Needing to remember what is happening in our world right now!

March 2020

The month...the moment in history...that our nation is in turmoil.  Many states shutting down.  Our life has been turned upside down here in Michigan.

Ashlynn came home from college for a spring break weekend.  We picked her up March 12.

Governor Whitmer closed all the schools private and public in an 11 pm address March 12.

Our school announced we would be closed for two weeks after spring break March 13.

We enjoyed spring break as a family...and found out that Ashlynn would not go back to college till later...April 6.  We cancelled our trip to TN to take her back and take Alisa and Teddy for a college tour at Crown.

Our church services are now online indefinitely starting March 15.  We gather in the living room cuddled in blankets with naughty dogs.

Ted started working from home March 17 indefinitely.

The kiddos kept working at Dairy Twist...with a list of directives for how to return to our home...the safe zone!

March 23 we all began home schooling and working.  We got this...we have done it before!

Fear is swallowing our state...our country.

Shelter in place order handed down from our governor...anything non-essential is to be avoided.

Hundreds of thousands of people are now without jobs.  No evictions.

April 2, our governor closed all schools for the rest of the year.  

Alisa's senior year looks a lot different than we could ever imagine.  Ashlynn's first year of college looks different.  In all of this...I am blessed and thankful as I watch our family come together to deal with circumstances that are not our choosing.  We've had hard times before.  We have seen God take care of us.  We will continue to trust Him.

I was able to share a song that ministered to our family!

He Gives Grace!

Sometimes problems seem so big, they hide the light of day.

Sometimes pain cuts so deep, I can't find the words to pray.

Sometimes heartaches seem to be much more than I can stand,

That's when grace seems to take me by the hand.

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm.

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face.

So remember, when it seems you can't go on, God gives grace.

I know every pain I feel, becomes His very own.

God knows the weakness of my heart, that I can't make it all alone.

For He knows what I can handle, and He never gives me more.

When my strength comes to its end, He has more grace in store.

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm.

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face.

So remember, when it seems you can't go on, God gives grace.

Grace will help you stand, when problems seem so tall.  And grace will pick you up every time you fall.

I was able to sing this song a week ago in our morning service.  The message was about trials and suffering...and God brought me to this song.  So many hurting hearts surround me...and all I can cling to...is that God gives grace.
We've been in a few places of hurt and struggle.  We've cried.  We've prayed.  We've asked God "Why?"  And always...He has always answered "Why not?  I have plans for you.  My grace is sufficient for you."

A sick child.
An attack on your integrity.
An unexpected death.
A break up of a marriage.
A physical illness.
A loss of a job.
A strained relationship.

"Just remember, when it seems you can't go on...God gives grace!" 

He gives grace to His children...Always!

"I rest in Thee...Trust in Thee...I place my life in Thy hands..."

"When you are joyful, be joyful; when you are sad, be sad. If God has given you a sweet cup, don’t make it bitter; and if He has given you a bitter cup, don’t try and make it sweet; take things as they come." 
Oswald Chambers in Shade of His Hand, 1226 L
As I read this statement this morning, I couldn't help but think of this song too.
I WILL FOLLOW

By Mac Lynch

I will follow Thee, my Savior, where-e’er the pathway may go:

Through the storm or through the valley or through great trials so low.

I rest in Thee, trust in Thee, I place my life in Thy hands.

I will follow Thee, my Savior; Lead on, my Shepherd, lead on.


I will live for Thee, my Savior, Tho’ war and strife mark the way.

I’m so weak, but Thou art mighty, so live through me day by day.

I rest in Thee, trust in Thee, I place my life in Thy hands.

I will follow Thee, my Savior; Lead on, my Shepherd, lead on.


I surrender all, my Savior, I hold no thing back from Thee;

Every part is Thine to use, Lord, Thy living sacrifice be.

I rest in Thee, trust in Thee, I place my life in Thy hands.

I will follow Thee, my Savior; Lead on, my Shepherd, lead on

I am thankful for the sweet rest that God gives His children.  How many times a day do I "pick up my thoughts and ways" to work out the plans just so...when God wants to work out His thoughts and ways with His plan.  When I am truly at rest...I will keep my hands out!  In Matthew 11, Jesus is teaching two men that John had sent to Him and He ends with verse 28-29, "Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light."
Jesus tells me who to learn from, what will happen, and how I will be treated.  Why would I not go to Him?  And why would I question Him?

Some days are harder than others!

I spent time in His Word.  I prayed.  I listened to good music.  I have been trusting the Lord and leaning on His everlasting arms.  I suppose you could say "things are good".

But it amazes me how fast I can fall apart with one call, text, email, or post.  All those "good, peaceful feelings" turn into a puddle of tears and questions.  I literally walked around the house looking for things to do to keep busy.  Since the kiddos were outside again...I restarted KNVBC right in the middle of the song "Rejoice In The Lord...He Makes No Mistakes..." and had to go find another kleenex, started supper three hours early, the dishes got done, the floors cleaned, and the laundry folded.  To stop the wandering around the house and in my mind, I finally sat down and paged through the hymnbook.

"Day By Day"

"Be Still, My Soul"

I heaved a huge, relieving sigh as my thoughts began to level off and started another load of wash...just enough time to start diving off into the swirling thoughts again.

I sat down with a book I had started to read earlier this summer by Cary Schmidt, Discover Your Destiny:  Making right choices in a world full of wrong.  He wrote this book with the 15 to 25 year old crowd in mind, but this almost 43 year old has needed the truth presented in this book!  When I picked the book up again yesterday to begin reading, I discovered I was about halfway through it...beginning the chapter on God's Wisdom and then followed by the chapter on Faith.  I read for a couple hours...just to keep my mind focused on the goodness of God in my life.  I cried through several passages...specifically on page 172...

"God is our loving, heavenly Father, and He has spent an eternity conceiving a master plan for our lives (destiny).  We are the children in the back seat of life with scarcely the ability to imagine what God might have in store.  God offers us a "surprise" (by faith) plan that He knows we're going to love, if we just trust Him.  The moment we fully understand His plan we're going to thank Him for all of eternity...God is offering us a perfect will that far exceeds and surpasses the selfish ways for which we fight."

I found myself in such a place...and then there was a "surprise" that just threw me for a loop.

Psalm 32:8

Psalm 16:11

I said out loud, "Ok, God, I'm not going to fight.  I haven't yet and I'm not going to start now!"

Psalm 23 

God's plan for His people has been shown down through the ages.  I can trust Him!

Jeremiah 24:5-7

"God never promises a perfect, problem-free path.  His will includes a vast array of life experiences that range from the pleasant to the painful and everywhere in between.  The difference between God's will and your own is this...Your will might provide temporary joy from time to time...His will provides fullness of joy.  Your will might lead through painful experiences that you must face alone...His will provides strength, provision, security, and love during painful experiences that He foreordains...and in His will...you will have the sustaining peace that He is there, in control, carrying you through, and weaving something good in your life."

All things I have heard before and experienced, but in the midst of a meltdown,

I had to be reminded to think biblically!  It happens! 

Some days...it takes more time to get those thoughts and emotions under control...

and it matters Who you go to for counsel! 

Listening in while Jesus talked with His disciples...

This past Monday brought two answers to very specific prayers I have had.  I happened to be out and about getting groceries when I received the two phone calls.  By the second call, I was making my way through the store in tears.  It was a good thing I had put most of the needed items in my cart, I couldn't think straight anymore!  I was talking with my Heavenly Father in the grocery store...thanking and praising Him for working in these two situations.  He knew before we even asked.  I knew He knew.  He knew I knew...but He still wanted me to come to Him!
John 16...Jesus was talking with and teaching His disciples...
"Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."
I appreciate how Oswald Chambers explains and challenges the reader in My Utmost For His Highest:  "Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.

"I say not that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you." Have you reached such an intimacy with God that the Lord Jesus Christ’s life of prayer is the only explanation of your life of prayer? Has Our Lord’s vicarious life become your vital life? "At that day" you will be so identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.
When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to fix the blame on someone else. That is always a snare of Satan. You will find there is a reason which is a deep instruction to you, not to anyone else."
My tears were once again a result of the realization that God hears every word, thought, and groan of His children who spend time at His feet learning and obeying.

"But God..."

I use this phrase often when I find myself focusing on the wrong things.  We have always told our children and the children we taught that when you see the word "But", the story is about to change!  And, yes, it spurred a Bible study for me this morning.  I had someone say something very kind to me last night in the way of a compliment.  I hope I responded graciously, I think I did, because I was saying to myself, "Wow. Really? Thank you, Lord, it is only by Your grace and blessing that I can be or do that."  And the verse came..."But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us." Ephesians 2:4.  I believe that with all my heart.  God loves me and He cares for me...even in trials and troubles.  He gives grace and peace...and that is what, I believe, this person sees...not me...I am nothing without His working in me.  My natural tendency is to retreat and hide...to be protected and shielded.  God gives the best protection!  He has stepped in so many times throughout history...that I can't help but trust Him!
Genesis 20...Abraham told Abimlech that Sarah was his sister, but God came to Abimlech in a dream and told him he was but a dead man for the woman he had taken was a wife.
Genesis 31...Leah and Rachel's father changed the wage on Jacob ten times, but God suffered him not to hurt Jacob.
Genesis 45-...Joseph's life was full of plots and plans gone awry, but God meant it all for good.
Exodus 13...But God led the children of Israel by way of the Red Sea and through the wilderness out of Egypt.
I Samuel 23...King Saul sought for David, but God delivered him not into Saul's hands.
2 Chronicles 20...King Jehoshaphat was crying out at their sure defeat, but God touched a man to speak and remind the people that the battle was the Lord's.

I know that God is still at work today in the lives of His people.  His Word still stands strong and true.
Psalm 49:15  But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave.
Psalm 68:21  But God will wound the head of His enemies.
Psalm 73:26  But God is the strength of my heart.
Psalm 75:7  But God is the judge.
Proverbs 21:12  But God overthroweth the wicked.
Luke 16:15  But God knoweth your hearts.
Romans 5:8  But God commendeth His love.
I Corinthians 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
I Corinthians 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit.
I Corinthians  3:6-7  But God gave the increase.
I Corinthians 7:15  But God hath called us to peace.
I Corinthians 10:13  But God is faithful.
Ephesians 2:4  But God who is rich in mercy, loved us.

When I am overwhelmed..."But God..."  If I truly believe He is in control of my life, I can have no other thought!

A pretty handmade card...

with a wonderful verse!

Under His Wings...no evil can harm me!

We sang this song Sunday morning, and I have been humming it ever since.  How often do we really think about the words that we sing each week.  These men and women who wrote many of the "old hymns of the faith" had a grasp of the truth of God's Word that I desire for myself.  And the only way I will get it...by spending time each day with my Lord and then allowing Him to work His perfect plan...however He sees fit!


Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.



Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.



Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!

How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.



Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!

There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

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?

Is music part of your day?

Every morning, we turn on God-honoring music while we begin to move around sipping coffee, preparing, and eating breakfast.  This morning as I stood at the waffle iron, Ron Hamilton's voice came over the internet air waves.  We sang this song, The Secret Place, in choir before our director moved south.  The words are powerful and convicting.
 How often do we allow God to minister to our hearts?  How often do we listen to what He wants to say through His Word? through Godly music?  What we listen to...or don't listen to...sets the tone in our home!  Do you use godly discretion when you choose music for your home, office, and vehicle?  What are you filling your mind with each day?  What are you filling your children's minds with each day?  Are you even filling these minds with anything?  If you are not...you are setting yourself and your children up for satanic attack.  Oooo...we don't like to think of it that way, do we?  Satan is a roaring lion...seeking for ways to gain entrance into our homes and minds...never resting...never settling.
We want our home to be a quiet place of peace and rest...and we find that by spending time with the One who is the author of peace, power, love, and sound minds! (I Cor. 14:33, I Tim. 1:7) God doesn't want us to live in fear and confusion...because He is a God of order (I Cor. 14:40).  We don't leave voids...that Satan can come in and fill.  And we don't use the world's standards to be the guide for the music we bring into our home.  We use God's Word and wisdom from Godly men to teach us and train us to make wise choices.  If we are truly allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us each day, we know what music (and various other activities) are pleasing to God...and we don't have to spend time defending and arguing this topic.
 
Hebrews 4:12-13  "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

It all comes down to the issue of the heart!  Who does your heart belong to?  The world...Your flesh...or God.  It is as simple as that!  Whomever holds your heart...is the one that you will please!  It is a daily battle...Galatians 2:20 "...yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..."

Today, He used the words of this song to remind me what He does for me...sometimes in the secret places as I spend time with Him...and sometimes...at a waffle iron!

The Secret Place
I've found a secret place


Of comfort & release,

A special place of healing,

A quiet place of peace.

And everyone who dwells there

Finds rest beneath God's wings.

In the shade of His pavilion

New strength He always brings.

- - -

I find hope, I find grace


Far away from the world's embrace.


He gives me rest; He keeps me safe,


I find His strength, I seek His face


In the secret place.

- - -

With every trial He brings,

My Lord will make a way--

To strengthen & protect me,

To help me face each day.

He leads me through the valley

To draw me closer still,

Knowing even in the shadows

I find his perfect will.

Intrigued

I have always been intrigued by words...what they sound like, how they are spelled, and what they mean.  It is so much more fun to describe someone as amiable than just plain old kind, for example.  I always enjoy watching Anne of Green Gables and the way she uses words.  She paints a vivid picture.
I have been intrigued these last few weeks, as I have blog-hopped.  I enjoy looking at pictures and reading many different thoughts/ideas from some very creative people!  I will say, there are sites that I will not visit again because I disagree with their views and philosophies.  In this world of cybering, we need to be careful of what we put before our eyes!  God's Word still stands true in this "modern age"!  I think we forget that as we "idle our time away" sometimes!  There are sites that I do go back to regularly because I am encouraged and challenged in my spiritual walk...however, this does not take the place of daily Bible reading and study!
One similar thing that I have noticed, everyone is reviewing their year and gearing up for the new year.  Several bloggers have stated that they have "picked their word for the year".  I cocked my head and audibly said, "Huh?"  They pick happy sounding words...Leap, Happy, Jump, Moments, and etc.  I sigh, "Awww."  Then my kids wanted to know what I wanted, "Never mind, I wasn't talking to you, go back to work."  And then I got the "You are strange" look.
Word for the year...hmmm.  Never thought about that before.  It is unique.  In our church circles, we always have a "theme" for the year.  As I contemplated some of what these writers said, I realized our family had a "theme" for the year last year: 
"God is good!"
 I prayed it.  I breathed it.  I meditated on it.  I cried it.  I slept on it.
The word for last year was...
"Grace."
Undeserved, all-sufficient, amazing, and the sustaining...grace that I hadn't needed in such a way before 2010.
As I had a conversation (texting style) with my Dad this morning, I was hit with the thought that even "Nothing...is impossible with God!"  As Dad shared his heart, my heart wrapped around this thought...and sent me on a mini-Bible study this morning through the New Testament, specifically.  I read in the Old Testament too.  Job, Jeremiah, and many of the prophets preached/proclaimed this truth over and over, "I  know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:  nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it:  and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him."  Ecclesiastes 3:14.  I understand why many people choose a word to focus their thought as they seek what God is doing in their life each day, but the words do no good if there isn't a heart/thought change.  Already this morning...I am convicted by what I read and study.  I experienced God's grace and His goodness...first-hand...last year.  I know that "Nothing is impossible with God."  How will it affect my thinking, believing, understanding, and doing this year?  What does "nothing" look like?

NOTHING...

but what I receive from my Heavenly Father.  John 3:27
but what the Father can do for me.  John 5:19-47
profitable comes from the flesh.  John 6
good in honoring myself.  John 8
can be done apart from the Father.  John 15
answered or given because I don't ask my Father.  John 16
should be judged before time...when He makes known the hidden things.  I Corinthians 4
known, yet as I ought to know.  I Corinthians 8
to glory in if I don't give...share...preach the Gospel with others. 
    I am a castaway (failure).   I Corinthians 9
if I don't have charity (love).  I Corinthians 13
if I think myself to be something.  Galatians 6
in my life in which I should have to be ashamed.  Philippians 1
done through strife or vainglory...but through humility.  Philippians 2
without prayer and supplication with thanksgiving unto God...then peace!  Philippians 4
lacking without, first,  studying to be quiet, working with my own hands, doing my own business...
without an honest walk.  I Thessalonians 4
brought into this world by my hands...nothing carried out!  I Timothy 6
should be left out from under His feet...our surrender of every area of our life.  Hebrews 2
wanting...nothing wavering...always doing.  James 1

Pastor has used the phrase a couple times in the last few weeks, "He must increase, and I must decrease."  Everything I have heard and studied lately is in direct opposition to the world's philosophy.  "Stand up and be heard."  "Say what you think."  "Do what makes you happiest."  "Do whatever it takes to get where you want to go."  "There are no absolutes."  "What will it hurt?"  "It's not a big deal."  "Be the person you've always dreamed."
And here I sit...intrigued by the truth...that we are nothing...without Him!  That is my focus for this year...

NOTHING

**As I finish this thought...my husband texted me...and I just wavered...big time!  The Lord is already testing me on everything I just spent all morning studying.  "Lord, help me obey!"**

Revised on  January 14, 2011:       NOTHING...YET...EVERYTHING!

"It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing..."

I have heard that statement many times over the years followed by, "Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't make it right!"  It is a daily struggle for a child and adult alike to do what is right when others around them are not!  The Bible tells us over and over not to be looking at what others do.  II Corinthians 10:12-18 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:  but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.  But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you...but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged...For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."  What a study that chapter turns out to be!  Who...or what is our standard of living based upon?
We are to be looking at what God's Word tells us.  Searching the Scriptures daily.  People fail and fall.  Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."  Who are we surrounding ourselves with?
Romans 14:11-12 "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."  There is nothing mentioned in Scripture about a group effort!  There won't be a buddy system or a crowd consensus when we stand before God.  It won't matter at that point to God what everyone else was doing...He will be asking about you!  Look at the words He used...."knee (singular), tongue (singular), one of us (singular), and himself "(singular).
Interesting to me...we spend more time looking at what everyone else is doing and then we use that as our standard.  Then we can shift the blame on them too.  And the people that we followed and eventually blame for our mistakes/problems/sin...won't be standing there with us!  And you know...they won't accept the blame either!  Romans 13 would be a good place to start reading right about now!  It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing!  What are YOU doing?  Romans 13:14 "But put ye one the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

A thought shared on Sunday night

Are you living in the shadow of the cross?  Are you living in the power of the cross?  Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of man, not just to give us a way to escape the fires of hell.  He gave His life that we might have the power to live a life pleasing to God.  As we submit and obey, we should be sharing that abundant life with others! Jesus Christ came out of obedience to do His Father's will.  Hebrews 10:7-18  He paid the sin debt once and for all.  He is now sitting at the right hand of His Father.  Hebrews 10:19-25  We have a new way of living because Jesus Christ is ever interceding to His Father on our behalf.  Someday, we will bow our knee before Him.  Hebrews 10:26-39  He bought me with a price.  He owns the right to every part of my life.  The Lord will judge His people.  So...with that understanding:  Am I living like I have been bought?  Do I acknowledge Him in my every day choices?
We will acknowledge His ruling one day or another!  The shadow of the cross of Calvary gives way to light!

Apart from the vine...

you can survive for awhile...

but eventually...you will begin to shrivel and shrink...decaying from the inside...out!  Alisa was so excited to pick out little pumpkins to decorate for fall.  "Mom, will these get bigger?  Because I think this one has gotten bigger since I picked it out.  Yep, I'm pretty sure...see." 

A teaching moment...are you paying attention, Mom?

"No, honey, it is not growing anymore.  See this stem on the top.  This is where it was connected to the vine.  It was cut off the vine, brought to the store, and we bought it.  The pumpkin can't receive anymore water or nutrients.  It needs those things to survive."  This past week, she started the plant chapter in Science and she is learning more details about seeds and plants.  We have a pumpkin vine growing outside with one pumpkin on it, so we will be able to continue this study!  I love watching the understanding sweep over their faces!

A real life conversation is the perfect opportunity to share God's Word with our children.  A visible picture for Alisa to make the connection and see what God means when He said in John 15:4-5,

"Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

"Live ever aware of God's presence."

What a way to sum up how Christians should live their lives! 
I just finished reading A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller.  It took me just a few short days to read, because I did have to put it down and take care of my responsibilities as wife and mother.  There was a time when I was able to read a whole book in one day!  Not now! 
I strongly recommend this book...as it was recommended to me.  You can't read it without it impacting your thinking!
I couldn't read this book without tears...picturing myself as a sheep...it makes sense why God chose that animal.  This author has a way with words and he had the experience as a sheepman, as he called himself.  As he explained the life of a sheepman (sheep rancher or shepherd), each verse of Psalm 23 came alive for me.  I just naturally assumed that if someone was a rancher, they enjoyed animals, wide-open spaces, and caring for the land and animals.  Not so!  He told of a fellow rancher who didn't care for his sheep in the best ways possible.  He was cruel.  The author told how those emaciated sheep would stand at the fence and look longingly at his good pastures.  He told about how they would find ways to get to his pastures.  He told how the sheep would gorge themselves on the green pastureland and of the sickness that followed.  He told how the cruel rancher slit the throats of the sheep that had escaped to the good pastures...with no thought of the investment that was made or lost by his actions.  He used that rancher and those sheep as a picture of what satan does to people. 
And then the author wrote of how the Good Shepherd is alert to every need and possible disaster that threatens His people...His sheep.   A good shepherd puts his comfort and his very life at risk for the care of his sheep.  At the end of the Psalm, we read, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of  my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  Through the whole year, the shepherd is always leading his sheep to the best food sources, finding safe water to drink, watching for poisonous plants and dangerous predators, applying ointments and oils to protect them from seasonal irritants, correcting their wandering, and taking them from home pastures through valleys to tablelands then home again.  "The shepherd is always alert, always caring, always managing; and has brought the sheep through each season satisfactorily."  I had never thought much about how the Psalmist, David, wrote from the standpoint of a sheep reflecting a whole year in its life.  "The word 'house' refers to the family, household, or flock of the Good Shepherd."
The sickly sheep tried to get into the good rancher's pastures on their own.  It was their doom, even though they probably would have starved during the winter due to lack of care and proper food.  "This old world is a pretty wretched ranch and satan is a heartless owner.  He cares not a whit for men's souls or welfare.  Under his tyranny there are hundreds of hungry, discontented hearts who long to enter into the household of God- who ache for His care and concern.  Yet there is only one way into this fold.  That way is through the owner, Christ Himself- the Good Shepherd!  John 10:9"
Oh what a picture of the quietness and contentment I can have as one of His sheep as I respond to the voice of the Shepherd and move in obedience to His will and direction!  I needed this refreshment from Psalm 23.  He has gone and is going before me...gently leading, caring for each concern, providing for every need, pointing out dangers...because I belong to Him!  God expects me to obey His voice and He will do what is necessary to bring me back to His way.

Struggling

Wow!  I started this new Bible study.  I have seen some weak areas in my life.  I have admitted to God some of those struggles...fears, worries, sins.  And I am struggling...asking God, "Why."  I am trying to understand the what and the why...and I am not able to...and I am upset.  "It's not fair.  We just came off a couple of huge trials...I am in the field of grace right now...I am not ready to move on yet...I still feel that weakness..."  But God has decided otherwise.  He knows the plans He has for me...but I guess it is not important to Him that I know the why.  "I feel like I could handle all this better if I just understood what He is trying to accomplish."
Have you ever said that?  I have...again this week...several times.
It is that human control factor again.  "It is not fair."  "Why..."  "There is nothing I can do..."
BUT PRAY!
"Casting all your care upon Him...for He careth for you."
God doesn't need my help.  He doesn't need to hear me whine.  He is in control...even in the hurts of life.
I have struggled all weekend with these thoughts and tears have come and gone.  I think I forgot for a short time as I wallowed in my worry and fear of the situation.  It happens when our focus turns to the circumstances and grievances.
God reminded me last night.  Every single song in our evening service...gripped my heart...got my attention...and focused my mind back on His love for me...His struggling child.
Opening chorus:  Nothing Is Impossible
Hymn 1:  In Times Like These
Hymn 2:  Day By Day
Offeratory:  Amazing Grace
Hymn 3:  We Have An Anchor
Hymn 4:  Jesus Never Fails
Sometimes...you just need to be reminded!  What a blessing we miss when we stay home from church with all our excuses!  If you are struggling...the best place you can go...is to church!  Godly music can refresh your heart.  God's Word can challenge and change your heart.  God's people can encourage your heart.  That can't happen...if you are not there!  And it will be your choice...to continue struggling!

"We make it. Eventually, it makes us!"

Dad and I were talking.  He told me about the above statement.  He had just heard it the other day.  I had to write it down so I could see it and read it again.  Yes, I get it.  I've heard it before...just with other words.  You have heard it too...Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters:  for either he will hate the one, and love the other;  or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  Whatever...Whoever...we serve...that is who or what we are.  Money...music...dress...standards...possessions...prestige...fill in the blank.  Most of us get our hackles up when preachers preach on things like this.  "He doesn't know my heart." they argue.  God does.  And He talks much about it in His Word.  Why do we feel the need to say that we are not affected by these different things, when deep down inside...we know we are!?  That is saying that God doesn't know us better than we know ourselves.  That is telling ourself a lie.  What is wrong with the average Christian that we would argue this point?  Because we have bought into the world's lies and way of thinking...just like satan wants us to!  He is being victorious and Christians rendered ineffective in spreading the Gospel message.
Later on, we saw the same statement on a commercial.
The world's system has figured it out and uses it in advertising campaigns all the time.  We think that we have the corner on understanding how the devil works.  After hearing this, I realize how pathetic we, Christians,  have become in rationalizing our sin away.  The devil has helped the whole world understand how to operate to get people to do things, and they continue to perfect their way.
We are learning the hymn, Face To Face, during our family devotions.  The words strike my heart.
"Face to face with Christ, my Savior, Face to face what will it be?  When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me! 
Only faintly now I see Him, with the darkling veil between; But a blessed day is coming, when His glory shall be seen. 
What rejoicing in His presence, when are banished grief and pain, When the crooked ways are straightened, And the dark things shall be plain.
Face to face, O blissful moment!  Face to face to see and know;  Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so! 
Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky;  Face to face, in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!"

God already knows what we are making with our life...and He knows what is making us!  We can't hide it from Him!  He knows now...and we will know He knows...someday...when we look in His face!  I wonder what excuse will come to our lips then?  I wonder if we will feel comfortable to get all upset then?  By then...it will be too late!

Mark 4, 5, and 6

Have you read those chapters lately?  Last night, we sat under the preaching of the Word of God and our hearts were challenged!  I had never had my attention drawn to the couple verses at the end of each miracle.
Mark 4:36-41
A storm rose up on and the disciples were afraid, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves with "Peace be still."  They obeyed and there was great calm.  But look...in verse 41, "...and they feared exceedingly..."
Mark 6:47-51
The disciples were toiling in rowing in the rough seas and Jesus walked out to them on the sea.  They were afraid.  Jesus said, "Be of good cheer:  it is I; be not afraid."  The wind ceased.  Verse 51, "...and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondered."
They were more afraid in the peace and calm than they were in the storm!  With this thinking, which was worse?  The problem or the solution?  So often Jesus' solution to the problems in our life seem more bothersome to us.  We may have to go through a process of confession, forgiveness, and restoration.  We may have to humble ourselves.  We may have to give up some things.  We may have to admit we were wrong.  The process of grace can be more painful than the problem of sin.  We want the "saving grace", but so often, we stop there. 
We are fearful of the power of God and we really don't want God to do that much in our life!  The disciples had seen the compassion Jesus had for others time and again.  Yet, they continued to negatively react to their circumstances.  Jesus continued to rebuke and teach.  And He continues to do that for us...as we read His Word and submit to His working in our life.  It is a daily struggle!
We want to control our own security because we know what makes us comfortable.  We want to be in control with no one telling us what to do.  We want to feel like we have the power to control our own destiny.
We want to decide on our own!  And we risk drowning in the circumstances we are in, rather than be delivered by His grace!  When Jesus steps into our life...He gives us freedom from the bondage of sin, He gives us victory over sin, and He gives us peace in our spirit. 
There was so much more to this message...but I am going to spend some time meditating on this part today.
God has spoken "Peace, be still." in many areas of my life.  Yet, I often fear the "Peace" wondering...what's going to happen now.  We have such a small understanding of the reason for "problems" in our life.  Those problems are not problems to God!  God will do what He needs to do in our life to build our faith.  He doesn't want to hear whining from me.  He wants me to obey His Word and submit to His working in my life!  Just as the song says, "...so that others will see my life and know...that God...makes no mistakes."
I needed to hear this message!  What a wonderful gift for my birthday!  A reminder that God loves me so much, that He will do what is necessary to increase my faith.