Life right now is just amazing....

I am in an amazing season of life right now.  I guess you could call it "growing pains"!

Recently, we have been praying, crying out to God, to show us what to do.  In every area of our lives as a family and individually. 

We had been going through such a dry time.  We had to leave the church we were attending.  We seemed to have almost no friends.  My one good homeschooling friend had to get a full time job so I never see her anymore.  Bob's work was very steady from March through mid-July and then nothing. 

So we were totally and completely relying on God.  And praying... and hoping.   But, you know, God is faithful.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  It was just fine to be taken out of the busyness and hurry to stop and focus on His still, small voice.  Sometimes, we can't hear it in all the frenzy.  We rush on about our own ways and don't heed His voice, His directions, His ways.  So we waited.  And waited......

Just when we were about at our end, (of money), God sent work our way.  He prompted us to hold a yard sale.  Then another call for a design job came in.  Bob has connected with a pool company and it may do very well for us. (Keep praying about that one, will you?)   Julia was paid for her jewelry that she sold to a store (finally).  Their ebooks sold well when hosted by the Homeschool Freebie of the Day.  Julia was asked to do some graphic design and was paid well for it.   Some Mennonite friends of ours run the Deli in town.  I asked if they would sell some aprons, hotpads and slippers that I made.  They were happy to do it and I sold almost all the slippers and hotpads in 2 days. (I had been trying to sell them at shows for about a year!)

We also had been praying about being vendors for homeschool conventions this year.  The door to FL was closed even though that was our first choice.  So we have knocked on the door of NC.  Then God sent a lady to our yard sale to tell us of a new convention in SC called "Teach Them Diligently".  So this morning I am filling out the application for that convention.  Knocking on that door to see if it is where we are to be in March 2012. 

We are friends with a sweet Mennonite family here in town and God is bringing me some sweet ladies online as new friends!

There are other things God is showing us.  It feels like....

Isa 54:2-4 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;



 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.


 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame:.....

That may be taken out of context but that is what it feels like here.  God is pressing us forward, requiring that we walk in faith and not in fear!  He is showing us things we need to learn and do. 

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of this last night.  As a family, we read 1 Peter 1.   I was so encouraged by this....
1Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,



 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,


 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.


 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:


 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:


 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:


 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Our faith is being tried right now and we are believing that it will come out more refined.  God is keeping us by His power.  But during this trial, we can have joy unspeakable and full of glory!  We should be rejoicing!!  Wow!  I don't rejoice most of the time.  But I can and I should.  What a different perspective this is.  Lord, help me to see and have faith through this season.  Help me to hear your still, small voice and follow your leading, not doing what I think is best. 

So, if you feel led, please pray for us, will you?  I believe that God is faithful to hear and answer our prayers. 

If you are going through a dry time, a trial, take heart!  You are not alone and God is for you.  Have faith and believe His Word.  Listen for His voice for He wants to show you the way.

Blessings,

Miracles

Do you believe in miracles?

I do.

Does God answer prayers these days?  Does He care about the "little things" or should we just pray for the "big things"? 

In January, my dear husband, Bob, was working outside in the cold.  Somehow, his wedding ring slipped off of his finger and it was gone, totally and completely gone.  He searched everywhere that it could have fallen off but could not find it anywhere.

It really bothered him and me because our marriage is so precious to us and the ring is a symbol of that relationship.  Not to mention shortly after that in February we renewed our vows in a church service with all the married couples. 

We prayed and prayed to find it.  We prayed that God would show us where it was.  Nothing, no ring.

                                     

Four months later, in April, Bob looked down at the ground near our front door because he saw a glimmer of gold.  Sure enough, it was his ring!! 

We have no idea how it could have ended up there.  He had even looked in that spot before.  Only God could have arranged that!



I believe God cares about the little things!  I believe He wants to answer our prayers about small things.  He wants us to come to Him as the loving Father that He is and ask Him for help, guidance, the things that we need. 

To us, this is a miracle.  Something that only God could do.  It's like He is telling us not to worry, that He will take care of us and even give us the desires of our hearts.   Reminding us again that He cares for the little things.

It's not about a gimme attitude, it is about relationship.  It's not just going to God with our want list.  It's about having a relationship of praise, worship, adoration and trust... trusting God to provide our very needs.   Because He loves us.

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Psa 37:23-25 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

So, if you have a need today, pray.  Bring it to your loving Heavenly Father.  Trust Him to do the best for you. 

Lay your burdens at His feet.  He will sustain you. 

Trusting Him today,

New Blog Header

A special THANK YOU to my sweet daughter, Julia for creating this pretty new header!!  She is so gifted with graphic arts and always does such a good job making things look nice! 

The verse has a special meaning to me.  Trusting God from my youth.  It is really possible to trust God from the time one is small all the way through life!  Some people today don't believe this anymore.  They seem to believe that letting children "sow their wild oats" is normal.  It doesn't have to be this way. 

God desires that children be raised up to know and love him.  He wants us to love and serve Him all the days of our lives. 

     2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

God has given to parents the responsibility to teach their children the ways of God.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

What a promise, what a blessing when children are taught to love God and follow His ways.

Isaiah 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

May your days be peaceful,

Our House is For Sale!

After praying about it for about a year, we believe that it is time to put our house up for sale. We are planning to move to the area where Bob works but we are very open to whatever God has for us. Would you please pray for us? Especially, that we could walk in peace through this whole process. If you are interested in our house, please leave a comment and I'll get back to you. :)

We have a beautiful home and it will be hard in a way to leave it. But we believe that God is faithful to provide what we need for the next season of our life. He is leading us to walk by faith and not by sight. I find this challenging yet necessary. The right things are not always easy to do.

How is God directing you to walk by faith and not by sight? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Blessings,

God and Blackberries

My lovely daughter, Julia, wrote a beautiful post about her views of God and blackberries. I encourage you to go over to her blog and read it. It will bless your heart.
Have a blessed day,

Practical Steps to Have Peace

My sweet husband gave an awesome teaching on peace this past Sunday in our home church. I wanted to share the notes with you. Ever since Sunday, I have been more aware of my level of peace. I can't say that it is always where it should be. I admit that after a peaceful day I crashed last night. But I believe that the whole point is not being perfect in keeping my peace but in regaining it as sooon as possible! And, yes, I have my peace.

One interesting point is the word "keep". The children and I are studying the medieval age. The castle was designed with a very strong section in the middle called the keep. If the enemy attacked the outer walls, the lord and his people would take refuge in the keep. There they could withstand a siege for a very long time until help came. The notes show how the Strong's concordance defines the word "keep" in Philippians 4:7.

Practical Steps to Have Peace

Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.


1) Confess your sin before God.

1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.


2) Cast all your cares upon Him.

Psa 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psa 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

3) Be thankful.

1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

4) Guard your thoughts.

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

5) Receive God’s promise and blessing of His peace.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.



Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psa 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


Keep=G5432
φρουρέω
phroureō
froo-reh'-o
From a compound of G4253 and G3708; to be a watcher in advance, that is, to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively to hem in, protect: - keep (with a garrison). Compare G5083.

6) Be vigilant.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:



May you have a peace-filled day!

The Choice

Everyday I wake up I am presented with a choice. Circumstances and situations may press about me but they do not have to influence my inner state. By that I mean my level of peace and joy. It seems so easy to let the things around me determine my mindset. Will I be joyful and peaceful? Or will I let the cares and worries and troubles around me steal that precious gift from God?

"Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua 24:15. I have a choice. No one can make it but me. It is not someone else's fault if I am crabby or unsettled. Even if my own body is in pain or just not feeling well is not a reason to go under and become negative. My spirit does not feel pain.

Did I say this would be easy? No, not necessarily. But it is a choice. So I choose this day to walk in peace moment by moment. If I stumble and fall, I will repent and get back up to continue in that peace and joy.

Actually, I am not doing this in my own strength. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13. For when I am weak, He is strong to work through me.

But I believe that God leaves the choice up to us. He will not make us follow Him. So I must choose.

Then after I choose, I must act. Put on "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Isaiah 61:3. Start speaking it out. Praise God for his promises. Thank Him for his faithfulness and blessings. Put on music that you can sing along with to praise God.

Pray. Talk to my Heavenly Father. Give over to Him all the things that are tumbling around in my head. What about this bill? What about the future? What about____? As I give these things over to God, I am trusting Him to take care of them. I believe we must walk by faith. Sure, I have to do what I can do but most of those thoughts are things beyond my control. What a relief to turn them over to God.

Use my sword. (Eph. 6:17) Jesus combated the evil one with "it is written", the Word of God. When the fears/worries/thoughts come swirling around like a fog, stand up and say, "No! It is written...." and then quote the Bible verse that applies to that concern. This requires preparation. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind the truths that I have tucked away in my heart. So I must be in the Word to know the heart and character of God and what He does for me. At times, I have even written out a "Lies vs. the Truth" list. That is very helpful to combat the wrong thoughts with the appropriate scripture that refutes it.

So today will be a peaceful day. Today will be a joyful day. Even if I fall and scrape my nose, I will get back up and choose once more to follow Him.
Psa 37:23, 24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

May your day be filled with peace and joy.
Gloria