Satan the Woodpecker

Satan works against us by using schemes, plans, and other ways that will separate us from the Lord. He is like a woodpecker searching for a bug on a tree. The woodpecker does not hammer away at the tough area of bark, but rather he pecks away until he finds a weak area and then drills it, because he knows there is bug underneath. So too, Satan does not waste time on our strong points, but finds our weaknesses because he wants to devour us.--Kelly J. Townsend.

I love this illustration! It helps me understand why I struggle with the same thing over and over even though I pray about it almost every day (if not every day). Satan knows that if he can wear me down in the couple of areas that I already struggle with, that I will let my guard down in my stronger areas and then he can attack there before I know what is going on.

It is because of this that I need to make sure to put on my FULL armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and be ready to battle Satan no matter where he attacks. I need to enroll other prayer warriors to help me pray for my weaknesses. This must be why God's Word tells us to share our burdens with one another--to confess to one another. How can someone else pray for us if they don't know we are struggling.

As hard as it is to humble ourselves and admit our weaknesses to others, that is exactly what we need to do. It is through this humbling of ourselves that we truly encounter the opportunity to be strengthened.

Take some time to talk to a prayer warrior (or two) in your life. Humble yourself not only before God, but before them and ask for prayers for His strength to battle Satan. Contact your friends and see if you can be a prayer warrior for them. It is by banding together that we can fight the attacks of Satan. Read Nehemiah 4 to see how the Israelites defended themselves against the attacks of their enemies. It is a great picture of how we need to live.

Links to Share

I often come across good posts by other people and want to share them. Here are some recent ones.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

Love Covers it All

Petitions with Thanksgiving

The Most Important Thing

ABC'S OF BEING A HELP MEET

ABC'S OF BEING A HELP MEET
http://www.heart4home.net/blessings/alphabet_help_meet.htm

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

Admit when you are wrong
Be positive
Cuddle
Do it his way
Encourage him
Fix his breakfast
Give back rubs
Hug often
"I love you" should be said many times daily
Joke around in a playful manner
Know his needs
Listen to him
Manage your home well
Never hold grudges
Open your eyes in the morning and smile
Pray for him
Quit nagging him
Reminisce about good times
Show respect and honor
Trust, and earn his trust
Understand his need for reverence
Vulnerability is a feminine trait; cultivate it
Wink at him!
X is for private times
Yearn to please him
Zealously guard him with your love

The Ten Commandments and Living in the Grace of Christ

Romans 7:7-12

⁷What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

⁸But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

⁹For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

¹⁰And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

¹¹For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

¹²Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

I have heard many people say that they no longer have to abide by the Old Testament because Christ fulfilled the law and it is no longer relevant. My first question to them was always, "What about the 10 Commandments?" I was surprised to find that some people said they didn't need to follow the 10 Commandments anymore. Some said that those are now just "guidelines" not law. And others agreed that we should live by them, but just because they were good enough for God's people once and they are still good ideas.

I always knew in my heart that we are to still follow the 10 Commandments. I had heard that the law is a "mirror" of the heart. But I never knew where in scripture to point people when we had this "debate". God led me to what I needed to know this morning!

We do not know sin until we know the law. I'm not saying that before we know the 10 Commandments that it isn't sin to commit adultery, murder, etc., but that without the standards to know what is right or what is wrong, there can be no judgment. Knowing the law shed light on our actions (and the actions of others).

Some people are put off by preachers who talk of hell. They think we should only witness to people telling them about God's love and grace. While those are both very important aspects of who Christ is, we also need to warn them about the danger of living eternity in hell.

What is the best way to do that? Why teaching them the "law". The law will open their eyes to why they need a savior; it points to life-eternal life. Without knowing why they need saved, they will not seek Him. Without knowing that what they are doing is wrong, they will keep on doing it. Without realizing what their eternity could be, they will keep living in ignorant bliss.

It is our job to reveal Christ to them. What better way to reveal Christ than to reveal why Christ came--to save us from our sins!

The Way of the Master is a great program that teaches you how to bypass debate on Christ and who He is and get right to the logical mind. You will speak to a person's conscious and heart instead of debating the intellectual.

Don't throw away the Old Testament. God gave it to us for a reason (actually many reasons). The law is still relevant today. Study it. Know it. Live by it. Share it. The law leads to the Life Giver--Jesus Christ!

Chosen or Allowed?

Read this and wanted to share!

So now that I am pregnant many simply say that God "allowed" me to become pregnant and didn't chose to bless us as I believe it is His plan and not my own that we become pregnant. So I thought we should explore the subject deeper. Both biblically and scientifically which as you will se points right back to God as our creator of all human life.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" Jeremiah 1:5

So first do you have any idea the pure miracle of how one conceives a child? Do you know how there are SOOO many things that have to go perfectly in order to just become pregnant? First the man must have good seed that will be healthy enough to make the journey. And some don't. Next the woman must be able to ovulate a healthy egg, have no blocks or scaring in her tubes, have a healthy uterus and a healthy environment for the "seed" to travel through. Again many different problems that many women have. Next the sperm must swim the distance equivalent to swimming from LA to Seattle!! Sometimes in a day!!! Once it has swam all that way then the really hard part starts, penetrating the shell of the woman's egg. If that happens then the baby has begun its life but we aren't done there. Now the baby must move through the tubes and burrow into the lining of the uterus (if it is a healthy uterus). Now you would test positive on a test. So let's stop there for a second. How do you expect all of that to happen without God's hand in things? There is just so much that can go wrong and has for years for us and many others.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 139:13-16

Now we come to the forming of a child. The tiny human begins to form. He or she must grow all its organs. The brain, lungs, liver, heart, arms and legs and every other part of the human body from just a few cells. Have you ever watched one of those videos that goes through that step by step? It is AWESOME!! Who else but God can perform such a miracle or masterful work of art? I certainly can't!
Then the birth. There is no time in my life that I feel closer to God as when I give birth. He designed our bodies to perform just as He has planned. They don't need to read a book on how to birth the baby it doesn't need a class. We might think we need to but if we were stuck somewhere with no medical attention or "qualified" Dr available to deliver the baby it will still come. Our bodies have been designed this way. This is why even women in a coma can still deliver a baby because the body doesn't need a manual on how to do it. God built it in.

So looking at what a tiny human must go through to get here how can you deny that God placed that child there to begin with? That God CHOOSE to form this human being instead of "allowing" it to be formed. Maybe it is just an easy way to disconnect with all life being God's design and God being the creator of ALL human life. That we could ever think that a child isn't God's will is beyond me. So if you are still thinking that I am just a crazy nut lets look at the scripture a little closer.
We have already seen Jeremiah 1:5 where God said "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" so looking here God clearly had a plan for this child BEFORE he was even conceived!! He was chosen (as was his mother to carry and raise him) before he was born or as my husband would say before he was a twinkle in his father's eye!! And we already saw Psalms 139:13-16 where it shows how God is the one who "knit me together in my mother's womb" and "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." So not only are we formed by God but again He has all our days written before they came to be! How much more do we need to explore!! God has CHOSEN us!! Before we were even formed!! So why wouldn't a new life that He is still forming be simply allowed and not wonderfully and purposely made? It can't!! Let's continue shall we?
Psalm 135:6 tells us:
"The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth," So don't you think that it pleases Him to form new lives that He already has a plan for? If it didn't please Him do you think He would do it?

Here we find verses that show that we are chosen to enter the world not allowed:

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11

The LORD called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He named Me. Isaiah 49:1

And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, Isaiah 49:5

Here we see that we are crafted by God:

and He said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful and numerous, Genesis 48:4

"He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb Deuteronomy 7:13

He has made everything appropriate in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, "I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, Isaiah 44:24

Here we see that children are a gift and blessing from the Lord:

"Blessed shall be the offspring of your body Deuteronomy 28:4

He lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, "Who are these with you?" So he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant." Genesis 33:5

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

So perhaps you may find yourself with a surprise pregnancy. But remember it is only a surprise to you!! God has a plan better then ours. There are no surprises to our Lord!!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
And the next time you see large families with 5, 8, 12 or more children don't think that they are so irresponsible for having so many. On the contrary I think they are more responsible since they have taken what the Lord has given them and accepted the responsibility to raise them and teach them. "He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, Deuteronomy 7:13
Don't think that any child is a mistake cause how can they be when the Lord made it so clear that every child is from Him and not simply something He allowed to happen but something He formed and designed. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" Jeremiah 1:5
No child or pregnancy is too much for you to handle when you know that the Lord is the one who chose you to have and raise the child. All life comes from the Lord and it is no accident! God is in control!!

Written by Shawnicy Barnhart

Shoestrings

A friend wrote the following on his blog and it was a good analogy to life. He said I could share it here.

She tried hard as she could to get the knot out of her shoestrings. She pulled harder and harder but the knot only got tighter. At last she brought the knot to me and in a matter of seconds the knot was gone. Just like us isn't it? We try so hard to fix our problems only to make the knot tighter. Why is our Father the last option? Why not bring your knot to Him now?! TTK!

--Billy Short

In Christ Alone

I was convicted of whether or not I was satisfied "in Christ alone" by reading a blog post made by another Christian woman. Am I living as Paul talks about in Philippians 4:11-13? Are you?

I pray you check out the post and examine your own life. You may find you are, or you may (like me) find that you need to learn to be content in ALL things.

In Christ Alone

Prospering

"Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to see his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered."--2 Chronicles 31:20-21

If we do what is "good and right and true before the Lord", then we can't go wrong. If we do what we can for God with all our heart, we can't go wrong. The Lord will prosper us and what we are doing as long as we are doing it for His glory, in His way, and for Him with all our heart.

What are you doing right now? Is it "good and right and true before the Lord"? Are you doing it with all your heart? Take a moment and contemplate if you are doing what the Lord has truly called you to do. Think about how your life matches up with the commands of the Bible--God's Word. If you are living how God is calling you to live, then He will prosper you!

I'm not saying that you still won't face trials and hardships, but He will bless you beyond your wildest imaginations if you do all for His glory and you do it with all your heart. Start examining your life today. You may find that you are prospering because you are living the way He called or you may find that you need to make some changes. In either case, commune with Him and ask Him to either keep you on the right path or to show you the right path.

Blessed by God!

I feel very blessed this week! So many good things are happening to us. I am continually amazed at how good God is! I know that He loves me, and I know that He cares for me, and I know that He wants only the best for me, but it is still hard to fathom all that. Most people wouldn't think much about some of the things that have happened this week, but I see them as true provisions from God.

On Sunday, someone from church gave us a 1/2 bushel of apples because she was tired of canning apples and still had a 1/2 bushel left. I was able to can some pie filling and make some fresh apple crisp and still have apples left to either eat or make more goodies with. Also, a friend dropped off some things she was getting rid of that we needed and I was able to introduce her to someone who was able to help her with a health problem she had been dealing with.

On Monday we received a financial gift in the mail that was completely unexpected! In addition, it lifted our spirits to know not only that we are loved by friends and family, but that God is definitely at work in not only our lives, but of others as well.

Tuesday I picked up beef that my parents bought and are sharing some with us and with my brother's family. I was also able to pick carrots and someone stopped by and helped me finish picking them (my back was killing me!). I was very happy to send her home with some of the carrots as well and I made a new friend!

Wednesday I was able to get so much more accomplished than I thought I would and a friend called to tell me that she had started volunteering at the local INC, Spot and had been given store credit which she was giving to me because she didn't need anything.

Today we finished school early (because we actually got started early!) and I was able to run some needed errands and found some things we needed at the local resale store (where I used the credit my friend gave me!). I was also able to offer an ear to a friend who really needed to talk and I only pray I was able to comfort her as she has comforted me many, many times before. I was also able to help out my neighbor by keeping and eye on her property while she is gone.

This week we have also been milking my neighbor's goat that she is trying to sell as she is not living at the house right now and a milking goat is worth more than a non-milking goat so we are keeping that up for her.

It feels great to be able to be able to "pay it forward" with our blessings! God blesses us in so many unexpected ways that it just makes me look for more and more opportunities for Him to use me to bless others. It really is true what Christ told Paul, "'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:32). My prayer is that God continues to use me to bless others and that my eyes be open to every opportunity He gives me to do just that and that I won't be too tired or too busy to see it and that I take full advantage of it. I pray that I can be Christ's hands to those He brings me into contact with. "To God be the glory for the great things He has done!"

The Healing Choice to Forgive

Great devotional here!

The Lost Sheep

I read the following poem in a book I am reading right now on parenting. I thought it was very thought provoking.

It was a sheep--not a lamb, that strayed
In the parable Jesus told:
A grown-up sheep that had gone away
From the ninety and nine in the fold.

Out in the meadows out in the cold,
'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd sought:
Back to the flock, and into the fold,
'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.

And why, for the sheep, should we earnestly long,
And so earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger, if they go wrong;
They will lead the young lambs astray.

For the lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray
If the sheep go wrong, it will not be long
'Til the lambs are as wrong as they.

So, with the sheep we earnestly plead,
For the sake of the lambs today:
If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost
Some sheep may have to pay.

--Author unknown

Great Insight from Another Blogger!

Check out this great blog entry. It really makes you think!

Trials and Tribulation

It must be a theme that many people need to hear right now! Here is another post from a different blog that also spoke to my heart today. May you be blessed!

Tribulation

I first want to apologize for being gone for over a month. We have had quite the time lately.

1. Our bathroom flooded which caused damage not only to the bathroom, but the hallway, master bedroom closet, under the kitchen cabinets, and hallway closet. We then had to deal with the insurance company to get that fixed.
2. We built an addition on the house to give us more space (not completed, but we can use it for storage).
3. Our goats were attacked by the neighbor's dogs and subsequently, the mama died. We are still waiting to hear from the prosecutor about if he will take legal action since our neighbor shows no remorse and still lets his dogs run loose (no animal control in our county).
4. Started our school year a few weeks ago.
5. Trying to preserve the bounty of fall harvest.

All these things have contributed to my lack of time to not only be on the computer, but do my own extra studies.

All that to say that this post on a blog I follow really hit home today. May you be blessed by it as well! I also read the following quotation today that fits:

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors. African Proverb

Truly Free!

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."--Romans 8:2

People always comment about how the life of a Christian is too strict, too structured, too boring. I'm hear to tell you that the life of a Christian is the only true, free life! Before I gave my life to Christ, I was enslaved to sin. I was "addicted" to pride, "addicted" to keeping up with the Joneses, "addicted" to self fulfillment. People can be enslaved to any number of things whether alcohol, drugs, money, or anything I listed above. Those are the true slavery of today. With Christ, I am free from all of those, Praise Him!

You might say that I have too many "rules" to follow, but those "rules" are guidelines to a better life. Let's just think about a few of the "rules".

No pre-martial sex--By not having sex before marriage, you are keeping yourself from a number of hurts: the hurt of disease, the hurt of a broken heart, the hurt of an unplanned pregnancy, and the list goes on. By not having sex before marriage, you have a special gift to give to your spouse. It will not only create a special bond between the two of you, but it will free you from thinking about how you "rate" against other people your spouse had been with. It will free you from wondering if your spouse is thinking about a previous partner while you are together. It will free you to be completely open and honest together without any pre-conceived ideas of what it is supposed to be like.

Tithing--By giving a portion of what God has given me back to Him and His minstries, then I am reminded that all that I have is not of myself. I am blessed beyond what I have given back. God provides for me when I see no humanly way possible (because there is no humanly way possible!). I am free from worrying about how something is going to work out because God is in control. I am free from the stress of "making ends meet" because I know that God already has provided for all my needs (and sometimes my wants!).

Not "partying"--I was never a big partier to begin with, but now I don't feel the "need" to go have a drink to have fun. When people decide to get "drunk" thinking it's the only way to have fun, they are losing so much more. They are losing control of their own senses. Some people go so far as to not even remember what they had done because of too much drinking. I can have fun just fellowshiping with my friends and the best thing is that I will remember all of it later! Another great side-effect of not drinking is the money that is saved!

I could continue to go on and on about the freedom one recieves when they accept Christ as their Savior, but I think you get the idea. Life with Christ is the true freedom!

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men"
--Colossians 3:23

This is one verse I need to remind myself of constantly. As mothers, we can often feel like we are in a thankless job. Our husbands and kids don't usually say "thank you" or give us compliments on things we have done. We need to remind ourselves that ultimately, we do what we do for our Heavenly Father and not for our earthly family. We need to do our best because that is what God has called us to do, not because we will receive praise here on earth. Although it is nice to receive praise from our family, let us not forget that we shouldn't let our emotions and future achievements rest solely on that. Give it all you have because God asks us to do our best!

Commanded to Serve

I received this devotion today and thought it was a good one to share.

One thing we need to remember is that serving starts at home. Before we get too busy focusing on serving those in the community (which isn't a bad thing to do in and of itself), we need to make sure we are serving our husbands and children.

Matthew 6:25-34

²⁵Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

²⁶Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

²⁷Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

²⁸And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

³¹Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

³²(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Legacy to the Next Generation

The following link was sent to me as a devotion via e-mail. I though it was good and wanted to share it with you.

http://www.purposedriven.com/article.do?method=articlePage&contentId=201676&trkid=ddnews

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband

I just found this today. I saved it and am printing it out to start using. I will do two a day until I get caught up. I think this is a great opportunity for us to not only grow closer to God ourselves, but to uplift our husbands. I've seen the power of prayer work in my marriage and this is just a great reminder of different ways we can pray for our husbands. Please join me in this endeavor and hopefully I will be posting back on how I see God working through this. You are more than welcome to leave comments as well if you choose to do this.

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/topics/downloads/index.php?id=9473

Jehovah Jireh!

"An Abraham called the name of the place, The Lord Will Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided."
--Genesis 22:14

I love the name Jehovah Jireh for my God! He truly is the One who provides for me and although I shouldn't be amazed, I am constantly amazed at not only what He provides, but when and how He provides it. I could recount numerous stories of how He provided for us, but I want to share the latest with you today.

Just last week we finally finished up the meat we had in the freezer and I had to go out and buy meat. I cooked my first beef purchased from the store on Saturday and was quite disgusted by the amount of grease that came from it. I told Chad that we needed to save up and find a way to get at least part of a butchered cow (much better quality!). Saturday afternoon I received a phone call from my friend asking if we were going to be home that afternoon. When she arrived, she asked Chad and I to come out to her car because she needed help carrying something in. When we opened the car door, we saw two big boxes of meat (butchered, not store bought). She told us that a friend of her was cleaning out his freezer and needed to get rid of some of the meat because he couldn't possibly eat it all since he lived by himself. My friend didn't need it because her freezer was already full of meat so when he asked if she knew anyone who could use it, she told him about us. I would venture to guess that there is about $300 worth of meat!

I never would have imagined that God would provide us meat in this way--especially from someone that we had never even met! God continues to amaze me with His wondrous works! "To God be the glory for the great things He has done!"

Is there anything too hard for God?

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"
--Jeremiah 32:27

This is something I definitely needed to read this morning. There is nothing that is too big for God. He created this entire universe from nothing! He can do anything! He can help me through whatever I am dealing with and provide for whatever I think is impossible. He is God!

To God Goes the Glory!

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled...

To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.

What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked...

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table.

"What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled.. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates , the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.."

"I know," the woman continued.. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr.. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company.

I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet.

If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.

But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world.

Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always.

And don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

Resilience Like Joseph's

My devotion this morning was on Joseph. His story always amazes me; God used so many "bad" things in his life and used them for His glory. Here is something from my book that really hit me.

Joseph was like a ball that keeps popping back up whenever it's pushed under water. The further it's pushed, the higher it pops. Joseph's resilience in the face of so many obstacles is compelling evidence of the Almighty's power to bless our lives, regardless of who or what stands in the way.

Remember that the next time you're tempted to doubt God's promises. Nothing can prevent El Shadday, our Almighty God, from carrying out his plans and pouring out his blessings on those who belong to him. Pain there will be, confusion, struggle, and difficulty, but God can use even these to b less us as long as we trust him.

May we all be like Joseph and remember that God has a plan for us and that He will even use our tough times for His glory!

Life Lessons

This is something we should all read at least once a week!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."


Remember that I will always share my spoon with you!

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves

Luke 6:27-49 (NKJV)

27 "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32 But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." 39 And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye. 43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.

Muslim Demographics

I watched a very interesting video tonight. Please take a moment to check it out. It is even worth it if you have dial-up to wait the few hours it will take to download it. It is about the rising Muslim people and the detriment of other countries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3X5hIFXYU

God's Provision

"Wherever you are now is God's provision, not His punishment. Celebrate this moment, and try very hard to do it with conscious gratitude."
--Luci Swindoll

"For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ."
--Galatians 1:10

I have been asking God to lead me to the scripture He has for me every morning and I have yet to be disappointed. Today He led me to Galatians 1 and verse 10 really stuck out to me.

Why have I been so upset with other people's reactions to my pregnancy? Am I out to please them or God? I'm out to please God!!!! Who cares what they think? If they can't be happy that Chad and I are being blessed with another life, then so what?! We feel we are following God's will for our lives. We are trying to live as the Bible commands, we take care of our family, and we have joy in our Lord! I am a slave to Christ, not them! I am done ignoring my pregnancy when around them. If they feel uncomfortable because they want to worry and not put their trust in God, then that is their problem to deal with, not mine! The only thing I can do is continue to pray for them. I am living for Christ!

Thankful for Trials!

²My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ³Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.⁴But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.⁵If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.⁶But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.⁸A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
--James 1:2-8

The Lord led me to this scripture this morning after a very depressing day yesterday. Things are not going well for either Chad or I in our endeavors to get certain things accomplished. God reminded me this morning that we need to be thanking Him for these trials. Because of these difficulties, it will be that much sweeter when God provides for us and still accomplishes what we were trying to do. All glory will be given to Him instead of some of it to ourselves. He reminded me that although we can try to do things on our own, it is only through Him that we can be successful! May God be glorified!

Personal Bible Reading and Study Time

For the past year and a half, I have been reading a chapter (sometimes more) a day in the Bible. I have jumped from Old Testament to New Testament and back. What I did was pick a book of the Bible and read that every day until I was done with it. I would then chose another book and do the same thing. I chose my books depending on where God was leading me the morning of the day I was ready to start a new book. I have now read through the entire Bible!

My problem is I don't know what to do in the morning now that I have completed that task. Do I start all over? Do I just read where I feel God is leading me that particular morning? Do I work on a published Bible study? I would love to hear your suggestions.

Psalm 139:14-18

¹³For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

¹⁴I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

¹⁵My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

¹⁶Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

¹⁸If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Children

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

--Psalm 127: 3-5

"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD."
--Psalm 128:1-4

The Bible is very clear that children are a blessing. Please rejoice with us as our family has been blessed again (due the end of the year).

Psalm 119: 113-120

¹¹³ I hate the double-minded,
But I love Your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
¹¹⁵ Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!
¹¹⁶ Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
¹¹⁷ Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
¹¹⁸ You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceit is falsehood.
¹¹⁹ You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
¹²⁰ My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.

Psalm 112

¹Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

²His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

³Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

⁴Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

⁵A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

⁶Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

⁷He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

⁸His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

⁹He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

¹⁰The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Psalm 105:1-5

¹O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

²Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

³Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

⁴Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

⁵Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Psalm 100

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Recharging

I have found much encouragement from a blog that I follow and have often posted links to her posts here. Today I read another one that I especially liked and think is good for all women to read.

http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com/2009/05/ever-ready.html

Psalm 98

¹O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

²The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

³He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

⁴Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

⁵Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

⁶With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

⁷Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

⁸Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

⁹Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Psalm 95:1-7

¹O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

²Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

³For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

⁴In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

⁵The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

⁶O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

⁷For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Psalm 67

¹God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

²That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

³Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

⁴O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

⁵Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

⁶Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

⁷God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Psalm 51

Psalm 51

1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4Against 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.

5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Psalm 35

1 Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me;
Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler,
And stand up for my help.
3 Also draw out the spear,
And stop those who pursue me.
Say to my soul,
“I am your salvation.”

4 Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor
Who seek after my life;
Let those be turned back and brought to confusion
Who plot my hurt.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind,
And let the angel[a] of the LORD chase them.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery,
And let the angel of the LORD pursue them.
7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit,
Which they have dug without cause for my life.
8 Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly,
And let his net that he has hidden catch himself;
Into that very destruction let him fall.

9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD;
It shall rejoice in His salvation.
10 All my bones shall say,
“LORD, who is like You,
Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him,
Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?”

11 Fierce witnesses rise up;
They ask me things that I do not know.
12 They reward me evil for good,
To the sorrow of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick,
My clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting;
And my prayer would return to my own heart.
14 I paced about as though he were my friend or brother;
I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.

15 But in my adversity they rejoiced
And gathered together;
Attackers gathered against me,
And I did not know it;
They tore at me and did not cease;
16 With ungodly mockers at feasts
They gnashed at me with their teeth.

17 Lord, how long will You look on?
Rescue me from their destructions,
My precious life from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great assembly;
I will praise You among many people.

19 Let them not rejoice over me who are wrongfully my enemies;
Nor let them wink with the eye who hate me without a cause.
20 For they do not speak peace,
But they devise deceitful matters
Against the quiet ones in the land.
21 They also opened their mouth wide against me,
And said, “Aha, aha!
Our eyes have seen it.”

22 This You have seen, O LORD;
Do not keep silence.
O Lord, do not be far from me.
23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication,
To my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness;
And let them not rejoice over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Ah, so we would have it!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”

26 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion
Who rejoice at my hurt;
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor
Who exalt themselves against me.

27 Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the LORD be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness
And of Your praise all the day long.

Sometimes I feel like the world is against me or that Satan is working overtime to discourage me. It seems like something bad is happening at every turn and there are no reasons for it. It is then that I need to read this Psalm. God will take care of me. He will provide for my needs and the truth will stand in the end and I will praise Him continually!

Psalm 34

¹ I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
² My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
³ Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

⁴ I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
⁶ This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
⁹ Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

¹¹ Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
¹² Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
¹³ Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
¹⁴ Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
¹⁶ The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸ The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
²⁰ He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
²¹ Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
²² The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Multiple Giveaways!

I have been given the opportunity to give multiple prizes away this time around! I am going to give a little background information first.

A little over a year ago I was given a cd by a friend that was recorded by, Wyatt Howey, a young man who lives in Merritt (for those of you who don't live around me, it's a real tiny town about a 1/2 hour from my house). I was amazed and blessed by his music. He sings Christian songs with the help of his cousin and the songs are just amazing. He has a "country" style voice. The best thing about his music is that he produces the cd's to give away to spread the gospel message and there is always the plan of salvation on each cd!

I contacted him asking if he had more than just the one cd and he has three. I asked him if I could get the other two and maybe a few to give away on my blog. I also told him I was willing to pay for at least the cost of them. Well, he is a very generous young man; he sent me a box with over 20 cd's! Included in the box of cd's were a couple copies of one produced by his little sister as well.

Anyway, I have 13 cd's to give away (I kept some for myself and have already given some away!). The first 13 people who leave a comment will receive a cd by Wyatt or Lacey Howey! If I don't have your address, then I will be contacting you to get a mailing address (or if you live close enough I might just deliver it!).

Since I currently have 13 followers, that means either everyone can have a cd or if you are too slow, some other people may beat you to the punch! You do not have to be a follower to get a cd, just leave me a comment.

And the Winner Is . . .

"The Baas Family"!

Thank you to all who entered. I will be posting another giveaway later today (I hope!). Please make sure you check back.

Giveaway Reminder!

I just want to remind everyone that today is the last day to enter the giveaway. I have had only one person leave a comment so she will win by default if no one else comments. I know I have had a few more followers join, but no one left a comment. The only way to be entered is to leave a comment telling me you became a follower.

I have another giveaway ready to go when this one is finished so you can start telling your friends to get ready for more free stuff!

Psalms

I just wanted to share a few verses from Psalms that I have read in the last couple of days.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to Y0u, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."
--Psalm 19:14 (HCSB)

"Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause."
--Psalm 25:3 (KJV)

I really don't have any comments on these, but they stuck out to me for a reason, so I wanted to share.

You Mean It's Not All About Me?!

I have started re-reading Passionate Housewives Desperate for God because one of my on-line groups started reading it together and are discussing a chapter a week. Since the first time I read it all on my own, I thought I might benefit from a discussion on it.

I wanted to share something that I don't remember from my first reading. Chapter 2 is titled, "You Mean It's Not All About Me?". Here are some excerpts:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their won desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers. (2 Timothy 4:3, NKJV)

Many of these teachers may claim Christ (some may even be pastors or elders); yet, because they fear that the true teachings of Scripture are too hard for people to bear, they soften and sugarcoat the truth. The result is an ineffectual message, twisted beyond recognition and poisonous to the soul. In an attempt to be popular or more widely accepted, they focus on the pleasant benefits that may come from living a godly life, often omitting the pain and sacrifice that is involved in our sanctification.

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise. (John 12:42-43, NKJV) . . .

The truth is that biblical motherhood doesn't mean we're promised postcard-perfect days hwere we lounge together with our little ones on the porch swing in white starched dressessipping lemonade and singing in harmony. Homegrown children take a lot of hard work--and sometimes "it ain't pretty" Other times, it's breathtaking

Biblical motherhood means sacrifice, selfless love, and faithful dedication.

Psalm 136

Psalm 136

¹O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

³O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁴To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁵To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁶To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁷To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

⁸The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

⁹The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹⁰To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹¹And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹²With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹³To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁴And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁵But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹⁶To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹⁷To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁸And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁹Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²⁰And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²¹And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²²Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²³Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²⁴And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²⁵Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²⁶O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Last night when I was in need of some guidance, He lead me to his Psalm. I just sat down and opened the Bible and there was the reminder I needed--"his mercy endureth for ever"! I was shown over and over again that He is always with me, His grace and mercy are forever with me, and that He loves me beyond measure. It was just what I needed to hear last night. Thank you, God, for revealing Your words to me!

Another Giveaway!

I meant to do this on Easter Sunday, but if you know what has been going on in my life since last Saturday, you will know that Easter Sunday was extremely busy and stressful.

I have a copy of The Passion of the Christ to giveaway! This is a great movie and one that moves me to tears every time I watch it. It is not an easy one to watch, but it reminds me of the great love our God has for us. . . for me. I recommend that if you have not seen it and do not win the giveaway, to go out and rent it. It will change your life!

To enter the giveaway, you can do the following:

*Leave a comment saying you are (or have become) a follower of this blog!
*Create an entry on your own blog directing your readers here (leave in a comment that you did this with your blog address).
*If someone becomes a follower and says that you are the one who recommended my blog, you will be entered again (and of course they will for becoming a follower!).

You may enter the giveaway until the end of the month. On May 1st, I will draw the winning name and will contact you if I need your mailing address to mail out the movie.

A Prudent Wife

"Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the LORD."
--Proverbs 19:14

While reading Proverbs today, this verse stuck out to me. It made me wonder the biblical meaning of "prudent", so I got out my Strong's concordance and looked it up. It means: intelligent, skillful, wise, a teacher and guide.

Am I those things? Am I a prudent wife? There are days when I might say that I am, but there are definitely days when I am not. I do not always make wise decisions. I am not always the best teacher for my girls (when I am teaching by example and I am being a bad example). I am not the most skillful woman out there (but I'm getting better).

How am I to become a prudent wife? By turning to the LORD. He is the One who gives a prudent wife, so He is the One who can make me a prudent wife. I need to make sure I am turning to Him for all things. I am to turn to Him for wisdom and intelligence. I am to turn to Him for guidance in all things. I am to ask (plead) Him for skills. I am to repent when I teach by bad example. He is the only One who can change me. He is the only One who can help me be a prudent wife who is a blessing to my husband.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for revealing Your Word to me today. Thank You that Your Word is living and will speak to me exactly what I need to hear no matter how many times I have read it. Thank You for loving me enough to reproof and chastise me. Thank You for drawing me closer to You.

Obama wants A rock, not THE rock

I read the following blog entry on another blog I check out occasionally. I hadn't heard this story in the news, but then again, I don't really watch the news anymore (expect for the occasional seeing it in passing when Chad has it on). This just reminded me that we need to be praying even more for our country and our president. May we all be diligent in praying for wisdom, guidance, and (dare I say, salvation) for our president. Please check it out.

http://pennyraine.com/blog/2009/04/obama-the-rock-georgetown-ihs/

"But You, O Lord. . ."

"But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill."
--Psalm 3:3-4

I have been having a hard time sleeping lately. I've also been feeling more and more distant from the Lord. This morning when I awoke for about the sixth time during the night at 3:30 am, I cried out to God asking why I couldn't sleep and why I was so achy (why I thought I wasn't sleeping well). It was then that I heard Him tell me to get on my knees. I knelt beside the bed and cried out to Him. It wasn't until I did this, that He opened my eyes to why I have been feeling the way I have--I haven't been giving Him everything. I haven't been turning to Him in my time of weakness. I haven't been relying on Him. When I finally actually cried out to Him, He heard me from on high. He lifted my head and gave me comfort.

After doing this, I decided to get up and read my Bible and I started reading in Psalms. When I got to these verses, my heart skipped a beat. God heard me! He is my shield and my protector! He is my comforter! Praise God, I serve a God who cares for me. I serve THE ONE AND ONLY God!

LifeWalk 2009

It's that time of year again . . . time for us to walk and raise money for life! Every year the girls and I walk for Care Net of Cadillac's LifeWalk. The money raised helps Care Net of Cadillac offer free services such as:

*Spiritual counseling

*Pregnancy tests and individual counseling

*Parenting classes and Bible Studies

*Limited Obstetrical ultrasound

*Material Assistance (baby clothes, diapers, formula, and furnishings)

*Fatherhood Support Services

*STD & Abstinence Education & information

*Referrals to Local agencies

*Abortion recovery groups

If you feel called to help support Care Net of Cadillac, you can do so in a number of different ways!

1. Pray for Care Net of Cadillac and the LifeWalk
2. Support Team Carmichael as we walk (just let me know how much and Care Net of Cadillac will bill you after the walk)
3. Become a walker yourself (let me know and I will get you a pledge form!)

Our goal for this year is $500. Last year we raised $350. Please consider helping us reach our goal this year. We would also love for someone to join us on our walk and help keep all seven young team members safe!

Home Cooking for Body and Soul--Lesson #10--Nothing is Impossible with God!

Home Cooking for Body and Soul

Lesson #10—Nothing is Impossible with God

Dinner: Impossible Chicken n’ Broccoli Pie (see below)

Verses: Luke 1:26-38

Let’s read Luke 1:26-38 and then we’ll go back through and look closer at some of the verses.

28 The angel calls Mary “blessed”. Why? Some religions view Mary as blessed because she is holy, but she is blessed because she received God’s grace. We, too, can be blessed if we accept God’s grace.

34 Is Mary questioning God with this verse? I don’t think so because she doesn’t ask for a sign. I believe she is just making an observation and asking for more information (not a sign). Her later actions support that she has faith.

37 We need to forever remember this verse. NOTHING is impossible with God. No matter how difficult something seems, God always keeps his promises; He is faithful. This should be our own statement of faith.

38 To have Mary’s faith, WOW! First, she humbles herself before God by referring to herself as a “maidservant”. She is showing her readiness to be faithful and obedient. Second, she is being faithful even though she doesn’t understand everything. She is experiencing something that has never happened before to anyone. She didn’t know what was going to happen next, but she had faith that God would take care of her. She knew that by law Joseph had the right to have her stoned when he found out that she was with child, but she had faith that God would protect her. She stepped out in faith for her God—the One who is always faithful.

May we be like Mary. May we have the faith she had. May we tell God, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Money-saving tip: Shop Goodwill for kitchen “things”. Goodwill is a great source for high-end products at low costs. Tupperware is a great thing to find as it has a lifetime warranty on it. If you find a container without a lid, buy it and then contact a Tupperware consultant to get a replacement! I had a friend find a never used Pampered Chef loaf pan for only $3 and they are $21.50 new!

Health tip: Use real butter or other healthy oils. I know it is a major controversy of margarine vs. butter, but in the end, butter is better for you as it is close to “natural”. Margarine may be a lot cheaper, but is your health (and the health of your family) worth it? The thing that sealed the deal for me is that cockroaches won’t even eat margarine! That tells you how bad it is. To make using butter even better, use unsalted butter. Coconut oil is also a great alternative to melted butter or shortening. Olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is best) is great not only for you, but helps with dry skin and makes your hair shiny.

Impossible Chicken n' Broccoli Pie

Ingredients:

1 pkg. frozen chopped broccoli, thawed & drained 1/2 cup bisquick type mix

1 cup shredded cheese 1 cup milk

2 eggs 1 cup cooked, cubed chicken

1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup chopped onion

1/4 tsp pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 9" pie plate. Spinkle broccoli, cheese, chicken and onion in pie plate. Stir remaining ingredients with a fork until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 30-35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

serves 6

Angel Bars

1 cup butter 1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar 2 1/4 cup flour

1 egg 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp soda

Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix butter and sugars. Add egg and salt. Mix dry ingredients together. Add sugar mixture. Add vanilla. Make in small balls; place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes