Do You Have Days Like This?

Some days when I feel as though I keep failing as a mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, child of God, etc. I have to remember that God will carry me through. I am not perfect. I am forgiven. He will continue to transform me to His likeness. The Bible is not about a bunch of moral heroes. It is about a bunch of failures that God has redeemed. (Mike Donehey)

Philipians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Thank you Jesus for what you have done for me!

Seeking Him in 2010

One of my main goals in 2010 is to continue seeking the Lord with all my heart through prayer, bible study, and scripture memory. You won't get to know Him better if you don't spend time with Him each day.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

I love the Message version of verses 12-14:

12"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree.

I read some encouraging words today from Pastor JR Vassar regarding the days that you miss your quiet times or maybe feel that you haven't spent enough time with Him:

" Don't give up. I have missed meals in the past, but never gave up on eating. I just made sure I did not miss the next meal (and usually made up for it). You are going to miss days, often times multiple days. Repent of your neglect of God and press on in knowing him. Your righteousness is not in how consistent your devotional life is; it is in Jesus Christ who is constant and ever faithful. So, relax and pick up where you left off.

Wanted to encourage you along with myself to start planning now. Determine a time, place, and plan.

Love you all! Have a Happy New Year!

Words Satisfying to the Soul

I stand amazed at God every day. Why he chooses to love me so much despite what a mess I am, I will never understand. I wanted to share with you a little bit out of my journal this morning and what God is teaching me. Not to bring glory to myself, but to bring glory to Him. He knows my weaknesses for sure, but he doesn't give up on me. Last night before I went to bed, I had to confess to him about my rotten words and thoughts for the day. Not that my whole day consisted of bad thoughts and words, but it seemed a little more than usual. This morning in my quiet time with Him I was reading Proverbs 18 when I had this overwhelming peace from Him that He knows my every thought and words before they even reach my tongue. He has plans for my future. Plans to prosper me and not to harm me. He is here to help me along the way to becoming more like Him. So here it goes.

As He continues to work on this area of my life (my words), He showed me several areas this morning that need lots of improvement. I picked Proverbs 18 because it is the 18th day of the month. No. I don't do this every day. I have a problem with consistency. I am a little ADHD when it comes to what I am studying in His Word. I like to jump around. But guess what. He knows that and knew that before he created me. His Word is alive and guess what it was about. You got it. WORDS!!!!

Proverbs 18

2 Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.

Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to get angry. Remind me to seek understanding and not be so quick to air my opinion. Most of this comes from my pride issues.

4 Wise words are like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

Lord, examine my heart. You know my thoughts. Before my words can change, my heart has to change. Let my words come from You. Change my heart O' God!

6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.

Note to self: Need to remind my kids of this one. But first...Do I like to constantly quarrel? Does it bring me satisfaction to prove that I am right and someone else is wrong?

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.

How many times has my lips gotten me into trouble this week?

8 Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.

Lord, help me to get rid of gossip in my life. I need your strength to stand when others around me are engaging in it. Help me to speak words of encouragement that build someone else up rather than tear them down. When I think of morsels, it reminds me of those chocolate chips I have hidden in my cabinet. It's hard to just eat one. I keep going back for more.

13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.

Lord, I know that I do this with my kids. Help me to listen to them first. And yes...I do this with Doug too. Sometimes I need to keep my advice to myself unless he asks for it.

17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
until the cross-examination begins.

Or in other words...Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight.

I learned the truth of this statement when we were involved in the lawsuit against the ACLU. First of all, the lawsuit itself contained many false accusations against our school and praying parents, but that is how the ACLU rolls. Then opinions are formed based on those lies and the media makes up even more lies. The media was used as a puppet by Satan to twist and deceive from every angle. Lies upon lies. Then I would read the Tennessean and see peoples twisted opinions upon those lies. Sometimes it even got me confused and I knew the truth. However, it was pretty awesome to see those lies exposed in federal court. How ridiculous they looked! Almost makes me laugh right now just thinking about it. Lord, I ask that you keep this as a constant reminder to me to not believe everything I hear through the media or others for that matter. I need to get the facts first. BTW...thank you Jesus that you stood by us for a victory against the ACLU. May others not back down to them.

19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

Wow! I don't want to offend my friends. I love my friends. Your word says that iron sharpens iron. I want to help them grow closer to You not further away. Remove all jealousy and pride from my relationships. Help me to encourage and to love with your unconditional love. But more than any of this, help me stay true to your word. I don't want to be a people pleaser and worry about offending someone when it comes to taking a stand for You.

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.

Are my words satisfying?

21 The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Lord, thank you for your new mercies every day. You see my weaknesses and want the best for me. May I take your word and obey it today. Let my words be nourishment.

Amen

Heart, Soul, and Mind - What does that mean?

Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus replied: " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

As I have been meditating on this verse this week, it brings up so many questions. Am I loving Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind? What does that mean? When am I going to allow Jesus to be 100% of my life? Or do I tend to give Him the leftovers?

There are 71.6 million people in the U.S. that say they are Christians. Are we using this word too loosely these days? Studies have shown that only 1 out of 10 really actually live any differently than the rest of the world. Are we blending into the world? Do our lives reflect what we say we believe. We tend to say one thing, but do something completely different. I have been convicted lately about being a doer and not just a hearer only.

Some of us can say that yes he is a part of our lives, but that's just it. He is only a part. We stick Him in where we can, but only what is convenient for us. We are not truly putting Him first. We put other things in front of Him. Shouldn't He permeate every part of our life?

I am currently reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. A lot of these same questions are included in this book as he challenges us to authentic Christianity. I would highly recommend it.

Remember there is no such thing as a lukewarm Christian.

Revelation 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Creation Reveals His Majesty

It's 3:00 am and I cannot sleep. I had to share this story with you, because I feel it is so important. Today I was looking through some pictures that I took of flowers in my back yard this past summer. I am not a great photographer, but I truly love to take pictures of God's creation. For a few minutes I was taken back by the beauty and all the details of His works. So amazed of how His works are intelligent and intricate, yet so delicate and beautiful.

Then I was reminded of a verse that I was discussing with my friend, Maria, earlier in the day. We were talking about Romans 1:20 (NIV) "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse". Also I like how the Message version explains it. It says "But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse".

So based on this verse we can answer this question: "Does anyone have an excuse for not believing in God? The Bible answers an emphatic NO! God has revealed what He is like in and through His creation. Every person, therefore, either accepts or rejects God. Knowing that God exists is not enough. People must learn that God is loving and that he sent his Son to demonstrate his love for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)

I am a sinner. All sins make us sinners, big and small. Sin cuts us off from a holy God. (Romans 3:23) All sin leads to death because they disqualify us from living with a holy God. The good news is that the Bible says in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus died in our place for our sins so that we could have eternal life, but we must put our faith in Him. Jesus offers us salvation as a gift , nothing we can earn. We must reach out and accept this gift. Faith is believing and trusting in Jesus Christ and reaching out to accept his wonderful gift of salvation.

He wants to have a relationship with you, not religion. Through spending time with Him, by reading the Bible and prayer, we can get to know Him. So many people know about Him, but don’t truly know Him personally. I could go on and on here, but I am running out of room and time. Do you understand? If not, send me a message and I would love to explain further. I may lose facebook friends over this post, but that is a risk I have to take for something I truly believe in. You see, if I consider you a friend, then I Iove you too much to remain silent.

R.C. Sproul said, “Men are never duly touched or impressed with a conviction of their insignificance until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God. God’s art speaks of Himself.“

"The purpose of our lives is far greater than our own personal fulfillment, our peace of mind, or even our happiness. It’s far greater than our families, our careers, or even our wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God, your Creator." (Rick Warren)

Can I share one last story? I was saddened the other day when I was reading an article about an atheist group who held a camp this past summer for a group of children. During the camp the children were taught: there is no God; humans are just like animals; there is no purpose in life; when you die, that is the end of you. They say they are encouraging these kids to think for themselves. I beg to differ.

For those who don’t believe, I will continue to pray for you. Please don't wait until it is too late. If I am wrong about this, then I have nothing to lose. If you are wrong, then you have everything to lose.

All of this being said, who am I that He should suffer and die on a cross for my sins?

Offering (by Third Day)

Magnificent Holy Father
I stand in awe of all I see
Of all the things You have created
But still You choose to think of me

Who am I that You should suffer
Your very life to set me free
The only thing that I can give You
Is the life You gave to me

This is my offering, dear Lord
This is my offering to You, God
And I will give You my life
For it’s all I have to give
Because You gave Your life for me

I stand before You at this altar
So many have given You more
I may not have much I can offer
Yet what I have is truly Yours

This is my offering, Love Christy

A Pure and Faultless Religion

Pondering this verse today:

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

I really think these two things are related. When you desire one, you give up the other. If I would keep myself from being polluted by the world and sucked in by it's desires and pleasures that never satisfy, then I would take my eyes off myself long enough to look after the orphans and widows in their distress.


Lord,
Give me your eyes to see the needs of those around me and afar. Show me how to reach out to the homeless. Help me not to be so busy in my day to day life that I miss all that you have for me. Help me to prioritize what is really important to you. Show me what part of my daily schedule is wrapped up in selfish motives only to impress others or for my pleasure. Search my heart, God. You know my thoughts. What do you want me to eliminate? I want to be kingdom focused. If people want to call me radical, then what a complement. I don't want to go at this half-hearted. I want to take up my cross daily and follow you. Show me what it means and how to keep myself from being polluted by the world. Give me the courage to do so.
Amen

Before It's Too Late

Just got back from a four mile run or should I say walk. I wanted to run, but I couldn’t for crying so hard. I am talking about sobbing uncontrollably. There is no telling what my neighbors are thinking. One day I am singing Toby Mac songs at the top of my lungs (forgot I had my headphones in and got a little out of control)and the next day I am crying like a baby. But you see, I have the strongest burden on my heart for someone who doesn’t know Jesus.

This person means the world to me. He is a good man with a big heart. He has been such a hard worker all of his life. Always been a giver, not a taker. Made some bad choices along the way, but haven’t we all. Does kind things in secret. Dependable... I know that he will be there for me if I ever need him. But, that’s not how it works. The Bible makes it clear that no one is good enough. Romans 3:23 We all have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard. That’s why Jesus had to die – to pay the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

Unfortunately, he is missing it. Time is ticking away. He is looking to the world for a happiness in which he can’t find. Surely by now he would know that. Yes,sometimes things can bring temporary pleasure, but it doesn’t last. Soon you want something else that can’t satisfy. I wonder if he thinks he will have to give something up. Little does he know that those things are nothing compared to the great riches of knowing Jesus Christ. Jesus wants us to come just as we are. We don’t have to clean up our lives first. In fact, we can’t without Him.

I have talked with him, cried with him, pleaded with him, and prayed for him. I don’t know what else to do except pray. I can’t make that decision for him or I would. Believe me. I am not sure how much longer he will be here on this earth. Of course, none of us do. We had a conversation on the phone the other day regarding life and death. I asked him if he thought it would just be over once he died. I asked him if he thought that we just happened to live here for a few years and that was the end. If that is reality, how sad. I told him about God’s love and His plan for us… about how God loved us so much that he gave His Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we might have eternal life. I use to think that sounded weird or like nonsense, before I knew Him, but now I understand. God opened my eyes to my sin and what a mess I was. I realized how unworthy I was and how I needed a savior. Now He is changing me every day from the inside out. I now realize my purpose in this life and eternity.

You see, this is not our home. Don’t you think there is something more than just this? In Romans 1:20 it says through creation we see His invisible qualities and divine nature. Think about how the Sun is just far enough away that it doesn’t burn us up. Think about the millions of stars, the moon, and the 350 billion galaxies out there. Think about the millions of different trees, grasses, and flowers. Think about all of the different animals and insects. Think about how a seed is formed and grows into our food that we eat. Think about how we are breathing in oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Think about how plants are just the opposite. Think about how the human body works. Think about our DNA structure, chromosomes, and cells. Think about how a baby starts as a tiny egg and develops into a person. This didn’t just happen in a BIG BANG. The BIG BANG theory is for the shallow minded. I heard someone explain it this way. Take a big box of legos and throw them up in the air to land on the floor and what does it create… ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Their has to be a creator. Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.


Also one of my favorite scriptures is Job 38. Read through it and ponder.

R.C. Sproul said, “Men are never duly touched or impressed with a conviction of their insignificance until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God. God’s art speaks of Himself.“ The purpose of our lives is far greater than our own personal fulfillment, our peace of mind, or even our happiness. It’s far greater than our families, our careers, or even our wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God, your Creator. (Rick Warren)

Jeremiah 29:11-14a For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

The last thing I wanted to say to this person, but I didn’t get the chance because he changed the subject, was:

“If I am wrong about this, then I have nothing to lose, but if your wrong, then you have everything to loose.”

Satisfy by Tenth Avenue North

Just wanted to share this song with you from Tenth Avenue North. It has ministered to me so much over the last few months. It seems as though we try to fill our lives with so many things that just don't satisfy.

Psalm 145:16 "You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing".

Isaiah 58:11 "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

Lord, satisfy me and wean me off all the unnecessary stuff in my life that has no eternal value.

Are You a Wave Runner?

Almost every day I drive across the lake to get to my home. The view is almost breathtaking. I can’t imagine that I will ever get tired of it. It is so peaceful. Scattered across the lake you will find sailboats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, house boats and every once in a while you will see a wave runner jumping from wave to wave. Recently I have been like that wave runner.

James 1:5-8 (NIV)
5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Have you ever asked God for wisdom on something you have been asked to do and He gave you the answer, but then you doubted it or tried to justify why you shouldn’t? Or maybe you kept all your options open in case you decide not to do it.

Recently, I was asked to do something that I knew was in God’s will, but was such a fear of mine. I prayed about it and was hoping that God would say, “No, it is not the time.” One minute I would say I was going to do it and the next minute I would change my mind. How could God possibly want someone like me to do this? This was certainly not my gift. If anything, it was my biggest fear. I kept searching for a way to get out of it…kind of like Jonah. Until a friend said to me, “It all comes down to obedience. You either obey God or disobey God on this.” Wow! That was a pretty strong statement. Not really what I wanted to hear.

You see a doubtful mind is not completely convinced that God’s way is best. God’s Word like any human advice can be rejected or disobeyed. Waves are restless based on different environmental factors such as wind, gravity, and tide. Doubt leaves a person as unsettled as a tossed about wave.

I also love The Message version of this passage:

James 1:2-8 (The Message)
2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

Prayer:
Lord,
Help me not to be like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. I don’t want to waiver back and forth in everything that I do. Lord, if this is what you want me to do, then may you give me the power and strength to do it and may you get all the glory.

Preparing for Sunday Morning Worship

Good Saturday Morning! Hope your weather is as beautiful as it is in Tennessee. I thought this would be an appropriate day to share with you about some things I have been reading about preparing for Sunday morning worship. I don’t know about you, but some times I don’t prepare for Sunday morning worship the way I should and it affects my whole day. I have found that if I prepare mentally and physically the night before to receive a word from God it changes everything. I have two things to share with you. The first was a quote from Mark Hall from Casting Crowns that I received via twitter this week and the second was an article that I found on John Piper’s website @ Desiring God. I hope you enjoy.

Mark Hall:
Do we worship & serve as debtors trying to pay God back for what He has done or as His children responding thankfully to Who He is?
You're no debtor. You're a child of the Most High! Let your worship and service be a response to His goodness and presence in your life

John Piper:

“Take Heed How You Hear!”: Ten Practical Preparations for Hearing the Word of God on Sunday Morning by: John Piper

A Meditation on Luke 8:18:
Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

1. Pray that God Would Give You a Good and Honest Heart

The heart we need is a work of God. That’s why we pray for it. “I will give you a new heart” (Ezekiel 36:26). “I will give them a heart to know Me” (Jeremiah 24:7). Let’s pray, “O Lord, give me a heart for you. Give me a good and honest heart. Give me a soft and receptive heart. Give me a humble and meek heart. Give me an fruitful heart.”

2. Meditate on the Word of God

“O taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). On Saturday night, read some delicious portion of your Bible with a view to stirring up hunger for God. This is the appetizer for Sunday morning’s meal.

3. Purify Your Mind by Turning Away from Worldly Entertainment

“Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). It astonishes me how many Christians watch the same banal, empty, silly, trivial, titillating, suggestive, immodest TV shows that most unbelievers watch. This makes us small and weak and worldly and inauthentic in worship. Instead, turn off the television on Saturday night and read something true and great and beautiful and pure and honorable and excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Your heart will unshrivel and be able to feel greatness again.

4. Trust in the Truth That You Already Have

The hearing of the Word of God that fails during trial has no root (Luke 8:13). What is the root we need? It is trust. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream.” Trusting in the truth is the best way to prepare yourself to receive more.

5. Rest Long Enough Saturday Night to be Alert and Hopeful Sunday Morning

“All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12). I am not laying down any law here. I am saying: there are Saturday night ways that ruin Sunday morning worship. Don’t be enslaved by them. Without sufficient sleep, our minds are dull, our emotions are flat, our proneness to depression is higher, and our fuses are short. My counsel: decide when you must get up on Sunday in order to have time to eat, get dressed, pray and meditate on the Word, prepare the family, and travel to church; and then compute backward eight hours and be sure that you are in bed 15 minutes before that. Read your Bible in bed and fall asleep with the Word of God in your mind. I especially exhort parents to teach teenagers that Saturday is not the night to stay out late with friends. If there is a special late night, make if Friday. It is a terrible thing to teach children that worship is so optional that it doesn’t matter if you are exhausted when you come.

6. Forebear One Another Sunday Morning Without Grumbling and Criticism.
“They grumbled in their tents; they did not listen to the voice of the LORD” (Psalm 106:25). Sunday morning grumbling and controversy and quarreling can ruin a worship service for a family. When there is something you are angry about or some conflict that you genuinely think needs to be talked about, forebear. Of course if you are clearly the problem and need to apologize, do it as quickly as you can (Matthew 5:23-24). But if you are fuming because of the children’s or spouse’s delinquency, forebear, that is, be slow to anger and quick to listen (James 1:19). In worship, open yourself to God’s exposing the log in your own eye. It may be that all of you will be humbled and chastened so that no serious conflict is necessary.

7. Be Meek and Teachable When You Come

“Receive with meekness the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Meekness and teachability are not gullibility. You have your Bible and you have your brain. Use them. But if we come with a chip on our shoulders and a suspicion of the preaching, week after week, we will not hear the Word of God. Meekness is a humble openness to God’s truth with a longing to be changed by it.

8. Be Still as You Enter the Room and Focus Your Mind’s Attention and Heart’s Affection on God

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). As we enter the sanctuary, let us come on the lookout for God, and leave on the lookout for people. Come with a quiet passion to seek God and his power. We will not be an unfriendly church if we are aggressive in our pursuit of God during the prelude and aggressive in our pursuit of visitors during the postlude.

9. Think Earnestly About What Is Sung and Prayed and Preached

“Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). So Paul says to Timothy, “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7). Anything worth hearing is worth thinking about. If you would take heed how you hear, think about what you hear.

10. Desire the Truth of God’s Word More Than You Desire Riches or Food

“Like newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). As you sit quietly and pray and meditate on the text and the songs, remind yourself of what Psalm 19:10-11 says about the Words of God: “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.”

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible.

Psalm 40

Studying Psalm 40 this week.

(Psalm 40:2) "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

Lord, thanks for saving a messy person like me and lifting me up out of the pit. May I continue to talk about your saving power and faithfulness in my life. I pray that many will see what you have done and be amazed. Thank you for loving me in spite of my constant bent toward sin, and for keeping all your promises to me, even when I break my promises to you.

Psalm 40 (New Living Translation)

Psalm 40
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand[a]—
you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.
As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.”

9 I have told all your people about your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out,
as you, O Lord, well know.
10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles surround me—
too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
I have lost all courage.

13 Please, Lord, rescue me!
Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
14 May those who try to destroy me
be humiliated and put to shame.
May those who take delight in my trouble
be turned back in disgrace.
15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

16 But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior.
O my God, do not delay.

Jeremy Camp - There Will Be A Day - Video Devotional

I just wanted to share this video devotion from Jeremy Camp's song "There will be a Day". It has meant a lot to me this week. The last couple of years have been tough as I have watched my dad suffer with kidney disease. He has been in and out of the hospital many times. He started dialysis a little over a year ago in hopes that he would soon be able to get on the transplant list. Unfortunately he received a call from the transplant coordinator a few weeks ago. She told him that he would not be a candidate for a kidney transplant. Although I know he was so disappointed, he continues to fight this disease taking it day by day. This past week he was in the hospital again. It hurts me to see him go through so much suffering, but as I sit beside him while he was asleep, God reminded of Revelations 21:4. There will be a day of no more suffering or pain or tears. Thank you to all my friends who have been praying for him. He was able to go back home on Friday and seems to be doing better.

Teacher of the Year

I am so thankful for the many people that God has brought into my life, but today I just wanted to honor this special lady. You see, she has a special place in my heart as I have covered her with prayer over the last few years. She was my daughter's first grade teacher. She touches so many children's lives or should I say hearts. Recently she was named "Teacher of the Year" at Lakeview Elementary School. She is also a nominee for Wilson County "Teacher of the Year". I wanted to share this letter or recommendation that I wrote with the help of my wonderful mother-in-law, Rosemarie.



Re: Letter of Recommendation for Teacher of the Year for Ms. Suzi Gregory

If asked, “Who was your favorite teacher?” most of us can quickly identify the “one” who truly “made the difference,” e.g., the teacher who inspired you, made learning fun, and believed in you, sometimes even when you didn’t believe in yourself. Suzi Gregory is, without a doubt, an educator who will be identified as “favorite teacher” by all of her current and former students. From a parent’s perspective, she is one of the most outstanding teachers I know. Her wonderful disposition is comprised of compassion and an understanding of individual differences, as well as her love of, and for, teaching and learning. She possesses an innate ability to assess each child’s needs and adequately provide appropriate support services that are, by the way, second to none.

I could elaborate about her innovative teaching methods or how she continually strives to keep abreast of current research and resources; however, I believe that it is more important to tell you how she impacted the life of my child. As one of Ms. Gregory’s girls, my daughter went to school, not only with a smile on her face, but excited and anxious to begin the academic challenges awaiting her arrival. In turn, she came home with that same “happy” smile, each and every day. She absolutely loved everything about Ms. Gregory and the learning environment she created in her classroom. I believe the experience of being with such a dedicated and motivating teacher was an inspiration, as my daughter’s love of school continues to flourish.

Even though Ms. Gregory would send home a schedule of daily activities, I didn’t need to read it to know the events of the day. My little girl would race to her bedroom, be transformed into Ms. Gregory and “act out,” in her pretend classroom, every activity she experienced. Ms. Gregory’s classroom contained a wealth of rich resource materials and each day my daughter became an investigative explorer as she participated in the amazing learning adventures created by her teacher.

Her love of reading, writing, and storytelling were transferred to my child and that love remains with her to this day. Ms. Gregory always encouraged the children to use their imaginations when reading, writing, and during involvement in creative design projects. She has the knowledge, skills and ability to know how much is possible for each young mind because she takes time to get to know each individual child. She sets high expectations and accepts nothing less than meeting, or exceeding, the learning goals and behavior objectives set for each child. Uniquely, she teaches to the whole child, not the whole class.

I pray that all children have a Ms. Gregory during their early years of education, a teacher who not only loves and cares for them as if they were her own, but one who is also a role model of excellence. Beyond that, Ms. Gregory is a teacher of “excellence” and she needs no award to prove that she is the teacher of the year. My words are so inadequate to truly paint you a picture of what a gifted teacher and educator she is. The proof lies in the lives of students that she has impacted over the last 32 years. She not only impacted their lives for a year, but provided them with the tools they needed to become lifelong learners. There are a lot of good teachers, but a great teacher is the one who is as pleased as the student/s when they succeed. Ms. Gregory has shared many gifts that her successful students will never forget. Neither will I.

It is for all of the above reasons, and more, that I highly recommend Ms. Suzie Gregory be given consideration for the honor of being named Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,


Christy Gold

Family Nights

Yes. We are crazy. These are some photos from one of our family nights. We were playing Nerf Dart Tag. So much fun. I am still laughing about the bullet proof vest fitting Doug like a bib. The first night we played, we only had two small guns. We had to take turns. No fun. So the next night, while Doug and I were on a date night, we headed over to Target and bought ourselves some powerful Nerf Dart Machine Guns, bullet proof vests, and protective eyewear. We planned a surprise attack on the kids. Fun had by all!

Over the past few months, it seems as though our family has been running from one activity to another. Don't get me wrong. School, sports, church, and other extracurricular activities are good things to be involved in, but we, as families, need to make sure we are spending quality time together at home not just in the car on the way to our next activity.

As Tedd Tripp points out:

"The most powerful way to keep your child from being attracted by the offers of camaraderie with the wicked is to make home an attractive place to be. Young people do not run away from homes where there are solid relationships. They do not run from homes in which the family is planning activities and doing exciting things."

Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child's Heart

I have found the best way to incorporate the family time is to plan for it. It sounds crazy that we have to plan for this time, but if we don't, we tend to fill our lives with other activities outside the home. There are so many resources available for ideas for family nights. Family nights should be an evening we set aside each week where we eat a special dinner together and do a fun activity.

A Prayer for Parents

I wanted to share a prayer with you that has been dear to my heart over the last few weeks. I actually keep it posted in my planner and I carry it around in my purse, because it seems as though I have to refer to it quite often, especially when I start to feel like a failure as a parent. I don't know about you, but often I beat myself up over how I continually mess up as a parent. Sometimes it seems as though we are swimming upstream when it comes to parenting our kids in today's culture. I am realizing how I need to stay on my knees in prayer and rely on God.

As I was reading Focus on the Family Magazine the other day, I came across this article. It was taken from the "Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" by Dr. James Dobson.

There's hardly a parent alive who does not have some regrets and painful memories of their failures as a mother or a father. Children are infinitely complex, and we can no more be perfect parents than we can be perfect human beings. The pressures of living are often enormous.

We get tired and irritated; we are influenced by our physical bodies and our emotions, which sometimes prevent us from saying the right things and being the models we should be. We don't always handle our children as unemotionally as we wish we had, and it's common to look back a year or two later and see how wrong we were in the way we approached a problem.

All of us experience these failures! No one does the job perfectly! That's why each of us should get alone with God and say:

Lord, You know my inadequacies. You know my weaknesses, not only in parenting, but also in every area of my life. I did the best I could, but it wasn't good enough. As You broke the fishes and the loaves to feed the 5,000, now take my meager effort and use it to bless my family. Make up for the things I did wrong. Satisfy the needs that I have not satisfied. Wrap Your great arms around my children, and draw them close to You. And be there when they stand at the great crossroads between right and wrong. All I can give is my best, and I've done that. Therefore, I submit to You my children and myself and the job I did as a parent. The outcome now belongs to You.

I know the Father will honor that prayer, even for parents whose job is finished. The Lord does not want you to suffer from guilt over events you can no longer influence. The past is the past. Let it die, never to be resurrected. Give the situation to God, and let Him have it. I think you'll be surprised to learn that you're no longer alone!

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phillipians 3:13-14).

Words of the Wise

Proverbs 22:17-19

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.

Dear Friends,

As I continue to memorize Romans 12, God is showing me on a daily basis what it means to be a living sacrifice. These scriptures are becoming engraved on my heart as I have had several opportunities to share and teach these scriptures to my children in our day to day living (sleeping, eating, going-to-school, being on the basketball team, hanging out with friends, family life, chores, ordinary living). That is what it means to have it in your heart and ready on your lips. I especially love verses 9-21 in the Message version.

Romans 12:9-21 (The Message)

9-10Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.


Have a Blessed Day!!

Prissy's First Day of Puppy Preschool

Today was Prissy's first day of Puppy Preschool.

This was just a bad hair day! We all have them.

Suffering for Doing Good

Doing the right thing is not always easy. People are not always going to agree with you or understand why you have to do what you do. But always keep your conscience clear by your tongue and your actions. Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

1 Peter 3:13-17 (New Living Translation)

Suffering for Doing Good

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

"Chicken Livers"

I found this poem the other day that I wrote when I was in highschool. It was a true story. When I was growing up I can remember my mom cooking chicken livers. I hated those things. Still do. So here it goes...

"Chicken Livers"

I hate their smell.

I hate their taste.

I hate the way they look.

I close my eyes and hold my nose

when they begin to cook.

I cry and fuss

and am threatened with a whippin.

But I stand back and shake my head.

It is a terrible waste of chicken.

I know that there are some of you out there that like those things and that is great. I am happy for you, but this is one thing that I won't make my kids eat.

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails....that's what little boys are made of......hmmm! There may be a little more to it than that.

The other morning when I walked by my little boy's bedroom after he had headed off to first grade for the day, I was so impressed with his bed making skills. I stepped into his UK Kentucky Wildcat bedroom to admire how clean it was. But something that was sticking out from under the bed caught my eye. So I decided to do some motherly investigating to check out what was actually under there. Well low and behold....it wasn't just one thing, but several. Check out the pictures below. I just had to laugh and go get my camera to take some pics so that I could remember these little things.

His clean bedroom....not bad for a six year old.

This was everything that I raked out from under his bed.

Mr. Piggy Bank and His Player of the Game Ball

His Bible, Puppy Dog, and Superman Coloring Book

Sports Cards

One of his books

This is his blankey. It is in threads. Looks pretty bad. It has to be washed on a delicate cycle.

Remote control car and other stuffed animals

Left over mini muffins bag where he ate muffins and threw the bag under his bed to hide the evidence.

His first love... UK basketball. A magazine that his grandfather gave him so that he can learn the history of the Wildcats. Very important stuff.

Empty Nerds box....his favorite candy. Also some leftover Christmas candy. Note to mom...must not be his favorite or it would be gone. Miscellaneous sock....I find these all over the house. Doesn't surprise me.

Batman Laptop. Never know when you might need this in the middle of the night.

Money jars for his allowance.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Magazine that features Sam Bradford
and a lightup matchbox car.

Just thought I would share. Can any of you moms out there relate?