Finishing What You Start

Perhaps you can totally relate. We start various projects only to abandon them for something more exciting, loose interest or find ourselves distracted with the cares of life. If you're like me, perhaps you have bookcases full of books that you may started, yet never completed. Recently, I've been revamping my blog and noticed all too quickly on my sidebar under the heading, "Current Study," I had listed 2 books. Immediately I sensed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to delete one and focus on one book at a time.  

May I get personal? What have you started that needs your attention to carry it through to completion? Spend some time with the Lord and ask Him to pinpoint those areas and get back on track.  I want to be like the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24 and 26, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain [win] it. . . Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air."

Isn't it wonderful to know and experience God's mercies fresh every morning, noon and night? Can you say a hearty amen with me?  The enemy would have us to remain in a constant spin cycle of not completing tasks, but "we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength." 

A final thought, I am not speaking of those moments that God brings, "Heavenly interruptions into our lives." Those times can serve eternal purposes and we should be flexible enough to go another direction should the Lord direct. What I am talking about is perhaps setting unrealistic goals or over scheduling your life. God desires for us to have balance and seek His mind in everything we do.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Menopausal Moments

Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my right hand. A week ago Sunday, I went to church with a pain patch on my right hand. My sweet husband asked, "Did you whack yourself?"  I immediately retorted, "You're asking a menopausal woman if she remembers!"  Needless to say, about midnight I recalled that I had fallen on Thursday and gently tapped Rob on the back around midnight to share.  Of course, he has no recollection of my revelation.

This past week, I shared with him a solution that I was seriously considering.  "As a menopausal woman, I would arm myself with Post-it Notes and a pen so whenever I whacked myself accidentally, fell or had a foggy moment, I could write myself notes. Rob just hooted. I must confess that I'm a visual person and had a flash (not a hot one) and vision of me all decorated with the Post-it Notes truly made me LOL. Seriously, I think I might be on to something, aye?

Since then I have shared this idea and have had positive feedback as well as many chuckles.

Just like the season of Fall right now, with the myriad array of extraordinary and exquisite colors that remind us of the beauty and the majesty of our Creator God and our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself.  Each season has purpose and duration. So whatever season you are in, celebrate it. Continually run to the Lord Jesus Christ, rely on Him and rest in Him. Yes, as my late Mom and Grandmother Belle lived out before me, "discover or rediscover a sense of humor and keep it close by." Remember, there is nothing in our lives that takes Him by surprise.

A Must See Movie -> Come What May

One has only to watch the evening news, read the newspapers and read online headlines to see how far the liberal media has hoodwinked the American public.  God has used ordinary men and women through the centuries to accomplish extraordinary and tasks for Him even when the odds look unfavorable.  

For such a time as this, God is using George Escobar, a homeschooling Dad who is a Christian filmmaker to make a huge difference in the lives of Christian young people and for them to impact our culture NOW.  So is Patrick Henry College.

 

The actual link to the movie is www.adventfilmgroup.com.  One can purchase the actual DVD at this particular site.  Let's support such films as "Come What My," God's Truth will prevail!

Remember God is still on His throne and He's in control not man!

One of those days . . .

Have you ever had one of those days?  Earlier my day was not going the way I would desire.  After a shower and in God's Word, He has redirected and corrected my thoughts. 

Oh I'm thankful for His Word and for my copy of "Streams in the Desert, #2."  God uses a myriad of tools by which to get our attention.

Then the most precious thing occurred, Christine asked to pray over me.  Umm.  Wonderful where she learned that?  This is one of those times, you want your children to repeat what they heard you say.

Asking the Lord to remind me of the "whatsoevers," found in Philippians 4.

Basking in His Love!

Thankful for God's Mercy To & In My Life!

I am in awe of our Heavenly Father who has such great love for me that He gently corrects and reproves me. Today in church, Pastor Craig continued his series, "Fingerprints of Faith, Part 4."  The emphasis was on "Meekness," from Matthew 5:4.  You know how it is when the Holy Spirit is at work and you feel like there must be some huge spot light or neon sign, "God is working on me right now, caution!"  Interestingly enough, prior to today's message, He's been gently pricking my heart in this matter.

Pastor Craig said something profound, "when we are easily offended or want to defend ourselves, it's likely because we have a high opinion of ourselves."  Ouch! But isn't that so true?  If we seek to say with Paul, "we've been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in our bodies and that we are no longer our own." Then it should not surprise us or even bother us whenever a man of God speaks the truth.  Yet in our sinfulness and own personal rationalizing, we find our excuses.  Instead, we can say with Isaiah, "woe to me, I am of unclean lips."  I'm right there with the prophet Isaiah.  The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."  Can you so relate?  Indeed I can!

  

After church, I visited with a dear friend and shared how tempting it is to explain away the verse, "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression."  Or perhaps in some translations, the word "offense," is used.  Regardless, we both concluded that it is very easy to do so when we think we've been offended or wronged.

So when tempted to allow my feathers to be ruffled when a situation arises or if I'm misunderstood, with the Holy Spirit's help and His power, I want to surrender my thinking, attitude and action.  Whereby, allowing meekness to emerge and joy to overflow.

Pastor Craig shared that the beatitudes are progressive in their placement in Scripture.  When we understand just how bankrupt we are before a Holy God and mourn over sinfulness, we are not so easily offended.

A particular praise song comes to my mind, "I Stand in Awe."  Please allow me to share the words of this song.  And by chance if you already know it, please feel free to sing along with me.  

You are beautiful beyond description,

Too marvelous for words:

Too wonderful for comprehension,

Like nothing every seen or heard.

Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?

Who can fathom the depth of Your love?

You are beautiful beyond description, majesty enthroned above.

Chorus

And I stand, I stand in awe of You,

I stand, I stand in awe of You; 

Holy God, to whom  all praise is due,

I stand in awe of You.

And I stand, I stand in awe of You,

I stand, I stand in awe of You;

Holy God. to whom all praise is due,

I stand in awe of You.

As I conclude this posting, I am so reminded of my late parents when it comes to the subject of meekness and the beatitudes.  My Dad used to say, "well Kath, if folks are misunderstanding you or saying things are not true, then rejoice, my little sister in Christ, you're in good company, for so persecuted the prophets that were before you.  Just get happy in the Lord."  

Then my Mom shared lovingly but firmly, "Kathy, you would make a good lawyer, because you feel the need to defend yourself.  If what was said is not true and you do not sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit, then count it all joy, my little sister."  

Truly I want to grow in Christ and allow Him to work His will and way into the fabric of my heart, mind and total being.  Please pray for me as I will pray for you as well.

Amazed by His Love!

The Princess Who Wanted To Be Beautiful

Once upon a time there was a little Princess who was very unhappy because she was not as pretty to look at as she thought a little Princess should be.

She sat in the garden and was sorrowful and cried a great deal of the time, because she felt quite sure that no one would ever make her a queen.

One day she sat by the wall of the garden with her hands in her lap, and was looking very sad. An old woman, very bent and gray, and carrying a bundle, passed along the road outside and looked over the wall.

"Why do you cry, little Princess?" she asked.

"Because I am not beautiful," the little Princess replied, "and so I shall never be made a queen."

"Why do you not go out into the world and find someone who can make you beautiful?" asked the old woman as she started again on her way. And this seemed like such a new adventure that the little Princess went out through the garden gate and started down the road.

The old woman had disappeared as if the road had taken her into its gray dust, but before the little Princess had gone very far she overtook a boy. He was stumbling along the road as if it were hard for him to find his way. He put out his hand and touched the little Princess' silken sleeve.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I am going to find someone who will help to make me beautiful," the little Princess said, "I am not pretty enough to be a queen."

"Wait a while and help me," said the little boy. "I am blind, and I cannot find my way home."

So the little Princess took the blind boy's hand in hers and walked along with him, leading him very gently, until they came to the cottage by the side of the road where he lived.

Then the little Princess went on, hurrying, for she felt that she had lost a great deal of time.  But before she had gone very far, she saw a little girl standing by the edge of the woods and crying. When the little girl saw the Princess, she looked up and asked, "Where are you going?"

"I am going to find someone who will help me to be beautiful," the little Princess said, "I am not pretty enough to be a queen."

"Wait awhile and help me," said the little girl. "My mother is ill, and I went to the dairy to fetch her some milk and eggs, but I have no money, and they say that I must pay."

The little Princess pulled from the silk bag at her side a bright gold piece. She had but two of them to buy herself food on her journey, but she gave one to the child. "This is to pay for the milk and eggs," she said. Then this little girl laughed with happiness. Her smile was as bright as the sunshine that came down through the trees and lighted them both.

"Now I must make great haste," thought the little Princess. "It is getting on in the day and I am no more beautiful than when I started." But she had gone only a little way when she came suddenly upon the same old woman, who had spoken to her in the morning.

"Did you do as I bade you?" asked the old woman.

"Yes," said the little Princess. "But I am still ugly to look at," she added, dropping her head.

"Oh no, you are not," said the old woman. "Look!" And she held a mirror before the face of the Princess.

A strange thing had happened. The little Princess's eyes, in leading the little blind boy, had grown as bright as stars.  Her hair was as shining as the gold piece which she had given away.  "Shall I every be a queen!" asked the Princess.

The old woman took a small gold crown from the bundle she carried and set it upon the little Princess' head.

"You are a queen, my dear!" she said.

. . . In the end, there are a few things more beautiful than a kind heart.

Source:  The Moral Compass, William J. Bennett, pages 365-66.

Back In The Saddle Again!

What an appropriate title from a Texan. Although my residence is in Virginia, I'm a Texan at heart. Back in May, I shared that there was going to be an interlude in my blogging action. Now three months have passed and I'm back!!!

I have missed this particular outlet and know that God's timing is always perfect and there are seasons in our lives as well. Much has happened during this time and as the Lord leads, I'll share some of these experiences.

Monday, we did some fine tuning with our computers. I must confess that I had many floppy disks that needed to be copies to our desktop. You may be thinking, "wow, they still have floppy disks." Yes, we do and God has blessed us with new systems by which to be able to do ministry in a more efficient manner. I digress. The point is that sometimes, the direction the Lord leads us may seem strange and unusual. Yet He has has a plan and He promises to work it out for our own good.

Monday afternoon into the evening as I copied folders and organized them, it was as if the Lord allowed me a quick overview of the past 12 years. He used the information in the various folders as a gentle reminder of His grace in our lives and how He has and will continue to work out His plan for our family. Although a tedious process computer wise, it was spiritually refreshing.

Now we can utilize the information we actual have. For you see 12 years ago, when Christine was first born, it was a very stressful time in our family's life. As a mom of a premature baby, it was a growing time for me personally. Now these many years later, I can look back in such gratitude and rejoice in God's protection, His faithfulness and His great love for me and my family.

For you see even the most difficult situations God uses for our good and for His kingdom work. The peaks and valleys we each have in our lives are never wasted. God can and oftentimes, brings such beauty from ashes. I know many of you can testify of this wonderful reality.

The Christian walk "is what it is." To borrow a popular phrase that Keven Garnett (Boston Celtics) used when he was interviewed during the NBA Finals. It's a walk, a process not a sprint. I am afraid in the American church in particularly, we want shortcuts and everything yesterday. No where in the Bible do we read that our conformity to the image of Christ is instantaneously. Yet we easily become impatient and try to second-guess our Heavenly Father. In Isaiah 55, we read that "His ways are great than ours." easy for us to live in a spiritual lah-lah land. We sort of tune out that still small voice of the Holy Spirit and attempt to do everything our way rather than God's way. This occurs when we allow the enemy to deceive us or we just turn disable the discernment button.

My challenge to each of us, is that we ask the Lord to give us a fresh perspective and a hunger for Him alone. That we will read God's Word first and foremost before trusting man's opinions. There's lots of good resources available to us but if we neglect the main course . . . God's Word, we err.

My heart is full and I am excited to see how God will use Oikodemeoo Ministries. Please join me and pray for me as we resume this journey together.

To God be the glory!

Kathy

Romans 12:10

Ministry Update

Good Wednesday evening dear ones!

You may have noticed that I have not posted anything on my blog in a few months. No need to worry, I have not forgotten my way around the blog. I have been extremely busy with my commitments to homeschooling our daughter, finishing out the AWANA year, and dealing with some nagging health issues.

I will be back posting in the very near future. I have missed blogging. Yet I know to everything there is a season and the Lord indeed is trustworthy to every detail of our lives.

May God bless each of you!

Kathy

The Secret Garden

In the media, there is a popular commercial that asks the question, "what's in your wallet?" Therefore, may I propose a question for each of us to ponder, "what's in our secret garden?"

Stay tuned because it's a message we all need to hear.  

blessings!

Kathy

Lessons From A Dryer

Ah . . . perhaps you think that I have taken leave of my senses when you read the title of my posting, I have not. For the past two weeks we have been without a dryer. The appliance person who came to repair it was not the most honest person neither was the company he represented. Along with our experience, we took a loss of funds from our family budget which disturbed us greatly especially during the Christmas season.

Yet I can rejoice that all of this is working for our own good. You ask, "how?" So glad you asked. A couple of factors come immediately to my mind. First our dryer vent system was too long and was causing the lint to become trapped. Secondly, it could have created a dryer fire. Indeed we consider this a major PRAISE!

Most importantly God used dear brothers and sisters in Christ to bless and encourage us as well as strangers. One family came by the first Thursday evening of our dilemma to pick up 3 baskets of laundry to dry. Then they graciously delivered the laundry back to us the following night. Mind you, the weather that evening was wet and cold, but still they went out of their way to insure we had our laundry back.

Last Saturday, the second family came over and made some minor adjustments to our dryer and wah-lah it worked long enough for me to dry everything that needed to be dried. Then it stopped. When I called back to this particular family, they shared that perhaps it is indeed the motor and it's best to purchase a new machine. My friend said to me, "at least you now have resolution that you have worked through all the options and now have closure." Indeed she was right.

When we put everything into perspective, Rob and I have been married almost 22 years and have never had to buy a new dryer as a couple. I purchased the first dryer the year before we married back in 1985 and it stopped working in 2003. We received 18 years of excellent service. Then when we moved to Fredericksburg, a dear family at church gave us their extra dryer which has lasted for 4 years. The Lord has provided every step of the way and for that we can rejoice and rest in Him.

The Israelites often reflected back on how God worked in the past, the present and the future. How many times when circumstances do not go the way we want them to go, we either panic or get stressed. I must confess that at the beginning of this situation, I was not a happy camper. However, the Lord has given me the strength to look at it through different eyes and now see it as an adventure and an opportunity to trust Him.

Thursday evening, we went to Lowe's and purchased our new one. This Sunday afternoon, it will be delivered. A funny or perhaps to some an insignificant fun fact, we were able to use the $25 gift card from Lowe's that Rob won at his company's Christmas party. Although not a large amount, but it was nice to be able to apply the card to a major purchase.

Some final thoughts are, God has given us the body of Christ to encourage, strengthen, pray for one another and to help one another. He did not intend for us to go it "alone." We all have various gifts and abilities and it is God's Will that we put them into action both inside the body of Christ and outside.

My challenge to each of us, what do we have in our hands or possession that we can use to bless others? Is our physical vision and spiritual vision in check whereby we can look for the daily blessings God sends our way? The lessons of life come in various ways. Are we ready to receive them? It does not matter if we understand them.

Here's a familiar passage that my late Mom prayed over me throughout my life and now I share this with our sweet Christine and each of you.

In Jeremiah 29:11-13, we read the following from the Amplified Bible.

(11) For I know the thoughts, and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

(12) Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.

(13) Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30].

God wants us to seek Him as our vital necessity for living not just when we get in a crunch or in difficulty.

What lessons are you learning today?

Christmas with a "C"

Check out the Christmas with a "C" video. This is COOOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

JESUS is God's Gift To the World!

Merry Christmas!

Kathy, Rob & Christine

Your Christmas Season: Burdens or Joys?

What will occupy you most this Christmas season: burdens or Joys?

What a profound question! I wish that it was original but it is not. In one of my advent type books that my heart friend Leigh gave four Christmas ago, this question leaped off the page. It comes from the book, How Great Our Joy ~ Family Memories & Meditations for Christmas, page 9.

How will yours and my Christmas be different this year? Will we succumb to the world's vision of Christmas? Or will we ask the Lord Jesus to renew us in our hearts, minds and yes pocketbooks this year?

Each year is new as each day is fresh and new. So whatever, we may have encountered in our past Christmas celebrations, we can start fresh right now, this very moment. We do not have to allow the enemy to paralyze us or to entrap us. Take time to read in Romans 8 about how we are positionally in Christ. Yet we forget how important the phrase, "In," becomes when placed next to Christ.

I do not want to allow the busyness of Christmas to so overtake me that I truly miss what Christmas is all about. Do not allow any spiritual pride to well up inside of you that you think, "oh that will not happen to me." That is pure arrogance because I believe with all my heart and being that this particular time of the year, the enemy and his legions of demons work overtime to distract, to disturb, to discourage and to detour believers in Christ. What we can do is to deliberately prepare ourselves for this battle and yes, it is a battle.

There are several ways, our family prepares our hearts for this time of the year. Early, we begin by placing our Christmas books in baskets throughout our home. Christine has many Christmas books which we have purchased over the years. In fact, each year, we buy one or two to add to her collection. In her room, we place them in a large basket and each night we read one to her. Sometimes, we read them during the day as well. It is something she looks forward to each year.

For Rob and myself, we place our books that deal especially with the Advent themes and have them readily available so as to draw our attention to the Savior. Each year, I take a particular book and read through it each day during the month of December. So as not to allow the list of these books to be overlooked within this text, I will list them in another posting. Some of still in print while some are not.

Just recently, I found one at the Family Christian Bookstore entitled, "The Experience of Christmas - Family Devotions and Activities to Prepare the Heart." It is by Lee Warren and cost $3.97. You can find it in the Bargain Section. This book is geared for family devotional times during the Christmas season. There are some that have that focus while there are some that can be used for personal reflection and meditation. As to what book the Lord will have me use this year, I do not know. It would be easy to use what I have used in the past. And God very well might direct me that way. However, I do not want to allow myself to be in a rut and not be able to see and know what God wants me to learn this Advent season.

Of course, we decorate our home and our trees. Yes, trees. Christine has a tree in her room with "Adornaments," on it. We have other small trees throughout the house. One thing we did when Rob was pastoring. We had a Christmas Open House. We placed a table top Christmas tree near the front foyer. As folks dropped in, they wrote on cards blessings that had experienced during the year and placed them on our "Blessing Tree." It is fun to read those cards now because some of the folks have gone on to Heaven. What a treasure we have in Christ and in those memories.

In one of the family magazines from LifeWay, there was a suggestion as to how to utilize Christmas Cards. One family placed them in their "Prayer Box." After Christmas they prayed for the families they had received Christmas cards from. We have done something similar.

Last year, one of the neatest blessings came when we had another family over for Christmas evening. After the meal, we gathered around the piano and sang Christmas Carols. I encourage all families to find a Christmas Carol songbook or a hymnals so as to be able to sing these wonderful songs together or even individually. What a wonderful addition to your personal time with the Lord. Your Bible, journal, prayer list and hymnal.

Tonight, we began listening to Christmas CDs in our car. We take out our regular CDs that we keep in the car and replace them with Christmas ones. Thereby, having a myriad of songs to listen to and sing along with. This too keeps us more focused.

Some years, we did not have a lot of money to buy presents so we sent out several Christmas cards. In our culture, it seems that some years, Christmas cards are not sent out as much. Perhaps with computer cards and sometimes our culture becoming more impersonal, this is diminishing. The reasons are many but one I do believe is that we allow ourselves to be "TOO BUSY."

My challenge to each of us is not to allow "Christ" to be squeezed out of Christmas. That we Christmas season would be joyous and not burdensome. It will not happen by chance or by osmosis. It will happen when we deliberately and intentionally seek the Holy Spirit to harness our hearts, minds, and eyes whereby seeing only JESUS!

Determine to prepare your heart for Christ. Even if it means doing less or not attending too many Christmas parties. The old adage, "less is best," is true. Do not let others hear your whine during the Christmas season. Oftentimes, when we whining, we are over scheduled and overbooked thus making it virtually impossible to do what we had initially set out. Ouch! Tis true and you what I'm talking about.

Let this be our motto this Christmas, "You will guard him and keep in in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. Isaiah 26:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

Joy to the World! Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room!

Jesus is God's Gift to the World!

When All Fails . . . Read The Directions!

In our technological day and age, we oftentimes find ourselves inpatient and in a tremendous rush to accomplish our goals we have established our lives. Even to the point, we rush rough-shod over others.

Consider this example, recently we had invited a dear friend over for lunch and I needed to prepare 2 desserts. As I read the directions for the pound cake, it clearly stated, that if you loaf pan is too small, please use two. Otherwise, it will overflow. Well because I needed to prepare the other dessert, I chose to overlook that instructions and wah-lah, it overflowed. Each of us are are familiar with that lovely smell of burnt batter. Yummy! I think not. All because I was in too big of a hurry and decided to do it my way.

You would think that I would learn my lesson . . . quite the opposite my friends. I found an Apple Gingerbread Recipe from the apple cookbook our land lady in Schenectady, New York had given us. I knew I had all the ingredients so I begin to follow the directions. So I thought until I rechecked the amount of molasses that should be measured for the recipe. In clear print it stated, "2/3 cups molasses." Instead, I used the 1/2 cup instead of the 1/3. If it were dry measurements, it might be a little easier. Needless to say, the volume of sticky molasses made it interesting at best. I could blame it on my age or not having my glasses on. Bottom line, I was trying to do too many things at once and was in a big hurry.

Likewise, dear ones, we do this so often in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We go to our local Christian bookstore or on line to see what is the most popular book or books that folks are reading. My late Dad always admonished me when he stated, "beware when all men speak well of you." If your criteria is because it's the most favorite author or book to read; then your rationale is not a true test for discernment. When we neglect to discern, we put ourselves at risk to be tricked by the enemy and those who are trying to re-think the Gospel. God's Word never changes and if we change one word, we water down the message and thus we have ERROR.

Think back to our days in school whenever the teacher and/or instructor gave a "true or false," test. If one portion of the statement was false, then the whole statement is false.

Paul writes in this in 1 Corinthians 1:11-16 ~
~ 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

~ 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.

~ 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].

~14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

~ 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

~ 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.] AMP

The veil was torn and we can go boldly to the Father through Jesus Christ. We do not need a professional to interpret Scripture. We can read and understand the Scriptures. The reality is that we substitute devotional readings for actual Bible study. Oh that we would have a new joy for God's Word and to truly hunger after His righteousness. Rather than just going for what is newest and best thing with "popular Christianity." Please read along with me from 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

~ 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),

~ 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. AMP

Where the problem lies is that we have become "spiritually unfit and just plain lazy," in the Christian disciplines. Where Scripture is clear, we either water it down or have "selective hearing as well as selective reading." Martin Luther believed the person in the pew could understand God's Word. What we need is not more trendy, popular, ear-tickling literature but for Christians to humble themselves before our Holy Father and repent and "read the instructions!"

Consider these words pinned by the Apostle Paul from 2 Timothy 2:15-16.
~ 15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. AMP

Does God's Word change? Absolutely Not! Can we improve on it? Certainly Not! I think in the quest to be "producers," we have missed the mark immensely. In John 12:32, Jesus said, "And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself." AMP

We often hear folks in churches say, "it's not about me, but about Him." Really? If it was truly about Him and what Scripture actually says, our attitudes and mindsets would be totally different. God is a personal God but He is not some one's "best friend, chummy type person." I want to crawl out of my skin whenever I hear God reverenced with such informality.

When I think of the old hymn, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." My head is not lifted up nor my ego, in fact, the song causes me to ponder my sinfulness and just how holy my God. Back during my seminary years (1980-1983), Dr. William Reynolds gave us caution to some of the lyrics of Christian music. That some songs have become "me focus" instead of "God focused." What sage wisdom he gave us.

My closing thoughts are, are you living your life in and for Christ? Or are you checking to see what the latest "Christian or most popular "buzz words" are? Please keep in mind that whatever is truly done for Christ, His way, will last. Our Lord does not need a "new improved Gospel," or "Gospel-Lite." He needs godly men and women to get serious about reading, heading, obeying God's Word. I do believe we have lost our spiritual GPS and accept just any kind of direction just as long as it has "Christian" attached to it.

Remember, the road is narrow and few there be that find it. And yes, you might at times feel alone but as a blood bought believer, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Do not allow the enemy to trick you.

To conclude, let's read Ephesians 6:10-24. I encourage you not to glibly read over it and perhaps say out loud, "I already know this passage or have read it." God Word is a two edged sword, beware my friend whenever giving into pride or "spiritual elitism." Haughtiness is not one of the fruit of the spirit. Christ has allowed me some field experience in this area. Some lessons have been learned the hard way while others have been a little easier. I think of Pastor Maurice Timberlake, he was indeed a man of true humility. Guess what? Never did we hear him state how humble he was. I believe once we say we're humble, then we are not.

~ 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

~ 11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

~ 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

~ 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

~ 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

~ 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa 52:7.]

~ 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

~ 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

~ 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

~ 19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),

~ 20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.

~ 21 Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything.

~ 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts.

~ 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one).

~ 24 Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be). AMP

A "M & M" Advance

Oh yes . . . my favorites M & Ms! I like the peanut kind especially. You might be thinking . . . has Kathy lost her mind or is she having some special craving for candy? Neither. What I am talking about is a "Mom and Me Advance." We are calling it "an advance" because we are not retreating, but helping our daughter transition into "Christian Adolescence." We are scheduling some uninterrupted time, whereby we can deviate from our regular routine; engage her in dialog and give attention to her needs and answer her questions.

Earlier, we had thought about driving over to Tennessee to attend a special event for Moms and Daughters. It would have been wonderful, but the timing was not compatible with our family schedule and too far to drive for a half day event. Meanwhile, Rob and I have been praying for several months about a time for Christine and I to get away for some special "Mom and Me," time.

At first, I thought I would wait until our weekend was completed before sharing this idea with you. Instead, I want to be transparent and share this journey with each of you. You know how it is when the Lord answers your heart cries, you want to share it with others. In sharing this, neither Rob or myself believe there IS NOT not an "one size fits all," plan. This is what we are planning to do and perhaps God will use it as a spring board for your family. If that is the case, we rejoice in the Lord.

Back in June, we attended the HEAV Convention. During our jaunt through the Curriculum Hall, we stopped at the "Daughter 4 God," booth. I had a delightful conversation with Joy Moore who wrote the book, "Lady Day, Letters to a Daughter About Becoming a Woman." As you can imagine, I felt like clicking my heels and doing the happy dance right there. One thing for sure, you either have already had these conversations with your "gents" or "ladies" or will in the not so near future. The key is to become equipped with accurately and biblically based information. Please keep in mind that each child is unique and how they assimilate information will vary.

The key is to know your child and to determine what works best for them and your family. Ask other parents who share the same "biblical worldview," what they did. We learn from one another, don't we? I am thankful for the godly ladies that God has brought my way my fifty years of living.

As we are planning for this weekend, is there a temptation to load up all the books we have on this subject and bring them? Yes. Would that overwhelm her? Indeed! My wise husband, Rob is giving leadership to this endeavor and is overseeing my planning time. Last night, he advised me to use the book, "Lady Day," because it is short enough and has just the right amount of information to use for our "M & M Advance." Ladies, are we not thankful for godly and wise husbands? I know Rob and I balance one another.

Perhaps you are like me, you know what happened to you during your transformation but you are in a quandary insofar as how to explain it to your daughter or daughters. I do not pretend to have all the answers or to know what is best because a lot of this is uncharted waters for me. Yet I am confident the Lord will provide because He gave us a daughter and promises to give us wisdom when we ask.

Moms, we must seize the moments to share accurately and biblically these wonderful days of "beautiful girlhood," with our daughters. If we do not, the world will. One only has to just watch TV, view the popular magazines at the checkout counter, watch current movies and go clothes shopping with your pre-teen or teen to see the decline in our culture. We are in the world, to be sure, but Scripture strongly exhorts us to be not of the world.

Do not love or cherish the world or the things
that are in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
love for the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh
[craving for sensual gratification]
and the lust of the eyes
[greedy longings of the mind]
and the pride of life [assurance
in one's own resources
or in the stability of earthly things]
--these do not come from the Father
but are from the world [itself].
And the world passes away and disappears,
and with it the forbidden cravings
(the passionate desires, the lust) of it;
but he who does the will of God
and carries out His purposes
in his life abides (remains) forever.
1 John 2:15-17 (Amplified Bible)

We desire for our daughters to be modest and have a style of their own. I do not want Christine to dress is the Gothic type colors neither do I want her to have the "Little House on the Prairie" look. I desire balance and we are asking the Lord each step of the way to help us. Besides, He is interested in every area of our lives so why not ask Him to give specific directions. He will.

So back to the plans for our upcoming, "M & M Advance." Here are some ideas that we will be using.

* Reserve a hotel room for 1 to 2 days
* Send an invitation to Christine in the mail
* A definitive schedule but flexible enough to be enjoyable
* 11 letters from 11 godly ladies; placed in a decorative box for her to read
* Bible
* Book ~ "Lady Day," by Joy Moore
* Bags of M & Ms ~ theme prompt for the weekend
* Hair and skin care time; pampering time
* Bring healthy snacks; exercise time
* Schedule shopping time
* Devotional time and prayer time
* Conclude - worship service at one of our favorite churches
* Follow up - once home; make a special scrapbook to mark this event in her life and add to eat periodically; plus read some of the books I have listed under my sidebar "For Daughters & Moms."

So please pray along side Rob and myself as we put the final preparation for this special time for Christine and myself. Knowing that God has called us as a family to accurately, biblically train our daughter for Christ. We realize the days are passing too quickly and must redeem the time. We are confident that God will use this to bless our sweet Christine as well as myself. Likewise, we know that God will be able to use this to bless the lives of many Moms, Grandmothers and Aunts to help their daughters transition into "Christian Adolescence."

Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain
[because it is not lasting];
but a woman who reverently and
worshipfully fears the Lord,
she shall be praised!
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her own works praise her
in the gates [of the city]! [Phil. 4:8].
Proverbs 31:30-31 (Amplified Bible)

Who Gives You Affirmation?

I daresay, we all enjoy having folks affirm and encourage us. What if the folks you desire to affirm and encourage you do not follow through or forget about you? Then where do you get your encouragement?

Scripture is clear in that our hope is in Christ alone and not in man.

In Psalm 34:4, in the Amplified Bible, we read "I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. [Psalm 73:25; Matthew 7:7.]"

Read this passage again, but slowly word by word and phrase by phrase. It is tempting to come to Scripture and read it fast and say, "Oh I have read this before or I know what it means." Let's try this when we come to Scripture, ask the Lord to allow you to look at it as if you are reading it for the very first time. I am certain that new joy will emerge and just overwhelm you.

That is how I felt when I read Psalm 34:4 this morning. I think we all inquire but do we require Him out of necessity and on the authority of His Word? Yes, no and sometimes might be our answers. He is all that we need and He is all sufficient.

What fears do you and I have that the Lord needs to deliver us from? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those fear and ask Him specifically to deliver you from them.

Continuing on in Psalm 73:25, we read these encouraging words, "Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You." We may say it casually with our mouths but in our hearts, we know that we desire the approval of others. I know all too well that reality and it continues to be a painful struggle at times. I find myself disappointed in others and feeling so alone at times. Or feeling that folks like me for what I can do for them and not for who I am. Perhaps it may be true in some cases but I do believe many times, it's the enemy taunting me and discouraging me. Then again, I do believe some of the lessons the Lord teaches us are painful and if we persevere through them with Him, they will reap a harvest of joy and peace.

In Matthew 7:7, we read this, "Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you."

A line from an old hymn states, "take it to the Lord in prayer." Corrie Ten Boom said, "whatever pit you are in, God is deeper still." Remember, whose you are and that you are "IN CHRIST."

Voddie Bauchman Jr, in his book, "Family Driven Faith - Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk With God," strongly encourages that families play Christian music that reminds us who we are and builds us up in the Lord. Plus it trains our minds to think on what Paul says, the whatsoevers in Philippians 4:8-9.

Guess what dear ones, "it won't happen by osmosis." It will take us deliberately turning our hearts, minds and wills to the Father.

Interesting note and perhaps not significant to anyone but myself. As I opened up my particular hymnal to prepare to type the words from the hymn, "The Solid Rock," guess what song is across the page from this wonderful hymn? "Jesus Loves Me!" What an incredible reality!

The Solid Rock

1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Refrain
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace;

In ev'ry high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

3. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

Refrain

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

As I have shared my heart with you, the Lord has refreshed me, redirected my thoughts and reminded me that He indeed loves me and that He's trustworthy.

Finally, the picture that I have placed in this posting is one I took at Greenfield Assisted Living this summer. It serves as a reminder of the passage found in Matthew 6:28-29. Take the time to read it and you too will be encouraged as well.

Prescription For A Difficult Situation

Text: Psalm 37

A Personal Note ~ Throughout my Christian walk, God has blessed me with wonderful mentors who took the time to help me develop in Christ. This particular blog is a sample of one of the messages that our Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church, Houston, Texas preached during the time I was in seminary at Southwestern in Fort Worth, Texas. May the Lord use it to encourage each of you and as a gentle reminder of God's sufficiency in your lives.

Promise - Availability of our Savior to meet our needs. No matter how difficult the situation is, God cares and is available and yes, we will survive.

3 Positions for the Prescription

1. Prayer
2. Praise
3. Perseverance

7 Part Prescription to a Difficult Situation

1. Do not fret, verse 1
2. Trust in the Lord, verse 3
3. Feed on His faithfulness, verse 3
4. Delight yourself in the Lord, verse 4
5. Commit your way to the Lord, verse 5
6. Be still and rest in the Lord, verse 7
7. Cease from anger, verse 8

A Reminder - Through long-suffering, we learn to discover the heart of God.

Additional B-12 Passages That Compliment This Prescription

• Proverbs 12:25
• Proverbs 12:18-19
• Proverbs 4:13, 20-27
• Psalm 141:3-4
• I Peter 3:7

Key & a Must - Pray about every situation!

Questions To Ask Yourself?

1. What does God say?
   
   * Turn the other cheek; Matthew 5:39
   
   * Forgive 70 x 7; Matthew 18:21
   
   * Feed on Jesus; John 6:48-71
   
   
2. What would Jesus do?
   
   
3. What would you have me to do Jesus?

Always remember, we must be redemptive! We can't but Jesus CAN!

God is greater . . . Matthew 23:27; take a peek at Jesus' confrontation. He gets to the heart of the matter; thereby true change occurs.

Other supporting passages: Colossians 2:13 and Ephesians 4:32. Apart from the Lord Jesus Christ living in and through us, we will cave in any difficult situation. Sometimes, they occur because of self-affliction, at the hands of others or the Lord is allowing it to occur to strengthen our faith. Regardless how they come to each of us, we are to abide in Christ and trust Him to see us through.

Along with prayer, I have found immersing myself in God's Word is paramount. It is vital that we call to remembrances of God's faithfulness our pasts, presents and in the future. The enemy would deceive us and cause us to have a form of spiritual amnesia. Please take the time to read 2 Peter 1 where Peter reminds us of our calling and our position in Christ.

A final thought from John 16:33 from Jesus Himself, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (Amplified Bible)

Does that not encourage your hearts today dear ones? My heart is encouraged and strengthen in the Lord. May yours be also.