I still find it so hard to believe that we are already in September. I will tell you, I am ready for cooler weather.
This weekend is home sweet home. You know me by now and how much I love home. We get an extra day this weekend, too.
We are working in my daughter's room this weekend. She turns 13 soon and is ready for an official teenage girl room. We love decorating. HGTV is our favorite channel.
One of my sweet P31 sisters is celebrating the the release of her first book. Celebrate with me and my friend Rachel Olsen. Her book is called It's No Secret. Hop over to the Proverbs 31 Ministries home page for all the information. I am so proud of her!
This weekend is home sweet home. You know me by now and how much I love home. We get an extra day this weekend, too.
We are working in my daughter's room this weekend. She turns 13 soon and is ready for an official teenage girl room. We love decorating. HGTV is our favorite channel.
One of my sweet P31 sisters is celebrating the the release of her first book. Celebrate with me and my friend Rachel Olsen. Her book is called It's No Secret. Hop over to the Proverbs 31 Ministries home page for all the information. I am so proud of her!
18 Comments:
Hi figs. Donna you said to post about anything, smile, and Michelle from N.E. you wanted me to post every day, smile. So here it is for today.
This is information from Friday. I'm in Newport News, VA for my cousin's wedding. We left at 7 a.m. and it only took 3 and ½ hours. Leaving this early was fine because we met up with my sister and spent the day with them. We did a little shopping at a store called 10,000 villages. It's a store that sells all hand made items from other countries. Some of the items are made with recycled materials. Then the items are sold here to raise money for programs in other countries. They sell all sorts of things. I bought myself a hand made heart shaped box that looks like a jewelry box but inside are six different scented heart shaped soaps that were made in India. This afternoon we went to Virginia Beach for two hours. The beach is about 50 minutes away. There were no shells to be found. The waves got up to 10 feet high so they weren't letting people swim in the water.
This evening we met up with my aunt and uncle and cousin with soon to be husband and some of his family and their friends for dinner and hours of conversation. I have trouble getting to know people in a large group. I mostly just sat there listening to everyone else. I was not able to join in their conversations because the things they were talking about weren't interesting to me or I didn't know anything about the subject. I sat next to my dad and he talked to the people around us who were family and friends of the groom. I eventually said a few things but not much.
I could use your prayers. I feel like a bad person because my dad is getting on my nerves with his complaining about people driving and other things. I really didn't want to write this because I don't want to be a complainer. It's just that he gets loud and sounds a little frustrated and be over dramatic about things. I guess that's what I call it. Old memories of my parents arguing still bother me. Also I'm tired of always having to sit next to and always be with my dad whenever we are with other family members like my aunt and uncle or sister who I don't see that often. I'd like to be around other people. I know I should say I want to sit next to someone else but I don't want it to come out wrong. I love my dad. It has been hard not being around people talking about Jesus. I really miss church. I really need some Christian fellowship. I need to spend a little time with a Christian friend. When I get frustrated I don't verbally express it, at least not like my dad, but thought of harming myself including suicide, although I'd never do that, still crosses my mind. I do ask for God's help and I believe that's why I haven't done anything but I still struggle with having these thoughts.
I'm so excited about Rachel's new book and I can't wait to read it. There are so many books I want and this one is at the top of my book list.
Hi Jen Ren,
Boy do I ever identify with some of the things you told us about your dad. I spend a lot of time caring for and driving my father places, and he, too, gets very loud and negative about the littlest things, and he always has. It effects me the same way it does you, and also brings back memories of my parent's fights before they got divorced. I hear you, Sister! And guess what? I get that same lonely, out-of-it feeling when I am around non-believers, which is a lot! Isn't it wonderful to be able to talk directly to God, and ask for His help. I'm getting a bit better at getting to prayer quicker than I used to, and it sounds like you are, too. I have also found that if I can get alone and actually do my praying out loud, (or even in a whisper) I stay focused better while praying. It's also such a gift to be able to come on here and chat with other believers. Jen Ren, I wish we lived closer and could do things together! And right now I would give you a great big hug and remind you that God loves you and so do I . Sweet Sister, I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Oh sweet Jennifer, I too wish I could give you a great big hug! Pretend all of us are around you talking about Jesus! I love Michelle’s words to you. I think I’d read them several times if I were you! And, I too will have to agree, it is hard not being around fellow-believer’s, because we tend to want to talk about he Lord, and what He is doing in our lives! It could be that your father is being over protective of you, and does not even think that you’d enjoy sitting next to someone else. You have nothing to lose by saying, “Dad, how about if I sit next to ‘so and so’, since I have not had a chance to catch up with them, yet. You are in my prayers.
I’m having a hard time believing it is September, too! Quite honestly, I’m not sure where the summer went? Labor Day, is always like the ‘end of summer,’ in my mind; however, summer just keeps on keeping on around here-weather wise! We remain in triple digits. I’m sure that is why they call it Valley of the Sun! smile
Wendy, what a blast, to be doing up a new teenage room, and a girl’s at that! Aaaaahhh, please post pictures – I dream about girlie things over here, with all of these boys’ around!
Hey Michelle ~ Ya made it - the weekend is here! One week down, and, a 3-day holiday to look forward to! Smile Re: Radar - we found out that his tumor did not contain histiocytic cells, which is good news! PTL! After repeated testing nothing definitive was found, except for the fact that it was a higher grade cancerous tumor. Also, nice, clean margins were obtained, double…PTL! I have to give God all of the glory, for everything He taught me during this trial:
• To love without any conditions attached
• to see each day as a precious gift
• things that we think are ours, really belong to God
• to have compassion for others’ who are in similar situations w/ pets
• to anticipate God’s glory, even when we are faced with hard decisions
• to believe that our days remain numbered: Jesus IS coming!
Wow, GP, God spoke to me a whole lot about the “I” that you saw yesterday! I began my day, thinking about how many times what my “eyes” see, I want! But, shortly after posting, God opened up a tad-bit more for me to ‘see!’ Let’s say, some selfishness came to light! Thank you dear Father for loving me in spite of my earthly self!
Hey, I have to tell ya, my little sister, Kimi, began her Beth Moore Bible Study this past week! Daniel, and how bout that –we read some of Daniel, too. She was talking on and on about it, and my smiles could not have been any bigger as I listened to her, across the miles! His Word, is already coming alive in her! God is good – He is drawing her to him, and I just realized, she is about at the same age I was, when I began reading His Word!
Debra – thanks for your praise! God is so good to us. Plus, as we share our “praise” reports with others, they too, experience a strengthened faith! It encourages us to keep on praying! Keep on believing in miracles. –continued-
Amy, hope Luke is back to feelin’ good, and ready to enjoy the 3-day holiday with his big sis!
Linda, I did not get what you brought up –thank you! I’m going to note this, so I can watch for it more closely next year! “The Chronicles were written from a priestly view, while the books of Samuel and Kings were written from a prophetic view.”
Linda, we will be praying for you. There is no one more equipped to take care of your healing that God.
Praying for a relaxing and peaceful week – Jacque, and - for Michael.
Susan are your boy’s settling in at school?
Dixie, isn’t this our birthday month, sister?!
Karen, are you traveling AGAIN? Smile
Kate, you’ve been missed, -I am sure you are swamped! Mrs. Teacher!
How are the quintuplets doing over there in TX? And, the newest addition? Little kailyn? Okay, on to the reading! Smile!!!
Today, Ezekiel’s vision: God’s glory filling the Temple! (Back on Aug. 17th (9:3) & 18th (10:4, 18 & 19, 11: 22 & 23) Ezekiel - in his previous vision - saw the glory of the God of Israel leaving the Temple built by Solomon). The nation, Israel, losing its most precious possession, the presence of the LORD.
What happened to them is the same thing that happens to us today: They veered off the path – they ignored God’s Word, and turned away from God. Rather than focusing on Him, they became distracted in idols around them. How easy it is, to lose our focus. Before we know it, we’re blending in with our neighbors. Their consequences were steep: they were suppressed in a pagan land. Today, our consequences? We are obsessed with ourselves. The joy leaves. The peace leaves. Worry & anxiety fill our minds. The worst part: His presence is gone, we do not hear that faint voice any more as the world crowds Him out.
Today, we read about Ezekiel’s vision of tomorrow. A new magnificent Temple. A Temple far more outstanding than Solomon’s. “I will live here forever among the people of Israel” (Ez. 43:7). Forever, girl’s! We can hold on to that promise, that hope we have!
My To Do: To be ready when Jesus comes back - my body, mind, and spirit. The Spirit of God lives in me. I am not my own. (I Cor. 3:16) If we turn from our idol focus, we will be blessed by His presence. He will live among us forever! (Ezekiel 43:9)
Ya’ll enjoy your spouses, your children, your friends – this holiday! Love u, Lori
Thank You Lori. You are a huge blessing to this group and myself.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love, Debra
Good morning my friends, what a beautiful day we have here in Virginia!
Jen Ren, I am only about 40 miles from you in Newport News. If I could drive ( have to wait until Tues. for my staples to be taken out), I'd try and find you and give you another big hug. I lived in NNews 40 years and raised my family there, so am familiar with the area. Listen to the wise words of Michelle and Lori, we all have been through difficult times with our parents, especially the negativity and complaining. Keep your "eyes" on the Lord and He will calm your spirit.
Lori, thank you for your words today.
While reading about the " the Lord's glory", I couldn't help but remember that I am the Temple of the Holy Ghost and immediately asked for forgiveness for not always keeping that word in my heart. I AM that I AM will never leave us.....BUT I sometimes get distracted and I leave His Presence. Forgive me Lord.
Father God, may I seek Your Holy Presence each morning that You direct my every thought, word, and deed. I'm dead; the old man is gone! Praise Your Holy Name!
Blessings and a wonderful Labor Day weekend. SAP for your requests.
Teeny
Good morning my friends, what a beautiful day we have here in Virginia!
Jen Ren, I am only about 40 miles from you in Newport News. If I could drive ( have to wait until Tues. for my staples to be taken out), I'd try and find you and give you another big hug. I lived in NNews 40 years and raised my family there, so am familiar with the area. Listen to the wise words of Michelle and Lori, we all have been through difficult times with our parents, especially the negativity and complaining. Keep your "eyes" on the Lord and He will calm your spirit.
Lori, thank you for your words today.
While reading about the " the Lord's glory", I couldn't help but remember that I am the Temple of the Holy Ghost and immediately asked for forgiveness for not always keeping that word in my heart. I AM that I AM will never leave us.....BUT I sometimes get distracted and I leave His Presence. Forgive me Lord.
Father God, may I seek Your Holy Presence each morning that You direct my every thought, word, and deed. I'm dead; the old man is gone! Praise Your Holy Name!
Blessings and a wonderful Labor Day weekend. SAP for your requests.
Teeny
Hi Everybody….Happy…Safe…Labor-day weekend,
The man…
The man took a measuring rod…Ez 40:5
The man measured the gateway entrance…40:11
Then the man brought me through the gateway…40:17
The man measured the gateway…40:20
Then the man took me around 40:24
Then the man took me to the south…40:28
Then he took me..40:32
Then he took me…40:35
And the man said to me 40:45
Then the man measured the inner courtyard 40:47
Then he brought me to the entry room of the Temple. 40:48
After that the man brought me into the sanctuary of the Temple…41:1
…….“This,” he told me, “is the Most Holy Place.” 41:4
Then the man measured the Temple 41:13
“This,” the man told me, “is the table that stands in the LORD’s presence.” 41:22
Then the man led me out of the Temple courtyard…42: 1
Then the man told me, These rooms that overlook the Temple from the north and south are holy. 42:13.
When the man had finished measuring the inside of the Temple area, he led me….42:15
After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway. 2Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. 43:1-2
Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple. 6And I heard someone speaking to me from within the Temple,.…..while the man who had been measuring stood beside me. “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place where I will rest my feet. I will live here forever among the people of Israel.43:5-7
Can’t help but wonder…this message about : “The man”….showing Ezekiel through the temple.
*“Whom am I leading to church?
and
*Telling them “This is the Most Holy Place.”
Lots to ponder…..Everybody have a safe weekend and may we fill up his Holy Place this weekend!
God Bless!!
Rhonda
Jenn Renee…You are always… always…. always in my prayers.
Michelle,Lori, and Teeny your encouragment (thanks always) ...God Bless You!!
Lori, twin, where do I begin. THANK YOU, ALMIGHTY AND MERCIFUL FATHER for putting everything in place so that Radar could be cured completely of his cancer! Thank You for giving my sweet sister, Lori, peace as she awaited the results, and wisdom to understand what You wanted her to learn from this experience. Thank You for giving Radar's family more time to love him. I pray that they will be able to do so for many, many more years, in Jesus' name, Amen!
Lori,as usual your post was wonderful, and so encouraging to me and so many others! Thank you!
Rhonda, I want to tell you about a book by Drew Brees, the 2009 Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. I got it at the library, after hearing
him interviewed on Focus on the Family. "Coming back stronger; unleashing the hidden power of adversity" is the title, and there is a lot in it about how important God is in this fine athlete's life. Perhaps the book would make a good Christmas gift for your athlete son?
I also want to share that I heard an extremely impactful sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley yesterday on the sin of gossip.It was very timely for me as school starts back up and I am exposed to so many temptations to gossip! This link will at least get you as far as the audio archives of "In Touch Ministries", and from there you may have to choose the Sept. 3 sermon "The Words of our Mouths". It is well worth the half-hour!
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/audio-archives
Have a blessed,l 4:8 day all. Wendy, good luck with the room project. Cute girl clothes and cute girl rooms are a small way, I believe, that our Lord compensates us for the extreme challenge of raising daughters, ha ha ha!! Do I hear an AMEN!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Lori and Rhonda, thank you so much for your posts today. I came up empty in the reading and then you two just filled it in so wonderfully that I copied what you wrote into my journal! Bless both of you.
Teeny, you are so encouraging. Thank you for participating, for sharing.
Well, classes start again this weekend, so I am back to writing papers.Willingly, though.
Have a wonderful and safe weekend my dear friends and family,
Gaylene
Hello GIGs - Just a quick pop in to let you all know that I am still here, reading along faithfully. Having a much harder time keeping up with the vlogs and comments as school has started up again. Lori, Michelle - how about you two? We started this past Tuesday. I have 2 in my class that I am really going to have to give over to the Lord - one bipolar boy who can't seem to behave and is just really frustrating, and one little girl w/ cerebal palsy who has a hard time keeping up with the rest of the 4th graders. I want to be able to spread myself equally over all 22; but my time and energy were almost wholly devoted to these two for the first week.
Just snuck a peek at our reading plan - we hit the New Testament on Sept. 24. Hooray! I can't wait to begin a fresh "chapter" in the Bible. There have been bits and pieces of the OT lately that I have enjoyed, and others that I have just read through. Definitely not feeling spiritually sharp these days.
Wendy - hope you're enjoying your weekend at home and redoing Blair's room. Michelle - AMEN to your daughter comment! :-)
Y'all have a blessed Sunday. My husband and I are subbing in my 4 year old's Sunday School class today. I am lifting up all of you in my prayers this morning!
xo
Kate in VA
Dear Lord, Thank you for this brand new day, a day we are favored once again by You, alone. May we use this day to give you the honor, to love those around us, and to see your glory sprinkled everywhere. Amen.
God has been opening my eyes sweet sisters. Yes, our days are numbered. I thought I got it after my experience with Radar. Yesterday, my soon to be 19 year old, walked away (well, actually was able to walk into Urgent Care, to take care of the scrapes on both hands) from a motor cycle accident. (Trust me when I say my husband and I did everything possible to keep him from buying it, a couple of months ago. Remember he’s my dear firemuff!) Know also, there has not been one single day that I have not prayed over him. God continues to shine his glory. I continue to offer up praises to Him, for He does have a perfect plan for each one of us. He already knows our days here on Earth, and believe me – in the whole picture of life, our days, are but a blink of an eye.
Last night, it was a light bulb moment, as I relived the accident. Thinking it could have been a totally different outcome. I thought how blessed “he” was, but, then I realized it could be anyone one of us, at any moment. Nothing is for sure. I see more clearly how each day IS a gift.
I’ve been waking up each morning thanking the Lord, for my precious little Radar – another day, to enjoy his presence in our home. Now, tho, it’s a day to praise Him for all of us- all of us have the gift today!
Between you and me, I’d love for this accident to open Colton eyes, to getting rid of his motor cycle. Friends, if I was not walking with God, I’d be an absolute mess in this parenting department. For me, anyway, things were going along smoothly, till the driving age began! Certainly, without clinging to God, I’d be a worried & frenzied mom, for sure! Only with God do I have peace, knowing that everything will work out for good.
Have a blessed Sabbath lovely friends. Thanks for letting me share my heart. I love you all!
Hugs,
Lori
“How great is the LORD, how deserving of praise” (Psalm 48:1).
Today, I am so looking forward to Corporate Worship.
Lori,
You're getting more (((HUGS))) from me from across the miles. Praise God that He kept Colton safe and he only suffered minor scrapes. Oh these kids. I know our days are numbered but why does it seem like they're trying to speed things along? Praise God for the grace He has given you and your hubby in this situation. Our God is good! He keeps those in perfect peace those who lean on Him. Keep leaning on Him, sister
Peaceful Sabbath...Everybody
Lori...Joining G&P... Mom's coming together for a ((Hug)). How is he doing today? Will keep Him safely in my prayers. Enjoy your Corporate Worship....Be filled. Also so good to hear about Radar your walking partner.
Michelle...I have the name of the book wrote down "Coming back stronger." Will look it up. He does love to read. Especially when it contain sports. Been finding a big change in him this fall. Any sport use to interest Him. Foot ball last year...was a can't wait sport...this yr. since he got the info about baseball...not so much. Next yr. wants to just focus on baseball.
Gaylene...Our inspiration!! Back to writing papers...willing though. Your posativeness keep it. Blessing to you. Keep the faith. Through this summer...when training for running. This here was put before me one day..."I can't do it never yet accomplished anything; 'I will try' has performed wonders."...by George P. Burnham
Kate...Will keep YOU and one bipolar boy and one little girl w/ cerebal palsy in our prayers. I give teachers alot of credit today. Feel our hugs when you are in the classroom...especially when you feel you need one. God Bless You.
Jacque...Keep relaxing!
Okay we are heading out to the apple orchard...meeting a sister and her family there. Applesause making next week. Amy I could use your help.
Please Be safe All!!
Rhonda
It sounds like everyone's having quite the weekend!
Lori, I'm glad that both your firemuff and Radar are well! Motorcycles are scary!
Michelle and Kate, praying for you at school. I don't know how you do it.
Jennifer, I hope the wedding was beautiful, and may the rest of the weekend be complaint-free! I think (I forget whose) advice about casually saying, "I think I'll sit by so-and-so to catch up" is great. Maybe he's just trying to protect you or help you when/if needed. Maybe, too, the compaints could be turned into a game - just to help keep you from being frustrated? Maybe you could try to find something positive to say - whether out loud to him or to God - about each negative thing he says, so if he's upset about the slow person in front, you could thank God for the great brakes that are keeping you safe. Just a thought.
Gaylene, you are an inspiration! Hope the paper-writing goes well.
Lori, Luke is doing better - thanks for asking. The fever is gone and he feels much better, and some of the spots are going away, but he got more of them yesterday, so he still looks a bit interesting. Since we still don't really know what he has, we stayed home from church, but I think he's on the mend.
Rhonda, I'd help you with your sauce if I could! I found a new way of doing it this year. I'm assuming you make lots - do you peel the apples first or not? This year instead of peeling I just cored and quartered, then cooked them down and ran them through my food mill. Much faster than peeling!
On to Ezekiel ...
What struck me the most today was how the priests had to change clothing so that they would not "endanger the people by transmitting holiness" through their clothing. I know that God has a reason for everything, and that you can't really 'share' or 'catch' purity or holiness or anything like that; but what if you could spread a DESIRE for the peace or holiness or faith or whatever you want to call it that YOU PERSONALLY have? What if there was a way to live our lives in such a way that we could, just by being around people, make them WANT to be around us, to learn more about us, not so that they get to know US, but that they get to know Jesus THROUGH us? Isn't that the point of our being here - we live out our relationship through Jesus to others? And if we could do that, what would it look like? We can't make our faces literally light up like Moses' did, but can we be so in tune with God that a peace permeates our very existence and shows itself to others? That's what I want - and I'm so absolutely TERRIBLE at it! God, I need your help with this one!
I also liked how God showed mercy and grace to the priests who strayed. He allowed them to continue serving Him but they had to suffer the natural consequences of their sin. Just reminded me of what He does for us - we're forgiven but not instantly transported out of the messes we make for ourselves. We still have to deal with our sticky human situations sometimes, even though He'll help us with them.
Enough from me - I'm off to enjoy this beautiful day before beginning work on tonight's picnic! Happy Sunday, everyone!
Hi ladies,
Life has been very busy the past few days. Elliot's 1 year birthday is finally here this Monday. We have been busy getting ready for a big get together with family and friends. About 25 total - eek.
I had a really great experience at a Christian conference here in Ottawa. I don't know if any of you are familiar with Richard Roberts - but I attended an amazing session on healing (how to pray for it for myself and others). I was struggling with feelings of being dried up (like we talked about earlier in the week) and the first thing that was preached on was Ezekiel and the dry bones - but the focus was breathing life back into them!! God is good :)
Hope you all have a wonderful long weekend. If you have a chance, say a prayer for a change in weather - after a week of calling for sun the weather forecast is now calling for rain and I was planning on using my backyard for the party!
Take care,
Jodie from Ottawa
Hey y'all,
it's about 5 minutes before Wendy posts Monday's post. I hope you all in the US have a good Labor Day Monday.
I have been up since 4:30 am catching up on posts and vlogs, and I wanted to comment on the New Temple in Eze, chapter 40 really quickly (and the "man" that showed the temple to Ezekiel).
This temple has not been built. Many commentaries point out the size of this temple and the "city" are the size of all of Judeah. I admit, all the measurements did not make sense to me. I am a visual person and cannot translate straight measurements to an image. I need to see it or have another relevant relationship to it.
This temple is prophetic of the gospel, where all people live with God in the "temple" and God lives with us there too. Here is what Matthew Henry said:
He(Ezekiel) was set upon a very high mountain, as Moses upon the top of Pisgah, to view this land, which was now a second time a land of promise, not yet in possession. From the top of this mountain he saw as the frame of a city, the plan and model of it; but this city was a temple as large as a city. The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:22) had no temple therein; this which we have here is all temple, which comes much to one. It is a city for men to dwell in; it is a temple for God to dwell in; for in the church on earth God dwells with men, in that in heaven men dwell with God. Both these are framed in the counsel of God, framed by infinite wisdom, and all very good. 3. The particular discoveries of this city (which he had at first a general view of) were made to him by a man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass (Ezekiel 40:3), not a created angel, but Jesus Christ, who should be found in fashion as a man, that he might both discover and build the gospel-temple. He brought him to this city, for it is through Christ that we have both acquaintance with and access to the benefits and privileges of God's house. He it is that shall build the temple of the Lord, Zechariah 6:13. His appearing like brass intimates both his brightness and his strength.
The temple of God is built by line and rule; and those that would let others into the knowledge of it must do it by that line and rule. The church is formed according to the scripture, the pattern in the mount. That is the line and the measuring reed that is in the hand of Christ.
I hope you have a blessed day and I will be back later to post on Monday's readings!
Karen, Basel
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