Bible Study: Psalm 37

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.  Trust in the Lord and do good dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:1-4) 

 This verse says to me that if we love the Lord then He will give us the desires of our hearts.  It's his promise to us.  God promises that when we take pleasure in Him, then he will give Himself to us.  It's easy to get discouraged when you really want something and you really believe that the desire comes from God and it's taken from you.  It's easy to become broken and start doubting that God's promises are real.  

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread." (Psalm 37:35) 

This Sunday in small group, our leader talked about Luke chapter 7.  John the Baptist is in jail and he sends back a messenger to Jesus asking, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Jesus responded saying, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”

Our leader went on to say that even John doubted some while he was in jail. Sometimes, when all we can see are our “prison walls,” we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to share what God is doing.  John never lost faith. He just needed confirmation and his faith was rewarded, right?  God saw John’s faith and brokenness and sent his deliverance and rescued him from jail, right?  No, if you know the story John was beheaded.  What does this teach us: God’s love for you is not defined His response to your brokenness.  That was a powerful message for me because I know this year I have been broken.  It’s easy to lose sight of God’s goodness and love when you are broken.

"I have seen the wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in it's native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found." (Psalsm 37: 35-36)

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 37: 39)

Psalm 37 ponders the question, "Is life fair?" "Why does it seem like the wicked are always successful."  It's basic conclusion: The success of the wicked won't last, while in the long run the righteous will flourish.  Our reward is in Heaven.  Through a lifetime of troubles and anxieties the righteous are never abandoned by God.

I Will Carry You: Michael W Smith

I Will Carry You: Michael W Smith

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Sometimes I wonder if my beating heart has a reason
The thought of breathing only takes my breath away
I've spent so many nights wrestling with this feeling
Do I have the strength to make it through the day
But I was never meant
To walk this road alone
I can always trust you
When you say

I will carry you
Be your strength
And pull you through
Reach for me
And take my hand
We will pray
And we will stand
In a world
Crying out for peace
Let your heart be strong
For when I am weak
You will carry me

Sometimes You wonder if the road you're on has a reason
It's hard to go on, when you just don't know
We can shoulder all the weight of life between us
Until the fear of what we cannot see is gone
Cause we were never meant
To walk this road alone
We are bound together
When we say...

Philippians 3:14 - Pressing on Toward the Goal

I'm co-leading an online Bible study with the always amazing, HopingForChange.  I'm really enjoying our study of Philippians.  This is what I posted for the lovely ladies today.

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VOTD: Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

QOTD: Paul sees the Christian walk as a race with a prize at the end. He says that he will continue to run the race towards the goal because he believes that God called him. Although we may never achieve perfection in this world, it should still be our goal. What is the prize at the end of the race? I believe that Heaven is the prize at the end. This road we are running on is going to have bumps and detours along the way, no doubt, but ultimately if we stay on the path and press on, then we will win the prize.

1) Do you think to this point you have been giving all your strength to achieve the goal Paul is talking about here? What changes can you make?

I thought that I had been giving all my strength to winning the prize, but this year, I think, have proved that I have a lot of growing to do. I think I had a shallow faith because I never really had any huge hardships. Now, I'm being forced to live out the lessons that I have always taught my students and I'm learning that this journey is really hard. I know the prize is worth it at the end. I just wish the journey wasn't so hard.

I know there are changes I need to make in my life. I need to bring joy back into my life. I used to be known as the encourager and a positive role model. I have let depression rule my attitude for long enough. That needs to change.

2) Why is it important to forget what is behind? How could not forgetting the past hinder future service to God?

I think it's easy to get stuck in the past. I don't ever want to forget our past hurts, but I can learn to let go of the hurt and anger. I think that's part of what Paul was talking about when he said "press on." I don't want to stay here. It's hurts here.

Wycliffe: Reaching the Last Languages

Ancient words, ever true
changing me and changing you,
we have come with open hearts,
oh let the ancient words impart.
~Michael W Smith

10 Things Tuesday

It's still Tuesday, so it counts.

1. I went to the World Pulse Festival on Saturday with my one of my best friends, Shere and her gorgeous girls.  We got in free with VIP parking and food.

2. We had to go after I got off work, so we only got to see Need to Breathe and MercyMe. They were both great shows.

3. After the concert, us girls had a girls night in. We ordered a pizza with my 50% off coupon and played Scategorries.  Marcos pizza was yummy and the fun was even better.

4. I had Sunday off work, but Steve had to work. I got some of the house cleaned, the went shopping at Sears because it was Friends and Family Night and Steve was there.

5. I was really excited this weekend to see that the grass we planted is starting to grow.

6. Steve and I, after doing some math, realized that we are almost 4% of the way to raising our monthly support goal.

7. We need to be at at least 50% before we can register for GIAL, the school in Dallas. We have a ways to go, but I know God will provide.

8. We won at trivia tonight. Go team!

9. We met with a Realtor last week to find out what we need to do in order to sell our house.  We have some work to do, but nothing too major. Just a lot of de-cluttering and some painting.

10. This week in our Bible study, we are reading Philippians 2. It should be a great study of Philippians.

Grow Grass Grow

After a week of faithful watering, the grass in the front yard is growing. Grow grass, grow. You can do it.  We will probably need to get more seed and fill in some spots, but it's a great start.

The Potter and the Clay

Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."

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The Potter Knows the Clay by The Perrys

I know you are going through the fire
Its getting hard to stand the heat
But even harder is the wondering
Is God’s hand still on me
Its lonely in the flames
When you’re counting days of pain

Chorus
But the Potter knows the clay
How much pressure it can take
How many times around the wheel
‘Til there’s submission to His will
he’s planned a beautiful design
but it’ll take some fire and time
its gonna be okay
‘cause the Potter knows the clay

Friend I just came through that fire
Not too very long ago
And looking back I can see why
And that my God was in control
But on the hottest days I'd cry
Oh Lord, isn't it about time

Psalm 73: Why does it seem like the wicked prosper?

Why do bad things seem to happen to good people and the wicked prosper?  It doesn't seem fair.  All around us we see people living in sin that seem to have such an easier time at life than us.  As Christians we are called to be "set apart from the world", but why does it seems like the blessings always go to those living "in the world."  It's so easy to let anger and bitterness determine our next step.  It reminds me of Job.  He was considered the richest man in the land. He had everything and in one day lost it all.  He could have got angry and cursed God.  He had every right to, right?  He didn't have the Bible to read the story about himself and see that God didn't cause his suffering or that God was going to bless him in the end.  No, Job sat down, tore his clothes, and worshiped.  I think knew something that we don't know. 

Romans 5:3-4: "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Sufferings are how we get hope? It doesn't very pleasant does it?  Sometimes things don't make sense and we don't understand.  What do you do when you experience a loss so heartbreaking that you can't imagine life going on?  God has a plan.  Do I believe it?  I have to hold on hope, because some days that is all I have left.  It's really easy to look at others getting the blessings that you want so badly and get angry because you did every thing "right" and they didn't.  Why do they get blessed and not you?  It's easy for us to miss the big picture.  What bigger and better blessing does God have in store for us?  God promised in His word that He gives His children the desires of their heart.  It just might not look like what you think it will or come when you want it to.

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Psalm 73 (The Message)

An Asaph Psalm

 ^1-5 No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
   But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness.
   I was looking the other way, looking up to the people
   At the top, envying the wicked who have it made,
   Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.  

^6-10 Pretentious with arrogance, they wear the latest fashions in violence,
   Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness.
   They jeer, using words to kill; they bully their way with words.
   They're full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace.
   People actually listen to them—can you believe it?
      Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words.

 ^11-14 What's going on here? Is God out to lunch?
      Nobody's tending the store.
   The wicked get by with everything;
      they have it made, piling up riches.
   I've been stupid to play by the rules;
      what has it gotten me?
   A long run of bad luck, that's what—
      a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.

 ^15-20 If I'd have given in and talked like this,
      I would have betrayed your dear children.
   Still, when I tried to figure it out,
      all I got was a splitting headache . . .
   Until I entered the sanctuary of God.
      Then I saw the whole picture:
   The slippery road you've put them on,
      with a final crash in a ditch of delusions.
   In the blink of an eye, disaster!
      A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare!
   We wake up and rub our eyes....Nothing.
      There's nothing to them. And there never was.

 ^21-24 When I was beleaguered and bitter,
      totally consumed by envy,
   I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
      in your very presence.
   I'm still in your presence,
      but you've taken my hand.
   You wisely and tenderly lead me,
      and then you bless me.

 ^25-28 You're all I want in heaven!
      You're all I want on earth!
   When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
      God is rock-firm and faithful.
   Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
      Deserters, they'll never be heard from again.
   But I'm in the very presence of God—
      oh, how refreshing it is!
   I've made Lord God my home.
      God, I'm telling the world what you do!

A Productive Weekend

We are finally getting things together to sell the house.  We bought the house with the intention of one day selling it, so we could enter ministry with Wycliffe debt free.  We met with a Realtor last week to talk about what we had to do to get the best price for the house.  I'm nervously excited about the selling the house. Neither of us have ever sold a house before.  On one hand, we want to sell it quickly so we can be debt free faster, but on the other hand we can't sell it before December or we won't have a place to live.

This weekend was pretty productive.  Friday, I had to work until 7 then we went went with my parents and brother to see a Silver Hawks game for FREE!  I love free entertainment and free food.  The paint company that Steve does purchasing from for the YWCA and even some for our house, CE Lee, invited us the game for their customer appreciation day.  It was a great game.  The Silver Hawks actually won 3-2 and the fireworks afterwards were spectacular.

Saturday, I had the day off work, so I wanted to get some stuff done.  I went through all my clothes and sorted stuff that longer fit and things that I didn't wear anymore.  I put them in "throw away", "donate", and "garage sale" piles.  I finished sorting everything in the kitchen too and putting everything in it's place.  I brought some of the donate stuff to Goodwill and the rest I put aside for the YWCA.  Then I bought some grass seed and soil from McKinley Terrace Garden Center.  Everyone there was very friendly and helpful.  I definitely recommend them for your planting needs.  I planted the grass seed where the tree used to be and watered it.  Hopefully, the grass will grow so we have grass in the whole front yard.  Then I was going to pressure wash the house, but God had other plans.  He thought it should storm instead.  I wish I would have told me that before I watered the front yard...  Oh well, the yard got really, really watered. If I would have had a spray bottle for the house cleaner, I was going to spray the house with the cleaner so the rain would power wash the house, but no spray bottle could be found.

Sunday, Steve mowed the lawn and cleaned up some of the sticks in the backyard while I was at work.  After work, I helped with plant and water some more grass seed.  It was a great, but very tiring weekend.

Bible Study: "in the course of time..."

During the last two weeks our Bible study has been reading 1 Samuel 1&2.

1 Samuel 1: 19-20: "Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back into their home at Ranah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. (20) So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son."

This verse stuck out to the me, because it doesn't say that God heard her prayer and immediately answered it and she was pregnant the next month.  It was says "in the course of time" which means she may have waited a long time.  Hannah cried to God so much that those around her thought she was drunk.  In those days, if you were a women unable to have a child you thought you were cursed or being punished by God.  Often times, you were cast out as being unworthy.  It was a depressing place for Hannah to be, but she never stopped trusting in God.  She never gave up hope that one day she would have a child.

1 Samuel 21: 22:When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.”

 After Samuel was born, she took the boy, she prayed so long for, to the Lord to live with him.


1 Samuel 2:1-10: 

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
    in the Lord my horn^[a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
    for I delight in your deliverance.

Those are the first words Hannah says after she gave up her child to the Lord.  She praises God for His faithfulness. On the day she makes the biggest sacrifice she will ever make in her life, she rejoices in the Lord! Hannah's heart rejoiced, not in Samuel, but in the Lord. She looks beyond the gift, and praises the Giver.

1 Samuel 2:19-20 – ^“Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home.”  ->>Here Hannah's faith is tested again.  She believed that God would bless her with more children because she believed his promise. She goes home to wait... Question: Would she still believe in His goodness if He didn't?

When God answered Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son, Samuel, she poured out her joy to God as well.  Remarkably, for a woman who waited so long for a child, she took Samuel to God’s tabernacle as soon as he reached an appropriate age.  There she placed him in the priests care. Hannah certainly loved her child and never forgot him. Every year she made a garment for him – a huge expenditure in those days.  She did not hold on to her blessing any more than she hung on to her sorrows.  She gave them both to God.

My only issue with this verse is God's promise, "May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to^[c] the Lord.” I assure you that no child will ever "take the place of" her first child.  Her first child will always hold a special place in her heart and will never be forgotten.

It's Official

This morning was the final official court date, so as of 10am this morning Julieanne Marina Gamble is officially a member of the Pitney family.

I've never been to an adoption hearing before. It was kind of neat. The Judge is a Christian and prayed with the family afterwards. 

Welcome to the family, Julieanne!

10 Things Tuesday: Prayers and Praises

Prayers:

1. Pray for the strengthening of our marriage as to everything that we have to do to get to Cameroon.
   
   
2. Pray for financial and prayer partners to join our team.
   
   
3. Pray that we are able to sell our house for a good price that will allow us to enter the mission field debt free with a "moving fund."
   
   
4. Pray for God to open up speaking opportunities in homes and at churches for us to cast the vision for our ministry.
   
   
5. Pray for a sense of peace in our house with all the extra medical expenses and extra house repair/tree expenses this year.

Praises:

1. Thank you for our amazing family and circle of friends.
   
   
2. Thank you for our new prayer and financial partners that have joined our team.
   
   
3. Thank you for the lessons that You have been teaching us through this journey.
   
   
4. Thank you for the continued healing of the young Zion Carlstrom.
   
   
5. Thank you for providing us with great jobs that we love.

Game Night with Friends

Steve and I seriously have the greatest friends, ever!  This was a great weekend.  I have to work all weekend, but the time I had off I spent cleaning up the house to get it ready for Game Night.  Sunday night, our friends Merry and Joe came over for a game night.  They brought over some great food.  They planned a potato and salad bar with all sorts of great toppings.

I made the delicious chocolate delights below.  I think they turned out really tasty.  I used Rocky Road as the bottom ice cream layer and Neapolitan as the middle ice cream layer.  I think next time I'll make more of the cheese cake filling and make that layer bigger.  They did not turn out as pretty as the picture with the recipe; they were pretty good though.  Steve likes cheese cake, but he can't have cream cheese. I never thought of making cheesecake filling with cottage cheese before. I found the recipe in a diabetic recipes cookbook.  I used real sugar, not sugar substitute.  I really liked this idea.

Overall, it was a great night with great friends, great conversations, some great games of Clue and Hangman.  We should really get together more often.

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Chocolate Fudge Cheese Cake Parfaits

YIELD Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS

1‑1/2	cups fat-free cottage cheese
4	packets sugar substitute or equivalent of 8 teaspoons sugar
2	teaspoons packed brown sugar
1‑1/2	teaspoons vanilla
2	tablespoons semisweet mini chocolate chips, divided
2	cups fat-free chocolate ice cream or fat-free frozen yogurt
3	tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

PREPARATION:

1. Combine cottage cheese, sugar substitute, brown sugar and vanilla in food processor or blender; process until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon mini chips with wooden spoon.
2. Spoon about 1/4 cup ice cream into each stemmed glass. Top with heaping tablespoon cheese mixture; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons graham cracker crumbs. Repeat layers. Freeze parfaits 15 to 30 minutes to firm slightly.
3. Garnish each parfait with remaining 1 tablespoon mini chips and remaining cracker crumbs.

Wycliffe celebrates 25 years in Cameroon

“My mother comes from Banso and my father from Noni. A few years before my mother’s death, she was yet to become a Christian. I took a copy of the Lamnso New Testament and through it, I learned how to read and write Lamnso. I went ahead and read the Lamnso Bible to my mother. She gave her life to Christ and started counseling us as a real mother would do. Before now, she knew there were two gods; one who responds to immediate needs and the other that is talked about in Churches. As she heard the scriptures in the mother tongue, she confessed that there is just one God and that is Jesus, who deserves all our worship and who cares for all our worries. I am so thankful to God for the work CABTAL is doing”

Mrs Mary Wamey, Calvary Chapel Bamenda
Secondary School teacher

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January 2012 marks a celebration of 25 years since Bible translation projects began in Cameroon, West Africa. When Bible translation began in 1987 in Cameroon, the model for translation was still to send a single expatriate team to begin a project. But that has changed.

"Cameroonians are now taking the leadership of these projects," explains Creson. "Local communities are very much involved in helping to shape the nature of the translation process--what they want to see, what they want to have built for them in terms of tools for discipleship, evangelism and church planting."

Nationals are taking over, and Wycliffe likes it. The local Cameroonian involvement has been vital to the speed and success of the numerous translation projects there. Above all, that means the Gospel is reaching people quicker.

"People are coming to Christ now in unprecedented numbers, and God is really at work in the community in Cameroon," says Creson.

The success in Cameroon is representative of projects across the globe. Wycliffe has been able to get more local believers involved with translation projects worldwide. The advantage of locals combined with the advancement of technology is driving translation forward with serious speed.

Vision 2025--Wycliffe's goal to get a Bible translation project rolling for every language in the world by the year 2025--is looking more and more doable, thanks to hard-working teams like the ones in Cameroon. But thousands of people help to make these projects possible, including prayer warriors and financial supporters.

Join our Team  

See More: http://mnnonline.org/article/16753

10 Things Tuesday: My Week in Pictures

It's been a really busy few weeks at work. I know that I missed last week's 10 Things Tuesday and today is a day late. Let's call this 10 Things Tuesday - Wednesday edition.

1. 
   
2. 
   
   
3. A few weeks ago, I posted on 10 Things Tuesday how excited I was for a friend who after 2 losses and her husband beat prostate cancer, that they were pregnant with their "hopefully" rainbow baby.
   
   
4. Yesterday at their 16 week appointment, they couldn't find the heartbeat.  I'm so heartbroken for them.  It's just not fair.
 

4. When I think about the struggles that many people go through to have kids, my problems don't seem so big anymore.

5. I absolutely love the place I'm going for my massage therapy.  Everyone is so nice. If you make an appointment and tell them that I referred you, than I get a free massage!  
6. Tuesday is family trivia night at our friend Jean's house!
  

7. My husband had the whole day off from both jobs yesterday. I came home from work to find that he did laundry, dishes, vacuumed, cleaned the bedroom, and the kitchen.  He even did some Wycliffe work.  He had a productive day.

8.

   

9.

10.

Bible Study: Psalm 25

 

¹ In you, Lord my God,

    I put my trust.

² I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.
³ No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

⁴ Show me your ways, Lord,

    teach me your paths.

⁵ Guide me in your truth and teach me,

    for you are God my Savior,

    and my hope is in you all day long.

⁶ Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
    for they are from of old.
⁷ Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
    for you, Lord, are good.

⁸ Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
⁹ He guides the humble in what is right
    and teaches them his way.
¹⁰ All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
    toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
¹¹ For the sake of your name, Lord,
    forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

¹² Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
    He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
¹³ They will spend their days in prosperity,
    and their descendants will inherit the land.
¹⁴ The Lord confides in those who fear him;
    he makes his covenant known to them.
¹⁵ My eyes are ever on the Lord,
    for only he will release my feet from the snare.

¹⁶ Turn to me and be gracious to me,

    for I am lonely and afflicted.

¹⁷ Relieve the troubles of my heart

    and free me from my anguish.

¹⁸ Look on my affliction and my distress
    and take away all my sins.
¹⁹ See how numerous are my enemies
    and how fiercely they hate me!

²⁰ Guard my life and rescue me;

    do not let me be put to shame,

    for I take refuge in you.

²¹ May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord, is in you.

²² Deliver Israel, O God,
    from all their troubles!

Ended Up Being a Great Weekend

Steve somehow got Friday off from both jobs. I had to work at the YWCA until noon, then when I went to Sears to work my normal 1 to 7 shift, I found out I had the day off.  So we both ended up having almost the whole day off.

I helped Steve finish fixing our shed roof and cleaned up the back yard.  Then it was family time when my parents, Grammie, sister and her boyfriend came over for dessert.

Saturday, we both had to work and we finally got some much needed rain.  Then we worked on planning our presentation at church on Sunday.  Sunday, we met with a different Sunday School and shared our journey to Cameroon. I think we did really well and it was fun to meet some new people. Even though we go to small church, I don't know everybody yet.

After church and work, my sister, mom and Grammie had some girls night out fun shopping for clothes. Of course, we went to Sears for their Friends and Family event. I love discounts.  The picture is one of the new outfits that I'm wearing today. I have a cute black skirt and some new white sandles on too.

Bible Study: Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

¹ Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.
² Do not bring your servant into judgment,
    for no one living is righteous before you.
³ The enemy pursues me,
    he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
    like those long dead.
⁴ So my spirit grows faint within me;
    my heart within me is dismayed.
⁵ I remember the days of long ago;
    I meditate on all your works
    and consider what your hands have done.
⁶ I spread out my hands to you;
    I thirst for you like a parched land.

⁷ Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
⁸ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
⁹ Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

¹¹ For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;
    in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
¹² In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
    destroy all my foes,
    for I am your servant.

Bible Study: Colossians 3-4

Last week, my online Bible Study finished up our study of Colossians with a chat on Monday.
My Main Takeaway from Colossians: To focus on riding myself of the things that kill (anger, rage, envy, etc) and let the peace of Christ rule in my heart.  To be remember it's a daily choice to be THANKFUL, which is not always easy to do when it's so easy to focus on what you don't have.  God wants us to be encouraged in heart and united in love, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing the thankfulness.

Colossians 3:

Verses 1-17: "Rules for Holy Living"

Verse 4 says, "Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will apear with him in glory."

Verse 5 says, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:

What are some of the things that bring life and some that bring life?
Life:
"we are to be filled with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (vs. 12)
"let the word of the Christ dwell in you richley." (vs. 16)
"and be thankful" (vs. 15)
"love, which binds them all in perfect unity" (vs. 14)
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (vs 17)

Thankfulness is mentioned 3 times in chapters 3 and 4.  It must be a reminded command because we need to be reminded of it. We have to actively choose thankfulness.  It's a daily choice.

Death:
Anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, coveting. (vs. 8)
Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. (vs. 5)

Proverbs 14:30: "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

It really does. I think sometimes that's how things work with us.  They kill us from the inside. We may look great on the outside, but we are rotting away on the inside.

 Verses 18-25: "Rules For Christian Living"

Verse 18-21: "Wives submit to you husband, as it is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."
People don't like the word "submit," but if you replace it with the word "serve" it makes better sense.  If your husband is truly loving the wife with Christlike love, then it's easy and natural to submit.  These verses say that we are to serve our husbands, like we are serving the Lord, and they are to love us as Jesus loves the church.

There should be a balance. If our husbands ever have to command us to submit, then something is wrong.  The balance is off.

Family seems to important to Paul.  It was important to him that the Colossians understand what love of a family was supposed to look like.  The parents are to be a team, but the husband should still be the head of the family.  Children should obey, but with loving direction.Verse 22-25: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord."
Does this verse mean that God supported slavery?  In this verse, I see God's compassion for slaves. I don't think God likes slavery, but He still wanted the slaves to serve their masters and "whatever they do, work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

It's a call to be excellent in all we do.  "Masters, provide  your slaves with what is right and fair, becuase you know that you also have a master in heaven."  This speaks more of the balance of love and respect, serving each other, advocating for eachother, etc.

 Chapter 4:

Do you have any people in your life who meet a specific spiritual or physical need for you, like Paul has in Chapter 4?

It's great that Paul honors his partners in this chapter.  We all have partners, other Christians, that help and encourage of on our journey towards Christ.  We all need to remember thank those who helped along the way.

It all comes down to community. God never designed Christianity to be done in isolation. Can you be a Christian without going to church? Sure, but God designed us for community.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am chains." (vs. 2-3)

10 Things Tuesday: My Thoughts Today

This is a slightly edited version of what I posted today on my online group's 10 Things Tuesday.

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1. Tonight, my hubby and I are taking our nephew (and the rest of his family) to his first Minor League baseball game and they are showing fireworks after the game.
   
2. Our County Fair is this week too, so we might take them there too.
   
3. My friend announced on Facebook this weekend that, after having a husband fight and win a battle with Prostate Cancer, and two losses in the last 2 years, she is 14 wks pregnant with her *hopefully* rainbow baby. I am so excited for them.
   
4. I love my online Bible Study. I'm looking forward to studying Psalms 143 this week.
   
5. I hate when there is a Holiday in the middle of the week. It messes up my whole schedule.
   
6. This is the first week of our new Fiscal Year at work. 
   
   
7. I have so much to do at work because of #6, but no motivation.
   
8. Last week, I started going to a massage therapist twice a week for a total of 6 sessions to help me with my anxiety and stress.
   
9. We really need rain here.
   
10. My sister finally moved into the house my family bought this weekend.  It's gorgeous.
    Bedroom - Before                                      
    
    Bedroom - After
    
    I wish I had a picture of the new kitchen floor. My dad designed and cut all the tile. It looks great.

Devotional: Rest In Me Awhile

One of my online "friends" shared this today. I really liked it, so with her permission I'm sharing it here.
It's from a book, 365 Daily Devotional Jesus Calling.

June 27th, Devotion: "REST WITH ME A WHILE"

You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days.  The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.  Look neither behind you nor before you.  Instead, focus you attention on Me, you constant Companion.  Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

I designed time to be a protection for you.  You couldn't bear to see all your life at once.  Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you.  Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep droughts of My Presence.  The highest level of trust is to enjoy My moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.
   

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for you I lift up my soul. -Psalm 143:8
   
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.  I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." - Genesis 28:15

10 Things Tuesday: God's Promises

God has given us promises that we can rely on when we are in need of comfort and assurance. These promises were made by a loving Heavenly Father and it is very comforting to know that God loves us and He ALWAYS keeps His promises.

 
"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (2 Peter 1:4)

1. Jeremiah 29:11	"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."
2. Matt 11:28-30	“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
3. Isaiah 40:29	"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
4. Philippians 4:19	"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
5. Romans 8:37-39	"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
6.Proverbs 1:33	"but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
7. John 14:27	"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
8. Philippians 4:7	"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
9. Romans 10:9	"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
10. Matt 6:30	"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

Bible Study: Colossians 2

We had a small group at our Bible Study tonight.  It was must have been a tough week for everyone.  I'm definitely praying for everyone that wasn't there.  There was only two of us, but we had a great conversation anyway.  {BIG Hugs} for everyone that needs one.

Insights from Tonight's Chat and Colossians 2

• "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have full understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (vs. 2-3)
  
  I think This is the theme in a lot of Paul's letters...unity and love.
  He didn't like to see Christians fighting over unnecessary things.
  
  The treasures of wisdom and knowledge... What I think we all need so desperately.
  This verse says that the more we know Christ, the more the hidden treasures will be revealed.
  
  First, we must be united in love and encouraged.  Because without them, we cannot know the mystery of God.  The mystery of God is Christ and Christ holds the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
  
• "So , just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (vs. 6-7)
  
  This jumped out at me because I know what I've always been taught. I've been a Christian my
  whole life, but there are days now that I feel like a new Christian learning these truths all over again.
  
  Paul didn't want the people to just receive Jesus and continue to live the same lives.  He wanted them to build roots and be "strengthened in the faith."  The "roots" were planted when we were young, now it's time to grow and be strengthened. 
  
  Interestingly, it sort of like our tree outside. The roots were pretty deep, so the tree grew really big and strong, but carpenter ants were able to get inside and eat away at it and now it had to be cut down.  I think that's how Satan works with us. He doesn't hurt us on the outside. He slowly drills away at our inside, until we have no strength to grow and we eventually die.
  
  
• "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Chris. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with it's regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; took it away, nailing it to the cross." (vs. 13-14)
  
  I really like this verse because we all we dead to sin, but we are now alive in Christ.  Is there anything better than that.  He forgave our sins and freed us from the law.  He took everything and nailed it to the cross.  I love this word picture. 
  
  
• "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (vs. 9-10)
  
  Christ was both fully God and fully man.
  
  True fullness is found only in Christ.
  
  Christ has complete power and authority over everything, including Satan, so we never have to be afraid.  No matter what happens, he has it all under control.  We no longer have a reason to fear death.
  
  
• Since we were "raised with him in baptism and raised with him through our faith in the power of God" we are now cleansed of all our sin. (vs. 12)

Good bye Beautiful Tree

On Friday, we had the tree in our front yard cut down.  Our insurance company threatened to drop our coverage because they didn't like that they tree went over the house.  It was a beautiful tree and gave our house a lot of shade. Hopefully, our house won't be much hotter now.

The company was great.  The were going to come on Thursday, but postponed it because of rain to Friday.  They did the whole tree, haul away and stump removal, and ground leveling included, for $1500 and got it done in one day.  I'm impressed.

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Our front yard before the tree was cut down.

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Our front yard after the tree was cut down. :o(

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The Silver Lining: We will now have a lot less leaves to rake in the fall.

1 Samuel 2: Hannah's Prayer

Hannah’s Prayer

Then Hannah prayed and said:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.

2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.

3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.

4 “The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.

5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.

6 “The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.

7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.

8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.

“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.

9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

“It is not by strength that one prevails;

10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

When God Has Another Plan

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

"WHEN GOD HAS ANOTHER PLAN, WALK ON AND JUST SAY YES WHEN GOD HAS ANOTHER PLAN, BE ASSURED THAT HE KNOWS BEST WHEN ALL YOUR DREAMS ARE SHATTERED, REST IN HIS SUFFICIENT GRACE WE DON’T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, WHEN GOD HAS ANOTHER PLAN

ALONE AND BROKEN HEARTED, QUESTIONS FILL YOUR MIND CHANGES CAN BE HARD THAT COME BY GOD’S DESIGN BUT IF YOU COULD SEE TOMORROW WITH A VIEW FROM HEAVEN’S THRONE EVERY UNEXPECTED STRUGGLE HAS LED YOU CLOSER HOME"

Songwriter : Amy Keffer Shellem, Daryl Williams

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:9-14

10 Things Tuesday: Colossians 1

It is interesting to me how God brings people today.

For today's 10 Things Tuesday, I am going to pick out 10 takeaways from this weeks Bible Study. We had our first online chat session last night and it was a great way to end my birthday. One of the members of the online group, decided last week that she wanted to start a Bible Study, so those that wanted to participate started studying Colossians. I'm so glad that she did.

These are a strong and exceptional group women with all different faith walks and similar but different life experiences. None of us know each other in real life, as far as I know, but we all came together. This is not an online group that one would voluntarily join, but together we are taking our next steps towards Christ.

The Christian walk is a journey with bumps along the way. God never promised that the Christian life would be easy. He just promised that if you trust in Him that He holds the future.

1. We are asking God to fill us "with the knowledge of His will" through "spiritual wisdom and understanding." (vs. 9)

2. Why was Paul thankful and praying for the Colossians? Because they had heard of their faith in Christ and their love for the saints. (vs. 4)  This is encouraging for me to think we belong to a body of believers that regularly prays for us and I hope they see "our great faith and love," even when it's difficult.

3. We need understanding, so we can "live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way." (vs. 10) How do we get "understanding?"  We have to wait until God reveals it to us.  There are things that happen that we won't understand until we get to Heaven.  I find comfort in knowing the God sees the future, but I find myself waiting to know NOW.

4. We are being "strengthened with His power...so we might have endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to the Father. (vs. 11) When was the last time I used patience and joyful in the same sentence?  I want so much for things to happen on my time table.  I had a plan.  I can't do this without His strength.  I haven't' found complete joy, but have found joy in knowing God has a plan and His plan is better than mine.

5. I think that is really the summary of this whole chapter.  We need God's understanding and wisdom, so we can strengthened with His power when the troubling times come, so we can endurance them with patience and joy.

6. "For He rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the love." (vs 13) These past few months, I know that I felt the darkness and it does bring me joying knowing He "rescued" me and He continues to rescue me.

7. God created all things, "in Heaven and on Earth."  All things were created by him and for him. (vs. 16) Why would God create something, just to take it away?

8. There has to be plan. God knew before I was born everything that was going to happen to me. With God there are no accidents. Proverbs16:9 says In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

9.  He knew the hairs on our head, He knit us together, He knew it all, and I pray that I can look back one day and see how God used this group. What was the purpose?  What are we being prepared for?

10. "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery , which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (vs. 27)

Which joy of the spirit is your strongest? weakest? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control from Galatians 5:22-23)

I know have room to grow in all of these. I don't any are particularly strong, especially right now. My strongest is probably faithfulness. I don't like to give up on people. My weakest right are definitely joy and patience. I want to feel joy knowing God is in control, but I want it to happen NOW, so patience is hard. I'm trying to find joy in ALL circumstances, (I Thes 5:18, James 1:2) but it is not always easy, especially when feel like you have nothing left.

Does having joy in all circumstances mean that you now happy about what happened and that you are no longer sad or hurting? No, because joy and happiness do not mean the same thing. Happiness comes and goes often depending on circumstances, but joy is from God. Even in the darkest days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm you, God’s joy is there.

Goodbye 30...Hello 31

So it looks like I survived another year. This last year is not everything that I wanted it to be. There are just a few things that I would change. I would love to say that overall it was a good year, but the stress-filled parts seem to over shadow all the good parts. There are dates that will be stuck in my mind for the rest of my life. No matter what, God is still in charge and I am ready for whatever year 31 decides to throw at us.

I did have a great birthday weekend. Sunday, we went to a friend's small group and talked about our journey to Cameroon. We definitely enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Matt and Stacey for inviting us.  Then back at home, we took a nap and then went to my parent's house for Father's Day dinner.

Thank you to everyone that thought of me on my birthday. My phone died on Saturday, so if you tried to call me I will be getting a new phone this week. I didn't ignore the call, I promise.

10 Things Tuesday: My Favorite Foods

This weeks 10 things are my favorite foods.  Oh, the simple joys of life.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) 

 "And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."Genesis 1:29 (ESV)

Here are just a few:

1. Corn
2. Frozen Yogurt
3. Fruit Strawberries/ Bananas
4. Chili
5. Fried eggs and Bacon
6. Milk
7. Lasagna
8. Cheese
9. Chocolate Cupcakes
10. Potatoes

Oh. What a Great Weekend

This weekend was a pretty relaxing weekend despite having a work both Friday and Saturday.  Work at YWCA is still pretty busy because I'm still trying to get caught up from being gone for 2 weeks in April.  After work on Friday, we were originally going to have some friends over and have homemade pizza, but they ended up not being able to make it.  :o(  So we ate the pizza anyway and went to the Greek Fest.  Yum... Baklava.

Saturday was work on day until 6.  After work, I went to Debbie Werbrouck's School of Dance's annual recital.  Both of my best friend girls were in it this year and also a young friend that my mom used to babysit for when she had her home day care.  It was Cadence's first year in dance and she did such a great job.  Kariana got an award for being a 6th year student.  Gracie got an award for 10 years.  They all did a great job.

Today, Steve is working on repairing the roof on our shed.  Our Homeowner's Insurance company gave us negative marks this fall because the shingles on the empty shed were falling off.  We also have to cut down the tree in the front yard or they have threatened to drop our coverage.  I really like that tree.  It keeps the front yard nice and cool.  Silver lining: Having the tree gone will mean less leaves to rake this fall.  We are now getting bids to get that done and it won't be cheap.  The tree is huge.  The picture above should give you an idea of just how big this tree is.  It actually is taller and wider than I could fit in the picture.

10 Things Tuesday: What my Parents Taught Me

I've decided to borrow something from my online group.  I hope they don't mind. :o) Basically, you just list 10 random things about yourself.  It's fun to think of 10 random things and it's fun to read what everyone says.  Last week on here, I listed 10 people that are blessing in my life.  Here is this weeks...

10 Things My Parents Taught Me:

1. Thank you for teaching and modeling by example the value of work. For teaching me that work is where money comes from and that debt and borrowing are only for emergencies when their no other option.

2. Thank you for teaching me that I didn't always have to have the best and trendiest clothes or the newest electronic gadget to be important or loved.

3. Thank you for teaching me that the world doesn't owe me anything. I am not owed a new car, new house, great high paying job, or anything else. I am not entitled to anything. Nothing in life is free. If I want to achieve success, then I have to go out and earn it.

4. Thank you for teaching me the value of education, but that college does not guarantee to you a good job. Your hard work does.

5. Thank you for teaching me that working during college, making me pay own car insurance and car payment, and making me pay my college expenses was not child abuse and for not enabling me by paying for everything in the false sense that you were helping me.

6. Thank you for teaching me and my siblings by example what a solid, healthy marriage and family looks like.

7. Thank you for raising me with morals and values, so I didn't fall into the traps that so many in my generation have fallen into.

 8. Thank you for teaching me that have as little debt as possible and having a retirement fund is so much better than having a big house, a new car, or going on vacation every year.

9. Thank you for teaching me to never do or say anything while angry that you might regret later.

10. Thank you for teaching me personal responsibility and not to look for someone else to blame when I don’t get what I want.