I have been in catch up mode lately ~ wanting to close out some started projects, books, ideas, etc. I have thoroughly enjoyed "finishing" some things. There is such a great sense of freedom in doing this. In the past two weeks I have "finished" my Christmas (and birthday) shopping for nieces, nephews and sisters (so I can bring things at Thanksgiving and not worry about shipping later), I have "finished" swapping out clothing (both sizes and weather related changes) for all five kiddos, I have "finished" organizing some form of weekly routine that should last for a few more weeks before we need to change some things, and I have "finished" five books that I had started. Hallelujah!
I also finished the Bible, finally, for the first time I have ever pursued this, I have read each and every word. What a tremedous blessing that was ~ I actually recieved more than I had anticipated (I had read most of it over the years, some things over and over, others just once in awhile, but never all of it within a 9 month time frame as this time). I was so tickled by the experience that I decided to try to do the same each year from here forward. I also would like to read the gospels every six months, at least. That is my current goal (in addition to my daily devotions and such). I sense God leading me to a deeper and deeper relationship with Him through His entire Word, not just my favorite books. My heart has responded enthusiastically; I pray that my diligence responds in kind. :-)
The books I completed: Beth Moore's "Daniel" study (I finished the five days I had not completed when I did the study last spring), I tremendously enjoyed this study, and would encourage any lady to pursue it if given the chance; Charles Stanley's "Landmines in the Path of the Believer;" Joyce Meyer's "Enjoying Where You are on the way To Where You are Going;" Derek Prince's "Lucifer Exposed;" and Francis Frangipane's "Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God." I totally enjoyed these books, and have submitted myself to finishing some others that I still have at my bedside 1/2 to 3/4 completed. My problem is that I tend to find other books that take my interest and read them quickly, thus short circuiting others I have begun. I have also read (in the interim) three novels by Francine Rivers (she has become a favorite "escape" author for me).
Some quotes I enjoyed from Francis Frangipane's book:
"The Spirit leads us into the presence of Jesus...Jesus taught us that we must be single-minded if we would become full mature sons of light...our 'outer tabernacle' is our soul life; if man is still ruled by circumstances instead of God, his 'outer tabernacle' is still standing...God is not seeking to perfect us but rather our relationship with Jesus. He is our way into the Holy Place...Jesus came to reconcile us to God in the here and now." Amen?
And from Derek Prince's Book "The real distinguishing line between the world and the true church is whether people are lovers of self or whether self has been crucified and they are living for something other than themselves."
I love the encouragement I get from my reading. I pray that you, too, are encouraged. May all have a blessed Thanksgiving and be able to spend time reflecting upon all that God has provided in your lives. Many blessings. :-)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Facebook | Amanda Roe's Photos - Old Pics With Family
My niece, Amanda, posted some old photos from last year's Christmas gathering at my brother's house on her facebook; they made me laugh in remembering our fun (and looking forward to seeing my delightful family again over Thanksgiving). I got to laughing about this one (I actually startled my husband as I jumped up into his arms in order to give a "fun" photo op while my brother was clicking away with his usual, and much appreciated, posing the families photos). My girls were not surprised, but Madeline who doesn't get around me as often was not yet aware, and Bo was still catching up. I guess that makes me a bit challenging in my spontanaity ;-)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Good Intentions
This really spoke to me (my current challenge in the mornings) when I read it this morning (got it from AOP where I ordered my science curriculum) ;-)
Thursday, November 06, 2008
"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13).
Another morning was getting away from me. I knew I should have gotten up early when I heard the alarm clock, but the covers felt so good on this crisp, fall morning. Certainly God wouldn't mind if I prayed to Him while lying down under the blankets. As I began my prayers, I felt my body start to drift. Shaking off the sleep, I started once again but the sleepiness came back. An entire hour later, I was still in bed. I was late to start homeschooling my children and knew I would be playing "catch up" for the rest of the day without God's strength or guidance.
Peter, James, and John lost the same battle of sleep when Jesus asked them to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Three times the Lord asked them to pray, and three times they fell asleep and heard His words, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:40b-41). Falling asleep when Jesus needed them most, the disciples certainly failed.
Do you have good intentions to have a quiet time with the Lord each morning? Good intentions are not enough! Satan loves to tempt us to listen to the desires of our flesh and miss our devotions. Without the Holy Spirit's empowering, we, too, will fail in our attempts to walk with the Lord, as well as in our efforts to homeschool. Don't be like the disciples or the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom. Stay alert and offer the prayers and worship to the Lord that is due Him. "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man" (Proverbs 24:33-34).
Jesus, forgive me for being lazy in my efforts to come to You each day. I recognize the importance of Your sweet fellowship and recommit my life to You today. In Your name, Amen.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13).
Another morning was getting away from me. I knew I should have gotten up early when I heard the alarm clock, but the covers felt so good on this crisp, fall morning. Certainly God wouldn't mind if I prayed to Him while lying down under the blankets. As I began my prayers, I felt my body start to drift. Shaking off the sleep, I started once again but the sleepiness came back. An entire hour later, I was still in bed. I was late to start homeschooling my children and knew I would be playing "catch up" for the rest of the day without God's strength or guidance.
Peter, James, and John lost the same battle of sleep when Jesus asked them to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Three times the Lord asked them to pray, and three times they fell asleep and heard His words, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:40b-41). Falling asleep when Jesus needed them most, the disciples certainly failed.
Do you have good intentions to have a quiet time with the Lord each morning? Good intentions are not enough! Satan loves to tempt us to listen to the desires of our flesh and miss our devotions. Without the Holy Spirit's empowering, we, too, will fail in our attempts to walk with the Lord, as well as in our efforts to homeschool. Don't be like the disciples or the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom. Stay alert and offer the prayers and worship to the Lord that is due Him. "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man" (Proverbs 24:33-34).
Jesus, forgive me for being lazy in my efforts to come to You each day. I recognize the importance of Your sweet fellowship and recommit my life to You today. In Your name, Amen.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Today
So, it is 10:10 p.m. and it would appear that Barack Obama will soon be President. He is smooth in many ways, and he does have some amazing ideas. However, I am still very saddened by this apparent historic shift in our Country. It would appear we are on the path of self-destruction, which we have been dancing around for many years despite some efforts to bring us back to center.
Lest this get too woeful, I am not fearful that our Country is out of the hands of our ever present, ever loving and ever just and merciful God and Father. I voted this morning, and as I left the polls I was filled with a heavy spirit. I began to cry without provocation from thought or mental murmurings...it was purely spiritual. At that point in the day, I had an inkling about God's plan and purpose. I didn't want to believe that this was what He was showing me, but I had a "knowing" that was quite powerful; in recent days of prayer, I have been clearly shown His heart toward our choices as a Country ~ myself being a person who is included in having made choices that do not include His best and His will...
Have we fallen so far away from what is pure and lovely and right? Do we miss the assurance and comfort of absolutes at all? We are so selfish; desiring a knight in shining armour to give to us more and more wealth and privilege when we already have SO MUCH as a Country. As someone mentioned in our home fellowship group this evening - many, many people continue to try to enter the USA to become citizens or even illegal aliens; very few seek to leave because they can't have what they desire. We are a democracy with freedoms untold. Foreign visitors have even commented upon the differences between McCain and Obama; Obama with the smooth speaking and lofty promises being seen through more easily when coming in from the outside. Is McCain so much better than Obama? Not on several platforms, however, we had a choice to preserve the sanctity of family and life or perserve the desire to feed moral relativism, and we, as a Country, appear to have chosen the latter.
God is good and just, He will allow us to eventually reap consequences of our choices. I will stand in support of our elected President as I fully believe it is my duty in honor of God's call upon my life. Our Lord sets up kings and deposes them (Daniel) ~ He is in control, this I do know. Praise Him that He is sovereign! However, I may not enjoy what happens as we continue to evolve as a Nation.
May we as a Nation grow closer to our roots of knowing, believing, and trusting in our Lord and Savior instead of ourselves. May this change in government be a catalyst that drives us to our knees in search of a true Savior and real life instead of self-government and self-gratification. May our nation finally shift from our indulgences of "I am and there is none besides me" to "We are, by the Grace of God alone, and may we ever be..." May we come to reclaim our Founding Fathers' platform of God's sovereignty, seeking a government with character and integrity that trusts God to provide for our every need in liberty...
God, please Bless America. Show me how to stand in support, through kneeling in prayerful petition daily that Your will be done ~ first in me, but then rippling out person by person, state by state, Country by Country; on earth as it is in heaven. Praise You from whom all blessings flow ~ Amen.
What was given today in our Classical Conversations class, which uplifted me as I entered with my spiritually saddened heart:
Top Ten Predictions - No Matter Who Wins the Election
1) The Bible will still have all the answers
2) Prayer will still work
3) The Holy Spirit will still move
4) God will still inhabit the praises of His people (and we will still have reason to praise!)
5) There will still be God anointed preaching
6) There will still be singing of praises to God!!
7) God will still pour out His blessings upon His people
8) There will still be room on the Cross for you
9) Jesus will still love you
10) Jesus will still save the lost if they turn to Him
ISN"T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS IN CONTROL?!!! Hallelujah!!!
Lest this get too woeful, I am not fearful that our Country is out of the hands of our ever present, ever loving and ever just and merciful God and Father. I voted this morning, and as I left the polls I was filled with a heavy spirit. I began to cry without provocation from thought or mental murmurings...it was purely spiritual. At that point in the day, I had an inkling about God's plan and purpose. I didn't want to believe that this was what He was showing me, but I had a "knowing" that was quite powerful; in recent days of prayer, I have been clearly shown His heart toward our choices as a Country ~ myself being a person who is included in having made choices that do not include His best and His will...
Have we fallen so far away from what is pure and lovely and right? Do we miss the assurance and comfort of absolutes at all? We are so selfish; desiring a knight in shining armour to give to us more and more wealth and privilege when we already have SO MUCH as a Country. As someone mentioned in our home fellowship group this evening - many, many people continue to try to enter the USA to become citizens or even illegal aliens; very few seek to leave because they can't have what they desire. We are a democracy with freedoms untold. Foreign visitors have even commented upon the differences between McCain and Obama; Obama with the smooth speaking and lofty promises being seen through more easily when coming in from the outside. Is McCain so much better than Obama? Not on several platforms, however, we had a choice to preserve the sanctity of family and life or perserve the desire to feed moral relativism, and we, as a Country, appear to have chosen the latter.
God is good and just, He will allow us to eventually reap consequences of our choices. I will stand in support of our elected President as I fully believe it is my duty in honor of God's call upon my life. Our Lord sets up kings and deposes them (Daniel) ~ He is in control, this I do know. Praise Him that He is sovereign! However, I may not enjoy what happens as we continue to evolve as a Nation.
May we as a Nation grow closer to our roots of knowing, believing, and trusting in our Lord and Savior instead of ourselves. May this change in government be a catalyst that drives us to our knees in search of a true Savior and real life instead of self-government and self-gratification. May our nation finally shift from our indulgences of "I am and there is none besides me" to "We are, by the Grace of God alone, and may we ever be..." May we come to reclaim our Founding Fathers' platform of God's sovereignty, seeking a government with character and integrity that trusts God to provide for our every need in liberty...
God, please Bless America. Show me how to stand in support, through kneeling in prayerful petition daily that Your will be done ~ first in me, but then rippling out person by person, state by state, Country by Country; on earth as it is in heaven. Praise You from whom all blessings flow ~ Amen.
What was given today in our Classical Conversations class, which uplifted me as I entered with my spiritually saddened heart:
Top Ten Predictions - No Matter Who Wins the Election
1) The Bible will still have all the answers
2) Prayer will still work
3) The Holy Spirit will still move
4) God will still inhabit the praises of His people (and we will still have reason to praise!)
5) There will still be God anointed preaching
6) There will still be singing of praises to God!!
7) God will still pour out His blessings upon His people
8) There will still be room on the Cross for you
9) Jesus will still love you
10) Jesus will still save the lost if they turn to Him
ISN"T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS IN CONTROL?!!! Hallelujah!!!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
What Am I Thankful For?
Last Sunday my husband came home and told me that our pastor had encouraged us to set aside time to reflect on what we were thankful for (I was teaching Sunday School so missed the sermon; it was the last on a series on the Ten Commandments).
Tuesday morning during my very early devotionals (God work me early Tuesday for some intensive hours of prayer), I decided it was the perfect quiet time to reflect and journal.
I had written five pages in my journal before my children began trickling in the room for our morning bible time. I could have gone one for much longer...God is so amazing. We have been blessed beyond measure. To sit and think about all that God has given me was a powerful time...so many things I don't consider gifts, that are truly gifts from Him, came to mind. My home and food and electricity and water are all blessed to me from Him. I could be poor in the US and unable to afford much of what I have; I could have been born into a country where these things do not exist (though perhaps I would actually experience richness more, then...). The beauty of His creation from tiny fieldmice who are out in droves currently, to the large elephants who can paint self-potraits....Our very breath and health belong to God our Creator. Ruach (from what I recall) is our life. Praise Him!
Tuesday morning during my very early devotionals (God work me early Tuesday for some intensive hours of prayer), I decided it was the perfect quiet time to reflect and journal.
I had written five pages in my journal before my children began trickling in the room for our morning bible time. I could have gone one for much longer...God is so amazing. We have been blessed beyond measure. To sit and think about all that God has given me was a powerful time...so many things I don't consider gifts, that are truly gifts from Him, came to mind. My home and food and electricity and water are all blessed to me from Him. I could be poor in the US and unable to afford much of what I have; I could have been born into a country where these things do not exist (though perhaps I would actually experience richness more, then...). The beauty of His creation from tiny fieldmice who are out in droves currently, to the large elephants who can paint self-potraits....Our very breath and health belong to God our Creator. Ruach (from what I recall) is our life. Praise Him!
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