It happened again.

We had heard it would...and prayed it wouldn't...but it did.  Our state is in shut-down mode again and fear is reigning supreme.  The damage being done to our state...our country...our churches...our schools...our families is stunning.  I am watching and hearing Christians be paralyzed by fear.  Their words...not mine.  I have seen the panicked faces.  I have endured the shut-downs and changes that affected every day life.  I have heard the threats.  I have worked when others would not.  I have had to manage the stress and extra work...again.  I have worked to keep our home a place of peace and comfort.

OUR CHILDREN...AND OTHERS THAT WE INFLUENCE...ARE WATCHING US!  And they are seeing that our actions are not matching the words that we have been sharing with them for years!  

WHAT ARE WE DOING?  

DO WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT GOD IS SOVEREIGN?  

HAVE WE TRULY YIELDED OUR LIVES TO HIM?  Or was that just what we were told to say to "Be a good Christian."?

Is this virus real?  Yes.  Is it as bad as they say?  No...the numbers do not support it.  Is it dangerous to some people?  Yes...and those people need to be careful and take steps of precaution.  BUT THEY SHOULD NOT BE MAKING DECISIONS FOR THE MAJORITY!

I live with a man who has a quarter of a lung that functions.  On a good day, he struggles to breathe.  He coughs.  He spits.  He gets winded.  An ordinary cold immediately goes to his lungs and turns into bronchitis/pneumonia in a short time.  I watched him several years ago go into full on pneumonia in four hours...high fever...and we went to the ER.

YES!  I could live each day crippled by the thoughts that tend to creep into my mind when I hear rattly breathing or extra coughing.  BUT WE HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO THAT!  God has allowed this in Ted's life for his whole life.  We have dealt with physical restrictions and made adjustments our whole married life...and we have lived life!  We have been through some difficult situations through the years that have brought us to our conviction...WE WILL TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT!  NO MATTER WHEN.  NO MATTER WHERE.  NO MATTER HOW.

We have taught our children that we will TRUST GOD and we will follow His leading for our lives.  And that is not tempting the Lord our God.  That is obedience!  Pure and simple!  Proverbs 3:5-6. God has given us peace amidst many storms of life.  We will live what we say we believe...whether we are out and about...or at home.  Our children are watching us.  Other people are watching us.  God expects us to live out the reason for the hope within us!  And fear...does not come from God!  2 Timothy 1:7
 

4 Pictures...1 Thing in Common

 Our time together during family devotions has been full and sweet lately!  Last night, as we sat and talked, we once again shared the needs that are on each of our hearts.  There are specific areas that each of us has asked our family members to pray for.  Ted asked us to share the different situations that we are dealing with...allowing each one of us to draw out the actual requests that we can bring before the Lord.  So many cares are represented in each situation...so many opportunities to pray for each other...so many different ways to remember each other throughout the day.  Ted looked around the livingroom as asked, "What do at least four of us have in common in the requests that we have shared?"  I knew right away...I have been playing that "4 Pictures 1 Word" game off and on lately!  The answer..."People!"  Wherever we go, whatever we do, whoever we are...we deal with people.  It doesn't matter what age we are...we will struggle at different points throughout our day as we interact with people.  We all have sin natures!  We all look out for number one first!  Some of us have asked Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior...which brings a change of heart and direction in life...or at least it should!  Uncle Pastor has been preaching through some of his favorite Psalms on the last two Sunday mornings.  On Sunday nights, he has been preaching on prayer.  God has given us the challenge and encouragement we have needed as a family!  We are thankful for the growing opportunities to share with our children.

Psalm 27 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

My prayer is that I would be the right kind of encourager to those around me.  It struck me last night...I am not around people as much as my family is.  I have been searching for a part time job to help our family.  God has not answered that in a permanent sort of way.  He has been giving me substitute jobs here and there.  I am thankful and I enjoy those times.  I am beginning to understand why God isn't moving in that direction!  He wants my focus to be on our home...to make it a welcoming place as these four loves make their way home each night.  They need to find a peaceful and comfortable place after being "beat up" all day with the cares of this world and satan's relentless attacks.  It was as if I finally got it through my head!  God doesn't need me out working a job...that, yes, would provide income...but at what cost?!  I need to fulfill my role as wife and mother as God orchestrated...ministering to my family.  We only get one chance at this...and we need to get it right!  5 Pictures of us...Giving God the glory...in every day life...and it isn't a game!

What is wrong with me?

"What's wrong with you?" is usually the question we ask when we notice there is something just not right.  It might be a symptom of illness that prompts us to ask that question.  It may be a facial expression that demonstrates a problem.  It could be actions that move us to ask, "What's wrong with you?"  Sometimes we ask in genuine concern...others times...we ask in disgust.  There is always a reason for asking the question...a problem has made itself known.
I find myself asking myself this question more frequently these days.  I don't know if it is my age.  I don't know if it is where we are in life.  I don't know if it is due to what we are dealing with with our children. 
I do know many of the events of my (our) life have had a strong impact in my thinking and handling the issues of life.  I also know, as I study and read God's Word and as each day passes, there is a problem. 
I guess, I am the one with the problem, and so I ask again, "What is wrong with me?"
There are so many accepted thoughts, attitudes, and actions these days that I just can't follow.  God's Word is not allowing me to do it.  But yet, as I look around and see what is going on, so many others are jumping on the various band wagons of thoughts, attitudes, and actions.  The older I get, I find myself doing the opposite of what so many of my church, school, and college acquaintances are doing...I'm getting narrower in what I understand and accept as what is pleasing to God. 
What is wrong with me that I can't accept "the new ways" too? 
I guess the "push over the edge" this week was the arrival of another catalog full of "the latest and greatest music to worship God with".  I sat and read through the choices.  I looked at the pictures.  I considered the questions we have been asked by the children (and our children).  I recalled all the groups that are shared on facebook lists and played on blogspots. 
"What's wrong with me that I can see what satan is doing to us and I just won't accept this as 'new and improved Christianity'?" 
The best voted groups want us to "kick it old school".  What?  I can't shake the memory of the looks on the faces of our children is Kid's Club as they made the connection of what satan's job in heaven was...the highest of all God's created angels.  "He was God's right hand man.  But he had wrong thoughts...attitudes...actions."  When his heart was lifted up and he thought he could become God...removing his Creator, he went from being Lucifer (Light Bearer) to Satan (The Adversary).  Ezekiel 28  And he has been ruling as the "god of this world" ever since, "blinding the minds of those who believe not".  2 Corinthians 4:4.  Ephesians 2. I John 5
Why aren't we being diligent to guard ourselves against the deceptions of Satan?  As believers, we are new creations and we have the armor of God available to us.  Ephesians 6
We know how it will end.  Revelation 12
God has told us that Satan is a deceiver and will be judged. Isaiah 14:12-15
Satan has demonstrated his tactics over and over.  Genesis 3 in the garden, Job 1 testing Job, and the list continues.  He uses his tried and true methods every time I John 2:16. 
In Matthew 4, he tempted Jesus without success.  We have an example to follow.
After reading and studying some more, I understand even more about the vengence that Satan is using.  He took a whole army of angels when God removed him from Heaven, and he isn't going to leave earth without a bigger army.  I don't want to be deceived.  I won't be deceived...if I continue to fill my mind with truth.
That's what is wrong with me...I'd rather bring glory to the One who created me...saved me...and is preparing a place for me!
Can I ask...what's wrong with you?

"Where the rubber meets the road..."

We heard this comment recently regarding the feel good emotions one may have after spending time in God's house...seeing and hearing all the wonderful things that God is doing in lives.  In the very next breath, the same person commented about casting their vote for the next American Idol star. 
Huh? 
What?
Which comment is the rubber and what road are you traveling on?
I'm confused.
Tonight for our Kid's Club lesson, we reviewed five of the verses that we learned this year. 
Why have we spent the time memorizing God's Word? 
Psalm 119:9-11  "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?  by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  With my whole heart have I sought thee:  O let me not wander from thy commandments.  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Mr. Ted explained the purpose for learning God's Word and hiding it in our heart.  In our daily life...we  make many choices.  In our choices, we will either bring glory to God or glory to satan.  God's Word gives us the wisdom to make right choices...friends, music, activities, tv...
John 3:16
James 4:7
Proverbs 1:5
James 4:17
Where the rubber meets the road...how are you responding to the truth of God's Word in your day to day life?  Satan is working hard and he has been able to accomplish much with the music of the day...and believers have followed his vices because they do not take heed to God's Word.  We think it is harmless to watch and vote for the Idol.  "It is just harmless fun."  And you think that the music, lifestyles, dress, actions, and agendas are all in fun?  The word "idol" doesn't even phase you?  Really?
In order to heed something...you need to read...and understand what you read.  We don't always have our Bibles with us...how can you heed God's Word then?  By hiding it in your heart!
We dealt with spiritual immaturity that comes with childhood tonight.  But later, I was taken by surprise at the lack of spiritual maturity of believers in their adulthood.
"I thought music was just for fun." stated one of our girls in Kid's Club.  "If satan is so smart, why did he get thrown out of heaven?  Is there a pizza party next week?  Where exactly is hell? I'm just wondering, because someone told me it was in the center of the earth."
...and yes, our heads were spinning after this rapidly fired exchange.  Excuse me for not thinking that all of this is "just for fun".  We have little girls and boys who are struggling with truth and trying to decide if hell is going to be as bad as the Bible describes...while Christians embrace "the fun of this world".  It is frightening to me.  Another verse from this year...Luke 16:13  "NO SERVANT CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS..."
We came home, kicked back our chairs, and tried to comprehend the seriousness of what these children are dealing with each day.  We checked email and facebook...and I am still reeling from what I read.  Just two choices on the shelf...pleasing God or pleasing self (or satan...actually). 
Is music just for fun? 
Honestly?
Where the rubber meets the road...could better be summed up by...
Your walk talks...and your talk talks...BUT your walk talks louder than your talk talks! 
It's too bad that these days, we post our talk about our walk all over the internet for the world...and the Lord...to see. 
Did you ever stop to think... what your talk, about your walk, actually sounds like...to God?

I find it interesting...the shepherd...never protects the wolf!

He will never try to embrace a wolf and carry it in His arms.

Wolves are legendary because of their spine-tingling howl, which they use to communicate. A lone wolf howls to attract the attention of his pack, while communal howls may send territorial messages from one pack to another. Some howls are confrontational. Much like barking domestic dogs, wolves may simply begin howling because a nearby wolf has already begun.


Wolves are the largest members of the dog family. But wolves and humans have a long adversarial history. Though they almost never attack humans, wolves are considered one of the animal world's most fearsome natural villains. They do attack domestic animals, and countless wolves have been shot, trapped, and poisoned because of this tendency.

Wolves live and hunt in packs of around six to ten animals. They are known to roam large distances, perhaps 12 miles (20 kilometers) in a single day. These social animals cooperate on their preferred prey—large animals such as deer, elk, and moose. When they are successful, wolves do not eat in moderation. A single animal can consume 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of meat at a sitting. Wolves also eat smaller mammals, birds, fish, lizards, snakes, and fruit.
http://www.animals.nationalgeographic.com/
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” John 10:11, 14


"Sheep must have a shepherd because, by nature, sheep are helpless creatures. They depend on shepherds to lead them to water and pasture, to fight off wild beasts, and to anoint their faces with oil when a snake nips them from the grass. Sheep are social animals that gather in flocks, but they tend to wander off and fall into a crevice or get caught in a thorn bush. Then the shepherd must leave the rest of his flock to search for the stray. Jesus used this familiar picture when He described a shepherd who left 99 sheep in the fold to search for one that had wandered off.

Because Jesus loved and cared for His sheep, He warned that sheep are especially in danger of attack by ravening wolves that come in sheep's clothing. That is, these wolves appear to be sheep, but inwardly they are wolves. They are imposters (Matt 7:15). They are subtle and deceptive. Inwardly their heart is evil and treacherous. The sheep is an emblem of innocence, sincerity, and harmlessness. A wolf in sheep's clothing is a wolf that assumes the appearance of sanctity, devotion, and innocence in order that it might more readily get the attention and gain the acceptance of the flock.
A wolf in sheep's clothing is not only not a sheep; it is the worst enemy the sheep have. The wolf comes to tear and devour, to scatter the sheep (John 10:12), and to drive them from God, from one another, and from their shepherd into crooked and perilous paths. Those who would rob us of truth and infect us with error, whatever they may pretend to be doing, actually design harm and destruction to our souls. Paul calls them grievous wolves (Acts 20:29). They plunder, despoil, and make a prey of God's sheep, the Lord's Church, and to advance their own cause.
The Hebrew word ravenous means: "to rip and tear into shreds," indicating the bloodthirsty nature of the wolf. It speaks of fierce cruelty. Wolves seem particularly cruel because they seek out the weak, the young, the old, and the defenseless as victims. The flow of blood incites them to rip and tear even more with their powerful jaws."

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Rom 16:17, 18

Are you a sheep?  Are you a wolf?  Or are you a wolf is sheep's clothing? 
God knows!

I find it ironic that in the last two days of needful parenting...we have received 2 catalogs from places that sell "Christian" resources.

As I sat and flipped through these catalogs, I found myself being overwhelmed by:

"...innovative approaches, trend-setting psychiatrists, win-win approached, secrets to, featured advice, two or six or ten easy steps, covering hot-button issues, using a holistic parenting approach, practical solutions, from the name you trust, dazzling your kids with the love of Jesus, one minute in the Bible..."

HOW  DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO BUY OR WHO TO LISTEN TO?

Call me simple-minded.  Call me cheap.  Call me very nervous.

I think I will just use the notes that we have taken in church these last few months and my old Bible for now.  I have yet to reread and study all the verses that have been used in the pulpit these many weeks. 

I have yet to study in depth many passages and truthes in God's Word. 

We want someone to tell us what to do, how to do it, when to do it, why to do it...

how can you ever hear the words God wants you to hear as you spend time with Him...alone?

 It takes time to read and study!  When we are constantly listening to everything that everyone else has to say, we don't have to think and study for ourselves.   One problem with picking study books out of a catalog...there are so many voices...who do you listen to? 

So much noise.

God gives us pastors and teachers in our local church ministries to admonish us. 

So often...we don't like what "they have to say"...because it interrupts our nice little choices.  Yet, we don't spend our own time in God's Word and let the Holy Spirit convict us of those things.  We want something to make us feel good in one minute or less.  There is now a one-minute Bible in print just for the busy woman!  It takes longer than a minute open your Bible and even read a passage for it to impact your heart and soul.  

Are we honestly that busy?  We have time to be on the computer.  

When it comes to browsing these catalogs, I think it is very important to seek the advice of our pastors and teachers!  I was more confused after looking through these catalogs. 

So far...the things that we are dealing with in our home...involve a lot of time, study, love, prayer, consistency, and energy.  God established homes and families centuries ago.  I would think with His plan...His way would work the best. 

There are Godly men and women who may be a great help along the way...

I just wonder if going through a catalog is the best way to find them!