SNOW!!

**EDITED to add the Alabama tour of snow!! ALISSA, AMY, SUZANNE, LEIGH, HEATHER, HEWY

Morgan building her mo-man...that is what she calls a snowman

These are all from Rods camera phone...but this one is so cute to me. Notice the bags I tied around her shoes LOL! Her dad wanted to know where her snow boots were. Okay since it snows once every decade in AL why would I buy snow shoes?!!


Does she remind you of the kid from "A Christmas Story"?


This is my child praying and thanking God for some snow...j/k...but it looks like it!

oobi

Um this show doesn't seem to scare Morgan but it sure creeps me out. It is called oobi on Noggin. does anyone feel the same?

I am so stinking excited!!!

Okay! I started a new bible study today...the Lord is so good!
I am thrilled beyond words and so excited that I can not type fast enough. Since I had done all of Beth Moore's it was time to break free and move on to another teacher for such a time as this...LOL!
So, I looked and prayed and looked and prayed and BAM the one I was supposed to do appeared before my eyes on the shelf at Lifeway. DRUM ROLL here it is

"No Other Gods" by Kelly Minter. The girl is so real, which is a must for me! I get tired of trying to find a bible study and it being so vague and "churchy". I also can't stand fake or pretense. Just give it to me straight!

Let me know if you get this and want to do it with me. I am pretty sure I will be leading this one after my "Stepping Up" is over. Click on that link above and tell me what you think!

She starts out in the beginning talking about our modern day "functional gods" and she uses this verse to speak about how we in essence say things but our actions don't match up. 2 Kings 17:33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.

This verse hit hard this morning because I can't even tell you the times I have been divided in my heart toward the Lord. I have served Him but also had other things or people that I set my heart on that took the place of God. Fear, relationships, image, fear of failure and stuff are just to name a few things that have driven me or caused me to stay paralyzed in life. Then the next verse she uses that I love is this: 41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.
Oh this hit hard today...we can be worshipping the Lord but holding our idols in the other hand with a death grip because they have driven us for so long it is what is comfortable and what begins to define us (these are my thoughts at least). I am reminded of these verses: Isaiah 44:19-20
19 No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, "Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?"
20 He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?"

So often we allow things to creep into our lives and we really begin to have a driving need for them when in essence they can not deliver on the promises these idols make...they are a lie. The enemy wants to deceive us into thinking people, or things, or position (even in the church), can give us what we really need. They can't and we keep coming back to try to get full because they didn't do it for us. No one and nothing can take the place of God, but we will spend ourselves in vain trying to feel the aching places. I don't even think we realize it most of the time.

One thing I read in the Hebrew lexical aides years ago about idolatry is that the reason God hates it so much is because it is in essence the worship of satan. I am not talking about not having things and never watching television or shopping what I am talking about is do the things we have and seek after have us? Because we are not a people who are safe if the Lord does not whole heartedly have us. I am sure you can testify to this in your own life.

So what do we do? Our idols must be cast down. That is what I am going to work with the Lord on thru this study and I am sure for the rest of my life. It is so true in my life and yours that what we worship begins to control us and drive us and we labor toward that end. Maybe I am the only one ;).

Yum!

These verses have been on my heart for the last couple of days. I love how a verse will rise up in me like the Psalm 42:8 that I didn't even remember that I knew. The Word is powerful...HE truly does write it on our hearts as we seek to know Him!

Psalm 42:8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

Deut 30:19-20
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Because I need to add one more thing to the list of drama this week!

I have literally had to CRY OUT to God today. Morgan began to freak out earlier and was pulling on her ear (the ear where the tube just came out). Well, I was sure by the smell of crayon and the broken white crayon next to her that she must have gotten some stuck in her ear hence the freaking out. So, I called the Dr and they worked us in. Before we left she pulled a frame down and scratched her face. I do watch my child I promise...she is just quick. So, we go and she has an ear infection, no crayon. Meanwhile, my neck is freaking out (my spine is shaped wrong at the top causing major muscular problems...long story short) I think due to stress. So, I have a tentative appointment for tomorrow because the meds I have for my neck are not working. So this is all quite hilarious.

HERE is an article on the cold medicines like the one Morg drank. Part of why I freaked out! =)

More! More! MOOOOORE!!

1 John 2:15-17 15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Psalm 106:14
14 In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test.

If you came over to my house and spent any time with me and Morg you would hear her say more! More Thomas (the train)...More Spiderman (she likes him but she has not watched him)...More Dora....More Bob the Builder!!

We were in Target the other day and the child screamed MORE at the top of her lungs as we passed whatever she wanted. As I listen to her words I am reminded of how we can be just like that but not necessarily verbalize it. More money, more clothes, more cars, more toys!! We can try so hard to satisfy our wanton cravings. Have you noticed that no matter how much you have gained in the past that it wasn't enough to make you happy. I am not talking about contentment but the search for having MORE to be happy. Surely at some point we have all felt what it is like to try to meet the deep needs of our soul with things. I know I have. Lord deliver us from placing our worth, contentment, and satisfaction in stuff. Satisfy me, satisfy us with You. May we cry out More! More! More of You! More of Your Presence, More of Your Word...More!!


Go to Him for what money can not buy!
Isaiah 55:1-3
Invitation to the Thirsty 1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

Eph 2:1-5
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

A Sweet Friend on Blogger!!

Please go visit my friend Maryanna's blogspot!! Y'all you have no idea...NO IDEA...how much of an encourager this girl is. Seriously! She has encouraged me so much over the last few years with cards, text messages, voice mail's, you name it!! Anyway, you will never meet a sweeter girl and I am not playing!! She met me in a closet to pray at church for a few years when I taught in the Singles.

Anyway, CLICK HERE and say hello! She is new to the blog thang'!

Wooo Woooo Wooo

That would be the sound of sirens at my home yet again. The wooo wooo woooo would be what Morgan says when she sees them.

So, Morgan was eating her lunch and I turned my back on her for 1 minute....a minute too long. She gets a bottle of grape dimetap and the child proof cap was broken off and she drinks it. She then comes into the living room and says mmmmmm'. To which I about FREAK out!

I really hope Morgans mimi isn't going to read this ;) because she will be furious with me...
So, I call 911 and about panic. I did not have time to look up poison control and I don't do well in a crisis with my child. The fire dept shows up and so do the neighbors. Her pulse ox was low so they gave her some oxygen. She was kind of lethargic and she was also really calm and good which is not usual. The firemen wanted her to go via ambulance to the ER to monitor her respiratory system.

So we go and they monitored her. Her heart rate was high but she was fine.

Y'all this one is my fault but I am so SICK of this!! I am tired of all of the bills once again piling up with medical expenses. I am also sick of judgmental people who ask questions like "Why are y'all sick all of the time?" BECAUSE WE LOVE IT! We love paying doctor bills!!! No we haven't had a vacation in years because our money goes to the hospitals! I am so glad I have been reading about Jobs friends and the ways they did not comfort him and the idiotic judgmental things they said. I have had my share. Especially at church. There are a lot of Sundays where people will be like Oh where's Rod and I will tell them Morgan is sick or whatever and they are like Oh again. They aren't really concerned just judgmental. I have had my fill of it lately.

Please pray for me and thank you in advance for being so caring!

Diarrhea Cha Cha Cha

I was not going to do this but I am...I am sitting here just laughing out loud...ALL BY MY LONESOME and I need to share a little song I wrote (I didn't write it) like to hear it...here it go:

"When your sliding into first and you feel something burst diarrhea cha cha cha...diarrhea cha cha cha. "
If you were growing up in the 80's please tell me you know these kinds of songs!!

What got me thinking of this is that my most googled post is the one about Taco, Burrito, what's coming out of your speedo you got trouble yeah your blowing bubbles yeah...

No but really Morgan had some of this nastiness today and I also wanted to take a little bathroom survey about the bowels...LOL!
I think I am the ONLY person on the face who has trouble going. The doctor gives me a constipation regimen when I go to see him. It consists of several medicines and mineral oil. So each day I have to load up on the fiber and down the mineral oil. You think I will have good bowels in heaven...because we will be eating and all you know!!

Does anyone have any other home remedies to my problem? Be honest...I know I have just stepped into some uncharted territory!!

My weekend

I am really not loving this picture of me but Jessica (my friend who lives in TN) sent it to me this morning and since my camera is not uploading, I can't sift through the pictures to find a blog worthy one. She always looks cute though!

Jessica came in town friday and we went to eat, then Saturday morning morgan was sick so I took her to the Dr. Poor Jess had to deal with a rowdy 2 year old all weekend. It was fun but I wish we would have had more down time without the tantrums. She was gracious to understand.

We ate so much this weekend that I will not be able to eat for a week to get the weight off!! LOL

In a world full of change I am glad we have One who does not change. I have heard so many heart breaking things this week. Three people that I am friends with miscarried. I heard of a child drowning to death and another friend just got a bad report of cancer treatments not working. And another who had a stillborn child. This little article was so good.

from gotquestions.org
Question: "What is the immutability of God?"

Answer: The immutability of God (that He does not change) is clearly taught throughout Scripture in countless passages. For example, in Malachi 3:6 God affirms, "I the Lord do not change." (See also Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 46:9-11; Ezekiel 24:14.) James 1:17 tells us “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning.” The shadow of turning refers to the sun which eclipses, and turns, and casts its shadow. It rises and sets, appears and disappears every day; and it comes out of one tropic, and enters into another at certain seasons of the year. But with God, who is light itself, there is no darkness at all, there is no change, nor anything like it. He is unchangeable in His nature, perfections, purposes, promises, and gifts. He being holy, cannot turn to that which is evil; nor can He, who is the fountain of light, be the cause of darkness, and since every good and perfect gift comes from Him, evil cannot proceed from him, nor can he tempt any to it. The Bible is very clear that God does not change, neither His mind, His will, nor His nature.

Seen from a logical viewpoint, there are several reasons why it is impossible for God to change. First, if anything changes it must do so in some chronological order. There must be a point in time before the change and a point in time after the change. Therefore, for change to take place it must happen within the constraints of time; however, God is eternal and exists outside of the constraints of time (Psalm 33:11; Psalm 41:13; Psalm 90:2-4; John 17:5; 2 Timothy 1:9).

Second, if anything changes it must change for the better or the worse, because a change that makes no difference is not a change. For change to take place, either something that is needed is added, which is a change for the better, or something that is needed is lost, which is a change for the worse. But since God is perfect, He does not need anything. Therefore, He cannot change for the better. If God were to lose something He would not be perfect; therefore, He cannot change for the worse.

Third, when someone changes his/her mind, it is often because new information has come to light that was not previously known, or the circumstances have changed that require a different kind of attitude or action. Because God is omniscient, He cannot learn something new that He did not already know. So, when the Bible speaks of God changing His mind, it must be understood that the circumstance or situation has changed, not God. So when Exodus 32:14 and 1 Samuel 15:11-29 talk about God changing His mind, it is simply describing a change of dispensation, and outward dealings, toward man.

Numbers 23:19 is very clear, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” No, God does not change His mind. These verses affirm the doctrine of God’s immutability: He is unchanging and unchangeable.

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Recommended Resources for the New Year: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

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What's new on GotQuestions.org?

!!!!!

I am a BAD MOM....
Morgan has croup. Well, that is not why I am a bad mom...
Her nose was running like a faucet and I decided that she needed a little benadryl to dry it up so she could sleep. Well, I gave her like 3/4's of a teaspoon instead of 1/2 so of course I am up freaking out and checking her to make sure she is alive. NO MORE Benadryl for Morg.

00ps my laptop is dying time to go read about Moses!!

The that is a tunic not a dress memo:

First, from working at the mall I would like to cover the difference between a tunic and a dress because there are some girlies out there that seem to be totally confused on this matter. So, during our time we will seek to define this:

HERE is a tunic worn with a PAIR OF PANTS. In my personal fashion opinion all tunics should be worn with some pants or leggings. Tunics are considered to be a long shirt...not a dress.

Here is a picture of a tunic worn as a dress (If you have kids that you have to chase after...you may not want to wear a tunic as shown below because if you bend over we might all get mooned). There are dresses that are considered tunic dresses as well, but this is not one of them:

And last is a dress:

Thank you for letting me clear that up! ;) I was working a few weeks ago when someone walked past me and I could not believe my eyes...I saw her booty in all its not so glory. No offense to the poor girl I wanted to run and help cover her up. Please don't get me wrong I am not on the fashion police wagon...I just think some people haven't gotten the tunic not a dress memo so you can't say you didn't get it. And for the way I feel about our dress please refer to THIS.

Next, thank you to Susan and Heather for this sweet blog award~

For lack of time I am not going to link to these people because you can click on my side bar where their names are.

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I am supposed to pick five people which is a hard one!

So, one of my newest blogging friends Jessica...her blog is so fun and cute. She puts me to shame with her skills!

Next, Janel she is always so encouraging and sweet. She has a lot on her hands but finds time to encourage.

Tam, not only does she spur me on she is stinking hilarious!

Debra-She is the most adorable thing ever! Seriously! And she is very honest.

And I am doing six...so shoot me. Darla and LSOF! They are both so encouraging!

I would have picked so many others but most of you are already onto it! Well, I have to go for two more: Bethanne and Stephanie(Ocean Mommy). They both love Jesus so much! Oh and sorry to spoil the fun of only five but I can't forget about sweet Charity!

Entrusting Yourself to Your God

I could probably write a book on the 101 ways to react in the flesh and I would have some real material and skill because I have done it a million times. It is so hard especially when you feel like you are wronged to do the power thing and entrust yourself to the one who is Faithful.

Anyway, I have a personal issue that I am not going to share in blogland...but one where I feel like I have been mistreated time and time again. I am reminded of Hagar once again. Most of you are familiar with the story (If you aren't you can read it here). Abe and Sarai can't get pregnant which of course is a disgrace to them since they had received a promise for offspring and that there was the command to be fruitful and multiply...and even the meaning of Abes name which in Hebrew meant "Exalted father" yet he had zero kids. It was custom for the concubines or maidservants to try to be a surrogate mother so to speak. Well, as it goes Hagar the Egyptian maidservant gets pregnant and then she begins to despise Sarai. First off, I would not be telling my man to go sleep with anyone else for us to have a child...but that is me. It makes me think (even though it was custom) of the desperate decisions that we can make when we idolize something that we think we MUST have to live. Attempting to help God out always breeds some sort of destruction (just look at the whole conflict in the middle east if you want to see the fruit of their attempt to help God out on the promise He gave for descendants). Anyway, here is the part I wanted to get to out of verse 6 of Genesis 16:
"Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her." When I looked up the Hebrew word for harsh or harshly it means what you think she delt with her harshly but in that word is also the word for abuse. I am speculating but maybe Sarai oppressed Hagar by her treatment of her or maybe there was some sort of abuse involved. Sometimes abuse can be verbal, or mental, sometimes it can be making someones life plain miserable.
So, Hagar flees from Sarai. Can you blame her? Then an angel of the Lord finds her by a spring of water and asks her where she is going and also tells her to return and submit to Sarai. And a very well known verse arises out of this:
13So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing," for she said, "Truly here I have seen him who looks after me."
God cared about Hagar. He cared that she was mistreated. Just because something is stated in the word of God like the fact that she was mistreated does not mean God approves of the behaviour. Just like his intentions for man to have only one wife...even though people multiplied wives did not mean God approved.
God saw her and He came to her need as she was fleeing from her circumstances. I am not telling anyone here to stay in an abusive relationship but I am trying to give you the message that God has spoken to me...that even when people deal harshly with me or I am mistreated God takes note. We are the apple of His eye and He sees you and He sees me when we are afflicted.
Zechariah 2:8
8 For this is what the LORD Almighty says: "After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye-

I love the meaning of the apple of His eye in Hebrew it is
!Avyai 'iyshown {ee-shone'} Meaning: 1) pupil of the eye. It is one of the most important parts of they eye. His children are the apple of His eye. His is omnipresent and sovereign over all and nothing gets past Him. Even if you feel like He is not coming through if anyone mistreats you or oppresses you...He takes note. You are so important to your God.
The part that is going to take some prayer, submission, and entrusting ourselves to the Lord is when we are mistreated and we react in the flesh. We are going to be insulted and mistreated here but we can entrust ourselves to the One who is all knowing and all powerful. That is a challenge for me...not to lash out in my own skin.

Then, we head back over to Genesis 21. For lack of time you can read it for yourself but Hagar and Ishmael are sent away after the weaning party for Isaac when Sarah notices him mocking. This distresses Abe because you have to remember that it is his son to. So they are sent off once again and please remember how dangerous it was to travel back then...especially for a woman. I don't want to get side tracked because we could talk about this for a few days but please go with me and read these verses regarding their trip in the wilderness:
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.
17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

They not only had physical needs because they were about to die for lack of water...but I believe Hagar had a greater need as well. She needed her eyes to be opened to the living water. She already named Him back in Genesis 16 El Roi. But don't you know this woman felt so alone...so rejected...and then feared the worst of losing her son, a son so precious to her. Don't try to stuff your pain and act like that because you are a Christian you shouldn't feel. God heard their sobs in the desert. He heard the boy crying. Even when you feel so unnoticed, listen to me, YOUR GOD NOTICES...YOUR GOD HEARS.

I sat in my bed yesterday morning so frustrated and with tears I remembered this passage and that God hears me. God stores my tears in a bottle. Then I began to pray: God please open my eyes to the well of refreshment even in my own dry desert. The desert where things look bleak and hopeless at times. Please open my eyes to the fountain of Living Water standing in the midst of it all and let me come and drink deep.

Tonight

UPDATE ON TONIGHT:
Thank you for your sweet prayers. Tonight went so well. I love the Lord for allowing us the freedom to meet and study His word. Also, I have to tell you something He did for me. I prayed tonight that He would give me the words that He would have me to speak and He led me to Hebrews 11 (in my Spirit). Then, I popped in the Introductory session (I did the workbook but not the dvds) and guess what!!! She spoke on the EXACT same verses. I was talking with a couple of people this weekend about how specific the Lord is and they were like are you sure it just isn't coincidence. I was able to name them one thing after the next that I prayed and that the Lord answered. I had chill bumps at how He showed up tonight. Also, Travis Cottrell sang on the dvd "My Passion". The song does me in!! I can't wait for all of your groups to start!!! Thank you again!! Now I am off to do some bible study paperwork...LOL!!





Tonight I start "Stepping Up" by Beth Moore. Please say a prayer for this group tonight. Please pray that no weapon forged against us would prevail. Please pray that God would bring exactly who He wants to this study and that they would get a fire and passion for Gods word. Also, with every new study I get under a spirit of condemnation so please pray that I would not listen to the enemies lies. Please ask our Father to be there in power. If His presence doesn't go with me...then I don't want to go. Amen.

Thank you in advance and I will update this and let you know how it went. On another note...if you are looking for a study to do...this one is so good. The workbook was wonderful!!!

...and KNOW

When I woke up this morning and tuned my heart to the Lord...I literally heard the words of Psalm 46:10 (10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.") in my Spirit. This verse is used so often that we can become used to it. I was pondering the verse to Be still and Know that He is God. Not just to be still...but to Know. To wait for Him in activity as I am being still in terms of allowing my Spirit to be at peace and rest knowing that He will come through in my situation in whatever way He chooses to act...because He is God. As I wait on Him and put my trust in Him...I will see Him in His glorious exaltation. I will know that God and only God came through because I waited on Him and ceased striving in my own strength. This does not mean to sit in your room and be still until the Lord does something. We are to stop trying to manipulate and control everything around us and let God be God.

Then my friend Jessica sent this to me this morning.

From Daily Bread For Today
When Life Goes Bad
David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. —1 Samuel 30:6

Everything looked bleak to David and his men when they arrived at Ziklag (1 Sam. 30:1-6). The Amalekites had attacked the city and taken their wives and children captive. The men were so discouraged that they wept until they had no more energy. And David, their leader, was “greatly distressed” because the people were contemplating stoning him (v.6).In the end, David’s army rescued their families and defeated the Amalekites. But the story takes a great turn even before that when “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (v.6). Other translations use the words encouraged or refreshed.The text doesn’t say exactly how David did this. But it makes me wonder, In what ways can we strengthen, encourage, or refresh ourselves in the Lord when we’re feeling discouraged?First, we can remember what God has done. We can list the ways He has cared for us in the past, and how He has provided for us or answe red a prayer request.Second, we can remember what God has promised. “Be strong and of good courage; . . . for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).Like David, let’s learn to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, and then let’s leave the rest with Him. —Anne Cetas
“I will strengthen,” so take courage,Child of God, so weak and frail.God has said so, and it must be,For His promise cannot fail! —Anon.
Our greatest strength is often shown in our ability to stand still and trust God.

more random things

I finished my last day at jjill. YEAH!!

My mother in law bought me this sweater for my parting gift! I had been wanting it...but wasn't going to buy it. She was so sweet and got it for me.

I am loving reading through the bible with Fran and Bev. I am dying for Beth to finish Esther and can't wait to start on that.

I start leading "Stepping Up" Tuesday!! The workbook was VERY good and I can't wait to see the dvds!! Please say a prayer for my group and that we will have women sign up for all of the studies that are offered. I know how much the word has changed my life... I so want that for others!!

my new years resolution (to carry a smaller purse) is still going well. LOL! I am on day 5 of a small purse. It seems like longer but I got tired of carrying the kitchen sink in my purse. I am still not free of not having a big purse and it feels really weird to make the change...but I am ok (kidding)

Here is some link love for Jessica...you need to check out her blog. She is the cutest thing!!

Genesis 21:6
Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."

Also, I can not tell you the joy that this little 2 footer has brought to my life. She is the funniest little thing ever! I hope you have some joyous moments in your life because they sure are sweet. I never knew how much God was going to use a sweet little girl to turn my world upside down. I think we spend most of the day laughing at stuff. I also never knew how vulnerable I would be. Last night she fell and hit her head (accident prone like her mother) in the corner of the wall. She had a large hematoma on her head. It scared me so bad and hurt me that she was hurt...and we are only getting started. I am not sure how some of you do it!!

Gotta go to sleep and get ready for church!! =)

Nimrod Trivia

Well, I stayed up until 4:30 this morning so I am so very sleepy...anyway...
A couple of things I wanted to share. I have read this verse many times and was trying to reason my husbands love for hunting and somehow tie it in to the Lord. All I could come up with is that there is something in the name. Rod...Nim"rod".

Genesis 10:9
9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; that is why it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD."
Nim dude was a WARRIOR indeed. This mighty hunter before the LORD thing...
"His name seems to be connected with the verb "to rebel" (marad), tradition has identified him with tyrannical power. He was the founder of the earliest imperial world powers in Babylon and Assyria..."
The mighty hunter is a trait found commonly in Assyrian kings. "He was founder of several poweful cities. The centers he established became major enemies of Israel."

We have also all heard the term Nimrod...when meaning someone is "stupid, silly, or foolish." So, since the Lord in essence named us before the foundations...I got hope in my name...and Rod is Rod...hope for the Nimrod! LOL! Can you tell I am tired!! Is that disrespectful? =) Just trying to tie things in with the word...I am only KIDDING.

No but really...I was going to share about my New Years Eve as well. I never want to broadcast on the internet (in case I have any stalkers j/k) when Rod is gone on a hunt. He left Monday morning and came back yesterday. Well, for New Years Eve Morgan and I went to my favorite restaurant, J. Alexanders. The food was delicious! People always look at me funny when Morgan and I go out to eat. I guess there is some unwritten rule that you can't take your two year old out to eat without looks. The thing is...I can't always wait to live my life or go out to eat when hunting season is over or whatever. I get there and a girl that used to be in my Sunday school class saw me and she had me seated at her table. Then, the hostess figured out what church I went to and told the Regional manager because he goes there to. Well, he came out and spoke to me...so nice. Then, he told my friend that I should order dessert on the house! I usually don't get dessert but we went for it. When they brought the BIG FAT piece of chocolate cake out it had a candle on it. My friend and I share the same bday. I am getting to my point. You remember my post about my bday being cruddy?! Well, the Lord was so sweet to me on New Years Eve. He, along with Morgan, was my date. I truly felt like that cake was from the Lord...to me as a belated bday cake. I got free dinner (thanks to my friend Jessica...she sent me the gift card) and birthday cake.
Morgan and I have a lot of fun together so my time with her is always WELL spent. Remember those my buddy dolls? (I think they had to redo him since he looked a lot like chucky. I won't link to him but he was weird and scary and used to freak my little brother and cousin out!) She is like the real live little my buddy. HERE is the old my buddy commercial if anyone needs a little blast from the past. LOL!!!

ps my quotes are from the Bible Knowledge Commentary on the OT.

My firstborn

I wasn't going to do this but I changed my mind. Here is a picture of my first born Shelby Hope (I hope you can handle it). Today was her due date a few years ago...so I always think of her today and can't wait to see her when I get to see Jesus face to face.

I am not doing this so anyone will feel sorry for me...I am okay. It is just the way I express myself. =)

other posts about shelby HERE and HERE

Get A Life Jenny!

This is my favorite season for Little Debbies. If you do not know what I am talking about when I say "Little Debbie" I AM SO SORRY. Anyway, I made a trip to the store tonight and got THESE. If I had gotten married in Feb. I would have used these as my cake. I only like the pink and white. I will be celebrating Valentines Day for a couple of months with these. I am a snack cake addict. I could not contain my excitement when I saw them tonight...I had to share! I only eat half a pack a day!

Update

Linda, my friend from the gas station, called me this morning to let me know that he daughter in law passed away early this morning. If you aren't familiar with what I am talking about you can read about it HERE. She said they were relieved that she was not suffering anymore. They were all pretty worn out. They were on their way to the funeral home to make arrangements. Please keep Linda, Kevin, Kayla, and Jacob in your prayers. My heart breaks for all of them. They asked me about heaven and I am going to take them the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn when I go to the funeral on Friday (it is very good if you have not read it). Thank you to everyone who expressed concern for this sweet family. Also, they were so sweet on the phone today...they were wanting to thank everyone that I knew who had helped them. My heart aches for them today.

not to interrupt my last post

...but THESE and THESE are some of my dream shoes!! I love shoes and I esp love all KEEN* shoes even though I don't own any. =) If the Lord gives me a pair I will let you know ;)

A Forgiveness Like No Other

Isaiah 38:
17 Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.
18 For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.

I really don't know where to start on this post...but PLEASE stick with me. I am so thankful for this community of believers that has encouraged me and lifted me up over the last year. I also can't thank God enough for giving me some outlet to share what He is teaching me. Since I have not been teaching in the last year this has really helped me to get things out. I was made to share...I can't even help it. Even if you don't care I have to get it out there.

I am not making any resolutions this year or any rash promises to the Lord that I can't keep in my own strength. I am instead making some petitions. His mercies are new every morning but there is something about a new year and a fresh start. I have spent time in prayer asking Him for specific things...like more of Him and that He would pour out His spirit into my life like never before. Another prayer of mine comes from John 4:34 that my food would be to do the will of Him who sent me. I don't want to waste time in the desert of sin giving in to my wanton cravings. I am sick of the food that this world has to offer...believe me I have eaten it. It does not satisfy me. There are so many things in me that need to change...I want to change.

I realize that I have the tendency to go on and on so I want to make this as brief as I possibly can. Eye contact has always been extremely important to me. The eyes are a lamp unto the soul. Anyway, you can tell so much about someone when you look in their eyes. Over the last several weeks I was studying Psalm 32 and something was so profound to me and here it is in verse one:
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
We are blessed when our transgressions are forgiven. The Hebrew word for forgiven here is Nasa-it means to raise, lift up (the face, the eyes, the voice, or the soul)...Signifies a lifting up, whether literally or figuratively. Nasa is part of a number of idiomatic expressions. The Hebrew idiom "lifting up the head" meant to take a census (Exo 30:12), but it could also mean to declare independence...to be free."
Here is the part I am getting to that I need you to pay close attention to:
"To lift up one's face" meant to be able to look someone straight in the eye with a clear conscience (2Sa 2:22).

I feel like there comes a crossroad in every persons life: Can I face God after all that I have done to sin against Him? Will I come to Him and believe that He can forgive and blot out my sins? Can I have victory? Will I ever be free? Or the alternative...will I continue to live for me, my desires, my flesh, and wander in unbelief? Will I continue to hang my head in shame?

There have been times in my life where I like David in Psalm 32 hid from God. You know the story...he committed adultery, had Bathshebas husband killed...and he hid by refusing to confess his sins. He suffered agony and his bones wasted away through his groaning all day long. For day and night Gods hand was heavy upon him. The turning point for David and the turning point for you and me is when we acknowledge our sins to God and no longer cover up our iniquity. It is one thing to tell others what we have done but it is a completely different thing to come exposed before God. He already knows and sees...but we must come. We have to quit blaming others and come honestly, the best we know how...to His throne...the seat of Mercy. He will forgive the guilt of our sin. Have you ever been in sin and felt like others could see it when they looked at you...therefore you wanted to hide and isolate yourself? I think that when we face God and acknowledge our sins we can then face others and have confidence. We can't walk in the light until we have confessed what was done in the dark. If we do not come and face our Father I think we will constantly walk in guilt. It is so interesting that in Psalm 32:5 David says that God forgave the "guilt" of his sin.
There is nothing like guilt. It will keep you down for as long as you will let it. There is a difference between conviction and guilt...like the difference in godly sorrow verses worldly sorrow. The word for "guilt" in this passage is the Hebrew word "Awon meaning to do wrong. Sin, perverseness, guilt, crime, fault, iniquity, punishment....On the other hand Awon can refer to specific sins, including adultery, and idolatry. Awon results in alienation from God and uncleanness. Man must be aware of his sinfulness and confess it. He must direct his request to God and must turn from his sin. GOD WILL FORGIVE SIN." (emphasis mine)

We, especially as Christians, tend to put limits on what God will forgive. You can say that is not true but step in any local church and see that what we tend to say and how we act are two different things. I am so thankful for the words that are eternal, that stand firm in the heavens, that God left for us. So what does God say about you and me? He says that with Him there is forgiveness. Yes, we have consequences to our sins...but we can all come to Him to receive mercy and forgiveness. I love David and God's inspired words to us that God forgave the guilt of his adultery and murder.

Another Hebrew word that has meant much to me this year is found in Psalm 25:11. Let me give you the verse then the word:
Psalm 25:11
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

I CAN'T begin to tell you the times I have come in God's presence and had to say God, for Your names sake...not for anything to do with me. My righteousness is as filthy rags...but for Your Name...because of who You are...please forgive my iniquity.

I am seriously about to explode as I type this at how powerful His words are. I can't get it out fast enough...and I sure pray that Morgan will hold on for a second.

This is another Psalm of David a petition of forgiveness for his iniquity though it is great. The word forgive is Salah- "to forgive, pardon, spare. The first occurrence is in Exodus 34:9, where Moses pleased on behalf of Israel for the forgiveness of her sins. Strictly speaking, no other OT Hebrew verb means "to forgive," although there are several combinations of words which denote the idea of forgiveness." HERE IS THE PART I LOVE...THIS IS ME YELLING IN ALL CAPS: "Salah is never used on a human level, with people forgiving one another."

Do you see what this is saying? The Lord will forgive us like no one else can. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to forgive ourselves. Long after the deed we still have the voice of condemnation in our heads. God will blot out our sin when we come to Him in confession...when we face our Father like the prodigal son. He will wash us and make us clean from even the most heinous sin. Please lets not limit God's forgiveness to others...as hard as it can be at times. I am talking to myself.
He who has been forgiven of much loves much. If you struggle with what I am saying ask God to show you your own sinfulness in the light of His presence. We are all so sinful and in desperate need of a Saviour. We can become more sanctified and live as doers of the word but none of us have arrived. Not even the people we put on pedestals. We all need His grace.

If you are one of those people who need New Testament support of this I will give it to you. The woman at the well, the woman caught in the act of adultery, the prodigal son, I could go on...but these are a few.

Then here in Hebrews 10 I was reading this:
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."[b] 17Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."[c] 18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

I can't tell you how many times I have beat myself up over something when I have already faced the Lord in the matter and repented of it. My problem was one of unbelief. I did not believe that His sacrifice for my sins was enough and therefore I tried to punish myself further.

So my point is this...please in 2008 cry out to Him. Ask for more of His Spirit. Ask Him for a hunger for His word. But please walk with me in belief. Let's believe Him...believe in His forgiveness...believe that He has plans for us. Believe in His love for us. Believe that we are clean and washed and made holy because of the Cross. Are you and I going to get it together over night? No! But seek His face always...no matter what...get in the word...stay in the word...surround yourself with other believers...and Seek His face.

Psalm 27:8
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Go into His presence and seek reconciliation...He will put your sins behind His back and forgive you like no one else...He will keep you from the pit of destruction as you abide in Him. Let's seek Him together.

I need His Help

Here is another one from James MacDonald at www.walkintheword.com. He is my fave!

Because I Belong to God
For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:15
A lot of people will wake up this Tuesday morning filled with the resolution that in 2008, they will be different. They will think differently, they will do different things, and subsequently, life will be better. At least that’s what they hope.
But within a few days or weeks, most if not all, will lapse back into old behaviors, old attitudes, old patterns. That goes for Christians, too.
No matter how passionately you feel about pleasing God right now, living a holy life in 2008 will depend on a few key decisions.
Decision #1: Will I live my life in the power of God’s Spirit and not in my own strength or willpower?
Decision #2: Will my personal life be determined by God’s Word and its wise application? Between me and God-I will live according to what He has said is right.
The Bible describes this as holiness-being “set apart; separate.” The word actually means “to mark off a boundary.” Read 2 Corinthians 6:15-19 at the top of the page for specifics.
Separation is holiness in action. It’s drawing a line in the sand and saying, “I don’t go there; I don’t look at that; I won’t tolerate that in my life. I belong to God. I’ve made a choice and by God’s grace I’m not going back.”
Living a holy life begins with building convictions and living within those boundaries. The best time to make that lifestyle decision is today-before you’re in the heat of the moment, apart from the pressure of the choice.
Have you drawn protective, preventative lines around your life? If you haven’t established your own convictions based on God’s Word, you’re going to fail. You might do O.K. for a season, but if you don’t heed God’s call to come out and be separate, you’ll waffle right back into that old pattern of defeat.
If you’re ready to break the cycle, start here. Say, “I resolve once and for all that with the Spirit’s help and power, I’m doing it God’s way. I belong to Him.”
Maybe you’ve been struggling in a particular area of sin and you wonder if you’ll ever get victory. Hear the tender call of your loving Father, be done with that. Those things don’t fit in your life.
Maybe you’ve tolerated your rationalized behavior a long time and the Spirit of God wants your attention about the compromises you’ve been excusing. Before you make a choice you can’t reverse and reap a whirlwind of consequences, heed the piercing word of His Spirit saying, “Come out from that and be separate.”
I don’t know how the command could be any clearer, loved ones. God’s Word says to separate from the world’s lifestyle. Don’t touch what is unclean; don’t sit on the fence, don’t straddle the line, don’t be double minded. God’s says: “Be holy as I am holy.”
There’s joy and blessing waiting for you in 2008 when you live in the protective boundaries of God’s holy call on your life.