Being in Williamsburg this week, seeing and hearing first hand what our nation's founding fathers sacrificed for us, for me, has been overwhelming. I sat in the pew where George Washington sat when he was here. I saw a Bible that was brought over in 1519. I read a copy of the Declaration of Independence. The men who signed this document knew their life would be over if they lost the war..or could be lost in the war. What bravery and patriotism! Where is that today? Oh how our country has lost her way...
Dear Lord, please lead and guide the Christian leaders of our country. Give them the boldness like that of our founding fathers. Put in place godly leaders who will steer our country back to the foundation to which it was established...one nation under God.
If you haven't read our wonderful Declaration of Independence recently check it out.
Be proud to be an American today and everyday. Nobody sings it like Sandi Patti...
See you all Monday. Traveling back home today.
Dear Lord, please lead and guide the Christian leaders of our country. Give them the boldness like that of our founding fathers. Put in place godly leaders who will steer our country back to the foundation to which it was established...one nation under God.
If you haven't read our wonderful Declaration of Independence recently check it out.
Be proud to be an American today and everyday. Nobody sings it like Sandi Patti...
See you all Monday. Traveling back home today.
27 Comments:
Good morning, GIGs,
This morning’s nugget for me was easy! From Proverb 31, the first verse:
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies
Her husband can trust her,
And she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
All the days of her life.”
On our childrens’ pray list, I have asked for prayers for Lauren in her brand new (one month) marriage. May I please expand that and ask for prayers for her to cope with the loneliness of being married to a neurology resident, who must work very long hours with very few days off. Lauren is 1400 miles from home, family and friends with no job yet.(She just completed a Master’s in Speech/Language Pathology.)
Deb, I have tried to follow your advice (April 26) about letting go of the string of this “kite”, the oldest of my two children, but the kite doesn’t want me to let go. I suggested that we talk every OTHER day; she said she is so lonely that’s not working for her. My heart is pained by her loneliness, but I know that this is an inevitable part of this life Lauren has chosen. Forgive me if this sounds like a complaint. It’s not. It’s not even a problem! It’s just a garden-variety, stage-of-life issue to be faced. As His Word tells us in Philippians 4:6 --
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
We are taught that nothing is too large, or too small, to ask our big, mighty God for.
So I am praying for Kelly to have a clean MRI on Tuesday, for Ryan and Dylan to walk the path God has planned for them, for Michael to overcome the stronghold of substance abuse, for Jekka to be able to meet her financial obligations, for Rebecca to be healed of her pancreatitis, for Colton to choose a good fit for a major in college, for Carlo to attend church, for Wangui to find godly friends in high school, for Andi to remain the precious child of God she is when she ventures off to kindergarten this fall, and for ALL other stated prayer requests, I pray in Jesus’ name that our Lord would put a hedge of protection around and within each and every one, to guard hearts and minds against whatever need or difficulty, thought or circumstance, is causing pain. I pray that the peace of God which transcends all understanding be with all. Thank you, Lord.
Travel mercies to our special teacher, Wendy, as she and her family head home today. I love you, Wendy!
Have a blessed 4:8 day!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Michelle, I'll pray for Lauren. I moved away from my family before I got married, not after, but I never intended to stay here, and it got very hard after we got married. I didn't fit with my husband's friends or into the good-ol'-boys-club mentality of his business world, and I struggled until I really came closer to God and then finally found a few good friends. :-) I pray that she finds some soon!
Speaking of friendship, have any of you read Robin Jones' Gunn's 'Sisterchicks' series? Each one is about a woman who gets blessed into a trip with an amazing Godly friend and enters into a deeper relationship with God along the way - and they're hilarious! I now have several good friends and am hoping for a Sisterchicks-type adventure someday ... but in the meantime I feel almost like this is an online group of Sisterchicks that's happening right here. :-)
So what caught my attention today was Prov. 31:10-31. The things that this wife did just amazes me, and so I made a list of her most important traits. Definitely gives me something to work toward!
She is
- trustworthy
- makes use of available resources
- creative
- an early riser
- well planned and organized
- responsible with money
- energetic
- strong
- a hard worker
- enterprising - makes money from home
- helps the poor and needy
- clothes her family appropriately
- dresses nicely and appropriately
- dignified
- trusts God for the future
- wise
- kind
- manages the household well
- fears God
- has mastered her mouth
I think I'm doing okay in a few of those, but I still have a long way to go with others! I'm glad God doesn't set deadlines but creates us to be a work in progress! :-)
Have a great weekend of the fourth! :-)
What a great day. I did today's reading outside ( in the summer we stay inside like most of you do in the winter) - so getting to be out side to read God's word was such a treat. Oh, I loved loved loved today readings.
Michelle - I read Proverbs and realize that I need to let sinners act like sinners, they are all around me. But I don't have to do anything about them, I mean in getting even, or chastizing them, God has promised that He will. Proverbs tells me how they falter. And as I read these nuggets, I realize how far I have grown in my life, that I don't do all those hateful things to others, and I have learned to control my tongue, gossip isn't fun anymore for me. I don't want to know it because then I get upset about their troubles and start worrying. Look all you young things, you have firm flesh, not many - if any - wrinkles, no aches and pains as you get out of bed - can control you stomach muscles, ( want to hear any more - smile). But there are some really good things that come with age. I have had many years of trying to control the devil in me. Do I have it mastered NO but I have come a long way.
Rhonda - you said the sweetest thing. I truly hope that I have many of my mother's good qualities. You caused me to weep with joy.
And Grace and Peace, you are full of it. You gave the "therefore" on what I wrote. thank you so very much. I am not good about that.
My favorite - I love praying God's word. I am not that good at remember to do it later, but I sure can pray it as I read it. I mark to the side of the scripture "pray it" stop and do it. This today was full of it.
Prov. 30:4. WOW!!I parked there for a while. I told ya'll about my beloved. "When you get to a passage that speaks to you, chew on it until there is no juice left." that will take me awhile to drain all the juice out of that verse today. At the end of the verse the question is asked "What is his name - and his son's name" Tell me if you know!!! AND WE KNOW HIS NAME. and then I think about all the names of our Savior. don't you just love to find Jesus in the old testament. And for me - some day soon ( no- don't have a time line yet) - I will be sitting at His feet, exalting Him - with all those that have gone before me that mean so much to me. I am content that God still has things for me to do here, so here I will be.
I think this is the best format for "iron to sharpen iron". We can encourage one another that is just the best way. We have no hang-ups on maybe we will hurt someone feelings so we cannot say those things. But we encourage by telling how we overcame that, and with a group this large there is someone "listening" that has had this same problem. they can come along side and know exactly what we are talking about. I thank God for all of you every day. You encourage me.
Donna TX
Well, I am finally home from Europe! Completely worn out; hoping to not see the inside of an airport anytime soon; waiting on my hubby's luggage that did not arrive at our final destination; but much wiser and full after 3 weeks abroad. God's creation is beyond description. I am so thankful for the opportunity He granted my husband and I see to experience. We were together 24/7 for 3 weeks and didn't argue or have a cross word one time! I am amazed. We had such fun.
I was able to keep up on the reading; but did not have many internet opportunites along the way, so I feel a bit out of the loop. Thank you Michelle for the prayers for children...apparently we've started a trend here to pray for each other's kids and you're prayer helped to put me on track. I will add my daughter Kelsie to that list - she is recently engaged and has all the wedding plans ahead. My son Preston - to really begin to focus in college and find a passion for a career choice. And my youngest son Tanner who is 14 and entering that fun teen time of temptations of alcohol, sex, etc....I ask for prayers for each of my kids to have hearts that truly love God.
Proverbs 31 woman? Anyone know a woman who fits the description? I do. My 2nd mom, Mary. I've even told her that when I read those verses she comes to mind everytime, and I am so thankful for her example. Lord; help me to be a Proverbs 31 woman, so that someday someone will look at me the same way as I see my Mary.
Glad to be home! Oodles of laundry and hours of sleep await me!
Praising Him!
Morgen
Rhonda, I wasn't sure how to share my comment on your blog but I wanted to let you know I was so moved by your prayer for all. What a special woman you are! I have a clematis just like your picture out in my patio area also and you have just made me look at it altogether differently. I will always think of you and your prayer as I enjoy it the rest of the summer. Thank you for blessing us with your comments.
I loved verse 30:8b today that said "Give me just enough to satisfy my needs." It was a reminder to me that it doesn't say wants - it says needs. Phil 4:19 My God will meet all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus you are all I need.
Blessings,
Kris
Wow, here it is Saturday again…Hello You Guys!
Sweet Michelle, We will join you in praying for Lauren. A job would really help her…would she join our group by any chance? This could be a full time activity for her! Smile! How close is she to God? His Word would take the empty void away. I wish she was here in AZ. I could keep her busy and introduce her to lots of young girls! You are the perfect mom for her right now. Let her talk, and keep being as positive as you can re: her situation. Each day will get easier for her.
Amy, loved your list! I guess ladies, this Proverbs 31 Lady, is a life-long goal! Something we each can work to achieve! Intentionally,- living for Christ today. Virtuous comes to my mind when I think of ‘her.’ I think of a woman with compassion for others: loving to serve. Gentle, but yet - bold her faith. Surefooted. Lord, help me be this woman, you created me to be.
WELCOME back MORGEN!!!! You’ve been greatly missed!
Wendy, too – praying for safe travels for you, today! Thank you for the song! It put me in the red-white-and-blue kind of mood!
Our church is having a community event tomorrow evening – an incredible Fourth of July fireworks in the sky show with an old fashion picnic on the church lawn to help the hunger in AZ…We are participating in the Arizona Hunger Campaign food drive and hoping to make the Fire in the Sky an opportunity to help eliminate hunger in our state. The fire works at our church is an annual event which yearly draws many unbelievers to our church home. Please pray that those seeking will be drawn to come to our show.
Rhonda, enjoy your family reunion today! I just have to thank you again for your lovely post yesterday. Your flowers are amazing – what a talent God has gifted you with! I just love our group; so clearly, we see the way God has uniquely blessed each one of us, His own way. How together we form part of His body. He desires us to be encouragers to others’ and even more so, as the Day approaches! [Heb. 10:25] He has so blessed us with this group -because that is what we do here…encourage each other to keep seeking Him, through His Word.
Happy 4th favorite GIG’s! “Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is: there is liberty” (II Cor. 3:17).
Thank you Lord, for giving us the privilege to celebrate INDEPENDENCE DAY!
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).
We are blessed to be able to enjoy the freedom to worship! Hugs, Lori
Lord, our heart’s desire is that our children know our faith. That our love for Your Word, be passed down to them. May each one of them love you with all of their heart, with all of their soul, with their whole body. Amen.
Abigail
Adison
Andi
Andrew
Austin
Ashley
Avery
Baby boy *Nov.
Blaire
Brady
Brett
Caleb
Carlo
Chante
Chuck
Claudine
Colton
Connor
Danielle
David
David
Denise
Dillon
Drew
Dylan
Ellie
Elliot
Emily
Emmi
Eric
Ethan
Evan
Kelsie
Ginnie
Griffin
Howard
Jacob
Jeremy
Jessica
Jimmy
Joshua
Kailyn *August
Kate
Kelly
Kristen
Laura
Laurie
Lauren
Lindsay
Lisa
Luke
Maija
Mary
Meghan
Michael
Mwangi
Nick
Paul
Paulo
Peter
Preston
Rusty
Ryan
Ryan
Ryan
Samantha
Sarah
Sarah
Seth
Shannon
Stephen
Steven
Tanner
Tres
susan
Ty
Vinny
Wangari
Wangui
Will
BLOG CHILDREN
Michelle says, “For myself, I have decided to do a Mon-Wed-Fri prayer session for the children, - praying "together with my sister {insert mother's name} for a mantle of peace and protection" over each individual, and that "they would walk the path He has designed for them", whether they "know" Him or not!!” -Love your idea!
“I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the LORD.” (Hosea 2:20). - (thanks Amy).
Let’s put up the prayer hedge around them. - (Thanks Brandee).
Karen -- my adult children are Samantha and Maija (my-ya)and I have been modeling a suggestion on this blog (sorry, I forget whose it was) to pray for one positive step in their lives daily; just one step on the right road, just one God thought or decision that reflect his will... I am sure "the most powerful person in the universe" can take it from there... :)
Michelle -- Lauren (new marriage) (Chuck teaching job)
Amy --Andi (fall, Kdg.) & younger bro Luke
Grace & Peace -- Carlo (to attend church while at college) & Paulo
Susan -- Austin & Jacob
Rhonda -- Dillon & Brady (into sports)
Brandee -- Will
Teeny -- Sarah, Susan, Seth,(the one who is spoiling her in VA) Steven/ families - 12 grandchildren / three greatgrands
Kate -- Ginnie, 7 Ellie, 4
Lori -- Colton (18) for his major to be clear & Connor (16) to grow intimate with his Father while playing basketball
Susie -- Ryan, Kate (26) Eric (25) Kelly (17)
Jacque -- Mary is 34, nurse practitioner and instructor, husb Andy, kids are Maddie 9, twins Ben and Jack 3 1/2, and Will 2
Laura is 31, ESL teacher, husb TJ, kids are Gabriel 4 and Emilia 2
Andrew is 29, anesthesiology resident, engaged
Stephen is 27, in radio and music
Michael is 24, finding his way.
Franny -- Dylan
Gaylene -- two adult children
daughter -Sarah, husband Keith, and four of the best children, Caleb, Zavier, Katerina, and Caralena
Son- David.
Mary -- Claudine 38
Vinny 27 soon to be his bride Candace 24
Meghan 25
Jodi -- Elliot
Loice --
Mwangi-23 years-not yet settled in what he wants to do in life
Wangari-year 11 and searching for the Lord
Wangui-Year 7 and struggling with settling in her high school.
Wendy -- Griffin & Blaire
Missy TX --
Jeremy is 18 and just graduated from school. Last year at camp he dedicated his life to the ministry at summer camp and has stood firm on his decision. He's not sure how he's going to use it but he's walking with God.
Rusty is 16 and it has been a rough year. Things are good now, but we take it day by day. He is walking right along with his brother.
Anne in VA -- David and Lindsay... and my great-niece Abigail.
Diana – TX – Nick, 21 -at school, financial struggles
Jennifer – Iowa –
Ethan (11)
Avery (9)
Addison (4)
Kelly – Chante (22)
Michelle --
Tres 25 and Emily 24 (son and DIL)
Jessica 23
Ryan 22
Jonathan 13
Evan 2
Drew 1
Morgen --Kelsie, she is recently engaged and has all the wedding plans ahead.
Preston - to really begin to focus in college and find a passion for a career choice.
Tanner (14) and entering that fun teen time of temptations of alcohol, sex, etc....I ask for prayers for each of my kids to have hearts that truly love God.
Thank you, Jesus, for all of our beautiful children!
Parking here to claim my spot. :) Will be back after the readings.
Well that didn't take long only a couple of pages but very rich.
First though, welcome back MORGEN! We missed you. I hope all the luggage made it back by now. Can't wait to hear about your adventure.
Michelle, praying for Lauren. I second Lori's suggestion of maybe joining us for the journey. Or better yet, have her find a good church there and join their young women's group. I'm sure we have sisters in Lauren's area who can recommend a bible teaching church.
Amy, thanks for the list. I agree with you, we are still a work in progress. I remember Joyce Meyer saying before that the P31 woman used to irritate the heck out of her because she can do it all. But we know the secret, don't we? She fears the Lord. It is said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Thus, her reverence for God gives her the discernment on how to spend her time, allocate her resources and care for her family. In turn, God strengthens her to do the things she needs to do. Notice she is busy but she is not stressed out verse 25b says "and she laughs without fear of the future."
I also love prov 30:5 "Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection." As we see the prophecies of the bible come true (from the 300 prohecies about Jesus fr the OT to Ezekiel's prediction for the regathering of the nation of Israel which came true on May 14, 1948), this Book comes alive for me and makes me anticipate the rest of what it promises for us believers and overcomers.
Gotta go prep breakfast now. It's late! (Failed the P31 woman test on that one)
I would like to add my 2 son's to the prayer list. My oldest is Christopher, 36, who is gay and claims to be an atheist. He says Christians are hypocrites because of the way they treat gays, so he wants nothing to do with them.
My other son is Eric, 32, who is a Christian and goes to church with me. He is currently unemployed and lives with us. He and his girlfriend, Trista, would like to make plans to get married, but with the employment situation, they can't right now.
I pray every day for Christopher and my husband, Dennis, to begin to see God around them, in me and in other people. I pray that they will feel His love and lower the wall they have built around their hearts against God.
This group is so great and I always feel the love flowing from all of us to each other.
Blessings to all,
Mary from SW Ohio
Happy (Hot!) Saturday!
Lori, it is hard to believe it has only been a year and a half for your walk with the Lord—you seem to be overflowing with prayer and love and wisdom! That gives me hope!
Anonymous—I think one of the shows Wendy watched was CSI—I love that show, but found that the next day, my head was filled with death, gross forensic details and evil! I had to stop watching because I totally believe in the garbage in, garbage out rule. What we fill our head with makes a difference!
Stephanie’smommybrain—where are you? I was thrilled to find your RA blog! I will be visiting soon again. I had a side effect from my meds (tingling feet) and so will be trying something new next week (don’t know what yet).
Linda—our camp had a great slogan for dressing appropriately—“modest is hottest!” The kids loved it!
Rhonda—what an incredible prayer for all of us on your blog—THANK YOU!
Wendy—thanks for sharing your testimony. It is good to know your path and where you came from in your journey.
They always say that if we all put our troubles on the table in front of us and could pick someone else’s to go home with, we would take our own back! Sure makes you appreciate your own life, troubles and all!
The Proverbs 31 woman is amazing! May we all strive for our kids to rise up and call us blessed!
Jennifer--Iowa
Hey GIGS!!! I am 3 days behind in my reading!! Plan on catching up tomorrow after church!! Can't wait to read your comments! Lori, saw where you are lifting up our children! Thank you so much sweet friend!! You are precious!
Love to all!
Susan
HAPPY 4th OF JULY, GIGS,
Ahhhhh, the ever popular, ever useful, easy to remember, one-size-fits-all situations,
“Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10)
So that’s where it came from! As Wendy instructed us recently, I made careful note to pause at the comma as I read this. “Be still,” ----and that’s what all of us try to do as we do our reading and have our quiet time each morning. “…and know that I am God.” When I am still, and fill myself up each morning with His word, and ponder it, and post, and pray, I am rewarded by a knowing of God that extends into my day and equips me to try my best to be the woman He created me to be.
Donna, thanks for the godly perspective yesterday about all the bad behavior in Proverbs, and around us. Wise words, Sister.
Amy, “Sisterchicks” sounds like a good read. I’m going to check that out today on Amazon. Thank you for your prayers for lonely Lauren. And thanks for the list of theP31 woman attributes. I copied it into my journal, noting those I need to work on, but acknowledging those I am doing well in. I read somewhere recently, I can’t remember where, that we woman beat ourselves up a lot and dwell on our weaker areas. We do need to work on weak areas, but we also need to recognize our strengths, giving Him praise for His help. We need to 4:8 about ourselves, too!!
Morgen, WELCOME HOME. Wow. Three weeks of 24/7 togetherness and not a cross word. I think you should write a book! I’m happy to pray for your three children by name. Isn’t the childrens’ list a wonderful idea that our spiritual cheerleader, dear Lori, came up with and is keeping such good track of for us. Thank you, Lori {smile}.
Kris, I am also checking out my clematis to see if I might get an awesome cross like dear Rhonda’s. This is the first year that my 3-year-old clematis is beautifully draping my mailbox, and I treasure it. And now I treasure it for another reason!
Kate, how is Fred doing? By the way, I popped on over to your classes web page recently. Very nice!
Lori, thank you for your prayers for Lauren. She is not currently walking with the Lord, but I know she’s walking in the path He has planned for her nevertheless. I wasn’t walking with the Lord at 25 either, so I can understand where she is at. However, I have faith that she will come to the Lord in due time. I’m praying for a godly friend to come into her life.
Have a blessed, 4:8 day, friends.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hi GIG'S:
I am still here - been keeping up with my reading, but just haven't had a chance to comment. I read Proverbs 30 and 31 last night. So
much good advice. Of course, we were blessed to read the Proverbs 31 woman too!!
Heading to my in-laws mid-afternoon for our annual 4th of July reunion. Going to be a hot one - low 90's. This lady does not like the heat. All I do is sweat. Not real glamorous! In New York, one never really gets a chance to get adjusted to any one weather! But, I will take a cool, clear, jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of day anytime.
Rhonda - I read your prayer on your blog - you are awesome! And the prayers for the children - so comforting.
Just a little ditty: My girls (who are 24 & 26) loved the music group - the Hanson Brothers, back when they were in their early teens. (anyone remember them). When my son was born in 1998, they were "big" and my son's first word was "mmmbop". Anyways, just recently my girls dug out their "old" Hanson CD's, and Jimmy just loves them, plus Hanson has recently made a comeback. So I am hearing them all over again. It is funny how life comes full circle!
I am thinking of all of you every day. Welcome back Wendy!
The "other" Rhonda in New York State
HI all,
Just popping back in to leave you all the lyrics to "Be Still My Soul," which ties in to my nugget for today. If I have a wakeful time in the middle of the night, like last night, this song is very comforting. I tried to learn the lyrics just from listening to my CD, but as I'm a very visual learner, it wasn't until I wrote them down that they stuck in my head.
“Be Still My Soul”
Be still my soul,
The Lord is on your side
Bear patiently
The cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God
To order and provide
In every change
He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul,
Thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through stormy ways
Leads to a joyful end.
Be still my soul,
The waves and winds still know
Still know
His voice who ruled them
While He dwelt below.
On what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry.
Everything to God in prayer.
And here's a Youtube link to a lovely version by Nicol Smith Sponberg when she was with Selah.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOus45dorPU
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England,
where the first shot for independence rang out from Lexington Green!!!
Popping back again for a minute. My gang just went on a walk, so it is quiet for a minute.
Michelle - you certainly are in a patriotic area!
AND - what a beautiful song. This insomniac will remember "Be Still My Soul" in the middle of the night.
Also, have y'all heard Amy Grant's new song? Of course, when I say new, it may have been over 6 months ago, because I am generally behind the times!
On YouTube, just put in Amy Grant - Better Than a Hallelujah and it is the 2nd one, with the lyrics. Beautiful, just beautiful, will bring tears to your eyes for sure.
Find my self saying that one in the middle of the night.
Rhonda in NY State
Happy 4th everyone.
I had a lot of nuggets today. I found myself writing two pages of notes this morning. Right off we read about someone that is in deep depression and is crying out to God:
My heart is breaking
Why am I discouraged
Now I am deeply discouraged,BUT I REMEMBER YOU.
And then we read: But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me.
I think this was talking directly to me this morning. I have been worrying about a family member to the point of not sleeping. I am reminded to let go and trust in my God. “O God my Rock I cry” (Psalm 42:9).
And then: I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again-my savior and my God! (Psalm 42:11).
I need to learn to expect God’s hand on every situation, even before He shows the direction He is taking. I need to remember that He is sovereign and nothing happens without His will. Praise God for His faithfulness in every situation. I am so thankful that I have my God to lean on.
Lori, thanks so much for the list of blog children. They are in my prayer journal.
Rhonda, The clematis picture is awesome!
And thanks to everyone that posts links to songs. I am truly enjoying them. I am just discovering YouTube, yes, am a bit slow with these sites and what on them.
Praying for your country and its leaders along with protection for your wonderful troops.
Linda
WA
Good Morning Everyone~
“modest is hottest!” –Jennifer – Iowa – I love this for the girls! Very catchy! Young girls just have no idea how beautiful they are when they are not exposed. Trying to win the approval of others by how they dress will not ever give them any satisfaction.
An early 20’s daughter of a friend of mine said something very interesting that I’ve kept tucked in my mind. She made an impression on me last spring. Her mom was telling me the story about how she’s saved and walking with the Lord. She is at the critical period where she has some friends trying to lead her astray. She has made bad choices at times too, but was still attending church even though she was living in an apartment away from home. One day she wore holy jeans to church-ya know the popular ones, that cost so much money - smile. Well, I guess some of the ‘older Christians’ that felt they were closer to God, and approached her and told her that what she was wearing was not appropriate for church. Her words to her mom were, “that is exactly what I don’t like about church. They are hypocrites. They have no idea what my heart looks like. Who do they feel they are, to tell me what to wear? etc.” Why is it ladies, that we feel we need to speak our mind, rather than obey God and do what He tells us to do: LOVE. Show compassion to those around you. Let God be the judge. Oh, He will alright, but it is none of our business. Christians can get this holier than thou attitude, and frankly, I don’t like it either. God knows everything on our heart. Just because we may look perfect on the outside, there is a lot of black on the inside. No one has the right to judge. God is transforming each one of us at different times. We are all at different places and bit-by-bit, the Spirit guides us to what is more appropriate. I’ve had a lot of pride that He has had to knock down. My thoughts can still be judging –it’s a work in progress!
I can see why Lauren wants to chat with you everyday, Michelle! Your words just draw people to you! Truly, you do have a special gift from God –kind words just flow off of your tongue! I will join with you to pray for a “godly friend to come into her life.” Is she saved? [this will help me pray better] --- Does she like to read? Debbie Macomber is a fun author to read, she wrote a Cedar Cover Series, 10 books in all, that I know Lauren would enjoy. The first one is 16 Light house Road. The next, 204 Rosewood Lane. You could mail her a surprise book! I read these books along with Mema, and we both enjoyed them. Also, something came to mind while I was walking…I’m sure she’s looking for work in the speech field, but how bout till a job opens up she can volunteer in an area where she would like to be placed? She needs ‘humanly contact’ in the day to give her something to look forward to.
to be continued...
Well, our vacation came to a sudden screeching halt! Just like that, the house looked lived-in again! Laundry baskets were over-flowing, lights on in all of the rooms, toilet seats up, and NOISE. Yes, the teenager’s were back at the home front…not for long though, - both had plans last night to be with friends…needless to say, I was tired this morning. So, tired that I thought I’d just sleep a few winks longer – until my little dog put his nose under my arm pit and pushed. He can be very demanding when he is ready to walk. Rhonda – those power verses you shared pushed me to push myself right outside the front door! A song came on my ipod singing beautifully --- “HOLY HOLY HOLY GOD ALMIGHTY!” Ladies it was so powerful, I felt the trinity –God, Son, Holy Spirit before me, I felt the end times as we all will lift up our hands and fall face-down before Him saying, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!” I’m wondering where the 3 Holy’s are in the Bible?…I will do some digging when I can, cause this moment was so powerful.
My prayer walk rejuvenated me, and brought me where I needed to be, to begin this beautiful 4th day of July. So, often though we almost miss out on this intimate time with our Father. It’s easy to give in to our tired bodies. “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God” (Ps 42:1). “but I will remember you” (5). Daily, we need to focus on everything He has done for us in the past, and say “O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name” (Ps 44:8).
I love what you have already written about “being still” Michelle, and Rhonda. Very powerful words, that we can hold on to, “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10). When we are at our wits end, barely hanging on – we can be still. We can believe that yes, we can still draw closer to God’s presence. WE can still know that God is Sovereign in each of our daily happenings. Whatever - our trouble, worry or concern we can know that He is our God. He is with us. He will never give us more than we can handle. Our God –our Mighty Fortress – who we will cling to.
“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time (I Tim. 2:6). Freedom. Thank you Lord for our freedom we have, here in America. Happy 4th of July, lovely ladies! Hugs, Lori
Michelle, I was 25 when I got married, too, and that first summer is when I really started to seek God again. Literally hours after returning from our honeymoon I began to clash with my new in-laws, which caught me off guard because we seemed to get along so well. Being in 'his' house alone while he worked was hard, and I found KLOVE, and even though it still took a few years before I began to grow very much, I had started to turn over pieces of my heart and mind to God again, like I had years before. Maybe He'll use this time of complete change in Lauren's life to call her, too!
Rhonda in NY, my daugher LOVES Amy Grant's 'Hallelujah' song. I'll have to look for the video. :-)
I liked the 'Be still' verse from today, but I especially liked the two lines that came next. They seem like a promise to me. We are instructed to be still and KNOW that He is God, but even more than that, He WILL be honored by every nation and He WILL be honored throughout the world. We don't have to despair at the craziness that we see around us right now, because the day is coming when the unbelievers won't be able to deny it any more, and what a great day that will be! :-)
Oh, and I forget who posted about the 'Modest is Hottest' thing at her church, but I think it's great. You probably already know this, but Shari Braendel is one of the P31 speakers who specializes in the area of faith and fashion. She travels around putting on fashion shows and helping young girls and women know how to dress for their body types, which colors to wear, etc, all in a faith-based way. If your church is that large, maybe it could host her for one of these events, or maybe work as a coalition with a few other churches to do that? You can find her regular website from the P31 page and her new color site here: http://www.colorenalysis.com
Just one more thing ... Andi kept having her Cinderella doll kiss Prince Charming today on the lips. When we reminded her that only married people kiss on the lips, she just looked at us, smiled rather rebelliously, and kept'em kissing. I thought I had another 10 years or so before I ran into this trouble!
Happy 4th!
Amy
Happy 4th GIG. I was so blessed by our church service today honoring those who are serving and have served our great nation, and others who have stood for freedom, but most of all honoring our Lord for the freedom He has given us. We had a musical concert by Bryan Popin. What a way to start the day!
Today I look at "as the deer longs for streams of water" thinking that this is where my spiritual appetite should be. Lord, I want to want it to be there.
And be still... if I am not still, how can I listen? If I am not still and listening, why? Being still forces us to understand 2 things: 1) I am finite, 2) God is infinite!
Happy Sabbath!
Gaylene
Happy Fourth GIG's--
Can I say that I miss each and every one of you???? I feel like I have missed conversation with some of my best friends when I am not on here for a day or two. I tried to post Friday night but kept receiving a 404 error. Guess Satan didn't want me to post.
Michelle, I will definately lift Lauren up in prayer. My husband worked nights and weekends so I know how lonely that can be especially when you do not have family close and no true friends yet.
Amy, thank you for the Sisterchick's recomendation. I am always reading so I will definately be checking that series out. I also appreciated your list on the P31 woman. I had made a list as well but added some of yours that I had not thought about.
Today's nugget for me came from Ps42:1-3 "As a deer panteth for water". It made think of all those times when I am hungry for something but don't know what. So I munch, trying a little of this and little of that but still not being satisfied. This is SO true in our spiritual life as well. We long for something but can't put our finger on just what that something is so we dabble in sin. They aren't big sins but they are still sin and we leave still feeling unsatisfied. When the answer is right there the whole time....God. I want to be aware that my hunger is for HIM and nothing that this world can offer.
I read the verse "the Lord is our protection and our strength" and I was compelled to write in my journal "Lord, YOU sustain me, YOU protect me, YOU provide for me, I am your vessel."
I keep going back to the words "just enough". Every day my prayer is that Lord will give me "just enough" for that day. "Just enough" grace, "just enought" mercy, "just enough" money, etc.
GIG's thank you for praying for my financial situation. I have a praise though the need is still there. I did receive a small raise on Thursday which will help for future needs. However, I still have a $1000 need right before me. I am trying not to panic or worry because I know that God provides. In fact, in the spirit of honesty, I will share my prayer today that I wrote in my journal:
"Lord, I am burdened with my finances. I worry about where the money is going to come from instead of trusting in you. I am human though Lord and I don't know how to not worry. I know you will provide, you have provided in the past, help me Lord to believe. Thank you Lord for meeting this need. As David prayed (David is my uncle) Money cometh. Amen.
GIG's please pray to help me believe and not worry. To trust. I am a fixer, an independent soul and it is HARD for me to "be still".
I hope everyone has a blessed fourth. I am at home recovering from a stomach virus but feeling much better.
Blessings
Jessica
Hi ya'll, popping back in. Caught up once again, only to be getting ready to be behind on the vlog and comments.
My boys and I are headed to camp tomorrow, really early. Please keep the camp covered in prayer. I have a feeling that mighty things are going to happen and the devil is not a happy camper. He will not be victorious!
Have a great and wonderful week!
Missy in Tx
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