Scripture Verse for 2010

Last year, I was so encouraged by Mary Beth Whalen's blog to claim a verse for the year. As this year was coming to an end, I began pondering what verse I would want to claim for this year. I have narrowed it down to two.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3: 20-21

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works and let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, expecially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Heb 10:24

What's your verse for the upcoming year?

Reading through the chronological Bible has truly been an awesome, life-changing experience. Each morning, I look forward to the time when I read His word, reflect on what it means to me, and then read the blogs of those who are following the same daily routine.

This morning, my path didn't seem to connect. Not a bad thing really, I must have been an earlier riser than the rest. Yet, I don't want to forget what happened this morning. So...here I am, recording what I gleamed.

The readings were from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20 - 21. I was amused and surprised at how the disciples and followers of Jesus did not recognize Him. He died 3 days prior and told them previously he would rise again after 3 days. He even walked and talked with them for awhile before they knew it was him. Still yet, the stood in disbelief (Luke 24:41, Mark 16:14, John 20:27) Jesus told them, "Don't be faithless any longer. Believe" (John 20:27) and "that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name." (John 20:31) "He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief" (Mark 16:14) and told them to 1) feed my lambs, 2)take care of my sheep 3) feed my sheep (John 21) and to wait "until the Holy Spirit comes and fill you with power from heaven" (Luke 24:29). We are to be sure of this, He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matt 28:20).

Even though I wasn't there, even though I didn't experience this personally, I have the written record of these events. Yet, do I live like I believe it? Do I live like I have life by the power of His name? Do I follow His commandments? or do I live as if I am waiting for Him to prove Himself again? Lord help me with my stubborn unbelief; just as you helped Thomas. I want to glorify You in all that I do.

Zechariah 13: 7 - 9

"I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure.
I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.
They will call on my name, and I will answer them.
I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say,'The LORD is our God'."

The ultimate relationship; don't you think? The relationship between God and His people illustrates a strong bond. This relationship is one that allows and even welcomes tough times because they know it is the purifying process to make them like silver and gold. This purifying process is where they are put through the fire to burn out the impurities leaving them more pure and beautiful then ever before.

This also illustrates a relationship of total trust. Do I trust God enough to know that He is in control when a crisis flares up? Do I realize that He is walking with me through the firey furnace?

I am excited to know that my relationship can be that beautiful.

Even Though They Were Afraid....

Ezra 3: 3 Even though the people were afraid of he local residents, they rebuilt the altar at it old site.

Some time ago, I read a wise saying that went something like this: The right thing to do is often the harder thing to do. I know I am not quoting this word for word and really can't remember who said it; yet, the outcome is the same.

Have you ever been in a situation where the easiest thing to do was to give into what others thought was right? Maybe in your situation the easy way out wasn't necessairly "the right thing to do" but who would question your motive?

Recently, I came into such a situation. A friend of mine was abused by her spouse; she was terrified. As friends and family members worried about her, no one was doing anything. They simply didn't want to get involved. Meanwhile, she sat alone shaking with fear of the future for herself, her family, and anyone that would get involved. She felt helpless.

Knowing there was really only the right thing to do, I loaded her up and took her to file a report and hide away in the safety of a women's shelter. As we were leaving, I heard a family member say..."Well at least someone around here has some common sense and took her to get some help."

Was there really a choice? Not really, it was the right thing to do. Even though I was afraid of what he would do if he found out, I realize the spirit that lives in me is greater than a spirit of fear. It was the right thing to do.

Praise!

...Let all that I am praise the LORD... Psalm 104:1 and 35

"All that I am"...everything about me...my thoughts, my words, my actions, my dress, my everything! When I praise Him with my everything, it's easy to realize that He is so much bigger than any earthly issue. He loves us with an everlasting love..."The LORD takes pleasure in all He has made." Psalm 104:31.

Words

Words...they can edify or crucify. What are my words doing?

Proverbs 18:21 says..." Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. (The Message)

"Do not add to his words..." Proverbs 30:6

How often do I speak before I think? I need to carefully measure my words just like ingredients to a recipe before I dump them on anyone. Just what I'm pondering on this today....as I see my friends hurt by what someone else said. Did that someone realize that gossip hurts...my friend is hurting..I wish I could take it away for her.

Another example:

Recently, I was in one of our local restraunts having lunch with a friend. At the table next to us, four women were seated and talking rather loudly. Soon after we sat down it became apparent they were talking negatively about their pastor....in this very public restraunt! I couldn't sit still and asked my friend if we could leave. This wasn't my pastor, but he still didn't deserve this.

Small talk can come from small minds and hearts. May I always keep my own words in check.

You're Just Like Me"

Florida tells her friend Jodi..."know what your problem is, Jodi Baxter? You don't want to accept that you're just like me. I didn't deserve God's love when I was strung out on drugs, now did I? But the thing that turned me around? I discovered He loved me anyway. Jesus died on that bloody cross to save me- - and look how far He's brought me! With all your blessings, all your middle-class-white American privileges, you don't deserve God's love, either. But you seem to forget that He loves you anyway, that He saved you, and ain't nothin' yo can do gonna change that."

This book has really made me wonder,...do I ...have I forgotten what it's like ... that I am really no better than anyone else? Do I treat others as if they are just as important as the next person? Read Psalm 139 ...put the name of your friends...those who are not your friends...and your own name in the place of "I". Let it speak to your soul.

2 Kings 6:16

Don't be afraid! Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" then Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!" The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

There is more than we can see....trusting God is essential to our inner peace. Jermiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'

Knowing and believing all this, why do we experience fear? I suppose the flesh speaks out. Yet, the lesson I seem to be learning...let my faith outweigh my fear....let faith win!

Friends

Friends...they come in all shapes and sizes. There are various levels of friends from close to aquaintances which last for a duration of time...only a true friend will last a lifetime.

What is the importance of friendship? I like to think of friends as someone who will help us continue on the right track, someone to share the good times as well as the bad, someone who helps to make you a better person.

Before one can truely have a friend, they must be a friend. That takes risk...risking that your loyality and gestures of friendship will be taken and appreciated.

Hungry But Can't Find Anything!

This week has been busy and draining! Each morning, I still get up for my morning "quiet time" to focus on what God has to share with me. Yet, each day I have not quite "got-it". Talking with my mom on Mother's Day, I told her that reading through the Psalms has not really spoken to me...she suggested that I just skip it and move on. I guess that isn't something I want to do...I want to say I've read them...(does that really mean anything, I don't know). Yet, still thirsting for more I have started reading one of my summer book choices. The yadayada Prayer Group is a story that begins with a couple of friends attending a Christian Women's Conference. So far (and I haven't gotten very far...too many interuptions) it's fun along with my own anticipation for this summer's Women of Faith Conference.

At the same time, still sticking with my morning tradition (and New Years Resolution) I came once again to the Psalms. Yet this morning, I changed the routine and read from Wendy's Blog first. There it was...the inspiration I needed...
Psalm 124:1 What if the LORD had not been on our side?...
Psalm 124:7...The trap is broken, and we free!

Noah The Musical

What a wonderful time we had on our anniversary. It was rather unexpected, actually. We weren't really going to do anything special; my husband needed to work cattle.

Alas, the rain came! It not only canceled the big day of working cattle, but it also canceled my son's baseball practice. Whew Hooo! The rain opened new opportunities (never curse the rain...it makes the hay grow...our cows need hay). I've been wanting to see "Noah, the Musical", my husband found the time and desire to go. Even though it was an anniversary outing, we took our youngest son (the only one living at home) with us!

"Noah the Musical" is a wonderful production! So many truths brought out...
* We all have the time to do what's right...yet do we?
* The time is coming when our Saviour will return, are we mocking
Him by doing our own thing...are we ready?

"As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in
the days of the Son of man, They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they
were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the
flood came, and destroyed them all (Luke 17:26-27)."

He is worthy of our praise!

Since January, I have been reading the One Year Chronological Bible. This bible is written in the order of a time line...all in the order that it happened. It is also broken down into 20 minute readings so we can finish it in one year.

To make it even better (as if it can get better, but yes it has) I have been participating in a blog with women who are reading through this too. Wendy, our blogger, has relentlessly posted her thoughts each Monday through Friday; the rest of us comment with her.

Some weeks, much like this one, I have a hard time gleaming much from our reading. Yet, it is so neat to read what others have to share with the group. This week we were reading about King David and how he danced when bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the City of David. A beautiful comment was made by Debbie - North Carolina. Rather than parphrase what she had to share, I just "Copy" "pasted" what her pastor shared about Praise and Worship.

Worship and praise is the only part of our corporate gathering that is for God and God alone. God doesn't come to church to hear the Word, he is the Word. He doesn't come to see who is there and how much they are giving in the offering, He knows that already. He comes because he is seeking such to worship him in Spirit and in Truth. When we are worshiping we are speaking to God, When we are listening to the Word, God is speaking to us. So for those people who are interested in just the Word and not worship, What they are saying is God I have nothing to give you, so I'm only showing up for what you have to give me.

I am so thankful for this group of women...each one of them brings a special part of herself to the group and we all grow closer to God. WOW, it's great!

uuuggggghhhh,... it's Monday already

Do you ever have something you need to do but really don't want to do? Along with this feeling, do you procrastinate and try to put it off as long as possible? That's where I am today...but it isn't that it's ONE thing...it's a bunch of things. I'd rather just skip this week and call it done! Instead I have to simply move into it and do the best I can.

It's going to be a busy week. From past experiences, I already know how easy it is to get caught up in the stuff and forget what is really important. Quiet times in the morning help me to re-focus on my priorities...yet tomorrow I won't even have that time...a late night tonight and an early tomorrow...I dread it. Focusing on Wednesday doesn't help me get the Monday and Tuesday things done...uuuuuggggh! I need a cup of tea!

....and morning comes

Regardless of what happens...the sun will rise again tomorrow and a new day will begin. The previous events have not been forgotten, but life still continues. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Is 55:8-9
As wounds begin to heal..."May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom 15:13

Small Town

There are lots of wonderful things about living in our small town located near the Arkansas border and on beautiful Bull Shoals lake. Like most small towns, we know each other. It's easy to get to know each other, ...Monday through Friday morning you can simply go for coffee or a soda at the local gas stop, or visit one of the cafes for breakfast. The local school is another hub, ....basketball, softball, baseball, ....school plays...skate night...Poetry Slam...you know the stuff that brings entertainment to our community.

There's the local church's too. Each church has it's yearly events such as the Methodist craft sale right before Christmas, the dinners served every first Sunday at the Baptist Church, the singing and special speakers at the Light House Church...the list goes on. The local restaurants have their Sunday regulars too...nothing like dinner with our family and friends.

Pulling all of this together, you get my town. A town made up of special people. They are all different; unique in their own way. A town that pulls each other through a crisis...we purchase gifts for those in need at Christmas, we give to those who have experienced a loss such as a fire. When there is a death, the community shares in your grief and contributes to the memory of your loved one with cards, food, and flowers.

Why then must we bicker...a church family that split feels like a divorce amongst family members. It affects the whole town...and leaves me with a heavy heart.

Unfailing Love

Psalm 59: 16 -17
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love.

David knew his God, he knew where to run when he needed help. He knew his source of hope was simply found in God. This should be the first place we seek for hope...yet I often seek solace in advice and comfort given from friends. When God is sought in the first place...and in the only place...then I am sure to have sound advice.

The Stone...

The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone.
Luke 20:17

He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone.. John 8:7

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb Luke 24:2

Wow, they ....we... didn't see it. He is our rock, our reedemer...the foundational corner stone of our faith,... the one without sin,... the only one who would conquer death, and He lives!

The words to a song we use to sing in church...

"He's my rock and He is my redeemer, He's my strength and my salvation. In you O Lord, I recieve my reward, and His love is everlasting."

He is our chief corner stone, He was the only one who was without sin, He is the one that conquered death and rolled the stone away. Knowing all of this, do you allow Him to reign in your life or do you use Him to throw at others? How many stones have hit you that others throw in His name? What happens if you think about it.

This thought has really been on my mind. The story in John 8 is about a woman that was caught in adultry. They wanted to have her stoned...yet, Jesus forgave her. Which side are you on?

The Garden

It was a beautiful day today! The sun was out...temp's around 70...and I got to play in my flower garden. The wind was blowing pretty hard making it difficult to get a picture...but it simply added a wonderful challenge.

My husband built this particular garden for me two years ago. (I have a few others; some came with the house and I built one with a rock border) He built this one with railroad ties and filled it with really good top soil. The rest was up to me. On the back side of our farm is an old farm house; I relocated some of the plants to my garden. There are also spots where an old farm house use to be and I relocated some of those too. Then, there is also some of the plants from my husbands family farm. A little TLC and plenty of mulch, the garden looks beautiful this year.

Each year, Evie and JD worked in the garden with me. The kids would help me dig up plants to relocate and then help water the garden. In the cool evenings, it was always fun to see where most of the water would actually end up...in the garden or on the kids. Enjoying the garden today, we sure thought of Evie. We miss her; not a day goes by that we don't think of her. This garden serves as a beautiful reminder of the fun we had.

Planning Summer Vacation

This spring brings thoughts of summer vacation. We really haven't gone on a vacation in some time. Last year was really out of the question, too many major life hurdles. Every summer, our May and June are busy working on the farm. We not only have to cut hay for our own cattle, but my husband custom bales for other farmers, too.. This ususally keeps us busy from sun up to sun down until the month of July.

In the past, we have gotten away for an occasional concert, but really, not a family vacation. Wanting to break this cycle, I bought season tickets to Branson's Silver Dollar City. Our first trip for the season was last weekend; we had a blast! The second oldest daughter, her boyfriend, and the two boys joined us for a great trip. We toured the cave, rode rides, and listened to some great music. As we were headed back to our vehicles, the kids were already talking about our next trip! Why did we wait so long? Life is so short; it's really worth creating the memories!

God Remembers!

Have you ever heard the phrase, "You're only as good as your last rodeo"? Often times, that is what lays in the forefront; the thing people remember most. For a baseball player, it means the last game; for a surgeon, his last surgery, etc. Just one mess up could mean that all the successful times mean nothing. It simply isn't that way with God. He remembers them all.

In Joshua 14: 6 - 15 Caleb relates the story of how he did as he was instructed to do; even when those around him didn't. He "wholehertedly" followed the LORD. Forty-five years later...when the time was right...God rewarded Caleb, kept him a healthy strong man, and gave him the hill country that was promised to him. Long after some might have excuse to forget, God remembered! and was true to his word.