Reaching Ahead

Husband Prayers: Day 20

2012-01-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

Day 20: Praying for His Attitude

Lord, you care about every aspect of my husband, even his attitude,which is a reflection of his heart. Yousay, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matt 5:8) And “out of the overflow of his heart hismouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b) You aren’tlooking for a superficial attitude change, but a heart change that comes fromfaith in you.

Teach my husband to becontent in all circumstances (Phil 4:11) and to be filled with your love, whichbears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures allthings. (I Cor 13:7) Help him not to be worried or anxious aboutanything in his life. Instead, cause himto bring it to You in prayer, thanking You for Your faithfulness.

Then, Lord, fill him with Your peace that isbeyond comprehension, that guards his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7). Even today, may he enter your gates with thanksgiving and Your courtswith praise, giving you thanks and praising your name!

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a cheerfulheart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

Praise the LORD. Give thanks tothe LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. Forout of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45

Husband Prayers: Day 19

2012-01-25T10:33:00.002-05:00

Day 19: Praying for His Past

Lord, there are times when I wish we had a rewind/erase button forour lives. But what has been done cannotbe undone. There are things in myhusband’s past that he regrets and wishes he could change. There are things that happened to him thatleft scars that affect who he is today. There are habits he has formed that are difficult to break.

Lord, you provide so much hope! You say that when we are in You, we are new creations - the old hasgone, and the new has come! You’vecreated all things new! (2 Cor5:17) Release him from any bondage andthat comes from his old way of life and renew his mind with Your Spirit. I pray my husband would be a new man whowalks in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24) Help my husbandforget all the things that are behind him, and instead, reach out for thethings ahead of him. Specifically, givehim a focus of his future goal, things yet to come, rather than the past. Help him fix his mind on You, Jesus, and Your return. (Phil 3:13-14)

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this.Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reachingout for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward theprize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Phil 3:13-14

Husband Prayers: Day 18

2012-01-24T09:35:00.000-05:00

Not all of us have children, but we can pray for the fatherswe know, our own father, or even the father we want our husband to be!

Day 18: Praying for His Fatherhood

Dear Lord, I pray for my husband as a father. Help him to grow close to you, his HeavenlyFather, so that you are his example of how a father should be. May the fruits of Your Spirit be evident inhis life, especially by his children: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control.

Give him wisdom in disciplining our children correctly. I pray that he doesn’t avoid discipline whenit’s needed, but instead is diligent in disciplining. Please keep him from the other extreme,constantly provoking his children to anger. Please guide him in raising them up in the discipline and instruction ofyou.

Help him balance his life between work and family time, not goingto either extreme. Show me where I canhelp in both areas, not demanding or nagging, but by prayerfully coming to you in prayer.

If there is division or anger between the kids and him, pleasebring healing. Give my husband a humbleheart to admit when he has been wrong and a strong Spirit to stand firm withwhat he knows is right. I specificallypray for this situation _________.

Thank you, again, for being our perfect example of a father. You are merciful, loving, just, true… show usthe way to follow in your steps.

Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provokeyour children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction ofthe Lord.

Proverbs 3:12 For the Lorddisciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom hedelights.

Proverbs 23:24 The father of arighteous person will rejoice greatly; whoever fathers a wise child will havejoy in him.

2 Cor 8:18 “and I will be afather to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the All-PowerfulLord.

Husband Prayers: Day 17

2012-01-23T17:09:00.002-05:00

When I said, "Let's pray for 30 days," you didn't think I meant 30 days in a row, did you? ;)

For those following along, thanks for your patience! Life just keeps happening, and often blogging falls near the end of the list.

Day 17: Praying for His Relationships

Lord, your word warns us that a righteous man should choose hisfriends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Prov 12:26) Please give my husband wisdom in choosing the men who are closest to himin his life. Make the rightrelationships grow, as iron sharpens iron. (Prov 27:17) You say that a goodfriend is good for the heart. (Prov27:9) I pray that his relationshipswould encourage him to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

And Lord, if there are relationships that are broken, if anyone hasanything against him, please bring it to his mind so he can go right away andbe reconciled to him. (Matt5:23-24) Please bring healing that canonly come from you. I pray that he wouldlove his enemies and pray for those that are persecuting him. (Mark 5:44)

Most of all, I pray for his relationship with You. God, create in Him a desire to love You withall his heart, soul, mind and strength. Once that relationship is in place, it will be so much more natural to lovehis neighbor as himself. (Mark12:30-31)

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and goodworks, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, butencouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember thatyour brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of thealtar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and presentyour gift.

Matthew 5:23-24

But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we havefellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from allsin

I John 1:7

Husband Prayers: Day 16

2012-01-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

Day 16: Praying for His Priorities

Lord, You tell us very clearly what our priorities should be: We need to seek first Your Kingdom and Yourrighteousness. If his priorities do notline up with your will, please work on his heart to adjust themaccordingly. If he is putting anythingelse before his relationship with You - money, work, sleep, family, projects,hobbies, (fill in the blank) – please show Him.

You are very clear that He can not serve two things at once. He will love one and hate the other. Lord, I want my husband to be madly in lovewith You! I want Him to have a passionfor You and Your Kingdom. I want Him tobe storing up treasures in Heaven, rather than on earth. God, please continue to develop my husbandinto a man after Your heart, who worships You, Lord God, and serves Youonly. You promise that if he indeed seeksYour Kingdom first, then the You will take care of the rest. Open His eyes, Lord, and help him fall beforeYour throne daily and offer himself to You.

Seek first the kingdom of God and Hisrighteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and lovethe other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.

Matthew 6:24

You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.

Matthew 4:10

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Husband Prayers: Day 15

2012-01-17T14:22:00.004-05:00

We are half way through our 30-day journey of praying for our husbands! Today's is rather long, but I couldn't leave out any of the verses below. How has it been going? Feel free to tell us about it in the comments or on Facebook.

Day 15: Praying for His Reputation

Dear Lord, please protect my husband’s reputation. I understand from your word that a goodreputation is more desirable than great wealth and it’s better than fineperfume. (Prov 22:1, Ecc 7:1) I desirethat my husband “is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat amongthe elders of the land.” (Prov 31:23) Please forgive me if I have ever spoken badly about him to anyone. Help my words be helpful for building him upaccording to his needs (Eph 4:21). Helpme be a wise woman, building my house up, rather than a foolish woman, tearingit down with my hands (Psalm 14:1).

As for my husband, Lord, help him take refuge in you, and free himfrom any traps that might be set against him (Ps 71:1). Keep him from fear as he trusts in You. What can man do to him? (Ps 56:11) Work in his heart so that he is seeking you and not doing anything thatwould cause disgrace. Instead, let hislight and good deeds shine out for all to see that that everyone will praiseYou, our Heavenly Father (Matt 5:16).

Lord, people may mock him, persecute him, and lie about him, sayingall sorts of evil things because he is a follower of you. When this happens, fill us with Your joy sowe can still be glad. I know that thereis a great reward waiting for him in Heaven. I also know that the prophets were also persecuted in this way, so weare in good company. (Matt 5:11-12) Help us fix our eyes on you, the author andperfector of our faith, who, for the joy set before you, endured the cross,scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of our Father. You endured the same opposition from sinfulmen, so help us not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3) Help us toremember, in all we do, that we have a future hope of joy awaiting us too!

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver orgold.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the dayof birth.

Ecc 7:1

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the eldersof the land.

Prov 31:23

Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallowin its flying,
So a curse without cause does not alight.

Prov 26:2

Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
protect me from those who rise up againstme.

Ps 59:1

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.

Ps 35:1

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

Ps 71:1

Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Ps 31:4

May all who seek to take my life
       be put to shame and confusion;
       may all who desire my ruin
       be turned back in disgrace.

Ps 40:14

In God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

Ps 56:11

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be putto shame."

Rom 10:11

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may seeyour good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matt 5:16

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for Godhimself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us?No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he issitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Rom 8:33-34

Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord,
      for I call out to you for help.
   Let the wicked be disgraced;
      let them lie silent in the grave.
18 Silence their lying lips—
      those proud and arrogant lips that accusethe godly.

19 How great is the goodness
      you have stored up for those who fear you.
   You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
      blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
      safe from those who conspire against them.
   You shelter them in your presence,
      far from accusing tongues.

Ps 31:17-20

Husband Prayers: Day 14

2012-01-16T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Bible is full of verses about our integrity. Take a moment to pray these for all the men God has placed in your life.

14 Praying for His Integrity

Dear Lord, I pray that my husband would be a man of integrity. Honest, Trustworthy, Dependable,Faithful. Help him keep his commitmentsfirm and not renege on his promises (Psalm 15:4), following through on what hesays he will do, making his yes be yes and no be no. (Matt 5:37)

Please keep him from justifying his actions based on what other men sayor think. You know his heart. Just because others say it’s ok or the normdoesn’t mean you approve. (Luke16:15).

Please fill him with your Spiritand guide him into all truth (John 16:13). If he has sinned in this area, please show him so he can confess andrepent of any falsehood in his life. Thank you for your faithfulness to forgive even when he fails. (I John 1:8-9). And Lord, as he walks in integrity, relyingon you, please protect him, vindicate him, uphold him, and guide him. (Prov11:3, 26:1, 25:12)

Matthew 5:37 Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this isfrom the evil one.

Luke 16:15 But Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justifyyourselves in men’s eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prizedamong men is utterly detestable in God’s sight.

Ps 15:4 He despises a reprobate,but honors the Lord’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does notrenege on his promise.

Proverbs 10:9 The one whoconducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behavesperversely will be found out.

Psalm 41:12 As for me, youuphold me because of my integrity; you allow me permanent access to your presence.

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed arehis children after him.

John 16:13 But when he, theSpirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speakon his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you whatis to come.

I John 1:8-9 If we say we do notbear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sinsand cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:3-8 Do not let truthand mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet ofyour heart. Then you will find favor andgood understanding, in the sight of God and people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and donot rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he willmake your paths straight. Do not be wisein your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body, andrefreshment to your inner self

Proverbs 28:6 A poor person whowalks in his integrity is better than one who is perverse in his ways eventhough he is rich.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity ofthe upright guides them, but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them.

Proverbs 26:1 Vindicate me, OLord, for I have integrity, and I trust in the Lord without wavering.

Proverbs 25:21 May integrity and godliness protect me, for I rely onyou!

Husband Prayers: Day 13

2012-01-15T06:57:00.002-05:00

Isn't it great that we can talk to our Creator about the one who we vowed to share our life with? Here's day 13, praying for the trials in our husband's life.

Day 13: Praying for His Trials

Lord, I trust you for all the circumstance in my husband’s life,even the trials. I understand in faiththat his trials are to prove the character of his faith. I know that his faith is ultimately morevaluable than gold and will bring praise and glory and honor when you, Jesus,return. Until that wonderful day,please continue to provide a way out whenever he is tempted. In the middle of hard times, I pray that myhusband will call to You all day long and depend on You, trusting that You willhear him. Please give him peace in themiddle of these battles. (Ps55:16-18) Thank you!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am yourGod. I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you passthrough the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will notbe burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; you are precious and honored in my sight.

Isaiah 43:2-4

Husband Prayers: Day 12

2012-01-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

For the month of January, we are praying scripture for our husbands each day. Join us now on day 12.

Day 12: Praying for His Protection

Lord, I pray that my husband will dwell in the secret place of the Most High, under Your shadow, our Almighty God. Be his refuge and fortress. I trust you for this. (Ps 91:1-2) Be his rock, his strength, his shield, and his stronghold. Save him from his enemies. (Ps 18:2,3)

Lord, there are so many ways that he is attacked throughout his day – his mind, his plans, his actions. In his time of trouble, cover him and protect him (Ps 27:5). Please show him your lovingkindness, Oh Lord, and save him from those rising up against him. Keep him as the apple of your eye, and hide him under the shadow of your wing. (Ps 17:7,8). Even when he is confronted with death, I know we have no need to fear because you are with us (Ps 23:4). Thank you for being the one we can turn to in our time of need.

Psalm 139:1-10

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

The 4-Minute Marriage Habit

2012-01-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

I love Ann Voskamp's book, 1000 Gifts, which encourages us to be thankful in everything. Her writing style is refreshing and unconventional. If you're in the doldrums or even just looking for a cool drink that motivates, check out her book.

She recently blogged about:

The 4 Minute Marriage Habit: How to make 2012 the year you fall madly in love all over again

It's worth checking out, especially this month as we're praying for our husbands. Puts a little traction on our prayers.

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Husband Prayers: Day 11

2012-01-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

Day 11: Praying for His Health

Dear Lord, I pray for the health of my husband. You said you are the Lord who heals us (Ex15:26), and I understand that there is a time to heal (Ecc 3:3).

I specifically pray for (___________). Please restore him quickly, and cause yoursplendor to be a guard behind him. (Is58:8). Encourage him, Lord, to take careof his body, understanding that you’ve called it your temple (I Cor 3:16). Help him to present his body as a sacrifice –alive, holy, and pleasing to You. (Rom12:1).

Thank You for being our greathealer - you are the only One we can turn to. You forgive our sins and heal our diseases (Psalm 103:2,3). Thank you for your sovereignty and perfecttiming.

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Husband Prayers: Day 10

2012-01-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

We are 1/3 of the way through our 30-day journey to pray for our husbands each day. How is it going? Are you still with us?

Day 10: Praying for His Choices

Dear Lord, please forgive my husband for any bad choices he hasmade in the past. Give him the humilityto admit when he was wrong, rather than defending the decisions (Prov 21:1).

As he makes choices today, please don’t let him be wise in his owneyes. I pray that he fears you and turnsaway from evil. Lord, you caution usagainst foolishly trusting in our own hearts (Prov 28:26) and doing what seemsright to us at the time (Prov 21:1).Instead, may he seek wisdom from you, because you promise to give it toanyone who asks (James 1:5). I ask thatthen, instead of despising your wisdom and instruction, that he would fear you andseek out knowledge from you (Prov 1:7).

Give him the wisdom from You that brings success (Ecc 10:10) andhelps him learn from past experiences (Prov 15:31). Please help him hear you and your wisdom andthen increase in learning. If he comesto a situation where he doesn’t know what to do, give him enough humility toask and seek out wise counsel (Prov 1:5).

I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Acts 24:16

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked pathswill be found out.

Proverbs 10:9

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaksthe truth from his heart.

Psalm 15:1-2

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom iskept safe.

Proverbs 28:26

Husband Prayers: Day 9

2012-01-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

We are in the middle of praying scriptures for our husbands all this month. If you missed any, you can catch up on the left, or just start off where we are!

Day 9: Praying for His Purpose

Lord, you have created my husband for a reason. I pray that you will give him a clear visionfor the purpose of his life. Pleaseflood his heart with light so that he can understand the confident hope Youhave called him to (Eph 1:18). I praythat You would enable him to live a life worthy of his call. Please give him the power to accomplish allthe good things his faith prompts him to do. (2 Thess 1:11) I especially askfor clarity in this area __________.

For we are God's workmanship, created inChrist Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his goodpurpose.

Philippians 2:13

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of yourheart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noondaysun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in theirways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Proverbs 37:3-7

Husband Prayers: Day 8

2012-01-07T20:43:00.003-05:00

We're into our second week of the new year, focusing on praying for our husbands and the men in our lives.

Day 8: Praying for His Fears

Lord, there are many things my husband might fear. Making enough money, losing me or the kids,failing in his work, losing respect, making a bad decision... You know what his biggest worries and fearsare today, Father, specifically _________, and I ask that you remind him thatyou did not give him a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2Tim 1:17). Remind him of this as he getsworried today. I pray that he isanxious for nothing, but with prayer and thanksgiving, that he would make hisrequests known to you. Then, allow yourpeace, which is beyond our comprehension, to guard his heart and mind throughChrist Jesus (Phil 4:6-7). You are thestrength of his life – who should he be afraid of? (Ps 27:1)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never letthe righteous fall.

Ps 55:22

Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenlyFather feeds them. Are you not much morevaluable than they?

Matthew 6:26

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is inhim. He will be like a tree planted bythe water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leavesare always green. It has no worries in ayear of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Husband Prayers: Day 7

2012-01-01T21:36:00.002-05:00

It's the end of week one in our 30-Day Challenge!

Day 7: Praying for His Mind

Lord, your Word is living and powerful, the discerner of thethoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). I’m thankful that you know what is in my husband’s head, even when Idon’t understand. Help me be patientand understanding, instead of critical and divisive.

Renew his mind so he has the mind of Christ (I Cor 2:16), thinkingabout whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, havingvirtue, or anything else praiseworthy (Phil 4:8). Please lead him in loving you with all hisheart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Help him take every one of his thoughts captive and be obedient to youtoday (2 Cor 10:5).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer andpetition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace ofGod, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mindsin Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever isright, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anythingis excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learnedor received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the Godof peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, beacceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they werethinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking thesethings?

Mark 2:8

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Week one is over! How did it go? Did you tell your husband you were praying for him? If so, how did he respond? How has God been shaping your own heart through these times of prayer? Let us know!

Husband Prayers: Day 6

2012-01-01T21:33:00.004-05:00

It is day 6 of our Husband Prayers Challenge. How is it going?

Day 6: Praying for His Temptations

Dear God, please don’t lead my husband into temptation, and deliverhim from the evil one (Matt 6:13). Iknow that his temptations are common to all men, but Lord, you arefaithful. Please don’t let him betempted beyond what he can bare. When heis tempted, show him the way out so that he can stand up under it (I Cor 10:13).

Help my husband to walk properly, not in revelry, drunkenness,lewdness, lust, strife, and envy. Keephim from adultery, fornication, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions,jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, and the like. But I ask that you show him how to put onyou, Lord Jesus, so he will not fulfill his lusts and give into his flesh (Gal5:19-21, Rom 13:13-14). I know that myhusband is especially tempted in this area: _________. Please give himvictory over that today. As temptationsand trials come his way, help him persevere in the strength you provide (James1:12).

“I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Acts 24:16

“For we are taking pains to do what is right not only in the eyes ofthe Lord, but also in the eyes of men.”

2 Corinthians 8:21

Husband Prayers: Day 5

2012-01-01T21:30:00.003-05:00

We are on day 5 of our 30 Day Husband Prayer Challenge. Jump on in!

Day 5: Praying for His Affection

Lord, you tell us that my husband and I shouldn’t be out for ourown well-being, but each other’s (I Cor 10:24). Will you help us in this area of affection? Forgive us for being too busy or apathetic topay attention to how we treat each other. Fill our hearts with warmth, fondness, friendliness, and care. Help me to show my affection to him in waysthat matter to him. Please work in hisheart as well. I pray that we alwaysgreet each other with a kiss of love (I Peter 5:14).

I know that only you can make these changes. Please help us be the example to everyonearound us of the beautiful picture of marriage you intended us to be. And help it start with me today.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other andfor everyone else, just as ours does for you.

I Thessalonians 4:9

Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for usas a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2

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Did you miss a day? Look to the sidebar on the left to see past posts.

Husband Prayers: Day 4

2012-01-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

We're in the first week of our 30 Day Husband Prayer Challenge. Want to join us?

Day 4: Praying for His Sexuality

Father, there is so much pressure today on my husband in this area. I pray that you would helphim to flee from sexual immorality. Every sin he would commit is outside the body, but if he commits sexualimmorality it is against his own body. Remind him that his body is the temple of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that he would glorify you with hisbody. (I Cor 6:18-20)

Lord, you command him to “drink water from his own cistern, andrunning water from his own well.” Please forgive me for my own bad attitudesand thoughts and actions that may have hindered him in this. Forgive us for our past mistakes and sins,and help us begin to love each other in our marriage as you have asked usto. I pray that I would not use our loveas a punishment or bribe, but would be instead as a loving deer and a gracefuldoe, satisfying him at all times and enrapturing him with my love. (Prov5:15-19)

Increase my love for him, Lord, and help me in this area of ourlife.

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according toyour word.” Psalm 119:37

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly beforeyou. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do notswerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:25-27

“A man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all hispaths.”

Proverbs 5:21

Husband Prayers: Day 3

2012-01-01T21:25:00.001-05:00

We are in the beginning of a 30-Day Challenge to pray Biblically for our husbands. Come join us!

Day 3: Praying for His Finances

Lord, you know all the details of our financial situation, and Igive it over to you. Please help us begood stewards of everything you have given us. Forgive me for bad decisions I have made in the past, and help me walkwith wisdom according to your will.

Please give us neither poverty nor riches, but give us just enoughto satisfy our needs, because if we grow rich, we might deny you and say “Whois the Lord?” And if we are too poor, we might steel and insult Your Holy name.(Prov 30:8-9)

Help us have hearts that want to share with others, and remind usthat all we have comes from You (Prov 28:27). When I get worried about tomorrow and the day to day concerns of money,please remind me that you will supply all of my needs (Phil 4:19). I trust you for that today.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted tothe one and despise the other. Youcannot serve both God and Money.

Matthew 6:24

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrivelike a green leaf.

Proverbs 11:28

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to haveplenty. I have learned the secret ofbeing content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whetherin plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12

Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does notconsist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

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Thanks for joining us on our 30-Day Husband Prayer Challenge!

Husband Prayers: Day 2

2012-01-01T21:21:00.003-05:00

We are on day 2 of the 30-Day challenge to pray for our husbands.

Day 2: Praying for His Work

Dear Lord, please bless the work of my husband’s hands and rewardhim for his efforts (Prov 12:14). Pleasemake his efforts successful! (Psalm 90:17) I pray that you give him wisdom and guidance and direct his steps. Show him the good works you have prepared inadvance for him to do, and then help him do them! (Eph 2:20) Whatever you have given him to do, I pray that he does it with all hismight (Ecc 9:10). Teach him when to workand when to rest. I ask that he woulddelight in your law, thinking on it day and night, so that he wouldn’t growweary, but would prosper in all that he does. (Ps 1:2-3)

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own businessand to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life maywin the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 14:23

My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for allmy labor.

Ecclesiastes 2:20

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Are you taking the challenge? Let us know that you're all in!

Husband Prayers Day 1

2012-01-01T21:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to begin praying for your husband but didn't know where to start? There are many books on the topic, and in order to avoid copyright infringement back in 2008, I wrote my own set of prayers based around Bible verses to distribute to a group of women.

For the next month, I'm going to post these prayers. Please consider joining me in prayer for our husbands or the men in our lives. Share this 30-day challenge with your friends. Together, we can lift up our men to God.

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Day One: Praying For His Wife

Dear Lord, You say that if I have sin in my heart, you will nothear me (Ps 66:18). Please search me,God. You know my heart. You know when Ihave been unloving, angry, unforgiving, and critical of my husband. Please forgive me specifically for_________. I’m sorry for these sins. Please lead me in your way forever. (Ps 139:23-24) Oh God, make my heart clean and renewmy spirit so I am right with you and with my husband. (Ps 51:10)

Replace my bitterness, anger, and hurts with your love, peace, andjoy (Gal 5:22-23). I need your helpdaily to be kind to him, tenderhearted, forgiving him just as you, throughChrist, forgave me (Eph 4:32).

Please help me not to get tired and weary from doing good, andremind me that at just the right time I will reap a harvest of blessing, if Idon’t give up (Gal 6:9).

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurityand debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage,selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I didbefore, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23

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Are you joining me on this 30 days of prayer? Leave a comment here or on facebook and let me know!

My favorites of 2011

2011-12-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things of 2011...

Blog Entry
http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2011/07/the-chase/#more-5357
"I am a works-based assassin trying to kill the me I don’t want to be in the city of my life."

I've been on a journey of grace this year as I re-learned what it means to be covered completely and only in the righteousness of Christ. That is why my favorite quote of the year is...

Quote
In Christ, “We have no penalty to pay for sin, including past, present, and future sins... we are not subject to any charge of guilt or condemnation.” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 724-725)

I blogged about it here: Looking for Joy

Sermon
And that's why one of my favorite sermons of the year was "The Grace Greater Than Your Past" by Pastor Mark Vroegop, November 13th.

"Run, John, run, the law commands,

But gives us neither feet nor hands,

Far greater news the gospel brings,

It bids us fly and gives us wings."

Book
I have loved 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
Honestly, I haven't finished it yet, but I'm nearing the end. It's a great reminder to live our lives full of thankfulness to God. I love the fresh and unique writing style.

Song
Blessings by Laura Story

Store
Aldi! Really, I don't know how we'd feed our family with out this amazing store. Thank you, Aldi!

Online Store
Shutterfly. Just when I thought they couldn't get any better, they made their photo books even more customizable so that I no longer design my pages in Photoshop! Also this year, I took 6 of my 3" old fashioned photo books and converted them into 2 slim 12x12 albums that fit nicely on the shelf. I love Shutterfly! :)

Technology
This is a tie between two things: Lightroom, which is a software that has cut my photo editing time down considerably. Google Calendar, so that Lee & I are always synced.

Memory
Easter Sunday. It was my last day with my grandma. It was a rainy day, so we had the egg hunt inside at my parents' house. She sat on a chair and watched, and so we covered her with eggs and hid them all around her. She thought it was a riot! I have a video of me asking her what her favorite thing is, and she said, "All my family, and all the craziness." She was one special lady.

Person
That is why my favorite person of the year goes to Doris Stelzer, GG, my grandma. Jesus brought her home this year, and it is still hard to believe she's not here. Man, I miss her.

Home School Resource
Teaching Textbooks for Math. Abby just wasn't catching on with workbooks and Shiller, so I took a step back and ordered these. So far, so good!

Accomplishment
I finished my essays for becoming NANC certified, and now I'm on to the supervised counseling phase. They were a blast to write! If you're interested, I can send you a copy.

TV Show
Once Upon a Time looks promising. I like it so far.

I'll do another post about my favorite verses of the year. So for now, goodnight! :)

What's Noel?

2011-12-24T08:25:00.003-05:00

Sitting in church last week, my niece turned to me and asked, "What's Noel?" We'd just sung it about fifty times in the recent song, and yet I couldn't tell her. I immediately thought of this Animaniac song, though. (Here it is... my Christmas present to you!)

So, back to the church service, I typed it into my phone before the refrain was over and discovered that it means, "Christmas." Oh yeah, I think I learned that sometime, somewhere. She was satisfied with the answer.

It seemed a little funny then to think of singing the word Christmas over and over. "Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, born is the King of Israel." It doesn't sound pretty and it doesn't rhyme either.

What's Noel?

That's a good question for everyone to be asking right now. Just about every parent I talk to is looking forward to January, when the business of the season is over. If we are truly celebrating the event that means, "born is the King of Israel," are we supposed to be doing it this way?

What are we reading that inspires us to love Jesus?
What music are we listening to that makes our hearts well up with praise?
What are we buying that shows we want to give our all to him?
How are we praying for others that shows that His love is in us?
What are we watching that motivates us to share His truth with the world?

It's Christmas Eve. Mary is full of the life of God, and yet experiencing all the discomforts that pregnancy brings. Joseph is in a protective mode, looking for how to care for this child and where they should stay. The shepherds are going about their daily jobs, taking the sheep out to pasture for the evening. The angels are staged and ready to burst forth with a loud cry. The wise men are on their way to Herod in Jerusalem, the city of David, to inquire about a star and a king who was born. And Jesus is about to bring His light into the world for all to see.

Let's pause tonight to the wonder of the birth of Christ. God became a man FOR us. As my pastor, Mark Vroegop, said last week:

"Jesus became a man in order to purchase our redemption. Who? Jesus. What? Redeems people. How? Through the humiliation of becoming human. Therefore, the call from this text today is behold the beauty of the incarnation and to celebrate this season not only on the basis of what he did – but to marvel and meditate on how he did it. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!" (Sermon Here)

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Merry Christmas! And my the light of Christ shine in you this weekend and for eternity.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

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Unpacked Boxes

2011-12-16T08:16:00.002-05:00

Well, we've officially moved to our sweet little home on a sliver of country. Moving was as big of a chore as I expected it to be, having moved our stuff around seven times in our 13 years of marriage, (as my brother pointed out while carrying a large piece of furniture out our front door), but it's finally over. Or mostly over, as those of you who've moved can understand. There are always the nagging few boxes of stuff you didn't want to deal with at your old house, that you still don't want to deal with at your new house!

We made it with surprisingly few casualties. There are a couple of missing toys and a hard drive cable that hasn't appeared, but having things drop out of sight along the way or break into bits is par for the course.

This all started happening at the end of October, and since then, my life has been consumed with activity.

Planning, sorting, purging, purging some more, selling, making lists, donating, freecycling, planning some more, waiting...

And now~

Rest.

Ahh, a nice word. Rest.

I don't want to do this again for a long time! Whew! Time to make a cup of tea and sit back and enjoy the Christmas Season.

You wouldn't know it were Christmas around here. No lights. No tree. Occasionally I play some Christmas music on Pandora when I'm feeling festive. But the simplicity of the time is actually quite refreshing.

It's 8 AM. The house is quiet. Except for my my oldest who doesn't sleep in - ever - all is still.

I sit back and smile, knowing that one day we'll have eternity to rest. To rest from striving. The battle. The fight against sin. Sickness. They'll all be gone.

I sip my tea.

Rest.

Resting on His promises.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! And as I wait, help me to rest in You.

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What is modesty?

2011-11-29T15:53:00.001-05:00

(Note: This is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation I hope to have as I wade through what the Bible says about modesty.)

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The word "modest" is only found in the Bible once. Are you surprised? People make such a big deal about it, it's as though it's the number one sin. Maybe even the 11th commandment.

Here is the one occurrence:

"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." (I Timothy 5:9-10)

The word for modesty there is kosmios: well arranged, seemly, modest.

That Greek word is only found one other time in the New Testament, and in that instance, it is talking about men, and it's translated instead "above reproach."

"Thereforean overseermust be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable,hospitable,able to teach." (I timothy 3:2)

A simple word study, then, does not shed any light, really, on this touchy topic.

So what is modesty?

I do believe that the Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3), but it's going to take a little more digging for me to see for myself God's plan for our wardrobes. I'm up for the challenge. Want to join me?

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How do you feel about sheep?

2011-11-29T07:43:00.001-05:00

On the way to church, my 8 YO daughter was studying her memory verse.

Isaiah 53:6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

After a few moments, she said, "I think this is a really funny verse."

Of course I asked her why. I didn't see the humor in it. In fact, it's pretty serious.

"Because," she explained, "it says that everyone likes sheep, but I don't think I like sheep."

You can imagine the laughter from my husband and I as we explained the importance of the commas in that verse!

Have you ever read a Bible passage and done a double-take? This morning I read:

"Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night."

I Chronicles 9:32

It brought back memories of my grandpa at our family reunions. He and the other older men would always be crooning out the lovely parts on an old song. My favorite story is when we found them in the bathroom -- because the acoustics were better! I wish people sang all the time like that now.

The Matthew Henry Commentary says that the older men sang all the time, symbolizing the praise that goes on at the throne of God day and night, always singing, "Holy, holy, holy!"

So maybe in eternity singing will be back in style. In fact, I can picture my grandpa now, standing before the throne, singing the harmony to Amazing Grace. It will be fun when we join him, praising the true lamb of God who took the iniquity of us all.

So if Jesus is the lamb of God, and knowing that one day we all will bow, I suppose it is true that we all do indeed like sheep.

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Because you prayed

2011-11-16T09:29:00.001-05:00

My heart is full. I read II Kings 18-20 this morning, the life of Hezekiah, a man who was praised above all others. "There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him." Before or after? Really? Even David?

Read what it says about him:

⁵ Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel.

There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.

⁶ He held fast to the LORD and did not stop following him;

he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.

⁷ And the LORD was with him;

he was successful in whatever he undertook. (Chapter 18)

I looked up the word "held fast." The NASB uses the word "clung." It also means "abide." It reminded me of what Jesus said in John 15:4, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

Hezekiah's life was marked by prayer and trust in God. When he received word that an army was about to attack, he prayed. When he was told he was about to die, he prayed, and God gave him fifteen more years of life.

Oh, to have that be my first response!

The phrase that made me look twice was God's response to his prayer.

"Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you."

Because you have prayed.

I was recently challenged, "What if God only gave you today what you prayed for?"

Because you have prayed.

That's enough to chew on for the day, don't you think?

Wow, God!

2011-11-08T08:17:00.002-05:00

Three stooges. Three muskateers. Three amigos. Three Blind Mice. Many things come in groups of three.

It's true for my life as well, as three separate areas are currently pointing in the same direction, leading me to declare, "Wow, God!"

1.) I & II Kings

In reading through I & II Kings, I see that over and over, God promises to do something great, people doubt, and He does it above and beyond all they'd asked or thought was even possible. (And an important note: Those who doubted usually met with a hard end! Just read II Kings 6 and 7.)

In these books, laws of physics are defied, nations are rerouted, and even bears are sent to do His will! It leads me to ask, "Is anything impossible with God?" And of course the resounding answer that shouts loudly from these pages is, "No!" I am consistently inspired to say, "Wow, God! You are amazing!"

2.) True Woman

I attended the True Woman conference this weekend here in Indianapolis. I came away with pages of notes, but there was one single lesson that settled on my heart for me to grasp and take a hold of:

I need to pray.

Oh, I pray. I pray for my kids. I pray for my day. I pray through my quiet time and for my own issues of sanctification. I pray before meals and I pray here and there. All of this is good!

But it was more: my prayers need to be less self-focused, and I was inspired to be an intercessor for others and God's work here and around the world.

I was also encouraged to not rely on my natural giftedness but on the super natural power of God. I should be praying that God would never let me get to the place where I can do it without Him. I should be asking for a ministry that can only be explained by God, rather than relying on tools, resources, and programs. Then I can step back, look at the work He's accomplished, and say, "Wow, God!"

3.) One Cry.

Have you heard about One Cry? I was exposed to it at the conference this weekend. The message: A call for Spiritual Revival through prayer.

The aim? To gather 50,000 prayer warriors to band together, seeking the face of God for revival.

Their goals?

to engage in earnest, intercessory prayer for revival
to walk in brokenness, humbly repenting of every sin God reveals to us
to seek the manifest presence of God, believing that a revived church will advance the gospel of Christ throughout the world
to unite with others who share this revival vision

"If my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face

and turn from their wicked ways,

then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin

and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

I asked myself: Why wouldn't I get involved in something like this? Why wouldn't I sign up and tell my friends? What do I make more important in my life than seeking God's face on behalf of others?

OneCry from Life Action Ministries on Vimeo.

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Combine these three elements and you have a recipe for praying in faith! What is this going to look like? My brain wants to immediately go to the details: When I should pray. How I should organize my prayer journal. What tools I need. But I'm trying to avoid letting all of that delay my obedience. I'm just going to pray. Do you want to join me?

We'll then be able to stand back together and say, "Wow, God!"

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Organized Simplicity

2011-11-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

On my path to simplification, I just read a great book: Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider.

Can I just say that this is a must-have on every book shelf? Not only is it very readable, it's practical and inspiring, without being over the top. She has a chapter about finding your family's purpose and then arranging your life around that. At the end of the book, she has simple, natural cleaning recipes.

It reads very quickly. If you have a heart to simplify, this is a guilt-free read that could set you on the right track.

Here's what Tsh says about her book: "Organized Simplicity‘s the name, and yes, it’s about getting organized and simplifying things. But really, it’s about being intentional. Intentional living — making your life on purpose – is what revs my juices, what gets me up in the morning."

What does that look like for our family? It means making space for art supplies and drawing paper, since that is something the kids and I all love to do. It means having a few more board games than the average family. It also means not feeling like we have to fill our lives around sporting events and extra curricular activities out of social pressure. It means saying no to evening activities so we can have dinner as a family or impulsively invite friends over.

Simple means something different for everyone. What does it look like for your family?

Simplify

2011-10-12T04:22:00.000-05:00

Simplify: That word sounds like a perfect pair of jeans with my favorite soft t-shirt. It's a cup of tea with milk and sugar and a black and white movie. My heart's desire to simplify is so that I will be freed up from the clutter of things and activities in order to make room for what matters most.

We're in the process of simplifying right now in a big way with a move. (Not far, just a local jaunt back into a little piece of country.) I'm selling furniture, digging through files, sorting through kitchen gadgets, and pairing down our toys. My mantra:

"Only keep my favorite things! Donate or sell the rest."

I want the new place to be like a vacation condo, where you have everything you need, but that's about it, and you can relax easily without all the stuff.

It's hard to do, though, and I don't know if I'll succeed. Clothes are a big problem, as well as my stock-piles of things I've acquired through sales and deals, like an entire shelf of first aid supplies that will last us quite a few years. That stuff is expensive, so I don't want to just donate with it.

And, I'm a home schooling mom, so don't even get me started about books!

As I painstakingly pick through boxes and totes and tubs and junk drawers that have hidden the items I don't usually want to deal with, I'm trying to optimistically look ahead to a simpler life.

Now switch gears...

I left my moving boxes and piles to have dinner tonight with missionary friends from Asia. They showed us pictures of how they and others lived. They talked about their daily lives and the work they are doing. And when I got into bed tonight, it hit me: I have not even begun to simplify my life!

Reducing my skirts from 21 to 12 seems insignificant when I hear that once, when she was at the hospital having a baby, she came home to find ALL of her clothing stolen from her closet. Narrowing down my beloved kitchen gadgets to just my "needs," debating about keeping one crock pot or two, is nothing compared to the single spoon many families share while sitting on the ground around a fire.

I felt so proud of my friend, but honestly, I left very unsettled inside. At 3 AM I woke up with this thought:

You have not yet resisted in sin to the point of death.

You know that passage in Hebrews 12?

I'm on the grace-filled road of sanctification, but that verse is right--I have not yet resisted sin to the point of death! The striking contrast between my life and my friend's is immense, but it is nothing in comparison to the contrast between my puny struggle against sin and the perfect example Jesus set!

What does that look like?

It's dying to myself on a minute by minute basis so I can live as God wants me to live. Throwing off every sin that hinders and entangles me. Allowing myself to be trained by God's discipline instead of rationalizing. Making every effort to live in peace. Not allowing bitterness to grow. Not craving the "one thing" I am not to have, while forsaking the entire garden of life God has planned for me.

God woke me up tonight to tap me on the shoulder. He pulled me aside and said, "Becky, I have something I really want you to learn." It's a lesson not only about simplifying but about complete, unwavering, unquestioning, sold-out obedience.

Sins were confessed. Changes must be made, and by God's grace, I want to be different. I have a long way to go.

I'm so thankful that He loves me enough to correct me, for His patience as I deal with things He's been trying to teach me for years, and that He enables me by His Spirit to even have a heart that wants to change. I'm so thankful that He's already forgiven all my sins--past, present, and future--and that He cares enough to instruct me in the way I should go.

What a loving God we serve! Let's simplify our lives, by reducing the "stuff," but also the sins as well. Throwing off everything that so easily entangles.

What are you going to throw off?

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"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Hebrews 12:10-11
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I Bravely Saw Courageous, the Movie

2011-10-06T07:14:00.000-05:00

I walked hesitantly into the movie theater last night. I skipped the popcorn, being way too stuffed from our dinner at Texas Road House to enjoy the buttery goodness. I think I had one too many roles with cinnamon butter, but they were so worth it!

We took our seats and the previews began. Still, I wasn't as excited as I had been when I went with friends to watch Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30 (I was a HUGE Alias fan) or the new Star Trek Movie. I might even have been more excited to see Cars 2. But I wanted to support the film, so there I was, a little disappointed that the movie was $7.50 instead of $5 because I had gotten the details wrong.

The previews were nothing to speak of. (We think they usually say a lot for a movie.) My friend took out her kleenex packets, having been warned by her mom, and I just laughed. I was not in an emotional mood, and I was not planning on crying. It takes too much energy.

Then the film began. I was prepared for mediocre acting, but I knew I'd be proud of them for trying really hard. I was prepared for awkward pauses in the cinemetography that leave conversations dangling in a strange silence. I was prepared for a cliche storyline that tells men to be good fathers. I was prepared to hear the song, "Courageous," that's been playing constantly on K-Love.

I thought I was prepared. But I wasn't prepared at all.

The actors did a believable job, and within the first moments, I forgot that they weren't straight from the red carpet. The cinemetography was so excellent, I completely forgot to notice it. Now that says something huge!

And the story line... I couldn't wait to see who the writer was during the end credits. He wove a tale so perfectly that included realistic characters you grow to love, scenarios that worked, drama that was relatable, humor that had the whole room laughing multiple times, and he included a message that came across clearly without being over the top.

This was a movie with top-notch acting, fimmaking, story-line, AND message, all in one! I have never been more proud!

We walked out the theater hand in hand, and my husband's first words were, "Wow, convicting." He's only cried two times in his adult life, so there were no tears from him, but he did get emotional, and when speaking about one particular scene, he said, "Yeah, now, that just wasn't fair!" Meaning, it almost drew a tear!

So yes, bring your kleenex. I had to borrow a few from my friend. And it's ok to keep your expectations low, but prepare to be challenged. As they said, we all might be good enough parents. But that's not good enough.

Who Was Hitler?

2011-09-27T14:08:00.000-05:00

A president? A rockstar? When asked "Who was Hitler?" many people stuttered and stumbled through their answers. As my 9th grade history teacher Mr. McIntosh said, if we don't know history, we are destined to repeat it.

Please take 33 minutes of your day to watch this eye-opening documentary. Thanks!

Free Bible Memory Tools

2011-09-12T09:51:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of learning Bible verses with songs. Seeds Family Worship has a series of CDs that only use the words of Scriptures. The best part: The songs are well-done and pleasing to a parent's ears! A few of them I wish we'd sing in church as a congregation. They're catchy and enjoyable to listen to.

And now, I just learned that they have a memorization check-list and Bible Memory Cards on their website! I just printed out the cards for the first CD we're going to memorize, Seeds of Courage. We already have most of the songs memorized from listening to in the car, so this will just be added reinforcement.

What a great resource! If I focus on these songs alone this school year, my kids will have learned about 60 key memory verses, and we will have had fun doing it!

Here's a link to the memory cards.

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/kids-stuff/

Just a little sentimental moment...

2011-09-10T22:16:00.001-05:00

I was born a sentimental person. When my parents sold our old piano to get a new one, I asked if I could keep a key. Of course I couldn't keep a key -- the new owners needed it. But my six-year-old mind didn't understand that.

Life has made me much less sentimental. It could be that I'm married to a visionary who is, well, he isn't sentimental. It could be that I've learned to value people more than things. It could be that age has given me perspective. But still, occasionally, I think it's good to be a little sentimental.

Tomorrow is a big day in the life of our church. We are having our last service in our current sanctuary before moving into our new one. The current auditorium will be converted into a two-story educational space. That was always in the plan, and I'm thrilled with thoughts of the future!

But as I think about the current space, I can't help but spend a little bit of time reminiscing about memories I've had there, of how God met me time and time again. And maybe -- just maybe -- if I blog about it tonight, I will be able to hold back the tears tomorrow.

I've been at this church for over twenty years. We started in a warehouse, and I remember the night we moved into this space. We each grabbed our chairs during an evening service and walked them into the new sanctuary. How fun was that? Then we circled around and sang praise songs, giving God the glory.

Major life events have happened there. We were married there, Lee and Abby were baptized, we had a parent dedication, and we had my grandma's funeral service, among other funerals and weddings we attended.

God moved in my heart Sunday after Sunday.. I've cried so hard that I couldn't sing a word. I remember one song in particular was "Blessed Be Your Name." I stood in the front row weeping. There have been other times that we've sung that particular song and my hands were raised and I was full of joy. God has been in all of it - the ups and downs!

I've been so filled with praise I felt my heart would explode. At the end of one musical, the "airport one," I was onstage but in the dark. The choir was singing the finale and the dancers were praising. The lights went up brighter and I wanted to fly away. Praise God!

Conviction has struck like a knife. I've knelt at my chair and asked forgiveness many times. The Word has certainly been powerful and effective.

And other times, His healing has poured down on my soul and given me peace beyond understanding.

Some of my favorite sermons series's were when we went through Hebrews as a church. Trusting God in the wilderness. Pastor Nate's Stubby stories. Doug Paybody and his gentle way of saying, "Beloved." Joe Bartemus encouraging us with "But God" and "Lettuce Eat Meat." Jim Nossett's contagious enthusiasm. Then when Pastor Mark taught us about the Supremacy of Christ in Colossians. "Jesus Can!"

I have memories, of course, from moments not on Sundays too. Like when I first joined the worship planning team, we'd meet in the auditorium. I brought Abby, then a baby, with me. For almost two years she came with, playing in the midst of us as we planned the services. My, were the others patient with me! :)

Rehearsals for dramas, choir practice, late nights sitting and talking with friends, ladies teas, Couple's Banquets, children's productions, NANC meetings, VBS and Fine Arts Camp, youth group events... if those walls could speak.

They are just walls. I know that. And the church is not made of bricks and stones but of the people of God. And yet, I don't want to forget how good God has been to me over the years in that place. I don't want to forget His love, His lessons, and the life I experienced with Him there. He has been good, and I'm so very thankful for every moment of it.

_______________________________________________

Home School Resources and Plans

2011-09-08T13:06:00.001-05:00

I've updated the Home School section of my website, Emerickhome.com.

Now, you'll have access to free resources such as copy work documents and journaling prompts. You can also check out what our school year looks like and see our family's favorite books.

Have fun browsing!

Free Family Devotional

2011-09-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

Gossip. Slander. Exaggeration. Lying. Boasting. Encouraging. Building-Up. Edifying.

Great topics, huh? Who doesn't struggle in his words? The Bible says that if we can control our tongues, we are a perfect man!

Our church recently went through a series on the tongue called, "Oh Be Careful Little Mouth." You can listen to or read all the sermons here.

To go along with the topics, I was asked to write a family devotional for our congregation. It's available as a free download here.

There are three lessons during each of the five weeks, exploring the different elements of how we use our words. My family has been greatly helped during our time studying this important topic. I hope it blesses you and your family as well!

Free Literature

2011-09-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

A chill was in the air, and after a few morning chores on Labor day, I snuggled into a comfortable chair outside, wrapped in a blanket with a book in one hand and a cup of pumpkin coffee in the other. Ahhh, fall.

I didn't get very far in the daunting 700 page novel Les Miserables that I'm attempting to read. My sons wanted to snuggle next to me, and they brought with them their own books they wanted to hear. So I set aside a classic for silly stories about pigs in the mud and a whale who wants to be a tugboat.

I was thinking, "Why can't I find time to read?"

But the next day of school, I realized that I read all the time. Right now, to my children, I'm reading Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott, Archimedes and the Door to Science, and Paddle to the Sea. We just finished The Trumpet of the Swan and will begin the first Little House on the Prairie book series tomorrow. I love learning through literature! For my NANC certification, I'm reading through two Jay Adams books, and I read magazines when I sneak away to the bathroom. So I suppose I should clarify: I'm not reading any exciting fiction of my own choosing. Therefore, attempting to read Les Mis might not have been a good choice in this season of my life.

But if you have some time, I've stumbled across a website that has a treasury of free literature resources online! http://www.online-literature.com/

http://www.online-literature.com/
Classics are my favorite, and that is what you will find when you browse the author list. So slip on a sweatshirt, pull up Little Women, and pour yourself a glass of tea. That's just what I plan to do... eventually. :)

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E-books for my PC? No way! So excited!

2011-08-29T10:31:00.000-05:00

I am so excited!!! It's like Christmas day over here at the Emerick house. My kids think I'm crazy.

I just learned that for free, I can download a Kindle-for-PC on my netbook! So instead of buying Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott to read to my daughters, or borrowing it from the library which is expensive, (yes, it's free, but not when you lose it or turn it in late, but that's another blog), not to mention the time of waiting for the books to arrive... I have it instantly!

After downloading the ap, I downloaded a collection of Louisa May Alott books - eight of them - for just 99 cents, and they're here, portable, on my netbook.

I know this is probably not new to most of you, but it is to me. I've never wanted to spend money on a Kindle or Nook or Reader, and now I don't have to!

Hooray!

Here's the link. It's been available for a long time, I'm just now stepping out of my cave to discover it.

Enjoy!

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Writing Contest with American Girl

2011-08-22T11:39:00.002-05:00

I wanted to let you know about a writing contest American Girl is having. My girls are both working feverishly on their stories, hoping to win the two new dolls.

Here's a link: http://www.americangirl.com/fun/agcn/cecile-mariegrace/contest.php

Good luck! And happy writing. :)

Book Give-away Winner!

2011-08-19T08:22:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Judi Chesshir, the winner of the give-away contest we had last week. I was Kelly Hagen's guest author, and we ran a contest for a free copy of Duncan's Journey: A Little Lamb's Adventure through the 23rd Psalm.

You can read my interview here!

Let the School Year Begin!

2011-08-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

It's been a little quieter here on my blog. Probably because we started school the first of August! I like to begin in the heat of August so that when the beautiful spring days roll around in April, we can be done.

I'm in the middle of updating my website with home school resources, tools, plans, etc. As soon as it's finished, I'll let you know!

School's done for the day. Time to hit the pool!

Author Interview & Free Book!

2011-08-11T22:40:00.001-05:00

If you haven't checked it out yet, I was interviewed this week on Kelly Hagen's site:

Author Interview

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free signed book! :)

When No One Understands

2011-08-08T07:13:00.001-05:00

Have you ever done anything with good intentions, but it was misunderstood? Or you really tried to do something well, and it either wasn't appreciated or it was taken the wrong way? Has anyone ever second guessed your goodwill or judged you for your actions?

Yes, there are many times when we sin and our accusers are correct, but there are also many times when other people don't understand. People like to judge motives. Sometimes there is an element of truth in what they say, but sometimes they are just plain wrong.

The only way to truly see who we are is to bring our lives before Jesus.At the end of the day, we take our moments into our hands and raise them up to Heaven. We say, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." (Ps 139:23-24).

And you know what? He understands!

"You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You understand my thought from afar." (Ps 139:2)

Isn't that what we long for? To be understood? Motives and plans and actions and words often can get so jumbled up in human relationships,what we really want is to be understood.

Jesus understands.

I paused there in reading that familiar Psalm in order to look up the word "understand." Do you know what it means? It means understand! Yes, deep, I know. To discern, know, consider.

No one around may understand. They may misconceive, judge, criticize, mock. But take your thoughts and your heart and your desires and bring them to Jesus. Speak truthfully to Him. He understands.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

I Peter 5:7

Is My Spiritual Life as Thrilling as a Roller Coaster?

2011-07-29T23:43:00.000-05:00

I went to an amusement park last week with the kids. It was fun, but in a much different way than when I was in 6th grade and going on roller coasters for the first time.

I had always been terrified, but when going with another family at the age of 11, I succumbed to the pressure and went on every ride that was on the souvenir cup. And boy, am I glad I did!

But this time, as a mom, was definitely different. You see, instead of enjoying the ride in a purely selfish fashion, I was on with my kids.

As we were zooming through the loop, upside down, I was watching my son's face as it turned white, trying to decide if this was a good idea.

As my daughter screamed at the top of the hill after the endless "click click click" I reached out and patted her hand.

And later, when it was dark because the sun had set (the BEST time to ride coasters!), I would strain my eyes to see what was coming so I could call out to her, "We're about to turn left," or "Small drop ahead!"

Then, near the end of the night, the adults took a turn on a ride that was for 54" and older. You know what that means... it was a SERIOUS ride.

As I sat down, my feet dangled in the seat, unable to reach the floor! The "click, click, click" was four times longer than the other rides we'd been on all day, and my heart beat faster as I reminded myself that this was, indeed, safe! I double checked the seat to be sure I was in tight.

Then down we flew, literally, I felt like I was flying, with my feet swaying like a little kid on a stool at the kitchen counter, savoring an ice cream cone and licking it off his hand as it drips. I screamed with abandoned. I laughed and raised my arms as high as they would go. I never wanted the ride to end!

As we walked down the exit ramp, I was still skipping and jumping and shouting. What a thrill!

And then we headed back to our kids, took a few of them to the bathroom, and life set back in.

For a moment there, though, I tasted freedom. Not from parenting. I love being a mom. But freedom from worries. Stress. Cares. Managing the feelings of other people. I felt completely safe in that seat, I loved the ride, and I trusted where it was going.

I so wish I could say that this was a picture of my spiritual life, but I can't. It's more of a battle between knowing the right thing and doing the right thing, even though I don't feel the right way about it. It's a struggle between flesh and the Spirit. I wish I trusted God with that abandon and let all my worries fly away so I could soar with Him wherever His track led.

That's probably impossible right now. Because there ARE worries and cares. Just when we cast them on Him, we get hit with another. And I cannot live in a selfish bubble, thinking only about the fun I'm having on my track with God. I have children and friends and family and my church family, and we are to hold each other up.

But... one day. Oh... one day! I truly believe that the freedom I felt, the joy and complete abandon I tasted, will be a reality! When we can live each day in perfection! Not fighting sin! Not battling with self. Not reacting to the sins of others! Can you taste it? Can you see it?

One day, we will go HOME. And then, we'll be starting the RIDE that will last for eternity.

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Psalm 119: The Word in My Life

2011-07-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

And today, the final post about Psalm 119. What a gorgeous Psalm about the Word of God! I hope you've been encouraged.

I have a card that's called, "Personal Prayers from Colossians" that is on my desk. I think I'll post next to it the prayers gathered from this Psalm.

Today's post is about how the Word affects -- or should affect -- or could affect -- my life.

The Word in My Life:

A collection of thoughts from Psalm 119

MY DELIGHT!

- I love His commandments and delight to do them.

- I am to delight in His statutes and not forget His word.

- God’s testimonies are my delight, my counselors, my comfort.

- I lift my hands up to His commandments, which I love.

- I sing of His statutes in the house of my pilgrimage.

- My lips utter praise and my tongue sings of His word because He teaches me His statutes and all His commands are righteous.

- Even though trouble and anguish surround me, I delight in His commands.

WITH OTHERS

- Even though others sit around speaking evil of me, I meditate on His statutes and His wonders.

- Speaking my testimony before Kings, I will not be ashamed.

- Stand strong in the word, even though the arrogant utterly deride me.

- I esteem right all His precepts concerning everything, and I hate every false way.

- I weep, my eyes shed streams of water, because others do not keep His law.

DAY AND NIGHT

- I remember the name of the LORD in the night.

- I meditate on Him during the night watches.

- At midnight, I rise and give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances.

- I love the law and meditate on it all day!

- I rise before dawn and cry for help; and then I wait for His words.

- Seven times a day I praise him because of His righteous ordinances.

_____________________________________________________

More About Psalm 119:

1. Psalm 119: The Word Is...

2. Psalm 119: What the Word Does for Believers

3. Psalm 119: Prayers for Guidance, Renewal, and Strength

4. Psalm 119: My Commitment to the Word

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Psalm 119: My Commitment to the Word

2011-07-26T07:03:00.002-05:00

This is part 4/5 of my dissection of Psalm 119.

My Commitment to the Word
(Or what my commitment to the Word should look like.)

- I have promised to keep Your words.

- I consider my ways and turn my feet to Your testimonies.

- I hasten and do not delay to keep Your commandments.

- I am to meditate on His precepts and regard His ways.

- I must choose the faithful way, clinging to His testimonies, running the way of His commandments, always putting His ordinances before me.

- I am to trust in His word, waiting on His ordinances, keeping the law continually forever and ever.

- I am blessed if I walk in the law of the LORD, observe His testimonies, seek Him with all my heart, and walk in His ways, longing for and keeping His precepts diligently.

- I am to tell of the ordinances, rejoicing in the way of His Testimonies, as much as in all riches.

- My companions are also those who fear You and keep Your precepts.

- Affliction can be for my good, because then I learn to keep Your word, and God is faithful to afflict me.

- When the word is my delight, His compassion gives me life.

- Sometimes I have to wait with longing, but I must never forget or forsake His statutes and precepts.

- I must restrain my feet from every evil way, not turning aside from His ordinances that He has taught me, in order to keep His word.

- I hope for His salvation and do His commandments.

- God graciously deals with me according to His word.

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Read the other parts to Psalm 119 here:

The Word Is...
What the Word Does for Believers
Prayers of Psalm 119

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Psalm 119: Prayers for guidance, renewal, and strength

2011-07-25T08:36:00.005-05:00

I like categorizing and sorting things. As you can see, that's how I've been working through Psalm 119. Today, I'd like to share the prayers of Psalm 119, sorted into three categories.

“Teach me Your Word”

- Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.

- Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statues.

- Teach me Your statutes, and make me understand the way of Your precepts, so I can observe it to the end.

- With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments.

- I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.

- Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart.

- Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.

- Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You.

- Remember the word to me, in which You have made me hope.

- Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.

- I cried with all my heart; Answer me, O LORD! I will observe Your statutes. I cried to You; save me and I shall keep Your testimonies.

- Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word.

“Be gracious to me”

- Strengthen me according to Your word.

- Deal bountifully with me, that I may live and keep Your word.

- May Your lovingkindness also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word.

- May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight.

- Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

- Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

- Uphold me that I may be saved, that I may have regard for Your statutes continually.

- Turn to me and be gracious to me, after Your manner with those who love Your name.

- Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
- I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.

“Forgive me, and keep me from sin”

- Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I observe Your testimonies.

- Remove the false way from me, and graciously grant me Your law.

- Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to dishonest gain.

- Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, emptiness, falseness, worthlessness, and revive me in Your ways.

- Turn away my reproach, shame, which I dread, for Your ordinances, decisions, and judgments are right.

- May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.

- Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep your precepts.

- I have gone away like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

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You can see my two others posts about Psalm 119 here:

The Word Is...

What the Word Does for Believers

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Psalm 119: What the Word Does for Believers

2011-07-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

Gathered from Psalm 119...

WHAT THE WORD DOES FOR BELIEVERS

Walking according to the Word established my footsteps, keeps my way pure, and keeps me from going astray.

Treasuring His Word in my heart keeps me from sinning against Him.

God rebukes the arrogant, the cursed, who wander from His commandments.

~*~*~

When I am grieving, the Word strengthens me.

Your word revives me and gives me comfort in my affliction.

Running in the way of the commandments enlarges my heart.

His lovingkindness comforts me according to His word.

~*~*~

It produces reverence for God.

The Word gives me hope.

~*~*~

It gives me an answer for those who reproach me and lie about me and set traps for me.

His word redeems me from the oppression of man.

It provides courage when speaking before rulers.

When I wait for His word, others who fear Him see me and are glad.

His commandments make me wiser than my enemies.

Meditating on His testimonies gives me more insight than all my teachers.

Observing His precepts gives me more understanding than the aged.

~*~*~

Seeking His precepts helps me walk at liberty.

The power of His ordinances sustains the earth, causing it to stand.

Those who love the law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.

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See previous post on this Psalm: Psalm 119: The Word Is...

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Psalm 119: The Word Is...

2011-07-21T08:32:00.001-05:00

THE WORD IS…

My counselor.
Truth.
Righteous.
Wonderful.
Light.
The giver of discernment and knowledge.
Better than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Settled forever in heaven.
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
A lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
A joy to my heart.
My hiding place and my shield.
The giver of understanding to the simple.
Very pure.
An everlasting righteousness.

We learn from John 1 that Jesus is the word, so we could write this list like this...

JESUS IS...

My counselor.
Truth.
Righteous.
Wonderful.
Light.
The giver of discernment and knowledge.
Better than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Settled forever in heaven.
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
A lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
A joy to my heart.
My hiding place and my shield.
The giver of understanding to the simple.
Very pure.
An everlasting righteousness.

-- Gathered From Psalm 119. More reflections to come from this long but powerful Psalm

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Chicken & Squash Skillet

2011-07-18T18:59:00.000-05:00

I wanted to use fresh vegetables and herbs from my garden tonight for dinner. My neighbor also shared some of their produce from their garden. Dinner turned out delicious, and I wanted to share it, since I sort of made it up by combining a few recipes.

~*~*~*~*~

Chicken and Squash Skillet

INGREDIENTS

· 1 Cup Brown Rice

· 2 Cups Water

· 1 Can Cream of Celery Soup

· Chicken, 3 boneless skinless breasts, cut into cubes, or equivalent.

· 2 T Olive Oil

· Seasoned Salt

· Salt/Pepper

· 2 tsp Paprika

· *Fresh Basil, small handful

· *Chives

· *Squash/Zucchini, as much as you want. I used one of each

· Bell Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil water for rice. Add Rice, paprika, and soup. Simmer for ½ the time, about 20 minutes, in large skillet.

2. Meanwhile, in separate skillet, heat oil. Cube chicken, sprinkle with season salt, and add to hot oil. Brown approximately 10 minutes.

3. Add Chicken to Rice Mixture. Top with chives. Cover and cook 10 minutes.

4. Add vegetables, basil, and salt/pepper to taste. Simmer covered until rice is done and vegetables are tender.

SALAD:

We served a simple salad w/ *garden lettuce and *cherry tomatoes.

BEVERAGE:

I steeped *mint leaves with *stevia leaves for about 15 minutes and then poured it over ice. Delicious!

~*~*~*~*~

I hope this inspires you! What are you cooking from your gardens?

* Denotes items from our gardens

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The Candy Key

2011-07-18T07:02:00.000-05:00

What is Summer Sunday School with out candy? It is barren, stale, lifeless. It's an empty void of games and sword drills with no rewards. Competitions with no prizes.

That was the huge trial our 3-5th graders were facing this Sunday. The candy was locked away in the closet, and I did not have the master key to open it. There were many grown-ups standing around, with lots of great keys that did good things, but none of them were the "right" key to get us what we really wanted: Candy.

We played Bible Bingo, and there were winners, but I just had to say, "Wait until next week for your reward." Some had memorized their scripture passage, but their reward, also, was locked behind the closed door.

Only through Tillie, the Sunday School Assistant, could that door be opened, but Tillie was away on vacation.

But there was good news! Tillie did not leave us forever! When she left, she promised that she would return, and when she did, the key to the candy door would be opened for all! Hallelujah! So although now, the class is stuck in the in-between time, doing good things and earning unseen rewards, trying to live as a faithful Sunday School Student, they are waiting for Tillie, because only through Tillie will they have access to the right key.

~*~*~*~*~

And yes, I did use this as an illustration in class. Did many kids understand it? I'm not sure. It's sort of like a parable of Jesus, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..." And with all parables, you can only take them at face value, not over-analyze them.

So for those who are asking, "What is this post all about? Candy? Huh?" Jesus came, died, and rose again... He didn't stay dead! After visiting with hundreds of people, He returned to Heaven, but has promised to come back to earth. In the meantime, we are to tell others about Him! There are many keys in the world, but Jesus is the only One with the Key to eternity with the Father.

Jesus said Himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6).

Sometimes it's hard to wait. Sometimes we get squirmy in our seats. We grumble when we're doing our sword drills or making crafts, and when the other kids pull our pig tails or take our seats, we consider giving up.

But don't lose heart! When He returns, with the symbolic key to the candy door, all will be made right! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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My Daily Battle

2011-07-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

It's time for me to get real with you.

I really hate housework.

I know, I know. No one likes housework. Well, some do, but that's another issue.

But my problem isn't that I don't like housework. It's that I constantly struggle being content while doing, well, housework.

I was asked again this week, "Becky, you do so much! How do you get it all done?" Photography, writing, acting, teaching... the answer is easy. I love doing anything that keeps me away from what I'm supposed to be doing! Which is, namely, housework!

Need a script edited? The dishes can wait. Lee calls and needs something put together for a bid? The laundry sits in baskets. Want the photos uploaded from our recent event together? I'll get right on it... the kitchen floor can be swept later. You posted something really funny about your toddler on facebook? Ok! I'll watch it!

I keep my house in a picked-up state that always borders on the brink of explosion. And when something massive, like VBS or a large birthday party, hits the schedule, it blows up!

It will recover, it will. We have a routine where we all divide and conquer and put everything back in its place.

But here's what I want to master: Contentment while doing dishes. Contentment while folding laundry. Contentment while straightening what I just straightened an hour ago! I want peace that lasts, not just a verse that gets me through the momentary "trial" of LEGOs all over the family room.

Last night while doing dishes, I pretended I was at a spa, and the warm water was like a relaxing soak of bubbles. It's nice having an imagination.

But tonight, instead of straightening up (again) while the kids are sleeping, I edited a script for church and blogged.

The housework will always be there. I'm working on a balance of getting stuff done (which I enjoy) and keeping a well-maintained house. But at the end, when the home is about to go "kabang!" I want to clean with a happy heart.

The same thing I expect out of my kids.

I'm praying for it! And every "cleaning day" I pray, "Lord, get me through this without yelling at my kids and biting everyone's head off." He's faithful to answer.

I just wish it weren't always a fight. Between me and my selfish disdain for the mundane.

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How to get rid of fruit flies

2011-07-08T09:24:00.001-05:00

It's summer, and with the delicious fruit selection comes the annoying, pesky, hard-to-kill fruit flies. Our house was recently infested with them after an overripe cantaloup sat on our counter. Thankfully, I called in my 10 year old daughter and asked her to make our annual summer fruit fly trap!

You might be asking, "A fruit fly trap? How do I make a fruit fly trap?"

Because I know you've tried smacking them with your hands until your palms are as red as their little bodies, but they have successfully out-maneuvered you.

It's easy. Abby's been making them for me since she was four, back when I had first scoured the internet for a way to rid my home of the miniscule invaders.

HOW TO MAKE A FRUIT FLY TRAP:

Take a glass and insert fruit, any kind. They aren't picky.
Fold a piece of paper into a cone shape so that the bottom is a very small hole.
Place the cone into the glass, about an inch or two from the bottom, and tape it securely around the rim of the glass. The flies can get in but they can't get out. For some reason, they can't find the small hole in the cone.
Just take the trap outside when it's full, open a small part of the taped area, and release the flies.

And there you have it! This week, we released them three times in one day, we had so many! But now our home is successfully pest free.

If only I could find a way to easily trap the other things around the house that bug me... like misplaced toys, food crumbs, the "other" socks, dirty sippy cups that hide and grow science experiments...

Blink!

2011-07-07T08:20:00.001-05:00

Blink. It's a card game I play with my kids. Over the weekend, we had a Blink marathon. It's a fast moving game, where you match up the numbers, colors, and shapes. I love that even the youngest kids can play. But the whole time we played, I kept singing the song "Blink" by Revive.

Then this morning, reading Psalm 90, the song jumped back in my head.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

This summer is zooming fast. I usually start school in August so we get out earlier in May, but I'm dragging my heals at that thought. We haven't had enough lazy pool days!

And as I plan for fall, I am trying to be so careful not to pack it full of so much good stuff that the days rush by! Already saying no to hundreds and yes to a few activities feels like too much.

There's a line in the song, near the end, that always haunts me. "Slow Down... slow down." It's at about 2:32.

I suppose that even if we didn't do any activities at all except living day to day, like summer, time would still keep moving at a quick pace.

A few verses earlier, the writer says that a thousand years for us are just like yesterday for Him... zip, they're gone.

"O satisfy us in the morning with your lovingkindness,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (90:14)

If life is going to keep traveling at this quickening pace, then I don't want to waste it complaining or frustrated or angry. I want to be filled with joy because of His lovingkindness! Don't you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvuxFdM3S58

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What will Heaven be like?

2011-07-06T07:09:00.000-05:00

[Note: By "Heaven" I am referring to eternity, the new Heaven and New Earth, Rev 21, forever and ever, but it's easier to just say "Heaven." :) ]

I am allergic to adrenaline. Have I mentioned that? It's not been diagnosed or anything, but with one exception, roller coasters, I do not like to participate in activities that increase my adrenaline.

Like last weekend, we were out on a boat, and while my daughters were sitting in front, bouncing in the air with every bump and squealing with delight as the waves splashed their faces, I was planted in the back, holding on tight with my boys. I went to my five year old son for advice. "Why don't we like this? We like roller coasters!"

He wisely replied, "But on a boat, we can drown!" I agreed.

For my husband, Heaven would be an eternity of adrenaline-spiking activities. If I were there, I would think there was a mistake in the celestial book and I'd been sentenced to hell.

For me, I see Heaven as a place with unending relationships. Eternal, intensive, personal, intimate, sinless relationship building forever and ever. So many people to truly know and love without the baggage of sin: selfishness, greed, deceit. Ooh, I can't wait! Pour a hundredth cup of coffee and let's talk!

When I mentioned that delightful idea to my husband, he said, "Ugh, that sounds like a lot of work."

I'm sure the personality differences are beginning to be evident. I'll blog later about opposites attracting.

It made me laugh, though. How is God going to create a perfect eternity that suits all of us? I really don't have an answer, but it excites me to find out! Maybe I won't be allergic to adrenaline. Maybe my husband will grow a little more extroverted. Or maybe... it will be beyond anything we can even conceive of here on earth!

That gets me going! If You could design Heaven, what would it look like?

Above all, we'll be with Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

"Whom have I in heaven but You?

And besides You, I desire nothing on earth."

Psalm 73:25

Desiring nothing but Jesus on earth. That's a huge statement, and I'm making it my prayer today.

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A word of encouragement

2011-07-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

My brother and sister-in-law just had their seventh baby, and for the 4 day weekend, my parents have all of their kids. My mom called me this evening.

"Becky, I just want you to know how much I can really appreciate all you and Andi do to keep your houses clean." We laughed at the energy it takes just to keep up with the kids. She then said, "Yeah, if I were doing this every day, I would need a maid!"

I really needed to hear that! This is a challenging time of life. I'm not a big weenie. Thanks, mom! You're the best!

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Cultivating a Heart of Thankfulness

2011-07-01T06:29:00.000-05:00

This morning I read:

"And in their heart they put God to the test

by asking food according to their desire." Ps 78:18

Great verse to teach the kids, right? Especially when you've served a new casserole that looks funny. Or the chicken is grilled a little darker than they like. Or that new vegetable isn't their favorite. Or the pizza has the wrong kind of sausage. Or they don't like the crust of this kind of bread. Or...

It should almost be put on a plaque and hung in the dining room over the hutch. Uppercase Living, the company that makes wall stickers, should catch on and turn this into a product. Wouldn't every mom order it?

As I read it this morning, it struck my own heart. "Asking for _____ according to their desire." What do I put in the blank there? I ask for: time to myself, more time with Lee, obedient kids, less time doing housework, a vacation, more time with friends... (Can you tell my love language is time?)

What, in your life, do you want to go more according to your desire? A different job? A different spouse? A different house? More kids or frustrated with the kids you have? More money, more things, more _______.

The Bible does say that we are to ask. However, what is our attitude supposed to be like? Are we to ask with a grumbling and complaining spirit, like the Israelites?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

With Thanksgiving

The rest of Psalm 78 rehearses all that the Lord has done for them!

"But He led forth His own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock." (78:52)

We are in the wilderness, the time between the redemption with the blood of the Lamb and the promised land. He is guiding us as a shepherd guides His flock. Can life get any better than that? What do I have to complain about? I need to trust Him! I need to take His plan for my life each and every day and THANK HIM for it.

Wow, I needed this reminder. I hope it blesses your day too.

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When I want to run away

2011-06-29T06:53:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like escaping? Running away? Just yesterday I did. It wasn't for bad reasons or really terrible trials, but I found my heart constantly wanting to flee, and I had to fight to keep it in line.

While washing dishes, I had to sing to avoid complaining. While doing laundry, my daughter laughed as I repeated over and over, "I'm thankful that we have clothes."

I finally succomed at rest time and escaped into a book. This is a Christian Fiction book that many friends have raved about, but I just didn't like it. It was gruesome and harsh, and it left me feeling worse than when I started. I finished it, because that's just how I am when I read a book, and I was left empty and irritable.

After the bedtime and pick-up routines were over, I longed to run away to a resort in Cancun that I loved so much. I dreamed of just packing our bags and catching a plane that very night.

Where do you run when you want to escape? I was reminded yesterday that all of our "escapes," though not bad in and of themselves, are just temporary pleasures that cannot satisfy. An evening with friends. Reading. Movies. Vacations. Parties. They all bring temporary joy, but not joy that lasts. That only left me feeling discouraged as I plopped into bed, ending the day.

I woke up this morning with a groan, and then immediately cried out, "Oh God, I don't want to start my day this way!"

I turned in the Psalms to chapter 71, and I was encouraged with verse 1. "In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge." The Psalm goes on to praise God for all that He has done for us. That's what I needed, more than a night out with friends or a trip to Cancun. I needed my heart to be renewed in thankfulness.

When my heart was embittered

And I was pierced within,

Then I was senseless and ignorant;

I was like a beast before You.

Nethertheless I am continually with You;

You have taken hold of my right hand.

With Your Counsel You will guide me,

And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;

You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

That I may tell of all Your works.

Psalm 73:21-28

Here's the funny thing: All of those good things I escape to only bring joy when I am already filled up with the joy of Jesus. I don't understand it completely, but when Jesus is in the center of my thoughts, everything shines brighter.

"Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." Ps 34:5

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Praying in the new school year

2011-06-28T06:25:00.000-05:00

As I begin to plan the next school year, I've claimed this as my theme verse:

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. (I Samuel 12:23).

Prayer and teaching - pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?

Prayer. When your children wake early and your husband comes home late, when do you pray?

God knows the heart of a mother. I've found that posting scripture around the house is a huge help, reminding me to pray for them. In my bathroom, I have a sheet posted on the door of scriptures to pray for your children. I also have been trying to pray over them at night as I tuck them in, rather than giving a quick kiss and running off to do my own thing.

Often, I will wake in the middle of the night for no reason, and instead of tossing and turning, I ask God, "What do you want me to pray about?" These have been sweet times with Him as I sit in the stillness and listen for Him. If we're memorizing scripture, I'll pray through the verses. Sometimes I'll be convicted of an area of sin, and other times a name will come to my mind.

"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night." Psalm 63:6

And though all of this is good, I'm going to attempt a concerted effort to reclaim the morning time for Him. I've cleared a special spot in my closet for prayer, and I hope that if I'm quiet enough, I can slip in there and pray without waking the family! We'll see how it goes. :)

Reading through the Psalms has been a huge inspiration. It essentially a prayer book for the believer!

"Save me, O God, for the waters have threatened my life!" (69:1)
"God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us." (67:1)
"Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer nor his lovingkindness from me." (66:20)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (51:10)
"O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling places." (43:3)

I mark prayer passages in green in my Bible. This is another way that prayer becomes a natural thing instead of a forced habit. Praying the words of God gives me confidence to approach Him.

When do you make time to pray? I'd love more suggestions. The more I talk to our Heavenly Father, the more I want to talk to Him!

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly, my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (63:1)

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Cleaning out the pantry - update!

2011-06-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

I need to blog more. I have so many ideas bouncing in my brain, when I finally sit down and write them out, it will be one long post that no one will read!

No time for that now, but I will give a quick update on my toddler's eating habits. After a day of screaming at me for juice, granola bars, and candy, he gave in. He's drinking water (with a drop of lemon juice) and eating raisins, pineapple, soft tacos with re-fried beans, apples, carrots, blueberries, and more!

Can you say... amazing??

Cleaning out the pantry!

2011-06-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

Goodbye Granola bars, chips, cereal, crackers, cereal bars, candy, and other crunchy snacks.

That is just about the list of everything my toddler eats.

For two weeks, (notice I'm not saying forever), I'm going to only offer fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and whole grains. I'm also removing sugar and juice. Eventually, he'll get hungry, right? At least that's the plan. And then hopefully he'll eat.

When my oldest daughter was two, I removed all processed food from the home. No boxed pastas. No instant meals. It had to do mostly with a food coloring issue. But recently, convenience has been winning the food war. It's just so easy to grab a granola bar and be off instead of peeling and bagging veggies. To take a Gogurt out of the freezer instead of blending blueberries in plain yogurt. To throw corn dogs in the toaster oven instead of making a fresh salad.

So for a couple of weeks, I told my kids that I needed their help to fix Kevin's terrible eating habits.

This morning, I made steel-cut oatmeal and frozen fruit smoothies. He didn't eat either of them. Then at lunch, I offered watermelon, meat, cheese, and a few whole wheat crackers. He ate the watermelon and the crackers.

It's going to be interesting, especially with a day camp next week that I'm working and all the kids are attending, but I'm going to give it a good try.

Any tips? I'll have to let you know how it goes!

Psalm 33

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Praise to the Creator and Preserver.
Got a minute? Read Psalm 33 out loud, to yourself or your family. It was one of those Psalms where I couldn't pick just one verse to highlight!

Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
          Praise is becoming to the upright.
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
          Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song;
          Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

For the word of the LORD is upright,
          And all His work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
          The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
          And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
          He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
          Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done;
          He commanded, and it stood fast.

The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
          He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
          The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
          The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

The LORD looks from heaven;
          He sees all the sons of men;
From His dwelling place He looks out
          On all the inhabitants of the earth,
He who fashions the hearts of them all,
          He who understands all their works.

The king is not saved by a mighty army;
          A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a false hope for victory;
          Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
          On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
To deliver their soul from death
          And to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD;
          He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him,
          Because we trust in His holy name.
Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
          According as we have hoped in You.

Psalms Summer Reading Plan

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Draw through the Psalms

2011-06-07T07:18:00.001-05:00

I am loving the challenge our church gave to read through the Psalms this summer! Reading them out loud has been especially helpful. If you want the guide, you can find it here: Psalms Reading Plan.

I've been inspired to teach the Psalms to my children using this tool: Draw to Learn the Book of Psalms. This can be done after dinner, before bed, at breakfast... but for my family, we will use it as a part of our home school day.

Here's a review from the website:

Looking at this series reminded me of Bible study when my siblings and I were younger. For every chapter of the Bible we read, we’d draw a picture and put it in a binder. Boy, were they fun to go back and look at after a few years! This series from Notgrass takes that same concept, and elaborates on it somewhat, giving drawing instructions to accompany specific Bible verses. Each page contains a scripture reference at the top, a summary idea from the scripture, and a large empty frame with instructions underneath. Students begin by reading the referenced scripture, thinking about it, then drawing a picture following the instructions beneath the frame. The pictures are sure to serve as a great reminder to students in the future about the verses and their meaning. For example, my sample is for the Book of Proverbs, and several of the assignments are: drawing a gorgeous crown for Proverbs 4:7-9, drawing a person who has been on a long search and has finally found treasure for Proverbs 2:1-5 and drawing highway signs for Proverbs 15: 18-21. Each volume in the series contains 150 lessons, and is designed to complete throughout the school year. Because the lessons include drawing practice, the authors recommend taking this portion seriously, using drawing pencils and a good set of colored pencils. Advice for drawing the best possible pictures and suggestions for expanding the Bible study into a unit study are included in the introduction. – Jess

Psalm 18:1-3
¹ I love you, O LORD, my strength.
² The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
   my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
   He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
   and I am saved from my enemies.

A Song for Every Season

2011-05-31T08:55:00.000-05:00

Our church has started a new 10 week sermon series through the Psalms. You can listen to the first sermon on Psalm 1 here.

We've been encouraged to read through the Psalms using this plan, and also memorize two of them.

Have you ever read the Psalms straight through? I haven't. They've always been an addition to a reading plan or scattered here and there. I'm going to take this challenge! It's not too late. They read pretty quickly. Want to join me? We've also been encouraged to read them out loud, and the actress in me is loving this idea. :)

Along the way, I'm going to highlight my favorite verse from each Psalm. As some of you know, I've started doing that during my "read through the Bible" and it is nice to go back and see what stood out.

Some chapters are easier than others! I struggled a bit in Leviticus to find anything I wanted to write down. The Psalms, however, have their own challenge, as there are so many options!

Here's an example of how this looks for me:

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Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 2:4
He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The LORD scoffs at them.

Psalm 3:5
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

Psalm 4:2
O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?
How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception?

Psalm 5:12
For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6:9
The LORD has heard my supplication,
The LORD receives my prayer.

Psalm 7:10
My shield is with God,
Who saves the upright in heart.

Psalm 8:4
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?

Psalm 9:10
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

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Let me know if you are reading along too! It's going to be a great summer. :)

Press Release!

2011-05-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

Below is the press release by my publisher:

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Indiana author releases kids’ book with a message

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. – This week, Indiana author Becky Emerick celebrates the nationwide release of her new children’s book, “Duncan's Journey: A Little Lamb's Adventure through the Twenty-Third Psalm.”

The book tells the story of Duncan, a curious little lamb who lives in Bethlehem. He and his friend Birdie share many adventures while exploring the forest, encountering enemies, and going on dangerous journeys. The most exciting adventure of all, however, is the one that leads them to witness the birth of Jesus. Duncan can't wait to spread the great news.

Bringing the words of the beloved twenty-third Psalm to life in an easily comprehensible format, “Duncan's Journey” is an engaging story that resonates with children and adults alike. Young readers will be charmed by the simple tale of a little lamb who learns just what it means to follow the Shepherd.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Emerick lives in Zionsville, Indiana, with her husband and their four children. She is passionate about Christ and loves teaching His Word to her children in fresh and exciting ways.

For more information, please contact Traci Jones, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473 or send an email to traci@tatepublishing.com.

The WHO of the rapture

2011-05-23T07:58:00.000-05:00

I'm glad that Harold predicted May 21st and that the whole world was discussing the rapture. Really, questions like, "What happens if you're driving a bus?" and "What happens to my pets" are usually just discussed at a Christian's Small Group with coffee and brownies.

I just wish that instead of talking about the rapture, we were talking about the ONE who was coming on the clouds. The One who was bringing the judgement. The One who died so we could have peace with God. The WHO of the rapture, not the What or When.

I'm not going to belabor the point here, but if you're looking for a Biblical perspective, check out a sermon one of our pastors, Nate Irwin, recently preached in our Matthew series: http://www.yourchurch.com/sermon/judgment-day/

Me & Becky

2011-05-17T17:14:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like God speaks to you through music? My brother pointed me to this song this afternoon, and WOW, God's speaking my name... literally!

What this means, only He knows, but I think I'm ready to jump in--

LYRICS to Me and Becky by Chris Rice

Becky has a house on Abundant Live Boulevard
A good name, good family, and butterflies in here yard
Becky loves Jesus and really wants to make Him proud
She tears up in church and she sings her harmonies loud
She's got a Bible by the bed, a prayer journal, and a fish on her car
She makes sure to bow her head and give thanks in every restaurant
But is that enough?

C'mon Becky, let's go for a ride
If I'm driving too fast then I apologize
But there's a world out there that we left behind
Full of souls as important as yours and mine
Looks like a reckless road, and a sacrifice
And I'm crazy scared it may cost our lives
But then I remember Jesus died
So c'mon Becky
Let's go for a ride

I'm rolling up to Becky's house on my Sunday drive
I have to laugh to myself 'cause it looks exactly like mine
I smile and wave at all the happy people strolling by
We've got the same walk, same talk, and the same sparkle in our eyes
'Cause we're thankful for the blessings, but maybe we could lay 'em aside
I get a feeling we might be missin' the time of our lives
So hop in and hold on tight

C'mon Becky, let's go for a ride
If I'm driving too fast then I apologize
But there's a world out there that we left behind
Full of souls as important as yours and mine
Looks like a reckless road, and a sacrifice
And I'm crazy scared it may cost our lives
But then I remember Jesus died
So c'mon Becky
Let's go for a ride

'Cause we're thankful for the blessings, but maybe we could lay 'em aside?
I get a feeling we might be heading for the time of our lives

So hop in and hold on tight
C'mon Becky, let's go for a ride
If I'm driving too fast then I apologize
But there's a world out there that we left behind
Full of souls as important as yours and mine
Looks like a reckless road, and a sacrifice
And I'm crazy scared it may cost our lives
But then I remember Jesus died
So c'mon Becky
Let's go for a ride

Lessons from GG

2011-05-14T19:21:00.000-05:00

I know this is my third post about my grandma, but that's just where my mind is right now. Here is part of what I spoke about today at her memorial service. I spoke last, and I had a really hard time getting it out there! It was a beautiful service, though, and I'm thankful to everyone who helped make it special.

So in tears, I said:

Just this afternoon, 2 of my kids were arguing over where to sit during lunch. I remembered a story of where GG told my aunt and uncle, who were fighting, to sit at a table and look at each other. I took my kids’ plates and put them in a different room and told them to sit there and eat nicely. My daughter said, “You mean together?”

And on another note, I had a successful potty training morning. I learned how to potty train from GG. I figured if she taught six kids, including twins, then I could learn more from her than a book about parenting.

What I remember about GG from my childhood includes her love of dogs, potato strings, games, puzzles, books, lobster, and her family. But as I grew into an adult and had children of my own, what I learned from her were much larger life lessons.

Sure, she was teaching me how to crochet, do needlepoint, and sew a straight hem, and she was teaching me how to be wise and frugal with my money, even using the comics as wrapping paper.

But she was also teaching me to keep my mouth shut when I had nothing good to say.

She was teaching me how to endure pain and trials with gracefulness and perseverance.

She was teaching me to love my family and friends with an unconditional love.

She was teaching me to not lose my temper when chaos surrounds me.

She was teaching me to be humble, and that I’m never too old to learn something new.

She was teaching me to spread joy everywhere I went, through laughs and a good attitude founded in a faith that God was in control.

And I miss her so much, because I still have so much to learn. On all of these things, I have a very long way to go, and I miss her example of what it means to love Jesus and then, in turn, to show that love others.

Chatting about my day. How was yours?

2011-05-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

Sunny day today! I went garage saling w/ two friends and our 14 kids. Can you say CRAZY? But we do it every year. Fun times!

I got slightly burned. I keep reapplying the aloe. An hour later, it gets pink again. I'm a little "rudolf" like on my nose. It's time to pull out the sun screen!

My grandma's memorial service is tomorrow. My brother, dad, and I created a 30 minute video of her life. That took a couple of days, and I'm really happy with it. Maybe I can find a way to post it.

That's about all I have to say today.No super original thoughts. Just give your loved ones a hug and tell them you love them. Speak in gentle tones always and remember that life is made up of all the little moments in between the big events.

Good night!