Awesome!

We had Johannes Amritzer speak at church this morning, what an awesome, energetic man of God! He spoke about being a priest for those who do not attend church. What an amazing perspective! If you get a chance, go to MorningStar's site and listen to Johannes Amritzer's message, you will definitely not be disappointed! I'll see if I can figure out how to add a link to open it up on this site.

Daniel Fast

Sorry to take so long to post another blog. Work has been absolutely time-consuming and stressful for the past two weeks.
We started a 3 week Daniel fast with our church this past Sunday. No meat, breads nor sweets. The wonderful part is that my husband and daughter are actually doing it with me. We are supporting each other in our desires and striving to be closer to Him and more in conversation with Him and each other. More time reading His Word, praying and encouraging each other. In the past, I've been the only one in my house who fasts, so I am thrilled that Greg and Kristen wanted to participate. God will work, His Will will be accomplished. I pray that He uses me.

Going Through the Motions

There's an awesome song out by Matthew West called "The Motions". It speaks of going through life with His all-consuming passion, not having regrets, and being more than just okay. I want a ground-shaking, soul-shattering walk with Him! I want all He has for me! I don't want to go through life and not make a difference! I want Him to use me in a mighty way! Can you tell I'm zealous about this?! (I've never used so many exclamation marks in one paragraph before!)

Family Pics!

The Power of Two

Pastor Steve has been doing a series on "Tapping Into the Power Grid". Today was part 3, Tapping into His Name. One thing that really hit home to me was when he expounded on this verse; Matthew 18:19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven" (NIV). He went on to say that it's time we take back. If a husband and wife agree that their child was dedicated to the Lord and he is not walking with the Lord, they need to get on their knees together and agree. They need to petition God in prayer. God promises us so many things. He never forces Himself on us, we just need to ask, to actively choose to receive. He's amazing!

Work in Progress

Why did I chose Work in Progress? Because that's me! That's what I'll be until He calls me home. As much as I see change, I see more that needs to change. I'll never be done. Phillipians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of salvation.
I'm so glad He doesn't just give up, but keeps working to make me more like Him!

Monday Musings

It's Monday! Not my favorite day of the week, but I got through it. My sister got a job that fits in with her school schedule. Not much, but it's something!
I am a control freak. That is something that I've been working on, letting go and letting God. It's actually getting easier! So often I'd give a worry to God, tell Him it's in His hands, then reach up and take it back again to worry over! I think my son is actually teaching me the concept of letting go. He's 19 yrs old. I cannot control his every move or action. He drives and hangs with friends. I cannot be there every minute (nor would he like me to be!) I put him in God's hands, trusting that God's will be done, and I'm actually comfortable with that. Hey, it's a start!

Home from Taiwan!

Just to let you all know, Sean made it safely home from Taiwan! I'm sure Amie and the kids are thrilled! As well as Sean! While he was away, Amie and the kids got snow! In Georgia!

Daddy

I watched a vimeo on Pastor Pete's site that shows his boys, all excited because daddy was home. Do you remember those days? I do! I remember being so excited when my dad got home from work, running to the door and shouting. I also remember my kids jumping up and down and yelling when their dad came home. (Yes, even though my youngest is 17 yrs old, I do remember!) This got me thinking. How do I respond when it's time for me to meet, daily, with my Heavenly Father? Am I excited and can't wait to spend time with Him, to figuratively climb onto His lap? Or do I act as an adult instead of a child, and nonchalantly sit down at the table with Him to spend a few minutes with Him? How did Pastor Pete feel when he came home and his boys were so glad to see him? He must feel happy, warm and loved! How does God feel when I anxiously look forward to spending time with Him, just as a child anxiously awaits his father's return home from work each day?
Oh how I want to be like a child... Just a thought...

Updates

Please check out Gavin's site as his condition is up and down and continue to pray for him and his family. My brother, Sean, is still in Taiwan and really hoping to get home soon.
My sister's (Sharon) husband (Mike) lost his job. My sister is in school for Speech/Language Pathology but is trying to get a job that fits in her school schedule. Please pray for them also.
My family is doing fairly well. My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's last week. She and my dad live in part of our barn that we renovated for them. This way we are close and can help each other out!
God is so good! I'm in a terrific but thought provoking Bible study with some women at our church, by Kay Arthur. I'm refreshing my guitar playing with a class at church. I used to play in my teens for Youth Group and in a traveling singing group, but it has been shelved for 25+ yrs! This has been great fun!
And I thoroughly enjoy our Sunday messages at MorningStar as well as watching Pastor Pete's at his website during the week. All of this helps keep me on the straight and narrow.
When I figure out how to post pics, I'll put some on! I told you I was new to this blogging!