Inside Out

As I was working in my Bible Study in Colossians this morning, something the writer wrote struck me. I am in the beginning of the second chapter and reading about being established in my faith, firmly rooted and overflowing with gratitude. She wrote "What we believe is always evident in our lives, and evidence is the proof of our inner belief. Who we are on the inside will spill over onto our outside for all to see". It made me think, what am I spilling out? Am I angry and irritable? Am I spilling love and encouragement? How do I fill the inside with good things that will spill out? By being established in Him, grounded, walking daily with Him so I can grow the fruit of the Spirit in my life. These are the things I want spilling out: love, patience, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. That's what makes me different than the world. God spilling out of me, being so big, I can't contain Him. This is my desire...

Hiatus and Character

So I've taken a very long hiatus from this blog. It's not like anyone reads it but it is a nice journal for me to look back on and remind myself how God has faithfully come through, directed and guided us and lovingly and abundantly provided for us. Since my last post, so much life has happened. My mom passed away in July. So sad but I know her mind and body is whole now as she is with our Lord and Savior. Dad is doing well. He is getting used to his new normal and has dinner with Greg and I every night. Josh and his now fiancee, Kristen have set a date of 10/5/2018 to get married. My daughter Kristen is dating a fellow for over two years now. I am currently in a women's study on the book of Colossians. I love going through a book of the Bible verse by verse and just tearing it up!One of the quotes in the side notes is "Character is always a choice". Taking life step by step, our lives are made up of moments, of one decision after another. Each small, or big, decision makes a difference. When we make a decision to do the right thing, for the right reason, decision after decision, we are developing character. I have often said my husband is a man of character, honest and giving. He has proven himself that way to me through example, time and again, by the decisions he has made, often subconsciously. One good deed does not prove character. It is in our way of living day by day. I can change me and choose to live differently by making one good decision at a time. I cannot change what life brings me, I can only choose how I will act/react to the situation. Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what's good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.

21 Days

So, they say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I must be one of those very stubborn people because I don't seem to form habits quickly. You can see from my lack of posts that it does not come easily for me to form good habits. I've taken to working out again during my lunch hour at work. I have struggled with my weight for many, many years and it just doesn't get easier. Seems to me that's the way it is in my spiritual life as well. I struggle with the way I want to be vs the way I am. I want to be transformed. Paul says that we need to take up our cross daily. It is a daily action, not a once and done. God's mercies are new every morning. Each morning is a brand new start. And yet there is still a need for the past. I keep a small note book with my Bible and the devotional I am using at the time and I write prayer requests, things God lays on my heart,etc. I pray through these very morning and often times throughout the day. I can look back and see so many answered prayers in that little book! Often you don't realize how far you've come unless you look back to where you have been. On a side note, they showed the video of the struggle of 2013 for Greg and I, at church this past Sunday. Somehow, our story resonated with some folks at the church and that is so encouraging to me. I can look back over the past two years and see God's hand in everything! Until next time...

The Next Generation

Psalm 71:17-19 O GOD, You have taught me from my youth; and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O GOD, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. For Your righteousness, O GOD, reaches to the heavens, You have done great things; O GOD, who is like You? What a calling! Not just for those who pastor or evangelize. This is for every mother, father, grand parent or mature christian. Until I declare You to my children and my grandchildren Lord! I need to pass on what God has done for me to those younger in years and younger in their faith. God is always faithful, He always provides, always loves, leads and guides. He shows up again and again! His mercy and grace are never failing and He pours it out on us so lavishly. I must tell of His goodness so others can see and know that He is God, there is proof in my life of how richly He blesses.This is my prayer as well, that I can declare to the next generation how mighty my GOD is and how He always comes through for me.It is never about what I have done, it is despite what I have done and only because of His great love for me, for His children, that He shows Himself all merciful and steadfast.

His Name

Isaiah 9:6b ...And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Oh how wonderful! I have never stopped to really consider those names individually! Counselor, the one who listens and counsels. We usually seek counseling when we are in a difficult situation. God is there, He is the wise and compassionate counsellor. He is Father. As children we seek our father for comfort, for direction, for strength. Mighty God. He is all powerful! He can do all things. Not only do we see the wise and softer side of God but we see the strong, powerful, super-hero side of Him! He is all things wrapped up into one God!I am so grateful for very side of Him! When I don't know what to say, I only need to say Jesus, there is power in the name!

Clarity in Direction

I was reading in my devotional a few days ago, and this line was in the prayer.....Lord, give me clarity in direction. Isn't it amazing what God uses to get our attention, to let us know that He is in control and involved in all aspects of our lives?! Greg and I are at a cross road right now. After an amazing year of His provision, this is a year of direction. Greg has an interview on Monday, so unsure what way to go. He wants his own business, but starting out is so tough. This opportunity presented itself and we ask, is this God's timing? How do we know what His plan is? I am fervently praying for clarity in direction. I pray that God would make His will so clear, but it isn't always black and white, is it? Sometimes we need to step out in faith, and that isn't always easy. Please pray with me that as we go forward, God will continue to lead us and that we will continue to seek His will. Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He will make your path straight.

Preserved

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In my devotional, Growing in Grace, the writer emphasizes the word "preserved". I have done a lot of preserving. After preparing the fruit/vegetables, washing/cleansing, cutting to the desired size, removing debris like stems, seeds, skins, I place the prepared fruit/vegetable into jars and then into a hot water bath and boil. When the jars are removed, I place them on the counter over night. I listen for the "pop" to tell me the jar is sealed. In the same fashion, God has sealed my spirit, soul, body without blame at His coming! I am set apart, sealed and preserved for Him. Completely forgiven by His grace, preserved by His love and power. I pray that He will preserve me and help me to walk in faith.