I sing in the Praise Choir at our church and last night we spent some time singing "requests". After we prepared for Sunday, we had some fun singing our favorites. I wanted to share the lyrics to one in particular.
God Has Been so Good to Me
God has been so good to me
God has been so good to me
I've done nothing to deserve
All the blessings poured on me
Yet my God has been good to me
So with every breath within me I will praise Him
The ever faithful One who gave new life to me
Though the journey has been long
And the road sometimes gets rough
He has always been right beside me guiding me
It's a simple, yet powerful song. We don't "deserve." I recently heard someone say that "deserve" is a dangerous word. Yet God blesses us with way more than we can ever dream we would have in our lives.
Have you thought about the things in your life you have been blessed with? It puts everything into perspective.
I have a friend from church with no insurance and no money who is extremely sick. Watching her struggle just breaks my heart. But she is one of the first people to speak of God's blessings and glory.
What are you taking for granted today? Have you thanked God lately?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. great music
2. bike rides
3. catalogs
4. rubber bands
5. big t-shirts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
An Original
My husband and I actually went on a date to the movies yesterday, without the kids. I highly recommend The Soloist. It is a fantastic movie about the transformation of a man (and the music is outstanding)!
We had some extra time so we walked through the mall . I was surrouned by hundreds of people and noticed that the quiet was deafening. I didn't have my children with me and I admit I was a little lost. Is that crazy or what?!
We get so attached to our family that when we are alone we can struggle to know who we are. Has that ever happened to you?
We have to be careful and not let being "a mom, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, etc." define us.
The ultimate truth is that we are children of God! God doesn't make mistakes...You are an original.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. a new attitude
2. my bluetooth
3. new bible study
4. Nilla wafers
5. chipped fingernails
We had some extra time so we walked through the mall . I was surrouned by hundreds of people and noticed that the quiet was deafening. I didn't have my children with me and I admit I was a little lost. Is that crazy or what?!
We get so attached to our family that when we are alone we can struggle to know who we are. Has that ever happened to you?
We have to be careful and not let being "a mom, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, etc." define us.
The ultimate truth is that we are children of God! God doesn't make mistakes...You are an original.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. a new attitude
2. my bluetooth
3. new bible study
4. Nilla wafers
5. chipped fingernails
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Not now
Faith is...
confidence that God is acting for my highest good when He answers ‘NO’ to my prayers. Pamela Reeve
Not just No, but Not Now.
I have recently come to the realization that there are several things in my life that God has said "not now" to.
It's so frustrating! For example, I really want to go to She Speaks this year, but the budget just doesn't allow for it. I know God is telling me to wait, that another year will be the year I "need" to go. But I sure want to go now.
Have you ever had God tell you not now?
When God has you wait for the right moment, maybe it is to go to a conference, the words spoken then will bless your heart in a way that you are not ready to hear right now. I truly believe that.
As good as something looks right now, it will be even better when all the circumstances allow for you to take part in the event or the decision.
God's timing is perfect.
I think we caught up, just as much as our children, in this day and age of instant gratification. The remote control, the video games, cell phones, laptops......the list goes on.
Stop, take a breath, and think about what it is that God is asking you to do in your daily life. It may not be a difficult as making a big financial decision, but it may be a decision which helps to shape not just your life, but the lives of those around you.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. No more stitches!
2. Shaped with Purpose
3. fax machines
4. good deeds
5. Hobby Lobby
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Being Still
My morning devotional/quiet time is going really well, and I have been very consistent with only a few interruptions, but there is one thing missing…my being still and listening to the Lord.
Any ideas? What works for you? My mind just races with things to do for the day and I can't shut it off! I had a counselor want me to work on meditating…little by little. Maybe I just didn't give it enough time.
Do you meditate?
I want to truly live the verse
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." 1Samuel 3:9
I know there are times when we listen to God and we are not exactly in a meditative state. I truly believe I hear Him, but I want to deepen my relationship with Him and give Him that time.
Does that make sense?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Weekly menus
2. Leftover Easter candy
3. Extension cords
4. Alarm clocks
5. Stuffed animals
Any ideas? What works for you? My mind just races with things to do for the day and I can't shut it off! I had a counselor want me to work on meditating…little by little. Maybe I just didn't give it enough time.
Do you meditate?
I want to truly live the verse
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." 1Samuel 3:9
I know there are times when we listen to God and we are not exactly in a meditative state. I truly believe I hear Him, but I want to deepen my relationship with Him and give Him that time.
Does that make sense?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Weekly menus
2. Leftover Easter candy
3. Extension cords
4. Alarm clocks
5. Stuffed animals
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Widow's Mite
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in Luke 21:1-4 (also found in Mark 12:41-44). The Jews were told to give to the Temple and to the poor as part of their service to God (just as we are). One day Jesus sat at the Temple and watched as people came and put money into the offering boxes. Some of the rich gave quite a bit of money, and some gave begrudgingly. Then there was a poor, widow woman who came up to the offering boxes. She put in two of the smallest coins, mites (like pennies). Those that watched her were not impressed, but Jesus was. He saw that she gave willingly, from her heart, all that she had.
Where were her next pennies coming from? I'm not sure if she knew, but she trusted God completely.
Do you trust God the same way…with your whole heart?
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
This is my favorite necklace.
My husband bought it for me and the coin inside the cross is a reminder of the widow's mite. I pray that when I give to the Lord it is with my whole heart. Money, time, talent, prayers…everything.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Runny noses
2. Dust
3. Incense
4. Water hoses on warm days
5. Kids going back to school!
Where were her next pennies coming from? I'm not sure if she knew, but she trusted God completely.
Do you trust God the same way…with your whole heart?
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
This is my favorite necklace.
My husband bought it for me and the coin inside the cross is a reminder of the widow's mite. I pray that when I give to the Lord it is with my whole heart. Money, time, talent, prayers…everything.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Runny noses
2. Dust
3. Incense
4. Water hoses on warm days
5. Kids going back to school!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Faith Friday's
Faith is...ceasing to worry, leaving the FUTURE to the God who controls the future. Pamela Reeve
I have been thinking alot about the future lately. Since our friend recently died, mortality has reared its head and you can't help but think about such things.
My eyes have been opened up and I have realized that I need to get my papers in order. Financial, wills, DNR, my household binder. I have gotten a good start, but have quite a bit of work left to do.
I am a great worrier. One of the best I dare say. But what I have to remember is to leave it all in the hands of God. He knows when it's time for us to come home and there is nothing we can do about it!
As Beth Moore recently wrote,
"This, Beloved, is what we live for. Not for just another day here. But for that very day there."
I get so wrapped up in what my life is here on earth that I forget that my eternal reward is truly that, a reward. The ultimate place to be. I have a place ready for me. The Father is waiting on me. It's such a comforting reality.
Another Beth Moore'ism I've come to love is,
I have been thinking alot about the future lately. Since our friend recently died, mortality has reared its head and you can't help but think about such things.
My eyes have been opened up and I have realized that I need to get my papers in order. Financial, wills, DNR, my household binder. I have gotten a good start, but have quite a bit of work left to do.
I am a great worrier. One of the best I dare say. But what I have to remember is to leave it all in the hands of God. He knows when it's time for us to come home and there is nothing we can do about it!
As Beth Moore recently wrote,
"This, Beloved, is what we live for. Not for just another day here. But for that very day there."
I get so wrapped up in what my life is here on earth that I forget that my eternal reward is truly that, a reward. The ultimate place to be. I have a place ready for me. The Father is waiting on me. It's such a comforting reality.
Another Beth Moore'ism I've come to love is,
"If you're still breathing, you ain't done yet."
We're not done, Beloved. We have so much to do. Don't get caught up in the worry of what might happen and when it will happen. It will rob us of the joys we have in our daily living.
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. day trips
2. my dad's desk lamp
3. coasters
4. kleenex
5. healing wounds
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. day trips
2. my dad's desk lamp
3. coasters
4. kleenex
5. healing wounds
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Early Morning
For the past couple of months things have been going extremely well for me. I just realized what the difference has been...my morning quiet/devotional time.
I get up around 5:15, get dressed (makeup and all), let the dogs out, then I read a chapter from Praying the Names of God, followed by my One Year Bible reading (I'm on January 17th :), then I blog/write until 7 am when it's time to get the kids moving.
I love this time to myself. The house is quiet and I feel like I can breathe before the day gets started.
I think routine is important. And most important is taking care of ourselves. Giving myself time in the morning is a gift. I am putting myself first before the other million and one requests that come at me starting at 7 am!
Maybe you are not a morning person and the thought of getting up before 7 is just not appealing. What about midday or right before bed? Do you have a time that you seal off just for yourself on a regular basis? Try it. Bring some focus to your day. What works for you?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. bike riding
2. rolls of stamps
3. tray tables
4. three hole punches
5. days off
I get up around 5:15, get dressed (makeup and all), let the dogs out, then I read a chapter from Praying the Names of God, followed by my One Year Bible reading (I'm on January 17th :), then I blog/write until 7 am when it's time to get the kids moving.
I love this time to myself. The house is quiet and I feel like I can breathe before the day gets started.
I think routine is important. And most important is taking care of ourselves. Giving myself time in the morning is a gift. I am putting myself first before the other million and one requests that come at me starting at 7 am!
Maybe you are not a morning person and the thought of getting up before 7 is just not appealing. What about midday or right before bed? Do you have a time that you seal off just for yourself on a regular basis? Try it. Bring some focus to your day. What works for you?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. bike riding
2. rolls of stamps
3. tray tables
4. three hole punches
5. days off
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Rusty
We received some tragic news yesterday. Our former pastor (Joe was his music director), Rusty, was preparing for Easter services on Sunday morning, getting wired for sound, when he dropped dead. At age 53 he dropped dead, in church, on Easter morning. Some of the youth were there trying to administer CPR. God be with those children.
I am stunned. The wind was knocked out of both me and my husband. How could Rusty be dead? He was only 53.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, each and every day we get is one more than we deserve. It can all be over in a flash. We can go home to see the Lord at any time.
As I am in my fortieth year, I've been thinking alot about mortality and this event just put it into high speed for me.
What business do you have undone? What if you went home to the Lord right now?
I have been on a mission to get our financial binder in order. Account numbers, addresses, where to find everything just in case. I need to know where everything is and I have been guilty of putting my head in the sand where finances are concerned.
I have made a commitment to be actively involved in the financial matters of my home. To many of you that may sound crazy because you already are financially aware of everything. That's great! But for those of you who aren't, it's not too late.
If I go home to the Lord soon there are several things I want to have in order for my family. My will, wishes as I am on my deathbed with machines keeping me alive, and letters written to the ones I love.
Have you written letters to the special people in your life for after you have left this world?
My mother left me a letter. It was in her Bible and right after she passed away, her best friend knew where it was and she gave it to me. I treasure that letter. I see it often as it is in my Bible.
If you have not considered leaving some written words behind for your loved ones, I encourage you to do so. It will serve as a treasured memory, a piece of your heart for them to always have.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. band-aids
2. bookmarks
3. Dave Ramsey
4. My Daily Docket
5. notebooks
I am stunned. The wind was knocked out of both me and my husband. How could Rusty be dead? He was only 53.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, each and every day we get is one more than we deserve. It can all be over in a flash. We can go home to see the Lord at any time.
As I am in my fortieth year, I've been thinking alot about mortality and this event just put it into high speed for me.
What business do you have undone? What if you went home to the Lord right now?
I have been on a mission to get our financial binder in order. Account numbers, addresses, where to find everything just in case. I need to know where everything is and I have been guilty of putting my head in the sand where finances are concerned.
I have made a commitment to be actively involved in the financial matters of my home. To many of you that may sound crazy because you already are financially aware of everything. That's great! But for those of you who aren't, it's not too late.
If I go home to the Lord soon there are several things I want to have in order for my family. My will, wishes as I am on my deathbed with machines keeping me alive, and letters written to the ones I love.
Have you written letters to the special people in your life for after you have left this world?
My mother left me a letter. It was in her Bible and right after she passed away, her best friend knew where it was and she gave it to me. I treasure that letter. I see it often as it is in my Bible.
If you have not considered leaving some written words behind for your loved ones, I encourage you to do so. It will serve as a treasured memory, a piece of your heart for them to always have.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. band-aids
2. bookmarks
3. Dave Ramsey
4. My Daily Docket
5. notebooks
Monday, April 13, 2009
My Best Friend
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" Corrie ten Boom
Do you find yourself becoming complacent? You know, just going on with the routine of daily living? If things are going well do you tend to not pray, or not have your devotional time? Maybe you just put it off and will spend time with the Lord "later in the day", and you never do. Life happens and you get busy.
I think we all tend to get caught up in life.
The busyness.
The schedules.
The expectations.
The potty training.......
I challenge you, as you are being busy to remember the One who died for you. The One who knew your inmost being before you were in your mother's womb. The One who loves you regardless of the crazy mistakes you make and regardless of the less than holy thoughts that run through your mind.
Prayer is our direct line to God. It is the way we develop our relationship with Him. For so many years I thought there was a certain way I was supposed to pray.
Only kneeling.
Say the "Our Father" first.
Hands together, not folded, etc. etc.
That's sooo not it! When I realized God just wanted communication with us and I that I could talk to him like a best friend, I never looked back! If I'm driving in the car, I talk to Him as if He was sitting next to me. If I'm cooking dinner, I talk to Him. You get the picture? God is my best friend!
He knows everything about me. I can't hide anything from Him. He knows the thoughts running through my head and the desires of my heart.
I have to spend time with Him everyday. He's with me always.
Do you spend time with Him daily?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. great recovery from carpal tunnel surgery
2. legal pads
3. silly string
4. plastic eggs
5. chocolate
Do you find yourself becoming complacent? You know, just going on with the routine of daily living? If things are going well do you tend to not pray, or not have your devotional time? Maybe you just put it off and will spend time with the Lord "later in the day", and you never do. Life happens and you get busy.
I think we all tend to get caught up in life.
The busyness.
The schedules.
The expectations.
The potty training.......
I challenge you, as you are being busy to remember the One who died for you. The One who knew your inmost being before you were in your mother's womb. The One who loves you regardless of the crazy mistakes you make and regardless of the less than holy thoughts that run through your mind.
Prayer is our direct line to God. It is the way we develop our relationship with Him. For so many years I thought there was a certain way I was supposed to pray.
Only kneeling.
Say the "Our Father" first.
Hands together, not folded, etc. etc.
That's sooo not it! When I realized God just wanted communication with us and I that I could talk to him like a best friend, I never looked back! If I'm driving in the car, I talk to Him as if He was sitting next to me. If I'm cooking dinner, I talk to Him. You get the picture? God is my best friend!
He knows everything about me. I can't hide anything from Him. He knows the thoughts running through my head and the desires of my heart.
I have to spend time with Him everyday. He's with me always.
Do you spend time with Him daily?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. great recovery from carpal tunnel surgery
2. legal pads
3. silly string
4. plastic eggs
5. chocolate
Friday, April 10, 2009
Faith Friday's
Faith is…
thanking God when I am left with shattered plans, that He has better plans. Pamela Reeve
I've been thinking alot about my past. (I think it has something to do with turning 40 this year.) I have had my share of obstacles, and life has not necessarily been easy, but you know what? I wouldn't change a thing!
When I think about the "perfect life" I had planned, I had no idea I was giving God a great big, belly laugh!
I had plans of living in the big city, children with no health problems, great family relationships, plenty of money in the bank.....and the list can go on. It cracks me up that I actually live in the desert. I mean, I am a city girl who lives with a flock of buzzards in my tree! However, my childern are healthy, despite their hemophilia. That can be a challenge, but it's all about perspective. I have a family member who won't speak to me anymore...I never dreamed we would have strife between us, but only the Lord can heal that broken relationship. As for money in the bank...we continue to work on that. With my husband in Seminary and traveling to Denver once a week, it proves to be difficult, but I know the Lord has blessed us with the financial ability to see this through for my husband.
What is perfect? I don't think there is a such thing. I do know that we must have faith in all things. Faith that the next right thing will happen despite our situation. Faith that God will never leave us hanging out to dry. Faith that when we put our trust in Him the absolute best will happen for us.
I pray that you have faith in your life. Faith in Jesus. Faith in all things good.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. preparing to get carpal tunnel surgery (TODAY)
2. digital clocks in the night
3. growling stomaches
4. small, wooden boxes
5. an abundance of books
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Moments
I have this written in my notebook. It's simple and powerful. Enjoy!
Happy moments - Praise God
Difficult moments - Seek God
Quiet moments - Worship God
Painful moments - Trust God
Every moment - Thank God
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. fuzzy socks
2. webinars
3. labels
4. early morning quiet time
5. headphones
Happy moments - Praise God
Difficult moments - Seek God
Quiet moments - Worship God
Painful moments - Trust God
Every moment - Thank God
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. fuzzy socks
2. webinars
3. labels
4. early morning quiet time
5. headphones
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
I Am Inspired!
Wow! What a fabulous idea to bring in some great speakers from all over the cournty to your computer screen! The A Woman Inspired Conference is doing just that. Yesterday was such a blessing. Even though I was not able to hear all of the sessions, I'll be able to download them later this week to watch at my convenience.
Yours truly will be speaking on Wednesday, April 8th at 8:30 am CST. My topic is "Forty" and Qualified! I hope you can join me. Get your coffee and tune in!
Blessings to you all,
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Jack and Sharon, my "technical support"
2. an old lamp in a new place
3. designed binders
4. webcams
5. magnets
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
Faith Friday's
I pray daily for people. I have a list written on my bathroom mirror (in Expo marker) of requests that I lift up to the Lord everyday.
Days and even weeks go by sometimes before I hear of any result. I did get an email from a friend whose Dad is in remission from cancer! What a wonderful feeling to know your prayers have helped someone.
You need to have a tremendous amount of faith to continue praying with no answers. Sometimes we get answers we don't like, such as a diagnosis, a condition worsening, someone not forgiving. But faith is the cornerstone of what we believe.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Faith is expecting God to work miracles. Pamela Reeve
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. A Woman Inspired
Conference
2. grapes
3. my wallet being found!
4. two jobs
5. 3 ring binders
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Patience
Patience. Do you have any? My Dad was the most patient man in the world. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that trait from him!
I have injured my shoulder for a second time within a few months and the process to find the problem just takes time.
You have to schedule your first appointment, then come back for an MRI (after your insurance has been confirmed) then you come back for the results, and in the meantime you go for an initial visit to the physical therapist and start physical therapy...which takes time! And to top it all off, I am having Carpal Tunnel Surgery next week, which just delays my therapy! Argh!
I just want to feel better. Surely it can't be because I am getting older...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Galatians 5:22
This verse says it all about being an "oozer." I wish it was easier, you know, to let the light of Christ shine through all you do, but it's hard work. But it sure is worth it.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. quiet
2. ice
3. meetings
4. my daily Bible reading plan
5. decluttering
I have injured my shoulder for a second time within a few months and the process to find the problem just takes time.
You have to schedule your first appointment, then come back for an MRI (after your insurance has been confirmed) then you come back for the results, and in the meantime you go for an initial visit to the physical therapist and start physical therapy...which takes time! And to top it all off, I am having Carpal Tunnel Surgery next week, which just delays my therapy! Argh!
I just want to feel better. Surely it can't be because I am getting older...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Galatians 5:22
This verse says it all about being an "oozer." I wish it was easier, you know, to let the light of Christ shine through all you do, but it's hard work. But it sure is worth it.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. quiet
2. ice
3. meetings
4. my daily Bible reading plan
5. decluttering
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