Resolutions anyone?

Christmas is over and everywhere I turn there is talk about New Year’s resolutions.  Well I don’t know about you, but I have never made one.  REALLY!  I have never made a New Year’s resolution.  Maybe it’s because I am not into exercise or eating right.  Isn’t that what most people vow to do?   

 My scales - that do not work!

This is my treadmill that I begged my husband for two years ago!
It has been used a total of 10 times and I am trying to figure out how to
fold it and get it out of my house! 

Saving money this year is another resolution that I have heard.  That would be a good one for me. (I have begun couponing, but that is another blog!)  

 My coupon stash!

So if I were to make a resolution this year, what would it be???  That makes me ponder what is important to me?   Definitely God, my husband, & my children.  Those would have to be my top 3!  One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 31:10-31.  This passage in my Bible is called “The Virtuous Wife.”  As I read it, my heart longs to be this woman. 

She most certainly has a Godly character.  Because of her love for the Lord, she not only cares for her household, but others (vs20).  She makes wise decisions and speaks kind words (vs26).

She takes care of her husband, doing good toward him and he trusts her (vs11&12). 

Her children rise up and call her blessed (vs28). 

Do you notice the order in which I listed these? 

1.        Character/Godly

2.       Relationship with husband

3.       Her children (household)

Did you know that this order is Biblical?  A woman must first be dedicated to God, then her husband, and next her children.  Many couples put their children before their marriage.  Think about it.  When you were married you made a vow/promise to your husband before God.  A vow until “death do you part”.  This is not something to take lightly nor is it meant to be easy.  A marriage takes work as well as sacrifice.  

 Scripture says the virtuous wife is worth “far more than rubies.” (vs10)

Many places in the Bible describe this same order.  Read Titus 2:4-5.  This passage encourages older ladies to mentor younger ladies teaching them to 1. Have Godly character 2. Love their husband & 3. Love their children. 

As I step into the new year of 2011, I am dedicating myself to grow in my knowledge and love for my Savior.  I am dedicating myself to love my husband with all of my heart, doing good for him, and giving him a home filled with laughter, faith and trust.  I am also dedicating myself to my children.  I will model Christ-like love to them as well as Christ-like discipline (Yes, praise God, the Lord disciplines!) I will continue to teach them the Word of God so that they can hide It in their hearts!

What is missing?

My trees are up!

My stockings are hung!

The Elf is on the shelf!

My garland and wreathes are in place accompanied by a life size snowman on the front porch!

My gifts are bought!

So, Shouldn’t I be in the Christmas spirit??  I know that we are now in the Christmas season and Christmas day is approaching ever so quickly but for some reason…I’m just not feeling it.  What is missing?  As I wonder what could make me in more of a festive mood, I realize…that’s not what Christmas is all about.

Remember the saying…

“JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!”

Instead of trying to get excited about the festivities of the holidays, just maybe I should try humility and focus on Jesus instead.  How is it that I can get so distracted from Jesus during the very season that is meant to remind us of Him?!  We are celebrating the birth of our Savior!

The nativity (Luke 1 & 2)…what a story this scene tells!

Imagine…the Lord of Lords and King of Kings was born in a stable and placed in a manger.  As he grew up, He was perfect in every way.  Without a sin, this same Jesus was stripped naked, beaten, and died on a cross to save you and I from our sins.

Let’s enter this Christmas season with humble hearts focusing on Christ Jesus!

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6  

Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

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Digging Deeper

What a wonderful weekend of Bible study and worship I enjoyed with 2 close friends!  Kay Arthur, Priscillia Shirer, and Beth Moore taught the word of God with passion!  The "Deeper Still" conference is all about digging deeper into the Bible and allowing the scriptures to transform your life.  These 3 ladies had very different styles of teaching as well as topics, but all 3 ladies left me wanting more!

How about you?

Do you long for the word of God?

If so, are you making time to study it?

If not, why?

Why is it that we can read all kinds of books except the one book of TRUTH?  

I am writing about this, because God has burdened me to spend more time with him.  Some weeks I am in the Word daily, other weeks I barely have time to read my Sunday School  lesson.  We all have priorities in our life.  Our families, our church, our jobs, etc...but shouldn't God be our first priority?  And how can we serve him effectively if we do not know His Word?

Sunday School teachers can teach it, the pastor can preach it, our music can  sing it, but it is up to us to believe it, live it, and continue to "dig deeper".  Why??  Because the Bible is WORTHY!  It is worthy to be meditated on, it is worthy to be pondered, and it is worthy to be treasured in your heart!

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Hebrews 5:12

As Kay Arthur said, "God is not salt and pepper.  We don't just add Him to our lives.  He should be our life!  We don't just sprinkle a little God here and sprinkle a little God there." 

So as I "dig deeper", I encourage you to do the same.  We will never arrive at the point where we know it all.  There is always room to grow in our relationship with God.  Knowing the Word of God is in your reach.  Will you reach out and take it?  Will you read it? Will you let it transform your life?  I have committed to follow hard after Christ.  Will you journey with me and do the same?

* If you are not sure where to begin reading, may I suggest the 4 Gospels: Mathew, Mark, Luke, or John.

Dear Father in Heaven, I will seek to see you, hear you, and follow hard after you in every part of my day!  I will take your Holy Word and study it so that I might become all you would have me to be. Amen

UGH!!!!

The hard drive on my home computer has crashed!  I hope to be able to post again soon!

PEACE and Quiet

My oldest child is enjoying father/son time doing “man” stuff.  My youngest is napping.  I’m sitting on my porch starring out into God’s creation.  What’s that I hear??  NOTHING!  It is PEACE and QUIET!  I don’t get that very often at my house.  The tranquility of the moment reminds me of God’s perfect peace.  My soul often longs for that peace.

I don’t believe it is God’s plan for His children to get so overwhelmed with life that we end up having panic attacks, severe depression, and only hanging on by a thread.  I’ve been there…my freshman year of college.  At my lowest moment, God spoke to me and reminded me that my mind was not fixed on Him.  In my case, my depression stemmed from the death of my brother.  Instead of grieving, I was trying to stay busy so I wouldn’t have to face reality.  Maybe you’ve experienced some of these same feelings.

Isaiah 26:3

“ You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.”

We can choose peace!  Our peace should not depend on our circumstances.  Choose today to cast your cares, anxieties, and fears upon Him and receive the abundant life He offers!  Do not dwell in your difficulties any longer.

Think about how Jesus calmed the wind and rain in Luke 8:22-25.  If He can speak peace to the storm, He can definitely speak peace into your life.

Perfect peace is promised.  It may be difficult to imagine, but I encourage you to pursue it.  God will make a way for you when it seems there is no way.

I recently took my children to Chuck-E-Cheese.  Amongst all of the children’s squeals of excitement and joy, I heard Dawson’s cry.  As I looked up, I saw him at the top of the slide.  He climbed up, but was suddenly afraid when he looked down.  Scared to climb down or to slide down, he cried out for help.  When Tad heard his cry, he dropped his tokens and tickets and ran to Dawson’s rescue.  Calmness came upon Dawson when he saw Tad coming and they embraced when Tad arrived at the top.

I immediately thought about the way God loves us.  Don’t you think He wants us to run to him with open arms?  I’m sure we too could experience calmness and serenity!

Dear God, Prince of Peace, Thank You for caring for us and bestowing upon your children a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).  Help me to be anxious for nothing, fix my eyes on You and remain in You.  Thank You for promising a perfect peace!  Amen. 

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A Thankful Heart - part 2

ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING IN YOUR HEART, ENTER HIS GATES WITH PRAISE! (Psalm 100:4)

Does that put a song in your heart?  It does mine!  I love to hear the choir sing this!

I challenged you last week to begin a thankful list.  Have you?  What's on it?  Please share with us! (Click here to read A Thankful Heart - Part 1.)

My children working on their "thankful" tree.

Tad & Dawson show their completed trees.

(Dawson has permanent marker on his lip!)

If you haven't began your thankful list, maybe it is because you don't feel very Thankful at the moment.  We all face trials in our lives which sometimes give us the blues.  

Do you remember Paul and Silas?  Acts 16 tells about  these two men being beaten and imprisoned.  As they sat in the prison with their feet chained, they began to sing hymns to God.  They praised God even through their horrible circumstance.  

Even though you may not feel like praising God for your current situation, praise Him for what He has already done.  He died on the cross and rose again.  He will supply all of our needs (Phil. 4:19), not just some.  Give thanks for what is already accomplished! 

Why?  Because the Bible tell us to!

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your request be made known to God."

Philippians 4:6

Dear Heavenly Father, El Shaddai - God Almighty, 

I praise you!  For You are worthy! 

I pray that like Paul, I will learn to sing your praises during whatever trials I face.  God...if anyone reads this blog with a hurting heart, please put Your comforting hands upon them and guide them to rest in You.

Amen

Don't forget to leave a comment with something you are thankful for!

A Thankful Heart

I love the holidays - any holiday…Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter…!  They make me think of spending time with family, eating lots of good foods, and not to mention time OFF work (one of the perks of being a school teacher)!

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, I’d like to prepare my heart for what this holiday is all about – being thankful!  At the top of my list is “being chosen”.  I’m giving thanks to God for choosing me to be his child. 

John 15:16 (NIV) In this scripture Jesus clearly states, “You did not choose me, but I chose you!” (OK – I added the exclamation point, but that’s how I imagine Him saying it!)

What or who are you thankful for in your life right now?  I encourage you to start a list today.  Write something down every day until Thanksgiving.  Encourage your family and friends to do the same thing.  Read it aloud during your Thanksgiving meal.  It is amazing how your heart changes when you intentionally focus on being thankful.  The little things don’t seem to matter as much. 

Dawson, my 3 year-old son, made a list like this last Sunday in Sunday School.  Even though he did not list his mother & father on his list, he did list his big brother Tad.  As Tad read Dawson’s list, his faced BEAMED!  He was overwhelmed with the love of his brother.

Your thankful list just might touch another person’s heart in a special way!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for choosing me to be a daughter of the King.  I pray that my heart will overflow with thankfulness during this thanksgiving season and that I will focus on you and not the things of the world that try to steal our joy!  Amen

Come back for part 2 of "A Thankful Heart".

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A Blog about Blogging!

I have had many readers ask me what it means to follow and how to do that.  So, here is a little info you might find helpful!

What does it mean to be a follower?

Being a follower lets the author know that you are a fan of his/her blog.

How do I become a Follower of a blog?

There are several ways to become a follower of a blog. One of the easiest ways is to visit a blog that has added the Following widget and click on the "Follow" button under the "Followers" widget. (LOOK AT THE RIGHT SIDE ON MY BLOG.)
You can sign in using your yahoo, google, or twitter account.  If you don't have any of those accounts, click create new account and enter your email & password info.

You'll then see a popup window with the options to either follow publicly or privately:
Select how you'd like to follow the blog, then click the "Follow this blog" button. It is that simple, you are now a follower of the blog! If you elected to follow the blog publicly, your profile picture will be displayed on the blog with a link to your Blogger profile.

Hope this helps!  THANKS FOR FOLLOWING!

Indwelled

“Whenever you feel lonely, and need a little loving from home, just press your hand to your cheek and think Mommy loves you.  That kiss will jump to your face and fill you with toasty warm thoughts.”  As an elementary school teacher, I read many children’s books to my students.  One of my favorites to read at the beginning of a new school year is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  It tells of a little raccoon, Chester, which is leaving his mother for the first time to attend school.  Being very nervous about being away from her, Chester’s mother teaches him a little secret.  She kisses the palm of his hand and tells him that her love would always be with him.

A mother’s love for her child is very deep, but the love God has for us is far deeper.  It is hard to fathom isn’t it?  Sometimes I find myself feeling a little jealous of the disciples.  They were able to walk with Jesus and talk with Him.  They could see His earthly body.  They witnessed His miracles…healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons and many more.  They heard His teachings and were literally able to sit at his feet.  Oh how I wish I could have been Mary and taken in His every word. 

However, even though Jesus has returned to heaven, he did not and will not forsake us (Psalm 9:9-10).  He gave us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us (John 14:16). We have the same ability to walk with Jesus day by day and learn from His Word.   Do not miss that quiet voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you.  Learn to trust Him, rely on Him, and deeply love Him. 

Just like Chester raccoon, when we are feeling anxious, depressed or lonely or even when you are experiencing a mountain top joy, never forget the Holy Spirit is with you. 

Dear Lord, Thank you for dwelling within me.  You are the Truth.  I will cling to You daily.  Guide me through this roller coaster we call life.  I can do nothing without You. Amen 

Wedding Day

As a little girl, I can remember planning my wedding day.  My bridesmaids and groom changed many times as I grew up but my colors and flowers stayed the same.  I always imagined what that day would be like.  Would the church be full of my family and friends?  Would my prince charming sweep me off my feet? 

No matter how much we long for the love of our life, a human mate will never be able to totally satisfy our hearts.  We were created to be filled by a Holy God. 

Matt 9:15  Jesus is called the Bridegroom.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples (John 14:2-4) he was going to prepare a place for us and He will come back for us.

Do you ever imagine the Bridegroom's return?  I imagine hearing the trumpet and seeing amazing sights coming down from heaven.  Will I be so overwhelmed that I will cry?  Will I be so excited that I will laugh?  Will I be so surrounded with a Holy God that I cannot utter a sound?  The Bible tells us that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those in heaven, of those on earth, and of those under the earth and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord…So maybe I will fall to my knees crying, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”  What a day that will be! 

Does your heart ever feel burdened for those people around you who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?  Judgment Day is real and it is coming!  The Bible tells us of this day in Revelation 20:11-15.  So as my pastor would say, "GO TELL IT!"  Tell the good news of Christ!  It is not God's will that anyone be left behind on that day.

I would like to invite you, your family and friends to Judgment House at Greensboro Baptist Church. Judgment House is a drama performed by our church members.  This year's title is "Behind the Family Portrait."  It will take place on Saturday, November 6^th and Sunday, November 7^th.  You can come anytime between 6 and 10pm on Saturday or 6-9pm on Sunday.  I hope to see you there! 

 If you are reading this and you are not sure where you will spend eternity, scroll to the top and read about salvation.  We are not promised tomorrow!

Stand in Awe

Do you remember the last time you stood in awe of God’s creation?  We are often so consumed by the busyness of our lives that we fail to observe the art of the Creator.

 

Genesis 1:1 is a very familiar verse to most, but let’s not overlook it.   “In the beginning God created the   heavens and the earth.”    Have you ever sat and really pondered that?   God created the world.  Look around at the beauty of nature.  Everything is made just perfectly.  The food chain, plant growth, and the human body all point to the Creator.  Be aware of the work, beauty, and complexity of God. 

Consider our Solar System.  The sun, Earth, stars, and planets are positioned in the same place every day.  The Earth rotates on its axis day after day…if it rotates any faster gravity would be such that we would be too heavy to move…if it rotates any slower gravity would be such that we would float away!  All the while our Earth is orbiting the sun year after year.  If we were any closer to the sun we would burn up…if we were any farther away we would freeze!  Did this just happen or was it strategically placed there by an Omnipotent CREATOR??     

Read Psalm 19:1-6 (NIV).  David, a shepherd who worked outside with his sheep day after day, night after night, wrote this Psalm.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

2 Day after Day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens, He has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is hidden from its heat.   

  

We are not to worship creation!  Rather, we are to worship the perfect God who designed it.  Take a moment, stand in awe of His creation, and worship Him.

I remember one morning as Dawson (2 at the time) was eating breakfast, we were discussing the day.  I made the comment to Dawson that we needed to thank God for the day because He made it.  Dawson replied, “God made the day?”  I said, “Yes, God made the day.”  He said,”God made the sun too.”  I replied, “God made the sun and God also made you!”  He looked at me in awe.  His blue eyes became so wide as he exclaimed, “God made me???”  Before I could respond, Dawson had climbed down from the chair and was running into Tad’s room screaming, “Bubba, Bubba, God made me!”  

 Shouldn’t we all have that excitement for God?

What keeps us from that?  In our world, where hundreds of things distract us from God, we have to constantly remind ourselves of Him.  

Romans 1:20 tells us that through creation we see His invisible qualities and divine nature.

Does creation cause you to want to worship?

Do you ever want to sit still and admire the Creator? 

Just look at this picture.  It was taken from my front porch.  God has left his signature over all creation!  Take a moment to stand in awe!

Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe,  I pray that I will pause from the busyness of the world in order to see You in creation.  Amen!

The Daily Grind

The daily grind…what does that make you think of?

It is usually the name we give to everyday life…getting the children to school, going to work, helping with homework, cooking supper, doing the dishes, doing the laundry, bathing the children, feeding the dog, putting the children to bed, making your husband happy, …you get my point.  That same routine we do over and over, day after day.

The daily grind...Have you ever stopped and wondered if anyone ever notices everything you do?  Is anyone aware that you have washed, folded, and put up 3 loads of laundry?  Did anyone notice the clean base boards? What about lunches you pack every night? God observes all of these things.  He sees every day, the things we think go unnoticed.  That’s why the Bible says “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31.  

All of my actions should be done to the glory of God. Should I buy that outfit, drink that beverage, watch that TV show, go to that place, say that comment? Does it bring glory to God? Does it point to the superiority of His name? If so, then I can do it.

Colossians 3:23 says “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”  How much better would you perform your job if you were working for the Lord instead of your boss?  You see, there is a difference between working for men and working for God.  God always deserves our BEST, for He is worthy!  Many times our sin nature tells us that our employees/employers/coworkers aren’t fair to us.  As a result we will only do enough to get by and keep our jobs.  However, when we work as if we are working for our Heavenly Father, our labor becomes a beautiful offering to Him.

After arriving home from a long day at work, my husband greeted me at the door.  “Hey honey.  Did you have a good day?  How about coming outside with me and pulling the weeds in the flower bed while I cut grass?”  Now maybe working in the flower bed is relaxing to you, but it is the LAST thing I want to do.  I immediately replied that I needed to help Tad with his homework.  I had a great excuse not to help with the weeds!  Fifteen minutes later when the homework was complete, I peeked outside and saw my sweet husband on the lawnmower.  I knew that wasn’t exactly what he wanted to be doing after an exhausting day of work either.  I felt guilty.  With a bad attitude, I put on my garden gloves and began pulling weeds.  Immediately, God spoke to my heart, “do it all for the glory of God…you are working for Me.”  I thanked God for convicting my heart.  I began praising God in the flower bed.  I praised Him for giving me the health to be on my knees in the flowerbed, for giving me a flowerbed to be able to weed, and especially for being able to watch my children play as I pulled weeds.  It is amazing how much more enjoyable a job can be when you allow Christ to be part of it.

Dear Lord, Thank you for seeing me even when it doesn’t feel like anybody else notices.  I pray you would meet with me in the ordinary so I can approach everyday with abundant joy, a Christ-like attitude, and without growing weary.  Amen

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Welcome!

Hello!  Welcome to my blog and my very first post!  I hope to make this a place you (ladies especially) can come for encouragement from Scriptures.  I have named my blog “Strengthening Me” because of a Bible verse that I hold very dear to my heart.  Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  

Have you ever thought that you weren’t qualified to do something God was asking you to do?  Maybe your first thought was someone else could do it better.  Well, I have great news!  You can do it!  You have all you need to fulfill your purpose.  How do I know?  Because if you are a child of God, God is in you!  He created you just like you are, lacking nothing!  (I’m taking this advice and beginning this blog even though I do not feel qualified to write!)  I once read “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”  He looks for that brave soul who will make herself available for His purpose.  

When my cherished friend, DeShay, was fighting cancer she never said to me, “I can’t do this”.  Instead, she clung to this Scripture.  She told me once, “I don’t know why this is happening, but I know God has a plan.”  Through her 5 year battle, she encouraged others with this verse.  I’m not sure how many cards I received from her because I simply had a cold or a bad day.  She always included this Scripture on my cards.  I truly believe she won…not the cancer.  She is the one walking the streets of Gold with our Savior!  DeShay, this blog is in memory of you and dedicated to all the women out there who need a getaway from this fast paced world! 

Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me to use Your Word to encourage others.  Speak through me.  May my words be glorifying to You!  In the precious name of Jesus I pray.  Amen

Follow me and return for weekly blogs!  I look forward to God strengthening me through His Word.  How about you?