Thank you friends for the prayers. They are carrying me even as I write. When the speaking is over I still have my family to love on and take care of, so the rest comes, well, I am not sure when it comes. Loving on my family-my son in particular is what I did tonight.
My plans were to leave for Laurens, SC tonight. The idea was to get some rest before I spoke again Saturday, that was the idea. I found out Monday my son's karate demo team was performing tonight. So my idea had to change. I stayed at home tonight to watch the most amazingly talented and handsome 9-year old on the planet perform a sword demonstration center mat under the spotlight in front of about 70 people. His father and I, and sister were extremely proud.
This picture is not from tonight but I had to show him off. Oops, it looks like you get a peek into my powder room. Good thing you can't see the ring in the toilet. Smile
Carry on with the wonderful, encouraging and insightful comments. Can you believe how close we are to the end of our journey, well at the 2009 journey?
18 Comments:
What a great pic of your son! (And, thanks for telling us you have a ring in the toilet! After stressing yesterday over how tidy "not" my house is, that strangely encourages me!) Thanks for sharing that beautiful example of making time to love on your son in this way. You're a special mom.
This morning the following verse jumped out at me...twice!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
I'm doing something today I haven't done all year. It's not because I'm busy. It's not because the Lord didn't speak to me through His Word this morning. And you know it's not because I don't have much to say. It's because God directed, and I'm being obedient.
This morning my dear sweet friend Melissa posted a writing on her blog that she wrote last year. The scripture above was foundational in her writing. I am the "another friend" quoted in Melissa's article. I think many of you know that I struggle with anxiety and experienced a year of depression. Melissa has written such a powerful, precise, purposeful, personal perspective on anxiety and depression, I believe everyone should read it. Please click here: http://melissataylor.org/2009/12/12/freedom-to-heal-2/ ...and tell her Joy sent you :)
Love to you all today!
Joy
I'm sure you are very proud of your son. It takes a lot of courage to stand and preform in front of a lot of ppl!
I haven't got to read your blog over the past week (or more). I haven't had the computer time I normally have b/c I've been helping care for my mother-in-law who's been pretty sick. She's starting to perk up a little so maybe I'll get back to it this week.
Looking forward to our Bible reading thru 2010!
Joy,
Thanks for the link and the note. It is much more common than we think; strong Christians suffering through anxiety and depression. I am lifting all of you brave souls up in prayer right now.
My passage for today was James 3:6-10 on taming the tongue:
6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
Oh how true, how true! How many times have I responded out of anger or frustration, or even none of those things, but just plain didn't think before I spoke, and wished I could snatch those words out of the air before the recipient heard them! What a mess the tongue is! Especially a mindless tongue. Over the years I have made it a goal not to gossip, and not to make negative statements. The gossip is pretty well gone, but the negative statements remain.
I attended a training this week actually, where the speaker suggested a little money can make big changes. He suggested that if there is habit you want to break, ask an accountability partner to fine you (whatever amount you pick) every time you participate in the habit. Some of us at work are fining each other one Swiss Franc (about a dollar) every time we make a disparaging remark or a negative statement. Last Friday cost me five Swiss Francs... :)
Taming the tongue; I need to visualize the river and keep the sweet water analogy in front of me at all times.
Karen, Basel
I so hear you Karen on taming my tongue. Those verses jumped off the page at me and I felt ashamed. Oh to be like those who listen and don't speak so quickly. I had an incident yesterday at work where my words were so snippy/bossy to a coworker. I heard myself and did not like what I heard. I realize I do this more often than not.
I am convicted Lord Jesus. Please help me!
Morgen
I loved the paragraph that Paul wrote about the true wisdom that comes from God at the very end of today's reading. I decided to write up the qualities in a list (I'm a list girl:).. I thought it interesting that several qualities are also the fruits of the Spirit:
God's Wisdom is:
*pure
*peace loving
*gentle always
*willing to yield to others
*merciful
*good deeds abounding
*no favoritism
*always sincere
*righteousness reaping
*planter of peace seeds
Enjoy this beautiful day, another gift from our One and Only King!
Krista
Good afternoon all,
I feel like I have missed so much this week. Lots to catch up on with each of you but am loving what I have read so far.
Wendy it just blesses my heart to hear the love and pride you have with your children. What a great picture of your son! I had to bribe my kids to get out in front of people at that age.
I have yet to put the first holiday decoration up this year. I have been in a different mood. It could be because of the change in family and stress. But interesting enough my heart for the reason of the season is still there. :-)
In a strange way as I scan the stores and look at the trees and holiday decorations I am faced with memories of what was. This memory in itself could be depressing if there was no hope in Christ. But then I have a hope of what will be. Where do I want to go from here? Where does God want to take me?
New adventures and grace each day made possible by a baby born in a manger. How do I say thank you enough?
Good to be back,
Diane
Praying for safe travels Wendy.
Well, what a boy...performing a sword demo, and ya know he was enjoying every minute of it(!) Kids have a way of changing our plans, and of course there's no other place we'd rather be, than right there on the front row, camera's in hand! Thank you for sharing~such a handsome fellow!
Joy -you, a perfectionist! :) I'd never know! ha-ha
Wendy, last week you mentioned that we could share how this blog has benefited us during the next two weekends...Oh wow, I really could write a book! :) How do I limit myself? One important thing I have received from each of you, is your ability to relate God's word to our living today. I never saw the Bible like that before. I see now how alive and active it is, and just how much it applies to us, in this day and age!!! I love the wisdom each one of you share. You open up the scriptures to me, daily. You've stretched my mind and encouraged me to dig deep. I love the way you each are transparent. What encouragement it is to read the Bible with others' rather than by yourself! Through each one of you my desire to read God's Word has become apart of my day; it's something now that I can't imagine not doing. It's a priority. It's the first and most important thing I do everyday. It is how I get through the rest of my day. It is what makes my day! Daily my relationship with my Father is growing. My desire is to wake up each day and know him more!
And Wendy dear, only a servant of God could keep all of us on track! Throughout the year, I've noticed how good you do this. Each day, pointing us back to His Word. Keeping us focused on our goal. Opening up the scriptures in obedience to how God leads you. You are a woman of the Word. A true sister-role-model, that richly blesses each one of us! God through you, has drawn me so close to Him, and I will forever, thank Him... for you! :)
Well, I'll stop for now, but, I've got some more to share...I'll wait till next weekend!
Krista, I love lists to!
Today's reading really was good!
He wants us "doing" the Word, not just "hearing," it. When we "do," it He blesses us.
EnJOY His presence dear family!
Lori - AZ
Good evening, ladies. It's lovely rainy day in So Cal. I love rain!
Wendy that is one awesome fierce warrior you have there! And I can relate to having to switch gears at the last minute for the kids.
Joy, I look forward to visiting Melissa's blog. Thank you.
Taking a break from decorating the tree to pop in here. We picked up our son from the airport after a two-hour flight delay and we picked out our tree on the way home. It's perfect.
Two things stood out to me in today's reading. It has been a difficult few days because of the spiritual attacks on my marriage. I guess having my husband recently saved did not go over well in the underworld!
Anyway, the readings are timely because BAM! right there in James 1:2, he admonished us that when troubles come our way to consider it an opportunity for great joy. Normally, joy is not my first reaction when troubles come. Usually, it's worry, despair, sprinkling of woe-is-me and tears for good measure. But the more I read God's more, the more He brings to mind verses like these. And it's also a blessing to be reminded that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. The radio broadcasts I have been hearing all this week confirms it. Almost all of them has something to do with spiritual warfare and putting on the armor of God.
The next one that stood out to me (bypassing the conviction on the tongue) was James 2:19 "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this..." and in the following verse he says essentially that faith without fruits is useless. We have to bear fruit, ladies. Our faith should be producing a palpable difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Otherwise, we're just like the demons (shudder). I have to remember this when someone says they believe in God but does not the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For that, I may have to re-read the part about the tongue.
By the way if someone wants to read more about controlling the tongue there is a great book out called 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues. Our women's group used it as a companion book when we studied James. Small book, fast read.
Lastly, please pray for travel mercies for my husband. He's leaving tomorrow for an international business trip and won't be back until 10 minutes to Christmas day - if the flight is on time. It would be good for us to be away from each other for a while. That way God can work on both of our hearts.
Have a blessed week, dear sisters!
Happy Sunday Sisters!
Oh Wendy, I showed my son the pictures of your son in his karate outfit and he just thought it was the greatest. He said, "Mommy does he got to my karate studio?" It was too cute :) He has been taking since the summer and if fixing to test for his orange belt next month. He LOVES, LOVES karate and his big Christmas gift this year is a punching bag like the ones they use in the studio. His studio had a secret santa shop where you could order things at a discount price. We got him a punching bag, his sparing gear he will need when he gets his orange belt and a boken. He loves the sword work too when they have done that the few times. Thanks so much for posting this picture, it made Will's day :)
Ok ladies, the reading...I could write so much! I love what you all have pointed out in James, I marked all the same passages. Grace and Peace, I think the faith without works verses are so important too. God saved us to do good works for Him. There are things He predestined for us to do before the foundation of the world. He wants our lives to be pointing others to Him. Taming the tongue, yes, need these verses! The past few days I have been writing down and praying over things as we go into the end of this year and entering 2010. What does God want me to focus on next year? Last night I wrote down three things that were on my heart. Something that is weighing on me is a friendship that I have that when I am around her I tend to be negative. My heart bends towards complaining, towards grumbling and it is really bothering me. She is a good friend and I love her so I am praying for wisdom and guidance in this. I don't like what I tend to be when I am with her. Old patterns seem to rise up in me. I am praying because it is heavy on me right now.
Todays reading- the end of James was awesome so was the first of 1 Timothy. James 4:17 stuck out, "it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." I am in this place right now with my diet. I won't go into all of it, if you want to read what I found out at the doctor on Friday about my struggles you can read it on my health blog. Basically though, I have got to stick to it and stay on it if I am going to stay and get well. The eczema I have now is a result of not eating the way I need to. I have been using Christmas as an excuse. Back off the sugar, and I have to stay off of it indefinitely. It is a lifelong commitment, not a couple months thing. So, I know what I ought to do, I don't want to sin by doing things my way. I will be sick again if I don't change and get back on this.
James 5:16- one of my favorite verses! I have lived this and it is a reality in my life. It took confessing and being prayed over to heal my mind.
1 Timothy is all yellow in my Bible :) And I have written alot already. I think I might pop over to my own blog this morning and write about 1 Timothy. Modesty-I think this is something lacking in today's culture. To be cute and modest as Beth Moore says. Amen sister!
Grace and Peace, I have prayed for your husband and you this morning. Diane, I have lifted up you to the Father as well.
Sisters have a blessed Sunday!
Love,
Brandee, TN
Good Sunday morning!
Just popping in before I head out to church - I am attending all three services today in order that I might be introduced to the entire congregation as I am received and welcomed into worship and ministry at my new church home.
What a journey this year has been, and how enriched I have been by reading through the word with all of you!
I am so excited that we will be reading through the Bible again in 2010. Like Brandee, I have been praying on where God wants my focus in the coming year, and I hope to be sharing that soon.
For now, I just know God is so proud of all of us. His light shines so clearly in our midst, and I am certain he is well pleased.
Blessings sweet sisters,
Liz
AK
Thanks for the pic and so happy you spent time with your son and family.
Gods timing - I've been struggling with my mouth lately.
Karen ouch I'm not sure how big of can I would need. The words you spit out and wish you could take back. My youngest daughter has a phrase for that not very nice but so true. (Word Vomit)
Lori such a nice way of describing what this year has meant to you (me).
Ladies thanks for all your comments, I got something from each of you.
2009's Journey - I have missed some days along the journey, some I have made up some I had to let go, (4 weeks of vacation really messed with the book of psalms) but I have kept on going. "The diligent will prosper" I have gained so much. God has shown me that I am getting the 100 fold return. His word is alive! One scripture can be used to help in a thousand different circumstances. I started this journey wanting to know Jesus. I started because I felt like everyone knew more of the word than I did, because I didn't know the address of a scripture. I've learned that that is not what I have to do to know God. It's great and helpful and I can do it with some verses, but that's not what my relationship is. It's a heart issue. I beat myself up and thought I failed because I'd missed most of psalms. But that's not what it's about, it's not what you miss along the way, it's what you gain. It's how you let the word affect what you do with your life. It's about continuing, in Him everyday and when you fall short, letting His Mercy and Grace pick you up. As you step out.. He will guide you.
I'm glad I didn't give up - and I'm glad I will continue in 2010.
Thank you each for sharing of your revelations and your life. Wendy thanks again for such a big part of my growth in the word.
Happy Sunday!
Lynn - OR
Oh how I enjoy coming back and reading your comments each day. I underline verses that I missed as you each bring such personal touch to your insights.
Grace and Peace I saw the author of "30 Days to Taming Your Tongue" Deborah Smith Pegues, interviewed on television. Wonderful insights in that book. There's also a great book, with accompanying study guide by Sharon Jaynes entitled, "A Woman and her Words".
Brandee, I was over to your blog and so blessed by all you shared. Thank you.
Today the Lord spoke to my about turnarounds. “My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.” James 5:19-20
Not being an airplane traveller, as many of you know, when my family visit’s the States we always drive. Our trips to Florida provide hours and hours of fun, family fellowship. We love seeing sights that we miss living North of the border.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a runaway truck ramp. This traffic device enables vehicles that are struggling to brake, an opportunity of escape to safely stop. They are long, steep, inclines designed to accommodate trucks. They can help avert an accident and potentially save lives. I’m thinking the church could use some “runaway ramps” to prevent peril and salvage souls.
The verse above speaks of wanderers. Fellow travellers who have strayed from the trail. They are wandering spiritually. Trials and temptations have pushed a new pace in a different direction. Meandering through emotions of guilt and pain, they turn from God and feel unaccepted in the church, where failures too often aren’t accepted and second chances aren’t given.
James encourages that they be “brought back”. The hand of God’s grace needs to be extended, not to attack but receive. Don’t show them the door, but offer to help restore. Let’s care and not condemn. Often the hurting heart longs to return, but sees no example in the church. There is an implication here that the wanderer accepts and acknowledges their sin. There isn't denial, but disclosure and desire to admit error.
Is there a wanderer you need to welcome home? Let’s be agents of restoration. Let’s never give up on restoring grace. Let’s share God’s heart for search and rescue. Let’s build escape routes and emergency exits for a weary, wounded traveller’s turnaround.
Love to you all,
Joy
Good Sunday morning, ladies!
Thank you Brandee, for your prayer. It worked because we're much better this morning.
Many verses spoke to me on today's reading. James 4:1 "What is causing all the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you?" Again, very timely. James tells us that sometimes it is not a spiritual attack, sometimes it's just our plain old sinful flesh. As simple as that. There are a lot of flesh-work that needs to be done with me and my husband.
James further says that we should ask but to make sure we are asking with the right motives and not purely for selfish reasons. It makes me think of how many prayers I pray for my ease and comfort.
Brandee, that verse on James 4:17 spoke to me as well. Ouch. I gave up sugar for 6 months and fell off the wagon recently. I'm going to visit your blog after things settle here at home and see what God revealed to you there. I am sure it will be helpful because I have the same condition, too. It did flare up once I started eating chocolates. I didn't see the connection until you mentioned it.
The one verse that spoke the loudest to me, however was James 5:16b: The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and produce wonderful results. I am holding on to that promise because I sent a lot of prayers on behalf of a lot of people this week. It is good to know that my earnest prayers (because of my righteousness IN CHRIST, not in my flesh) that those prayers are heard and are going to produce wonderful results. So, in my estimation, two children are going to receive healing from cancer, a mother will receive peace and comfort, a father-in-law will have freedom from constant nosebleeds, a young man will have a second chance, a sister in Christ will find strength, a mother who recently adopted a 5 year old little boy will be held by God, said 5 year old precious boy will be restored by God from being molested by a 9 year old playmate, finally, a woman in her deathbed will know Jesus and His saving power before she dies. All from this week. Heaven is buzzing, ladies.
Have a good day with the Lord!
"Heaven is buzzing"...I LOVE that, Grace and Peace!
So true, so true, so TRUE...and why I popped back in this afternoon!
I wanted to share that as a new member today I was presented with a cross inscribed with "Ephesians 2:19" And when I read the scripture, altho it does certainly apply to me in my new church home, it also so aptly describes what I want to say about the journey this year with all of YOU... we are no longer strangers/sojourners...we are members of each others' family!!
So blessed, so blessed, SO blessed. That's all I can think today, but I wanted to share.
And, too, I'm hoping our journey never ends...His Mercies are new every morning! I'm up for 2011, 2012...:)
Jumping up and down for Joy today,
Liz
AK
I have been following along as you all post today and I have been so blessed by all you have shared. Joy, run away truck ramps, I will share I used to think those were the coolest things when I was a kid, lol. I used to look forward to seeing those when we went over Mont Eagle Mountain. I don't know why but they always fascinated me. Agree with you wholeheartedly sister and I think if we would be more willing to admit our own faults and share our own struggles and victories maybe others would not end up down a path away from God but brought back to Him through forgiveness and restoration. I will never get tired of sharing and praising for what God has done in my life. Others need to know it is never too late. I tell my husband that all the time, it is never too late, never too late! He did not go with me this morning and we watched the BEST video so far in the Bringing Up Boys series. The class was small today and I suggested the teacher play it again next week and he agreed. It was about "routine panic" and the fast pace we live in today and how that is causing the deterioration of the family. AWESOME video that everyone should see.
Just wanted to share you ladies have blessed me so much today. Grace and Peace, we can do this together. Joy is on the journey with us too. No food is worth staying sick, no matter how good it tastes :) Food for me has to be viewed more as fuel. It is hard but that is just what God has placed in my lap and with Him I can do it!
Chat with you all tomorrow....
Over the weekends I love to read the continued writings of each of you. One of the things that I have enjoyed since I have joined the study is the way the Lord brings insight to each of us in a unique way as we walk our own paths. What makes it so special is that we are reading the same written word of His.
As I look back into my journal this year,some of the most touching words were the simplest shared.
I have counted it a blessing to be able to pray for each of you and your families. It was special to meet some of you in person and feel like we had know each other for a lifetime.
Thanks to each one of you for allowing me to;
Pray for you;
Cry with your sorrows;
Laugh with your humor;
Be inspired by your words;
Blessed by your love;
Lifted by your prayers;
and forever changed being a sister with you in Christ.
Hugs and love to all,
Wendy I am looking forward to another year of blessings,
Diane
I am so glad I joined this blog about a month ago... such accountability, wisdom, peace, insight, encouragement, inspiration, thoughtfulness, kindness.. oh my goodness, how much we sisters can help each other in our journeys. I know God has brought me here, I am so happy to have this blessing in my life, I can't wait to start at "the top" in January.
Krista
Good Morning~ Wendy, I was thinking the same thing you were as I read 1 Tim. 4:8. But, I've found a way to do both. :) I've mentioned this before, but, when something drastically changes your life, you just want to keep telling the secret, in hopes that others' will share in the peace that it has brought you--- Combining Worship with exercise. I first heard about this through Beth Moore. I too tried it and have become 'hooked.' I began walking and listening to my ipod that has Worship songs on it. Over a period of time, God lead me to begin my walk with praying first...which I now do and then end it by turning on my ipod. I can't tell you how much peace this time with the Lord has given me. I begin with praising and thanking Him, seeking forgiveness, and then lifting up my prayer requests. Starting with my husband, 2 teenage sons, my extended family, then, friends, my home church, and now finally, He's been leading me to pray for the Nation & World. Lastly, offering up more praises to Him. By the end of the walk, truly I'm ready to begin my day!
Over the weekend I've been thinking a lot about next year. I prayed this weekend that I "may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." John 17:3. Lord, My goal this year is to "know You." Phil. 3:10. This was Paul's desire and I want this to be my heart's desire too.
Wendy, You actually wrote about the benefits of knowing God! Ahh, Jesus coming out of you, my friend. This was something I journaled about last Sept. and something I keep praying over. To know Him. Each day more and more I desire to have a closer relationship with my Father.
I know godly people, gals, that truly respect and revere God. I'm drawn to them. They are not concerned with their outwardly appearance, but yet they are beautiful and so at peace. Glowing. I'm very concerned with my appearance. Now, that that is out there for all to see, :) I know God is more concerned with my inner-heart. I've wondered how you get to that point. Where you just glow, where it's Christ that people see, His Glory coming out.-not the jewelry or clothes that all coordinate, but that inner beauty and peace. Wendy, you've opened this up to me some more and given me more to think about. Ahhh, ladies, it's knowing Him...respecting and revering God.
*Spending time with Him in His Word as he talks to each one of us.
*Praying to Him as we talk to Him
*Listening as the Spirit guides us and counsels us through our day.
Benefits:
*Peace
*Daily direction in His will
*contentment
*less tension
***we could go on and on re: the benefits!
This journey together just keeps getting better and better! Love each one of you! Know you are being prayed over.
Hugs, Lori - AZ
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