Saturday, February 27, 2010

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY. . .SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY/MARCH!




I noticed that I had already memorized 2 parts of I Peter 1, so I was looking in that chapter and was drawn to verses 24-25, thinking of Spring, but realizing how "the word of the Lord stands forever", not changing like the seasons. But then I couldn't take those verses out of context. I looked back at the previous verses.




I am going to work on verses 17-25 this month, before Easter.



I Peter 1: 17-25NIV

Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially,
live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ,
a lamb without blemish or defect.
He was chosen before the creation of the world,
but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Through him you believe in God,
who raised him from the dead and glorified him,
and so your faith and hope are in God.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth
so that you have sincere love for your brothers,
love one another deeply,
from the heart.
For you have been born again,
not of perishable seed,
but of imperishable,
through the living and enduring word of God.
For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever."

To enjoy other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE.

Thank you, Ginger and Charlotte, for creating and hosting Spiritual Sundays!


PSALM SATURDAY. . .SPIRITUAL SUNDAY



Psalm 27NIV
Of David.
Theme: God offers help for today and hope for the future. Unwavering confidence in God is our antidote for fear and loneliness.
1The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?
4One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
13I am still confident of this;
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
I finished listening to all of Beth Moore's book, So Long, Insecurity, and everything that I am reading today, seems to be about responding to Fear.
From the Journey devotion today,
Fear is the emotional pain in the soul of unbelief. When we feel fearful, it is God's warning light to us that we need to respond with faith; fear and faith cannot exist simultaneously in our souls.
To enjoy other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE.

Friday, February 26, 2010

THANKFUL THURSDAY (on Friday-new host. . . )


For months I've joined many other bloggers in TT with Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey. She recently took a sabbatical from posting. A few of us continued posting on our own or linked up with Lynn, Laurie, and Iris at the site that I linked up to with yesterday's post.
I just found out that Greg at Greg's General Store is taking over for Sonya. Welcome Greg!!
I don't always show it with the ones I live and work with, but I am always extremely grateful. I posted in a hurry yesterday morning, and joined Iris in her theme of "Something New".
I am going to continue in that theme with this late Thankful post.
I am thankful for:
a new host for this Thankful Thursday.
our youth minister's new baby girl, a 3rd for their family.
a new round of antibiotics, on the way to recovery from Strep Throat.
a day at home to rest and be renewed and well.
a new, beautiful sunrise every morning!
What are you thankful for, even though it's not Thursday! : )
Share with me, please!

So Long, Insecurity Book Discussion Assignment Week 3




CHAPTERS 5 & 6


1. After reading these two chapters, what do you believe to be the TWO primary roots of your struggle with insecurity? Keep in mind that more may apply but try to lock in on two that you believe to be most impactful.

I think my 2 primary roots of my struggle with insecurity are

Fear of Rejection

and

Pesonal Disposition.

I don't have a bad childhood experience that caused my Fear of Rejection.

I just know I've always wanted affection and wanted everyone to like me.

I did give into certain things, that then caused me to dislike myself for doing that, and then have more insecurity!



2. What, if any, insight did you gain about the roots of insecurity and did you sense that God was trying to speak to you in any specific way through it? (This answer does not need to be limited to the two roots you identified in the previous response.)


This is what Beth said about Personal Dispositon that gave me great insight, and God is speaking directly to me, through her!


(pg. 84)

"I have come to the conclusion that, with my hypersensitive disposition, I probably would have battled it (insecurity) to some extent anyway. I feel everything. My joys are huge, and so are my sorrows. If I'm mad, I'm really mad, and if I'm despondent, I wonder how on earth I'll go on. Then I get up, pour some coffee, and move on to the next emotion and forget how depressed I was an hour ago. Ever done that?"


YES! And, it is so great to realize others have, too! All my married life, my husband has called me "defensive", and I have been trying to figure out why I'm that way!

If you are reading this book, I'd really like to hear from you. If you are not, then go get it!!! :)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

THANKFUL THURSDAY


Iris, who is hosting this Thankful Thursday, has the theme, "Always Something New".
My something new right now is what I posted about this past Saturday and Sunday, observing Lent. I have never done that before.
My change in my observing Lent was to get up earlier every morning for my Quiet Time, and to abstain from caffeine, carbonation and chocolate.
I have had consistent early morning Quiet Time before, but had not been getting up for it lately. I knew from experience what a difference it makes in my attitude, but I guess I had forgotten.
I am just so thankful for the wonderful power Jesus has in my life.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Today join us over at Grace Alone for Thankful Thursday and visit many others who are giving thanks. Thank you to Iris for hosting for us this month.

Monday, February 22, 2010

MONDAY'S MAMA MOMENTS

I have a bulletin board up beside my bed, with Mother's Day cards and letters from all of our children, daughter-in-law and grandddaughter from the last few years.



Kalyn wrote me a letter on May 13, 2007.



Here is just part of what it says:



Thank you so much for always being there for me, even the times that it may have seemed I didn't want to talk or have you there. Really, I always want you there to talk to. I just sometimes have a hard time expressing my feelings. But you know that. You're my mom. So thanks for dealing with it and understand to the best of your ability. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. It really means a lot to me. Thanks for going above and beyond to see my side of things, even if I'm not always right. You try to understand where I'm coming from, and I appreciate that.

I really do enjoy the time I have with you. I'm sorry if I ever take the things you do for me for granted, and I want you to know that I am truly thankful for everything you do, both big and small. I want to make this last year I have with you and Dad and Jase the best it possibly can be. I know we'll all be sad when I leave to go to college, but I want you to know that you and Dad truly have "trained up your child in the way (s)he shall go." You can trust that when I leave, you won't have to worry about me. (Even though I know you will, cuz that's just what moms do right?) Don't ever forget how much I love you!!

I took some food to Jase yesterday, and he said, "You're the bomb!"

Josh, Adiranne and Madasyn weren't able to be with us yesterday, because they needed to be home together as a family, after Josh had spent all day Saturday coaching. He had a 4:00 meeting yesterday with other church youth small group leaders, and then met with his small group at 6:00. His parents are proud of him.

Proverbs 4: 20-27NIV
My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left,
keep your foot from evil.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

PREPARING FOR EASTER, Part 2




Okay, as I said in my previous post, I have never observed Lent before, but feel God's leading me to this year.


Today, from reading comments to my previous post, and in conversation with others, I have been pondering the reasons for observing Lent. I did not find the word Lent in the Bible, but did find the word FASTING.


From the NIV, Matthew 4:

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4JESUS ANSWERED, 'IT IS WRITTEN: "MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD."

. . .

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.

9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"


Then, Jesus began His Ministry.


There have been many time periods in my life that I have been very commited to long, early morning Quiet Times and Prayer Journaling.

I am still currently near to God, but want to draw nearer again.

Lately, I haven't been going to bed early enough to make myself get out of bed early enough to not be rushed in the mornings before work. However, I have been able to get up at 4 a.m. once a month when I have to drive 3 hours to Okc. for a teacher's meeting, so. . .I believe I can get up at 5 or 5:30 in the morning to have my Quiet Time. And then, I do not plan to do it for only this time period before Easter, but to continue doing it. I am not posting this to brag on myself at all. I am posting it, hoping to maybe be a blessing to someone else and to maybe have some accountability. It is my heart's desire to feast on God's Word and to Worship and Serve Him.


I have decided for this time period before Easter, I will give up caffeine, carbonation and chocolate. This is partially also to see if it will help get rid of my lifelong headaches.


Go here to read all the other wonderful Spiritual Sunday posts and to link up your own.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

My Blogroll

There are hundreds of wonderful blogs that I am following. You can find them all on my profile page. These are some to begin my Blogroll page. I will come back and add to it. If I spend time reading your blog, I really am inspired by YOU! Thank you so much for sharing.


A Life in Need of Change
Brooke, a very inspirational blogger, that I just happened to find, but so glad I did!




Farmgirl Paints

I think I found Becky's blog through Sasha's (Lemonade Makin' Mama). Becky is a very creative painter and blogger!

Hopefully Devoted

a hopeful one--Shelli, who I found through The LPM Blog last summer when she hosted a blogging small group for the summer Siesta Bible study.

Higher Grounds

Joy Comes In The Morning

Yolanda, is another one I found on line, through Thankful Thursdays, Spiritual Sunday and The LPM Blog, and got to meet her in Houston! I enjoy both of her blogs and all of her encouragement very much! Both of the blogs listed just above belong to Yolanda.


Lemonade Makin' Mama

Sasha. . .I don't remember how I found her blog. . .but glad I did! You're sure to like her blog!




Lions, Tigers, and Boys, Oh...

I found this fun Mama blog in November, through Red Writing's (below) Twelve Weeks of Christmas.

Red Writing

My friend, Keelie's blog. She is not blogging on this site as much as she used to, but it is still very active. She is a very creative writer. . .and just a very creative person. At this time in her life, she is focusing on being the best Christian, Wife and Mom possible, and also "on getting her body back in shape, as God intended." In her former life, (and probably future,) someday, she was an elementary art teacher.

So Long Insecurity Siesta Site

This blog site was begun by Judi Coates, to host a smaller group for the LPM (Beth Moore) book discussion for So Long, Insecurity.





Spiritual Sundays
This blog is co-hosted by Charlotte and Ginger.




Texas-Blogging Gals

This site was begun by my friend, Diana, as a networking site for Texas bloggers.


Living Proof Ministries Blog

just in case you don't already know about The LPM Blog, it is Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries, along with her daughters, Amanda and Melissa. It is a wonderful community of "Siestas"!

To Everything A Season
Diana-My friend, who began the Texas-Blogging Gals site. She is a Christian, career educator, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Cook, Creative person, great blogger!




Sonya's Web Page

Truth4theJourney-Sonya is another one that I just "found" on-line, but am very glad I did. She is an inspiration. She was host of one Thankful Thursdays meme, but she is taking a blog sabatical to work on her writing of devotionals.

Valerie Chris

A wonderful, fellow Oklahoma blogger and fellow "Siesta", that I met through the LPM blog. I enjoy her blog very much and know that she is a special lady.

A New Conviction to Observe "Lent"

I have always celebrated Easter, but have never observed "Lent" before. I honestly feel the Holy Spirit leading me to observe it this year. I have been praying about what I could give up that would be a sacrifice.



Lent is a period of fasting and penitence (self-examination and repentance) during which observers have traditionally (historically) eaten sparingly. The 40-day length of the fast was established in the 4th century. Following some of these ancient Christian practices (seasons) can indeed be of spiritual benefit.


The word Lent is a Teutonic word that meant "the spring season". I also found that it was taken from the word "lengthening", and related to the spring season, because the days are longer in the spring season.


The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in the history of the world (and therefore also in Christianity), making Easter the most important Holiday (Holy Day) celebrated by Christians. The Christian season of Lent can be used as a time to draw closer to God in preparation of this annual celebration. It is a form of emulation of our Lord's example in His 40-day Fast in the wilderness (deserts) of Judaea in preparation for his public ministry.
You can use the time to pray for your personal ministry, your family, or whatever you feel led to pray for.
One way to observe Lent is to "deny yourself" in some way regarding food and drink (a "partial fast" of eating less than usual, or temporarily "giving up" desserts, meat, a meal, or whatever you may choose) and to replace this with extra time devoted to prayer and Bible reading/study, or the reading of a Christian book.

I am currently reading and listening to Beth Moore's book, "So Long, Insecurity", and it is a great blessing to me.

I have lots of great Christian books. Today, I picked up one that I had read through a couple times before, "Life Management for Busy Women-Living Out God's Plan with Passion & Purpose-Growth and Study Guide", by Elizabeth George.

As I read through the pages of responses that I had written, I kept reading, "I do have a consistent morning quiet time with God, spending time in His word and in prayer."
At the time that I wrote that, I was not working full time.

I have been convicted lately, that I need to get out of bed earlier, and make it a priority, like my son does, to spend a good amount of quality, quiet time with God first thing in the morning. . .and again at night, too. . .and to really never cease praying!

I'm still praying about what food or drink to give up.
I have decided that I am going to give up an hour in bed each morning, to spend reading the Bible and praying.
Go here to read all the other wonderful Spiritual Sunday posts and to link up your own.

Friday, February 19, 2010

My 'GONNA MISS THIS. . .MOMENT


Time to join Pam and share the moments we're going to miss one day...because life is so short! As Carrie says, "Sometimes it's hard to find those moments among our busy schedules, but that's what I love about participating in this...it makes me stop and think about it and appreciate them so much more!"
I have been reminded by death several times in the past month, just how precious and uncertain life is.
There are SO many moments from Josh, Kalyn and Jase's childhoods that Jeff and I miss so very much. We know to live in the present and enjoy each moment that we have with our children.
I really can't think of much that I don't miss, except maybe trips to the emergency room, Dr.'s offices and stays in the hospital.
The time spent with a child (teenager) from this week, that I am going to miss when the nest is completely empty is. . .
just simply "family discussions at home". We have been having a lot of them lately, about the Bible, about current events, about our days. . .about a lot of things.
I'd love to hear what your enjoying now that you're gonna miss someday!
Enjoy those moments with your family!
Sandy

So Long, Insecurity Book Discussion Assignment Week 2

1. My most prominent false positives are if I could be a better communicator, especially verbally,. . . have a better personality. . .but also to get published.

2. Our CHALLENGE:
"To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are. AND THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD OUR GOD WILL BE UPON US!!" (Psalm 90:17)
3. I listened to Chapter 4, then read over it, then listened to it again, then my son read it to me. . . looking to find which Biblical character I identified with. I didn't think I identified with any of them. . .then I thought I identified with all of them! Then, I finally am choosing both Rachel and Moses. I kept trying to talk myself out of admitting to identifying with Rachel, because my husband is totally devoted to me, but I know that I do sometimes show that I am envious if I think another woman is prettier than me or cooks better than me. I relate to Moses, because I wish I could be better at public speaking and conversation, and I also have the fear of rejection when trying to write.

Once again, if you spend any time alone in the car, I highly recommend purchasing the audio set read by Beth, even if you did already invest in the book! It is worth it!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Praying for my children and granddaughter every day---checking in


I joined Brooke at A Life in Need of Change last month, in agreeing to pray for our children every day this year. This week, she is having us "check in" to share how we are doing on this commitment, and she has a give away, too. You can still join in.

My husband and I both pray for each of our 3 children every day, and when we pray for our oldest son, Josh, we also pray for his family-Adrianne and Madasyn. We pray with our youngest son, Jase, who is still at home, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day, sometimes just once. Sometimes, we pray in the morning, before we all leave. After Jase asked us to, we have been having nightly devotions. . .not every night, but we try. We always begin and end our devotion with prayer, and then pray again when we go to bed.


Jase, our almost 17 year old son (our youngest)



Below is the prayer that I posted on Kalyn's birthday, Feb. 3.
There are pictures of her on my sidebar.

My Prayer for Kalyn
Dear Lord,
I know that Kalyn does "know full well"
that"your works are wonderful",
that she is "fearfully and wonderfully made".
I know that she knows that You have
"plans to prosper" her
and "not to harm" her,
"plans to give hope and a future".
I know that Kalyn does
trust in You with all her heart.
I just pray that she never forgets
any of that for 1 second.
I just pray that on those days
when she feels like she's not good enough,
she'll quickly remember
none of us are good enough. . .
but because of You,
she is always
Beautiful and the Best,
created by You,
for a Purpose,
a life to serve and glorify You.
I pray that she'll build the special relationships
that You give to her,
but that she'll never
look to anyone for more than they can give. . .
for that comfort that
only You can give.
Dear Lord, I know that
You have a very special purpose
for my beautiful daughter.
I know that You are going to use her
to counsel and minister to many people.
I thank You that
You are always with her,
in everything she does.
Dear Lord,
I thank You
so much,
for allowing me
to be her Mom.

As I said, we also pray for Josh, Adrianne and Madasyn every day. There are pictures of them on my sidebar, too. I am working on writing a prayer for them and one for Jase, too.


I do love watching how Madasyn is growing. (too fast, of course, cherishing every minute)


She already knows how to pray, and I know she will continue to grow in her knowledge of God, and I pray that, when God is ready, she will ask Jesus into her heart and develop a relationship with him.



Madasyn Shae, our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter




Go to http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/2010/02/year-of-prayer-check-in.html to read more posts about praying for children, and to link up your own post, and have a chance at winning some cute Easter girlie hair clips.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY



I John 4: 16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us,
God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.


Thank you for visiting my blog.
If you are working on scripture memory, I would treasure a comment from you,
letting me know the scripture.

Sandy

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Blogging Buddies Valentine Exchange/Spiritual Sunday

My Valentine to You. . .
My Blogging Friends!


I am having a difficult time writing my Blogroll, because there are so many great, inspirational blogs that I enjoy reading, and I continue to find more every day.
Ephesians 1:15-19
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incompariably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength,. . .
Thank you all for your lovely blogs!
Happy Valentine's Day!
With Love,
Sandy

Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger for hosting these Spiritual Sundays. Anyone wanting to jump in....post what's on your heart and add your name at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/
Go to http://shaemata.blogspot.com/ to join in the Valentine Exchange with Jen at Following the Footsteps.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

THANKFUL THURSDAY






Today, among other blessings, I am thankful for. . .
1. the beautiful snow,
2. a safe 4 hour drive home in the snow.
3. someone else driving,
4. the blessing of reading Beth Moore's newest book and thousands of comments
from others reading it,
5. the joy of watching my son be a Daddy.
6. the love that I receive daily from all of my family, and
7. being secure in the love of my Heavenly Father.
Iris at Grace Alone is hosting Thankful Thursday for February. Come join in!
I totally agree with what she wrote about love. You should go read it, and link up to share what you are thankful for. . .after leaving me a comment. : )

So Long, Insecurity Book Discussion Assignment Week 1

Week One:

(Beth's assignments for us and then my responses)

1. Write a journal-type entry on the inside cover of your book describing this present season of your life and why you’ve chosen to read a book like this. If you already have a relationship with God, write it in the form of a prayer. I do this almost every time I begin a book that I think could have a considerable impact on my life. When I finish the book, I always go back and read it and it ends up meaning so much to me. Listen, Sister, if you expect little, that’s probably what you’ll get. But if you expect something big from God when you start a journey and you posture yourself to receive from Him, even when frail human beings are thrown in the mix, you’ll end up with something huge. Something life altering.


Dear Heavenly Father,
I Praise You and thank you for bringing me this far in my life, to the season of grandparenthood;
sharing life at home with my husband and teenage son, our youngest of 3 children;
growing in my relationship with You, my husband, each of our children, and all of our family members;
still growing and learning.

Dear Lord,
I Repent of my defensiveness and selfishness, and insecurity.

I Acknowledge that You are in control and I am always safe and secure with You.

(Intercession)
Dear Lord, I thank you for blessing me with a beautiful daughter. I pray for her, and for the thousands of women who are on this journey together of reading this book. I am reading it, because I know that You put this burden on Beth's heart to write this book because our gender does have a serious battle with Insecurity.
I can relate to so many of the comments already.
I thank you and pray for Your servant, Beth Moore.

(Supplication)
I pray for myself that You will help me to always be alert to You speaking to me through Beth's book. I pray that You will help me to become secure in Your love.

(Equipping)
I pray that You will use this book to help equip me to be Your servant.


2. Read the Introduction, Chapter One, and Chapter Two. Our first question is based on Chapter One: When was the last time you came face-to-face with our gender’s massive struggle with insecurity? Describe the setting.

Today, just reading all the comments from others and relating to all of them.

3. This question is based on Chapter Two: what part of the definition or description of insecurity resonated most with you and why?

I thought I could choose one part that resonated with me, but as I read back over it, ALL of it resonated with me!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

I know I just posted this picture in my last post, but I forgot to ask. . .So, will you join us?


Just in case you haven't already read or heard about the book discussion group on the Living Proof Ministries Blog. . .

if you want to join Beth, 6000+ other women, and me in discussing her new book,
So Long Insecurity, on-line, hurry to click
HERE!

I don't know how it's going to work with this many of us, but I know it will! God will bless it!
Hope you'll join us!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

My Birthday Prayer for Kalyn. . .So Long Insecurity

My grown up daughter, when she was 2 years old.
She is 20 today, and she is in love.


This is a "combined post" about my daughter turning 20, and about how much I am enjoying listening to Beth read to me as I drive. I bought Beth's new book for Kalyn and one for myself. As I was walking out, I saw that the Audio Set is read by Beth, herself. I went back in and bought it. I bought the book for Kalyn, not because I think she's "insecure", but because I pray for her to become secure.
She knows God loves her, and she has an intimate relationship with Him, but. . .
she is female.
Beth's book really is great for every woman to read! (or listen to Beth read it to you!)

My Prayer for Kalyn

Dear Lord,
I know that Kalyn does "know full well" that
"your works are wonderful", that
she is "fearfully and wonderfully made".
I know that she knows that
You have "plans to prosper" her
"and not to harm" her,
"plans to give hope and a future".
I know that Kalyn does
trust in You with all her heart.

I just pray that she never forgets
any of that for 1 second.
I just pray that on those days
when she feels like
she's not good enough,
she'll quickly remember
none of us
are good enough. . .
but because of You,
she is always
Beautiful and the Best,
created by You,
for a Purpose,
a life
to serve and glorify You.


I pray that she'll build
the special relationships
that You give to her,
but that she'll never
look to anyone
for more than they can give. . .
for that comfort that
only You can give.

Dear Lord,
I know that You
have a very special purpose
for my beautiful daughter.
I know that You
are going to use her
to counsel and minister
to many people.
I thank You that
You are always with her,
in everything she does.

Dear Lord,
I thank You
so much, for allowing me
to be her Mom.

Happy 20th birthday, Kalyn!
I love you!
I am linking this to Spiritual Sundays http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/
and I am praying for Micey, who is going to Haiti to minister to others.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Fresh Year, Fresh Start to my blog! I am so grateful to Kristi and all of the bloggers who hosted the 3 week series of Fresh Year, Fresh Start! I was blessed by all of their posts and enjoyed participating, and I am so excited about the blog makeover that I won! Jo-Lynne did great work! You can see her link on the side of my blog, and you can go to the link at the bottom of this post for Fresh Year, Fresh Start to see all of the posts for that series.

The Friend Makin' Monday question for this week is What inspires you? What inspires me is most definitely God, His Word, and all of His Creation, including my family and my students.
Beth Moore definitely inspired me and many others to scripture memory this past year and to continue on.


This month, I am working on 3 passages together, since I chose Believe as my theme word for the year.
Isaiah 26:3Holman CSB
You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You.
I Peter 1:8-9NIV
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;
and even though you do not see Him now,
you believe in Him, and are filled with an
inexpressible and glorious joy,
for you are receiving the goal of your faith,
the salvation of your soul.
Psalm 119:66
Teach me knowledge and good judgement,
for I believe in your commands.
Each of the posts in the Fresh Year, Fresh Start series inspired me. Go to the link below to read them and to find each of the blogs.

http://www.krististephens.com/2009/12/fresh-year-fresh-start.html
What inspires you right now? Head over to Amber's to join in. (after leaving me a comment, please.)