Vokal 4 Him

Don't be led astray....

2009-10-06T04:13:00.001-07:00

Colossians 2: 8&9, 16-23

8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,[e] saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

Happy Tuesday, and God Bless!!!

Sunday Scripture

2009-10-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday and be blessed...

Colossians 1 : 10-17
10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[e] the forgiveness of sins.

The Supremacy of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Saturday...

2009-10-03T05:41:00.002-07:00

Saturday, and yet this Saturday is not like the last. My husband is home!! And yet, I find myself with even more to do than I did last Saturday when he was not here. Quite the conundrum, but this Saturday just feels so much better with so much more to do.

Count it all as joy, my brothers and sisters! Realize that in the midst of loss, trouble, confusion there is always a light of hope, always "someone" loving you, praying for you, holding your hand and carrying you through.

Try to remember to find "What's right with this picture?" instead of what's wrong with it. Flip that old game around and discover a renewing of the mind that comes only from filling it with those things I've mentioned before. WHat is noble, what is right, what is good...

Good: My children are healthy, loving, cheerful, and learning to be filled with the Spirit of God, my husband loves me, is a fellow believer, and is full of sweetness, laughter, and music, my animals are healthy, obedient, and my vegetables are providing food. I have a roof over my head, there is food on the table, I have a God that truly loves me, I have a God that I truly love, I have a God that stands beside me through the trials, teaching me more and more about myself every day, I have a God who is preparing a place for me, I have a God who sent His Son for me to save me, I have the fellowship of other believers who are my brothers and sisters in every way. I'd say I'm truly blessed..

Bad: I work 50 hours a week, my husband is in search of employment, we struggle to make ends meet, and we are losing both of our vehicles...

I'd say the scales are definitively tipped in my favor! Hallelujah and Praise to my God and Father!!

At this point I've forgotten what the tally is, but I can definitely say,
Mark one up for God, because the world hasn't taken me yet!

Much love to you all, and happy Saturday!

I leave you with this scripture for today that reached me...

Philippians 4: 11b-13
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all things through Christ[b] who strengthens me.

Scriptures for your day...

2009-10-02T04:05:00.003-07:00

In Today's reading there were a few that stood out...

Take them, read them, remember them, guard them..

Learn to leave yesterday behind for tomorrow is a gift from God.

Philippians 3:13&14
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Hope in times of desperation:

Proverbs 24:16
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

For though he falls seven times, he rises again, he rises again..

Much love to you all, and have a blessed day!

Guard Your Thoughts

2009-10-01T04:04:00.002-07:00

What do you think about during the day?

An email response to your resume that said, "Thanks but no thanks"?
The driver who cut you off?
Your financial puzzle?
The pain of a loved one?
Someone's smile?
We are all thinking about something all of the time.

Our minds bring back pleasant memories. Recall facts. Store useful (and sometimes useless) details. And do so many other positive and helpful things.

But our minds also create pain and suffering. They focus on wrong things such as fear, greed, selfish power, envy, false escapes. . . .

Did you know that God knows all of your thoughts—as well as everything else about you? God is intimately involved in your life:

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?. . .

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
—from Psalm 139

Did you know that your mind is a spiritual battleground, and that what you put into it dramatically influences your life?

Music you listen to.
Movies you watch.
Books, magazines, and internet articles you read.
Mental images you play with.
What you keep thinking about yourself.
How would your list of thoughts stack up at the end of the day? Positive thoughts: 1,350; Negative thoughts: 2? Or the other way around?

What if someone gave you a dollar for every positive and uplifting thought you think and took away a dollar for every negative thought? Would you end the day with money left over?

How much influence do your thoughts have on whether or not you focus on the good? On how you think about the stress in your life?

How are you thinking about the people around you—a family member, a waitress in a restaurant, a person applying for the same job that you really want?

Paul, a follower of Jesus, knew about the battle taking place in our minds. He urged the early followers of Jesus to actively direct their thoughts toward the positive:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
—from the letter to the Philippians

With God's help, you can take control of your thoughts!

Make the closing words of Psalm 139 your prayer today:

Search me, 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.

*Taken from Biblica-guarding your thoughts*

S.O.A.P. for 09-30 To be or not to be....

2009-09-30T03:45:00.002-07:00

S: Philippians: 2:1-4

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Take heed the words of that scripture. It tells us very succinctly how to be Christians. It's a beautiful way to live, and is filled with the knowledge of how to shine your light, and how we should look upon ourselves, and remove ourselves from those lofty places that make us think we are "deserving"of anything, and that we are "above" everyone else. For we are not. Even Jesus came as a servant and humbled himself to the world in order to show the most love, so who are we to think we know better than Him?

It won't be a full S.O.A.P. this morning, but I'll be back! ;)

Again, no time this morning.. My husband is home at last! It's been a long three weeks, and I slept so soundly , that I could barely wake myself up this morning! Amen and Hallelujah! Praise to God for small things!

Be Blessed! Be encouraged! And stay in the word, even if its only a little while every day. Every little bit counts, and it's a great way to start your day!

S.O.A.P. for 09-29 Wolves in Sheeps Clothing..

2009-09-29T04:07:00.004-07:00

Are we??

S: Isaiah 58: 1-14

1 “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.
Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.
Tell my people Israel of their sins!
2 Yet they act so pious!
They come to the Temple every day
and seem delighted to learn all about me.
They act like a righteous nation
that would never abandon the laws of its God.
They ask me to take action on their behalf,
pretending they want to be near me.
3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
4 What good is fasting
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me.
5 You humble yourselves
by going through the motions of penance,
bowing your heads
like reeds bending in the wind.
You dress in burlap
and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the Lord?

6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.

13 “Keep the Sabbath day holy.
Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath
and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
14 Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”

O: My observation is this: God is calling us out. He is calling us to meet Him at the table and He's holding a mirror. Even when we THINK we are doing right, how much of ourselves have we truly examined? It goes beyond our skin. He sees how we treat others, how we relate to the world around us, how we handle our "things", how we deal with the world around us, and then it seems we have the audacity to think we "deserve" something simply by having shown up to the party.

A: I must not forget to examine my own heart. I must not forget to examine my outward actions to others. Have I shared my bread? Have I shared my coin? Have I shared my home and hearth? Have I shared my love and my friendship in a real and personal way? Not thinking that I'll ever get it back, for then it is truly not giving. When I give and expect to get something in return that is not generosity. How do I treat my neighbors? My brothers and sisters in Christ? The man on the street? The friend in the congregation? The helper? How have I spoken of them to others? How have I stretched myself to help them? Have I said prayers to my God for help and release from oppression when it very well could be that I am doing the oppressing?
Are we being wolves in sheep's clothing? And who are we trying to fool? Certainly not God, for if we believe we can fool Him, then we truly are the fool.. How deep is He rooted in our hearts? That will answer the question of whether our worship to Him is true or false.. So ask yourself, are you being True? Or are you being False? There is only one answer, and whatever it is, act on it. Let it open your eyes so that you may see beyond the box and study that person in the mirror. For He wants to be your delight. And to me, what could be better?

P: Father God, I come to You with love in my heart and a prayer in my heart. Lord I seek to know You and have You truly change me from the inside out. Lord , please do not let me be a casualty of this false worship. Reveal my heart and open mine eyes that I may notice everything around me and respond to it in a way that is pleasing in Your sight. Lord, You are my strength and my redeemer, truly You must know this. Truly You must know the depths of my heart, and if I'm guilty of false worship, it is not intentional. Remove my blinders and heighten my senses. Lord, help me lead others to a true sense of worship, being honest in love, and careful to step lightly but with the word of Truth as my sword, that in my quest to Truly worship You as I should, with a pure and honest heart, behaving as a child of God, that I may steer others along the path of righteousness as well, Lord! Lead me always, Lord. I thank You for never giving up on me and loving me through my mistakes. I thank You for helping me learn to be more like You and being such a good Father.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

My heart and my soul,
I give You control,
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise,
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out!!
*Hillsong*

S.O.A.P. for 09-28 Are you thristy?

2009-09-28T03:32:00.002-07:00

S: Isaiah 55: 1&2

1 "Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

O: Isaiah's word here is speaking of the wonderful provision of our Lord. He is speaking of the bounty of living simply and living for God. God knows how best we may live and be fruitful, and be satisfied, for He created us! He knows! God is telling us what to fill ourselves with, what will truly make us feel "full".

A: How many times do I worry where my next meal will come from? How often have I been concerned if my children are eating healthy enough or not? How often have I worried at spending money on that which is not bread.....Everyone should have the capacity to see through this one. Spend money on what is not bread. We think about things, what they will do for us, how they will help us, how they will make life better. But the only thing I've found is that they burden us. The oppression of wondering how to afford, how to upgrade. And even then, the thrill fades, and the need to replace it begins. When will we cease this vicious cycle and truly learn what IS important to "buy". If we cease all the needless "needing", then we would truly have more leftover to provide for our families. I am learning this lesson firsthand with our vehicles. We lost almost everything when we left Arizona. It was a needed move. A move to change our life, a move to change our home, and a move to change our "lifestyle". But the pruning is not yet over. The wolf is at the door to now take away both of our vehicles, but the funny thing is.. I don't care. I feel RELIEF and the thought of not having to figure out where the money is going to come from. I feel RELEASE at the thought of finding something cheap that will get us from A to B that will allow us the money to get what we truly "need". The WORLD said we needed, and God is proving that we don't. How empty and stressful our life became because of worldly need. And how truly "filled" I feel at the thought of washing my hands clean of all of it. So what if our credit is shot. Credit is also a worldly thing, and My God will not measure me by that score, no sir! My God judges me on so much more and for that I'm thankful, and for that I separate myself from the things of this world that would tie me down and lead me astray!

Spend my labor on what does not satisfy. What DOES satisfy? You Lord, You Satisfy! And I know why You have created me, I know my calling, now to go and get it. Yesterday's sermon spoke of reaching out and walking on faith, and grabbing hold of the life you have intended for me. Lord I pray for the conviction to grab the bull by the horns and seek out the ministry You have developed me for. I pray Lord, lead me to Sing once more! I haven't sang since Arizona, and my heart is calling out to You! I want to sing for You, Lord! I want to lead worship for You Lord! I want to lead others to a deeper understanding of true Worship to You Lord! Lead and I'll follow, for that is the Labor for me that would satisfy.. Please help me. I already work full time Lord, help me figure out how to make it happen for You! I know I can do all things through You! And I know You promise to refresh and give me energy, so I know I can do this.. Lead and I'll follow Lord! Lead and I'll follow!

P: Abba Father, I come to You this day in praise and thanksgiving for everything that You are to me, everything that You've become, and everything that You've lovingly taught me. Lord the lessons are long, and I'm sure there are many many more to come, but I rest in knowing that You are always there... Lord, please lead this family to a place where we come to You when we are thirsty, come to You when we hunger!! Help us learn to trust in Your provision. Lord, teach us what we CAN live without and what we TRULY need. Lord I thank You for getting me to the place that "losing" something no longer hurts but is a blessing! For I KNOW you are in control, and I know You are teaching me a better way to live, love, and walk! Let me learn and let me be Your vessel! Lord, oh Lord, I pray that you guide me to where my soul will delight in the richest of fare! I am thrilled with anticipation and joy at this notion, Lord! I wait for You! With a smile on my face and love in my heart....(patience)....

In Jesus Mighty Name,

Amen

Your name is like honey on my lips,
Your Spirit like water, to my soul,
Your word is a lamp unto my feet,
Jesus, I love You, I love You..

Early to rise...

2009-09-25T04:15:00.002-07:00

It would seem that getting up at 5:30 is no longer early enough for daily devotionals...
Ugh, the kids are already up, and I'm behind schedule in getting them going and ready for school..
Do I have the commitment to get up at 5? It's only 30 more minutes, (or 30 less depending on how you slice it)
So for today, I'm only able to share with you the scriptures that reached out to me, but really can't go into detail...hmmm, this makes me sad as I love to journal as it helps me study, and it buries His Word on my heart. But He knows my heart, and He knows I'm trying.. so in that I must be satisfied for my life is no one else's, and for goodness sakes, I'm certainly not perfect...
(yet) ;)

Ephesians 4:2-7 & 15%16
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift[a] through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,

“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”

15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Much love to you all, and I pray that He rests in you, and that you have accepted Him in your heart. I pray that you are Saved!! NO matter who you are...
Be blessed! Know Him, Love Him, Serve Him, and experience Joy and Freedom!!

When I Get Where I'm Going....

2009-09-24T03:50:00.004-07:00

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
And run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,
And he'll match me step for step,
And I'll tell him how I missed him,
Every minute since he left.
Then I'll hug his neck.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

So much pain and so much darkness,
In this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can't answer,
So much work to do....

But when I get where I'm going,
And I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
Of His Amazing Grace.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
I'm gonna be in Heaven!
When I get where I'm going

*33 Miles*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i73m8CRnZUE&feature=related

S.O.A.P. for 09-22 On my Heart..

2009-09-22T04:04:00.003-07:00

S: Isaiah 40:8....

8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.”

10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

He picks up the whole earth
as though it were a grain of sand.

22 God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
and makes his tent from them.

The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

In Jesus Name:
Amen and Amen...

S.O.A.P. for 09-21 Doing Good

2009-09-21T03:47:00.004-07:00

S: Galatians 6:9-10

9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

O: Paul is encouraging us to remain steadfast in our deeds. To continue doing good at all costs, for there is a reward for us. We must not give up. He entreaties us to do good, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are there as a family to uphold, encourage, strengthen, and share the blessings of the Lord. It would seem in that statement, that he is encouraging us to always to good to everyone...friend or foe.. believer or non-believer.

A: I must remember that there is something good to come of this life. Something amazing and indescribable and I must not falter in revealing my heart to those around me. They must never need question who I am or what I believe in. It should be revealed in my actions, my words, my walk..Lord help me to remember this. How easy it is to be good and do good things for those who are good and do good things for us? How fulfilling and enriching it is to be in an environment that would nurture those things and make them almost "second nature" that it would just be a part of who we are..but what of the other side of the coin? I do know that there are people who I once considered friends who have revealed a side of themselves that forces me to pull back. They treat us maliciously , with malcontent, and vile words, Lord.. They behave as though we are beneath them. Lord, give me strength to show them goodness and love, despite how they treat us. I have noticed, that although I do not retaliate, I DO keep my distance. For I fear the words, I fear to be treated poorly. Who wants to walk into the lion's den of their own volition??

P: Lord God, Give me STRENGTH to see this through!! Lord, I pray for this man, you know who he is and why he's on my heart.. What have we done to deserve this treatment? We thought him a friend, Lord, and I think that is why it pains us worse and is harder to pull away. Lord, please reveal to HIM what he's doing, and temper his heart, Lord, fill it with Your love! Bring him to You Lord, for he does not know You! Help us remember to show good in all things, to shine Your light in all things, that maybe one day he will be won over. Lord, God, however, if his heart is hardened, only You would know this, please light a path to deliver us Lord!! Please deliver us! Reveal a new job for my spouse that he does not have to work under such oppression hostility... That situation is not nurturing the fruits of the spirit Lord.. I know that You know best, and I leave it to Your will and omnipotent understanding, I just ask that Your hand be upon it...and through this, give us the courage to keep "doing good"....

In Jesus Name
AMen

S.O.A.P. for 09-20 Free indeed!

2009-09-20T05:45:00.007-07:00

S:Galatians 5:13-16

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[b] 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

O: The moral standards of the law are not discarded or violated by Christians who are free from the law. For "the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" (Rom 7:12). Freedom from the law is not license to break the law and pursue every selfish desire. No, freedom from bondage to the law is experienced by those who believe in Christ and are led by his Spirit. They use their freedom to serve one another in love. And in that loving service the high moral standards of the law are fully realized in their lives. Though the law is holy and good, since it is God's revelation of his moral standards for our lives, the law provides no power to overcome sin.

Only the power of the Spirit at work in us can enable us to overcome sin and fulfill God's moral design for our lives through loving service to others.

A: Apparently God is really wanting this "message" to write itself on my heart...something must be right under my nose and I've not seen it...Apparently He's trying to get my attention. Have I been too "busy" with the "things I should do" to make Him happy? Other than focusing on the Spirit, and what comes next in this passage.?. Have my eyes and heart been blind to the freedom? It would seem so, even though I feel nothing but gladness in serving Him, I feel as though my heart would burst with joy in my love for Him, and to talk with Him brings tears to mine eyes..it would seem, as I said, He's trying to get my attention..

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The Fruit of the Spirit, I know of them, I've memorized them, but where am I with them?

P:
Love - Oh yes there is love. It is evident in every fiber of my being. Love for my Father, in how I live my life for Him, worship Him, Praise Him. Love for my family, my children. The deep and abiding love I have for my husband, who I feel more in love with now than ever, and I know it's because of the foundation we share. Love for my neighbor, love for my church, love for the needy, the poor, the downtrodden. My cup runneth over in love, and I thank Thee Lord!!

Joy - yes, joy is very evident in my life, I have truly found a way to find joy in all things.. There is much laughter, and much smiling, and delight in my family, and delight in You. For this I thank You Lord!

Peace - Peace, I would say I'm close...because it's not always evident. I would confess that my human side lets the troubles of this world "get to me" and I forget the peace that can only come from Him.. SO I will pray for more peace...

Patience - whoa, now this one is a tough one. I've prayed for patience, then had to put the brakes on, lol... Patience is hard!!! Patience is challenging! So apparently, more patience is needed. This too, will I pray for, but one at a time, there's only so much one can take on at once.

Kindness - Kindness makes me smile, kindness fills me, makes me happy. Could I use more of it? I'm fairly sure, because something very sad that I've noticed, but is very very true, is that we are kinder to strangers than we are to those closest to us. I do not want to be that way anymore. I don't want to feel "comfortable" with being "real" with my children and spouse. They are more deserving of my kindness than anyone else. How easy it is to let go of that with the ones you are most comfortable with and claim to love the most.. I must pray for this to be completely and not just partially fulfilled in my life. I think I would like this first...

Goodness - Inherently I feel that I am filled with goodness..I look inside and I know it is not perfect, but it is there. It is part of the love I feel for others, for the love I feel for my family, and for just taking this life as a way to serve and show God how thankful I am for all He's given me, by taking care of it, by nurturing it, and by loving it.

Faithfulness - Yes, faithfulness, just saying it makes me heart smile.. I search for more faithfulness. I pray for more faithfulness. I want more faithfulness. For here is something indeed I feel that I have, but in completeness? I would have to say no. For I know there are times when I lose sight of "who is doing the doing"...when I think "where are you Lord, in this thing?".. SO yes, another aspect revealed to me of something I definitely need more of... Okay Lord! Not too much at once, now, okay? But a healthy dose of Faithfulness would please my heart, and I pray for the Spirit to instill in me a stronger sense of Faith. And I pray that the Spirit never cease on this until I have achieved the Faith of a Mustard seed, for it would seem that this much even, I do not have...but apparently this much would be enough to great things with You... Lord I am not saying that I would stop there, only that it would be amazing enough to get to that point, and if and when I ever get there, Lord, we can bring this topic back to the table :)

Gentleness - Yes gentleness is at work, and I've seen changes over the years, but they've been slow... AHH!!! See? There it goes again, not gentle. I am a fiery spirit, I have energy, and joy, and excitement abounding, so how does one reign this in? Lord help me "understand" this thing before I ask for more of it. Help me see HOW You would have this be evident in my life..and help me see exactly WHAT gentleness is, for I'm afraid I've not been exposed to it, not seen it very much. Maybe I have it and don't know it? Maybe it's okay to be as exuberant and as most people reference it "bubbly and infectious". As long as infectious is a good thing I guess that's okay, but that's up to You. Lord, bring me a greater understanding here, because I truly need to know where this would take me, and what it means...

Self Control - Ahhh yes, self control... I would have to say that above and beyond most of the others, this is the one that has become the most obvious change in my life. No longer am I easily "distracted" by things.. No longer can I be swayed without it going to my "heart" first for a decision. Lord I Thank You for this, but at the same token, You have made me look inside once again, and see that not all is as it should be. My Anger Lord. It has come a long way, blame it on my Hispanic blood, but I have a problem that when I see something wrong, I am quick to flare up. Not against me, Lord, but when I see people wrong each other, or my children wrong each other, I fear that I do not have Self-Control in those areas, and I run in with both barrels blazing, ready to "nip it in the bud" and "lay down the law"... Did I just say the law?? Seriously... ok... I'm getting it..
More love, more understanding, less law...
Lord I pray for Self-Control to handle situations that need "discipline" according to Your will, Your way, Your grace, and Your love!! Lord I pray for this in Great supply, as these little children are Your children Lord, and I want Your help in raising them to be strong men of God. Do not let me mess this up, God!! You only give me one chance...help me in this area that You have once again, lovingly revealed to me.
All Honor and Glory to You,
Your faithful and "learning" servant,

Amen.

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly
*Sanctus Real*

Today....

2009-09-19T06:24:00.003-07:00

Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice!!

Trying hard to remind myself of that today as I run down the list of things I must do....

Saturday, and I'm on my own around here with the boys, so I will just have to gitterdone!

First, I have to get everything trashworthy to the dump. No "City services" here, no sir! We do it ourselves, so I've got to get it all ready, and load up the truck...

Then, oh my word, the house... too many hours worked during the week, means not enough tidying was going on, it's not too bad, but it could sure use a good once over.. *sigh*

*He will bless the works of my hands*

Then, water.. .have to go to town to fill up our water...maybe I'll try to do that at the same time as the dump..we'll see what fits...

Ok, then I have to see to the plants and the animals... I picked up goat feed earlier in the week, now have to remember to unload it and put it in the shed..

Then there's the fence in the back yard. It's not broken or anything, it's just that the gaps in the fencing are too big and our puppy keeps slipping through the holes (sneaky little stinker)... so I'm going to see what I can do. We have extra fencing, so I'm going to see if I can overlap it and keep the little guy from escaping anymore..

What's next? Oh, well there's meals and laundry of course. The laundry is washed and dried, it's just in a pile the size of the astro-dome, and at some point have to fold it all and get it put away....

Maybe thats it.. that's not too bad, I s'pose... Going over to a friends house tonight so our kids can watch a movie and I can have someone to talk to for a little while...

Not much else to say about today, just going to pray my way through it and keep smiling, as always..

Read my bible this morning, but nothing major jumped out at me...so no SOAP for today, so I started my day right, with my daily dose of Him, so I know all will be well..

S.O.A.P. for 09-18 The Rock

2009-09-18T03:56:00.002-07:00

S: Psalm 62:5-8

5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.

O: My safety, my hope, my protection, my salvation, my refuge rests in one thing. One thing that cannot be changed, one thing that cannot be moved, one thing that cannot be compromised. That is my God, and through Him I can find things that truly make me whole, truly make me confident, truly make me steadfast. He is my rock. I will not be shaken , I will not be moved.

A: I must remember that it is not on the reliance of people that can make me feel "sure". It is not on the dependence of worldly things that makes me feel like it's going to be okay. I must remember that I can not put that pressure or expectation on another human. For I will be putting myself in line for disappointment. I must remember to love my brother/sister for who he/she is, and not look to them to help me be strong, for they have their own struggles. Yes we should be there for each other, but not on that level. Not on a level that only God can handle. He is the only one that can truly fulfill me, so I must remember to seek HIM first in all things, so I can build that fortress within me where HE can reside, so that I can truly feel, I will not be moved...I will not be moved... I will NOT BE MOVED!!

P: Father God, I love You, and thank You for new wisdom that you reveal to me each and every day. Lord, I see that my stability comes from no one but You. Not my friends, for they offer me nothing past this life. Not my husband, for he, too, is for this life.. and I must learn to love everyone for who they are, and that alone is difficult in itself, but then to put higher expectations on them, that my happiness and strength come from them? That is just not fair, considering we are all prisoners of sin, and I would just be setting myself up for failure. But YOU are truly dependable, infallible, and truly worth placing my hope, my trust, my fears, my heart, my life. Lord I thank You for Your word that continues to steer me, sometimes with that huge left turn at Albuquerque, and sometimes with a gentle nudge. You are my Rock. I pray that I continue to remind myself of this so that it becomes "written in stone" upon my heart.

In Jesus Name,
Amen..

On Christ the solid rock we will stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
ON Christ the solid rock we will stand..
We'll climb on your back, take us to higher ground!!!
*Delirious*

S.O.A.P. for 09-17 The Law

2009-09-17T03:51:00.003-07:00

Galations 3: 19+22

S: What then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed of whom the promise referred had some. *Is the law therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come because of the law. But the scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through Faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe...

O: My observation on this is that the Law that was created in the Old Testament was a set of laws to help bring us into a place of righteousness, if we were but able to follow them completely. However, after God watched us for a while, He could see that as a whole, as a society, even then we fell short of the mark, fell short of the Glory of God. He could see that there were but a few with the steadfastness and strength to fulfill these laws and that we were and still are prisoners of sin. So He devised a truly beautiful plan that would save us. Save us from sin, save us from ourselves, and lead us to Him... He sacrificed His one and only Son...to be the curse, to shed the blood, that would save us all, if we would only believe...

A: Here I see that it is by Faith, alone, that I have been saved. Yes, the old laws do mean something, they are vital, and teach us how to live, but living by them alone is not what will save us, no matter how "to the letter" we learn to abide by them. I must focus MORE on just having Faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and less on "do this, do that, and do the other or you're not good enough"... I don't know where it came from , but I do think to myself, if I don't do this, then God won't be happy...if I don't do that, God won't be happy, if I DO this God won't be happy... If I DO that, then He will be pleased...and then I measure others I see by those standards I have placed upon myself.. It's almost like I created my own set of laws to be worthy of Him..and have somehow made my own life a prison, instead of being able to revel in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing and loving and believing in my God. I must let go.. not to behave differently, for just having accepted Him into my life has changed my life, and I would never go back..but I must let go of the "standards" that somehow hold me captive more than they give me peace... It is by Faith in Jesus Christ that I have been saved and I must remind myself of that. This doesn't give me carte blanche to do whatever I want and to go, "Hey, I'm saved, what do I care?" NO, the bible reminds us that the laws are STILL important, it's just that they have taken second seat to the one thing that superceded them, that would lead us to salvation, where nothing else could, Jesus..Even Jesus still spoke of the laws, and upholding the Sabbath, so they're still there..

P: Father God, I pray to You with joy and thanksgiving that I am Saved. I am grateful for my salvation, and I rejoice in the fact that You knew that we were weak... You knew, and yet You never stopped loving us.. You KNEW and yet You still figured out a new way to save us. Your love must be so unimaginable, that to know I am loved that much by anyone is worth celebrating, and worth offering my life to. Father God, help me to see what truly matters in my walk, and the walks of others, and not get stuck and mired down in the details..so that I may shine and rejoice with You!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

What has washed away my sin...
Nothing but the blood of Jesus..

S.O.A.P. for 09-16 My Child..

2009-09-16T04:01:00.003-07:00

Proverbs 23: 15-16.
My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!
Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.

O: How connected we are to our children, that when they behave negatively, oh how it can hurt our heart! Not only do we have to correct them, but we have to hurt for them as well. And it somehow makes us feel as though we've missed the mark somehow.. Oh, but when they get it right! Oh, when they get it right! Our hearts feel as thought they will explode from our chest, and our smile widens, and we just look up to You, Lord and say Thank You for that one! But do we remember to share that moment with the one that got it right? Does he/she know how you felt right then as a parent? Or did you look on, but hold it inside? How will they know? How will they know to do it again?

A: I need to remind myself always, that with the good comes the bad and vice versa. I am quick to "nip it in the bud" when something is wrong, but how quick am I to celebrate it when it's right? I need to keep myself in check with the positive re-enforcement as well. I know I try to, but what is the ratio? If they can feel the joy and gladness that they create when they do something right, won't they want to be in that place again? I do not want to let them down and leave them feeling empty for something truly well done, or well said. Let my tongue be quick to praise my children in nurturing the positive. I understand the need for discipline, but I can also understand the need for praise and encouragement as well. I must try to make the positive out-weigh the negative so that my children don't feel that is all they hear.
For I know that my God loves me, but His word doesn't speak incessantly of discipline, it speaks of His love, and His mercy, and His grace, and His sacrifice. Yes the rules, and "hopes" for us are in there, along with a wonderful, amazing, love. I an only hope that I make My Father's Heart Rejoice one day as well.

P: Abba Father, I come to you with Praise and Thanksgiving for who You are and for what You are doing, and for creating me to be a living vessel for You. I honor You and love You so very much. Lord, please help me to raise my children in a way that You see fit. Lord, touch my heart and remind me when I need to respond to something good in them. Sometimes, wrapped up in the business and chaos of life, I know I just "accept" the good and think to myself, whew, ok, at least they're being good right now. But did I say anything? Did I respond? Or did I just think it to myself, more as a relief that there were no problems at the moment. Once the bad happens, I'm quick to jump up and take care of it and verbalize...so what am I dishing out more of? Oh Lord, impress this on my heart that the scales should weigh much more on the positive, if that is the kind of person I want them to be. I beseech You to help me not be a burden to them, but an encouragement! Open my eyes and my heart to be responsive in all things...as You are responsive to me in all things.. Oh How I feel You rejoice within me when I've gotten something right. Oh, Lord, to be able to give my children that feeling... I'm truly sorry, and I thank you for revealing this need in our family. I know I do it, but Lord, I have to admit, I know I've not been doing it enough. Busy-shmizy, it's no excuse and I accept that and admit that and ask for Your forgiveness and Help.. Thank You for listening to Your child, and I pray to commit to being more Christ-like in "raising my children"...

In Jesus Name,
All Glory and Honor be Yours,
Amen

Getting my feet wet, once again....

2009-09-15T03:47:00.002-07:00

Well Good morning... Almost 6 a.m., almost time to wake the youngens... and yet.. Here I am.. First off, let me apologize, I've been gone much too much too long. But it seems that I finally feel settled enough and compelled enough to get back in the saddle.

There's no excuse, to be entirely honest, considering my blog is Faith based, and tends to be directed at my Father, so for that I ask HIM for forgiveness from His child, who has been "busy" much to long.

So why now, you ask? I've no idea. Right now is possibly the worst time, but I feel it in my gut. He is calling me, asking me where I've been, and I just have to answer when my Father calls...

Right now, as most of you know, I am in the great state of Texas, in a tiny little, quaint, beautiful, conservative town called Utopia. We have a little house in the trees, where we have a few animals and have been growing some fruits and veggies... Trying to be more self-sustaining for a few "somewhat obvious" reasons.

Frankly, what's going on in the world scares the life out of me. Frankly, I am against almost everything that our government is trying to shove down our throats as if we were naive little children incapable of coherent thought and needing to be force fed. They behave as though because they've achieved the status that they have, that no one else is capable of "rational" thought as they are. Something to me feels...smells...looks fishy.. And you know what they say... if it looks like a fish, and smells like a fish... (sort of :) )

Anyway, back to life...my life...the one that has MY family in it, the one that has MY GOD in it, and the one that matters... Kind of why we're here. So the outside world and it's JUNK could affect it less, and I could allow My Father to affect it more... Without being compared to the neighbors and the kids at school, and "why do I have to do it this way? Johnny doesn't"...
Ladies and gentlemen, I have one shot to raise my kids and lead them along the paths of righteousness...I can NOT turn back time, I can NOT protect them from everything, but I can darned sure make wise decisions when it comes to how/where they will be raised. I CAN ensure that our ideals are the majority, not the minority, so that they grow strong and steadfast in their beliefs. Will it turn out as I hope?
Who knows, no one but GOD knows, but what I DO know is this.. I DO have to be pro-active, and not "let" life happen.. I DO need to live in such a way that reflects my beliefs and surrounds my home and hearth with His protection. And I DO need to rely on the Faith , that as long as I'm fighting, God is fighting with me, and that, my friends, makes it all worthwhile..

So here I am....once more.... SOAPS will be returning for your viewing pleasure ;)...along with any "special" stories that happen to my family along the way...
(Like the day we decided to drive home in reverse) LOL! But you'll have to be patient...as I said.. I'm just getting my feet wet.. :)

S.O.A..P. for 04/30/2009 Content with Who I Am.

2009-05-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

S: John 1:6-9 & 26-27
6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

O: John was fully aware of who and what he was meant to do, and he was content with that. People wanted to give him more credit than he deserved, and rather than be lured by that temptation, he remained firm. I feel proud of John in that moment, for many people in this day and age do not accept who they are and how they are bent. They continue to try and be something more, something that they're not..and it's sad to see for they will never feel truly happy. John understood he had a great commission to fill and he was steadfast, unwilling to be distracted or tempted. And therein, in God's eyes, was a truly great man. Even though he shared the Word, and was highly regarded, he never wavered from the thought and knowledge that he would be ushering in someone much greater than he. And he was good with that. As so should I be.

A: How do I see myself in the scheme of things? Have I been tainted to want to feel special? Or to be like everyone else? To have what they have? Do I take credit for things that only God should be deserving>? Do I say, thank you, when complimented for an achievement? Or do I say, Praise God... If my life is a constant battle to be "better" than who I think I am, then I'll never find contentment in who GOD made me. HE made me, HE designed me, and HE knows how best I can feel complete. Who am I to say I can go one better?

Do I realize that without Him and without honoring Him as I should and giving Him the credit for all the good things my life produces, that I'm robbing myself of true blessings? I must remember that I am who HE made me, I am made for the purposes HE gave me, and that all I do is for Him.

P: Father God,
Let me not ever take credit for things You have done in my life. You gave me life, breath, a beating heart. So every beat should be offered up to You in thanks. Every breath in thanks. Let me offer every note I sing up to You in honor of You creating the voice that would sing Your praises! I am just the vessel for it. I did not create it, You did. I pray I never take credit and want more than You have in mind for me. Let me be completely confident in who You've created me to be, and help me fill the shoes and play the role... I pray I do find the roots You have me seeking, that I may shine the most possible light for You and be Your lampstand.

My heart, my soul, my life, my family, my voice, my hands, my feet, I give to You, Oh Lord, My strength and My Redeemer.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

I can feel that
Muddy water runnin' through my veins
I can hear that
lullaby of the midnight train
And it sings to me and sounds familiar

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

I can taste that honeysuckle
And it's still so sweet
When it grows wild
On the banks down at old Camp Creek
And it calls to me like a warm wind blowin'

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

It's where I learned about livin'
Its where I learned about love
Its where I learned about working hard,
And having a little was just enough
It's where I learned about Jesus
And knowin' where I stand
You can take it or leave it
This is me
This is who I am
Give me a tin roof, a front porch, and a gravel road
And thats home to me, feels like home to me

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

You get a line I'll get a pole
We'll go fishin' in the crawfish hole
Five card poker on Saturday night
Church on Sunday morning
*Little Big Town*

S.O.A.P. for 04/26/2009 Who Am I?

2009-05-02T12:14:00.003-07:00

S: Judges 6:15
"But Lord", Gideon asked, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Mannaseh, and I am the least in my family."

O: Gideon asks the Lord probably what anyone will and has asked the Lord. Who am I? I am no body. I am not powerful, nor do I have a place of status that people will listen to me. Gideon felt unworthy and too unimportant to be inpactful in any sort of way. How often do we feel the same>?

When God calls us or convicts us of something, how often do we say - "I can't do that!", or "How am I supposed to be able to pull that off?" or "They won't listen to me", "That's going to take more time than I have", 'That's way beyond what I'm capable of, "

Excuse me here, beyond what WHO is capable of?... It's not US He's asking to do something. He wants to do something THROUGH us, and because of our humbleness HIS greatness will be revealed!!! He is a genius! He's asking us to be His willing vessels so that HE may do those magnificent things and still reveal that HE is among us! So who do we think we are?

Have we robbed Him of HIS thunder & power when we toss something we've felt called to do aside? Have we prevented HIM from showing Himself to a world that needs Him? Have we accidentally kept more people from coming to Him because we haven't allowed Him to do what He wants to do? When did we start thinking it was us that did anything anyway? Have we forgotten that we can do ALL things through Him that strengthens us? Have we forgotten how to be His vessels and let Him do the impossible? Have we put Him in a box?

A: I MUST remember, I must FORCE myself to remember that nothing is too big or too small for my God! If I feel called to do something, then God has simply chosen me to be His vessel. So who am I to think it can't be done, when I won't be the one making the "magic" happen in the first place. Yes I need to be willing, and go forth in His will, but the greatness, Oh the greatness of that is ALL HIM!! Am I going to give up an opportunity to let God do something because I didn't think I was good enough to be the one to do it? Who IS good enough, for that matter, for we all fall short. How sad to think I may be a culprit for having prevented HIM from revealing Himself in His Glory somehow. How sad, indeed...

P: Lord God,
Forgive me when I doubt. Forgive me when in doubting myself, I've ultimately doubted You. How can I say I truly believe You capable of anything, when I won't let You show me!? Forgive my fear, and help me let You lead me. Help my heart be courageous enough to be Your vessel when You call, and help my Faith to remember that it is YOU and not my own knowledge that will put me where You want me.

How honored I am that You would also pick me - someone of little consequence to the world, and love me enough to want me to be Your vessel. How awesome, that You can take someone of little consequence, and make something Glorious happen! What genius to pick the lowly that Your light and Glory may be revealed and that no one could possibly think that Your humble servant could have done it without You! I love You and I hope to one day hear You say, "Well Done"...

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Who am I, that the Lord of all the Earth...
Would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt...

Not because of who I am,
but because of what YOU'VE done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of WHO YOU ARE!!!!!

S.O.A.P. for 04-13-2009 Money Money Money

2009-04-13T19:06:00.002-07:00

S: Luke 16:10&11
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust true riches?

O: When we handle what little we have according to God's will, be it money, time, family, walk, etc, then more will be added to us as we prove our ability to be good stewards. However, if we fail Him, we run the risk of being "downsized" and becoming unworthy.

A: Our character can often meet its match in money matters. God calls us to be honest in even trivial matters that we try to rationalize away. A new this, a new that, a better this, a cooler that, an improvement on something we already have that works perfectly fine.. Heaven's riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth, but if we are untrustworthy with our time, talents, or treasures, no matter it is, we will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God's kingdom. Do I really want to feel as though God has declared me unfit? or Undeserving? Does that speak of the character I feel that I should have? What can I do differently to be considered a "good steward". What am I doing with my "extra" anything??? AM I sharing, helping, or am I immediately looking at what "I" can do with it? Next new handbag, nicer shoes, better tv, time to myself, catch up on sleep...versus a friend who's down and out, or someone that just needs a hug, or a hand, or an ear..... It's obvious which is of greater importance, but which springs to mind first? How could I possibly overlook those in need for my own selfish desires?

P: Abba, Father,

I humbly confess that if I have done this thing, please forgive me. I have not recognized it, but do see it as a heinous way to live with what you call "unrighteous mammon". You already know how lethal having it can be, and You call us to something better in the way we handle it, the way we spend it, the way we work to obtain it..because You DO want to bless us with more, if only we'd obey. Father, show me Your ways, and help me to never overlook a need when I am able to meet it. If I have surplus, then let me share. Father, please don't let me be that statistic that may never know Heaven's true riches. I pray that I have not let you down in the past, and please do not let me do so in the future. Help me keep my blinders on and never seek for more than I need, that I may always have something to share....

In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 04-04-2009 Martha Martha Martha!

2009-04-13T18:50:00.001-07:00

S: Luke 10:41&42
And Jesus said to her,"Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

O: Jesus was not blaming Martha for being concerned about household chores. He was only asking her to set priorities. It is possible for service to Christ to degenerate into busyness, tasks, and distraction that is no longer full devotion to God.

A: My life is in a whirl wind right now, I can't blink because my eyes burn in their tiredness. By back aches from tiredness. I was being a Martha. My head hurts from the stress....and I realized that I wasn't spending enough "quality time" with Him this week. So what to do? What to do? How do I set those priorities? , and then I stumbled on this scripture that I'd annotated to go back to, and just never found time to. Til Thurday night. Then it hit me. Just make it happen and all will be well. His Yoke is easy and His burden is light. I took it upon myself to be as simple as possible on Friday. I informed my boss that I would catch up, but unless something urgent came up, I'd be unavailable. I spent the morning reading my bible... I spent the next few hours outside at the picnic table with my kids, coloring eggs, talking, planting flowers, and just being "us". The rest of the day played out simply, stress-free, and wonderful. I thanked God at the end of my wonderful day, and I thanked Him for making me stop and smell the cacti.

P: Father God,
Thank You for Your constant reminders of what it is to live in step with You! Everything is so much more peaceful when it's all just about living in a way that would make You and my family smile. I must remember to not let my job, no matter if their is "extra" to be made, get the best of me. YOU and my family deserve the best of me, and how dare I offer You table scraps?! If I truly believe, then I KNOW that You will refresh, You will lighten my load, You will give me the energy when I think I won't have any left. How refreshed do I already feel after stepping back into Your light! How lovely is Your dwelling place!! Thank You so much.. I'm sorry that I allow life to get in the way sometimes, but I am also so very thankful that You don't let me wander too far before pulling me back in.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Cause it's not who you knew,
And it not what you did...
It's how you live...

*Turn up the music!!*

Thoughts on today

2009-04-13T18:33:00.001-07:00

Thoughts on Today.....
I'm going bananas,
And I feel like my poor little mind is being devoured by piranhas,
For I'm going bananas.

I'm non compos mentis,
And I feel like a tooth being drilled, a nerve being killed by a dentist,
For I'm non compos mentis.

Who knows?
Could be the tropic heat
Or something that I eat,
That makes me gonzo.
I do carry on so, for I'm going bananas,
Someone book me a room in the hot hacienda with all my mananas
For I'm going bananas.

I'm going meshugga
All day long there's a man in my brain incessantly playing "Booga wooga",
But I'm going meshugga.

There's bats in my belfry.
Won't you make sure this straitjacket's tight,
Otherwise I might get myself free.
Yes, there's bats in my belfry.

Who knows?
Could be the wine I drink
Or it's the way I think,
That makes me gonzo.
Oh, Doctor Alonzo says I'm going bananas,
Someone get me a bed in the "Casa de Loco" for all my mananas,
For I'm going bananas.
Yes, I'm going bananas.
Si, I'm going bananas.

( I concur)

S.O.A.P. for 04-01-2009 UNITY

2009-04-13T18:29:00.001-07:00

Unity

S: Luke 9:49&50
John said to Jesus,"Master, we saw someone using Your Name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group." But Jesus said,"Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you!"

O: Jesus was explaining that if the focus is on Him, it doesn't matter what group, what church, what clique, what town, what race you belong to. Don't fight or create dissention amongst yourselves when your goals and beliefs are the same. No group is better than the other if the focus and heart is on Jesus.

A: I must remember to love my neighbor and encourage my neigbor, even if he is not in my circle, or does not go to my church. If he is a believer, then he is my brother, no matter his status, his church, whether he attends the same bible study, listens to the same music... If his walk is in line with mine, then we should be united, whether or not God has placed us together... He is on my side. We are not wrong.... just different. :) We should honor and respect each other in those regards.

P: Father God,
Please remind me that if I know a believer, and that believer is "living the life" just as I am trying to, I must remember that it's okay that we go to different churches or are in different groups or associations. We can't just have one tremendosusly large group of like minded people or we would lose our diversity, and we would stunt our growth!! Neither of us is better than the other and we are on the same team so who cares about the "details". Help me to see in that light and respect and honor that person for their Faith. Help me to remember to "rejoice" and not try to sway to my way of thinking. There is beauty in the diversity that you've created and one person does not have it all "right". I love You dearly, and thank You for everything You bring to light, everything You offer, and everything You share with me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

*They call us Diverse City, we're color for good,
It's like a freak show.. in your neighborhood.
SO if you wanna praise, you can come on down.
Cause this freak show, is leaving the ground*
Toby Mac

S.O.A.P. for 03/30/3009 Holy Example

2009-04-01T13:25:00.001-07:00

S: Psalm 71: 7+8
My life is an example to many, because You have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare Your glory all the day long.

O: Everything I do...my words, deeds, moods, and actions are visible to many people, each and every day, and they set an example for those around me of the depth that God's presence has in my life.

A: I must remind myself at all times that all I do is a reflection of God in my life, and I have a HUGE responsibility in that I also have very young eyes looking to me to see what that should look like. I must figure out how to keep myself accountable and always show my devotion to Him so that I can be a GOOD example for those who would learn from me, or even simply be affected by the presence of my life in theirs.

P: Father God,
Help me to always keep You close so that all I do is a good reflection, a good example of Your influence ON me and IN me. Let it complete me so that You pour out of every orifice, showing everyone that You are a part of me, and I of You...That all I do is because of You, and all I have is because of You. Let me emote that in such a way that is an appealing thing, a magnetic thing, that would draw those around me to also want to walk in Your ways. I pray Lord, that I never act as a hypocrite, and never accidentally push someone away from You because of my example.
I pray that not only this applies to random people in my life, but more importantly , to my children, who will one day make these choices for themselves, and I can only hope and pray that You have enabled me to pave the way that they may have an even stronger, better relationship with You. I pray that through me and the way I live, they can experience an even better walk with You, giving You all the Glory, and living in ways that make You proud!

In Jesus Name
Amen

I wanna be just like You,
Cause (they) wanna be just like me.
I wanna be a holy example
For (their) innocent eyes to see.
Let me be a living bible Lord,
That my little (boys) can read...
I wanna be just like You
Cause (they) want to be like me..

*Phillips Craig and Dean*

S.O.A.P. for 03/12/2009 Friends

2009-04-01T13:23:00.004-07:00

S: Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me how has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man, my equal; My companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God together in the throng.

O: David here reveals our hearts. He understands that our enemies can hurt us and they will, but in a way we can quickly recover from for there is no bond there. We can quickly recover from those kinds of attacks. The TRUE hurts come when we are ignored, betrayed, or hurt by someone we thought we could trust and someone we share the same walk with.

A: I do understand that as a part of human nature we are kinder to strangers than we are to those that are close to us. We give our best to strangers so they can think how kind and wonderful we are and see our "best side", and in a matter of moments we can bare ourselves, and "quit" trying so hard when it's someone we do know. Why is that okay? Why is it okay when it's someone we know, to immediately turn our backs on them , when we know that their character speaks more strongly that their intention was NOT how we may have taken it? Shouldn't we have more faith in those we DO know, rather than in those we don't?

We don't apply that to marriage, and to me , that is what a friendship is, a marriage. What is takes to get someone to "marry" you, or to bring you into their circle, is what it takes to STAY there. If we quit trying all of a sudden, and begin to let words slip just because, or pride come in the door because we want to see if we're "better", or feel that because I had a bad day, it gives me permission to "vomit" - how is that other person seeing us? Do they feel like we care? Do they feel like we have been faking it this whole time just to prove to OURSELVES that we could get them to like/love us?? Did we really like THEM to begin with?? What message are we sending unintentionally to those we say we care for?

Have I changed in MY fervor to BE someone's friend? Have I quit trying and am just waiting on the other party to do all the work now? DO I feel like I've done my part and it's all smooth sailing from here? Am I the one creating the division by sitting idly by and not helping to fix what might be wrong? Am I getting my hands dirty and being real to those I love, giving them the benefit of the doubt in times of misunderstanding because I know the depths of their hearts??!! Am I forgiving 70 times 7?? Have I shut people out wrongly, slamming doors in faces, without trying to fix it first? What kind of friend am I? What kind of friend CAN I BE?

P: Father God,
There is honesty is my words as I confess that I have been more kind to those I don't know well, and have turned my frustration and hurt towards the one's closest to me. I am truly sorry as those should be the one's I love the most and give my best to. This doesn't mean that we can't be "real" and help each other in times of need, and resolve problems together, it's more in how we go about it. Help me to have a pure heart in everything I do.

If I am a friend of You, dear Lord - how can I manifest that better to others? I shouldn't get "lazy" just because I know my friends will forgive me, and I shouldn't vomit on those dearest to me with the excuse, "it's just me and I'm going to have to deal with it". No, Lord, I now see that when I behave that way, it's THEM that has to deal with it, and if I've caused pain to those I care about, Lord I am truly sorry, and I pray that they forgive me as well. I shouldn't behave badly just because I think "they'll understand", or that I can apologize later. If it's something I could have prevented, I shouldn't be having to say I'm sorry.

Lord, this takes me back to where I talked with You about giving me reminders in my life to keep my focus on You. Help me to place those reminders, as You are revealing my need for them in so many ways! Remind me that my love is an action, and I must never think, "we've made it" and stop giving it out because I've achieved something. A house not tended to will slowly fall, pipes will rust, paint fade. I must remain steadfast in my friendships, thank You for revealing that to me!

Lord also, as SOON as an ill feeling befalls me, get my attention Lord!! So that I may release it to you before behaving unjustly, and before reacting poorly. Let me give it to YOU so that I may respond to the situation in love! Please help me put the brakes on so I may not let anyone down unintentionally, Lord. I have little eyes in my life that are ever watchful. Help me to be a good example, and help me to never behave in a way that allows them to see me as lesser than I should be. Lord I love you, and I am walking in Your way more and more each day, and it takes effort, but the result is so joyful, and so meaningful. Let me apply that to my friendships and marriage Lord! Father, most of all, I pray that you never permit me to be that friend that David was speaking of.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

And a friend's a friend forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
For the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go,
In the Father's hands we know
that a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends..
*Michael W Smith*

S.O.A.P. for 03/23/2009 Traveling on....

2009-04-01T13:23:00.003-07:00

S: DEUT.1:6-8a
The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: "You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey, and go to the mountains of the Amorites, to all the neighboring places in the plain, in the mountains and in the lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the River Euphrates. See, I have set the land before you; GO in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers."

O: God was telling them that their time in the desert was done. They were to obey Him and move on to what was promised to them. They were to demonstrate their Faith and obedience and just "go" because the Lord said it was time. God was reminding them of his covenant with them, telling them that it was time. These people now had a responsibility to simply obey & follow through so that God could also follow through Himself. They were expected to just have Faith and see what wonderful things the Lord would give to them if they would just obey, believe, and follow.

A: If God prods me to move, how tightly do I try to hold on to the things I already have to try not to? How diligently do I fight to stay right where I am , when maybe there's something more, something bigger, just around the bend, but instead of seeing it as an adventure, in my selfishness to hold on to what I have managed to gain at this point, I've become more "chicken", then strong. It takes more strength and courage to sacrifice what I call "mine" to obtain something bigger!!! God expects so much more from me, and He has great plans, and holds great promises for me, if I would only go where He sends me...if only I would trust and obey.

How hard do I work to keep things the same, when God may be shaking His head at me because He has so much MORE to give me that I may be ignoring by not being "willing". What if God is telling me I'm ready for something more? When God tells me to break camp and move out to face a challenge that He has given me, will I be ready to obey? For just the chance at something bigger, something more wonderful, even if it's just a lesson that helps me get that much more closer to Him, will I be able to let go of what I've been clinging to so tightly? Is what I've been clinging to worldly? And does it really matter in the whole scheme of things? I need to heed the Lord's call on my life and be willing to go "where He sends me" no matter the cost, because the reward could so easily outweigh the cost! Praise God! I must be willing to sacrifice what I have in order to make room for what may lie ahead!

P: Abba, Father,
Glorious, loving Father. I love You so very much, and I thank You for the careful and sometimes uncomfortable leading. I thank You for always bringing fresh opportunities for growth into my life, I pray that I may never miss out on one for the sake of staying "safe". I pray that my heart may always be courageous enough to go when and where you lead me. You have a great plan and a great reward for those who would but trust and obey. My life is just training for something bigger and more wonderful than I can even comprehend!!

I pray that I never lose sight of the prize, and that I never hold on too tightly to things of this world, so that I may easily let go in order to follow You. Help me learn to obtain real treasures that I may take with me into eternity with You, Father! Let me never hold on to things that will turn to dust, and let me ever keep my eyes up and focused on You, that I may follow You, and never be distracted by glitter. Father, I pray for the Faith to know that wherever You take me, there You will be...

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I will follow Him
Follow Him whereever He may go
And near Him I always will be
For nothing can keep me away
He is my destiny

I will follow Him
Ever since He touched my heart I knew
There isn't an ocean too deep
A moutain so high it can keep
Keep me away
Away from His love

I love Him, I love Him, I love Him
And where He goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
I will follow Him
Follow Him wherever He may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A moutain so high it can keep
Keep me away!
*Leslie Gore*

S.O.A.P. for 03/11/2009 Reminders

2009-03-12T23:14:00.001-07:00

S: Numbers 15:37-41
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord, instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the Lord, your God!"

O: God was teaching them a way to remember Him and His commands through living daily life when not in His presence. He knew they would falter and knew they'd need ways to refocus on Him constantly throughout living daily life. What he offered was genius. A real, touchable, visible reminder that would be close to them, that would be with them all through their daily chores, tasks, living, to "keep them in check", because as they glanced at this item, it would force their thoughts on Him. He knew we'd need these tools, and knew we'd falter without something because He had already states "as we are prone to do". He knew the human condition, and was trying to offer tools to fight against that to be better people.

A: What can I bring in to my life that can help keep my focus on Him? I need to think of valid, "user friendly" ways of forcing my mind to refocus on him throughout my day. Maybe I can place index cards with scripture on my bathroom mirror, and over my visor in the car. Maybe I can choose one "odd" thing to bring into my world that will have no other relevance than serving as a reminder of Him. I don't know that I'll make tassels and start attaching them to my clothing, but what can I replace that with? Food for thought here, but very applicable, and very smart.

Wow, I'm continually amazed at how well our creator knows us, and how difficult He knows it is to apply something to your life continually, especially something that goes against our sinful nature! But He offers us tools! He offers us second chances! He offers us His Word! How can I NOT try to find ways to force His presence into every moment of every day, that even in the smallest moments, washing the dishes, I can be fellowshipping with Him! What a smile that brings to my face to know I can take every step of my walk with Him, if only I figure out how to make that happen! It's right there!

P: Father God,
How amazing and wise You are! You share these pearls of wisdom with us, that after reading, I sometimes feel like slapping myself in the forehead with a big "duh!" "Why didn't I think of that?" Lord, You know me and my nature, but You also know my heart. You know the depths of my heart and You know I long to serve You, I long to abide in You, I long to feel the joy of a complete walk with You, in Your presence, according to Your ways!! Oh just to know I've made you smile at some point along my journey would give me such peace and satisfaction! But Oh, to make You smile over and over again!

Lord I pray that You would reveal to me viable ways to bring You into my life every moment of every day. Lord I also ask for You to give me the tools that will serve as the reminders through my day to keep my focus on You! Lord, help me to think of the things that can make this happen! Bring into my mind the ideas that You would offer to me, a willing heart, who wants to share every part of my day with You, and who knowingly does NOT do that as well as perhaps I could, and for that I'm so very sorry.

I confess I do not abide with You as I should, and I confess that I haven't figured out how to make myself refocus on You, or have things to serve as reminders about me to help me with that task! My request is for Your wisdom to shine on me so that I may discover ways to keep my eyes on You. I thank You for listening, I thank You for loving, I thank You for teaching, each and every day , through Your living, breathing Word.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 03/10/2009 Denial

2009-03-12T22:50:00.001-07:00

S: Mark 14:71+72
Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this Man of whom you speak!" A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And when he thought about it, he wept.

O: According to scripture, Peter indeed denied Christ 3 x's in a certain span of time, not long after having said He would die with Jesus! After having denied Him, Peter recalls Jesus' words and the pain and guilt of what he'd done became evident.

A: My App is this: How quick are we to condemn Peter and judge him for something that we do so easily, almost on a daily basis! What I notice here is that Peter is strong when in the presence of Christ, but weak when separated from Him. Much like us! When we are in the presence of God, in His Word, daily, abiding in His presence, how much easier it is to be joyful, loving, strong, and committed to walking in His Ways to glorify Him! At the same token, when we are NOT in the Word, NOT seeking Him, NOT wanting to be in His presence whenever we can, how easy it is now, intentionally or unintentionally, to deny Him by our thoughts, our words, and/or our deeds! We are just as guilty as Peter.

Peter is the prime example of seeing what happens to us when we fall away from His presence (reading, studying, journaling, praying) daily, and when we separate ourselves by feeding ourselves worldly pleasures and let the Evil One lead us astray, even in small ways. Are you inviting Him in as much as you should? Or are you inviting the things of this world to take up residence in your heart where Christ should be moving in? By not "following the rules" we, too, are denying our Lord and Savior, Our God, in small but very evident ways, for what is in us spills out into others around us, and most times, if it is worldly coming in, what's coming out is not loving.

When I feel angry by a sin I see, most often times it is because I have not addressed that sin in myself, and want to remove myself as far away from it as possible. Unfortunately, we must admit, that we ARE like the disciples that we are so quick to become angry with, because all of us have been guilty of denying Christ in vital areas of our lives.

Take an account of yesterday. Did you say something you wish you hadn't? Did you spend more time for yourself than for Him or someone you love? Did you go out of your way to do something "nice"? Let your life speak in ways that do not deny the One you've chosen as your Savior.

P: Loving, Merciful Father,
Please forgive your servant! Lord, I'm getting better, but I do recognize the difference in my behavior when I've not been in Your presence, and for that I'm truly sorry, and confess with my mouth this thing. I pray for Your forgiveness for behavior that is not befitting the "Bride of Christ". I DO love You and seek You and seek to walk in Your ways all of my days, so Lord, help me to commit to entering into Your presence daily, so that I may never be far enough from You to let my behavior reflect that.

Lord, hold me close, for it is never my purpose to deny You, but intentional or not, You still see it as sin and I must learn to focus on staying close to You. I must not falter! I've come so far, and there's still so far to go, but I notice and love the changes in myself, I feel You more and more! I pray that I never open a window for the Evil One to climb into the gap I've provided. I confess that I have been like Peter, Lord, but I also vow to grow beyond this, and in this lesson You've revealed to me, may I completely learn to abide in You, and You in me, that I may never deny You again! I'm sure I may still stumble, Lord, but just know that I will always try to get back on the right path that leads back to You.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved
*Natalie Grant*

S.O.A.P. for 03/09/2009 Where is the faith?

2009-03-10T15:45:00.004-07:00

S: Numbers 13:31-33
But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!”So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”

O: These men lost their faith in God's promise to lead them to the land promised to them, and they did so very quickly! All it took was a glance at the people currently living there and they were ready to tuck their tails and run! God lead them to a land HE promised them, and yet they still lost faith and refused to believe that HE would see it through! How great is the human paralyzing fear that even freezes us from believing someone ALL Powerful, who placed the stars in the sky, who delivered them out of slavery, who created the heavens and the earth may not be able to deliver them in to the land HE promised them. They even began to gossip and spread rumors to spread the fear among all the peoples so that all of them would lose their faith in God!

A: How quickly we lose faith when the "going gets tough" when what we really should do is be MORE faithful! God never said the road ahead would be easy, He did promise to be there with us. God's promises are not mere words to be tossed aside, they are true everlasting covenants. If there's anyone whose word means everything it is His. He is all powerful and our creator, so who are we to doubt His abilities, when we wouldn't be here without His mere desire. How can we doubt that He will not fulfill His promises when He leads us somewhere. If God leads me / compels me to do something, I must have the faith that He will help see me through, and that together we can make it happen if I remain faithful. He alone can make the impossible possible. I must simply believe that and have the faith that He can do what He says He's going to do.

P: Father God,
I know You to be all powerful and magnificent. My love for You grows and grows each and every day. I value Your precious Word and Your promises. Father, help me to never doubt Your leading, or Your call on my life. Even mores so, help me to never doubt that You'll see me through anything that gets in my way. Lord, let me be courageous and never want to run away from the "tough times". Lord, You are capable of all and You know what I'm capable of. Lord, I pray for a brave heart that has the faith to always trust and obey! Lord, grow my confidence for if I believe, I must wholly believe, and in so doing, it will come to pass according to Your will! That is glorious, Lord!

Forgive me for the times I question You and falter, Lord. Forgive me for the times that I think the challenge is too hard, and remind me that You are by my side, each step of the way. Just help me step strong. Let all I do be according to Your will that our paths may run together to glorify and honor You and I pray I never run away.

In Jesus Name
Amen

When all around me starts to fall and when my faith it seems so small
Even in my darkest hour, I will believe
Even if the sun begins to fall, even when I feel nothing at all
Even if I'm all alone, I will believe
*Mainstay*

S.O.A.P. for 03/08/2009 Sweet Fragrance

2009-03-10T15:45:00.003-07:00

S: Mark 14:3-9:
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating,[a] a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

O: This woman had done something truly beautiful, touching, personal, for Jesus, whom she apparently loved dearly. The disciples, however, didn't see the "heart of the matter" and were more worried about the money that could have been made off of said sacrifice. Jesus reprimands them, reminding them that he would leave them soon, but they still did not understand. He understood the offering, and felt the love that was poured out from this woman, as her perfume was poured out on Him. He goes on to ensure that this one task, this one act of love, would be recorded and remembered throughout history! She would leave a beautiful legacy behind just by having played such a small part in the greatest story of all time.

A: What prompted her to do this? Maybe even she didn't know how significant this act of love was and yet, here Jesus proclaims that her story would endure. Maybe Jesus is expressing to us that what we do doesn't have to be big to be remembered, that maybe it's the smallest things that can mean the most, the one's done out of pure love and affection for our brother that will be more remembered that just a hand out. Yes, maybe she could have sold the perfume and fed everyone for a week, but would that have been AS special as something personal and truly affectionate? Would that have been worth remembering? Jesus could have fed them, but he couldn't have anointed himself for burial. She felt compelled to do so. How can we express God's love to those around us in real, physical ways? How can we literally touch someone? I feel as though it has become too easy to do something from a distance, rather than rub the shoulders of one who has had a tough day, hug someone dearly, "wash someone's feet". Somehow the "person" has been removed from the word "personal" and we see that more as of leaving a note, slipping some cash in, sending an email to just one person. hmmm.... Something is wrong with that picture.

Proverbs 29:7 says Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of friends counsel that comes from the heart.

P: Father God,
I love You so much, and cannot comprehend how it even grows day by day, when each day is just so glorious when walked in Your sight. I pray that I may learn to live my life as a sweet fragrance of Your grace, so wherever I go, I leave a piece of that fragrance in other's lives, building a true legacy, a story that will remain and teach other's of how they too can leave a fragrant mark reflective of You! Lord, help me be as this woman, help me to pour out my all to You, in all ways. Let me be a fragrant offering to You. You poured Your grace on me as a sweet smelling perfume, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere! In Jesus name, Amen.

2 Corinthians 2:15-16
For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ, that exhales into God, discernible and different in aroma to those who are saved, and those who would perish; to the latter it is an aroma as death to death; to those who are saved, it is an aroma of life to life! And who is qualified for these things?

You did not feel what I felt when He wrapped His love all around me.
And you don't know the cost of the oil in my Alabaster Box.
*Cece Winans*

S.O.A.P. for 03/07/2009 If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck...

2009-03-08T10:55:00.002-07:00

S: Numbers 8:1-4
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to Aaron and say to him, 'When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.'" And Aaron did so, he arranged the lamps to face towards the front of the lampstand, as the Lord commanded Moses. now this workmanship of the lampstand was hammered gold; from its shaft to its flowers it was hammered work; According to the pattern which the Lord had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.

O: When God has a desire to create something - he not only creates it, but designs it to serve a specific purpose in the best way possible, according to that design. He doesn't just make something, and then try to figure out what it is and what it's for. God had specific plans for creating a lampstand and knew how best it would shine its light. A shining light is also an expression of God's presence. Jesus said, " I am the Light of the World."

A: I must remember that God designed me, not just made me to flop around. God designed me in His image. Also, He knows what's best for me and He knows exactly how I should function so that I may flourish! His rules and laws aren't to hinder or hurt me, but to allow me to fulfill the purpose of being the best I can be according to my specific design. He knows best how I may shine the most light for Him. He also knows that when I find that, I will feel complete, complete joy, happiness, and purpose! He didn't create and design me for one thing and decide to have me do something else because it wasn't quite right. His design is perfect and right. My purpose remains, it's up to me to desire to fulfill that with His help. He didn't say, "Make a lampstand and now use it as a fishing rod." We are wonderfully made and can truly experience who and what we are meant to be when we truly follow Him and look to Him for direction.

P: Father God,
I thank You for the great care that You take in Your creation. Your plans are flawless and never haphazard. They are well thought out, and well executed, especially when we are perfectly functioning according to that Glorious design! You are the Divine creator and as everything that You've created has a wonderful purpose to fill, when it IS fulfilled, it truly becomes a majestic thing! A lion on the hunt, a lamb in it's gentleness, how the animals of the jungle are used to propagate the trees, a lampstand to shine a perfect light. Lord, I pray, as you've thoughtfully and lovingly created me, that I may beautifully serve the purpose I was created for and remind myself to not try to be something I'm not. How wonderful must the feeling be to flourish in Your sight and truly fulfill why I was created. What a majestic light that must be! I pray to one day fulfill this design and be perfect in Your sight, learning how to "shine the greatest light possible".

In Jesus Name,
Amen

You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When You and I embrace surrender
You and I choose to believe
You and I will see, who we were meant to be....
*Chris Tomlin*

I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around
I want to sing like nobody's listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I'm not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made
*Chris Tomlin*

S.O.A.P. for 03/06/2009 True Wealth

2009-03-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

All I want, All I need is YOU.

S: Psalm 49: 16-20
Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descent after him. Though while he lives, he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself), He shall go to the generation of His fathers (death); They shall never see light. A man, who is in honor, yet does not understand, will perish like the beasts.

O: We are being told to rest easy and not become jealous when we see someone else who has more that we do. We are also to remind ourselves that things of this world are fleeting. We should not think it unfair when we find that someone with LESS love for God may have more worldly things than we do, and remind ourselves to see with HIs eyes for what is truly of value. We must continue to count our spiritual blessings in order to see that we truly have so much more that the person with an abundance of worldly gifts, for truth be told, without love, without Jesus, without salvation, he truly has nothing because he can't take any of what he's accumulated with him.

A: At the moment of death, both rich and poor are naked and empty handed before God. The only riches we have at that time are the ones that have become a part of us, those we ahave already invested into our eternal heritage. When we die, we will wish we had spent more time and focus on heaven, where we will retain it forever, and less time on the temporary luxuries we may have found on earth that now leave us barren, empty, and hollow before God. To have treasure in heaven, HE must be our priority here on earth, we must pledge ourselves to obey Him and use our resources to glorify His Kingdon. This is a good time for a self inventory. How am I using what I DO have? What am I fighting for? What are my goals? Where and how am I spending my time?

P: Father God,
I thank You for your spiritual gifts, that have made me feel much happier, and far more blessed than when I can remember actually having "things" of this world. Thank You for the gifts and blessings that truly do fill my life and make me feel rich. Father, please remind me to never compare myself to someone else for I do not know what goes on behind those custom doors, and I do not know of their salvation and I DO know of mine, which is the treasure of treasures! Help me to not feel lacking when I find I may have less than others, but remind me of what I DO have that will be with me forever! Help me to keep the "green-eyed-monster" at bay so that I may focus my time and energy on storing up Godly treasure for myself in heaven. Let me be truly wealthy in Your eyes, according to Your will for my life and let that be all that matters on this earth.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

No flashy cars, no movie stars, no man, woman, boy or girl
No fancy things, no diamond rings, nothing in the whole wide world
Can make me happy
Can make me feel the way You do
You make me happy
I want to make You happy too
You make me happy
*Ayiesha Woods*

S.O.A.P. for 03/05/2009 All you need is love...

2009-03-08T10:51:00.002-07:00

S: Mark 12:30-31
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment, and the second, like it, is this. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater that these.

O: God's laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to 2 simple truths. Love God + love others. When you love God completely and love others as yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of All the commandments. According to Jesus, these two encompass ALL of the laws. These are not requests, they are commandments. We are COMMANDED to love, meaning that HE knows it won't come easy. Love is an action, not just a feeling, as me must CHOOSE to love.

1 John 3:18 says Dear Children, let us not love with mere words or our tongues, but in truth and in deed!

Romans 13:10 says Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore Love is the fulfillment of the Law.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a says Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely; does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, ENDURES all things. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:13 says And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

A: I must choose to love, for love in itself is active, is purposeful. It is a command, not a request. We cannot say that it only applies to the OT when clearly Jesus Himself reminds us of it in the NT - and earnestly tells us of it's importance. I must love, not with just my heart, and my emotion, but with my hands, feet, mind, prayers, walk, talk, everything. God knew that people would hurt each other intentionally and UNintentionally, and He knew that we'd need to find a way to love each other despite it all, as He continues to love us. I can't imagine how many times I may have hurt my God. I can't imagine the dismay, and the hurt, for I feel it from my own children when they don't love as they should. Love doesn't just "happen". We have the ability to make it happen. How cool is that? How can we show love today? Think of 1 way that we can choose to make love a verb today.

P: Father God,
Your love alone is so great, limitless, majestic, strong yet gentle and all we need. Father, You know what's best for us and You try to reveal that to us each and every day. You give us Your commandments to live by, that to many people, feel like a bunch of rules and ways to control us. But Lord, I feel nothing but joy and freedom when I follow you. There are no regrets, there are no, "I wish I hadn't done that"....And to think that even though the rules and laws seem so many, there are really only 2. For if we simply choose to love as You do, ALL the others will fall into place. How simple is that? It sounds so easy. Lord I pray for a heart that can love as You love. I pray for eyes and ears that can notice where I have an opportunity to show love. I pray that I don't let any of those opportunities to reflect You slip me by. I pray that I remember that love is an action, an active choice, a living, breathing, powerful thing, not just a fleeting thought.

In Jesus Name,
Amen
To my brothers and sisters in Christ,
2 Thessalonians 1:3 says We are bound to thank God always for you, my brothers, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you abounds towards each other.

Love the Lord Your God,
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
*Lincoln Brewster*

Hey, tell me haven't you heard
Love is a serious word
Hey, I think it's time that you learned
I don't care what you say
I don't care what you heard
The word love, LOVE
Love is a VERB!
*D.C. Talk*

I was made to love,
and be loved by You!
*Tobymac*

All you need is love
*Beatles*

S.O.A.P. for 03/03/2009 Be Fruitful

2009-03-08T10:48:00.003-07:00

S: Mark 11:12-14
Now the next day, when they had come out of Bethany, He was hungry - And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He could find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response, Jesus said to it," Let no one eat fruit from you ever again."

O: Fig trees were a popular source of inexpensive food in Israel. The tree itself takes 3 years to bear fruit, and once it does it will bear fruit TWICE every year. When the leaves grow, the figs appear and grow as well, so even though it wasn't the "season" for figs, meaning ready to pick, there still should have been "something" on it growing until said time. Leaves = figs. The tree looked promising from afar, but upon closer inspection, it offered no fruit - it was like the White Washed Tombs that Jesus labeled the Pharisees. He may have been comparing the tree to Israel, fruitful in appearance, but spiritually barren. After noticing that, He goes further by punishing the tree/Israel, to never be fruitful again.

A: Jesus knew that when a tree no longer produces fruit, it's time was up, and the tree was basically a lost cause. Anyone who spent time in trying to revive the barren tree would be wasting their time, when they could move to a new tree who could use the love and care to be fruitful. He also felt this was about Israel. Their roots did not go deep, and they were quick to fall into sinful traps and become unfruitful.

How can I choose to NOT be "seasonal" but to bear fruit continuously? I must choose to produce fruit each and every day, and be increasing my knowledge and improving my gifts so that the fruit offered up to the Lord is more and more bountiful and sweet. I can only hope to never be caught up in a time of "wilting" that God would deem me to be no longer useful or able to produce fruit. I must strive to remain useful and never to choose to be lazy and not improve what I can offer to His glory~!

P: Father God, Yahweh,
You are truly worthy of all I have to give, and You are truly a Father that loves us and wants the best for us. Let me be able to prove my love to You each and every day, Lord. I pray that what fruit I have to give is always deemed suitable to You. Lord, please, I pray, that You continue to teach me and fill me and keep me useful. I pray that I never get to a place where I don't think I have to do anything else, that I've done all I want to do do, that it's been enough, and become complacent. Lord, I fear that if I ever reside too long in that place, You may tell me that "No one may ever eat of my fruit again!" My purpose in life is to serve You, so how empty my life would become if there was no purpose! May I always be filled with the desire to fertilize my soil and prune my branches that I may prove to be a bountiful harvest for You, Lord. I pray that I may forever be ripe for the picking, and fruitful enough to share with others, that they may be fed with my fruit as well.

In Jesus Name.
Amen

One day I was full of life
My sap was rich and I was strong
From seed to tree I grew so tall
Through wind and rain I could not fall

But now my branches suffer
And my leaves don't offer
Poetry to men of song
*Beach Boys*

S.O.A.P. for 03/01/2009 Children

2009-03-08T10:45:00.001-07:00

S: Mark 10:13-16
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, " Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior. So are the children of one's youth.

O: To often, children are seen as secondary, or a bother rather than assets. But the Bible and God call children "A heritage from the Lord." a reward. We can learn something very valuable from their inquisitive minds filled with curiosity and their trusting spirits! Those who view children as a distraction or a nuisance should instead see them as an opportunity to shape the future. How dare we treat them as an inconvenience or an "afterthought" when God places such a high value on them!
Jesus was often criticized for spending too much time with children, tax collectors, and sinners. Even the disciples fell into this trap, forgetting the real purpose of the Messiah, to save the lost, not attain status in the world. Many people thought HE should be spending time with religious leaders and the devout so that he could improve His standing, but Jesus had no need to improve His standing, and neither do we. He was God, and He wanted to speak to and love those who needed Him the most.

A: Adults are not as trusting as children. That's probably more than obvious. All a child needs to trust you is a loving look, a hug, or a gentle touch, from someone who cares. Being able to analyze and intellectualize is not a requirement. They believe us if they trust us. Jesus so wants us to have that trust in Him, to just believe, like our children look at us and just KNOW that we are their for them, and we will provide for them, and wipe their tears, and fix what's wrong. He desires that childlike faith from us. It should be enough to know that He loves us and forgives us, and we should stop trying to "Understand" it all. Adding to this is the fact that children themselves are to be blessed. How many times have people picked on me for how much time I spend on my children? How many times have I gotten mad over people not doing ANYTHING with their children? If children are our reward from God, then do we not owe it to Him to show that? To me, teaching them, loving them, teaching them of God, cleaning the house for them, being tired for them, getting over nightmares with them, snuggling with them, teaching them of life, of responsibility is simply my duty and my way of showing God that I'm thankful for Him choosing me to raise some of His little ones and I in no way want to let Him or them down. If someone thinks I do too much, I can let them take it up with God, and He can handle it. Otherwise, I'm going to stick with my plan of being the best darned mom I can be to these children who aren't promised to me forever, but that I'm supposed to do the best I can with while they are in my care. I don't have long, and neither do you. Will we one day release them with pride?

P: Abba, Father,
You have truly blessed me, and my life, with allowing me the gift of being a mother to Your children. I pray for the tenacity it takes to stay strong in raising these young men for You. I pray for wisdom, so that I may never lead them astray. I pray that in leading them to You so early, that even though I may be rough around the edges, that I may be making up for it in them, that they will retain their childlike faith in You! That they may truly be worthy of a place with You. I pray that every day I go one better than the opportunities that were before me at a young age. Lord, let me not fail them. Lord work through me that You may be proud of these boys who will one day walk as men on earth, leading others, and their own families to You!

In Jesus Name
Amen

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
*Plumb*

S.O.A.P. for 02/28/2009 Shhh!!

2009-03-08T10:44:00.001-07:00

S: Proverbs 10:19
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

O: Shhh!!!!

A: Shhh!!!!

P: Father God,
I thank You for revealing greatness in quietness. Let my words be few. I pray that I remember to hold my tongue whenever it is necessary as I feel You tug on my conscience. May my ears and eyes be stronger than my tongue.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

So I'll let my words be few..
Jesus I am so in love with You
*Phillips, Craig, and Dean*

S.O.A.P. for 02/27/2009 Be Worthy

2009-02-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

S: Leviticus: 20:22-24
"You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them, that the land there I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out. And you shall not walk in the statutes of the nation which I am casting out before you, for they commit all of these things, therefore I abhor them. But I have said to you, "You shall inherit their lansm and I will five it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord, Your God. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own."

O: God gave many rules to His people, but not without reason. He didn't withhold the good, he desperately wanted them to receive His gifts. He only prohibited them from those things that would surely bring them to ruin.

A: Most of us understand God's Physical laws of nature. Jumping off of a tall building will kill us becuasse of the law of gravity. However, we still need to learn and understand about God's spiritual laws. God forbids us from many things in order to protect us from self-destruction.

When I feel temptation towards a forbidden physical or emotional pleasure, I must remind myself that the consequences could be great. Do I really want to suffer because of something fleeting? Do I honestly want to intentionally separate myself from the God who is trying to help me?

The very words stated in the scripture here seem to apply directly to the journey I am on right now, for we are being offered an opportunity in which we may prosper, but we must be worthy.

P: Father God,
How very wonderful that You speak to us! How very wonderful that we may seek You and abide with You at anytime! How very amazing that Your word can be so very relevant, to the point of "jaw-dropping" awe! I hear You, Lord, and I pray to always be worthy of what You offer. If I slip, please stretch out Your hand to me and let me try to learn and fix it before all is stripped away! Let me be worthy of what You offer!

Lord, God, thank You for preparing me and teaching me that I may be worthy of a gift You wish to give me. I pray for the strength that I may always stand firm in You and Your statutes that I may never be vomited out, but always protected by You, for I am so delighted in what lies ahead, that I could not bear the thought of losing it over my own sinful ways.

I pray that I have learned enough thus far, to be deserving of a chance, and I pray that I continue to learn, that I may never lose what's been given, and that I remind myself to always use the gift You've rendered to Glorify and Honor You!

Thank You for revealing these special things to me, and just in time, Lord. Thank You for giving me a chance to prove myself to You. I pray that I may be deemed worthy and that I may never take what's been offered for granted, but see it for the true blessing it is. Let me always diligently seek You, love You, obey You, and Praise Your Holy name!

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Out here the Texas rain is the hardest I've ever seen
It'll wash your house away, but it'll also make you clean
Now these rocks they are crying too
And this whole land is calling out for you
*Caedman's Call*

S.O.A.P. for 02/26/2009 Generosity

2009-02-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

You've given me so much, Lord... Teach me how to pay it forward.

S: Leviticus 19:9-10
"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of the field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. I am the Lord your God."

O: God instructed HIS people to provide for those in need. He requires that the people leave the edges of the fields unharvested, providing food for travelers and the poor. God desires generosity for He is generous and we are created in HIS image.

A: This law was a protection for the poor and the stranger and it served as a reminder that God owned the land; the people were only caretakers. They were called to be good stewards of what God allowed them to be responsible for. Laws like this revealed God's generosity and how HE wants us to reflect that generosity. It's easy to forget about the poor and the needy when you have your own problems, but how "big" really are those problems. There will always be someone who has "less" than us. In what ways can I "leave the corners of the field" for those in need??

P: Abba, Father,
You are such a wonderful, loving Father. It amazes me continually, the depth of care that You show us. And it doesn't stop there, Lord. You always go deeper and desire something from us in return that You know, in Your infinite wisdom, will only serve to bring us closer to You, and help us walk in such a way the reflects You more and more. I am not worthy of such a gift, and yet, You continue to tell me I am. I am humbled and so very loved by You, and it fills me with awe, joy, and wonder! And to think that you would teach us to show that same love to others. If only I could make someone else feel the way you make me feel. How generous You are to teach us Your generosity, and how wonderful that you desire that we, too, reflect that generosity to others. Father, we live in a different world, a crazy messed up world, but You are still so very relevant! Your Word still speaks to us, and it still applies! Oh how my soul aches to please You, Lord. Please reveal to me ways in which I can "leave the corners of the field" for those in need. Father, God, to the world it may not seem as though I have much, but to You and I, I know I am truly blessed. Father, teach me what it is I can share more of, for everything comes from You; even my life and my every breath. I desire to live completely for You, please reveal to me just how to do that, when sometimes it feels like I have so little to give! Teach me of spiritual gifts to offer, teach me of Spritual needs to be met when I have nothing material to offer. I know there is more, I just cannot see it. "Give me Your eyes that I may see everything that I keep missing"...
Thank You for loving me enough to want me to reflect You in my life. Thank You for hearing my prayers and responding according to Your will. I pray that I may learn to live a life reflective of the generosity that You show to me each and every day, and I pray that my generosity may indeed one day become part of my legacy.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Give me Your eyes for just one second, give me Your eyes that I can see... Everything that I keep missing, give me Your love for humanity. Give me Your arms for the broken hearted, the ones that are far beyond my reach, give me Your heart for the ones forgotten, give me Your eyes that I can see.
*Brandon Heath*

S.O.A.P. for 02/22/2009 Moving On

2009-02-27T16:31:00.002-07:00

S: Mark 6:10-11
Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there til you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, then you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

O: The disciples were instructed to shake the dust off as a vivid sign that they wished to remain separate from the people who had rejected Jesus and His message. Jesus was making it clear that the listeners were responsible for what they did with the Gospel. Ths disciples were not to blame if the Gospel was rejected, as long as it was faithfully and carefully presented. We are not responsible when others reject Christ's message of salvation.

A: I don't believe that He was being metaphorical. Kind of like in the baggage series, when we placed our notes incide the backpacks and hung them on the cross. As humans, it seems as though we need "physical actions" to help us with mental things. I truly believe that we should practice more active "physical" symbolism in order to take things to heart. I hope that when/if someone rejects what I have to share that I will remember to shake the dust off and hot dwell on the rejection. Dwelling and internalizing can make the hurt feelings last longer and ultimately affect my walk and my willingness to keep trying with others. But keeping the hurt from getting to deep and setting it's hooks will allow me to take a deep breath and "drive on".

P: Lord God,
I thank You for all the lessons. Even though they may seem so small, without those small lessons, we may be forcing ourselves to have to handle 'big ones". Help me to learn and see all the small lessons in handling life so that I don't keep passing them off as "symbolism" or "it doesn't apply to the world now". If I miss them, I may somehow end up missing the easy stuff and having to conquer mountains. I pray for eyes that see even the smalles of lessons that may hold more magnitude and value in just living than when I have to go through a tragedy to learn something. Maybe the tragedy was the last attempt to get me to learn something that was shown to me long ago that would have been easier to handle. Thank You for never stopping the lessons and thank You for giving us morsels to chew on along the way. I pray that I may see the truth in those morsels and not pass them off. If they were meant to be passed off, they woudln't have found their way into the Bible. I thank You for teaching us ways to handle rejection in simple ways that allow us to move on. May I never cease to "move on".

In Jesus Name.
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02/20/2009 Legacy

2009-02-27T16:24:00.002-07:00

S: Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the righteous is blessed. But the name of the wicked will rot.

O: The legacy we leave behind is revealed here. A righteous life will leave a legacy to each generation that follows. It will be remembered. Those memories will be used as examples, shining lights, for others. If we've lead a wicked life, we will be forgotten and our legacy will be gone and our life will have had no purpose or meaning.

A: That I may live each day in a way that makes me consciously think, "What will be remembered?" That I may each day start off with the commitment to leave a "GOOD" mark on it, rather than a day of regret that is wished to be forgotten.

P: Father God,
Instill in me a desire to leave a Godly legacy and a commitment to each day having my at least one of your marks on it with an act, a word, or a deed; that how I live my life from here on out is remembered and imitated in the generations to come. Help me live a life that is not wasted nor soon forgotten.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
*Nicole Nordeman*

S.O.A.P. for 02/19/2009 Laziness

2009-02-27T16:13:00.003-07:00

S: Proverbs 10:5
He who gathers in summer is a wise son. He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

O: God is saying that we are to work hard and prepare for a way for ourselves. To prepare for what lies ahead and to not wast time or it may come back to haunt is. Every day has 24 hours in it which opportunities to serve, grow, and be productive are offered. Satan does not sleep.

A: It is so easy to let time slip from our grasp. Refuse to be a lazy person, sleeping too much, or frittering away the hours meant for productive work. Look around for things that NEED to be done before taking time out for yourself to "veg". Even things with seemingly no reward DO have a reward, for in your productiveness, you are showing God your heart and your appreciation for even the smallest thing that you've been given. What you think of something given to you by God, is shown for how you care for it and share it with others.

See time as God's gift and seize opportunities to live for Him. Sweeping, tidying, organizing, fixing, mowing, all the small things are really large ways of honoring God and showing Him thanks for what you have. We must be very careful for the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. We must make every attempt to be deemed worthy of blessing!

P: Father God,
I thank You for the many things You provide to us each and ever day. I pray that I never take any of it for granted and that I remember to watch over and tend to the things that have been left in my care by You with love and diligence so that I may never make You feel as though I can't handle it, or don't deserve it. Help me to always remember that it's ALL YOURS and I mist do my part. Help me to not be lazy and always be able to find "things to do" rather than be selfish and idle with the free time I may find.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I am a workin man, I get things done.
Work for the Holy Ghost, work for the Son.
I am a working man, oh yes I am.
I am a special agent of the Lamb!
*Newworldson*

S.O.A.P for 02/19/2009 Family

2009-02-27T15:26:00.002-07:00

S: Mark 3:31-35
Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside, they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."

But He answered saying "Who is My mother, or My brothers?" And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother, and My sister, and My mother."

O: Jesus was saying that our spiritual family was ultimately more important and longer lasting that those formed in our physical families. Although Jesus cared for His mother and brothers, He also cared for ALL who loved Him. He didn't show partiality but expressed His love equally to allow everyone the privilege of being in God's family.

He was explaining that God's bonds of love and fellowship are stronger than blood ties because even family members can have different views, beliefs, ways of living, etc, that can drive them apart and cause division. As sad as that may sound, God knew this, and blesses us by offering us a "replacement" family to fill in that gap. One that is more fulfilling and ultimately longer lasting because we are all working towards the same goal.

A: The app part of this is "Old News" for me, but reading the scripture refreshed my heart and revealed to me the depth of which this scripture has been applied in my life. This scripture now holds deep meaning for me and has placed deep roots. Circumstances and time have placed a rift in my blood family. We don't call each other as oft as we could, we don't go to them first, when something wonderful happens. I haven't seen my blood family in 8 years, due to finances, circumstances, and God's will. I truly believe that this lesson was meant for me. That being said, I have been truly blessed with my Spiritual Family. I have deeper, more meaningful relationships now, than I ever thought I could. Distance keeps communication at a minimum, but with God having developed my Spiritual Family, I can always find a "brother" or "sister" close by to fellowship with, find guidance, seek comfort, and love with all that I am that has far exceeded the ties I once shared with my blood family. In being so far away, God has forced His hand and taught me a beautiful lesson about His people.

P: Father, God,
I thank You so much for this special provision. Knowing that when we are all focused on You, our fellowship and friendship can only deepen and become even warmer than the blood ties that we may already have. I thank You for revealing this to me as you have. It wasn't easy, but at the same time, you left me no choice, and taught me I couldn't and shouldn't be alone, and forced my hand and heart to reach out, and to what end! I am so in love with the people I share my life with, I couldn't imagine not having them with me now. For this I thank You, for I have found true brothers and sisters, ones I can share with, laugh with, love with, be myself with. Knowing that we share the same goal and will one day all walk with You make it all so much sweeter that these bonds will carry us into eternity.

I am truly blessed and feel unworthy of such wonderful brothers and sisters. Already they have shared so much more than my blood family was ever capable of... I am not saddened by this, as I am no longer alone, and have learned a great and wonderful lesson. I pray that You, who is ever watchful, have seen what my brothers and sisters have done for me any my family, and I pray that you take them close and bless them in unimaginable ways for their generosity, their love, and their fellowship, which have been true reflections of You. You must be so proud of these wonderful followers of You!

In Jesus Name,
Amen

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
*Michael W. Smith*

S.O.A.P. for 02/15/2009 Leadership

2009-02-18T16:09:00.004-07:00

I didn't catch this one right away, so I felt compelled to do the 15th over again, feeling like I missed something, and surely I did. It jumped out at me like a snake on a rat! It hit home, too, so I knew God was speaking to me.

S: Exodus 39:42-43
According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. The Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord commanded, just so, they had done it. And Moses blessed them.

O: Moses learned a leadership.management lesson here. He gave responsibility to others and then he TRUSTED them to do the job. I don't think he squabbled, or thought he could do better. At the conclusion, it says he BLESSED them. He showed them appreciation for the work they offered and did for him and for God. A good leader follows up on assigned tasks to ensure their progress, also gives rewards for good work. He doesn't micro-manage, take the job away after thinking about it, or let you do it without a plan, then change it after all your work has been put in. He is accepting and pleased by the work performed and rewards it justly, in a spirit of love.

A: In whatever responsibility position I find myself, I must ensure that without harassing or nagging, I am motivating the work to be completed. I should check in, TRUST them, and show my appreciation and thanks for the time, work, and effort that has been offered to help me, regardless of whether it's already being monetarily rewarded or not. A personal appreciation and fellowship will go much farther in a person's heart that a position that is thankless and without motivation. I know what I do is ultimately for God, and I should seek His approval, but when I do things for others to help them in some capacity, I do not want to feel used, taken advantage of, and irrelevant, or I won't feel inspired to continue, and I will also become gun-shy in helping someone else. I want to be a good leader and never make anyone feel unappreciated or cared for by me.

P: Heavenly Father,
I know that ultimately all of my actions/tasks in this life are acts of service to You. How they're done, to what end, and with what heart... However, You call us to effectively SHOW love to each other as well and not take people for granted. Father, I know how this feels on the receiving end so I pray that it be a lesson learned for me because knowing how I felt, Lord, I would never want anyone to feel that way because of me. Help me to have a spirit of outward love so that I may always abundantly show my love and thanks to others that they may always feel joy in my presence and feel joy when someone lends me a hand...whether it be short term, or for the long haul.. Help me to be a graceful leader and follower who shines love and camaraderie every step of the way, because, Father, we are all in this together and I would desire to bring people closer to You, rather than unintentionally push them away by having been a not so great example.. I thank You for the abundant love that is never-ending, there's always more, it cannot be measured, and I'm blessed that You share it with me.. Help me always share it with the world.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02-18-2009 Faith during trials

2009-02-17T21:54:00.002-07:00

S: Psalm 37:8-9
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

O: God calls us to handle adversity, and trials with grace!! What a hard concept! "Count it all as Joy" the bible says. He wasn't kidding. He knows that the fret/worry/pain will hurt us and cause us pain, and "stunt" our growth. But if we, in peace and gentleness, and a whole lotta Faith, just learn to wait on HIM, His reward is GREAT! Inherit the earth?? Wow.

A: Worry and anger reveal a lack of faith that He will/can take care of us and do what's right for us. As I touched on before in just accepting the lessons haded us, and not asking to be "bailed out" He goes even father! Pushes us harder! Loves us more!!! He doesn't want us to worry, but wants to let HIM take care of it. We should not worry, instead, we should trust in God, giving ourselves to Him for His use and safekeeping. If we dwell on our problems or all the "wrongs", our negativity can slowly blur out all the "rights" until even what's good gets lost in the fog and we become completely bitter... If we catch it, and learn to immediately respond, we can take it to the cross and find peace....

P: Dear Father,
You never cease to amaze me at the lessons I learn. I may not apply them as fully or even know how to just yet, but there is always a little more You would have me know, and always a little more You want to add to a lesson I may already be on, and how amazing it is that in Your living breathing word, You reveal it to me, bit by bit, deepening the lesson a little more with each scripture.... God I ask You for the peace you promise to fill me as I go through my trials that I may shine as a living example of one who has enough Faith to believe that in Your hands I am safe. In Your hands, the best according to Your will, will come of it. No matter what it is. your reminders of how short I come from hitting the mark both serve to humble me and inspire me to strive harder. Lord I ask for a Faithful heart, let it be pliable and teachable enough to give YOU all the room you deserve so that I may not falter but seek You and Your peace when storms come. I love You, and continue to strive to make you proud.

In Jesus Name
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02-17-2009 Making Prmises

2009-02-17T21:44:00.002-07:00

S: Leviticus 5:4
Or if a person swears, speaking thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in any of these matters.

O: Have you ever sworn/promised/agreed to do or not do something and then realized how foolish your promise was? God's people are called to keep their word, even if they make promises that are tough to keep. Jesus warned us about making vows/oaths when He said "Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No". Our word should be enough.

A: Let me check both my tongue and my heart before speaking a vow. Do I mean it? Can I fulfill it? Am I able to carry it out? Also, I must convict my heart and remember to follow through so that I don't disappoint or let anyone down around me, I don't want people to lost faith in me and feel they can't come to me because they think I'll let them down in some way. I don't want to be known as someone who "talks a good game" but as someone that can be counted on. I want to be a do-er not a talker.

P: Abba Father,
I Love You, honor You, Praise Your holy name! Lord, i pray that You help me to convict my heart and mind to see a vow/promise for what it is. A covenant. Help me to see if I have slipped here. If I have, please forgive me and help me to improve that area of my life that I may be a person others feel they can come to, depend on, and rely on. Also, Lord, allow me the strength to also learn to say "NO" for where it may apply as well, that I may also learn to not be swayed or guilted into doing more than I'm capable. Help me to say No when I really don't know how I can fulfill what's asked as well. I ask for wisdom to be able to see the difference in where my Yes should be Yes and my No should be No. You promise refreshment and strength, so if there's more I AM capable of, reveal it to my heart. Thank you for the lessons learned, and for the lessons that await me as I develop this relationship with You and Your word.

In Jesus name
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02-16-2009 Quiet Time

2009-02-17T21:30:00.002-07:00

S: Mark 1:35-38 Now, in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place, and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they sad to Him, "Everyone is looking for you", But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

O: Jesus took time to pray. Finding time to pray is not easy, but it is the vital line of communication between us and God. Jesus modeled this for us for a reason. Like Jesus, we must break away from others to talk to God, even if it means rising at inconvenient times to do so. In so doing, this prepares us mentally and spiritually to go out and share the Gospel whatever the means it is that we use. Jesus didn't want to share His message and His gifts with the same people over and over again. He saw the importance of spreading the message to as many unsaved people as possible. He also knew that His time in each place was limited, for He knew His days were numbered. We, too, should live like we don't know what tomorrow brings in that we should try and refrain from being "stale" and to always offer what we have in new ways, or to entirely new people.

A: I must figure out a way to have a special "one-on-one" time with God, for only He can fill me. Only HE can prepare me for the great commission so if I truly believe that I must "go to the next towns" and share there, I must be prepared, but I also see that in learning to disciple, the "one-on-one" time will also deepen my relationship with my one true Father. That above all, excites me and brings me great joy.

P: Father God, I pray that You reveal to me ways to adjust my schedule or things I can eliminate from my schedule, in order to be with You. I am truly blessed to think that You desire that of me. Father, you truly make me feel special. I love You and want to know You more and I want to learn to just BE with You. I thank You for using those times to deepen my relationship with you. I pray that You deepen and convict my heart to Yearn for You, and to yearn for the tools that would be able to invite others into Your loving haven. You are my King, You are my Greatest Love, You are my Father, My God. I pledge and hope to never falter,
In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P for 02-14-2009

2009-02-14T13:15:00.004-07:00

Happy Valentines Day!! If you are reading this, then you know me and I pray for love to be abundant and overflowing for you!

S: Psalm 34:19-20
19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!

O: Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. To be humbled, facing troubles, only to be able to find You, our source of life, love, and peace. It is evident right there, that we are not to expect an easy life. We just must understand that He will always be there, as long as we still seek Him. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage us except for the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A: My application is that I should hope to never expect for an easy way out. How are we to be refined without trouble? Do I remember most of the lessons that came easy as a child? Or do I have a passionate connection with the lessons that were hard learned? How else do we become passionate if nothing of passion ever happens to us?
If everything handed to us is cotton candy, then we are never able to deliver more than sugar. I want to feel fire so I can deliver fire. I want the hearts of believers to burn with intensity and truly LOVE You Lord, not just somewhere quietly think they do, and never show it outwardly. To be willing to show it outwardly is to be devoid of pride...to be all Yours, and I want that.

P: Heavenly Father,
I love You, I honor You, I adore You. I confess that sometimes I do think I deserve better than the hand dealt to me, and I am truly sorry. I see that through these lessons You are only desiring to grow me as any loving Father would. I am so sorry for crying out to you to "fix it". I pray that I may learn to just ask for Your grace, and to feel Your peace as I learn the lesson I'm on. I also pray Lord, that I 'm sorry for my weakness, and I pray that there be more lessons in my future. I thank you for them, and I thank You for promising to come to my rescue. Not to make it all go away, but to develop my lion's heart that I may handle it as You see fit...according to Your will. Thank You for Your protection, Oh Lord, My Redeemer. Thank You for being my wonderful Guardian and Teacher.
In Your name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02-13-2009

2009-02-14T13:02:00.002-07:00

S: Exodus 36:6
So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings.

O: My observation is that the people were so completely and whole-heartedly in, that they gave and gave to the creation of the tabernacle. No selfishness was found here. No fear about how their resources would be replaced. No fear about just giving those resources up to their Holy Father!! They had enough! They were turning away offerings and gifts! That's just wheels-off crazy and a truly amazing glance into the Christians we are called to be!

A: My application is that I see that we fall short in our passion. WE give a little, but are afraid to give too much. Too much makes us uncomfortable, and that keeps us lifeless and dull, and without passion. How can we see God work, if we truly don't give EVERYTHING back to Him?? They gave and gave, and were excited to give more! They had a purpose for living, a purpose for using the resources they were blessed with. I find that looking around, our purpose is to figure out what we can buy to please ourselves with the resources HE has blessed us with. The car...is it good enough? new enough? shiny enough? The house... does it impress people with it's decorations? Is it large enough for people to say wow? The clothing...does it really make you feel better that it's more expensive? Hmmm.... self-analyzing hurts... what is our focus?

P: Abba, Father...
You are worthy of my praise, of my voice, of the work of my hands, of my heart! You are all-powerful, amazing, and my one True Father, and I thank You for the breath...I thank You for the life...I thank You for the many blessings, my children, my devoted spouse, Your son, my gifts that are always offered back up to only You, the list goes on and on... You find me worthy of blessing, and I find that absolutely amazing, because I am unworthy, as I do not see myself fulfilling that call quite yet. But God, I am with You, and I serve You, and I work every day to become better. I pray that I find that excitement in offering You more and more. I pray that in discovering my purpose, I can't wait to offer You more! You deserve it, Lord! After all, it wouldn't be in my care, unless You wanted it there, and knew there was something amazing I could do with it. Help me find the faith to surrender all, with joy, and with love, and with the excitement of seeing what will come of it when it goes to Your Glory and Yours alone!
In Your heavenly name I pray,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02-12-2009

2009-02-14T12:46:00.004-07:00

S: Exodus 34:12-14
12 “Be very careful never to make a treaty with the people who live in the land where you are going. If you do, you will follow their evil ways and be trapped. 13 Instead, you must break down their pagan altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles. 14 You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.

O: My observation is that God means for us to be a passionate people. He wants us to be strong, devoted, committed, devout, and fervent! Not whimsical, half-in-half-out, on the bench, just waiting for things to get better. No, He calls us to action, in very obvious ways. Break down their pagan altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their poles. I don't believe there's any mis-interpreting the fact that He doesn't swallow "wishy-washy".

A: My application is that I want to be that passionate. What's stopping me? What's stopping you? Who or what are we afraid of? have we conformed so much that we don't WANT to stand out in the crowd? Who are we really living for? Our neighbors? Our friends? Or God?? Seriously.... I don't believe He said to sit idly by while the madness and sin surrounds us and just huddle up and pray, He says to DO something about it!! How weak are we that Paul went to jail, John beheaded, others were martyred, and we want to "close the curtains and the blinds" and pretend it's not out there. I'm a bit ashamed of myself for my lack of faith that He promises to be there if I am truly living for Him and what He stands for.

P: Yahweh! Father! I love you so very much, and find myself ashamed in Your presence. I know I fall short of the mark when it comes to being who You want me to be, but wow. You do call us to gentleness and meekness and kindness, but when it comes to defiance of You, of Sin, You basically call us to arms! I don't know how to do that Lord, as the other side of Faith, the gentleness, has been so ingrained that my heart cries out when I see something wrong, but I don't know what my "action " is. Please reveal it to me Lord, that I may stand STRONG for You, that there is no question where my beliefs are, and there is NO QUESTION where my loyalty is. There are bound to be consequences Lord, but Your promise is to always be there, until the end of the age! God I pray that I may rest in that, and know that You are leading me to a place of passion, a place of urgency, a place of intensity like none I've ever known and I pray that I allow myself to follow You and help me live bit by bit through Your eyes. God I pray that You continue to drive me out of my comfort zone, so that I may never become a "bubble-gum" Christian, but One who is in with both barrels blazing! I just know that by being true to You, the reward, no matter the cost, will be greater. Thank You Lord, for believing in me, thank You for showing me there is more to me than I am aware of, and Thank You for growing me!! I ask for Your presence within me, I ask for a warriors heart, one that does not falter! One that Fights for you! I pray that You help me leave a legacy of having lived the life of a Jesus Freak. I love you, and worship You, with all that I am...

In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 02/10/2009

2009-02-11T14:49:00.003-07:00

S: Psalm 32:3-5 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped away as in the heat of summer.

O: This man's sin, holding it in, was eating away at him. His guilt was suffocating him. The guilt of sin is strangling, tiresome, and keeps us from who we can be. When he confessed - he experienced freedom! maybe even joy!

Hosea 14:2
Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord.Say to him,“Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us,so that we may offer you our praises.

A: I think of sin as a wound. Left untended, however small, it begins to fester, the infection grows, maybe even becoming a visible mess, making even others uncomfortable to be around you. The infection gets to the blood and begins to affect the whole body, altering your emotions, abilities, mind, and function. And once it has gone too far, it may be too late and has the strength to ultimately kill you. For the wages of sin is death. But if you respond immediately, calling your conscience to action, letting it be at the forefront of all you do, and apply the healing balm of forgiveness, confessing out loud unto Him who already knows...letting it out, it no longer has it's claws in you and can do no more damage than it has. So why resist? What are we afraid of? He already knows and wants to forgive us..

P: Abba Father, I pray that I may come to a place where I recognize my sin quickly and lift it up to you that I may not make the same mistake again. I pray that I learn to admit them readily for you already know about them, and I can prevent the festering wound. If my goal in this life is to become more Christ like, then I must learn to take out the trash. How can we store up treasures if the space is being taken up by wounds of sin, and pain, and garbage? I want to release it to You Father, so that in so doing, I have more room for You to abide with me! Please help me to understand that I just need to talk to you, to confess to you, because You are simply waiting for me and want to forgive me so that I may drive on, because YOU can see how it can suppress us, and divert us, and hurt us, and hold us back from what You desire for us. I pray that I willingly confess with my mouth and ask for forgiveness so that You can wash me clean... Thank you Lord, Thank you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. For 02/09/2009

2009-02-11T14:14:00.004-07:00

S: Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will."

O: Jesus, our Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, was in pain. In the previous verse to this passage it says, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." His heart and soul were torn and in pain. He knew what he had to do, knew what was just around the bend. The time was near. And yet, he bore it on his shoulders and finished with "not as I will, but as You will." He knew the pain he would endure, but at the same token, he knew the reason for it and knew he had to fulfill his purpose and didn't look for a way out.

A: How many times do we think that what we are going through is too much? How many times do we think what we're handed is unfair? How often do we plead with God to help us out of what we're going through? Or to fix it? What if we're meant to go through it to teach us something? Or to teach someone close to us something because we might just be strong enough to handle it in order to affect someone else? What if the trial is meant to lead us and we are being weak and spoiled and unteachable? Maybe that's why some stuff happens over and over again?
I try so hard to count it all as joy and make lemonade out of my lemons and just ask God for the strength to get through it. That doesn't mean it won't hurt, that the tears won't come; It just means that we are learning to surrender to Him. Lord send the rain!! Pour out Your Spirit! Let the fire fall, heal us one and all, Lord send the rain!
We can't heal until we go through the fire. We can't just sit idly by and wait for it to fix itself, we can't tip toe and then say "I can't do it!". God, hep me be teachable. Bring me to the place You have for me, and help me to be worthy of that place.

P: Almighty Father, Jehovah, I love you so much, and as I would my earthly father, I want to make You proud of me. I pray for a heart strong enough to handle the trials sent my way that I may garner something from them. I pray that I may stop asking You to "bail me out", because I think I'm good and deserve better! I pray that I see I can never be that good and that I see that even Jesus had to fulfill His trial. The greatest trial of all time. So who am I to think that things should always be easy. I thank you for the strength you give me for each day to survive my trial. I thank you for the heart to drive on and I thank you for the fellowship of these believers, my spiritual family, that can also be there to help see me through... I pray that I may see that there is good in the bad and that I focus on that. I ask for wisdom to see that in the trials there is always a lesson from a Father how knows I need it, from a Father who knows I'm capable of learning it, and from a Father who loves me enough to seek my perfection. I know I never will be, but thank You for continuing to try...

In Jesus name,
Amen

Cryyyy-yyy-yyy--ing..... over You....

2009-01-30T14:52:00.009-07:00

Okay, here we are folks. Let's have a chat. More of a discussion really... Okay, let's be honest, it's a monologue, but I want to share. Maybe it'll be poignant enough to matter to someone, maybe it won't, but nonetheless, I feel it noteworthy, so away I go.

Crying. Why do we do it? Why do we need to do it? Is it really a natural thing? Should we feel guilty if we have to cry? Hmmm.. well let's take a look shall we? Who built us? C'mon people, if you are reading this you are one of my peeps and the answer is not up for discussion. God built us in HIS image. Whose image?? C'mon I can't hear you! Yes, HIS. Praise God, Hallelujah! We are engineered by whom?? HIM. The Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, of all things seen and unseen. He is Yahweh! So we question the necessity or validity of crying? Phooey...The world says you're weak. Well, guess what? Newsflash people, WE ARE!! And I'm glad we are, and that in that weakness we can allow God to be the magnificent God that He is! HIS grace is sufficient for me.

God knows we cry, He knows we are going to, He knows we always will. We are promised that the tears will one day end, though...so don't be ashamed of the tears, especially when the God that loves you and created you knows they are there. He not once judges you for your tears..

Revelation 21:4> He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Check that again. Like a gentle loving father, He knows, and He will wipe every tear from their eyes. He hurts for us, if He didn't, He wouldn't make the promise that our tears would fade.

Does God think us silly for crying??

Hebrews 5:7>In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.

Read that again, people. He was heard because of his piety. He wasn't heard because he was so prideful and strong and able to hold it all in.....He was heard!!! His crying, his sadness was heard!!!

Still not convinced?? David... Yes, David. God loved David, and David was a great King! David penned many of the psalms in the bible. If God didn't mean for us to cry, and to let out what was inside, He wouldn't have allowed those psalms to be a part of His great work, but He says His word is perfect and complete. David is a crier...

Psalm 69:3>I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail with waiting for my God

Wait there's more... that's just crying, let's take a look at another word. Weep. What does weep mean>? Ummm.. I think it has something to do with crying... yep, pretty sure that's it. What does the Bible say about weeping? Well, there are over 96 scriptures in the Bible that refer to weeping... Shall I begin? Are you still with me?

We weep for joy, with love, excitement, gladness, over seeing someone we've been missing, many happy occassions are riddled with weeping..

Genesis 43:30>
Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.

Okay so that says he went to a private place, hang on folks...

Genesis 45:14>Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping.

Embraced him weeping, he didn't hold back, he wasn't prideful, he wanted his brother to know exactly how happy he was with their reunion.

Genesis 50:1>Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him.

Moving on.

We weep at the prospect of an ill befalling a people, a tragedy being struck upon those we care about, or even just share a love of humanity for....

Esther 8:3> Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.

She was not prideful, but expressed the very pit of her emotion to show the depth of how she felt about the situation. Had she simply gently discussed this, Her Husband may have thought it all frivolity and never known her heart... Being weak makes us strong..

We weep at what lies ahead, but we are promised release, peace, grace, and mercy...

Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

We weep over the sadness and regret of the past. Who we were, what we've done, and over the prospect of penance, of forgiveness, of release...

Luke 7:38
and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

Did Jesus scorn her for this??...He loved her, and saved her...He did not let the tears that fell be worthless, they were pearls...full of regret, full of hope, full of repentance..

John 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

Jesus cares for us, our hearts, our troubles, He loves us. Do we not hurt when our children cry?? Do we not hurt when our children stumble? Do we not hurt when those we love hurt?? Then how much more does our Heavenly Father hurt for us in our pain and anguish? Should we be ashamed to cry out??? NO!... NO NO NO. How does our Father know to embrace us and hold us if we do not cry out to Him?!

We weep when we feel we have no more strength... Are we weak? Compared to what? Compared to whom?? David and His warriors wept, before battle, after battle, to release everything they were about to go through, and everything they had BEEN through. Are you telling me your heart is stronger than that of a Warrior??

1 Samuel 30:4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep

No more strength left to weep. And they did this together. Do you think they were ashamed? They were in fellowship, and they were in this together.

We weep when things are just too much too handle... When we are overwhelmed....when we just can't take anymore, we need to let it out. Who is greater than us? God...Jesus... and in His mortal form, He too cried out, He wept...
Jesus...

John 11:35 Jesus wept

Jesus, lover of my soul... He WEPT!! That hurts me to my core! In it's simplicity, it says so much, so who are we to think that we are stronger?? Who are we to think that weeping is a sign of weakness when our very own Lord and Savior, God's perfection also wept? I don't know about you, but I am so far off the mark that it's crazy, so to think that I would be able to handle life/emotion better than the one who made me is just crazy people!!

Let those tears go!!!! Cry out for what's been lost!!! Let it go!! Cry out for what's been hurt!!! Weep for innocence lost!!! Weep for mistakes made!! Weep for harm you may have caused others!!! Weep for feeling like you've failed when you have not, Child of God!! Let it out, let it go!!!! Cry out for those you miss!! Let it go!! Let Go, and Let God!!!! Let Him do His perfect work in you, let that peace overcome you in waves so strong and amazing , that the healing starts right here and right now!!! Let those chills go up your spine, let your arms rise up into the air!!! Cry!!! For He is with you, He will heal you, He will love you!!! Open your hands up to Him, close your eyes and raise your face up to Him!! Cry, Weep, Let go...Invite Him in to fix everything you feel is so very wrong, only then....only then will peace reside...only then will true love reside, for you have taken out the trash....you have begun your spring cleaning, because if your cup runneth over....you're not allowing any room for anything good to move into it's place until you let it out...just do it... Whose going to think less of you?? Let them!! The one that matters isn't going to think less of you, and is just waiting for you to open yourself, invite Him in, and let the new begin...let the new begin...

Just love Him, and let Him be the loving Father He wants to be, holding your face in His hands, and wiping those tears away....and bringing the smile slowly back to your face as He holds you...and bringing the peace and joy into your heart that will take the place of those tears...so make room...make room for something better....

Do you feel weak??

Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

I don't know about you, but I want to feel that...Yes Lord, I am weak...be strong through me, let Your grace shine through me, show the world that it is YOU, not me, who walks my steps...
I leave you with this last thought, and know that I love every one of you, so very much, and pray for the best as you walk your walk alongside mine...

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

So friends and loved ones... let it go... I am not saying that we should cry forever, or all the time, that would not be healthy at all. The point is that you CAN, that you are ALLOWED, that it is OKAY. We should get past the pain and let it go to Him to the point where we've grown enough in our relationship with Christ to lean on the everlasting arms, and hope in Him. I want to bask in His GLORY and LOVE and JOY!!!! I want to fill my heart with His peace and abide with Him!!! But that being said, you have to let the pain go, and pain will still come, hurt will still linger in the future, sadness may cross our paths again someday, so just know, it's okay, the Joy comes in the morning...

There was no special battle here, so the count remains as it did when we last were together. Thanks so much for walking with me just a little while...

Vokal4Him

2008-10-28T20:15:00.001-07:00

Glitter Graphics Maker & MySpace Layouts

I QUIT!

2008-10-24T19:43:00.008-07:00

Take this job and shove it... I ain't workin' here no more....

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I bring you.... me.... I've been gone for quite some time, and I really feel like I've been...well... GONE.
Over the summer to help out, I took on a stay at home job that was supposed to be about 15 hours a week. It was perfect, my world was great, I was volunteering at church, doing a few weddings for people at the church, getting to know people, making friends, getting ready for the new school year with my kids, because I home-school, too...
The saga continues.... What started out as 15 hours, quickly turned into 30.... at this point, things became a little hectic, as the school year had just started and I was now doing three different grade levels at home, plus laundry for five, and meals for 8 ( the family we live with), and general upkeep, remembering to shower....remembering to tell my kids to shower, and other daily "mom" tasks... I was barely hanging on, but hanging I was, and still smiling.....
Tragedy..... My job then spiraled into a 50 hour work week!!!! Needless to say, things started falling by the wayside, most days I'd go back to bed, still in the jammies I never had time to change out of! It became ludicrous, with 25 hours a week of school, plus work, I was pulling 75 hours of just work, with no "mom" stuff added in, but still doing it... At this point, I noticed my hair falling out, my smile starting to sag, and tears falling for no apparent reason, other than my cup was runnething (is that right?) over.... Wow, could it get worse????
I was still volunteering for the worship team, which at this time was the only thing that would fill my tank and fill me with joy, because at this point, it was also my only opportunity to spend time with God... Oh I missed Him SO!!! It HURT!!
And at this point, I began this self-destructive criticism of myself, which led to a dark place... self-doubt, I wasn't being a good mom, I wasn't being a good wife, I wasn't being a good daughter to God... I felt like a failure, the only one getting the best of me was my boss who kept pushing for more with no thanks or incentive...
Time to take inventory.....I felt like junk, and had the nagging feeling that I was missing something...the light went off... I had the revelation that feeling like junk was so not of God, and I had to figure everything out! Had to do something!! But What?!
Next move: so I prayed....and I prayed...and the more I prayed, the more the answer became clear....but how? I was scared... I couldn't just quit... What was going to happen?? And God kept whispering, Let Go, and Let ME..... He wanted me to give the reins to Him.... Dog-gone it! I know that! But it's hard, Lord!
Next Day: My boss made changes to the running of the business that put me on a strict schedule, not allowing for the flexibility of having school, which was why he hired me to work from home in the first place....made changes making me use my cellphone to field calls from Realtors...something he didn't ask me to do, just assigned.... and then asked me to verify all my work on an hourly basis.... Ok!!!
The straw broke the proverbial camel's back.... I felt the change in me like a raging bull.... no WAY was I going to give up my kids schooling, no WAY was I going to be able to be there only for him, and let go further of God and my husband... No WAY, NO WAY!!! I felt like my insides were just shouting!!!!
An hour later: I e-mailed him.... after weeks of explaining that I couldn't take on more, him saying it would be okay, we'd work it out, and assigning me more anyway....I QUIT!!!!!!! I QUIT I QUIT I QUIT! And never have a felt so relieved over the prospect of losing so much! That same day I received so MUCH affirmation that my decision would be okay, that I cried with joy. Within minutes came the prospect of another job, within minutes, my dedication to the vocal ministry at church grew!!! Within hours I was making connections with people at church that I found I needed in my life, but had never had the chance to speak to!! Within a day, I had fallen back into the swing of being me... of teaching my kids and having FUN with it, of hearing my kids LAUGH during school, of just sitting and being with my husband, and giving him JUST me for a few moments, with no distractions.....and we took the time to PRAY together... AMEN! Within a day, new opportunities for growth within the church came upon me...and I just felt like.... Thank You GOD for bringing me HOME.. I've missed you soooo.... Oh how I've missed You... thank You for being so quick about letting me know You were just waiting for me to turn back to You...
Finally: Surrender.... God... I pray to never lose sight of You again... I pray to never allow myself to be so overwhelmed with life, that I somehow allow You to be pushed aside... Without You being the Head, I have discovered I can't be the heart...the heart for my kids, the heart for my husband, they deserve what only You can work through me.... Thank YOU for not giving up on me... I never left You...and am so glad You never leave me.... I praise You for showing me the peace that passes all understanding and for loving little old me....

Mama Lil': 6
World: 0

1 John 3: 16-18

Humbled

2008-07-27T16:50:00.004-07:00

Okay ladies and gentlefolk...here it is.. I know it's been a while and for that I apologize, but hopfully it's worth the wait? Where to begin.
Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start...
Choir. Wow. Who'd a thunk it?
First let me say that I am honored and humbled to have been asked, and to have been a part of such a tremendous worship experience. When Derrick approached me about leading the choir, I thought... "Lord? Are You sure?" I didn't hear a no, so I said yes.. I was excited to be sure, but at the same time, here I was treading in new territory again.. "Thanks, God". And a very real part of me was second-guessing myself again, and in doing so, I was second-guessing the power of letting God work through me. Did I let it stop me? No. Did I once again learn something amazing in letting Him lead? Yes... Oh yes... About myself, and more importantly, about Him. When He wants something to happen...and he wants YOU to do it...doesn't matter if you've done it before, doesn't matter if you've done it a thousand times, somewhere buried inside of you is this wonderful little treasure trove of gifts placed by God that is ready for such a time as this.. He's just waiting for you to tap those resources that He so lovingly placed there for you that will enable you to do so much more than you ever dreamed.. and for HIS GLORY!!! He just needs the time to be right...and this was one of those times...Praise God!
Is this something that I keep learning? Yes it is.. The first time was a few months ago during the Beautiful series. Did I think I could sing that song? No... Did I feel embarassed to sing that song? Yes... Did it stop me? No.. I'm learning to hold on the reins and let His wild horse fly... And what came out of that was this newfound strength, courage, and confidence that I was blessed by HIM...by HIM, and yes, it's okay to flourish in those gifts given by HIM! And HE loves me as I am...not as the world may see me, but as I am, in my heart, and in my deep abiding love for HIm...How much more in awe am I that HE thought enough of me...simple me... to gift me in such a way that no man has ever influenced... I've never had a lesson, never wanted to...some of that is where my fear was to sing like that for people... this untrained, kind of wild voice that just breathes God... and where did that lead??
Next lesson, the choir.. Just when I had been touched by this love from Him, once again, He taught me to tap those resources that were lying dormant..gifts still wrapped in beautiful trappings...just waiting... And Derrick, once again, giving me a chance, to reveal more about myself I just didn't know. There we were at the first practice and I'm interacting, and loving on you people, and singing, and guiding, and I took a step back and went... "Oh My Gosh".. This feels so right.. God? Are you serious? I've never felt so at home.... it was easy... I loved every second of being with all of you... of working together to do something wonderful for my Father..
It was almost effortless, and yet there was so much joy being with you...just being with you... I was so blessed by each of you individually, your smiles, your excitement, your passion, your joy, wow, my cup runneth over! I sit hear trying not to cry, in thanks and praise for my wonderful Father who I know is crying out to me to find my place in this world, and take it...and know that He is with me every step of the way, and not to fear, because He is with me.. Did I think my Faith was big before? Yes, Do I think so now looking back? No... not nearly...do I want it to grow?? Desperately! I am ready to make Him proud of me, and to not lack the confidence that will lead me to greater things in Him... Apparently I have a problem with this area, or He wouldn't be driving it home so deeply, and for that I'm grateful, for in each new lesson comes greater strength and joy in growing as a person. And greater reassurance that He is there. He will carry me.
As for today, any of you reading this that was in the choir or was a part in anyway, let me say thank you for your willingness to serve in such a great way, thank you for your time, your heart, your love...thank you for being instrumental in teaching me something in return... and May I say, regardless of how awkward it may make some of you :) I love you all... I very dearly do... each of you was so special, in your kind words, in your excitement, in allowing me to lead you... thank you. Praise God for His great works. You all were so very awesome, and to feel that power at my back just drove me to a deeper place of worship, I was truly energized by your presence.

Have I said too much? There's nothing more I can think of to say to you...
But all you have to do is look at me to know that every word is true....

May God bless your days, and may you be learning to walk with Him as I am. Each and every day a new beginning.

Mama Lil' - 5!
World - 0

Latte

2008-05-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

What Your Latte Says About You

You are very decadent in all aspects of your life. You never scale back, and you always live large.

You are a very frivolous person. You don't take anything too seriously. Why should you?

Intense and energetic, you aren't completely happy unless you are bouncing off the walls.

You're addicted to caffeine. There's no denying it.

You are a child at heart, and you don't ever miss the opportunity to do something playful.

You are sophisticated and daring, but you are never snobby.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

Hit and Run

2008-05-27T15:07:00.005-07:00

Okay people,
What's the deal??? I mean really... You hit someone, you should deal with it. not leave them baffled and bewildered with"What the heck happened?" and "How do I deal with this..?"
Okay...venting...feeling better....coming down..... breathe in through the nose...and out through the mouth....GGRRRR!!!!!!! okay, one more time, I think I can do this..... In......out.....okay..
Now that I've lost everyone, here's the deal-i-o.
Husband out of town in TX.
Me alone with the kids 24/7 for like 4 days.
Normally not bad, just having a busy week.
Boys are getting older, so needing more activity and energy release.
Soooo..... this story begins in a rather large town, not so far, far away.... It was a beautiful Monday morning, the birds were singing praise to their Creator..... the smurfs were happily toiling away whistling while they worked...and I in my kerchief...wait. hang on...strike that..
Okay, so the birds were singing...and my aunt and I decided to make a day of it with the kids, both hers and mine, so we prepare to set off. Snacks are packed, plans are made, and off we go to be heroes and solve the boredom of the day that lay before us. Up til now, all is going well, even smiling through the kids in the back seat of the van "stop touching me!". "No, You stop touching Me!." "Mom!!!" ...."I said stop, I'm tellin on you!". "Moooomm!!!!....
"Boys!, girls! Enough! 1 - 2 - don't you let me get to three or I'm pulling over!!!
" 3, okay you've done it, ".....pulling over.....parking .....
Suddenly they are sitting with their hands on their knees..sobbing....I haven't even done anything, lol... ahhh....the power of the stinky eye.... God seems to have blessed me with a particularly stinky one....it can paralyze three young boys and one girl with a single stinky-glance....I'm laughing on the inside, truly, because I don't want to spank them... so I get back in the driver's seat, and off we go..... again......smiling....still...
So, we go bowling...sounds like fun.. and you know?? It was, we had a blast, little friendly competition with the kids, me and my aunt hung out and had some fun with them, and we burned a little over an hour there....so what's next...
Peter Piper! There we go, it's lunch time, and they still have energy to burn, so let's go... it's in a nice part of town, not much ever happens in front of Sam's Club, so fine, let's go....
Okay, so Peter Piper goes off without a hitch, much laughing, playing, giggling, eating, and Benny tells me I'm the best mom ever... yup... I know... (jk) Ain't mother-dom great?! Thank you God for moments like those....
Anyway, okay....so we leave......and....
my van.... While we were in there, oblivious to the world....someone proceeded to back out, and completely take out the back fender of my van... and LEAVE!!!!!
There is white paint all down the back fender, and a piece of their headlight is EMBEDDED in the side of my van... there's no way they coulda thought..."must have driven over a can".... the rest of their headlight was on the ground....and no one saw a thing....
My first insurance claim ever... my first vehicular damage, ever.... crud. Here go the insurance premiums and I didn't even DO anything, I wasn't even in the vehicle!!!! It wasn't even MOVING~ That's what gets me most, it's not the van, it's not that it is dinged up now, I could care less, the van is just a thing and it belongs to God... He blessed us with it, it's the principal that now there's nothing I can do... no way to pay for the damage, no way to be compensated from whomever did it...there are no security cameras on the lot... well.....let me restate that....
FYI People... The cameras in the Peter Piper parking lot on Dysart are decoys.. They do not work and aren't attached to anything. We tried Sam's club, too, to see if theirs reached far enough.... missed it by that much! They get to within 3 spaces, but just not quite close enough to my car, so for future reference, if you want to be safe and covered, if you are going to Peter Piper pizza, park as close as you can to Sam's and huff it.... trust me , it will be worth it.
And now ladies and gentlemen, I have vented, I feel better....and I know that it's just one of those things....there just seems to be alot of those for our family lately.... let the refining continue... and in this moment right here and now...clarity....

I forgive whoever it was, Lord.... because at this point I realize that I really didn't get all that angry, it was more of a sort of sadness over the principal...So God, I give it up to you...what man intends for evil, You intend for good. You saw it, you know who did it, and that's all that matters...that's up to you to handle, I release it...I realize that I am at a place where what happens here doesn't really matter, and whatever Satan throws our way is just laughable at this point. And you know the best part God?? Well, of course You do, but I'll share it anyway.... My husband didn't get mad either...
He just got to business on the phone with the insurance and claims, and everything that needed to be done, but he just sort of laughed and said "oh well".... God, that was awesome, and if it hadn't happened, we wouldn't have seen how far we've come...so thank you for those moments that reveal growth...thank you for lessons, and thank you for loving us enough to still want to teach us...
We love you, and pray that we may one day make You proud...
Since this one includes me AND my hubs, here's the tally.....

MamaLil' - 4!!
World - 0

Can't touch this...can't touch this....hammer time!

Milestone

2008-05-11T08:30:00.006-07:00

Well here we are... Mother's Day!! Every year up to now, Mother's Day hadn't been a big deal to me really.... my kids were still too little to understand the relevance, and my husband just didn't seem to get it... so I just ho -hummed through the last nine years of Mother's Days...
'Til today... :-)
Today, ladies and gentlemen, I have arrived.. full fledged Mother-Dom.. Is that a word? Well, now it is..
I awoke around 8:00 which is LATE for me, but still early for some, the birds were singing, I got a text from my best friend in Mount Shasta, and I got to speak at an unhurried pace to my MaMa...in North Carolina..I miss her so much, but through the distance we've become such great friends, that she's even more than a mom to me now... I thank God that I grew so much to see her for who she really is... I just couldn't seem to see it when I was younger....anyway, moving right along...
I tried to go down the hallway, and was stopped by three wonderful, beautiful, bright eyed boys, who henceforth commanded me back to the back of the house, and excitedly informed me that I was not to come out until I was told....hmmm.... (one eyebrow raised in joyous curiosity) I quickly received hugs from all three, they shared their "Happy Mother's Day" words with me, and quickly ran off... I feel the lump in my throat... Through my smile this morning, there are tears welled up...little tide pools... My little men are making me so proud, and I'm rejoicing in the fact that they are learning the importance of making OTHERS feel important... They are letting their little lights shine...and I couldn't be happier... I'd have to say I'm MORE happy with what's growing in their hearts, than at the prospect of having my first official Mother's Day.... I can hear them laughing, and trying to make breakfast...I hear something frying....who knows...lol..doesn't matter...I hear them with their daddy and their uncle, having MEN time, and it's just awesome... I would be happy with fish sticks and tater tots for breakfast, at this point...
I just hope that this morning makes God smile... as it has me... I can only remind myself of how thankful I am to have been blessed and entrusted to make Godly men out of these beautiful little boys.... Thank you Lord... I know you love them more than I, which is an amazing thought, considering what is just bubbling forth right now... Thank you Lord ,for my cup runneth over...

Progress:

Mama Lil' - 2
World - 0

In him,
Lily

This little light o' mine...I'm gonna let it shine.....
1 John 3: 16-18

Getting Started....

2008-05-08T19:00:00.002-07:00

So here I am...desperately trying to come up with something awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, laughable, even remotely interesting, and all I can do is stare at this screen blankly, deciding to ramble aimlessly until I come up with something worth sharing. So here's an apology to those of you that decided to give me the time of day to check this thing out. It's probably gonna be like this until I really have something funny to share, like my son calling me a biatch and not knowing what that is, but somehow overheard it on a movie so decided to say "get me a juice box biatch... " Hmmm... How does one address that? How does one handle that without the immediate urge to shove soap in his mouth? Pray to excorcise the minions of Satan? Get thee behind me?? Or do I go to the owners of the house in which I now live, and beg them to watch more appropriate television around my children... Well, ummmm...to be honest, I sort of did all of the above.. Did I overdo it a bit? Probably..but what else is new? Maybe I should have counted to like 100!!!!!! and then figured out a gameplan as I sent him to his room, but at the time, he had no idea what he'd done wrong, lol....and now my five year old is staring with these grotesquely saucer-sized eyes, trying to figure out what just happened... Needless to say, I think we nipped that one in the bud.... anyone agree??
No matter how hard we try to be good, and try to create the best environment, we are still going to have to learn to address the influences of the outside world...
So here's the tally
Mama Lil' - 1
Outside world - 0

Will keep you updated on the progress of life.

Much love to you all.....

In Him,

Lil'

1 John 3: 16-18