joshua 5:13-15 (And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so).
One that I hadn't noticed before that was a wow moment for me was Joshua 5:9, 'And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Sounds a bit familiar!! Matt 28:2 'And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it.' When Jesus came out of that tomb, when the stone was rolled away, He removed the reproach of sin and the world from all who would believe. I just love seeing the shadows of Jesus in the OT. ~*~
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Days 8-14
Whew! Sorry guys, its been a tough week! School tests, etc etc. Anyway, I'm all caught up again, and am looking forward to moving out of the law books! It definitely hit home how impossible it is to keep the law, and to please God without Jesus. I'm so thankful that He has saved me! Sorry this is short, but just wanted to let you guys know I'm still here, and still in it with ya!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Days 5-7
Well, exodus was quite a beating! lol So many laws and rules, about everything! Sorry I haven't been writing much, have been taking college exams and studying, etc. I have been doing the readings though. I don't really have a lot to say about the past few readings, other than a few key verses of interest to me. Way back in chapter 16:1, the wilderness they traveled through was actually named the Wilderness of Sin, and gave its location. I had previously thought that was just a metaphorical name, but it was really what it was called, as well as being prophetic (sinning in the wilderness). The water from the rock at Horeb in 17:6 is cool. A man named Ron Wyatt and his team claimed to have discovered the entire area of Mt. Sinai and several of the areas, including the rock the water came out of. From what I've read, I believe he was right on in his geography. You can check it out at http://wyattmuseum.com/mount-sinai-09.htm...that's specifically the link to the Horeb rock, but look around the site. The top of the mountain he says is Mt. Sinai from following literal Biblical directions is still scorched at the top, just like it would be according to Ex. 19:18-20. Pretty cool! Also really neat was 23:20-23...talking about the Angel of the Lord. Of course, this is a pre-human Jesus, and its pretty powerful that we have the same promise as what God says in this scripture, vs 22 'But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.' Lastly, I absolutely loved 33:11, ' And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.' Wow. And someday, in Heaven we will have that. Makes me think of that song by Mercy Me, I can only Imagine.
"I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!
I can only imagine.
I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
B90 Day 5 Exodus..a type of Revelation
As I began reading Exodus, I immediately thought of Revelation. Must seem like a bit of a jump, going from the start to the finish, but think about it. Plagues, God's redemption...could it be a foretelling of the Revelation of John, and a key to understanding end time prophecy? I wouldn't be surprised. Every time I read through the story, I think to myself, oooh, I want to really look into that! Of course, since we are reading and not delving into study, I can't do that now. But, I did a quick search and I found a book by someone who did do a study on it! And yes, I'm ordering the book, lol. But just off the top of my head, lets look at some quick parallelisms:
When you think about it, Noah could also be an even earlier picture that fits the pattern:
Well, we know God likes the number 3! He's the same yesterday, today, and forever! Yep, I'm definitely going to have to come back to this one! :)
| EXODUS | REVELATION |
| Moses saved from death as a baby | Jesus saved from death as a baby |
| Spent time in Egypt as a child | Spent time in Egypt as a child |
| Man chosen to redeem Israel from Egypt | Man/God redeemed all who believe in Him |
| Plagues | Plagues |
| Lead to Mt. Sinai | New Jerusalem on Mt. Zion |
When you think about it, Noah could also be an even earlier picture that fits the pattern:
| FLOOD | EXODUS | REVELATION |
| Noah | Moses | Jesus |
| Redeem Family | Redeem Israel | Redeem all believers |
| Flood | Plagues | Plagues |
| Mt. Ararat | Mt. Sinai | Mt. Zion |
Well, we know God likes the number 3! He's the same yesterday, today, and forever! Yep, I'm definitely going to have to come back to this one! :)
B90 Days 3-4
Such interesting lives the people of Genesis had! Of course, I know its just the highlights, but even so. Makes me wonder what the highlights of my life might be. Or more importantly, the 'lowlights.' Throughout Joseph's hard times, he never stopped giving God the praise, never stopped trusting in Him. And it says that he and the house for which he worked was blessed, whether Potiphar's house, the Guard at the prison, or Pharaoh, because God was with him.
As Christians, we have God with us, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the knowledge of His Son Jesus and the salvation that He provided. In the lowlights of my life, do I give the God of Israel, my Savior, all the glory and trust in Him fully? Or do I concentrate on the circumstances? If you'd asked me this a few days ago, I would have said, oh yes, I absolutely trust in Him and glorify Him in the hard times as well as the good. With eyes open, spiritual scales removed, I can see now that has not always been the case. Oh, if you'd have asked me, I'd have said the right things. But if you'd looked in my heart, you would have seen me feeling sorry for myself, focusing on the situation or the negative feelings, blaming others, even blaming God. Praise the Name of Jesus that He reveals the truth, over and over. Praise His Name that He is patient, loving His children wherever they are on their personal pilgrim's progress. Keep scraping the ugly out of me Father. Make me into the creation You want me to be.
The lowlights of Joseph's life are highlights because of his response to God in them. That's what God wants for my life, for everyone's life. Forgive me Father, and make my heart clean, that the lowlights and the highlights of my life shine the Light of Jesus. Let me live beyond circumstances, good or bad, praising You, filled with Your Love. Let my cup run over that I might share that Love with those around me, that believers and unbelievers alike would proclaim praise to You.
As Christians, we have God with us, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the knowledge of His Son Jesus and the salvation that He provided. In the lowlights of my life, do I give the God of Israel, my Savior, all the glory and trust in Him fully? Or do I concentrate on the circumstances? If you'd asked me this a few days ago, I would have said, oh yes, I absolutely trust in Him and glorify Him in the hard times as well as the good. With eyes open, spiritual scales removed, I can see now that has not always been the case. Oh, if you'd have asked me, I'd have said the right things. But if you'd looked in my heart, you would have seen me feeling sorry for myself, focusing on the situation or the negative feelings, blaming others, even blaming God. Praise the Name of Jesus that He reveals the truth, over and over. Praise His Name that He is patient, loving His children wherever they are on their personal pilgrim's progress. Keep scraping the ugly out of me Father. Make me into the creation You want me to be.
The lowlights of Joseph's life are highlights because of his response to God in them. That's what God wants for my life, for everyone's life. Forgive me Father, and make my heart clean, that the lowlights and the highlights of my life shine the Light of Jesus. Let me live beyond circumstances, good or bad, praising You, filled with Your Love. Let my cup run over that I might share that Love with those around me, that believers and unbelievers alike would proclaim praise to You.
Psalm 51:1-17
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Day 2 of B90
Some of my favorite stories are in Genesis, so I'm really having a blast! After finishing Abraham's story, Isaac & Rebekah, and Jacob, Leah, & Rachel's is well underway, I guess the overall theme for me on this is that God is in control, that He has plans for His people, even in the specifics of who their spouse would be. One of the scriptures from today's reading that struck me was what Abraham said to Isaac when going up to perform the sacrifice. Gen 22:7-8 'And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father...behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?' vs 8 'And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering...'. God will provide himself...which is exactly what this story foretells. God provided Himself, in His only begotten son Jesus, as the Lamb, for the ultimate sacrifice. Now, I know that this is KJV speech, and what is really being said is that God will provide...as in verse 14, Jehovah Jireh, God provides. But, when I looked up Jehovah Jireh in the Strong's, it says:
| Definition | |
Jehovah-jireh = "Jehovah sees"
|
Provided a substitute. Just what Jesus did for us, provided the ultimate substitute for what our sins deserve. So, since I also believe what 2 Timothy 3:16 says, 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,' I have to say when I saw the words 'God will provide himself a lamb' the Spirit within me shouted 'YES HE DID!!!' Praise be to the Father for His Ultimate Love!
Thank you Jesus, for providing Yourself as a Lamb in my place, for taking upon Your Perfect Self my sins, dying when it should have been me. And thank You for rising again, the Work complete, that I may live with You for eternity...that I may see all things fully, and be with the loved ones that went on before me. It's Amazing Grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Thank you Jesus, for providing Yourself as a Lamb in my place, for taking upon Your Perfect Self my sins, dying when it should have been me. And thank You for rising again, the Work complete, that I may live with You for eternity...that I may see all things fully, and be with the loved ones that went on before me. It's Amazing Grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 1 of B90!
Read today's chapters this morning while the kids ate breakfast, and waiting for the bus to come for Jordan. Great truths about Creation, the Flood, and just beginning to get into the story of Abraham and Sarah, one of my favorite stories. Something I thought was pretty powerful was in Gen 15:8-21. In the custom of the time, some covenants were made by splitting a sacrificial animal in half and walking through it (also in Jeremiah 34:18). Typically, this was carried out by both parties making the covenant. In the covenant God made with Abraham, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp, representing God, passed through the pieces. Abraham did not. This is significant, because this covenant is essentially God making a promise to Abraham. He is the one who binds Himself. Also, I didn't remember that God had also told Abram(Abraham) about the 400 years of affliction and bondage his descendants would experience in Egypt, culminating in the Exodus (Gen 15:13-14). So very awesome reading! I'm praying that my reading partners have a great day and enjoy their readings today! ~*~
Thursday, September 30, 2010
My Eight Questions...
Saw this posted on my new friend Cyndi's blog, and thought I'd throw in my 8 cents as well. Some of these were difficult to answer, but did the best I could! ~*~
My Eight Questions...
1. What is your favorite Bible verse? How did it become your favorite? (If you don’t have a single favorite, please share one of your faves.) There are so many, but one that was my prayer for so long, but now its my praise of what God has done in my life: Psalm 113:9 " He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD."
2. What is currently on your nightstand? I dump my heart and brain on my nightstand... what's on yours??
Lets see, a bottle of water, a box of napkins, and one of Roman's 'guys.'
3. What place have you not traveled to but would like to? Why? Gosh, so many places! I've always wanted to visit Ireland. Europe would be great too, because one can go to several countries all in one area. Definitely Jerusalem, but not while my children are young. New Zealand, and Belize are supposed to be nice places to visit too.
4. What is your favorite snack? Atkins Chocolate Peanut Butter bar Well, that's my 'healthy' favorite snack. My REAL favorite snack might be chips and salsa, with white cheddar cheese. lol
5. Why motivates you to blog? I've always wanted to blog, but never really got started. With this new challenge of reading the Bible in 90 days, I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to start!
6. Which person from the Bible (besides Jesus) are you most looking forward to meeting? Wow, again so many!! I guess probably Paul. His testimony of being 'the worst of sinners' and his openness, honesty and humility in sharing that he constantly struggled with sin always reminds me that we are all susceptible to temptation and failure, but that Jesus in His loving Grace forgives, cleanses, and redeems us from what our actions deserve.
7. What brings out the best in you... what brings out the worst? When I'm trusting in God to lead me, and I'm following Him, doing what I believe His Word says to do, living for Him in an overflow of what He's done for me, I think that He brings the best out in me at those times. I seem to bring out the worst in myself, when I think I know the best way, when I want to do what's easy instead of right, when I react out of anger instead of love. I feel like Paul as he describes himself in Romans 7:15-25.
Surprisingly, I like the way the Message puts this verse: What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
My Eight Questions...
1. What is your favorite Bible verse? How did it become your favorite? (If you don’t have a single favorite, please share one of your faves.) There are so many, but one that was my prayer for so long, but now its my praise of what God has done in my life: Psalm 113:9 " He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD."
2. What is currently on your nightstand? I dump my heart and brain on my nightstand... what's on yours??
Lets see, a bottle of water, a box of napkins, and one of Roman's 'guys.'
3. What place have you not traveled to but would like to? Why? Gosh, so many places! I've always wanted to visit Ireland. Europe would be great too, because one can go to several countries all in one area. Definitely Jerusalem, but not while my children are young. New Zealand, and Belize are supposed to be nice places to visit too.
4. What is your favorite snack? Atkins Chocolate Peanut Butter bar Well, that's my 'healthy' favorite snack. My REAL favorite snack might be chips and salsa, with white cheddar cheese. lol
5. Why motivates you to blog? I've always wanted to blog, but never really got started. With this new challenge of reading the Bible in 90 days, I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to start!
6. Which person from the Bible (besides Jesus) are you most looking forward to meeting? Wow, again so many!! I guess probably Paul. His testimony of being 'the worst of sinners' and his openness, honesty and humility in sharing that he constantly struggled with sin always reminds me that we are all susceptible to temptation and failure, but that Jesus in His loving Grace forgives, cleanses, and redeems us from what our actions deserve.
7. What brings out the best in you... what brings out the worst? When I'm trusting in God to lead me, and I'm following Him, doing what I believe His Word says to do, living for Him in an overflow of what He's done for me, I think that He brings the best out in me at those times. I seem to bring out the worst in myself, when I think I know the best way, when I want to do what's easy instead of right, when I react out of anger instead of love. I feel like Paul as he describes himself in Romans 7:15-25.
Surprisingly, I like the way the Message puts this verse: What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
8. What characteristic of God are you the most grateful for? His Love. His Love sums up in one word the fullness of all that He has done for us, His grace and mercy, redemption from the grave and hell...to be adopted children of the Living God!Wednesday, September 29, 2010
B90 t-2 days and counting!
"90 days from now, where you do want to be with your spiritual life? Starting yet another New Year's resolution to minister to others, witness for the Lord? Why not start Mon Oct 4 with a new 90 day commitment to sharing the love of Jesus and enter that first week of the New Year having demonstrated His mercy and grace... to others!! Feeling more fulfilled, more loving and humble than last year! Starting the New Year out on a positive note....I know I am...who's with me?.....I'm reaching out in the Name of Jesus (with the enthusiasm I had when He first touched me)...check out and see what ministry opportunities the Lord has for you , right there at your level, or simply stick with one you've already been given. Either way....LETS DO THIS!!!"
Above quoted from Stephenie Campbell
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1267385952#!/L8ibug
Lead of the Spirit, Steph penned this quiet challenge and posted it to her facebook. When I saw it, I thought, what a great post! -and wondered what specifically God might have for me in the the next 90 days, that I might further grow closer to Him. Bible study has been on my mind for some time now, but specifically, what and how? Then another poster (Cyndi) mentioned she had a 'read the Bible in 90 days') book mark, and had been wanting to do that, but not necessarily alone. At the same time, Stephenie and I had separately discovered the very same plan! I love it when God confirms His plans for us! We serve an awesome God!
In addition to reading the Bible in 90 days, I thought it might be a good idea to post my thoughts and feelings throughout this 90 day journey. I may not post every day, but that is okay. I want to focus on my general thoughts about the text, any spiritual insights God might give me, and how I feel overall. I'm praying specifically for Cyndi and Stephi as my accountability partners in this journey, and am thankful that we three are traveling this together. I'm so excited to see where God will lead us! ~*~
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken ~Ecclesiastes 4:12
Above quoted from Stephenie Campbell
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1267385952#!/L8ibug
Lead of the Spirit, Steph penned this quiet challenge and posted it to her facebook. When I saw it, I thought, what a great post! -and wondered what specifically God might have for me in the the next 90 days, that I might further grow closer to Him. Bible study has been on my mind for some time now, but specifically, what and how? Then another poster (Cyndi) mentioned she had a 'read the Bible in 90 days') book mark, and had been wanting to do that, but not necessarily alone. At the same time, Stephenie and I had separately discovered the very same plan! I love it when God confirms His plans for us! We serve an awesome God!
In addition to reading the Bible in 90 days, I thought it might be a good idea to post my thoughts and feelings throughout this 90 day journey. I may not post every day, but that is okay. I want to focus on my general thoughts about the text, any spiritual insights God might give me, and how I feel overall. I'm praying specifically for Cyndi and Stephi as my accountability partners in this journey, and am thankful that we three are traveling this together. I'm so excited to see where God will lead us! ~*~
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken ~Ecclesiastes 4:12
Thanksgiving 2009
I wrote this last year around Thanksgiving. It was one of those moments where I was missing my Mom, and waiting to find out if my Dad was going to have dinner with us, or if there was going to be a family plan. God brought to my mind just a few of the ways He has blessed me, so that I could 'be thankful in all things,' even when missing my Mom.
1Thessalonians 5:18 ~ 'In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.'
~*~
I was sitting here waiting for a phone call regarding Thanksgiving Day, and I began to think about all the ways that God has blessed me, and for how much I have to be thankful. I am warm, fed, safe, and clean, clothed, and my immediate needs are met, but more than that...I am blessed with two sleeping sons, one snoring softly from having a cold (Jordan). It hasn't been that long ago that I would avoid church on Mother's Day, because on that day, and other times, my empty arms felt too heavy to bear. But God had a plan, to give me a hope and a future, to give me the desires of my heart...to make me 'the joyful mother of children.' It may not have come about in the usual ways, but Roman and Jordan are my children still, carried for years in the womb of my soul. Like any mother, I'm terribly thankful when they finally fall asleep at night (lol), but even more thankful when, in the morning, they come to my bed and snuggle with me to wake me up, Jordan kissing me and saying he's hun'ry, while Roman molds his body as close to me as he can, saying 'scooch Mommy,' (which is our weird word for snuggling close) only to fall asleep again while I rub their heads, and draw their faces with my fingers. Finally my alarm will go off and we must leave the warmth of the bed to meet the day, and so out we go to the living room, where Roman grabs one of the blankets and snuggles himself in big green chair. I prepare breakfast, talking with the boys about the day ahead, and we pray together for God to be with each of us. I am so thankful for all those moments, and so many more, so many that I can only hold them in my heart by the Grace of Christ, for He gave me each and every one of them.
And of course how can I not mention the thankfulness I have for my husband? Patient and kind, not self serving, never rude, boastful or proud; although I have many times wronged Brent by my words or actions, he never keeps record. Brent always protects, trusts, and hopes for the best for me and our boys. In his desire to take care of us, he always perserveres. Brent is to me the epitome of 1 Corinthians 13. Tonight he had to go to bed early because he has to get up at 2 am to go to work. And he does it for us. He prays for us, loves us, and leads us in so many quiet ways. Our boys look to him, even when he doesn't realize it, and emulate him in all sorts of ways. I am thankful to have a strong, Christian husband who not only loves me and our children, but has a fierce and unbreakable love for Jesus. It is my honor to be his wife, to lift him in prayer, to love and follow him as he leads our family with a gentle strength not many possess. Before I knew the desire of wanting children, I prayed for a loving, kind husband, who loved God with all of his heart, all of his mind, and all of soul. Jesus gave to me out of His abundance, and answered that prayer more fully than I could understand.
I am thankful for my brother and his family, and for my Dad, and for my Mom. I am thankful that we are all believers in Christ and that we will be together forever someday in Heaven with Jesus. I am thankful for all of Brent's extended family, and I pray for each of them, that they would receive the fullness of God's blessing on their lives and have joy unspeakable, and full of glory. I love them so! I am thankful for the friends God has given me, the special, close bond I share with some of them, knowing that they lift me up in prayer when I need it, and that I do the same for them. What a blessing to be able to go to God in prayer. I am thankful, and give God the glory for all He has given, for all He has done...for all that HE IS.
1Thessalonians 5:18 ~ 'In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.'
~*~
I was sitting here waiting for a phone call regarding Thanksgiving Day, and I began to think about all the ways that God has blessed me, and for how much I have to be thankful. I am warm, fed, safe, and clean, clothed, and my immediate needs are met, but more than that...I am blessed with two sleeping sons, one snoring softly from having a cold (Jordan). It hasn't been that long ago that I would avoid church on Mother's Day, because on that day, and other times, my empty arms felt too heavy to bear. But God had a plan, to give me a hope and a future, to give me the desires of my heart...to make me 'the joyful mother of children.' It may not have come about in the usual ways, but Roman and Jordan are my children still, carried for years in the womb of my soul. Like any mother, I'm terribly thankful when they finally fall asleep at night (lol), but even more thankful when, in the morning, they come to my bed and snuggle with me to wake me up, Jordan kissing me and saying he's hun'ry, while Roman molds his body as close to me as he can, saying 'scooch Mommy,' (which is our weird word for snuggling close) only to fall asleep again while I rub their heads, and draw their faces with my fingers. Finally my alarm will go off and we must leave the warmth of the bed to meet the day, and so out we go to the living room, where Roman grabs one of the blankets and snuggles himself in big green chair. I prepare breakfast, talking with the boys about the day ahead, and we pray together for God to be with each of us. I am so thankful for all those moments, and so many more, so many that I can only hold them in my heart by the Grace of Christ, for He gave me each and every one of them.
And of course how can I not mention the thankfulness I have for my husband? Patient and kind, not self serving, never rude, boastful or proud; although I have many times wronged Brent by my words or actions, he never keeps record. Brent always protects, trusts, and hopes for the best for me and our boys. In his desire to take care of us, he always perserveres. Brent is to me the epitome of 1 Corinthians 13. Tonight he had to go to bed early because he has to get up at 2 am to go to work. And he does it for us. He prays for us, loves us, and leads us in so many quiet ways. Our boys look to him, even when he doesn't realize it, and emulate him in all sorts of ways. I am thankful to have a strong, Christian husband who not only loves me and our children, but has a fierce and unbreakable love for Jesus. It is my honor to be his wife, to lift him in prayer, to love and follow him as he leads our family with a gentle strength not many possess. Before I knew the desire of wanting children, I prayed for a loving, kind husband, who loved God with all of his heart, all of his mind, and all of soul. Jesus gave to me out of His abundance, and answered that prayer more fully than I could understand.
I am thankful for my brother and his family, and for my Dad, and for my Mom. I am thankful that we are all believers in Christ and that we will be together forever someday in Heaven with Jesus. I am thankful for all of Brent's extended family, and I pray for each of them, that they would receive the fullness of God's blessing on their lives and have joy unspeakable, and full of glory. I love them so! I am thankful for the friends God has given me, the special, close bond I share with some of them, knowing that they lift me up in prayer when I need it, and that I do the same for them. What a blessing to be able to go to God in prayer. I am thankful, and give God the glory for all He has given, for all He has done...for all that HE IS.
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 113:9
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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