tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27365644310798438542024-02-07T23:51:24.520-06:00The Humble CottageThelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-77712400968169331182013-03-07T13:48:00.000-06:002013-03-07T13:53:07.992-06:00Who are you glorifying?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">photo credit-womenwalkinginthespiritofchrist.com</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Yesterday morning while doing my time with God, my mom called. I had been praying over a list I had made earlier that morning. It mainly was about all the responsibilities I have here on earth. Ministry, health, marriage, adult children, grand children, parents, extended family, etc. Just asking God to help me to make the best of my time in all these areas etc. I admit I became a little down thinking about my inability to be all I would like to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> During the phone call with my mom, I was trying to explain something to her and she was just talking over it and moving on to a different subject. I felt myself get angry and I couldn't shake it off. So I asked God why am I so angry? Oh boy did I not anticipate what happened next. He said so clearly, control, you want to control her and others, but the root of that control is pride. It broke my heart but i knew He was right. I was ashamed and quickly asked Him for forgiveness. <span style="color: red;">Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. </span>I went on to journal about my feelings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I told you, He was calling me to get real. I wasn't sure I wanted to share this on here, but then I thought what better way to kick out the power it has over me then to put it out here for everyone to see. I asked God to break the bondage it had on me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Pride is a nasty thing it can hide in ways you don't even recognize yourself. The Bible says God hates pride. That doesn't mean he hates me, he just hates my pride. It's like a parent loves their child dearly, but hates their rebellion, mouth, etc. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Have you ever noticed how God kinda pokes you ever so slightly with what He wants us to work on. He loves us so much He does it with gentleness. He has been poking me for sometime now on this, but I just didn't really get it. Then all of a sudden it's like He pulls back the blinders and WHAM, it's so clear and I can't miss it. Yet because of His gentle pokes, I realize He is so right. Where if He just whacked me over the head with it, I probably would rebel, fight, etc. (There probably is a good parental lesson there, for another day). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I asked God to reveal to me why I had so much pride in me and where did it begin. He showed me it started way back when I was a child and I wanted others to like me. So I tried to be what I thought I needed to be for them to do that. What He showed me next was a eye opener. Ready for this...I wanted them to see me better then I saw myself. Now I could set here and write out a whole list of reasons why I thought so little of myself, but the fact is satan had convinced me, as a little child I wasn't good enough. My house wasn't good enough, my looks weren't good enough, my......wasn't good enough. So the pride began. I needed to take this in my own hands and make others believe differently.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I look back and think how my life could have been so different if I wouldn't have believed that one lie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm better then I was. There was a day when I heard that certain people were coming to our house I wanted to repaint, paper, maybe even move, borrow someone else's house, you get the point. Praise the Lord, I haven't been that way for at least five-ten years. Not saying little tendencies of that don't pop up here and there, and I have to tell myself to cool it.<span style="color: #cc0000;"> Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That all being said, I still have strong pride issues that need to be addressed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The most important thing God showed me was, (if you don't get anything else from this post, get this)why does it matter what others think. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I was put here to glorify Him not others. </b></span>When I stand before Him it isn't going to matter if I had a nice house, if I was liked by so and so, and they surely aren't going to be there to tell Him how wonderful I was and that I deserve special consideration or whatever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> This is HUGE for me. Today is a new day and I have a whole new look on life. A freedom to stop controlling,(as if I really was anyway) and stop the pride. I know that list won't look as daunting and life will be so much more simpler, when God and I really get this where He knows it needs to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Another thought....control is a blinder or lie of fear. We are so afraid if we don't control our surroundings and those in it, something horrible might happen. Reality....something horrible might happen anyway. Fear is not of God and when we are controlling, God can't. I don't know about you but I would much rather Him be in charge then me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> How about you? Are you trying to control those around you? Do you get angry when they don't act the way you think they should? Do you feel embarrassed when your children act out in front of certain people. Do you see that it is your pride, fear that they will see you as a bad parent, etc.? Take it to God, my friend, it is a heavy load to carry. Who are you glorifying? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would love to hear your thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In Him</span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-17397805766969024112013-03-05T12:39:00.000-06:002013-03-05T12:43:36.744-06:00Does your thought life need a makeover?(Day 5)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">photo credit -the more you think lovely thoughts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Wow it has been too long since I have posted. Today we finish up this passage we have been studying. Were going to start with verse 8, </span><span style="background-color: #ffffe5; color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;">8Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. </span><span style="background-color: #ffffe5; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wow that sounds like a tall order, and yet isn't that what we really want?</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Don't we really want to believe the best of others and have them believe the best of us. Yet that doesn't always happen does it, on either part?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We are only accountable for our own actions. When we stand before God it won't matter that they never forgave us or whatever. It only matters that we forgave them. They will be accountable for their own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So verse 8 is truly directions on how to live our lives, and we must desire to do so if we want to be obedient to God. When our thoughts are not true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, they are from the evil one, satan. So we have to think through the love of Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> When I start on my soap box I try and stop immediately and ask God to help me with my thoughts. Sometimes my immediately isn't as soon as it should be, and I have to ask God for forgiveness. When I really live by verse 8 my peace is inevitable, and that is what I am striving for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Sometimes my hardest person to have this kind of thinking towards is myself. Are you with me here? I was getting my hair cut the other day by my dear friend and she was telling me how she was sharing with a friend how upset she was with herself, and the friend said "wait, wait, give yourself the same grace you would give someone else here. If someone else was telling you this same story, you would be saying oh that is so not true and you are a wonderful person and so on." Amazing advice from a wonderful Godly woman that gets verse 8. Grace is what it is all about. We can't possibly think this way if we don't give others grace. Maybe she was having a bad day, maybe she is hurting real bad and I need to pray for her, maybe......we don't know what is going on in peoples lives, what they are struggling with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Several years ago I went through a time where I yelled at my kids, I wanted to throw in the towel on my marriage, withdrew from many things, and cried at the tip of a hat. Yet deep inside me I knew this wasn't me and I didn't want to be this way. I prayed and prayed, then God led me to a unexpected meeting with a women I knew from church and we got to talking and I shared with her about this, I was desperate. She said have you had your hormones checked? Hormones? I had no idea what she was talking about, I knew what hormones was, but I didn't know you could have them checked, say nothing about that I should. She told me about a doctor who did this, and wow what a difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So we have to give ourselves and others grace, even our husbands, they also have hormone issues as well. It's not always hormones, it can be many things as we all know. God gives us grace through so much and we are called to do the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm going to put verse 8 throughout my house, and work on it even more then I already have. Verse 9 gives me that promise. </span><span style="background-color: #ffffe5; color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;">9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. </span><span style="background-color: #ffffe5; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want the God of peace to be with me always.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffffe5; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I just want to share a little story with you that was told to us, about this passage at a ladies convention. She said her little boy, I think age 8 or somewhere around there was reading this passage in Sunday school, devotional time or something and she asked him what it meant to him. He thought on it for a while and then came back with "I have rocks in my head and I need to replace them." What, rocks in your head? "Ya mom the bad thoughts are like rocks in my head and I need to replace them with true thoughts, noble thoughts, and so on." Cute way to think of it, but he got it. We all have rocks in our head, we have to make the decision to remove them and replace them with lovely thinking. Who can you change your thinking on today, and show them grace?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffffe5; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Him </span></span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-37738339018857788342013-01-29T14:31:00.000-06:002013-02-05T11:51:35.645-06:00How are you praying?(Day 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source-reachingcampus.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On day 2 <a href="http://thehumblecottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/lets-get-real-day-2.html" target="_blank">Here</a> we read a verse Philippians 4:4-9 and in verse 5 <span style="color: #cc0000;">it says let your gentleness be evident to all.</span> If you notice in my description of the man in Colorado, <a href="http://thehumblecottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/peace-or-peaceful-are-they-same-day-3.html" target="_blank">Here</a> I mentioned that he had such a gentleness about him. So he truly lived this verse in a way that a total stranger(me) could see it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Do you think people see this gentleness in you? Do they see you as full of peace and gentleness? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm sorry to say, but I can't answer that with a yes. They don't see it, nor do I. I want to, yet that seems to be my problem. I want to be a lot of things. I want to be thinner, but do I do the work to make that happen. I want to be full of peace and gentleness. Do I really? Getting Real here it tells me right there in the next verse how to make that happen. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So lets camp here for a little bit and dig in. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;"> Do I get anxious about things? Oh my sometimes even to the point I think I'm having a anxiety attack. Do I want to confess this right here before everyone? No, but God has called me to it and I said we are getting REAL, and I say I want this, then I have to do what it takes to have it. Amen? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;"> Anything, that is a strong word. We all know God didn't mean a bit less even. He wants us to trust him with EVERYTHING!! When we truly trust, then we lay it at his feet and walk away. End of subject. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"> He continues to say in verse 6 <span style="color: #cc0000;">but in everything, by prayer and petition</span>. So when something, no matter what it is, comes to us in our daily life. We need to pray, and petition the Lord, about whatever it is. Instead of getting anxious and loosing our peace and gentleness. These words, are used here, as action verbs. So we are to do them. Dictionary.com list this as the verb definition of petition: </span></span></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">to</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">beg</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">for</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">or</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">request</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">(something). </span><span name="hotword" style="cursor: pointer;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but sometimes I beg and sometimes I request.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 27px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;"> In the first sentence of the above paragraph I put a period after petition, so we could dissect each part yet God didn't, he continues with, <span style="color: #cc0000;">with thanksgiving, present your request to God. </span>So does that mean that we are suppose to say "oh ya Lord and thank you for the sun, my family etc". In the sense of buttering him up, like our kids did when they wanted something.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"> I don't think so. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"> I believe it means we pray with confidence. We thank him for what he is going to do. Remember we are trusting him with it and we have to know he loves us so much that he is going to do whatever is best for us. Not necessarily what we want or asked for, but what is best for us and his will. Maybe I should write, best for us, in his will. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"> If we are praying stuff out of his will or totally against his character, that's a whole different story.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 27px;"> Tucked away, back up in verse 5, is a little four word sentence, and yet says so much. <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Lord is near.</span> Right behind, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Let your gentleness be evident to all. </span>We have nothing to fear, the Lord is near us, taking care of us. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"> So I'm learning here today that everything that concerns me, I need to take before the Lord in prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. If I really do that and make it a daily part of my life from here on out. I will have peace and a evident gentleness. God follows up with his promise of that in his next verse. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; line-height: 27px;">7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; line-height: 27px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 27px;">Transcends (via dictionary.com-</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"> </span></span></span><span class="labset" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Theology</span> </span></span><span id="hotword">. </span></span><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">(of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Deity)</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">above</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/independent" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">independent</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">of</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">(the </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">universe,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">time,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">etc.).</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;">) all understanding. So when something major goes down in our life and yet we have a gentle peace about us, we remember this verse. God told us we wouldn't understand it, but it is real. As if that isn't enough, he loves us so much, he goes on to promise us he will guard our hearts and minds. SIGN ME UP!!! Where else in life do you get that kind of promises and KNOW that they are for </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">REAL</span><span style="color: #333333;">. God can not lie, it is fully against his character. So with that it is a guarantee. Isn't that what we all want? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"> I'm going to be making some changes in my life, how about you? I'm going to try and memorize this whole passage as if it is my only sheet of the Bible.<a href="http://thehumblecottage.blogspot.com/2013/01/lets-get-real-day-2.html" target="_blank">here</a> Will you join me? Don't you love to take verses apart like this and really see what they say? I would love to hear your thoughts.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;">In Him</span></span></span></span></div>
Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-75325274302546749862013-01-25T12:10:00.000-06:002013-02-05T12:07:30.692-06:00Peace or Peaceful are they the same?(Day 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you think</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">having a life of peace and having a peaceful life are the same thing? When I mentioned in day 2 that I wanted to live a life of genuine peace. I think I did, yet I believe God has recently showed me in his word, that they are not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Several years ago we were on a mission trip in Colorado with our children's youth group. We attended the church where we were helping out, it just happened to be a log cabin church. If there is one thing you need to know about me it is I am a log cabin girl.(sorry just a side note) Anyways, there was a gentleman that attended the Sunday school class that day, that intrigued me very much. He had such a peace about him that it actually showed. A gentleness of sort. I imagined him living up in the mountains in a small, yet quaint log cabin, with a large rock fireplace, that heated the whole house. Placed directly in front was a old handcrafted rocking chair, just a bit to the right. This is where he retired every evening and read the word of God and prayed, after a long day of working. He didn't own a tv, barely even listened to the radio. As he read, next to him, laying on the floor, was his best friend and companion. A big, old, red, golden retriever. Whom we also saw at church. Honest, several people brought their pets to church. Yes, most of them did stay outside, except the church cat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have thought of this man many times since then. To be honest I'm not sure I could pick him out of a line up. I never talked to him, yet I have wished many times that I had. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He radiated peace, gentleness, strength, etc. Yet as you can see, my imagination saw it at that time, as a peaceful life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I don't know, that man may have had many things on his plate, deep concerns, troubled waters, yet he had peace in Christ. I see that now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> In our one page(day 2) the passage Philippians 4:4-9 verse 9 says, <span style="color: #cc0000;">And the God of peace will be with you</span>. It doesn't say, God will give you a peaceful life. For the matter of fact, today in my time with him, I read this. Luke 12:51 these are Jesus's words "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.</span>" He's talking about division between believers and non-believers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So a life of peace and a peaceful life are not the same. I may never have a peaceful life, yet I can have a life of peace. Only through our savior Jesus Christ, He is the God of Peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I believe that peace becomes stronger in our life, the closer we grow to Christ. So when we go through all the things a life here on earth deals us, we can have the strong peace in our hearts that God is in control and we can rest in his peace. I don't know about you, but I would much rather have that peace then a peaceful life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">In Him</span> </span><br />
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<br />Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-62283714104807075862013-01-23T13:06:00.000-06:002013-01-24T13:48:08.574-06:00Lets get REAL day 2<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Do you ever feel like your stumbling through life? Some days are better then others, but all in all it's just not what you expected of yourself and of life in general? Do you run the race everyday only to find yourself exhausted at the end? Do you feel like you are leaving a trail behind you of people whom you let down, usually the ones you love most? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Are we trying to do it all on are own? Do we honestly lay our day before the Lord and listen for his direction in it all? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> We all talk about our busy schedules and crazy lives. We all live by our calenders and have that cell phone with us at all times. Our pastor said the other day, "God is calling, are you going to answer or send him to voice mail?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> This is what I mean when I say lets get <span style="color: #cc0000;">REAL</span>. The Bible really does give us everything we need to know about living life real. Not wearing the super women masks, not being everything to everybody, etc. God never intended that for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I want to be <span style="color: #cc0000;">REAL </span>as God intended. I want a genuine peace to my everyday life. How many people do you know, that you would say live a life of peace? Yet God in his word talks so much about peace. Philippians 4:4-9 says </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Why aren't we living this way? What is stopping us? We say we are Christians, yet do we live our life this way? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As a missionary, our son had the privilege of being in a foreign country that was translating the Bible into their language. He told us stories of people who would walk many, many miles just to get a few pages. They would take it back home and study every word in detail and memorize it. Only to return in time, excited for a few more pages to exchange for the ones they had. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> God help us. We sit with many Bibles in our home, and yet take it all for granted. We do devotionals because it's quicker and makes us feel better about ourselves. We set our dvr's so we don't miss our favorite shows. We memorize the words to that favorite song. How about that favorite Bible verse? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If this Bible passage above, was our only page we had, would we memorize it? Would we cherish it as Gods word? Why don't we? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We are getting <span style="color: #cc0000;">REAL</span>, and I mean we which includes me. As I wrote the part about the stories our son told, my heart truly ached. I want to be so passionate about God that I live my life this way. Where I would walk many, many miles just to have a sheet of Gods word. Where I would read it over and over with desire to know, understand, and memorize so that I would always have it, no matter what.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> What's keeping you from this kind of life? Ask God to show you. I know I will be. When he tells us the answer, will we answer his call or will we put him to voice mail. Are we willing to give up what ever is standing in our way? I would love to hear your thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">In Him</span> </span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-67457462752590271092013-01-22T12:32:00.000-06:002013-01-24T13:48:47.021-06:00 Lets get REAL!!! <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Does it matter what others think of you? So many times in my life I have been told it shouldn't and part of me agrees. Yet there is another part that doesn't. Maybe your not like me. Maybe your one of those people that gets up in the morning, every morning, seven days a week, and showers, does your hair, make-up, etc. before anything. Not that that's bad, I'm just not that way. I get up, make my breakfast and COFFEE, and sit with the Lord for about a hour or so. If I'm going to be cleaning and so, I don't get a shower till I'm done. If you stopped by my house during that time would I answer the door? Honestly it probably depends on how bad I look and who you are. How's that for honesty. Yet it is so true. Right now you may be laughing because it is so you or gasping that I put that out there for everyone to read. I guess as I'm getting older I feel a strong need to be <span style="color: #cc0000;">REAL</span>. I think God wants that from me. So I'm going to camp here for a while. We are going to <span style="color: #cc0000;">get REAL</span>!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How about you, is God calling you to realness? I honestly don't know what God has in store for me on this path, but I'm willing to take you along if you want to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I look at this path, I kinda see a metaphor of life. The grass looks green, yet spotted with snow. The path looks like it might be slippery. Just past that first set of trees there is a path that goes to the left. It appears much darker up front and yet further down there seems to be a brightness and maybe a clearing of sorts. It definitely is not a perfectly straight path.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Isn't that true with life it may appear to others and maybe even ourselves that it is green grass and yet sprinkled in is the cold hard facts of bills, loss of jobs, death, loneliness, heartaches, smashed dreams, etc. Our paths can be slippery and we turn our eyes away from God and we fall. Try as we may to get up and carry on, we struggle. Some cry out to the Lord and he lifts us up out of there and puts us on a better path. Some decide to stay down and wallow in their pity. Some curse God and ask how could you. Others say "I can do this" and they count only on themselves. Yet even others cry out to God and he lets us know he has allowed this in our lives for our own good. As a good parent would for a unruly child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Why do we all handle things differently? Why do we "handle" them at all? Do some of us believe God is not capable? Do we think we can do a better job, or we just don't want to bother God with this one? Do we not even believe there is a God? Maybe some of us think that "God just doesn't work that way for me, you don't know my past." " I'm just not really that nice of person and you have to be a nice person for God." "My path is very busy I don't have time for God." " Ya, I tried God, but he let me down." We hear many excuses everyday, even out of our own mouths or at least in our heads. Yet isn't the real truth we don't want to <span style="color: #cc0000;">get REAL</span>. We don't want to make that time in our schedule. Were afraid of what we may have to deal with. Were afraid of what God might ask of us. Are you ready to <span style="color: #cc0000;">get REAL</span>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Remember, we are walking this path together, if you choose to do so. This gives me lots of food for thought. How about you? I don't know what I/we are in store for tomorrow. I have agreed with God that its time to <span style="color: #cc0000;">get really REAL</span> and I can't imagine any better way to do it, then with your accountability. Please pray about this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I pray you will choose to become a follower so I know I'm not just talking to myself. Looking forward to tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> In Him</span> </span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-66041490456947559462012-10-02T12:40:00.000-05:002012-10-02T12:44:34.340-05:00Loving them to the Lord <span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This morning I was picking up around the house and I have a place where i display any cards that we receive, invitations, etc. and I picked up a card we had gotten from our daughter and son-in-love, who live about four hours away, thanking us for taking care of our six grandchildren while they went away for the weekend. Then a post card from our son and daughter-in-love, that has their picture on it. They are missionaries in Germany working with the military youth. Usually I accept that God has a plan for our Children and they are so following it, and we are very proud of them, and wouldn't have it any other way. Yet today was different. I broke in to tears, I miss them all so much. Maybe it is this time of year, I don't know. You see we homeschooled, and so every Fall we would take a day off for "school pictures" and go to a near by lake and a park etc. and just take pictures of them. It was a great time, lots of laughs, etc., such good memories. I'm so glad I have those pictures. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> They are 28(Daughter) and 26(Son) but you see they are still my babies. They brought so much fun, laughter, joy, blessings, the list is way to long. Oh ya they also brought us some tough times, but a momma's heart seems to kinda forget that stuff. I marvel at how God has worked in their lives and how they have grown into such wonderful people. We weren't the greatest parents, no one is. We made many mistakes, lost our temper, said and did things we wish we could take back, etc. So very grateful that God's grace covers that. We are not alone when we parent. Cry out to the Perfect parent when you are going through the tough times. Ask for forgiveness from God and your child when you know you have messed up. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Enjoy your little ones, teenagers, adult children, they grow up so fast and leave a huge hole in your heart and life when they are not close by physically. Yet the most important job you will ever have is to make sure they know our Lord as their personal savior. As long as they are close spiritually they will be fine in this old world. When our children left to be missionaries, we all had to come to a understanding that we may never see each other again on this earth. God has been so gracious to allow us many times since then, but it is always a reality in the back of our minds. Yet it is a reality for anyone anywhere, they don't have to live in another country. When you all know the Lord as your savior, you have the wonderful promise of seeing each other again in eternity. What a wonderful blessing!!!!! Yet if you don't know the Lord....wow what a devastating thought. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Just heard this morning about a young man 18, who was in a car accident and is paralyzed from the neck down. He doesn't know the Lord nor does his family. My heart just cries out for them. I haven't enough space in the world to write my feelings about this situation. They have been given another chance. I pray with everything in me they take it. I pray they find God through this and focus on what could have been and not what they have been dealt. Please pray for this family.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> Don't take this day for granted, it is a gift from God and he has a plan for it. Surrender it to Him, so that He may use it as He pleases. I had no plans in writing this today. I was cleaning, so I pray it blesses someone, and God uses it. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>In Him </i></b></span> </span> </div>
Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-43758670932868885442012-09-28T14:53:00.000-05:002012-09-28T14:53:41.811-05:00Are You Feeding an Idol?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What idol are you sacrificing too?</span><br /></span></b><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I have struggled with being over weight most of my life. Not really because I have a strong appetite, that could be curved by some sort of appetite suppressant. I wish it was that easy. Oh ya I admit at first I bought into all the many diets that promised to be the answer. After many years of failing, I realized this wasn't about appetite, it was about my relationship with food. I ate when I was happy and things were going my way. I ate when I was angry, sad, lonely, discouraged, etc. I knew I needed to get control of that, but how. White knuckling worked for a short time, but then something would happen and I couldn't control it any longer and now I would even eat more. Justifying that I deserved it because this wasn't fair to me. The lies satan tells us! I really do have reasons I could blame it on, PCOS, heredity, etc. and yet deep inside me I knew it was much more then this.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Today God revealed to me a new thinking and insight that I truly felt convicted to share with you on here. As I'm doing my time with God every morning, I ask him to let me understand what he has for me this day and apply it to my life that I may grow as He would want me to. So as I was beginning Revelations; anticipating the many stories of the end times that I had read multiple times, He revealed something huge to me. Now this might be something He had just for me, but I don't think so. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> As I think, I have mentioned before on here, I have never felt I had a problem with having another god, or idol, or bowing down to anything. Yet God continues to show me that it isn't just believing in Him as my savior that he's talking about in these verses and through out His word. I believe we can have idols or gods without even realizing it. That is how satan wants it. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> In Revelations 2:14 God is telling John what to write to the churches. He is talking about the Israelites sinning by eating food sacrificed to idols. Normally I would have whipped right on by this. I've read many things about that subject, but not this time. The Holy Spirit said to me when you eat out of anger, stress, etc. you are sacrificing to idols. He went on to explain to me, that what ever is causing the emotion is the idol. Now stick with me here. The best way I can explain it is when we go to God with a problem, request, we really want Him to answer it in the way we want it to go. If we are truly mature in our relationship with Him we want His will. So we are relating to Him in expectations or acceptance. So if you are hurt that your husband forgot your anniversary you are relating as a expectation. An expectation of him to please you by remembering your anniversary. God is truly the only one we have to please. So if we are replacing God with ourselves to be pleased we have become our own idol. If we go stuff our face because of our hurt, then we are sacrificing food to our idol. Yet if we could look at it more mature, with acceptance that he is human, and that it is not all about me, etc. satan can't have that foothold on us and cause us to sacrifice food to our idol. Imagine if we would look at everything this way and take it all to God as we are suppose to do, how much better our life and our weight would be. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> If your stressed out because you are trying to go to school, work, take care of a family, a home, etc. ask yourself why you are doing all this is it because you are trying to please your parents who always dreamed of you graduating from college, build your own self esteem or worth, etc.? Who just became the idol...your parents, you, etc.? Is this what God wants you to do? Then we add insult to injury by stuffing our face and sacrificing food to our idol. Also you're sacrificing yourself, your health, your marriage, your children,(Ezekiel 16:20 & 23:37) </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The next time I feel some emotion that makes me want to stuff my face, I will be looking at it very differently. Is God on the throne or is it someone or something else?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Maybe it isn't food you run to to feed your idol. Maybe it is shopping, pornography, work, exercise, etc. It still is against God.</span></b></div>
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Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-66833817004021967992012-06-28T20:23:00.000-05:002013-01-24T13:47:25.689-06:00Putting on the Armor!! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> A lady and I were talking last night, after Bible study, how frustrating it is that we let satan get the best of us without even realizing it sometimes. We think we are going to do something like pray with someone, or send a card of encouragement, sign up to teach Sunday school, etc. and satan tells us how stupid we are, and what others will think of us, etc. and soon we are agreeing with him and then we don't do it and he wins. Later you kick yourself for allowing it to happen. Just like this blog, I really feel like Christ has called me to it and yet every time I go to write you won't believe the struggle I go through. Even to the point I haven't told anyone yet I'm doing it. I'm getting closer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> He even fights us physically by making us not feel good on Sunday mornings, telling us "who do you think you are wearing that", "Don't you realize, nobody there likes you", etc. Lies all lies. John 8:44 tells us he's the father of lies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> In Bible study we were also talking about the distractions, when you are trying to have your quiet time with Christ, and how the phone will ring, even when you got up early to avoid that. Or you can't seem to shut your mind down and listen to His voice. All of a sudden it is flooded with your to do list, the children wake up, your extremely hungry, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> So ladies we really have to learn to pray for strength before we even get out of bed. Put on our armor daily. Ephesians 6:10-18 says</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-6-10" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></sup></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span class="text Eph-6-10" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Finally, be strong in the Lord <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29348A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>and in his mighty power. <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29348B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NIV-29349" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>Put on the full armor of God, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29349C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NIV-29350" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>but against the rulers, against the authorities, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>against the powers <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Eph-6-13" id="en-NIV-29351" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Therefore put on the full armor of God, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29351H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-14" id="en-NIV-29352" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29352I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>with the breastplate of righteousness in place, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29352J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Eph-6-15" id="en-NIV-29353" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29353K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29354L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29354M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Eph-6-17" id="en-NIV-29355" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Take the helmet of salvation <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29355N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>and the sword of the Spirit, <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29355O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>which is the word of God. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>And pray in the Spirit <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29356Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>on all occasions <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29356R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>with all kinds of prayers and requests. <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29356S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying <sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29356T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>for all the Lord’s people.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-6-18"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I am going to turn this into a prayer and try to memorize it so that I may start each day with it before I even get out of bed.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-6-18"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Lord, today I ask you to allow me to be strong in You and Your mighty power. Let me put on my full armor, that You have so graciously given me, so that I can take my stand against the devils schemes. Let me always remember my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Let me stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around my waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Father may I have the strength to take up my shield of faith, so that I may extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Always remembering to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is your word, God. May I be allowed to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Father I ask you to keep me alert, and always praying for all Your people. So that when the day of evil comes, I may be able to stand my ground. For without You Lord I am nothing. In Jesus name, Amen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It is satan's joy to keep us down and not realizing the truths that God has given us in his word. 2 Samuel 22:33, 2 Samuel 22:40, 1Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 18:32, Psalm 18:39, Psalm 28:7, and many more.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-6-18"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I know it sounds like we need to be some kinda wonder woman with all sorts of ninja moves etc., but ladies admit it don't you feel like that is what you are up against everyday. The news is full of headlines. Satan is after us, our marriages, our children, our families, our church families, etc. We have no choice, we have to fight this battle and it can only be won with Christ as our leader. Yet how wonderful to know it can be won. </span></span><br />
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<br />Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-29730229844858216342012-06-22T13:16:00.000-05:002012-06-28T20:29:16.841-05:00A Make Over<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I checked out many new patio sets but was amazed at the cost so I decided to make over our old one. Which by the way, we picked up on the curb several years ago. It is very well built and I'm sure was an expensive one in it's day. This is the best picture I had of it before. Also I get to show off my beautiful granddaughter. The cushions were worn a little and kinda smelled from years of weathering,and the umbrella didn't go up very well anymore. Most of all it was very rusted and almost all the straps were rotten and broke.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASLbE-Lbg0SmApgYbPMzmMaYjXmAdp9WbNndumsGYYRhVO8n8pZ285S7yJdhMGmMu3KyVWVSWDLZOLumgKJ-mnyhPpD2isa_ud3eebTjXVngUrYJXmxfymGTfdaW6hbkaHFITRmaH1znE/s1600/366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASLbE-Lbg0SmApgYbPMzmMaYjXmAdp9WbNndumsGYYRhVO8n8pZ285S7yJdhMGmMu3KyVWVSWDLZOLumgKJ-mnyhPpD2isa_ud3eebTjXVngUrYJXmxfymGTfdaW6hbkaHFITRmaH1znE/s320/366.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So we tore it all apart.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpmiEeTjdiir3b54mQkvpKRs8nver5WsXClIz_r24EB-9Bb86jQ5FqDbRYR-AgzxkrurrthGjGQNPAVUL7pip8Iguk0mkOiYAh4IqEbZLQPCeqk5n-uKBqH7Qs7t19Xex5UnWz20MztH1/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpmiEeTjdiir3b54mQkvpKRs8nver5WsXClIz_r24EB-9Bb86jQ5FqDbRYR-AgzxkrurrthGjGQNPAVUL7pip8Iguk0mkOiYAh4IqEbZLQPCeqk5n-uKBqH7Qs7t19Xex5UnWz20MztH1/s320/138.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then we primed it, painted it, and put new strapping on it. We were so excited to find the strapping at Lowe's. We had looked and looked for years with no luck. Now we find out you can order it online in colors. How I wish I would have known that. When we had looked before online we had no luck finding it then. (Once again sorry about the date on the picture as well as it is wrong. My hubby bought me a new one since I had dropped that one in the kiddy pool and it hadn't been right since. Also we were going on a amazing trip to Europe to see our son and daughter-in-law and didn't want to miss a thing. Pictures and stories coming soon. Totally off the subject.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AfttQwdh1vMorOc1oorqd8Yvt1mf3Qq3PJq_-o05NYfzWDwJafNSRuIeIEjIosSp6SlBa22YEOWNeG3LdZG8wg_RN_W-WZdE7xlpRGtEMmD-mBl4SKSYB8Y7gqTzhMVf2Vhk7ZR8eftu/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AfttQwdh1vMorOc1oorqd8Yvt1mf3Qq3PJq_-o05NYfzWDwJafNSRuIeIEjIosSp6SlBa22YEOWNeG3LdZG8wg_RN_W-WZdE7xlpRGtEMmD-mBl4SKSYB8Y7gqTzhMVf2Vhk7ZR8eftu/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a picture after we had painted them, but before the new strapping. It got dark and we wanted to get them finished so we brought them inside and hadn't taken any pictures till we were on the last one.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWybfeVfpB-F-xEQurFQKNh2LBrXLD-b84CoKWjLmE7erTIcL8RBBftg7ZpErYcKJAY6bv6y9OI8Qyg8G3Z5UOF9TTbADQPJQDoNLtLjCKyxwLUpR82gKQZ2rUTI97Lw23vF3Jfis4xld/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWybfeVfpB-F-xEQurFQKNh2LBrXLD-b84CoKWjLmE7erTIcL8RBBftg7ZpErYcKJAY6bv6y9OI8Qyg8G3Z5UOF9TTbADQPJQDoNLtLjCKyxwLUpR82gKQZ2rUTI97Lw23vF3Jfis4xld/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">See how a brown strapping would have been nice. We have thought about painting them we will see. Also we made step by step pictures of how to do this since there was no real instructions in the package and the internet had some but only using water and we came up with using the hair dryer. So if anyone wants to see them, let me know and I will post them. We had to take the table all apart also and remove the glass, so we could paint it. I didn't get any pictures of that. It was time consuming I guess, but very well worth it. It looks like a brand new set and we are very happy with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We bought new cushions,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and a new umbrella. Makes me want to go get flowers for the pots and make it all pretty. I'll post new pictures if I get that done. Our yard is so shady it's hard to get a good picture. Just wanted to share my newest project. Can't wait to enjoy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a GREAT day </span><br />
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<br />Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-81054832565270737062012-06-19T15:26:00.000-05:002012-06-19T15:26:08.742-05:00Do you see that?<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I'm so excited about how God is revealing his word to me in a way I have never gotten. I truly LOVE that about His word. Every time I read it, it reveals more of Christ's true character to me. So with that I know Him better and know how I need to grow in Him. The Holy Spirit allows me to understand it more. When I understand it more it gets me excited about reading it, and I hate to put it down. It hasn't always been this way for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 Paul is talking to me and you if you know the Lord as your personal savior.(verse 2) 4.</span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.</span> </b><span style="font-size: large;">As Christians we need to claim that daily, and his peace in verse 3. 5. </span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For in him you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge- 6.because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you see that? We have been enriched in every way, EVERY WAY folks. In all our speaking and in all our knowledge. So God is giving us the words and the knowledge, he just wants us to</span><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i><u style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;"><b>be willing</b>.</u><span style="font-size: large;"> Be willing to speak that knowledge. I don't have to be worried about writing on here, he </span><strike><span style="font-size: large;">will</span></strike><span style="font-size: large;"> has already given me the knowledge. It says it right here in his word. I think about Beth Moore, Lisa </span><span style="font-size: large;">Terkeurst</span><span style="font-size: large;">, Billy Graham, and many more wonderful Christian authors/speakers, they are willing! They get this!!!! 7.</span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.</span></i><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you see that? We lack no spiritual gifts! So those of you that say you have no gifts, it's time you reevaluate. Ask God to show you your gifts clearly. Also in here, could easily be missed, is the knowledge of how we should live; eagerly waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. This is in the New Testament. Jesus will return!!! We have to be ready. If you don't know Christ as your personal savior, and know that if he came right now, you would go to heaven, then STOP reading and ask him into your heart. I'll wait. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: magenta;">Father God if for some reason someone has read this far in this post, and doesn't know you personally. I pray you will lay on their heart just how much they need you. I pray they will not be foolish enough to live one more minute without knowing your precious love. I pray that if they asked you into their heart today, that you will reveal yourself to them as you have me. I pray they will seek out the Holy Spirit and know your divine joy in their lives daily. Father we are all broken and not perfect in anyway. May they understand that you don't require that of them. That because of your son's death on the cross we are made perfect and clean in your sight. NO MATTER what we have done in our lives. In Jesus name I pray this. Amen</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">8.</span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He will keep you strong to the end, so you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9.God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful.</span> </b><span style="font-size: large;">I have heard so many people say they are not strong enough to be a christian, or strong enough to keep the commandments, etc. Do you see that? He will keep you strong enough. None of us are strong enough on our own. He is faithful. In today's world how much can we say about that. Faithfulness is hard to find. We live in a world that really doesn't understand that word, but God created it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>In Him</i></b></span><b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Italics was mine.</span> </span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-71460171870729853072012-03-30T13:15:00.000-05:002012-03-30T13:15:03.436-05:00Doing a little changing <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have been making some changes around here, in many ways, but this is one of them. I started scraping off the wallpaper in the stairway about a year ago I think. Then life got crazing and I had to stop and do other things. We all know how that goes, don't we? At the first of the year I vowed I was going to get it finished and some other projects I had put off way to long. I have to say I did love this wallpaper when we moved here twelve years ago, but it was showing some wear and tear. Especially with a washer and dryer going up those stairs, wow what a trip that was. Any way, as you can see I forgot to take pictures of the before but here is a few of the during.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae5tXhuPd0gwBNG6TSV-QFbmEIzBeLZ6UtGmT9Q3G0-XPReKy7PjYt3LS3tANdUZ16NuhsIxqArXJqG8jjV-G-zj-CdDIkOMRv_Wae3th7PFpY7qCHvlz1D4uMt7tEGmnkO2d2g0QQeEJ/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae5tXhuPd0gwBNG6TSV-QFbmEIzBeLZ6UtGmT9Q3G0-XPReKy7PjYt3LS3tANdUZ16NuhsIxqArXJqG8jjV-G-zj-CdDIkOMRv_Wae3th7PFpY7qCHvlz1D4uMt7tEGmnkO2d2g0QQeEJ/s320/086.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ60zebDBVgHhTGekF18OPUjnpVyKJ8rPvJ6tnU9qDXuMYV9Kc2xlZWFdhibJ1iHFBEynDqVst29-hZpsQj_M0ZCpnHONYCMNjiOS4Zf7VhDqP2D77t_BHWDaqFdOBbghwDrAvDVZNsff/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ60zebDBVgHhTGekF18OPUjnpVyKJ8rPvJ6tnU9qDXuMYV9Kc2xlZWFdhibJ1iHFBEynDqVst29-hZpsQj_M0ZCpnHONYCMNjiOS4Zf7VhDqP2D77t_BHWDaqFdOBbghwDrAvDVZNsff/s320/090.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My date is way off on my camera. It happened when I dropped it in the kiddy pool last summer while taking care of my grandchildren. Amazed it still even works and if I was not technically challenged I would remove it, but haven't learned that yet. Any way after much work and lots of help from my husband fixing the old walls, and such. We painted a nice color of brown called Latte and I love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most importantly I wanted to take down the old throw we had hanging at the top of the stairway for all these years that had the "As for me and my house...", verse on it. And replace it with a vinyl one made on my Pazzles cutter. Which my wonderful husband surprised me with several years ago. At that time I said I wanted to do this. So a few years later, I finally have it done and put up. Also many thanks to my husband since he has so much patience to measure it all out and place it precisely where it needed to be.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCUn7HjxUxXX27HWaY45BzyfDeTUMdhTtbh7X3gp_nG57RUU6gF7Qtk1HQCRllm1cCHARqfo151Xrpi9qi23G6eFMQ8RJWxyNo2dtLEZxdFRMchFrPcxNa4JG6ZSQYPhhdUqwqAWhI8Gq/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCUn7HjxUxXX27HWaY45BzyfDeTUMdhTtbh7X3gp_nG57RUU6gF7Qtk1HQCRllm1cCHARqfo151Xrpi9qi23G6eFMQ8RJWxyNo2dtLEZxdFRMchFrPcxNa4JG6ZSQYPhhdUqwqAWhI8Gq/s320/139.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6ZLZ1v2L_BF87A5l4OL28oyE-olOCmhnrJNdWo3v4mSue3zD9tLceG8foZpOmUd1FoNLZKE2G5AgjwtXaHAPuZPZk6wsJzVl78AwNeZjQT7fjlp8UyX-tSawgigsEdvBbJSsmr4uDlek/s1600/140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6ZLZ1v2L_BF87A5l4OL28oyE-olOCmhnrJNdWo3v4mSue3zD9tLceG8foZpOmUd1FoNLZKE2G5AgjwtXaHAPuZPZk6wsJzVl78AwNeZjQT7fjlp8UyX-tSawgigsEdvBbJSsmr4uDlek/s320/140.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInCF0mEMcgKRt9VR1IEMgOg2H3UO3fl48h0Nd6R_V3pBsiGhzg2Klw15ZG7z4S5D81egsqlQ27USkFUNhCNQbsXaXxmoHEB82Zt63EIYMZp8p7JlCq_YgeRDILxWFrjFSwYdSt3rEbuRM/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInCF0mEMcgKRt9VR1IEMgOg2H3UO3fl48h0Nd6R_V3pBsiGhzg2Klw15ZG7z4S5D81egsqlQ27USkFUNhCNQbsXaXxmoHEB82Zt63EIYMZp8p7JlCq_YgeRDILxWFrjFSwYdSt3rEbuRM/s320/151.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm thinking about painting one of those huge tree's on the wall to the left and hang pictures on it. Also someday we are going to put a panel wainscoting on the right going up and around the stairway. So as we get it done I will post pictures. Please don't hold your breath, we are slow and steady kind of people. Also I keep us moving all over the house instead of staying in one place to long. You will see as we get to know each other more. Have a GREAT day!!!!!!</span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-32015820598660899392012-03-26T11:45:00.002-05:002012-03-29T13:12:58.094-05:00Martha working hard to be a Mary<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The other day I said I stay at home and don't get out much. You see, I am a Martha. I was raised very old school, not that that is bad, I like old school. My dad always said when your work is done you can play. So I have always lived that, and in my 40's learned your work is never done. Now I can probably say he was a workaholic. I admired him, he worked very hard and very long hours. Even in his 70's shortly before he passed away, he was working very hard and long hours, with his feet all bandaged because they were bleeding. It makes me cry just thinking of it. Yet there was no way you could slow him down. If you offered to do what ever it was he thought was so important. He just saw it as a way to get more done. He wouldn't sit down and let you do it. I'm very much that way also and yet God has showed me a different side of this with the Mary, Martha story. </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I appreciate a good work ethic, and tried very hard to raise my children in that manner. You see I have also saw the other side where people will let you do everything for them. They even say I would rather pay to have it done, then do it myself. I really have never understood that kind of thinking. In my eyes that is just lazy, but maybe I have some learning to do there. What I have learned is because of my thinking I have missed out on some fun times that I could have had. I always went to all my kids ballgames, events etc. but missed too many times when I should have just played. Don't get me wrong we had some really fun times, and my children have been told they have great work ethic's by others. Yet at what price? My dad drove my brother and I hard, just as he drove himself. I also drove my children hard, sorry to say. The saying children learn what they live, is true. I have apologized to them and asked for their forgiveness. Yet that being said I'm proud of them and how they have turned out. God is good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I need to clarify, that I do not believe in any way that I can work my way to God. That is not my driving force in any way. I know my salvation is a free gift from God that I just had to accept. Which I did many, many, years ago. It is that I am driven by that to do list, as Martha was. Our childhood ways are hard to change. Yet I do believe this is one, I am being called to work on. In Luke 10: 41-42, Jesus says to Martha "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary had chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." I believe he is calling me to focus on Him and telling others about Him. As I sit here writing I'm fighting everything in me to go do my to do list for today and yet I believe, in a strange kind of way it is satan's foothold. I just read a few days ago in Sarah's e-book, <a href="http://sarahmae.com/stretchingintoblue" target="_blank">Frumps to Pumps over at her blog, Stretching into Blue at sarahmae.com</a>." The imposing standards on myself that aren't from God is a sure way to give a foothold to the enemy." Wow is that powerful!!! She goes on to say, "Don't let yourself trip into any legalistic landmines, they will burn up your joy." Thank you Sarah!! That's exactly what I'm talking about. I recommend all her books, they are great!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want to work and keep up my home etc., but I believe God wants us to put Him and others ahead of that to do list. I once heard a woman speak on organizing time and she said if you have scheduled on your list some household chore and a friend calls you to go for coffee. You have to say sorry I can't, I have a prior commitment. I disagree!!!!!!!!!!! Yet I'm so sad to say I have done this in some form or another. God forgive me. I do not believe when I stand before Him this will be honoring to Him. Maybe for you, it is something else that steals your time from Him. TV, crafts, telephone, exercise, etc., it doesn't have to be a bad thing. None of those are bad in themselves it's what we sacrifice for them that makes them bad. Don't let satan steal your joy, take it back TODAY!!!! I am.</span></div>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-55624278503742554382012-03-15T18:14:00.000-05:002012-03-15T18:14:51.640-05:00Finding Direction<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have to admit I struggle with this whole blog thing. Don't get me wrong, I love reading them, and especially looking at the beautiful pictures some people put on, or the great ideas. Yet that being said, I have drug my feet in believing I have what it takes, as you can see by the last date that I posted. Today I feel like it is time to be obedient. I pray I can be dedicated and open to the Holy Spirits prompting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In my quiet time with God this morning, he showed me this verse in Luke 8:16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand so that those who come in can see the light. You may look at that and say ya duh, but in God's wonderful way he revealed to me that the light is my life with Him and I need to put it out there for others to see and learn from. What better place then to let my light shine then in this blog for hopefully others to read. You see I'm a stay at home wife, which I love, but I really don't go out much except to church, Bible study, a few errands here and there. I'll explain more about that later. So I'm excited about serving God in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I love how God even covers our weaknesses. As I said before I have really drug my feet here, with little confidence that I have anything to teach others or that they would want to read. Today He also shows me this in verse 24-25. The disciples went and woke him, saying "Master, Master, were going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25."Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. I ask myself, where is my faith? I serve a God that can command the winds and water and they obey and yet here I am not. How can I doubt that. I may not have what it takes but He does.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I think maybe I need to go to another country or something like that, I'm willing. Maybe then I could teach someone or tell something everyone doesn't know. Verse 39, "Return home(that's my word) and tell how much God has done for you." That I CAN do and I will. I appreciate your prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-70352738110917520332011-09-15T16:03:00.000-05:002011-09-15T16:03:01.316-05:00Love this time of year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA8lnVHvE5WdbVcw-CZrq2oJ5N9gBZm1lH7BM5anyWFcQrH2m7ifvxZck5IHkQb6jM5FNVm1LkL3qPpcKqNk6CXudhswzTw2ag3ghVmuEz0DHMJ1Y49buVXe7xdg69wgn-gyoqyj_eEPf/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA8lnVHvE5WdbVcw-CZrq2oJ5N9gBZm1lH7BM5anyWFcQrH2m7ifvxZck5IHkQb6jM5FNVm1LkL3qPpcKqNk6CXudhswzTw2ag3ghVmuEz0DHMJ1Y49buVXe7xdg69wgn-gyoqyj_eEPf/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just Love this time of year with all the colors and the absolute beauty all around us. Also the smell of someone roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Sleeping is wonderful and all the different hot drinks. YUM!!! It amazes me how God has made this all for our enjoyment. He could have made everything black and white or just three different colors or whatever. Yet, He chose out of His love for us, to make millions of colors, birds that sing, flowers that smell wonderful and look beautiful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This morning in my time with Him I read (NIV)Matthew 26:38-39. Then He said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little further, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I read those words and it just pains me to think how we take it all so for granted. In the morning as we rise, do we think as the song says, " Give me Jesus" or is it more like give me a few more minutes. Or maybe even "oh God, I can't do this again today," never really thinking what he did for us. He loves us so much to give us all that we have. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reading on verses 40-41 (Message)When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander in to temptation without even knowing you are in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, how those last two sentences are so true. We say ok I'm going to get up earlier and spend sometime with Him and we really want to but our flesh is so weak. Yet the words, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour?" God forgive us, how can we be so self absorbed. Then he warns us,"Stay Alert; be in prayer so you don't wander in to temptation without even knowing you are in danger." How many times have you asked yourself, how did this happen, how did I get here? Once again He loves us so much He sent His only son to die for us, and then gives us His word with instructions, warnings, etc. to guide us. But if we are not in His word daily, and in prayer, so that we know what those things are, what can we expect?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Several years ago I took on the challenge of Becky Tirabassi to spend an hour with God everyday. It has changed my life. I challenge you to do this as well I promise you won't be sorry. I also recommend journaling as you go along. I basically wrote out my prayers and wow what it has done for me. I will share more about that in later posts. Please when you rise in the morning take notice of all God has given you, and say in your heart if not out loud, "Give me Jesus" for He is all you really need. Then spend that hour with Him, you'll be glad you did. </span><br />
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</span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-59324191192737275092011-08-24T10:49:00.000-05:002011-09-15T16:07:57.673-05:00Deep Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's very difficult for me with this blog thing because I LOVE Interior decorating and God has given me a gift people say. So I could so easily fill it with that kind of stuff. Believe me I follow MANY blogs that feed that in me. Yet I also LOVE talking about God and all He is to me and does for me. So I'm going to try and make this a mixture of the two along with many other subjects near and dear to my heart. I thought about going back to school to get a degree, yet I struggle with the whole concept that we as Christians shouldn't worry about such a materialistic way. I believe God gave me the gift and He knows what He is doing. Sure I decorate the church and stuff like that but....I just don't know. I look at the incredible beauty and detail He put into the earth and the seasons and know He gets it. As women He made us to enjoy beautiful things and be creative with our hands and minds. So with those thoughts, I will do my best. Thanks for listening.</span>Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736564431079843854.post-40885658077358588152011-08-23T18:50:00.000-05:002011-08-23T18:50:29.181-05:00Joining the blog worldI decided to join the blog world. I've been thinking about it for quite sometime now, but just wondered if I really had what it takes. I wondered if I had anything to say that anyone else would want to read. Then the other day I was at my ladies Bible study in which we are doing the Beth Moore series Esther, and she said so many things that just made me decide I wanted to go for it. I will be sharing those things along the way I'm sure. I also looked at several of the blogs that I follow and realized they thought the same thing when they first started. So I'm looking forward to meeting new people and having fun.Thelmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07102164285695395357noreply@blogger.com0