It was a nice long weekend…

Sorry I haven’t written anything in a few days.  My husband and I have had a major case of the “Lazies!!!”  Brian took off work on Friday and had a total Jesus morning.  When I got home around 12:45 he was watching Dead Man Walking.  That is an awesome movie.  He said his day started out with watching a DVD by Lee Strobel, the watching The Passion of the Christ, then was watching Dead Man Walking.  He said everything he did, Jesus was there.  How cool is that?

Yesterday, we didn’t even go to church.  We got up late.  But I did leave the house at noon to go take pictures for some friends of ours that had family in from out of the states.  I have a few things to do to them and then I will have them on a website for them all to view and order the pictures of their choice.  It was a great day.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” John 17:15

Encouragement for Today

If you’re a parent, you can adapt Jesus’ prayer for his disciples to your own prayers for your children. You may feel a desire to take them out of the world, but Jesus models that the truer-to-reality request is that God himself would keep them safe from the evil one. Notice how this actually leads to more peace: rather than leaning on your own attempts to keep the world from your children, you entrust them to God’s care. You ask and then trust God to take care of them. Your role is to pray, not to shelter.

Hope everyone has a blessed day.  Keep pressing into Jesus!!! 

Can you believe it is already Thursday???

I can’t believe it is already Thursday.  This week has just been flying by.  Brian is going to take off work tomorrow, and I am going to go ahead and come into work.  I have reports that I need to take care of, but at least I get out around 12:30 pm.  Then I think I will take him out to lunch.

Last night was an interesting night.  We had our group and a new couple showed up.  Very sweet older couple.  I would say they are probably in their early 70’s.  The questions went well, everyone who answered had great answers.  Even the new couple answered a couple of questions.  One thing we started out the evening with was to “Be Still” and listen to God.  It is a hard thing to do, but it was very cool.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

[The woman said,] “All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.” “I have come to plead with my lord the king because people have threatened me. I said to myself, ‘Perhaps the king will listen to me and rescue us from those who would cut us off from the inheritance God has given us. Yes, my lord the king will give us peace of mind again.’ I know that you are like an angel of God in discerning good from evil. May the LORD your God be with you.” “I must know one thing,” the king replied, “and tell me the truth.” “Yes, my lord the king,” she responded. “Did Joab put you up to this?” And the woman replied, “My lord the king, how can I deny it? Nobody can hide anything from you. Yes, Joab sent me and told me what to say. He did it to place the matter before you in a different light. But you are as wise as an angel of God, and you understand everything that happens among us!” So the king sent for Joab and told him, “All right, go and bring back the young man Absalom.” 2 Samuel 14:14–21

Encouragement for Today

There was trouble in David’s family. Joab knew it, but David was in denial. Joab sent a woman to David to try to persuade him to reconcile to his son, Absalom. She based her argument on the way God himself is and the way he acts toward us. God the Father is always our example. The more we understand of him, the wiser our own decisions will be. David wasn’t acting like the God he trusted concerning Absalom. Joab and this woman forced David to deal with his family issues. We can’t ignore unpleasant realities, especially in our own families!

Hope everyone has a blessed day.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

I am so tired…

Every Monday night I go to bed around 8 or 8:30 pm.  Only because I get up at 4:15 am on Tuesday mornings.  Well for some reason, last night around Midnight, I woke up thinking I was running late.  Oh man, is that miserable.  So I rolled over hoping to get back to sleep and of course, I could hear every little things going on in the house or better yet our room.  I could hear the wind blowing like a fiend, and the house cracking from the wind.  Needless to say, I am so ready to fall into bed right now.  But we all know that isn’t how it is going to work.  I’ll get home, make dinner, read some of the word, watch some TV (The Biggest Loser), and not get to bed till after 9 pm.  Who knows how it is going to be.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

It’s not good to eat too much honey,     and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. Proverbs 25:27

Encouragement for Today

Do you deserve honors? Perhaps you do. Receiving them doesn’t seem to be the problem; seeking them does. Why? Perhaps because it’s so sweet to be recognized that it’s difficult to know when to stop. It’s okay to eat honey, but too much of it will make you sick, rot your teeth, and spoil your appetite for more nutritious food. So too, seeking honors for yourself can make you focus too much on yourself and not enough on God or other people. Receive honors if you deserve them. Just don’t seek them. There is a difference.

Does anyone ever feel that way?  Do you feel as though you deserve to receive honors?  Why are you looking for those honors?  I think when I do a job well, I enjoy it when my boss notices that I have been working hard and that I have done a good job.  Her recognition makes me feel good.  I don’t expect it, but I’m glad it gets noticed.  Just a few thoughts.

Have a good night.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

He is Risen…

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he is risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:2-7)

I Hope everyone has a great Easter and remembers the real reason on why we celebrate.  Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice for us.  I love you!!!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!!!  XOXOXO

Things are better…

I had been crying all day yesterday, reading in Proverbs where they are talking about that lying is an abomination to the Lord.  Man, talk about getting another kick in the butt.  When Brian got home from work, we decided to just move forward with our lives.  I was so happy with that.  So everything is good and I can say that I won’t ever do that again.  I still don’t know why I did it in the first place.

Tonight at group we are going to be doing our timelines.  I have been working on mine this morning trying to remember new things that have gone on to update my timeline.  I know that this will either really bother everyone, or they will all be fine with it.  It is definitely a 50/50 shot.  I’m really praying that everyone will be very open with this.  I know there are a couple of people that can’t make it tonight, and I wish they could, but I completely understand why they aren’t.  I’m kind of thinking tonight might not be a good day to do it since it is the day before Easter, but I guess we will see when we get there.   God will lead us in what we will be doing.

If the cross—willingly suffering at the hands of the powers—is such a central message to the Gospels, the church will need to reconsider its political worldview. the cross wasn’t a politically triumphant “reclaiming Israel for God” or a prideful assertion of Israel’s privilege in the world. Rather the cross is the sign of God’s humble way in the world; instead of ruling the world through a sword, God would wash its feet with a towel. The crucifixion story is not only about Jesus’ suffering love. The biblical story carries us from believing in Jesus to imitating him. We join him in his way of the cross ( 2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”  Ephesians 6:10-11

Happy Easter everyone and remember to keep pressing into Jesus!!!  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

I am a bad wife…

I am going to confess here on the net.  Brian and I are fighting right now.  I don’t know why I did, but I lied to him yesterday.  First off, my cell phone fell and busted so 3 days ago, I purchased a cell phone for $26.50 off of eBay.  When I did purchase it, he was on the phone and I didn’t tell him about it.  Then yesterday I mentioned that I have found a cell phone.  He asked if I bought it and I told him I had bidded on it.  I have no idea why I didn’t just say yes and it will be here anytime.  So anyway, it was in the mailbox yesterday and that is where it all “hit the fan.”  Then I told him that I bought it 2 days ago and I am truly surprised that it had arrived.  So needless to say, we have not spoken to each other since last night.  Now we have been discussing on what we are going to do in our relationship.  I can’t believe I did that.  I am so stupid.  So that is my confession.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

If the godly give in to the wicked,     its like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. Proverbs 25:26

Encouragement for Today

There’s opposition between those who know God and those who do not. You can’t mix the values and the direction of life any more than you can truly mix oil and water. If we compromise with evil, we are no longer pure; we’re like a polluted fountain or muddied spring. How might you be compromising with wickedness? Is everything you do, watch, listen to, or take part in compatible with God’s standards? If not, what specific action can you take to restore and maintain purity?

Hmmm, I’ve been asking myself basically the same question.  Especially now that Brian won’t speak to me or even trust anything that I say.  Not that I don’t blame him, cause I don’t, but I don’t like this at all.

Take care…Love, love!!!

I can only imagine…

I’m sitting here listening to that song by Mercy Me.  Of course almost everytime I hear it, I cry.  I am a little emotional especially after last night at church.  The drama was with 6 guys.  1 was a narrator, 1 spoke as if he was Jesus and the other 4 portrayed, Pontius Pilot, the Pharisees, Judas, the Jews, and Peter.  They read the story of Christ’s crucifixion.  Of course, I just cry when I read it, watch it, hear it, etc.  So anyway, after hearing I can only imagine, it just makes me think of what it will be like to be in the presence of Christ.  How will it be?  Will I just keep imagining what it will be like to be with Him.  Here are the lyrics for those who don’t know the song.

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

[Chorus]

I can only imagine [x2]

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. The LORD loved the child and sent word through Nathan the prophet that they should name him Jedidiah (which means “beloved of the LORD”), as the LORD had commanded. 2 Samuel 12:24–25

Encouragement for Today

What an illustration of grace! David and Bathsheba’s first son died as a judgment against David’s sin. But when this second child was born, God sent Nathan the prophet to make a point of letting David know that God loved this child. Later we learn that this was the child who would succeed David, the child who would grow up to build a magnificent temple for the Lord. You may have to suffer some consequences of your own sinful choices, but remember this: God redeems even our most grievous sins and mistakes!

Have a great rest of the day.  God bless and take care!!!  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Community…

Tonight was New Community at church.  The auditorium was set up beautifully.  There were candles all over lit up, there was a cross up on top with a white cloth draped off of it, underneath the cross, there was a podium with a red cape along with a thorn of crowns.  Then there was another podium set up with a bowl that Pontius Pilot washed his hands in, and there was a table set up to look like the table of the last supper.  I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures of it.  I was really impressed this year.  I’m hoping that it will be set up that way on Easter Sunday also.

My husband was watching the kids in Tot Zone.  That would be from ages 2 to 5 I think.  I think he had fun, but he won’t tell you that.  He was telling me that all the little girls were wanting him to hold them.  I thought that was cute.  I did go into the Early Childhood Center to see if anyone wanted to take communion.  Nobody went, but I stayed and was holding one of the babies.  He was a very upset little boy.  But I got him to calm down.  A couple of the other adults told me that he wouldn’t take his bottle and that he was only taking his bottle for me.  He was playing with my necklace and that kept him occupied.

Anyway, I was just impressed with the way things went tonight.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”Nathan replied, “Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the LORD by doing this, your child will die.” 2 Samuel 12:13–14

Encouragement for Today

David confessed his sin and was forgiven, but there would still be serious consequences—his child would die, he would be publicly shamed, his own family will turn against him. God’s mercy allowed him to live, but his quality of life would be marred. When we’re forgiven, the worst, eternal consequences are lifted, but we may have to live with the natural, temporal ones.

Talk to you all later.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

What a day today was…

Today has just been one of those days.  It was definitely a Monday.  I have a lot that I need to do this week.  I have email addresses to add into the system, finish adding all the land development projects into a spreadsheet, etc. 

But Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to everyone.  Jules brought in Corned Beef, Colcannon, and a salad.  Everything was so yummy.  I love Irish food.  Did anyone go to the Parade?  I wish I would have gone, but I really didn’t want to be out in the rain.  I couldn’t believe how hard it was pouring today.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. 2 Samuel 11:1–4

Encouragement for Today

Did David fall into sin because he got lazy, and instead of going to war and leading his men, he lounged around the palace? Are you more likely to be tempted when you step off a path you know God has called you to walk? Are you more vulnerable to sin when life gets easy? These are questions to ponder as you seek to remain on the path of holiness.

Have a good night and I will talk to you later.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today has been a good day…

This morning went really well with the meeting that took place at the Downtown Airport.  Patty was very pleased with the way things have turned out.  I just want to hear how the whole meeting went with the other groups that came in from Denver and Lincoln.

We are getting ready to go over to dinner at another couples house.  I pray that everything goes well.  I know that God will be with us while we are there talking to them about how their marriage has been going this week and how life has been with the kids.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Your promise revives me;     it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:50

Encouragement for Today

God’s promises are meant to comfort. How? By reminding us that God never forgets us and that following him is worth it, no matter what we experience in this world. And by assuring us that no matter how things appear at any given moment, God is in his heaven; he’s in charge. He is good, just, loving, and powerful, and he’ll make all things right in his good plan and time. Rest in the comfort of his promise and be revived.

I believe that he will always be there for me and all of us especially when we need him the most, but do you truly trust God?  Dwell on that for a while.  I know it is hard to think about, but just try.

Gotta run, much love to all!!!!  XOXOXO