My light has been pretty dim the last few days.

I am most definitely a cold weather girl; I love fires in the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa, snuggly blankets, and fuzzy slippers.  But… I do not like the sickness that has been wreaking havoc on my family. 

At first we were sick one at a time, passing a bug onto one another from week to week.  However, this last week ALL of us have been sick and we are just plain tired of it!  I have been more than a little cranky.  To put it in the terms of my dear friend, “I’ve been walking around like I was baptized in lemon juice!” 

This all got me thinking about those who suffer with chronic or terminal illnesses.  I am especially thinking of those I know who  have gone or are currently going through such illnesses with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.  It amazes me how the Holy Spirit fills them up so completely that they overflow with His beauty.  No one  but the Lord Jesus Christ can have such an impact. 

This also makes me think how as believers, we are always  being watched.  We probably have no idea how many people observe how we handle different circumstances.  We have a wonderful opportunity to be witnesses to God’s life-changing, mind-altering power just by having an attitude of gratitude and a positive outlook no matter the situation. 

This is so much easier to type than to live out, but I am going to pray, asking my Heavenly Father to help me live a life that glorifies Him.  I love how I recently heard Beth Moore express a prayer that she prays for herself and her family: “Lord, please protect us from everything but Your glory!”

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Am I the only one constantly picking her jaw up off the ground?

Mondays are long days for me.  I do my usual stay-at-home mama duties in the morning and then I head out for an adventure in the land of collegiate learning.  My classes begin at 12:30 and do not end until 9:55.  For a girl who gets anxiety when her head isn’t on the pillow by 9:30, you can imagine that Mondays just plain take it out of me.  Sigh. 

Two days ago, I felt as though I was  living in the Twilight Zone.  But God said, “Nope.  You’re living in the world.”  (Okay, if you’ve been reading my blog for any time at all, you probably have noticed that I spend much of my day in conversation with God.  I tell Him everything!  And I am sure there are days He is tempted glue my lips shut!)  I digress.

So, back to Monday…

Here is just a list of things I observed that had me dumbfounded:

• As I am walking into a class, I hear two young men casually conversing about why they choose to smoke meth as opposed to heroine.  I am telling you, they seemed to not notice or care who overheard them. 
• I am headed into a classroom as I am walking down the hall, I  notice two young men in much more than a friendly embrace (to put it mildly).  Above them was a poster hanging on the wall detailing the life of the first openly gay Episcopalian Bishop including an invitation to a presentation on diversity.
• I listened to a professor explain that we would each be helping the national economy if we rack up credit card debt.  After all, it would be selfish not to do our part in helping our country and if we are not willing to do this, then we have no right to complain about the current conditions.
• And last but certainly not least, I am told by a Christian friend that it is important to listen to secular music, watch secular movies, and not be too “prudish” so that I am able to relate more to others. 

I am sorry but did I miss the part where God said that He didn’t really mean when He said we are in the world but we are not to be of the world? 

I spent the majority of my life being enmeshed in worldly things and the result was a crushed spirit.  I have had to draw a line in the sand as to what is and is not okay for my family and me. 

I try very hard not to judge others because if loving Christians hadn’t cared enough to reach out to a pit-dweller like me (to put it in Beth Moore’s terms), I would still be a very lost soul.

However, I am a firm believer that God accepts us just as we are but loves us to much to leave us that way.  Shouldn’t we be trying to influence the world instead of letting the world influence us? 

Okay.  I can breathe now.  I just had to get that off of my chest!

Making Your Home Sing Monday - I'm Baaaack!

Boy, have I missed the days of blogging like I used to.  What changed?  I know...

I went from being a part-time student to a full-time student.  I went from spending time thinking of how I could write about all the Lord is doing in my lift to spending time reading the status updates of my "friends" on Facebook.  I went from being organized and intentional to runnning around like a chicken with my head cut off.

Well, God has said, "Enough already, child... Get back to MY priorities for your life!"  Okay.  I didn't hear those words audibly but my soul did.

So, what I am doing this week to make my home sing?

I am not getting on Facebook for a full week.  I am going to devote the time I would normally spend Facebooking (can you believe it's a verb now?!) and spend it working on one thing in each of the priority areas of my life.:

God: Spend time each morning in His Word and with Him in my prayer closet.
My husband: Make his favorite fall recipe: White Lightning Chicken Chili.
My children: Play their favorite game, Operation, with them and NOT be in a hurry to get the next item checked off my to-do list.
My home: Iron the mountain of clothes currently adorning my ironing board.
My spiritual growth: Take time to do my bible study homework each day instead of trying to cram it all in on Wednesday before going to class.
Serving others: Hmmm... praying about this one.  We'll see what God has in store for me. 

How are you going to make your home sing this week?

May God bless you abundantly!

Heather

October is Over

I can hardly believe October has come and gone.  We did our usual Halloween thing again this year by trick-or-treating in my parents’ neighborhood.  My hubby grilled steaks and we enjoyed a fun  night of sugar overload! 

Lauren was a hippie and Logan was a pirate.

Since we’re going organic, I am trying to find a reasonable way to deal with the candy.  I think I am going to let them have a little bit of it on the weekends.  I do not want to be a freak about refined sugar, but God has definitely showed me how irresponsible I was regarding it and how I was teaching my children bad habits.  So far, we are all benefitting from our new ways.  What a blessing!

Our weekend in pictures….

 

We had such a great time this weekend!  What great memories!  Church, Faulkner’s Ranch, Buffalo Wild Wings, and home… just some of our favorite places to spend time together.

 

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Sugar shock

 Have I told you about my sweet tooth?  Have I told you how I have passed said sweet tooth onto my children?  Have I told you how many times I knew I SERIOUSLY NEEDED to kick my sugar habit?  Have I told you how many times I have resolved to kick the sugar habit only to end right back in the middle of a Hershey bar? 

People say, “oh, you can eat as much sugar as you want.  You’re thin,” but they don’t realize how terrible my diet is.  Because I eat so much sugar, I don’t eat other things because I don’t want the calories.  (Oh, yes, I am sure I have written about this before.)  So, my calorie intake stays at a good level, but it is a very unhealthy diet.  I mean VERY.  For instance, last Monday, I had a coffee with a packet of hot cocoa in it for breakfast.  A Zone Bar for lunch.  A mini bag of Reese’s Pieces for dinner. 

I have tried to be self-motivated by trying to get through my head that my body is God’s temple and that I am not being a good steward of my body by not taking care of it in a healthy way.  Still, no change. 

Then, last night happened. 

I had a parent-teacher conference with my daughter’s teacher (who is such a blessing to us) and it became very apparent that my daughter’s sugar intake is affecting her ability to focus.  My girl is very bright, but she practically jumps out of her own skin with hyperactivity.  I cried all the way home.  I knew I had hurt my daughter by setting a bad example for her and allowing her to overindulge on sugar.

I have always been afraid of her developing an eating disorder like I did so I never wanted to put limits on food.  Now, I realize how unwise that was. 

So, now my whole family is on-board with getting healthy.  I went grocery shopping today and my grocery cart looked much different than usual.  No more refined sugar (well, in very moderate portions).  Also, I am trying to cook as m uch from scratch as possible so I can eliminate processed foods. 

I truly wish I could have loved myself enough long ago so I would not have developed this problem and passed it onto my kiddos.  All I can do now, is repent and turn away from doing the wrong thing. 

One thing I finally understand is that this is not about will-power or trying harder or doing better.  This is about where my heart lies.  I surrender this to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to guide me through this and provide me the strength and discernment to make choices that honor Him and will help my family to be good stewards of the bodies the Lord has given us.

I’ll post our progress. 

In Christ’s love,

Heather

House projects, a good buy, and the view from my front window

We have spent the better part of the last year changing all the trim in our house from wood stain to white.  While I love the outcome, it was a much longer and more tedious process than I imagined.  Still, I love home improvement and paint is a pretty inexpensive way to redecorate.  Here is the ledge we just finished.  I am pretty pleased with how it turned out but now I need to get a window treatment and am not sure what I want.

 

We were in desperate need of a new comforter (after my two boston terriers wore out the last one) for our bed and I found this one at Target for 50% off!  I really liked it but it is not my hubby’s favorite.  After he heard that it was an  eight-piece queen set for $40, he decided it will probably grow on him.  It looks much shinier in this picture than it is in-person.  I am definitely not a fan of flash!  Ah, and there is the Terry Redlin print I talked Jeff into bidding on at Bass Pro.  He was certain we would not have the winning bid, but his wife knew better! 

Here is one of my favorite things about autumn: the beautiful color my maple tree turns. 

And last but certainly not least, here are my babies.  Lauren is teaching Logan about the computer reading program they use at school.  Sometimes, technology is a great thing! Have a wonderful weekend!

In Christ’s love,

Heather

Did you catch Dr. Phil?

For many years I was a Dr. Phil fan, then it started getting a little too much like the Jerry Springer Show so I stopped watching.  However, this season, the good ol’ doctor is back to giving practical advice to which I have really been able to relate.  The past two shows have especially interested me.  The one from yesterday on sibling abuse left my heart a little raw so I’ll have to write about that on another day.

On Wednesday, discussion topic was stay-at-home moms versus working moms.  Although I adore being stay-at-home mom, I had a big problem with the way one woman was self-righteous about staying home with her children and incredibly judgmental of women who work outside the home.  Why, as women, do we have such a propensity for tearing down one another instead of building up one another?  I don’t get it. 

I remember a time when all I wanted to do was be a stay-at-home mom, but I thought is was financially impossible.  Little did I know the plans God had for us so that I could stay home, but I know this is not the case for many women.  I know many friends who work outside the home while aching to be home with their kids.  I know friends who stay home and ache to be back in the work force.  I know friends who work outside the home and have no desire to be a stay-at-home mom. 

Here is my opinion on this:  I think children benefit from having a stay-at-home mom who WANTS to be at home.  I think if a woman stays home out of guilt, her kids will feel that and there will be a resentment that grows from that.  I think there are situations where, for financial reasons, a woman must work outside the home.  I also know that there are women who want to stay home but their husbands are not comfortable with that so they work outside the home.  I think we need to make choices that are best for us personally and stop judging one another.

In my situation, I would love to be a stay-at-home mom forever.  However, there are two reasons this is not going to happen.  One is that God has put a calling on my life to be an elementary teacher.  The other is that my husband has dreams of things he would like for us to be able to do as a family and I want to honor how he feels about that even if I do not completely agree.  So, my plan is that when my youngest starts kindergarten I will begin my teaching career. 

However, one never knows what tomorrow could bring.  My husband could lose his job and I would need to work outside the home.  We never know what circumstances will come our way which makes it especially important not to cast judgment. 

Many years ago I remember verbally judging someone for something she did and stating how awful I thought it was.  Wouldn’t you know that I found myself in those same circumstances about a year after making that statement. 

Let’s stop being so hard on each other and treat one another with the love and gentleness Jesus commanded us to.

 

In Christ’s love,

Heather

“Back up the truck, My child”

No, I don’t really think that’s how God put it, but as soon as I was ready to let blogging go, He said, “no.”  Why?  I was confused.  I really thought that’s what He wanted me to do.  I hadn’t been “feelin’ it” when it came to blogging lately.  Then He let me know it is NOT about my feelings.  It is about my attitude.

Okay.  This is just plain embarrassing, but I have not been one to hold back on writing about my shortcomings so why should this be any different?  I visit many blogs and, quite frankly, I just don’t feel like I measure up. 

I am not a gifted writer.  I am not an innovator of ideas for Christian living.  I do not have a lot of funny stories to share.  I am just an ordinary girl with a really ugly past who continues to be amazed by how God’s love covers all of my iniquities.  I really didn’t think I had much to share that anyone would be interested in. 

Then, the truth hit me:  pride and comparison!  That’s been my problem.  Yuck, yuck, yuck! 

It’s not about me; it’s about Him.  An audience of One. 

So, I guess I’m not going anywhere.  For now.  Unless He tells me otherwise. 

Men are right; women really do have a hard time making up their minds!

 

In Christ’s love,

Heather

I think I’m hangin’ it up!

I am being called away from the blog world.  I no longer have a focus and end up spending time on the computer that would be better spent in God’s Word or prayer.  So, good-bye my friends.  I’ll be deleting this blog in the next few days. 

 

Love,

Heather

Enough

The more time I spend with God, the more joy I experience.  The more often I praise God, the more I notice His hand in everything good.  The more time I spend reading and meditating on His Word, the more I trust in Him. 

For someone who has always had trust issues, this is big.  It is as though I can almost hear His voice saying, “I have never failed you and I never will.  Trust me.”  Sometimes I am like the man saying he believes and almost in the same breath asking for Jesus to help His unbelief. 

Anyhow, after a difficult season in my life, the Lord has once again restored my joy.  One of my favorite passages in Scripture is, “so I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (Joel 2:24 NKJV)!  God has most definitely done this for me! 

I was listening to a song by one of my favorite artists the other day, Natalie Grant, when God used the lyrics in one of her songs to put a picture in my mind that was really hard to take:

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see love let grace be enough

For some reason (and it hurts in the pit of my stomach just to write it), but God allowed a picture to flash in my mind of Jesus dying on the Cross and me spitting on Him.  I know.  It is awful.  It was such a gift, though. 

God used the picture to show me that when I do not allow Him to lift the weight of the pain of my past from me, when I do not receive His gift of love, when I live as though I think I can’t come to Him with my brokenness and scars, I am spitting on what His death and resurrection accomplished.  His grace is enough to cover all of the ways I have tried to find satisfaction, comfort, and self-worth where it cannot be found.  He has given me new life.  Not allowing Him to heal the wounds and fill the empty spaces (as I have done before) is just like spitting on Jesus Christ as He suffers on the Cross. 

He is trustworthy.  His grace is enough.

Blessed by two books!

I just finished reading The Justice by one of my favorite authors, Angela Hunt.  She is a wonderful writer of Christian fiction and if you have not read any of her books, you are missing out!  Each of her books have touched my heart and helped me learn new insights about how God works in the lives of His children. 

The Justice was no exception and is (so far) my favorite of all of her writings.  I have always been interested in politics, which is one of the reasons this book was appealing to me, but I think it especially spoke to me about unsaved or lukewarm loved ones for whom I continue to pray.  This book helped me to understand even more how we should NEVER give up praying for God to do a mighty work in the hearts of those we love. 

I try to go back and forth between fiction and non-fiction.  So, after I finished The Justice, I picked up Living Simply by Joanne Heim.  I have only read a few chapters but it is filled with so many wonderful ideas for simplifying our lives in very practical and Christ-honoring ways.  I have Joanne’s button on my sidebar, but here is the link to her blog, The Simple Wife, which is such a great blessing!  She has written two other books listed on her site which I also look forward to reading!

Rejoicing

1 Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (NIV). 

This was the “power verse” from the daily devotion I receive from Proverbs 31 Ministries and it really  helps me realize that part of being a followers of Christ means we are going to face opposition from those who do not believe.  It is our privilege as children of God to help further His kingdom by loving and reaching out to others for Christ. 

However, some people just want to debate and no matter how many of their questions you answer or how you try to convince them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, they are not interested in surrendering their lives to the one true God; they just want to argue and try to convince you that you are the one who is wrong and naive. 

I am learning that it is not my job to convince others; it is my job to extend to others the love, forgiveness, grace and mercy the Lord has shown me.  How they react and if they choose to have a personal relationship with God is between them and their Maker.  I can only do my part and leave the rest to Him.  I am not the Holy Spirit. 

On to other things…

Yesterday, it hardly seemed like the end of September.  In fact, it reached nearly 90 degrees here in the KC suburbs.  It was just not right!  It was hot and sticky and just plain WRONG!  So, I was thrilled to wake up this morning to a crisp chill in the air. 

My two-year-old son and I just returned from a beautiful walk.  I loved walking by homes decorated with pumpkins and mums and enjoying the fact that it was necessary to wear a sweatshirt.  In a few weeks, we will be headed out to Johnson Farms to enjoy an afternoon of fall traditions.  Our favorite part is stopping at the cider mill for apple cider and apple cider donuts.  Mmmm… I can’t wait!

In Christ’s love,

Heather

Should I give it up?

I have been enjoying Facebook for a little over a year now.  For a while, I spent way too much time on there, but now I think I have been pretty responsible with it.  However, I am hurting over something and am considering whether or not to close my account. 

As a Christian, I feel obligated to stand up for what I believe in and speak the Truth in love.  My faith flows into every part of my life and I really don’t believe it is supposed to be any other way.  I am especially outspoken at times about how I feel America was founded upon Christian principles and have stated such.  I always try to be very respectful of those who do not agree with what I post and I certainly try my best not to come across as a know-it-all because I know I have so, so much to learn. 

Still, I feel misunderstood and even hurt at some of the things that have been written even though I know they were not meant to hurt me.  It is hard to be close to those who do not make Christ the center of his or her life.  I also know that we are not meant to isolate from and surround ourselves only with Christians.  If we do, we will not be able to reach others for Christ. 

I don’t know.  I have no problem with others having opinions differing from mine.  I just want to feel like I can write on my own page without it becoming a debate every time.  Maybe I’ll just concentrate on blogging for a while and let Facebook go for a while.  I’ll be praying about it.

In the meantime, here’s an article I came upon since I began to ponder this: Dumping Facebook

 

May God continue to give you life abundantly!

Heather

Why I Love Dr. Charles Stanley

I had intended to go to sleep at 10 o’clock sharp last night, but God had other plans and I am so glad He did!  I am not even sure why I flipped through the channels as I intended to just turn the TV off, but I ended up listening to a wonderful message from Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries.  I have always been a fan, but last night God used what he had to say to touch my heart.

His message was titled, “A Life-Changing Prayer” and want to share a summary.

Dr. Stanley suggested that we pray for a loved one according to Colossians 1:7-14 in the following way (but I think we should also pray this for ourselves):

1.  Request direction.  (Pray for him or her to see life from God’s viewpoint and to faithfully follow on His path.)

2.   Request a walk worthy of Christ’s name.  (Pray for him or her to live in a way that pleases God and for his ore her conversation, conduct and character to consistently represent Christ.)

3.  Request to make a lasting impact for Christ.  (Pray for him or her to influence others for Christ.)

4.  Request a desire to know the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Pray for him or her to grow in the Lord through studying the Word, applying what is learned, and experiencing the consequences of obedience.)

5.  Request to experience the power of God.  (Pray for him or her to know how God’s power can change his or her life in extraordinary ways.)

6.  Request to joyfully give thanks.  (Pray for him or her to have a joyful and grateful heart regardless of circumstances.)

Dr. Stanley stressed the importance of praying this prayer consistently believing that God will answer. 

Father God, thank You for giving Dr. Stanley the gifts You have bestowed upon Him.  Please bless him and his ministry and continue to enable them to glorify You and to teach Your truth in life-changing ways.  Amen.

 

May God continue to give you life abundantly!

Heather

…Now where was I?

Wow, I had truly planned and hoped to be much more diligent in posting more frequently, but life just happens and there seem to always be things needing attention.

I am still working on my memory verse acrostic.  However, I am still at the very beginning of memorization because, once again, I have allowed the little things to take precedence over the big things.  Glory be to God that His mercies are new every morning and each day is a fresh opportunity!

So, here’s what’s been happening in my neck of the woods:

My dad fell off a ladder while painting his house yesterday.  Thank the Lord he was almost to the bottom rung when he fell.  Somehow, he ended up landing face down in a pile of two-by-fours and was certain he had broken at least a few ribs.  Praise God because the x-ray showed no break or fracture.  My mom and dad are so sweet that they demanded on still having our two kiddos spend the night (which is their usual Friday night ritual).  My dad said having the kids’ company would help him to feel better.  Lauren (my sever-year-old daughter) was reportedly a little nurse to her Poppie last night.  She has a very nurturing nature about her.  My husband and I mentioned as we left my parents’ house last night that we wanted them to be helpful to both Poppie and Grandma.  So this morning we learned that Lauren changed her brother’s stinky diaper.  This is like front-page headline news in our family!  Anyhow, please keep my dad’s continued recovery in your prayers.  I would really appreciate it.

I began a new women’s Bible study two Wednesdays ago.  It is from the Joy of Living Bible Studies Series and focuses on Philippians and Colossians.  I just LOVE studying God’s Word!  It really is the bread of life! 

I am also knee-deep in my school studies as well.  I really enjoy my classes but am especially looking forward to student teaching in the Spring and am praying that I will be assigned to the school I requested which is also my daughter’s school.  Speaking of my daughter’s school, God has just been so incredible to faithfully answer my prayers of providing Lauren with a Christian teacher.  She has been fortunate enough to have Christian teachers from kindergarten through second grade and what a difference that makes! 

I sure do have a lot to write…

I do not think I have shared on here that we have found a new church home and how God has coordinated the whole thing continues to blow my mind!  About a year ago, the Holy Spirit kept leading me to different Scriptures containing phrases regarding the rejection of the “cornerstone.”  This went on for at least two months and I could never quite figure out what God was trying to tell me.  Finally, I asked my pastor (at the time) to help me with this and he gave me his interpretation of what he believed God was telling me.  While what he had to say was very nice about how God wants to be my cornerstone, I never got the sense or peace that his interpretation was truly what God was telling me. 

So, fast-forward to our reason for leaving our church home: lack of being fed the Word of God and being discipled.  I longed for a church home whose foundation was completely on the Word of God and preaching of the Truth.  God led us to a church whose name includes the words Abundant Life. (This happened AFTER I retitled my blog!).  The first sermon I had the blessing of hearing was when Pastor Phil’s message included this: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:19-20). 

It hit me like a TON OF BRICKS!  The Holy Spirit made it very clear to me that this was what He was telling me all along.  He wants me to make my church home in a place where the Word of God is the cornerstone.  In an instant I KNEW that this is the place the Lord desired me to be so that not only I, but my husband and children would be given the opportunity to grow in their walk with the Lord.  The church’s mission statement is this: Where Jesus is LORD and People are Loved.  I must tell you, so far, that has been proved to be true.  I am so thankful for how God lovingly and all-knowingly takes us down His desired path if we seek out His way and follow Him.

Two more added blessings about our new church home:  Lauren’s teacher happens to go there and her teacher’s brother is the assistant pastor who talked to me at length answering my questions about their church long before I ever knew he was her brother or that she went to that church.  Lauren’s teacher also happens to be the leader of my dear friend’s community group (and this is a BIG church with MANY community groups).  The other blessing includes the fact that my dear friend (whom I had lost touch with for several years) and I have rekindled our friendship and it as though God ordained for us to be soul sisters!  She and her husband are such HUGE blessings!  We met and became friends at our former church  and our daughters were baptized together.  Our daughters are just a few months apart and so our our sons.  Oh, how God is so incredibly coordinated! 

Okay, for the next part of my memory verse acrostic…

Letters I-J:

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

May God continue to give you life abundantly!

Heather

Where were you?

I was at work at the State Farm AFO office, unaware that the Lord had begun to knit together in my womb my sweet baby girl.  I remember standing in the break room next to my boss and several others, mouths agape at the images on the screen.  It seemed impossible.  How could this have happened?  We just stood there… stunned.

Did you notice that for a few days, people were a little kinder to each other, a little more patient with one another, a little more thankful? 

Lord, I pray it will not require another tragedy to bring our country back together.  Please help us to be a nation who honors YOU!

 

May God continue to bless you abundantly!

Heather

Memory Verses E-H and Our Labor Day Weekend (and I do mean LABOR!)

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”  Isaiah 46:4

“For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” Proverbs 3:26

“Go into the world and preach the good news to all of creation.” Mark 16:15

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

  

My mother-in-law and her fiancé came for a visit this past weekend.  Jack is always so gracious to help us with any home improvement project we have going on and we are blessed by his expertise!  This weekend, he and my husband finished replacing the trim in our house!  This was a job that began last fall and is finally D.O.N.E.  I was not sure the day would ever come!  Jack also helped Jeff get our basement ready for my hubby to begin working from home. That will be an adjustment be we are just so thankful he was able to keep his job, that this little inconvenience is well worth it. 

My mother-in-law, Percy, and Jack are so great to our kids.  They love them so much and the feeling is definitely mutual.  Lauren had a really hard time when they left.  Thankfully, we will be headed to see them next month so that made it a little easier for my little girl.  Logan is not quite old enough yet to get upset when they leave, but I know that milestone is just around the corner.

Well, I am posting some pictures and then I am off to get ready for the day!  Language Arts Teaching Methods class is calling me!

  

Lauren and Logan enjoying the spoils!

May God continue to give you life abundantly!

Heather

Scripture Memory Acrostic A-D

Well, I am having a ball in the Lord's Word as I ask Him to show me Scripture He wants me to memorize.  My husband and I had a good laugh over my choice for "B"!

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife. (Proverbs 21:19)

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4).

I am so looking forward to having these treasures hidden in my heart!

Scripture Memory

In my last post, I was a little too sleepy to remember one of the most important tips Beth Moore gave at the LPM Simulcast: memorizing Scripture with an A-Z acrostic.  I have to admit, I have been pretty lax lately when it comes to Scripture memory.  However, when I reflect on how much it helps me in my spiritual growth to have God’s Word hidden in my heart especially when struggles arise, I remember how essential it is in living a life in pursuit of God’s way. 

So, I am committed to two things: actively participating in the LPM Scripture Memory activity and putting together a list of Scriptures to complete the acrostic and then get busy memorizing!

Here is my memory verse: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’” (Lamentations 3: 22-24). 

Now to get working on that acrostic…  I will be working on that and posting my progress.