Welcome Encouragement for Today Friends!
"But blessed are those who put their trust in the LORD, and have made the LORD their hope and confidence."
Jeremiah 17:7
Jeremiah 17:7
My Take Aways
Something Old:
What I do know matters to those who come behind me. What am I doing that counts?
Something New:
God sent a "visual aid" to show His people that obedience and commitment to only one God is possible.
Something to Do:
Leave a lasting legacy by living the legacy before I leave:
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and will all your soul and with all your strength."
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. I will hide it in my heart so I may not sin against you."
"If you love me, you will obey what I command."
24 Comments:
Wonderful Wendy: I loved the devo...and moreover I LOVED the intmate miracle God gave you in your heart. Wow...isn't it just like Him to have your pastor teach on that passage while He has been filling your heart with the same. :)
SO thankful your hubby is being treated and is doing better. Will continue to pray for all of you!
Many hugs,
Sharon
Happy Tuesday, and Welcome Encouragement for Today Friends! A bonus today – as we read Wendy’s post on Encouragement for Today, and see her live here on our journey through the Word!
Something Old: “They worshiped other gods and served them. They abandoned me an did not obey my word…they follow[ed] [their]own evil desires and refuse[d] to listen to me” (Jeremiah 16:11 & 12).
Something New: How did I miss the following sentence last year, - it was written in black and while, right in front of my eyes: “There you can worship idols day and night---and I will grant you no favors!” (Jeremiah 16:13). It just does not work both ways.
Only, by reading God’s Word, will we be able to be guided by His Holy Spirit. If we do not make this our number one priority each day, surely, we can not help but, “stumble off the ancient highways, and into muddy paths” (Jer. 18:15) seeking selfishly, rather than intentionally. “Our lives should be marked by love for Christ and others-not obsession with self” (Our Daily Bread, Aug. 7th).
Something to Do: Mercy, dear sisters…He is “watching [us] closely, and [He} see[s] every sin” (16). We can not hope to hide from the Almighty, All-knowing God! (17) May we seek His will in our day, not our own will. Aahh, a bit less self-centered and a lot more God centered!
Truly, I want my faith passed down to my whole clan, all of my descendents! May they remember me by the love I show without conditions attached. May they know that I live to love my Father and those around me.
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for this brand new day to know you some more! To love you some more, and to show our my love to those around me. I want the confidence that Jeremiah displayed. His strong and passionate faith was evident in the way he lived. I want to live believing that you are my strength in times of trouble. I want to come to You first with my every worry. I know You will be there to show me your mighty power. You remain and always will be the faithful God of our ancestors. Today, may my heart listen, hear, and obey You. Today, may I set out to love those around me, just as you love me. Thank you for your love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Hugs and prayers, Lori
Jodie, yay, to be so bold as to say what your heart desires! I love it!!!!! Keep placing your desires before Him, and His perfect will, will be done through your book! Thank you for clarifying the ‘names, too!’ I was spelling your name with an ‘ie’, and now just the spelling shows me who you are! Little Elliot is nearing his first milestone age!!!! It’s hard to believe, that just one year ago, you were pregnant! Seems like Elliot has been with us all along!
PS I loved Melanie’s book - I read it last summer. Placing our husband’s needs above our children and showing them respect –it’s God’s desire for us.
Jodi, praying for you. Lift up your burdens, chat away with your Father. He loves you and He will guide you each step of the way. Many, many times He speaks to us through Wendy! God Moments. It’s the Spirit in you, making you take notice.
It’s a good thing, to have these revelations that you spoke of this week.
We have a childrens’ prayer list. Do you want to add your two to the list? (They r not on my list and I hopefully, did not miss them one day.)
Jacque, praying this past week as Michael moved back home. I’m so, so happy he had a puppy to welcome him. Praying that God will open up a passion in his heart, to give him direction. That Michael would walk besides someone that will draw him to God’s Word, and will encourage him to get involved with a Body of Believers. Also, that you, my sweet friend will continue to hear the Spirit guide you with rules to reinstate. He will respect you more as keep him accountable to your standards. I was praying for Michael last night as I thought of you waiting up for him, and for him – not to veer off to either side and fall into temptation. Part of the joys of being a mama, are the closer walks with the Lord, we experience. He’s got us clinging to Him, and really this is a privilege. In our weakness, He is our strength, our strong tower to hold on to!
Rhonda, AZ in DECEMBER…is the best place to be! Brady needs to pack swimming trunks for those after practice sweats!!!
Kelly, I lived in GA, 4 years during my Jr High years…(Atlanta)
I, too L O V E She Cooks – Lee Ann, has a way about drawing me to the kitchen, and cooking is not my gift, to say the least!
Gaylene, when do you see the light? How many classes to you have to go?
I think you’ve mentioned this, but my mind did not hold on to that piece of important attention. Is there an end nearby? Smile
Karen praying for your daughter and husband…noticed you caught on to the ‘bold letters, too!’ smile Sure going to miss your posts, - you travel queen! Can’t wait for you to return!
Elizabeth, PTL!!!!! Thank you, Lord for her job!
...to be continued...
Stephanie, 2 days to go! My mom had 3 c-sect. and loved ‘choosing’ her own dates! She chose: 7, 17, 27, so my dad could remember! (from youngest to oldest!) –and 7 was her fav. number! Hopefully, Amber will pop in Thursday and give us the details!
Teeny, your post showed all of us how the Holy Spirit worked in your life…As you drew closer to the Lord, you desired what He was after. I love that! Transformation taking place as He was wooing you nearer to Him.
Linda from Ark., whoa, what a snake story! We have angels surrounding us and we don’t even know how much they do for us, -most of the time, anyway! Thank you, Lord for protecting Linda!
DIXIE u were in my thoughts and prayers yesterday…We will pray you through Wednesday and Thursday…I’m praising God, because I know He would never give you more than you are equipped to handle! His glory is gonna shine right out of you. When you begin to feel faint and weary – cling to Him. Abide in Him. Allow His powerful arm to hold you up when you think you can’t take it one more second. I so wish I could hug you in person!
Sue, I told Kimi what you said! You’ve got me wanting to take the study even more now!
Jessica, Jessica – take the class! Each one that I have done, has left me with something profound, that has greatly affected my life. Also, I attend with my dear prayer partner, and it is not at our home church, and she was the only person that I knew. By the time the class was over with, I felt like a sister to everyone in the class. Every single Beth Moore study that I have taken has been that way. The people taking her classes are there because they love God’s Word. There is a connection, like we share here on this journey. I know you will grow to love God’s Word, EVEN more! This fall, I’m taking her newest one: Revelation.
Missy in TX praying that God will provide for your needs. Jehovah-jireh, thank you for knowing the financial needs of Missy.
...to be continued...
Gina, (!) WELCOME! Keep opening up your Bible, every single day. You will be wooed and loved by your Father, for your daily diligence. The enemy will put thoughts in your mind, telling you to do something else. Just ask God to help you pray. Over time, the Holy Spirit will guide you spontaneously throughout the day. I began praying for a couple of people in particular. Looking back, I know He placed them on my heart. It was through this daily prayer re: 2 people, that my intimacy began with Him. I saw His glory as prayers were being answered. He awed me and I kept going back each day for more! Remember tho, the enemy does NOT want you in God’s Word, or praying at all. He is a strong force, very sneaky and will try to direct your attention else where!
Kate, your front walkway sounds dreamy! Curb-side appeal!
Amy, we miss you – but know you are enjoying family time on your vacation!
Praising the Lord, Jeanne re: your daugher's results!
Thank you ALWAYS, GP for your teaching!
Michelle – you’re spending too much time on the beach! I think you need a computer break! Smile We miss ya!
Living today like there is no tomorrow, girls, and lifting up prayers for you to our Father who never sleeps! Lori
Good morning everyone
Once again, Wendy, a wonderful vlog and so many great points you bring up.
Lori, thank you so much for your post this morning. Thanks for how you minister to sooo many in our group. I would love to add my 2 boys to the prayer list...not sure if you meant me or another Jodi :)
I notice there are at least 2 of us Jodi/Jodie's in the group. I guess I should identify myself as maybe Jodi, in New England...along with Michelle :)
Today and yesterday's posts (as well as Friday's)go hand-in-hand for me....so I guess God's really working on me here and I'm so humbled and amazed by His ever-present grace and love and the lengths He goes to in order to show me what He wants me to see.
Not growing weary, being called to be a Daniel, leaving a legacy...friends, it's all so spot on for my walk with Him right now.
My ministry is right here in my home to my unsaved husband and my 2 young boys ages 5yrs and 2.5 yrs). I have been growing weary and at times burdened over the need/desire to have my family come to faith in Christ. We have moved three times in the last 9 years (each move about 3 yrs apart) with the most recent move a few months ago. Each time the roots I plant with a local church community must be removed and I have to start over again. The lack of a constant, stable Christian community of friends has been a challenge for me personally and for my boys as I try to instill that weekly ritual of church and faith. All the while, I've been praying but not seeing any signs at all that my husband's heart would soften to the Truth of the gospel, and having a hard time with my 5 yr old Luke not wanting to come to church and general resistance to my teaching him about God. It feels like an intense battle of spiritual warfare that I'm in, and I know absolutely must rely on the Lord in this.
So, these last few days have really been an encouragement to me...I'm hearing God continue to call me to this role in my life - to be a light for Him in my home to my precious family. I hear Him telling me to not lose heart, to keep going, to stay determined and focused on that legacy that I want to leave my children - that they would know Him.
Praise God for baby steps of progress! The boys and I went to a church in our new area on Sunday. It went very well, despite my oldest son protesting the night before about not wanting to go.
Also, I have met some nice families with young children there and hope to continue connecting with them. We do not live in a heavily Christian area so it's not easy to find believers!
Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayers!
I want to encourage each of you today wherever you are, whatever you are facing to not lose heart, to stay focused on God's purposes for your life and most importantly that we all put our trust, hope and confidence in our Lord so we will be like those "trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep...not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought." Jer 17:8
Have a blessed day! Lifting you all up in prayer.
Jodi, in New England
Good morning all, yes I am able to write in the AM of the this day.
I have been looking for the remnant. There is always a remnant of those serving God, and up they popped. Recab's family. How happy Jeremiah must have been to find them and visit with them, thanking God for the fresh water in this dessert. What a blessing this must have been. The female in me wants to know more about that visit. Hope I remember to find out when I am with them on the other side. 16:21 "The LORD says, NOW I will show them my power, now I will show them my might. At last they will know and understand that I am the LORD!!!!!"
I am glad that I wasn't there for that. Our God slung the stars and planets into being and they stayed in a projectory. He made the land separate from the waters with boundaries, Sun to give us light, moon to give us romance, trees to clear the air, flowers well, just for us to smell and love to look at. We could go on and on, about all the GREAT good things. But let all the POWER be angry, WOW don't want to see that. Thank you LORD for all the gifts you give us, just for our enjoyment. Even for us to understand and use this computer to love one another, and have Wendy to lead us. You are AMAZING, truely AMAZING. Above all we can think of or imagine. And your shovel is so much bigger than ours, we can never out give you. I long for the day when I can sit at your feet, using my tear of gladness to anoint them. Be it so LORD.
Jessica - your food allergy is huge. I have allergies also but not to the extent that you do. I can have soy. But I want to encourage you to find the good things you can eat so you can enjoy. I will be lifting you up before the LORD that you will.
Grace and Peace, in my working in Turkey I must rely on my work is to only plants seeds, to just get the Word into their hands, that it is not in my duties to be there for the harvest. I am so glad that you are relying on that also.
Jodi in New England - The Greatest work we can do as women is our ministy at home. Keep in mind that your children living at home with you having a "little" control is such a short time. Then you have 2 times + to have a different ministry. Grandchildren of course, but that leaves lots of time to do other things. I moved a lot as a child (13 schools in 12 years) so I understand (my poor mother). But I have so many more friends all over than most people do. And maybe by moving you will come to just the place for your husband to give his life to the LORD. We cannot see the end while we are in the middle of the storm of our lives.
Lori, your prayer this morning, was exactly my prayer. Thank you for putting words to it. I really love reading the different prayers. This study makes us grow in the LORD better than any I have ever been apart of. Thank you LORD for using Lyn to get me here.
Love to all - and be aware of the LORD's blessings today.
Donna - TX
Thank you Grace and Peace, I was brain dead last night.
Donna TX
Morning friends! You, my sister believers knock my socks off with your words. Donna, your second paragraph merited a read-out-loud to a coworker this morning. Thank you for that.
My underline today was: Jer 35:15:
"stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace". Much truth in those words. When I'm stressed and turn on the TV (god) do I ever really find long, lasting peace there? Momentary, yes...but nothing substantial. How about shopping? Eating? Gossiping? Alcohol? What is your god?
No Jesus; no peace.
Know Jesus; know peace.
Amen, and amen.
Morgen
Good Tuesday morning!
All of my “men” are gone for now (yes!), so I am back in the computer saddle today! Husband is back to school getting his office squared away, Michael is babysitting grandkids, and Chip is at the vet. Wendy, thank you for inspiring words today. Holding out my jars... :)
Lori, you don’t know how you touched my heart with your testimonial. God is working so hard in you right now, and you are His willing instrument. You are a blessing to us all! I understood your pain with Radar—we’ve all had to make difficult decisions sometimes in our lives, even with our beloved pets. Am so happy about the results. Thank you for your continuing posts that uplift and bless us!
BTW, Lori , your comment about the rain made me think of a year ago in May when my sister Maureen talked about how she missed the smell of the desert when it rained (Scottsdale). And that evening in May, it rained! I got to smell it too… a little gift from God before she died.
Great peanut butter story, Rhonda! These little creatures do make us laugh! (This morning our little Chip will become “chipless” and this idea was cause for a big belly laugh from Michael!)
Michelle, you had me actually momentarily worried about checking Chip between the shoulders until I got to the wings! That was sooo funny, you tricked me!
Elizabeth, you have been in my prayers since you started your trip, and wow, so much has happened! I am praising the Living God who is working in your life! You will bless this dear elderly man (and others) with your presence and help. What an opportunity to share your spirit!
Jennifer in Iowa, what a wonderful job you have been blessed with! You will touch so many little lives in the course of a day. The secretary at my husband’s school has been here since we came (18 years ago) and she is such an important part of the kids’ lives. My kids grew up with their dad as principal and they were held to a higher standard, but it made them stronger. Your kids will love having you there! Congratulations!
Bats (Rhonda NY) and snakes (Linda) and dogs (Rhonda), oh my!
Stephanie, praying for your comfort and peace of mind these last few days before Kaitlyn is born. Both of my daughters had C-sections with their second and consecutive babies, and they both prefer this over a regular delivery. You will be well cared for. Are you keeping your feet up, dear?
Jessica, you are in my prayers as you stick with us and share the struggles in your heart with your Father.
Teeny, you will be a help and a blessing to Sarah while you minister to her needs—the love and care only a mother can provide. Praying for quick healing.
Karen C-praying for George’s recovery as well.
Gaylene, thinking about you.
Karen, even when you think you are feeling “dry” you have wonderful words to share with us. Safe travels.
Franny, am missing your posts.
(cont)
Kris, thinking about you today and the long drive to MN and saying goodbye to your son again. The kite string goes out a little more. I have the word “gratitude” next to your name, because you have witnessed this in your past posts. How grateful you must feel that he is part of a team and moving forward! Peace, Mom.
Bethany, great to be hearing more of your insights lately! Good food for thought.
Dixie, you are my inspiration, big sister! You do have your eye on the true prize, and I bet our Father is thinking you are a daughter with whom He is well-pleased. Praising your great news, and continuing as a prayer warrior for you!
Donna, deep thought, but the Spirit gives us the insight we need. I am with you on making my family and home the focus of my ministry—God has entrusted this to me. Only from here can I expand into the community.
Beautiful words, Jodi, and if you are having a good feeling about it, I encourage you to set your sights on this new church. Perhaps they have something special for children, or you could help your 5yo find a friend from this group of young people, so that they could see each other at church. Any gatherings where you can meet outside of church, such as MOPS? Going to church with a child takes patience and consistency, but eventually they learn to accept it and how to behave. In my husband’s school, even the pre-schoolers go once in a while to daily Mass, but it takes time for them to get comfortable. It will be exciting when you start seeing results!
AB in IN, yes, a bubble for Michael! *sigh* He will start earning our trust again now, and each baby step away from us will be another victory for him.
Michael was really glad to be home. LOVED the pup! … Chip ran right up to him, played some rough and tumble, got carried around and snuggled a lot. I may have to do bed-checks at night! We have Michael set up on a list for outpatient therapy here, as soon as a slot opens. He has attended several AA meetings and spent precious time with my family, who are all so supportive. Today at 1 he has an interview for a job, so I m praying that he does well, and that he will know if this is the right place for him. We want his job experience to offer him self-worth and to contribute to his growth, and not just be a means to make money. Thank you for your continuing prayers, dear friends.
Regarding our reading:
I was intrigued by the story of Recab’s family.
The men were taken to an upper room in Jerusalem, where cups and bowls of wine were prepared. They were told to “drink some wine. “ But they refused because they wanted to obey the command of their ancestors to never drink wine. This pleased the Lord.
Contrast this to the last supper, in an upper room in Jerusalem, with cups of wine. The disciples were told by Jesus to “drink this wine” as a testimony of faith. As a new covenant, they drank the blood of Christ, and this pleased the Lord.
We are covered by His precious blood and by a new covenant for the forgiveness of our sins!
Here I am Lord, praying to be content in my tent and in my simple life.
Blessings and prayers for all!
Jacque
Jacque,
I'm so glad things are settling at home. Will be praying for Michael's job interview this afternoon. May this be the beginning of his new life!
Jodi in NE,
Do they have an Awana program at your church? That is a great place for little kiddos to learn about the bible. God could use your kids as the instrument to bring your husband to Him. I know my DH gets resistant when I talk about the bible, etc but he listens when my son does. So keep teaching your children and don't falter. As Donna in TX mentioned, it is the greatest ministry we can do.
To be continued...
I'm sharing the post I recently made on my KI class re this subject. The only change is that older son is now 19:
My dreams for the future do not differ from any other mother who loves Jesus. I hope to raise boys who will be on fire for the Lord! 2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. I desire nothing more than they live out the life God laid out for them. To reach their full potential and nothing less. To honor God with their talents and live a life of faith and trust in the Lord.
My older son came to the Lord when he was 14 a few months after I became saved. I do regret that it took me 40 years of wilderness wanderings to come to my senses, but as I read the bible, I find that I'm not alone. A whole nation did the same thing. But, I want to pay attention now and make up for those lost years. How do I do it? By directing my son to read God's word. Being 18 and a full-fledged adult, he needs to know how to navigate his way in life. He is just now getting a taste of freedom in college. As much as I would like to, I cannot tell him what to do, where to go and who to date. But God can. God can tell him in Proverbs 5, 6 & 7 to avoid the immoral woman. My job is to point him to Jesus - and pray, pray, pray that he listens.
For Paolo, my chances are better because he is already on fire for the things of the Lord. I mentioned in a prior post that my husband is newly-saved, Paolo does not hesitate to read bible verses to him. Or do a little preaching. Like one time when we were going to the movies, my husband insisted on taking some chicken nuggets with him for Pao. Paolo said we are not allowed to bring outside snacks to the movies. Husband said it's okay, we won't get caught. Paolo's reply: Whether we get caught or not is not what I have been taught. Husband shakes head. He is more willing to receive these teachings from our son than from me. When I do it, it does not have the same reception. I don't know what the future hold for Paolo. He's only 10 and the teenage years are looming by. I hold on to the promise of Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. He's another one I'm swaddling in prayer.
As for me and my husband, my prayer is that he step up to be the spiritual leader of our household. That he may know Jesus just as I know Him. That he would want to serve in some capacity at church. He has wonderful people skills that would work well in evangelism. Maybe when the kids are grown, we could go to another country and serve in the mission field - side by side.
In my other class, one lady shared about her great-grandfather who believed in the Rapture and the Second Coming long before it was popular in their country. He was like Noah building an ark in the midst of a generation that has not even heard of rain. He was cast out from their church because they thought he was nuts. Her great-grandfather's faith permeated his entire family. Her mother grew up hearing the stories of her grandfather and displayed the same faith. One Sunday she walked to church and said the Lord is coming look what is happening in Israel. The Lord did come for her that day. She died right after the service at age 88. And as my classmate put it, "She died looking for that blessed hope right up to the very moment she breathed her last." I told her that if the Lord should tarry and when my time comes, I want to go like her Mom. To pass the legacy of faith to my children and to be called Home being about our Father's business.
G&P, I am envisioning you, such an inspiring and gifted teacher, with your husband at your side! What wonder does God have planned for you both? :) Thank you for sharing your dreams with us.
Jacque
Hi all,
Dixie PTL for clear lymph nodes. Our God is so good.
Today a few things caught my attention.
Jeremiah 16:5-7
5 This is what the Lord says: “Do not go to funerals to mourn and show sympathy for these people, for I have removed my protection and peace from them. I have taken away my unfailing love and my mercy.
6 Both the great and the lowly will die in this land. No one will bury them or mourn for them. Their friends will not cut themselves in sorrow or shave their heads in sadness.
7 No one will offer a meal to comfort those who mourn for the dead—not even at the death of a mother or father. No one will send a cup of wine to console them.
This caught my attention because in high school I used to think that if I was dead no one would care or miss me that was if they even noticed I wasn't around anymore. I'm thankful that I now know that I have people in my life who would mourn for me.
Jeremiah 18:1-7
1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said,
2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.”
3 So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel.
4 But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.
5 Then the Lord gave me this message:
6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.
In seventh grade I took a Saturday art class and used a potter's wheel. I have felt the wet clay in my hands as it spun on the wheel. I felt it smoothing out as it spun on the wheel and becoming what I wanted it to become. I probably even had a few times where I had to ball the clay back up and start over.
It's wonderful to see how God can take us like that lump of clay and form us into what he wants us to be. He is daily working on us. We are like God's life time art project and we won't be perfect until we get to Heaven. God starts molding us in our mother's womb and throughout our lives he is shaping us. Many of us in our lives may fall and crack like a clay jar but God picks up the pieces and continues working on us.
Jacque God is doing that in Michael's life. He's picking up those clay pieces and putting them back together.
You know I can't end this post without sharing a song that fits our reading.
Tramaine Hawkins The Potter's House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBoG86wOIMo
Hi all,
Dixie PTL for clear lymph nodes. Our God is so good.
Today a few things caught my attention.
Jeremiah 16:5-7
5 This is what the Lord says: “Do not go to funerals to mourn and show sympathy for these people, for I have removed my protection and peace from them. I have taken away my unfailing love and my mercy.
6 Both the great and the lowly will die in this land. No one will bury them or mourn for them. Their friends will not cut themselves in sorrow or shave their heads in sadness.
7 No one will offer a meal to comfort those who mourn for the dead—not even at the death of a mother or father. No one will send a cup of wine to console them.
This caught my attention because in high school I used to think that if I was dead no one would care or miss me that was if they even noticed I wasn't around anymore. I'm thankful that I now know that I have people in my life who would mourn for me.
Jeremiah 18:1-7
1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said,
2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.”
3 So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel.
4 But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.
5 Then the Lord gave me this message:
6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.
In seventh grade I took a Saturday art class and used a potter's wheel. I have felt the wet clay in my hands as it spun on the wheel. I felt it smoothing out as it spun on the wheel and becoming what I wanted it to become. I probably even had a few times where I had to ball the clay back up and start over.
It's wonderful to see how God can take us like that lump of clay and form us into what he wants us to be. He is daily working on us. We are like God's life time art project and we won't be perfect until we get to Heaven. God starts molding us in our mother's womb and throughout our lives he is shaping us. Many of us in our lives may fall and crack like a clay jar but God picks up the pieces and continues working on us.
Jacque God is doing that in Michael's life. He's picking up those clay pieces and putting them back together.
You know I can't end this post without sharing a song that fits our reading.
Tramaine Hawkins The Potter's House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBoG86wOIMo
I just discovered something.
When I went to post my earlier comment I got an error message asking me if I wanted to navigate away from the page. This is the second time in a week I got this message. When I hit ok or cancel it took me to an internet error page. When I closed it out I was back on Wendy's blog. I went to the comments and noticed my comment had posted. I'm sharing this incase it ever happens to any of you. If this happens go back and see if you comment actually posted. This error message might be why some comments are posting more than once because you keep trying to post it. Lori smile. Once my comment posted twice.
I'll have to read the comments later. I have to pack to go visit my dad tomorrow for a few days. I'm hoping to see my sister Brigitte and her dog. I'll then go visit my sister Michelle, bil, and two nieces on Saturday. I may watch the kids if my sis and bil want to go out on Saturday night. I have some other things to do today as well. I will have my laptop with me and will keep up with you all. I just love these little mini vacations. When I was working I was never able to go visit my family as much or for as long.
Jen Ren, I love love love your message about how, like the potter, God keeps putting us back together and shaping us until were are perfect in heaven! Isn't it a blessing to get to start over and get better and better? Have a happy weekend!
Jacque
What an absolute gift to be given some extra minutes to pop back in and have my heart filled with even more love for you all! The posts are so inspiring this morning, dear girls!
Jodi, what are you boy’s names? Our other lovely Jod(ie) has one little soon-to-be, one year old, Elliot! Jodi, the devil will try and get u to become weary and anxious, wanting your husband to be saved soon…(I know from experience!) but, God has His plan all worked out. The good news, is that He has hand-picked you, to be apart of His glory! You have a front row seat, and you will witness, the glory as the Lord saves your husband! Believe me, it will be nothing like you expect! It will be grand, worthy of your wait. Don’t get impatient. Trust that the Lord is busy working right this minute. Pray daily, that your light will shine, and that the love you show your family will speed up His work.
Just be matter of fact with that little 5 year old! It is not to be discussed or questioned. He will go with you to church. Smile. Confidently, believe it will happen, and it will. God desires for us to be connected to a Body of Believers. This IS his will for your family. You are entrusted by Him to take your two boy’s to church. Sounds, like it is ok by your husband, so you’ve got the go ahead. Make this your weekly activity. The top of your to do’s –other than reading the Word, daily. Pray that God will soften his little heart with a desire to attend, it will happen. Pray that He will open up opportunities to share Jesus with your boy’s. I know many families that go out to breakfast afterwards, or lunch. Turn it into a special time that will in the years ahead be memories, of spending time together. Don’t worry that your husband is not going. One day he will. This is not your concern right now, leave that to God. Now, your purpose is to be a praying wife and mother. To love and allow your bright light to shine. And, be expecting the enemy to come in at every opportunity, don’t be surprised. It’s just his tactic. Most certainly, the last place he wants you taking your small boy’s is to church!
Morgen, we know how to receive peace, oh, if we could just apply it, like you said! Easy to say, but not so easy to always do! And, I’m sitting next to ya sister, barefoot -with socks knocked off this morning! Smile!
G & P, I LOVED what you shared! Truly, you are an inspiration to me, in my walk with my own 2 sons and unsaved husband! My desire is the same as that precious 88 year-old: "She died looking for that blessed hope right up to the very moment she breathed her last." Wow! My number one request is that my husband and children love the Lord, as I do. I, too am not looking for the status quo, the fitting in, the blending in, - but, like you said, GP boys “on fire for the Lord!” Living each day seeking God in everything that they do. Living out His purpose for them. Thank you for sharing what you did with your KI class!
Jennifer Renee sweetie, I loved how you described your hands on the potter’s wheel! Just picturing God forming us into what he wants us to be! And, with Him, He sticks with us – I can imagine the work I have been for Him! Constantly, He does not give up, He just keeps working on us, and transforming us a little bit more at a time…not too much, just the amount that He knows we can handle.
Off to check your song now! Loved each of the posts today! All of you are precious gems in my family! Thank you Lord, for these special girls –girls that are seeking to know you more today! Hugs, Lori
Hi all,
Wendy - I was feeling so down today. I have been struggling with pain for so long - and I am so frustrated with the lack of answers. Been praying for a miracle just like you. But today you reminded me that perhaps instead I need to pray to get my jars filled :)
Lori - It was such a sweet surprise to see my name in your post and that you remembered my little Elliot. Thank you for the pick me up :) Elliot is now 11 months old - he turns 1 on Sept 6th. I soon have to plan his party! I can't believe it's so close. My baby will be a toddler all to soon for my liking.
Hello to my twin Jodi...I mentioned in a previous post - I will start signing off as Jodie in Ottawa to help clarify which one of us is posting :)
Lifting up your prayers today girls. Love you all...thanks for the encouragement today.
Jodie in Ottawa
Good evening, friends,
Well, having WiFi and one's computer on vacation is one thing -- but actually having some peace and quiet and mental focus to post is another thing entirely! Lori, maybe Dave had the right idea to go "no tech" on your vacation. I am certainly not complaining about the family togetherness on vacation, but I've had noooooooo time to myself until now. Yikes! I also do too much for others kitchen-wise -- breakfast in many stages, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc.
Anyhoo, I miss y'all and am going to read your posts now and try to catch up. Hopefully I'll "see" you tomorrow!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in --at the moment -- the Outer Banks, N.C.!
This is my message: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." Be a believer in this verse for your life. There is no other peace but His; there is no other truth but His; there is not other love but His. Live for Him and serve Him; give Him first place in your heart, and He will keep your heart content. He will be your Joy when you feel there is none; He will be your Light in the darkness; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Keep His Word in your very soul and try your best to live It to the best of your ability. Don't wait until you are old to receive His many blessings; don't wait until you are old to have a personal relationship with your Creator. He will be your best friend, your Comforter,your Provider, your daddy (Abba Father). Brian and Laura, He already knows everything about you for He formed you in my womb, and He has loved you even more than I do....can you even imagine???? His love is everlasting, my dear sweet loved ones!!!! If there was one gift I could give you, it would be for you to know the Lord as I do now...there is no greater joy!!!!I have been a daughter, a sister,a granddaughter,an aunt,a teacher, a friend; I have been the wife of one husband; I have been your moma, I have been your mema. I have had all these privileges and pleasures in my life because above all else, I have been a daughter of the King!!!!!
I have served an Awesome God,
Jeanne,NC
Thank you ladies for your encouraging words -
Jacque, Donna, Grace&Peace, and Lori!
I will be starting MOPs in our new area this fall, so looking forward to doing that with my younger son each week, while my oldest will be in kindergarten.
Lori, my boys names' are Luke and Charlie. Thank you for adding them to the list.
To my twin Jodie, I'll be lifting you up in prayer regarding your daily pain.
Jacque, praying for your Michael.
Good night all.
Looking forward to tomorrow's reading and meeting up with you all again!
Jodi, in New England
I read your article about being long in sorrow and short in faith. The Lord touched me thru those words. My brother died of cancer and my faith waivers. I believed in miracles and doubted and wondered and asked why one didn't come? Thanks for your words of encouragement.
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