Something New for the New Year!

So, I had ambitions of writing a daily devotional . . . and then woke up to the reality that I just don’t have the ability to dedicate time for that right now in my jammed packed life. So many of my friends and family are in the same boat and don’t even have the time follow a blog like that. But what I can do is hop on the computer once a week and maybe offer something encouraging and fun for anyone who stumbles upon it! I am so excited for what this year brings to us all. I expect it to be great and I hope you do too!

December 17

Declaw the Devil

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. 1 Peter 5:8

We have had our cat for almost 10 years now. My husband and I rescued him and took him home when he was just a little biddy thing. He was so tiny, but had very sharp claws! Unknowingly, one night as I was lying on the couch watching TV, he was hunting my eyelashes. Without warning...he pounced on my face! Talk about scared and shook up! Soon after that, we declawed him!

Don't let the enemy catch you off guard. Know who you are dealing with and be prepared.

December 15

"Stuck-up"

Don't be stuck-up and think you're better than everyone else. Proverbs 30:13

This term, "stuck-up," was used a lot when I was in high school. You would think that adults would have outgrown this childish behaivor, but unfortunately...we all have not. Be kind to everyone!

December 14

Somebody's watching me...

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in GOD protects you from that.

Proverbs 29:25

Everyday people deal with the disabling fear of man, but can you imagine being in the public eye? You would have to truly understand this!

December 13

Friendships

Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond. Proverbs 18:19

When Chad and I make friends, we do so with the intention of keeping that friendship forever. We have several friendships that go as far back to childhood, teenage years, and even our young adult lives. Some friends have come and gone, but we always have a sincere heart to keep all of our friendships and make new ones as life goes on.

December 12

Who do you trust?

It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in GOD. Proverbs 16:20

One of the many neat definitions of trust is: Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. When we trust God we have confidence that he is going to take care of us.

December 11

Know it all

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Proverbs 3:5

December 10

The warmth of love this season

Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering. Proverbs 10:12

During the holidays, families from all over get together. This can often times set a stage for bickering and fighting. Be inspired to promote peace and love this season, no matter how difficult it seems.

December 9

Don't sweat the small stuff

The decisions of GOD are accurate down to the nth degree.
Psalm 19:9

God cares about those little details in life. Know today that God will take care of the small things in our lives as well as the big things! They both matter to Him.

December 8

Simply Delightful!

Discipline your children, you'll be glad you did - they'll turn out delightful to live with. Proverbs 29:17

This makes me wonder how delightful I am to live with. However, I do feel that my children are very delightful!!!

December 7

Safety in God

GOD's name is a place of protection - good people can run there and be safe. Proverbs 18:10

We should turn to God for our security and not rely on people, money, or things to make us feel safe.

December 6

Don't be an answering machine

Answering before listening is both stupid and rude. Proverbs 18:13

Have you ever had people try and guess what you are trying to say...it can be frustrating because you just want to tell them something without all the guesses. I'm sure God feels that way with us sometimes too.

December 5

Avoid gossip

Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? Proverbs 18:8

Candy can be fun to eat, but it is bad for your health! Likewise, gossip can be fun to listen to; however, the stories can damage your soul.

December 3

Know it all

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights. Proverbs 18:15

There is a problem when you think you know everything...

December 1

If you want to eat...you have to work

Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder. Proverbs 16:26

I am kind of amazed at how many men, young and old, don't work. Who is feeding them?

November 30

I Like Where I'm At!

Don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.

 I Corinthians 7:17

I can remember wishing that I was someone else and dreaming of a life so different. I don't do that anymore. I look at my life now and I am so grateful. I would not want to trade places with anyone!!! I hope everyone finds that place in their life too!

November 29

Wise and on and the rise

The wise accumulate wisdom; fools get stupider by the day. Proverbs 14:24

Fools are people who don't learn from their mistakes. They continue to go back to things that are not good for them. Wisdom is so valuable because it keeps you moving forward.

November 28

Know it all

Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge, talkative fools broadcast their silliness. Proverbs 12:23

Everyone knows someone who thinks they know everything or that need to be right all the time. I am not sure why people have that need, but we should be okay within if we don't know all the answers.

November 27

Raise the Roof

Celebrate GOD. Sing together - everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof! Psalm 32:11

What a fun way to think about it! Get loud people! Let God know how much you care!

November 26

Thankfulness

Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him. Psalm 28: 7

Today is Thanksgiving! This holiday is my very favorite celebrate. I love having my family together. I love having a day to be thankful all day long and love on those around. This is a very special day to me and brings me peace every year all day long. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving as well.

November 25

Peace

Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. Proverbs 15:18

I aspire to keep the peace. This is something that does not come natural for me. As wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends...we should be the peacemakers.

November 24

Trouble

A good person is saved from much trouble; a bad person runs straight into it.

Proverbs 11:8

Do you know people who are always dealing with trouble? Most of the time, there is a good reason for it. Bad things do happen to good people, but when there is trouble in a person's life on a continuous basis, then they could possibly be doing something wrong. If you are finding yourself in trouble a lot, take a step back and see where you are at.

November 23

Be easy to work with

Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square! Proverbs 11:26

Some people are a blessing to others and some people enjoy being difficult and are selfish. Let us try and be the blessing in other people's lives.

November 22

Integrity

GOD can't stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity. Proverbs 11:20

Integrity is important. We should strive to do the right thing in every situation.

November 21

Blessings from God

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. II Corinthians 9:8

Today is my oldest daughter's 7th birthday. She was my first born and needed special attention for a couple of weeks after her emergent birth. She was called a miracle by so many of the doctors and nurses that took care of her! God's grace was on us during all of that, and every year I thank God for my daughter and what He brought us through! His blessings truly are astonishing!

November 20

We are nothing without God

We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it. Proverbs 16: 9

Our God given abilities help us to do the things we dream of.

November 19

Reality on Money

Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich.
Proverbs 16:8

This seems to be something that everyone should know, but sometimes I wonder when I watch goofy people on reality shows trying to win money by being manipulative and deceitful! We have lost our moral compass as a society! Money is not the most important thing in life! People are!

November 18

Be understanding...

Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master. Colossians 3:18

We should try and be apart of the great things in our husband's lives. We do these things because God wants us to and because of the love that is shown to us. One thing that anyone can be for someone else is to be understanding and show support. When we do that for our husbands, we then honor God.

November 17

What kind of person are you?

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! James 1:22

I have a friend who works with a boss who is a "so-called Christian" and does not treat their customers or employees fair. She also works with a different boss who is an Atheist. Even though she does not agree with his beliefs, he is the better boss to work for because he treats customers and employees well. Isn't that disappointing!!! It is so gross to me because we all know how true it is. Of course, we are all sinners, but we have a resonsibility as humans to be kind to one another. Try and make your witness count.

November 16

Horn of plenty

Cornucopias of praise, praises springing from the city like grass from the earth.

Psalm 72: 17

During fall, I always receive art work from my kids and at least one of them will be a cornucopia. My oldest tells me that it means horn of plenty. When I came across this scripture, I was tickled to see the use of cornucopia. It is a beautiful picture of our love for God especially during this fall season.

November 15

JUST KIDDING...

People who shrug off deliberate deceptions, saying, "I didn't mean it, I was only joking," are worse than careless campers who walk away from smoldering campfires.

Proverbs 26:18-19

I love this example because I feel that "just joking" is a terrible "out!" Everyone has been told this and everyone has used it on someone else. Sometimes ... sorry is the better choice instead of shifting the blame off of you and back towards the person who was hurt by the statement. We can do better.

November 14

Wake up Lazybones

Just as a door turns on its hinges, so a lazybones turns back over in bed.

Proverbs 26:14

Oooops! Guilty of this way too many times!!! Join me in my effort to shake the lazybones off in life!

November 13

Every little thing is gonna be alright...

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.

Proverbs 12:25

Women are facing a lot of anxiety everyday. Positive and encouraging words help us to weaken the worry and fear that we all deal with on a daily basis. Ask God for a word everyday that can bring peace when you need it the most.

November 12

Be yourself in worship

John 4:23-24

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

On our way to school every morning, we listen to Christian music on the radio. As I was making our one last turn towards the school, I happened to notice my little first grader singing with her eyes closed. At first I thought something might be wrong, but I realized that she was worshiping God with her eyes closed. There is nothing more precious to a momma than seeing her daughter worshiping God all on her own...not even in church...just because she wants to!!!

Remember to spend time with God. We can't use the excuse that we are too busy, because if my first grader can do it all her way to school, then we can find a moment to worship God on our own as well!

November 11

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

For Veterans Day, my daughter's school does a big celebration and invites guest speakers each year to share. This year was amazing! We had Col. James Harding sharing his experience during a rescue mission to save a Marine pilot named Clyde Smith who had been shot down in Laos over "one of the hottest segments" of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The rescue was deemed next to impossible!!!

The story was simply beautiful showing the efforts for several days to rescue this one man. He shared that he loved America because we value life!!! As he shared in detail all that happened, you could not help but picture the love of Jesus. Col. Harding and his men did rescue Clyde Smith, and no one was hurt during the mission. No one involved gave up! They didn't let the enemy's advantage take over.

We can find ourselves selfish at times and even complain about our country and its leaders. We are an awesome country with great men and women who serve to make it better and safe everyday! We should remember them in our prayers and help their efforts any chance we get. Don't spend your time complaining about America! Be thankful that you live here.

To read more on his story check out this link...Col. James Harding and his story

November 10

Take Notes on Love

1 John 3:18

My dear children, let's not just talk about love, let's practice real love.

During my morning drive, I heard the most precious story. A little 7-year-old girl had died of cancer and since then, her parents have found several little love notes hidden all over their house. Their daughter left her parents all of these notes for them to find! I was completely choked up after hearing this. Wow! How thoughtful for a young person to think of others in a time when she was in need. That is true love! It makes me think how easy it is to let people know how much you care. If a 7-year-old with cancer can take the time to show her parents how much she loves them, then I can leave at least one note for my husband to find, or call my parents, or help a friend! I can do something to make someone feel better! I hope this story inspires you as much as it did to me!

November 9

It is okay to be yourself

Matthew 23: 11-12

"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty."

There is so much satisfaction in just being you. It seems like such a simple statement, but it is so powerful! I don't know why people have a hard time with this. You are asking for trouble when you try to be like someone else. It distorts who you are and people can't be blessed by the real you.

Stop trying to hold back the potential that is inside of you. There is freedom in being yourself.

November 8

Learn to Love

Ephesians 3: 17

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love.

Sometimes it is just hard to be nice when you are not in a nice mood. And, when someone is rude...it is even more a challenge!! God wants our feet planted firmly on love...all the time. Sometimes Christians are the worst at being nice! As Christians we should show be experts on love. We are all loved in our "ugliness." Show kindness today!

November 7

Need a Hug?

Psalm 91: 14

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll give you the best care if you'll only get to know and trust me."

I love hugs! You can show someone a little bit of love by just putting your arms around them and giving them a little squeeze. It just makes you feel secure somehow.

One year we took our children to Sea World and they wanted to ride the Shamu Express. It was a small rollercoaster for children, but a rollercoaster still! My youngest was 3 years old and wanted to go on that the most. So I rode with her. This was their first rollercoaster to ride. Needless to say, I held on to her for dear life! They had us all strapped in secure, but that was not going to stop her momma from holding on still.

God says that if you hold on to me tight, then I will take care of you. We can fully trust in God to take care of us. He is stronger than us, bigger than us, and much much wiser than us! Let God hug you today!!!

November 6

Don't be afraid to give thanks

Psalm 92:1

What a beautiful thing, GOD, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God.

Thanksgiving is approaching fast and I hope people are sharing with others what they are thankful for. The phrase in this scripture/psalm is referring to giving public acknowledgment or praising God verbally in a public setting. Don't be afraid to share with other what God has done in your life. We don't have to be obnoxious about it, but we should tell others what great things God does in our lives. Thanksgiving is a choice to focus on the positive and an attitude that is humble and loving. Have gratitude today. Share with at least one person why you are thankful. It could be contagious.

November 5

Good Morning

Psalm 5:3

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.

Every morning when I wake up still snug in my bed, I pray over my day and thank the Lord for all that I have. I believe every day is going to be a great one. I tell my girls as we are rushing out the door and headed to school that today is going to be a great day.

Every single day is a great day because the Lord made it. So, you might as well rejoice over it and declare it to be so!

November 4

No naughty list

Psalm 32:1

Count yourself lucky - GOD holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him.

Having a shameful secret is awful! You don't want anyone to know the terrible things you have done. But the reality is, we have all done things we are not proud of and God knows them all. We don't have to hide anything from God. He loves us anyway.

My youngest daughter, who is 4 years old, was explaining to me about Santa's naughty list after watching a Christmas cartoon. She seemed a little concerned about being on it. I assured her that she was not naughty and that Mommy does not have a list like that. She then quickly replied, "BUT, SANTA DOES!" 

Santa might have a list of who is bad and good, but just as I don't have a list on my children, God doesn't either. Jesus tore that list up! 

Have freedom today knowing that you are forgiven once you confess your sins to God and accept Jesus as your Lord.  

November 3

Working hard

Psalm 90:17

And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do.

Work is something that is very important in our lives. God wants us to work. When you need rest then rest. But don't be a lazy bum! When your house is a wreck, make time to get it back in order. When things at work are piled up then work hard to finish.

Be proud of your work. If you don't like your job, then search high and low for a better one. I love how our pastor used to say to men, "If you don't have a job, then your job is to find a job!" We are made to put our hands to something.

November 2

Be ready to hear

Proverbs 19: 20

Take good counsel and accept correction - that's the way to live wisely and well.

I love sitting and listening to stories from my Grandmother. I do not agree with everything she says all the time, but most of what she shares with me are like precious pearls of wisdom that speak to the innermost parts of my soul.

Sometimes sitting and listening to people who have plenty of life experience is so valuable. I learns so much from elders around me. They inspire me to live life to the fullest. I only hope one day to be as wise and gracious as many generations before me. Sometimes counsel and correction is found when you are not looking for it. 

November 1

Do as I do...

Deuteronomy 30: 19

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live.

We, as parents, determine the direction of our children's future. It sounds so simple to choose life, but yet not everyone does.

Be a good example to your children and don't spend your day complaining about things. Make a difference. Put in action things you want to make better. Raise children who love life and strive to make it a better place instead of being an expert on criticizing it.

October 31

Enjoy Life...or what's the point?

Psalm 90:12

Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!

We should make everyday count! Enjoy life! Appreciate those you have in your life such as you friends and family. Give back. Show love! Do things you love. Take the time. Count your blessings and be a blessing!

October 30

The story of the lost coin

Luke 15: 8-10

"Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' Count on it - that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God."

When first reading this, I didn't quite get it. Now days, if I drop a coin, it is not worth the searching and looking; however, back when this was written, the coin was referring to a day's wage! Now that is worth some searching on my part.

The point of this story is to show the search! There is a lot of detail in describing how hard the woman is looking for the ONE coin that is lost.

You count! You matter! All of heaven rejoices when someone reaches out to God! Like I mentioned yesterday, people are important! They are valuable!

October 29

People are what matters

1 John 2:15

Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father.

I try and remind myself and my family that people are what matter! Sometimes we can get so focused on our own plans that we miss an opportunity to show kindness to someone else. We always like to blame the children in our lives for being the selfish ones, but this can rise up in adults as well. We should show love to one another every chance we get. People are hungry for love. Don't put a higher priority on things than you do people.

October 28

"I'm here to PUMP, YOU UP!"

Psalm 121:1

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Sometimes we look for strength in ourselves, and we can't find any! What we must realize is that we are looking in the wrong place. Our strength, real strength, comes from God alone, our creator.

Muscles don't match up to the power of God. I have seen large men fall apart in trouble times while small women rise up with a sense of power within because they know where their strength comes from.

When you are facing something that makes you feel weak, then rely on God's strength to get you through.

October 26

The everyday ordinary life stuff

Romans 12: 1 (The Message)

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

We can make everyday count! Putting God first in our life makes our life so much more meaningful. We all have a purpose even when we don't see it. I love how God cares about the little things, the ordinary everyday life stuff! He does care! He knows what you deal with and don't deal with. Know that you are important and loved by God. Make your life an offering to God!

October 25

Shut-up?

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (The Message)

Don't shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think. Don't be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear. God's in charge, not you- the less you speak, the better.

Growing up, I had to learn to speak up. Once I grew up, I had to learn to "shut-up," for a lack of a better word. I think we have all said things we regret and have been around people wishing they would just relax and be quiet. I think as women, sometimes this scripture is just a challenge even though we know it to be true. Women need to talk; however, it would do us good to think on it for a little while longer before being loud to just be loud. I make it my personal goal to continue my efforts on less speaking...here goes nothing!

October 23

Seasonal

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.

This scripture breathes life to my soul. There is something so comforting to know that our lives are sectioned out by seasons of time. It gives me hope for my tomorrows. With this wisdom, I can be assured that times in my life were never wasted. The schooling, studying, dreams, and experience will be used when the time is right. I won't be a stay-at-home mom forever...which is exhilarating and sad to me all at the same time, but a big portion of my life, never-the-less. I will never be a newlywed again, but get to experience a 10 year wedding anniversary next year. Having a "bikini" body was a wonderful experience, but it has said its goodbye. All of these things are a collection of my personal life, and I get to look back and look forward with a smile on my face. I hope everyong gets to enjoy their lives and find hope, find inspiration, and understand that things are seasonal.

October 22

Chased after

Psalm 23: 6

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.

I just love these words. As we are sheep in the field being watched over and provided for by God, instead of being hunted down by wild animals, we are chased after by God's love and beauty. He showers us with love that is completely and in no way deserved. His love is so great and full that we are overjoyed resting in His mercy and kindness. Feeling at home with God is like no other. Where else would you possibly want to be?

October 21

Special Treatment

Psalm 23: 6

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head, my cup brims with blessing.

Six-course dinners are not the usual dinner plans that I am use to. They are very special, and I would even describe them as luxurious. God wants us to know that we are worth so much! He will provide us with more than what we need...he gives us more than what we could want...he surprises us with great blessings and lavish treatment!!! We shouldn't hang our head down and think we are not worthy, God thinks better of us. He is generous to give us overflowing love and special treatment. Generosity is an expression of God's love! Don't think you are not fancy enough to sit at a table of such honor. Don't allow pride to keep you from receiving all that God wants for you.

October 20

No Worries

Psalm 23: 5

Even when the way goes through Death Valley,

I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

I just love how David continues to use the picture of a Good Shepherd. Death Valley represents any tough time in our lives. Sickness, sadness, death, or depression, God can lead you out of it. We don't have to fear, not even death itself because God walks at our side. He is always present and never leaves us. Shepherds would use their rods/staff to rescue their sheep. They also used them to guide the sheep in the right direction. Our sweet Shepherd is standing by us, guiding us, and protecting us from all harm.

Know today that God loves you, and He is stands over you protecting you as you go about your day. You are special to God.

October 19

RELAX

Psalm 23: 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

God knows how to restore our souls. He is gentle, kind, and loving. We just can't help but relax in is arms.

God wants us to take a break every once in awhile. We need to learn to just relax and even find humor in things. Don't be so serious all the time. We can't be focused 24/7 on getting work done or keeping ourselves busy. Take the time to get refreshed! Just RELAX! We all need it!!!

October 18

The Peace We Need

Psalm 23: 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.

Sheep are very skittish animals. The only way they can get comfortable to lay down is if they feel totally secure in their surrounds. Likewise, they don't like fast flowing water either and they spend their day looking down for food.

David's psalm shows another beautiful picture of how God takes care of us. He calms us, leads us to lush meadows, and quiet waters.

I find myself similar to these sheep from time to time. Sometimes I can be worrywart and have anxiety. There have been times that I just can't relax or even get to sleep. I think what we all can learn from the scripture is that God is taking care of us. With His love and protection, we can find the peace we need. He will supply us with abundance and his provision will enable us to relax. We are not on our own. Our shepherd is watching over us. He will take care of us. Find that peace that you need in Him.

October 17

Psalm 23:1 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

 1 Sam 16:19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse requesting, "Send your son David to me, the one who tends the sheep."

David's psalm, written to God, starts out with a picture of what he did in his youth. David, before becoming a King, was a shepherd. This was a great first job for a young man like David. He would learn to work hard, be dedicated, and unselfish. Some men would never change professions, which would make the responsibilities even more important if they wanted to be successful. David is a great example of what other young men should strive for. Humble beginnings are precious to God.

He compared what he knew in the natural to what God is like in the spiritual. He understood that with God watching over him, he would be taken care of. He shows his trust and confidence towards God.

October 16

Psalm 23 in The Message

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessings.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.

Psalm 23 is seen in a new light here in The Message. This is a beautiful psalm written by David to his Lord. He shows that he fully puts his trust in Him and receives great mercy from the King of all Kings.

There are six verses of scripture above that I will break down over the course of the next 6 days.

October 15

Home is where the heart is...
During the summer, I keep a watering can outside my front door so that I can wash my bare feet before walking back into my house. I really don't like dirty feet, and I don't like dirt tracked into my house. We always take our shoes off as to keep the carpet nice and clean.

One thing that is nice is that when we come into the house of God, we don't have to take our shoes off. We don't have to clean up. We don't even have to be on our best behavior because God knows us all to well. We are welcome in His home at any time, wearing anything, tracking in whatever is on us!

Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "God is in this place - truly. And I didn't even know it!" He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven." Genesis 28:17

October 12

Wise vs Smart

My husband has been debating going back to school now for many years. Parents all over spend tons of money on education for their children. The USA holds this as a high priority in our society. Chad and I are in agreement that our children will go to college no matter what!!! Education seems to be most people's goals at some point, but have you noticed that morality has taken a back seat?

Education is great, but wisdom will always be the better of two. Wisdom helps you to use the knowledge you gain in the best way possible. Wisdom should be our main goal in life.

Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. James 3: 17 (The Message)

October 10

Anyway . . .

On the TV sitcom, Friends, there is a corky, eclectic, child-like character named Phoebe who is always saying strange comments within the group. Usually after sharing her unusual insight, someone in the clan would say, "Anyway…" and they would move on from there. As a fan of the show, those clips crack me up!

There are times in life when something crazy comes to mind that we should not think on. There are times we might want to say something rude or be disrespectful, but we should resist the temptation to hurt someone. We all have bad ideas or thoughts that pop up in our head, and we need to just simply say to it, "Anyway…" and move on!

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (The Message)

October 9

The Beauty of Friendship

I had the privilege of hanging out with some really cool chicks last weekend. We spent the day shopping up and down a street in Fredericksburg. We peeked our heads into several great stores and ended up with some very cute things, but the gift I found the most valuable that day was friendship. I think women have this amazing ability to see the beauty in things including other women, having said that, we have a hard time seeing that beauty in ourselves. We can choose to compete with other women or choose to form loyal friendships that will enrich our lives for the better. I would encourage you to surround yourself with Godly women that can help you see the beauty that certainly lies within.  

Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on . . . Ephesians 10: 24, 25 (The Message)