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What if you knew the date?

Mornin' Ladies! I have a few blogs that I go to occasionally. I went to one yesterday, and this lady talks a lot about the Bible, and stuff. She wears "dresses only" and reads from the "KJV only" and doesn't cut her hair. Ok, so far to me, she hasn't strayed from anything doctrinally, and seems like a matter of opinion, so it was ok with me. But, yesterday, she was saying she was almost sure that Jesus was coming back this year. (She based this on some treaty that was signed a few years ago, I'm not really sure about all that.) Ok, so then I went, WHOA!! Nobody knows when Jesus is coming back! NOBODY!! But, then it got me to doing something pretty amazing ---THINKING!! OK, go with me on a little trip here. What if the Bible said the certain date that Jesus was coming back. I mean for sure, this is the date, and just say that it was later this year (PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS IS TOTALLY HYPOTHETICAL, I AM NOT SAYING I OR ANYONE ELSE KNOWS WHEN JESUS IS COMING BACK, OR THAT IT WILL BE THIS YEAR)

Think for a minute.


What would you do?



What would you say?



Who would you talk to?




Who would you apologize to?



Who would you hug, or tell them that you love them?




NOW, GO DO IT!! No one knows the day or the hour. It could be tomorrow, it could be later this year. Live to have no regrets!!

Love ya'll!

Think again today, even though it's Friday!

Mornin' Ladies! Please pray for the Youth Evangelism Conference, we are leaving this evening!

More on our thoughts, because, I don't know about you, but, this is something I need to work on. So, here's more to chew on.

"Proverbs 23:7 teaches us that we become what we think, and I have certainly learned this truth over the years. Indeed, "where the mind goes, the man follows." One of the first principles believers must learn if we intend to walk in real victory is that our minds must be renewed according to the Word of God. We must learn to think like God!
Sadly, we believe many things that simply are not true. For example, some people believe they have no worth and value because people have said they do not or have treated them in a way that made them feel worthless and devalued. However, the Bible makes clear that we are so valuable to God that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die and suffer in our place in order that we might be redeemed from our sins and have an intimate relationship with Him. As we learn to think as God thinks, we exchange depression and hopelessness for joyful expectation. We believe God has a wonderful future planned for us, no matter what our past has been like. We believe God wants to bless us.
When we have negative thoughts, we end up with negative results. But positive thoughts open the door for God to work in our lives. If we think we are unable to do certain things, we will be rendered unable--even though God's Word says we can do anything God asks us to do because of His ability in us (see Philippians 4:13) Our thoughts are that powerful.
We must all change our way of thinking before our lives will change. Romans 12:2 says we are not to conform to the world and its ways, but we are to completely renew our minds and attitudes so we can prove for ourselves the good and perfect will of God. In other words, God has good plans for us, but we will not experience them if we cling to the old ways of thinking.
We must cast down wrong thinking and replace it with thinking that God approves of. The mind is the battlefield on which our war with Satan is won or lost. Satan is a liar and a deceiver. His lies become our reality only when we believe them. Stop allowing your mind to be a garbage dump for Satan's trash and instead, make it available for God's ideas. Then you will enjoy a life worth living and have the testimony of bearing good fruit for God's glory."
Joyce Meyer Amplified Bible

Stop the stinkin' thinkin'! Love ya'll!

Oh, My!

I did the next worst thing than misquoting the Bible. I misquoted our pastor. I have corrected it. He didn't say the outcome of Tina's tests, because he didn't know. Sorry, Brother Joe. My Bad!!

Think about it Thursday

Good Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are all off to a good start on this fine Thursday. I woke up on time, (ok, 8 minutes after my alarm clock rang, but for me, that's on time!!lol) Had a wonderful time with the Lord this morning. I think I got up mainly because I was excited this morning. About what? You ask. Was it about going to get my taxes done this evening? No. Was it about going to Sam's and getting the stuff for the spaghetti dinner ? No. Was it about going out to eat alone with my husband? No. It was the excitement of starting a new Bible study with a friend. We hadn't exactly planned to get started, but I just got it, and am so excited about the new study and the fellowship with her!

I'd like to share my devotional this morning.

If there is any virtue and if ther is anything praisworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8b

“What you think about in your unguarded moments reflects what your mind dwells upon. What you speak about when your guard is down is a good gauge of what is in your heart (Matt. 12:34). Your mind needs exercise just as your physical body does. To keep your body healthy, you must be careful what you put into it, and you must exercise regularly. To keep your thoughts pure, you must guard what goes into your mind. To exercise your mind, you must contemplate things that are noble and truths that stretch your mind.
Some Christians allow the world to fill their minds with ungodly thinking. Some people seem drawn to concentrate on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything. Some remain satisfied with thinking of the mundane. Others fail to intentionally place Scripture in their thoughts, choosing instead to adopt human reasoning. Others, however, choose to expose their minds to the truths of God- to that which is true, noble, just pure, lovely, and good.
The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live. If you focus on negative things, you will inevitably be a negative person. If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life. If you fill your mind with thtoughts of Christ, you will become Christlike.
What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magnificent truths of God, and they will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God.”

Experiencing God Day by Day

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Colossians 3:2 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.


It's funny that this was my devotional for this morning. Because a friend and I were talking about our minds and the way we think yesterday.

Just Remember:

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23: 7a Amplified Bible



Have a great day, and remember, to renew your mind. Tina, hope you are feeling better today. Let's all remember Tina in our prayers. She went to Vandy yesterday and had some things done.

Wednesday

Mornin' Ladies. I'm a little later posting this morning, and I may have to do it this way from now on. I gotta get Austin to school on time ;)!!

This morning on the way to school, about half way there, all of a sudden, Austin said "Hey Jackson", like she had just noticed him or something. And then, Jackson said "Hey sissys" Then, Austin said "Do you know who loves you, Jackson? Momma, Daddy, sissys, Granna, G-Daddy, Uncle Andy, Aunt Leslie, Grandmother, Grandaddy, Granny, Mr. Harvel, Jackie. But do you know who loves you most of all?" OK, I was ready to hear "Sissys" but she said "God! He loves you most of all!" And Jackson said "Yeah, sissys."

Sometimes, they will just melt your heart. It's even more awesome to have those moments while they are awake! LOL!

Remember -- God loves you!

See ya'll tonight!

Prayer

Mornin' Ladies! I'd like to share something with you that I picked up in a Bible study a while back. It has really transformed my prayer life, and I ran across it in a different book yesterday, and thought ya'll might enjoy it. It is ACTS for praying:

A- Adoration. When we bow our heads, the first words we utter should praise His holy name. How mighty and glorious He is.

C- Confession. After our praise and adoration, we should be thinking about our own sins. How have we messed up this time? We need to repent and wipe the slate clean. We need to ask for forgiveness on a daily basis. Ask for help each day so that you will be better prepared for the temptations coming your way.

T- Thanksgiving. You have been so blessed! Acknowledge the blessings God has bestowed upon you. Thank Him for the riches in your life.

S- Supplication. And finally we can lift up our petitions before God. Whether it be for a family member that is lost, praying for our own attitudes, praying for our children, asking for help with daily matters. He wants us to bring our worries to Him.


"Persistent prayer indicates a genuine faith. God shows favor to those who pray until the answer comes, regardless of how long it takes." Blackaby Encounters with God Daily Bible

Love ya'll. Don't forget to pray!

Busy Monday

Mornin' ladies! Hope you are off to a good one. I have a good to-do list for today, and that doesn't even include cleaning my house (which is a given around here). Not many more days until Women of Joy! I'm getting excited. I have a schedule, that they sent with the last payment I made. I thought you might like to see.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Noon: Registration Begins
7pm: Charles Billingsley
7:30pm: Lori Salierno
8:30pm: adjourn

Saturday, April 10, 2010
9am: Charles Billingsley
9:30am: Anita Renfroe
10:30am: Break
11am: Kay Arthur
Noon: Free Time

8pm: Concert with Steven Curtiss Chapman and Michael W. Smith

Sunday, April 11 2010
9am: Charles Billingsley
9:30am: Karen Kingsbury
11am: Adjourn for home

*Schedule subject to change at any time!

Don't forget your bathing suit, money, and a happy face. Oh, yeah, more clothes would be nice too. I'd hate to walk around with you in a bathing suit all weekend!! Love ya'll! Have a great day!

For more info, go to www.womenofjoy.org

It's too bad heaven doesn't accept any earthly mail!

"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." has never been one of my mottos. I'm more of a procrastination type gal. When I found out my friend was very sick, I did what I could to find out about her. I haven't seen her in years and years. With Mom's help, I was able to learn through her nephew how she was doing, and her address. I sat down to write her a letter. I wrote it and put it in the mailbox, but the mail had already ran. So, there it sat all night. I did get a phone number from her nephew yesterday evening, but I was in a hurry to get the family fed, and get to church. I didn't call after church because I was afraid it was too late. The Lord woke me up at 1:30 am with her and her family heavy on my mind. I prayed for all of them.
Now, above my computer, sets my letter, as a reminder, to "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." You see, my friend died last night.

Dear Heavenly Father, Please let my friend know how much she is loved, and missed by friends that haven't even seen her in years. Please bring comfort and peace to her family, as they have went through so much in the past few months, with losing her Dad and all. Please Lord, let your name be glorified in some way in this. I love you, Lord, and thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.


Rest In Peace
Eddra Rhea (Kingins) Landon-Sowell
Daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, aunt.
We love you, and will never forget you.

God owns it all

Mornin' Ladies!

"Mine" asserts the two year old proudly proclaiming his rights to a toy taken by a brother. Sadly, mine is one of the first words spoken. We don't teach children to be selfish. They are born this way.
"God owns it all!" is printed across the checkbook cover of a mother who has learned to trust God for His provision. What a contrast! Somewhere between toddlerhood and adulthood she forfeited her rights to God. She learned it was God who said, "Everything under heaven belongs to me." Too many of us think we penned that phrase.
Will the two year old one day surrender ownership not only of his toys but of his life? Have we? Could we print "God owns it all" across our checkbook? Our toys? Our children? If God took out our dearest possession away, would we be all right knowing it was never ours anyway? Forfeiting our rights to our toys and our checkbook is one thing. Giving our children back to God is quite another.


Lord, cleanse my heart of thoughts that anything belongs to me. May I mentally stamp "God owns it all" across everything I claim as mine. Thank you for my children. I know they really belong to You, and You can take them back at any moment. May I not live in fear of that truth but in trust. You assure me that if the worst happens Your arms will carry me through difficult days.
Thank You for my checkbook. On days when it is full, I seek You will in distribution of Your money. On days when it is empty, I thank You for Your provision to meet all my needs.
Thank You for my toys. I enjoy them. May I not be selfish with these gifts nor envious of the others' abundance. Thank You for my life. May I live each day knowing it is a gift from you. I surrender my life to You, Jesus.
Everything under heaven belongs to you. There couldn't be a better owner and that brings me peace.

SOS Bathtime reflections for drained Moms

Have a great day!

Death

Mornin' Ladies! Did my title get your attention? Death is something I've been thinking a lot about since yesterday evening when I got a phone call. It was from my Daddy telling me that a classmate of mine had 2 weeks to live. 2 weeks! She's the same age as me, I played basketball with her. I don't think I've seen her since we graduated (I'm not gonna say how long ago that was!) She has 2 small children. She could be me! If I had 2 weeks to live, there's some things that I'd want to get done. Some things that you may not even think about, some you may. I'd like for my house to be clean, so my legacy wouldn't be a dirty house. I'd want to write letters for my loved ones, maybe even do a video tape for them. I'd like to plan my funeral (to make it easier on my loved ones). I'd like to make sure legal things were taken care of (wills, etc.) Then, what? Well, I'd like to make the last moments I had with friends and loved ones count. Make sure they know how I feel about them. What would I want from a friend I haven't seen in years? Maybe nothing. Maybe a lot.

Live like you're dying. Tell people today. Don't wait until tomorrow, it may never come. Don't hesitate to reach out to a dying or sick friend.

I gotta see what I can do, or better yet, what God would like to do through me. Love ya'll!

How old do I look?

Ok, don't answer that! Seriously, don't. Good morning ladies! Yesterday, my daughter asked me if they had pop-tarts when I was a little girl. Now, she's asked me if we had the same "color" as the shirt she is wearing today. It's not like the days of my Mom when everything was black and white (Ha Ha, just kidding Mom!!)
Anyway, my daughter and I are very excited, we heard on the radio yesterday about a mother-daughter day conference type thing that is for 8-12 year olds (daughters, not the mothers, lol) It's called "Secret Keeper Girl" and it's at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville April 24th. We are so excited to have a girls day out. They are going to have a fashion show, and talk about the Bible, and things that girls "now-a-days" are facing. She was so excited, she offered to pay for part of the tickets, (if they were high, like $100 or something, she said) but tickets ended up being $14 a piece. If you are interested, or know someone who is, you can go to www.wayfm.com for more info.
Please pray for my Aunt Margaret, as she is having foot surgery today, and Happy Belated Birthday to Ms. Molly (It was yesterday). Fitzhugh twins are doing well, and Megan should be discharged today, please continue to pray for all of them.

Love Ya'll, have a great one!

Fitzhugh Twins

Karlie Ann Fitzhugh

Fitzhugh Twins

Kaidan Marcus Fitzugh

Monday

Good mornin' ladies! Good news! Donnie and Andy are going to get the tables and chairs for the basement this evening. The Fitzhugh twins are doing well, but please still keep them in your prayers.

This is for all parents, Sunday school teachers, those who work with kids,grandparents, or are around them (EVERYONE!!)

CHALLENGING A CHALLENGING CHILD
"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." -Jeremiah 29:11

He was the terror of the Sunday School. All of the teachers shuddered at thoughts of this disruptive boy being promoted into their Sunday School class. All but one. She didn't tremble at his misbehavior; she observed his character. Studying him, she noted he had an exceptionally bright mind, a quick wit and an incredible memory. She challenged this challenging boy to memorize scripture. He did. No longer a loser, he won scripture memory awards and free trips to scripture memory summer camps. Today, he is a pastor noted for his quiet, gentle spirit. He uses his bright mind, quick wit and incredible memory to serve the Lord. God had a plan, a hope, and a future for the terror of the Sunday School.
Mothers of Sunday School terrors can feel hopeless. The despair of raising challenging children can blind our eyes to the good qualities God has placed in each child. However, sometimes there is just no energy left in our tired bodies to focus on anything but our own fatigue.
During these "end-of-my-rope" moments, we need to wake up and attack. But first, we need to prepare for battle. Arm yourself with pen and paper. choose the right time for the confrontation, preferably when your little demon looks more like an angel. I suggest while the child is sleeping. Focus on your child and write every good character trait and ability you have ever seen in your little or big one. Read it often. Display it for all to see. Add to the list as years go by. As you and your challenging child focus more on good qualities than bad, everyone will be surprised at the positive changes. And, I expect, you'll be winning more of the challenges.

Splashes of serenity (SOS)
Bathtime reflections for drained Moms

Finally got it!

Ok, use the link on the side, and it will take you directly to the place to vote for Grace. It took SEVERAL times to get it to work, but I finally got it. Tell everyone you know! VOTE FOR GRACE BAPTIST!!

Love ya'll!

Vote for Grace Baptist!!

Mornin' girls! I just got an email from one of the Ladies of Grace saying the Stewart Houston times is having a "People's Choice" thing in the paper. And she suggested that we vote Grace Baptist the best place to worship!! HOW TRUE!! What a great idea! (So ya know it didn't come from me!! LOL!!) I'm not sure what we have to do, but I'll check into it and let you all know!

Till then!

Love ya'll! (I'm off to send some emails to the same effect!)

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning Ladies! Hope you are off to a great one, I however am not. I had my whole speech prepared for ya'll about how I wanted an emotionectomy. You know, to have God remove the nasty emotions from you. Like anger, selfishness, pridefulness, and all the other bad ones. (But you know, I really wanted to keep the good ones, like love, humility, gentleness, kindness, and all the other good ones.) Well, isn't that just like a flesh filled person?????? (If you can't tell, I'm a little peeved at my significant other.) Then, by chance (OR WAS IT????) there's the love dare verse that I just had to type out for myself. Wow!! I'm guessing God gave us emotions so we could experience the good ones, because he's love, and without our emotions, we couldn't really experience that, or a relationship with him or any other human being. And without the bad ones, we couldn't really appreciate how good the good ones are, could we??? So, I stand before you humbled this morning, and a little upset with myself that I'm not truly over it. Arrrrrrrr!!!!!
Anyway, hope you have a great one. Jackson and I are off to get groceries. Love ya'll.

Wednesday Wanderings

Good Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are off to a great day! The Lord has my spirit un usually quiet today, so I found a cool poem for us.

Others May-You May Not by G. D. Watson (1845-1924) If God has called you to be really like Christ in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility and put on you such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do. Others can brag on themselves, and their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works. The Lord will let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His glory, which can be produced only in the shade. Others will be allowed to succeed in making money, but it is likely God will keep you poor because he wants you to have something far better than gold and that is a helpless dependence on Him; that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day - out of an unseen treasury. God will let others be great, but He will keep you small. He will let others do a great work for Him and get credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when He comes. The Holy Spirit will put strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do what He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle you in His dealing with you. He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say. Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that others are not dealt with. Now, when you are so possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this particular personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven.


Hope this blesses you. Love ya'll. See ya tonight.

Think about it Tuesday

Mornin' Girls! Hope you're off to a great day! I tell you what, God is working this morning, and He's in the small stuff, too, ladies. Just keep your spiritual eyes open! He's there! All around you!

You know how I was telling you that my book "Having a Mary Spirit" was blessing me. Well, I laid it down for a week or so. I've usually got 2 books going at any given time. I have a Christian fiction and another Christian non-fiction book going. Well, I don't think there are any coincidences! It's going right along with our Experiencing God study, and I don't think it's any coincidence that we got put off for a couple of weeks on that either. I may have been the reason, I hate to say. God is definitely teaching me something. (To keep my mouth shut, and let Him work.)

Keep Me Sweet, Lord
Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from getting talkative, particularly from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject an on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind from the recital of endless details - give me wings to come to the point.
I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of others' pains. Seal my lips on my own aches and pains - they are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint - some of them are so hard to live with - but a sour old woman is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good thing in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord the grace to tell them so.
----Written by and anonymous seventeenth-century nun


Remember, you don't just wake up a sweet old lady, you have to start now.

Love you all!

Monday with Meaning

Good morning Ladies!! Ahhhhh, the sound of a snow day morning, PRICELESS!! My kiddos are still in the bed! lol!
I don't know about you, but I sure am glad to be diving back into the Experiencing God classes! Have you done your lesson yet this morning? I have read it, I will do it with Donnie later. Did you enjoy the first movie? We didn't watch it last night, because we got the cart ahead of the horse last time, and watched it then. (oops) Anyhoo, I'm excited to see what God wants to do with us.
And, how about that sermon on spiritual gifts yesterday? Too cool! Do you know yet, which one(s) you have been given.

Ok, I must share something painfully funny with you. Something that has inspired me. Last night, my son sat in my lap (I was sitting cross legged on the floor), and when he sat down, he said "Oh, you getting bigger Momma!" I told you it was painfully funny. This is not even mentioning the part where my husband laughed hysterically!! But, it has inspired me to get off my hiney!! I have a challenge for myself. And I'm stating it right here for every one to see, so I HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTABLE!! I will lose 15 pounds by Women of Joy!! Anyone else want to join me??????????? I'm gonna start eating right, and hopefully, exercise my belly off!! LOL!!
Last, but certainly not least, Thanks to my secret pal!! You're awesome! I'm drinking out of my mug right now!
Have a great day! Love ya'll!

Happy Birthday Aunt Margaret!!

Wishingfriends.com

Happy Birthday Karol!

Wishingfriends.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thought you all might enjoy a picture of me and Donnie when we were kids! LOL!! ;)

An early Valentine's Devotional

God's Conversation Hearts
A Valentin'es Devotional
Julia Bettencourt

"…blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:28

I've always loved those candy conversation hearts at Valentine's. The New England Confections Company, otherwise known as Necco, says that conversation hearts are the most popular of Valentine's candy. I read the history of the candy on the Necco website and it was quite interesting how the sayings being printed on the candy got started. Can you believe that the concept behind conversation hearts was started back when Abraham Lincoln was president?

I like the taste of those little hearts and it's one of those childhood candies that give sweet memories. I also like them to decorate cupcakes and cookies with. What I like best I guess is those little sayings. "Kiss me!" "Be Mine" "Be True". I know today they say a few different things than the ones I grew up with.

Did you know that God sends us conversation hearts too? The things He left in His Word were left for us because He loves us. Each conversation heart from God is sweet to the taste. We just don't sometimes read or pay attention to them.

Here are some of my favorites…

BE MINE - God wants us to accept His love.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

ALL MINE - God loves us and will keep us.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:27-30

TRUE LOVE - God loves us with true love as only He can.
I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

LOVE ME - God wants us to love Him.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27

I'M SURE - God's sure of His love and wants us to know we have a future with Him.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

SWEET TALK - God's Word is His love letter to us.
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

BE GOOD - God tells us how to love Him back.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

FAX ME - God loves us so much He wants to communicate with us.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

Conclusion:
There's more conversation hearts that the Lord left for us to see His love through. We just have to dig into His Word to find them.

So, have you missed out on God's conversation hearts?

Copyright ©2001-2009 Julia Bettencourt
Scripture References are from the King James Version.
www.juliabettencourt.com

FINALLY FRIDAY!!

Good Mornin' Ladies! Oh, me I've had a hectic past couple of days. Tuesday and Wednesday I had been giving Jackson tylenol because I thought he was getting sick. I laid him down for a nap and Austin and I got ready (on Wednesday). Austin had an eye appointment, she got reading glasses (they look so cute on her!!) Then I had to wake Jackson up to take him to Mom's and he was burning up. So, after Austin's eye appointment I went back to Mom's and exchanged kids, and took Jackson to Doctor's Care and found out he has an ear infection. Jackson woke up at 3am on Thursday and wouldn't go back to sleep, until I took him to Mom's, and he fell asleep in the car. Yesterday I went to a "Financial Issues" meeting in Clarksville, for the church. It was very informative, and mindboggling, let me tell you.
We have a church budget meeting tonight at 6:30. I'm glad it worked out that way. Wow! I'm on information overload.
Need to run today, gotta get info ready for tonight.
Have a great Weekend!
Thanks for missing the blog yesterday, Gina. It means a lot to me!! Love ya'll!

Wednesday Wanderings

Good Mornin' Ladies of Grace! Hope you're off to a good one. It's definitely still a snowy one out there!
I have a membership with Netflix. For those of you that don't know, you can rent DVD's and they mail them to you, for one low monthly fee. (Sound like a commercial? He He!) Anyhoo, I got a dvd "Be Still", it's about contemplative prayer. It was very good. They talked about how we need to "be still" and come before God. They talked about the importance of getting a routine, and a place where you regularly meet with God. They talked about some key points in spiritual reading that I'd like to share.

1. Read - simply read, re-read, re-read one or two verses, nothing long, read slowly and let them sink in.
2. Reflect - think, what jumped out at you about that passage? What touches your life today about that passage?
3. Respond - What is God inviting you to do?
4. Rest - Experience His presence, pray, sit quietly with Him.

I tried that out this morning with one of the verses they suggested. John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." John 14:27 HCSB

Now, I'd like to share with you what I wrote in my journal this morning about that verse.

"Jesus is giving us peace - HIS peace - if we are not peaceful inside - it's like we say "No, thank you. I don't need your peace, Jesus." He doesn't give to us the way the world does. His gift is everlasting, it won't perish, it's not worldly, but eternal. It's not a "fluffy" present - it's one with "Meat" to it. Your heart MUST not be troubled or fearful is not a question , suggestion or an invitation - It's a demand. Jesus said DO NOT LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED OR FEARFUL".

This verse took on new meaning for me after I did that. Try it, and share what you've experienced!!

Love ya'll. Have a great day!

Snowy Tuesday

Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are all home and snug and appreciating the wonderful sight of the snow that the Lord has given us this morning!! I LOVE IT!!!!! I wanted a "snow" devotional for ya'll today, so I went searching, and found one. Hope you like it!

White As Snow
by Dee Renaud
Isaiah 1:18 - Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (NIV)

I sat at my window the other day, watching the snow falling gently to the ground, and enjoying the beauty of the world covered in a blanket of clean, white snow. One of my favourite choruses came to mind:

White as snow, white as snow
Though my sins were as scarlet
Lord I know, Lord I know
That I'm clean and forgiven.

Through the power of Your blood
Through the wonder of your love
Through faith in You I know that I can be
White as snow.

(Words and music by Leon Olquin)

God uses His creation to remind us of His amazing love. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus. We've been washed clean -- white as snow -- by the precious blood of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. May we live every day deeply aware of God's love and forgiveness!

Ephesians 1:7 - In Him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. (NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the beauty of Your creation, and that You can speak to us through Your creation. Help us to take the time to admire and appreciate all that You have created for us. We thank You that because of Your amazing love and the gift of Your Son, Jesus, our sins can be forgiven. We confess our sins, even now, and ask You to make us white as snow so that we can glorify You in all that we say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.



Hope you have a "snowy" day!!

Good Monday Morning!

Wow! Mornin' Ladies! Is anyone else feeling the hecticness of this Monday. (Ok, there's probably no such word, but I bet you ALL know what I mean.) This is going to be a particularly busy week for me. I'm the stay at home type, if you haven't already noticed that.

Meeting Notes for those who weren't able to make it last night.
1. We are getting plastic tables and metal chairs for the basement, and after all the work is done in the basement, we will start to work on the Sunday School classrooms.
2. We will be purchasing 6 more Experiencing God books. Praise be to God, the others are gone!
3. I am going to see about getting a debit card for online and phone purchases and such.
4. The budget committee will be meeting this Friday to see about implementing a "benevolence fund".
5. Church approved the use of the basement and the Spaghetti dinner for the "Project Prom". Which, will be March 7th.
That's all I can remember. If anybody remembers anything, please post.

Ok, I have a little rambling to do. Well, you remember how when you were in school, your parents told you "You have the world by it's tail" or something like that. You don't truly get that point at the time. But later, you look back and realize that it's true. (Ok, Mom, don't miss this, I'm saying you were right! lol!) For example, I look back to my short lived basketball career in high school. I was scared, of things like messing up, not being good enough, missing the shot, and I let that hinder me. And, if like with that, and so many other things, if I would have just tried, or just forged ahead, who knows what would have happened. Now, let's fast forward to our lives today. Are we still afraid? I know I am of some things. I still think some people are better than me. I still avoid those people like I did in high school, because they were one of the "cool" ones. When, really think about it, put yourselves in their shoes. All they see is me avoiding them. They don't see my insecurity. They may think I'm stuck up or something, when I really think of myself as inferior. Now, fast forward to the end of your life, or when Jesus comes back (I'm not trying to be morbid. Just go with me here.) Will you look back and realize things that you couldn't see at the time they were happening? I think we all will, for sure. But, will we still think we approached things with that "fear" of messing up, not being cool, or whatever? I think my main thing to be "afraid" of needs to be what Jesus will say when He looks back on my life. Will he sit there watching the movie of my life and hit pause and say "see, there was your opportunity!" or "I told you to go" or "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Now, I'd like to quote something I read this morning from my Encounters with God Bible.

He's Coming Back
"Matthew 24 provides us with a pretty clear picture of Christ's second coming. Those who read the Bible and have studied such passages know that Christ will come back and take His people to be with Him forever. When that happens, some people will be left behind; others will be taken into God's glory. "then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left" (Matt. 24:40,41) Then Christ tells His disciples, "Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matt. 24:44). The exact time may remain a mystery, but the fact of His coming is common knowledge. So why "be ready"? If you knew a very important visitor was coming to your home, I am sure there are a few things you would do to prepare for the visit such as cleaning, straightening, and baking. If there was more time you might even plant flowers, paint the house, or repair the walkway. In the Christian life there are things that we do not want left undone when Christ comes back. We want there to be no regrets and every moment used for His glory before there are no moments left. Sharing our faith with loved ones, forgiving others and asking for forgiveness, repairing damaged relationships, or helping those who need a touch of God's love and grace could be on your "to do" list. Ask God today to help you know what your priorities need to be today to help you get ready for His return."

Wow! Something to think about, huh? Check out the Amish Proverb today. It cracks me up. Love ya'll! Have a great one.

Friday Challenge

Mornin' Ladies of Grace! Hope you are off to a wonderful day! I plan on doing my "weekly home blessing" today. Not sure what I'm talking about? Checkout www.flylady.net . It's really helped me out. I did, however have to make my own schedule. Boy, do I have some gems for you this morning!! Are you a person that's up for a challenge??????? I have a website for you!! It's awesome. I'm doing the encourage your husband challenge. She has several 30 day challenges, some you can download and print, some are emailed to you. They are all Biblically based. The website is www.reviveourhearts.com/challenge . They have several different kinds. One for praying for your pastor, and even one for praying for your pastor's wife. I'm so excited. I love challenges! I loved the "Love Dare", I even clean my house with a timer, for goodness sakes.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

The heart of her husband

Hey, just found a new series starting up at a virtuous woman. It's going on for 14 days, it started Feb 1st, it's going until Valentines day. It's called "The heart of her husband" Check it out! http://www.avirtuouswoman.org/tag/the-heart-of-her-husband/

Technical Difficulties

Oh, my. I thought I was gonna have to shoot my computer. Well, I actually did it myself, but it would be a whole lot less painful to shoot the computer! lol! I loved the Bible study last night. I kinda like it when we just let the Lord move, and speak as he will. It was awesome!

Ok, I read another book (it was short) It was called "Amish Peace" it was an awesome book!! It talked about how often we would like to have the "peace" that the Amish do. I think that's true, a lot of us would like that peace. But, if we don't have it, it's not because we aren't Amish. We can have the same peace they do. We serve the same God. It had a bunch of 2-3 page stories and a lot of Amish Proverbs. It really got me to thinking. I think they live an unhurried lifestyle, they work hard, probably harder than we do, yes, but they aren't rushed. They only have things they need or use. Honestly, that's been a goal of mine, and I'm still tryin'. (I'll probably go to the grave tryin' on that one!! lol!) But without all the clutter, and the hurriedness, and without technology that takes up so much of our time, I think we could have more peace. It's about choosing what's important.

Love ya'll. Have a great day! Hopefully, the computer problem is fixed, (even though I didn't do anything to fix it! lol)

Thoughtless Tuesday

Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are off to a good one. Why are we such thoughtless, selfish creatures? Why is it so hard to think of others first? I'm reading some books that are making me think, can you tell? Why is it that to be "good" we have got to go totally against our human, fleshly selves? And, why I'm asking questions, here's two more for ya. Why can't I control what comes out of my mouth? And, why is my "green" tea red? Some things for you to ponder on today. He He!!

I'd like to leave you with some thoughts from my devotional in Experiencing God Day By Day

Life's Seasons

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

"The beauty in the way God designed the four seasons is that, though each one is distinct, they all work together to bring life and growth. Spring is a period of freshness and new life. Summer sees growth and productivity. Autumn is a time for harvesting the rewards of past labors. Winter is the season of dormancy and closure. Each season has its own unique beauty and makes a significant contribution to life.
Just as God planned seasons in nature, He planned seasons in life as well. Life has its springtime, when we begin new things and look excitedly toward the future. Summer comes and we work diligently in the heat of the day at ll the God has assigned to us. With autumn comes the fruition of things begun at an earlier time in our lives. Winter brings an end to a particular period in our lives. Sometimes winter brings hardship, but we remain hopeful, for another spring is just around the corner!
In God's perfect design for our lives, He has planned for times of fruitfulness and activity. He will also build in times of quiet and rest. There will be times when He asks us to remain faithful doing the same work day after day. But there will also be periods of excitement and new beginnings. By God's grace we will enjoy seasons of harvesting the fruit of our faithfulness. By God's grace, we will also over come the cold winters of heartache and grief, for without winter there would be no spring. Just as it is with the seasons of nature, these seasons in our lives work together to bring about God's perfect will for each one of us."


Hope you all have a blessed day. I spoke with Brother Joe about the Experiencing God study last night, and he says not to go any farther in it, until the next class, so we can all be together.

Oh, yeah, if I start talking like I'm in the 1800's, please forgive me. I have noticed myself doing that. It's quite funny. I'm almost finished with the book, we'll see if the talk lasts much longer than that! LOL!!

Monday morning

Good snowy mornin' to ya ladies! I loooove snow!!!! It's so beautiful, don't ya think??? And school is out! What a bonus. I did miss seeing all of you yesterday, but it was good family time. And, like Brother Joe says, we can worship at home as well as in church! So, hopefully, we all did that yesterday.

I have to let you in on something. (Donnie thinks I keep nothing from ya'll!) But this is just too good to keep to myself. I like to share! My Momma taught me well. (Can't say much for my brother though, LOL ;)! Just kidding!) Well, you know how I told you about my book Having a Mary Spirit, well, it has some books in the back that she calls "Resources for a Holy Makeover" and in that there was a book that you could download for free on the internet, so I thought, "there's no better price" and I have been totally engrossed in this book. It is written in the 1800's and it is a journal type book, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and thought you might too. It's called "Stepping Heavenward: One Woman's Journey to Godliness" by Elizabeth Prentiss. You can find it at www.gutenberg.org/etext/2515 If you decide to download it, you will laugh, and be shocked at times. It's awesome, I haven't finished it yet, but it's good. And you can find lots more FREE books to download there!!

Does anyone know if there has been any decisions made about Ladies Bible study tomorrow night?? I suppose, we'll have to wait until closer to time.

Love ya'll and have a delightful snow filled day!!

MySpace Graphics



HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA!! HOPE IT'S A GREAT ONE!!

Friday's Findings

Good mornin' Ladies of Grace! I love the Lord!! I've got a lot to say today, and I'm probably gonna be rambling, so just get ready. The first thing I want to say is "Bring on the SNOW!!!!" Woo Hoo! I loooove snow!!

Ok, maybe a little background before I start rambling. I don't know if it was Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, or someone else, but, in a Bible study, or book I read, someone said to pay attention if certain scriptures continue repeating themselves. Like,say, you're reading a devotional, it has that scripture, then you go to your daily Bible reading (by chance) it's the same scripture, then you're reading a book, same scripture, then you hear someone quote it. Coincidence? I don't think so!! It's a God incidence!! When that happens to me, I try to go deeply into that scripture. I meditate on it, just to see if I can apply it somehow in my life. Then I go to different Bible commentaries, then I look to see the cross-references to other scriptures. This used to happen to me quite often, but it hasn't in a while. OK, it's majorly happening now!! One of the verses is one that Brother Joe used on Wednesday, Phil. 6:6-7 "Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses every thought will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." HCSB. Ok, I'd like to quote some of the references. "Scripture commands us not to worry. Anxiety demonstrates a lack of faith. Christ promised to provide for all our needs. We must choose to believe Him and obey no matter what the circumstances might be." Encounters with God - Blackaby Bible
"Anxiety wanes and eventually disappears when we take our concerns to the God who has the power and the wisdom to take care of them, believing that He always has our best interests at heart. If we dwell on negative things, our frame of mind will soon turn sour, pessimistic, and negative. If we fill our minds with the things of God - with prayer and thanksgiving - the opposite occurs and we begin to see the world as God sees it." Charles Stanley

You're not gonna believe it, but John 15:5 came up in my devotional yesterday. So, I went deeper into that. I'm not gonna quote the verse, you should know it by now!! LOL! (Besides it's at the top of the page) "Out of our intimate relationship with God flows everything of consequence. Apart from His presence in our lives, we can don nothing of eternal significance." Encounters with God Bible
"The only way we can play a significant role in the kingdom of God is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us. While apart from Him we can do nothing, in Him we can do anything He calls us to do. Jesus does not want any of us to lead unproductive or unfocused lives. He chose us not only for salvation, but also to play a significant role in His kingdom. He wants each of us to fulfill a particular purpose." Charles Stanley. One thing I noticed about both of these was the fact that both chose to use the words consequence and significant. Wow! Think about that!

Now, I'd like to say, (Noooo, I haven't said enough already) I started reading a book "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver. It has been an excellent thing to read along with the study we are doing. Believe it or not, I'd like to quote something from that book. LOL! "My deepest fear is waking up twenty years from now still the same woman I am today. With the same annoying habits and petty attitudes; with the same besetting sins and false beliefs. I can't imagine anything more terrible than getting to the end of my life only to discover that God had so much more in mind for me - more freedom, more joy, more peace, more true effectiveness. And I had missed it all, simply because I refused to change."

Lord, please let us all be the clay in your amazing potters hands. Mold us into what you would have us to be! Amen!

Thursday Thoughts

Mornin' Ladies!! Hope today is fruitful for you, because, you know if you remain in Him you will bear much fruit!! Amen? Have you got your memory verse down? I think I do. Just be prepared!! This church will quiz you, and catch you off guard, and talk to you while you say it to flub you up, so my advice, know it inside out! I got tripped up twice last night! LOL!

The first Ladies Mission meeting went well on Tuesday night. Donna is our new secretary. We are adopting a church member for "project prom". We are going to raise the money ourselves with a spaghetti dinner for the church, after church one day, and take donations for the dinner. We will use that money for prom tickets, clothing, flowers, picture money, meal money, gas money, etc. If you are interested in helping, see Dottie.

Are you enjoying the Experiencing God class? I am. Donnie and I are enjoying it. I really enjoyed seeing the excitement, and praises about it last night!! I feel closer to God, and to my church family. This is awesome!!!!!

I love you guys. Read your Bible. Study your Bible. Talk to God. Do your homework. Have a blessed day!

Questions for you (and me).

Mornin' girls. Got a few questions for you (and me) this morning. Have you ever wanted to just be quiet? Have you ever thought that someone else talks too much? Have you ever thought that YOU talk to much? Has anyone ever interrupted you when you are talking? (Ok, Jeanie, I'm talking about myself, and this has absolutely nothing to do with what you said yesterday! ;)!!) Have you ever interrupted anyone while they were talking? Have you ever got off of the phone, or left a friend and thought, WOW! I sure did talk a lot and did I listen at all, or did I just completely talk about myself and my problems/issues/things going on? And, have you ever had someone that just called you when they wanted something????(OK, PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT ANY PERSON OTHER THAN MYSELF. I am taking all of these from instances in my own life. -- Ok, just as an example, I'm sure NOBODY can identify with this one. Have you ever talked so much, you couldn't stop talking, and got on your own nerves????? OK, see, I'm talking about myself)
I said all of that to say this. Have you ever went to the Lord and not asked for ANYTHING??? Have you ever sat quietly in His presence? I mean, if prayers are our conversations with God, when do WE listen?? If we don't listen, how do we know His will, or what we should do?
Let's make it a priority to LISTEN to God! I think He's telling me to be quiet again!! LOL;)!!!

Love ya'll. I saw on facebook that Traci went through the surgery well, but was in quite a lot of pain. Let's remember her in our prayers.
Don't forget the Ladies Mission Meeting tonight at 6pm in the fellowship hall!

Experiencing God on Monday Morning

Mornin' Ladies!! I guess if you were at the Experiencing God class last night, you know that Donnie and I are in the class, we are just doing it from home. We will be with you in mind and spirit, and will be praying for you! I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS CLASS!! I'm excited to see what God chooses to do through us!! I'd like to share some things from my Experiencing God Day by Day devotional, I thought was so fitting after starting the class last night!!

The Father Draws You

And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." John 6:65

Throughout Jesus' ministry on earth, He never seemed intimidated by the crowds. Instead, He looked into the multitudes and focused on those whom His Father was sending to Him. Jesus knew that because of sin, no one naturally seeks after God. Sinful man's inclination is to hide from God rather than come to Him. (Gen. 3:8, Ps. 14:1-3) Therefore, whenever Jesus saw that the Father was drawing a person to Himself, Jesus immediately began relating to that person.
Jesus observed the great lengths to which the despised tax collector, Zacchaeus, had gone in order to see Him pass by. In response, Jesus immediately left the crowd and spent time with this man in whom the Father was obviously working (Luke 19:1-10). Likewise, every time the disciples experienced a new insight into the truths of God, Jesus recognized that it was the Father who had been at work in their lives (Matt. 16:17).
As the multitudes gathered around Jesus, He spoke some truths that were difficult for the people to grasp (John 6:60). So challenging were His words that many of His listeners departed, but Jesus did not become discouraged. He saw that the Father was working in the lives of His disciples, and that is where Jesus invested His time. As you desire to spend time alone with Jesus, recognize that this if the Father drawing you to His Son. You do not seek quiet times with God in orderto experience Himbut because you are alreadysensing His activity. As you read the Scriptures and pray, trust that God will honor your response to His leading by teaching you more about Himself.

I guess Donnie and I got a little ahead of ya'll. We watched the first night's dvd. Oh, well, I heard that Jeanie was afraid I'd go ahead in the book. I didn't. The first night's homework (which we did last night) clearly said not to go ahead. I did however read today's homework this morning. (I am waiting for Donnie to do it though.) LOL!! It's gonna be hard not to go ahead. But I will persevere!! I will excercise self control!! LOL!!

Love ya'll. Have a great day. Please remember Traci Jones in your prayers, she's having surgery today.

By Request

I have snagged some pics off Jeanie's facebook album and posted them here. I hear the party was awesome!!

Ladies of Grace ARE Women of Joy!!

Here's a look back at last year's Women of Joy. I am soooooo looking forward to this year's event. I think it will be EVEN BETTER than last year, mainly because we are all staying together!! We will be able to grow in the Lord, and grow our friendships. I can't think of anything better!! Love ya'll! Enjoy the look back!

This one is for my friend that went up close with me!!

Please forgive me!!

Gloria, I went to facebook to wish you a happy birthday, but then, did not say a word about it on here. Happy belated birthday! Hope it was a good one!!



Wishingfriends.com

Thursday Thoughts

Mornin' girls! I don't know if you noticed or not, but we have filled one of the vacant slots to Women of Joy. Thanks to Jeanie, because, it's her sister!! Woo Hoo! I think she's really excited to go, and it will be a great time for 3 of their family members to get to worship and spend the weekend together!!

I really enjoyed the Bible service last night! I have to say, I think that was my favorite name for God. Now, we only need to get Jeanie to sing the song for us!!!! lol!

Ok, I guess this whole day is just gonna be about Jeanie. Ha Ha! Thanks for turning me on to hot tea, and bringing some for me to try. I tried the sleepytime tea last night, and the peach this morning. YUMMMM! I never thought of myself as a hot tea drinker. But the Lord is really dealing with me this year on sooooo many different things, and letting me know things won't always turn out the way I think they will. I think He's working on my character. Thank goodness it's HIM, otherwise it would be impossible!! LOL!!

Love ya'll! Have a great one!

Wednesday

Mornin' girls! I just have to say if I were one of the seven dwarfs this morning I would be GRUMPY!!!!! It's not even 7:30 yet this morning, and I have been fussed at by my 8 year old, after letting her know in no certain terms, that I was tired of being fussed at every morning, and I was the Momma, and I deserved and would get respect, if she couldn't do anything but fuss, then she should just keep her mouth shut. I then sent myself to my room. That's where I am now. I have prayed for a new attitude, because frankly, HE is the only one that can give it to me!!

I just wanted to share with you a few things. I heard last night on TV, and I'm not saying this verbatim, but the essence of it was "God gives us tests and trials because He trusts us." I'd never really thought about it like that. We are to count them all as joy, and frankly, that thought will help me do just that. They went on and talked about Job and that God isn't the one that put all the bad things on him, but he ALLOWED satan to do it. Then, in my daily Bible, it had this thought, that I thought was awesome, and I'd like to share with ya'll.

"The Meaning of Trials"
"Some people think that difficult circumstances are an indication that they are heading in the wrong direction or that God is not in what they are doing. In actual fact, the exact opposite may be true. Difficult circumstances, crises, trials, and tests may all be a part of God's plan to use you. But He may have in mind to do some things in your life first. He may want to refine your character because there are flaws which will destroy your effectiveness down the road. (Oh no, I may be here forever!!!) He may want to reveal something about Himself to you in the midst of a crisis that you will need to know in the coming days. He may decide to see if your heart truly belongs to Him, or if there are other distractions that are more important to you. He may want to show you how much He loves you in the midst of persecution, so that your dependency will be on Him and your priorities will be in order. Then, after these trials have passed, God will be able to use you in a significant way, knowing your heart is completely devoted to Him, that you are trustworthy and will remain faithful to the end. Trials, persecution, testing, times of crisis and temptation are never bad, they are only things God works through to show Himself strong on your behalf and to demonstrate His love for you. They are instruments that can measure your devotion to Him and the depth of love you have for Him. Your eyes should never be on the crisis, test or trial, but on God and what He wants to do in your life through them. Pray that you will not be distracted by what you see around you and miss what God is doing in you."

Wow! Don't you think that makes it a little easier to "count it all joy"?

Love ya'll! Have a great one!

Thinkin' Tuesday

Mornin' Girls!! I think the Lord had me quiet yesterday for a good reason!! But, boy oh boy, I'm not quiet today, so get ready for a little rambling, and hopefully it will make some sense, if not, just chalk it up to one of those "Angie" things and go on.

Have you ever had a friend or loved one with a problem and while trying to help them, realized, you have the same issues that you haven't dealt with in your life, so who are you to try to help them? Then, did it make you wonder if the Lord put that in your path so you would have to deal with your issues? Then, did it make you see that you can't do ANYTHING without the help of the Lord? Did it then make you wonder how you have treated people in the past, and wonder if you had caused anyone pain, that will last and be a burden to them? Did it then make you wonder what causes pain, strife, arguments and fights to begin with? It's plain out selfishness! It's not putting others before yourself, and it's because you don't get your way. And, please know, I'm not preaching to anyone here (but myself!!) If this tends to make you realize some things, then, we will know that this lesson is from the Lord.


I love you all! I'm so glad to have a loving church family. I thank you all for all that you do for the church, for each other, and for me! Love to all! Remember to ask Jesus for help. He's the only one that can do it anyway!!

Women of Joy

Ok, I now officially have 2 spots to fill for Women of Joy!! OK, anyone have ANYBODY that would like to go????? If not, our prices for the cabin will have to go up. Please help!! Find 2 people!! I'm beggin ya!!

Monday morning

Good Monday mornin' Ladies! I sure feel the Mondayness of it. Don't you? First of all, I'd like to thank Donna (and everyone else who has been doing the cleaning - but I was there preparing for Jackson's birthday party when Donna was cleaning, and I know how much time and effort she put into it) You did an awesome job on the church and parsonage!! Thanks for cleaning it up!


Other than that, my soul is very quiet this morning. So, I hope you don't mind, I copied a devotional for you. Hope ya'll have a great day! Love ya.

January 18, 2010

Cheap Nails

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he (she) is a new creation, the old is gone, and the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Friend To Friend
One of the greatest philosophers of all time is Charlie Brown, the little round-headed kid in Charles Schulz's Peanuts cartoon. But even Charlie Brown has his problems. One day he was visiting his psychiatrist, Lucy. Lucy sat pensively behind her makeshift booth that resembled a lemonade stand. Her shingle read - Psychiatric Help 5 cents.

Frame one: Lucy says to Charlie Brown, "Your life is like a house…"

Frame tw "You want your house to have a solid foundation, don't you?"

Frame three: "Of course you do…"

Frame four: "So don't build your house on the sand, Charlie Brown…"

Frame five: A strong wind blows, knocking Lucy off her chair and the booth into a heap on the ground.

Frame six: "or use cheap nails."

I see many women today who have started building their spiritual houses on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, but then proceed to build on that foundation with the cheap nails of outward appearance, performance, possessions, power, and the praises of others. Alas, when the strong winds of adversity begin to blow, just like Lucy's makeshift psychiatric booth, we fall apart.

In second Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul talks about two types of building materials. One type is wood, hay, and stubble. These are what man produces. He plants and he reaps. They are very temporary and can be burned up or lost in a moment. The other type of building material is gold, silver, and precious stones. These are what God has created, but we just have to discover - sometimes requiring digging through mountains of dirt.

The culture's outward beauty ideas are very temporary … wood, hay, and stubble. But the principles found in God's Word are eternal with everlasting results. We can try the beauty tips in the magazines, but true beauty occurs when we sit in God's spa and let Him perform a miracle.

Women love the idea of a day at the spa. After all, Queen Esther in the Bible stayed in a spa for an entire year before she claimed her title of Mrs. Xerxes. Her beauty regimen included six months with oils of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12). Not only that, she was assigned seven maids to take care of her every need. Now that sounds like a spa package worth looking into!

Let's face it, women want to be beautiful. However, many fail to realize that true beauty begins on the inside and works its way out. But how do you become beautiful on the inside? You will not discover the secret in magazines, talk shows, or reality TV. Inner beauty is the result of God's transforming power in the heart of a willing soul. He doesn't simply cover up our flaws; He miraculously starts from scratch and makes us new. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, (she) is a new creation," Paul wrote, "the old is gone, and the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The best beauty treatment is spending time with the makeover artist Himself … Jesus. God's spa is always open and the price has already been paid. So what are we waiting for! I'll see you there.

Let's Pray
Dear God, I thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, I pray that You will make me spiritually beautiful. I thank You that I am a new creation in Christ. Help me to walk in that truth today and wear that heavenly glow that only comes by spending time with You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you have any "cheap nails" in your life? If so, what are they?

Have you ever gone through a struggle and seen those "cheap nails" give way under the pressure?

What do you think it means to be a "new creation?"

Write today's truth on an index card and memorize it.

I always like to hear what my girlfriends in God are thinking. Let's talk about cheap nails and come up with a list. Visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and let's share our ideas.

More From The Girlfriends
Every woman loves the thought of a day at the spa. If you'd like to learn more about becoming spiritually beautiful, see Becoming Spiritually Beautiful - Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes. (This book by Sharon Jaynes was previously titled Experience the Ultimate Makeover).

Fabulous Fantastic Friday

Mornin' gals! I'd just like to remind everyone of Austin Bickford's bone marrow drive tomorrow at the high school from 10am-3pm for anyone who is interested.

I'd like to share with you today, some things from my morning devotionals. Some don't need any extra words, but some do.

A barometer for spiritual growth

13 signposts to mark your progress (By Charles Stanley)

1. A hunger to know God more.
2. A desire to know the truth of the Word.
3. An increasing awareness of our sinfulness.
4. a quick response to sin, involving genuine repentance.
5. Joy in the midst of intense spiritual battles.
6. Understanding trials and temptations as opportunities for growth
When do you think Christians grow more- during the times of hardship, or times of success? The truth is that we generally learn the most about the Lord during those periods when everything seems hopeless. Even though the situation is painful, mature believers recognize the potential for God to reveal Himself in a mighty way. When our backs are against the wall and we have no choice but to trust the Lord's power to see us through the trial, we discover things about His character that could not have been revealed otherwise. In that we find that the benefits far outweigh the losses in our struggles (2 Cor 4:17)
7. Viewing service to God as an honor, not a burden.
8. Viewing everything - both good and bad - as coming from the Lord.
Too often when tragedy occurs, we try to protect the Lord by saying, "Well, surely God had nothing to do with that." My friend, God does not need our protection, nor does He need us to make excuses for Him! In other words, everything that happens - whether good or bad - is under His control.
At times we may not understand the Lord's purposes for certain things; nevertheless, we are to trust that His will is perfect and He is able to bring good out of any situation. It is important tha His children believe what He says in Romans 8:28 - that God can and does work all things together for good to those who love and serve Him.
9. Faith to ask God for bigger things.
10. Eagerness to share Christ with others.
11. Earnest desire to give to the Lord's work.
One key evidence of a believer's maturity is what happens to his pocketbook. Over and over again, Scripture warns us about the dangers of money. Did you know that Jesus taught more on this subject than any other topic in the Bible?
12. An increasing awareness of God in every area of life.
A mature believer is one who is constantly aware of the presence and work of God.
13. The priority of a personal devotional life.
The most important part of the day for a mature believer is the time dedicated solely to growing closer to the Father. It is then that we are filled with power, direction, and comfort. Our time of devotion sets the tone for the whole day; if we frantically rush through praying, chances are great that our day will be unorganized as well. A Christian who is truly growing in the Lord will certainly guard that precious time with Him.


I hope you enjoyed that. I loved it! Hope you have a wonderful day. Please pray for Austin Bickford's bone marrow drive!

Love ya'll! Have a great Weekend! My baby turns 3 on Sunday! I can't believe it!!

Thursday

Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are off to a great one!! I just gotta share a funny thing with you. An "out of the mouths of babes moment" at it's finest!
Ok, so yesterday, Jackson wanted me to do something with him. I HAD to go to the bathroom before I did this activity with him. As we all know, the bladder doesn't hold up nearly as well after babies. Well, he decided to follow me to the bathroom, and his potty chair is sitting next to the "big" potty, so he decided to go "pee pee potty" too. (Except, he never pulls his pants down, and I wasn't in a good position to push it at the moment.) So, then, my sweet, dear, kind, loving son pats my behind and says "so cute". At which time, I'm so grateful that I am on the potty, because I DIED LAUGHING and we all know what that can mean. Oh, they are so honest and loving and say whatever they think at that age don't they? They are so totally in love with their mommies, and think we hung the moon, don't they? THEN HE DROPPED THE BOMB!! "What's that Momma?" as he pointed to my behind. And, even though you don't want to ask, but do want to know (much like myself at this point). I tried turning around and looking, to no avail. I got a mirror. Yes I did. Then, I heard these words come out of my mouth "It's a stretch mark that you probably put there you little turkey!!" I'll have to admit, it wasn't nearly as cute then.



I'm having a little technical difficulty and haven't had the time to work on it to update the calendar, events and prayer requests. Hopefully I can work on it today or tomorrow.


Ms. Rita is not going to be able to go to Women of Joy. So, ladies, we have ONE LAST CHANCE for you to go. If you are interested, please contact me.

Love ya'll! Thank God for your children, even when they say the unpleasant (but true) things!! Have a great one!!