God is just so good and patient with His children.
The very same evening after I wrote the last post, several of us were listening to christian radio on the way to church. The announcers were discussing the plight of the Haitians.
We still have each other, shelter, clean water, and plenty of food. What do I have going on that is worth complaining about?Please pray for and support the people of Haiti.
We will be gearing up to start working on the house in earnest soon, so keep an eye on the blog to monitor our progress. Who knows, maybe we'll even get some more pictures posted!LOL!
Job 9-11 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Our Team
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Discontent
In the last 2 months, two families we love very much have moved into larger homes. I am very happy for them, but have struggled with feeling envious, too. I am glad they have been blessed, I just wonder, "When will we get to move into our house?"
I know God has not forgotten us, and that day is coming. We are closer than before.
I think of the verse that says godliness, with contentment is great gain. (I'll look that one up later, I'm blogging @ my parents' and don't have my good Bible with me.)
One of the things I know God is working into our character is contentment. The last of Phillipians 4 Paul is talking about knowing how to have little or much (be abased or abound). We need to be like that.
A friend of mine once said that she thought it was easier to be grateful when you had the least. I believe she is right. When we have a lot, we want MORE. When you have little, you can be thankful for what you DO have b/c you know it could all be gone in a flash.
That is probably one of the most vivid lessons we have gleened from the fire. Stuff is just stuff. It does not love you. It will not be with you forever. It could all be burned up, stolen, blown away or lost. Even if you have insurance, grandma's buffet will go and you will never be able to replace it again. The only things that last forever are PEOPLE. So, we choose to focus on people, especially our family. Those relationships are ETERNAL. Don't miss this. Work and invest in what lasts forever!
I have been lead to read the Bible in the order it was written, so I will be working on Job.
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Job 1-3 I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord
I know God has not forgotten us, and that day is coming. We are closer than before.
I think of the verse that says godliness, with contentment is great gain. (I'll look that one up later, I'm blogging @ my parents' and don't have my good Bible with me.)
One of the things I know God is working into our character is contentment. The last of Phillipians 4 Paul is talking about knowing how to have little or much (be abased or abound). We need to be like that.
A friend of mine once said that she thought it was easier to be grateful when you had the least. I believe she is right. When we have a lot, we want MORE. When you have little, you can be thankful for what you DO have b/c you know it could all be gone in a flash.
That is probably one of the most vivid lessons we have gleened from the fire. Stuff is just stuff. It does not love you. It will not be with you forever. It could all be burned up, stolen, blown away or lost. Even if you have insurance, grandma's buffet will go and you will never be able to replace it again. The only things that last forever are PEOPLE. So, we choose to focus on people, especially our family. Those relationships are ETERNAL. Don't miss this. Work and invest in what lasts forever!
I have been lead to read the Bible in the order it was written, so I will be working on Job.
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Job 1-3 I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord
Sunday, January 24, 2010
More on Phillipians 4
Well, life sure is interesting.
Since I last blogged, the weather has been up to the 50's and rainy off and on. The roads to church are pretty bad. It was cold again today though. The weather here is fairly unpredictable.
The last few weeks we have been dealing with a stressful situation. It got resolved on Friday, Praise the Lord! His faithfulness never ceases to amaze me!
That is why I have been meditaing on Phillipians 4 so much. It has been very important to focus on those things.
" Let your moderation (self-control) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (worried) for nothing ; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding , shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally ,brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (honorable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report,; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phillipians 4:5-8 (Open Bible KJV- items in parenthesis denote a clarifying definition given after the verse in the text)
So, Paul's advice to Christians is to think on true, honorable , just , pure, lovely, things; things that are well reported of, virtuous and praiseworthy before the Lord.
For my situation it meant not focussimg on the "maybes" and the "what-ifs" or listening to the accusations of the adversary (satan). It meant concentrating on the truth and putting my eyes on Jesus and being obedient to following HIm.
THis is the reason I could keep on smiling, being kind to my family and others around me. It is why I could still serve the Lord, sing HIs praise, read His word. He didn't get less worthy b/c we were having a difficulty. He became more real and intimate because of it.
Today is the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Please be praying for Moms and babies hanging in the balance. Pray that hearts will be changed, and that there will be no more reason for the abortion industry to exist.
be blessed
Proverbs 23 Philippians 4
Since I last blogged, the weather has been up to the 50's and rainy off and on. The roads to church are pretty bad. It was cold again today though. The weather here is fairly unpredictable.
The last few weeks we have been dealing with a stressful situation. It got resolved on Friday, Praise the Lord! His faithfulness never ceases to amaze me!
That is why I have been meditaing on Phillipians 4 so much. It has been very important to focus on those things.
" Let your moderation (self-control) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (worried) for nothing ; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding , shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally ,brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (honorable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report,; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phillipians 4:5-8 (Open Bible KJV- items in parenthesis denote a clarifying definition given after the verse in the text)
So, Paul's advice to Christians is to think on true, honorable , just , pure, lovely, things; things that are well reported of, virtuous and praiseworthy before the Lord.
For my situation it meant not focussimg on the "maybes" and the "what-ifs" or listening to the accusations of the adversary (satan). It meant concentrating on the truth and putting my eyes on Jesus and being obedient to following HIm.
THis is the reason I could keep on smiling, being kind to my family and others around me. It is why I could still serve the Lord, sing HIs praise, read His word. He didn't get less worthy b/c we were having a difficulty. He became more real and intimate because of it.
Today is the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Please be praying for Moms and babies hanging in the balance. Pray that hearts will be changed, and that there will be no more reason for the abortion industry to exist.
be blessed
Proverbs 23 Philippians 4
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thankful Thursday
A number of other bloggers do this, and it's the only title I could come up with :).
The weather here is brutal. It's supposed to be about 11 degrees for a high today, with a wind chill of -15! Tomorrow the high is forecasted to be 5 degrees, with a wind chill of -20.
So, I am grateful for warm clothes, a house with heat, water that is still running, and hot coffee!
I am also glad to have a wonderful family to enjoy the snow with (though I think they should probably not be out much, if at all today. We are all starting to feel cooped up, however.)
The last couple of days I have been meditating on Phillipians 4. Verse 4 says, " Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (KJV) We can always rejoice in our Savior no matter what is going on. This verse does not say be happy about your problems or circumstances, it says be joyful because you have the Lord with you. What a comfort those words are! In any circumstance we can still smile, knowing our God is with us! Praise to His holy name!
Have a blessed day!
Proverbs 7, Phillipians 4 God's Grace
The weather here is brutal. It's supposed to be about 11 degrees for a high today, with a wind chill of -15! Tomorrow the high is forecasted to be 5 degrees, with a wind chill of -20.
So, I am grateful for warm clothes, a house with heat, water that is still running, and hot coffee!
I am also glad to have a wonderful family to enjoy the snow with (though I think they should probably not be out much, if at all today. We are all starting to feel cooped up, however.)
The last couple of days I have been meditating on Phillipians 4. Verse 4 says, " Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (KJV) We can always rejoice in our Savior no matter what is going on. This verse does not say be happy about your problems or circumstances, it says be joyful because you have the Lord with you. What a comfort those words are! In any circumstance we can still smile, knowing our God is with us! Praise to His holy name!
Have a blessed day!
Proverbs 7, Phillipians 4 God's Grace
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
We had a wonderful day! I hope everyone else did, too.
Our family has several traditions I did not mention in an earlier post.We permit the children to open whatever gifts they have on Christmas Eve. There is too much going on Christmas morning. We all swap names and shop or make something just for that person. On Christmas morning, we have blueberry pancakes, and bacon or sausage. ( I wonder if our northern friends made donuts today, as they usually do?)Then, we go to my Uncle and Aunts' house to eat.
The Lord did provide us with a white Christmas. I guess we got 2-3 ". It's also very bitter and windy.
This also kept some of our older family members at home. A few are sick,too. Of course, the children have been playing in it as much as possible.
Red and Farmerboy have upcoming birthdays. Time sure flies by.
Remember Jesus!
Luke 1-10 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Our family has several traditions I did not mention in an earlier post.We permit the children to open whatever gifts they have on Christmas Eve. There is too much going on Christmas morning. We all swap names and shop or make something just for that person. On Christmas morning, we have blueberry pancakes, and bacon or sausage. ( I wonder if our northern friends made donuts today, as they usually do?)Then, we go to my Uncle and Aunts' house to eat.
The Lord did provide us with a white Christmas. I guess we got 2-3 ". It's also very bitter and windy.
This also kept some of our older family members at home. A few are sick,too. Of course, the children have been playing in it as much as possible.
Red and Farmerboy have upcoming birthdays. Time sure flies by.
Remember Jesus!
Luke 1-10 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Monday, December 21, 2009
God's graciousness
Well, yesterday was a year since the fire. I have been dreading the arrival of that day, but you know what? It wasn't too bad. A friend from church asked me last night how things were going emotionally. I was a little surprised anyone remembered, but grateful. I know at least 2 people knew about it, and must have been praying for us. I know that God heard and answered those prayers. He has been so faithful to us. We could not have made it through the last year without His presence, comfort, and provision. Praise His name!
Christmas plans are finalized. This week will be busy, as was last week. We have some special things for just our immediate family, and a day for the extended family.
Yesterday, Farmerboy, Gypsygirl,Ms.Petite,Lionheart, Bell, and I went caroling with our church family. It was fun.
We missed the caroling with our friends up north, but it couldn't be helped :(.I guess you just can't do everything.
I have also been making trips to the dentist. 2 children had teeth that needed immediate attention. So, I guess I'll be shuttling them to and fro for a few weeks.
It may snow here w/in the next few days. It would sure be fun to have a white Christmas.
Have a blessed day!
1 Peter 1-2 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Christmas plans are finalized. This week will be busy, as was last week. We have some special things for just our immediate family, and a day for the extended family.
Yesterday, Farmerboy, Gypsygirl,Ms.Petite,Lionheart, Bell, and I went caroling with our church family. It was fun.
We missed the caroling with our friends up north, but it couldn't be helped :(.I guess you just can't do everything.
I have also been making trips to the dentist. 2 children had teeth that needed immediate attention. So, I guess I'll be shuttling them to and fro for a few weeks.
It may snow here w/in the next few days. It would sure be fun to have a white Christmas.
Have a blessed day!
1 Peter 1-2 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Monday, December 14, 2009
Great News
We got some great news on Friday. 'da Dad will be a bank employee as of Jan.1! We were all pretty excited. He was hired there originally through a temp service, so it's nice to have a little more sense of permanence (whatever that means these days).
The men in our family worked on the ceiling upstairs again. I believe it is completely prepped for hanging the material, so maybe we can get that done this or next week.
We have had some enjoyable times so far this season. A couple of parties and this week we will hopefully be able to go caroling twice. I am really looking forward to this, b/c we all love to sing. This is some of my favorite music.
This is how we remember our Savior's birth. (We do not believe He was born this day, we know the day is pagan in origin,but His birth was major b/c it fulfills prophecy.) We read scriptures foretelling HIs coming and the fulfillment in the NT. We want our children to know from the word that Jesus really was the Messiah.No one has control over where they were born, to whom, etc,UNLESS they are God:). We use symbols to help them remember the scriptures. This is done as our evening Bible reading. We have also used advent coloring books found on the internet that use scriptures and pictures for the younger children.
You can google Jesse Tree and Advent to help you pull up ideas if you are interested.
We also go looking at Christmas lights on houses one eveining and then have icecream afterwards, kind of a family tradition.
We have decided not to retain certain traditions b/c they don't seem to be readily identifiable with Christ, but we don't reject remembering His birth. Some people are more open to the Truth during this season, so we want to be a witness for HIm.
If He wasn't born the way He was born, He could not die for us. His word is reliable, from start to finish.
Hebrews 1 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The men in our family worked on the ceiling upstairs again. I believe it is completely prepped for hanging the material, so maybe we can get that done this or next week.
We have had some enjoyable times so far this season. A couple of parties and this week we will hopefully be able to go caroling twice. I am really looking forward to this, b/c we all love to sing. This is some of my favorite music.
This is how we remember our Savior's birth. (We do not believe He was born this day, we know the day is pagan in origin,but His birth was major b/c it fulfills prophecy.) We read scriptures foretelling HIs coming and the fulfillment in the NT. We want our children to know from the word that Jesus really was the Messiah.No one has control over where they were born, to whom, etc,UNLESS they are God:). We use symbols to help them remember the scriptures. This is done as our evening Bible reading. We have also used advent coloring books found on the internet that use scriptures and pictures for the younger children.
You can google Jesse Tree and Advent to help you pull up ideas if you are interested.
We also go looking at Christmas lights on houses one eveining and then have icecream afterwards, kind of a family tradition.
We have decided not to retain certain traditions b/c they don't seem to be readily identifiable with Christ, but we don't reject remembering His birth. Some people are more open to the Truth during this season, so we want to be a witness for HIm.
If He wasn't born the way He was born, He could not die for us. His word is reliable, from start to finish.
Hebrews 1 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
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