Sunday Praise!!

Create in me a clean heart oh God
Let me be like you in all my ways
Give me your strength, teach me your song
Shelter me in the shadow of your wings
For we are your righteousness
If we die to ourselves and live through your death
Then we shall be born again to be blessed in your love!

Caffeinated Randomness: Rise and Shine!!!

I've had one of those weeks where I've hit the ground running each and every morning. It's partially a case of "be careful what you pray for" cuz I prayed that I'd be able to get up when my alarm went off at 5...so I'd have time to spend alone with God in prayer. You know, and NOT hit the snooze forty million times.

So, God indeed helped me...and I was either wide awake annoyingly so BEFORE the alarm went off. Just to make sure, in case that wasn't enough...my chipper children have decided that 5:30 is a good waking time. I think they hear the shower turn on when my Loverbrains gets up...just guessing.

So, in my attempts to be gentle and teach my children and not scream and get really angry early in the morning...I implemented a "songtime wakeup call." We love Patch the Pirate...and got a bunch of CDs for Christmas...one song is called...RISE AND SHINE...and starts with a bugle call. I told them they could not get up until they heard the music. Loverbrains pointed out that it is sort of funny that the song is about getting kids up who want to sleep in...not keeping kids down that want to get up.

Oh well...some day... Regardless...I'm up and running EARLY...and haven't missed my prayer time once. SNort...hahaha! Since my day really starts so early...I've gotten a whole lot done this week too! When life is getting me down...sometimes I think God gives me lots to do to get my mind off of myself.

Thoughtful Thursday: Junk Drawers and Dreams

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:24-26
I've been thinking lately about the whole concept of dying to self...that it's sort of like cleaning out my junk drawer. You can't just clean the junk drawer...cuz the stuff that you are sorting out of it...then has to be put somewhere else...that area then needs to be organized itself. And it just moves on...the craft closet, the linen closet, the medicine closet, the garage...

I cannot share Christ's cross in a simple separated kind of way. He doesn't just want part of me...He wants all of me...and as He cleans out one section He quickly moves on to the next...and the next and the next! This requires continual surrender to God's will.
There are parts of my personality that pain me...where I shout like the little clay pot at my Potter, "Why'd you make me this way? What am I supposed to do with this part of me...it doesn't fit!!" And sometimes He says, "I'm the Potter...I will mold and polish...and break you if necessary...to make you the best tool of service for me."

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Rom. 9:20-21
What's funny...is that those things (my big mouth, unbiblical feministic tendancies, bad attitude) are things that I want changed. And yet, I fight...and worry...that it looks as though I will lose my individuality. Or...*gasp*...what if it stifles my personality. Uh...am I trying to stay like ME or become like CHRIST??

Thankfully, God knows much better than I do...because I'm finding that surrender to God's will results not in losing but in finding life. It's the only way to a Godly personality in the image of Christ instead of my present image...the prideful, self centered me!!

Sometimes...when I really get this straight in my mind...I wish he'd move faster from my junk drawer...to my coat closet...cuz when I'm united with Him...in that same proportion...
His thoughts become my thoughts...
His emotions become my emotions...
and His will becomes my will.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Col. 2: 6-7

Word FILLED Wednesday: Why NOT to be discouraged...

You know how those verses you've known forever sometimes just ZAP ya...in a different way. Lately, I've been wanting to remember that God is with me...and won't forsake me...and so I thought...ooo that'll be a good WFW...(Yes, I think in "blog")...

So, I looked it up...and set it up...and was ZAPPED with the last part...

DO NOT BE AFRAID...
DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED.

Hmmm...ouch...I really haven't been acting like I believe MY GOD is with me...

Satan wins when I'm discouraged. Satan is a MASTER LIAR...

...He'll say to me, "You're so tired...there's no light at the end of that tunnel...life will always be hard...nothing will change..."

And the very moment I agree and wallow in my discouragement (or sin in any other way)...he rushes to God and accuses me...

..."Hey, check her out God...she says she loves You...that she wants a heart like Yours...that she would go anywhere and do anything for You...and yet...LOOK...when she doesn't get a shower, when her kids act like kids, when her husband has to work late...she forgets all about You and only worries about her. You really love this trash? She deserves to be with me...let me have her!"

AND there I stand...covered in my sin...Satan actually speaks the truth about me....

But thankfully, Jesus stands at God's right hand...standing up for me...saying, "No, she's mine...I died for her...her debt is paid" And rather than seeing my awful rottenness...He clothes me with his clean spotless righteousness...and encourages me to live for Him.

"Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the LORD was standing by.
And the angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here. was standing by." Zech. 3

So, I'm humbled...there's nothing good in me...and without my Savior...I would and should be discouraged... I'm soooo thankful...that Jesus Loves Me! Where is my hope? My hope is in the LORD!

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Is. 40:31

To join WFW...link up HERE!

Tube Tuesday: For Haiti...

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
To shine upon you and be gracious
And be gracious unto you

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
To shine upon you and be gracious
And be gracious unto you

The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you
The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you
And give you peace, and give you peace
And give you peace, and give you peace

Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen

Every Time I Feel The Spirit...

Every time I feel the spirit
Movin’ in my heart I will pray
Every time I feel the spirit
Movin’ in my heart I will pray


Up on the mountains my Lord spoke
Out of His mouth came fire and smoke
Looked all around me, it looked so fine
I asked the Lord could it be mine


The Jordan river is chilly and cold.
It chills the body but not the soul.
There aint but one train upon this track.
It runs to heaven and then right back.


Oh, I have sorrow and I have woe
I have heartaches here below
But while God leads me I’ll never fear
For I know that He is near

Count Your Blessings...

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him." Eph. 1:3-4

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

COUNT YOUR BLESSING...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, Every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

COUNT YOUR BLESSING...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings.
Wealth can never buy your reward in heaven,
nor your home on high.

COUNT YOUR BLESSING...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

COUNT YOUR BLESSING...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE

Caffeinated Randomness: Contentment!?

To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over. —Thomas Watson

In my random little way I will attempt to express my thoughts on contentment. I know *gasp*...don't say that word! In fact, our Ladies Bible Study at church was considering a study on contentment and I totally freaked..."No way, Lord...I know what kind of testing that means..." How ridiculous...to say you want to learn and grow...and then flat out run from something that could teach great lessons. Although the LBS didn't go with that study...it seems God has many lessons to teach me in that area.

First off, many of you know my love of a truly Frugal Friday...and my felt need to redefine what frugal means. I've defined it as something like practising economy; living without waste; thrifty. But what I've recently discovered is that God calls me to more than simple frugality or thrift. He wants me to be content. For me that means...not getting what I don't need, no matter what the percent off...resting in what he has already blessed me with and using it (time, energy, etc) for His glory...

That leads me to contentment within relationships...specifically marriage. In combination with some dear ones praying for me, my studying respect, and resolving to be a better listener...my Loverbrains has shared his work stresses and leaned on me more heavily than ever before. I am not complaining at all...in fact, I'm praising God that I can view it this way...and by His Grace have been able to stand up under it...with strength and stamina that couldn't come from my own devices! This current stress has led me to contentment with how he does his job (with all his heart) and the time that it takes away from us. I'm telling ya...that could ONLY come from God! I've struggled with it and intense anger for years. Praise God...that although the lessons are painful that I'm actually learning something.

Last, on a slightly lighter note....I apologize for this being such a serious CR Friday...I'm learning some contentment in parenting. I'm not becoming a wishy-washy, flexible parent...don't worry...as far as discipline goes...that calls for firm consistency. I am saying that I'm realizing that it is OKAY to slow down and play with my kids...even if some of my TO DO list doesn't get done. It's OKAY if they make a huge mess...cuz they'll then have an opportunity to learn to clean it up. It's OKAY that I'm not SuperMomE...and don't take my kids to every educational activity and don't have a no TV household. I'm me...striving by God's Grace...to be the best MomE I can be...and wife...

Be careful what you pray for...but also what you are afraid to ask God for...Contentment is something that must be learned and is worth it!

Phil. 4:11, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."

Yummy, Homey, Stew Makin', Good Times!

I was recently introduced to a great blog...Chickens in the Road...and yesterday decided to cook up some of her fabulous recipes. I made Spicy Black Bean, Chicken & Corn Stew....
...and Grandmother Bread. Ooooo....ahhhh! I did alter her stew recipe by cutting it in half....and cutting the spice in half. It was still on the spicy side. Watch out for those red pepper flakes. It was delicious though...oh my! The bread is a lot like an Artisan Bread that I make...but this had more sugar...and rose beautifully! Aren't they perty!!?
My children were enamored with the thought of making stew...so they created a stew pot...and put in all their vegetables and meats. It was hilarious...and so creative. Child creativity never takes the path an adult would...I would have put the pot part in the back of the truck...but their way you get all sorts of nooks and crannies to hide your yummies! *Smile*

Word FILLED Wednesday: Light...

Jesus' death and resurrection offers resurrection from death for believers--plus a resurrected life for today!

I've been thinking lately of the power of the resurrection light. There are places in my life that I refuse to let it shine. Sometimes, it's my marriage or child rearing or service.

I don't know how long it's been since you've read the story in John 11...but it's short...so have a look. Jesus...the Light of the World...keeps us from stumbling in the span (twelve hours) of our life...when we see by the Light.

I wonder how Lazarus might have viewed life after his resurrection from the dead? Everything was new...the breeze, the rain...relationships...sharing Christ...

We are called to look at every day as a new life to live for God's glory! I heard today...that the glory of God is equal to God on display. WOW! Now, that's some serious light!!

Join WFW over with Critty Joy...

Tube Tuesday: Muppet Bohemian Rhapsody!

Tube Tuesday is not going to be a meme for now. If you'd like to leave a link with a comment I'd be more than happy to check it out...but for now...it's just gonna be one of my quirky blog things.

Memory Monday: Winter Peace

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27

CR: Random Refined Skin...

Happy Birthday...to the most funnest decaf chick ever...Andrea! Hope your day has just a teeny bit of caffeine fun...maybe in the form of chocolate!! Smiles!

Speaking of age...I noticed the years marching across my face...little wrinkles by my eyes. Nuts...I smile too much! HAHAHA! Anyhew, I bought this new foundation...Age Refining! Oooo...Ahhhh...

So, I asked my sweet Loverbrains what he thought about my new foundation. His face was blank at first. I told him it was age refining and asked if I looked younger. By now...warning lights were flashing behind his eyes...he knew he was on dangerous ground...so being the witty man I love he said....

"Sure hon, you look like... FIVE years old! *Smirk*"

*Laughter and guffaws* Oh, I love my man!!

Social Torture!!

My Dad sent me this joke a while back. I had plans to use it for another blog rant against Facebook...but decided not to...cuz who has the time. It's enough to know there are at least a few others out there like me...and would rather pull out their fingernails...

Word FILLED Wednesday: Megaphone...

I totally desire to hear God's voice. Okay, don't get all spooky and googly eyed on me...I don't mean an audible voice...but the awareness of His presence. The Holy Spirit indwells me...I better be listening and seeking His leading, right? Well, I heard a funny story yesterday...about a lady who said she wished God would use a MEGAPHONE when talking to her. I chuckled...and the more I thought about it...the more it struck me.

Rarely, if ever, do I feel God has spoken LOUDLY to me.

1 Kings 19:11-13 "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Then I was thinking...How do we learn a voice? We all have those friends who call us and just start talking. Sometimes, it takes a while to figure out who's calling. (Yes, I don't have caller ID.) But, the voice I recognize first...is the voice I hear most often. WOW...so is God's voice (HIS WORD) what you hear most often. That just snapped me to attention...I need to spend time reading His Word...but also in memorizing it too. I want His voice to be on my mind and in my thoughts throughout the day.

Then, there comes the whole issue of responding to His voice. You know, that gentle nudging to get up and do what is right...or maybe to flee from what is evil... And that, my friends...is how you get your megaphone. I think that the more you respond to God's leading...the louder you hear it the next time. Unfortunately, the converse is true...when we ignore it we deaden ourselves to hearing it.

So, the solution...or the plan...BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER. There is no alternative. Safety comes from listening to Him, our Good Shepherd...and not to the thieves and robbers. Oh, you know them...the false shepherds...temptations

...computers, TVs

...maybe time, effort, $ for self interests. Ouch!

So, what voice speaks the loudest in your life? I don't know about you...but I want to turn up the volume!!

"Let us see that we keep God before our eyes; that we walk in His ways and seek to please and glorify Him in everything, great and small. Depend upon it, God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supplies." Hudson Taylor

To join WWW...head over to Lori's...

Tube Tuesday: Star Wars (John Williams is the Man)

Today's TT is not my normal serious meditative choice. This just shows my love of variety! My Loverbrains is a real Star Wars lover...so this is for him.

If you want to join me for Tube Tuesday please link up below. Just remember...please make your videos family friendly...something your mother could watch. I said could and not would...cuz well, my Mom doesn't really like Star Wars...but she COULD watch this...it's clean and neither of us would be embarrassed watching it together. Oh, you get the picture!



[Close Encounters of the Droid Kind]
You must use the force (repeat ad nauseum)

[Raiders of the Lost Wookiee]
Long time ago, far far away (repeat)

Kiss a wookie, kick a droid
Fly the falcon through an asteroid
Till the princess is annoyed
This is spaceships, it's monsters, it's Star Wars, we love it!

Come and help me, Obi-Wan
X-wing fighter and a blaster gun
Dance with Ewoks, oh what fun!
This is spaceships, it's monsters, it's Star Wars, we love it!

[Super Han]
Get in there you big, furry oaf
I couldn't care less what you smell
I take orders from only me
Maybe you'd like it back in your cell
Your Highness, your worshipfulness, your highness, your worshipfulness

No one cares if you upset a droid
(nobody cares if you upset a droid)
That's because droids don't tear your arms out of socket.
(nobody cares)
I suggest a new strategy: let the Wookie win
That's because nobody cares if you upset a droid.

[ET the DiscoTerrestrial]
Now we listen to Luke whining:
One more season... One more season... One more season... One more season...

I was gonna go to Tosche Station for power converters
Now I guess I'm going nowhere.
It just isn't fair.

[Jaws: the Wookiee]
Woooooookiee (repeat)

Someone move this walking carpet (repeat)

Kiss your brother, Kiss your brother (repeat)

Princess Leia
Well I guess you don't know anything about women.

Who's your daddy? (repeat)

[Jurassic Darth]
Luke, I'm your father
(That's not true!)
It is useless to resist
(My hand!)
Come with me my son, We will rule
(I'll never join you!)
Search your feelings it is true

So you have a twin sister
Who Obi-Wan was wise to hide
(Is that Leia?)
If you will not turn
Then perhaps she will
Give in to your hate
You are mine

Long Long Long Time ago... Far Far Far Far Away

Long Long Long Time Ago, Far Far Far Away (repeat)

Kiss a wookie
Kick a droid
Fly the falcon
Through an asteroid
Till the princess is annoyed
(She's annoyed!)
This is spaceships, it's monsters, it's Star Wars, we love it, it's true

Episode 3
Coming to you
In 2005

So Let's go
(go go go to the movies)
Stand in line
(buy buy buy me some popcorn)
Cause it's al-
(please I'd like extra butter)
most the time
(Join the dark side...)
May the Force be with you all

John Williams is the man

Birder Pillows!

Sadly, some of my couch pillows did not survive the stomach flu season...ugh! So, I made some new ones...I'm especially proud of the bird silhouettes. That's trickier than I anticipated. I hope they last a little while.
I used fabric paint to put in the woodpecker's log...cuz he looked silly without it. I'm guessing these pillows will have one life...cuz washing probably isn't going to work well.
The checkered fabric is from my kitchen curtains in the other house. My one kitchen window in this house demanded a valance so...I held on to the checkered curtains I'd made. Truthfully, they were the first curtains I ever made. I made them for the little cottage (30 X 30?) I lived in alone before I was married. I'm glad that I was able to continue the fabric's legacy...*sniff...sniff...
These really make me happy! *Sigh...I love birdies...but filling the bird feeder...not so much!

Caffeinated Randomness: Challenge and Comfort...

To be totally random...I thought I'd start with a quote and scripture that have totally slapped me in face today.

"A sentence from Psalm 101 has been both challenging and convicting for me: 'I will walk in my house with blameless heart' (Psalm 101-2, NIV). When God speaks to me about being more loving, this verse reminds me to make application in my family first—and then to others. It forces me to ask, 'Am I more spiritual, more loving, or more fun somewhere else? Who gets my best—my family or others?'" -- Jean Fleming, A Mother’s Heart

AND then...randomly...share a picture of my redheaded woodpecker. I've had pilated, hairy and downy woodpeckers for years...but this is my first redhead! Isn't he/she pretty? I know, it's hard to see...but they are pretty elusive and it was snowing pretty hard when I took this picture. In the second picture you can see a downy woodpecker too...and a cardinal in the hedgerow if you really look back!
And my last helpfully caffeinated random comfort for the day is...a lovely chuck roast...
...and fresh bread...*sigh*....

Melt in your mouth Chuck Roast

by Bette McCumber
Ingredients

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 medium green pepper, sliced
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (2 to 3 pounds)
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4-1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water

Directions

• Place the onion, green pepper and celery in a 5-qt. slow cooker; add the roast. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, broth, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, soy sauce, pepper and pepper flakes; pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender.
• Remove meat and vegetables; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking juices if necessary; transfer to a small saucepan. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with roast. Yield: 6 servings.

Recipe from the JAN/FEB 2010 issue of Simple and Delicious Magazine

Over The Top!!!

Brace yourselves....I just won my very first BLOG AWARD...ever! I'm so tickled. Critty Joy listed me among her favorite bloggers. Here are the rules (man, I'm so new to this...I didn't even know there were rules):

Use only one word answer the questions, pass along to six favorite bloggers, and tell 'em you did so.

1. Where is your cell phone? Charger

2. Your hair? Scarfed

3. Your mother? Fun

4. Your father? Godly

5. Your favorite food? Steak

6. Your dream last night? Odd.

7. Your favorite drink? Coffee.

8. Your dream/goal? Listener.

9. What room are you in? Study.

10. Your hobby? Reading

11. Your fear? Failure.

12. Where do you want to be in six years? Teaching

13. Where were you last night? Church

14. Something that you aren't? Quiet.

15. Muffins? Blueberry.

16. Wish list item? Laptop (MAC).

17. Where did you grow up? New York (Upstate).

18. Last thing you did? Breakfast.

19. What are you wearing? Fleece.

20. Your TV? Cartooning.

21. Your pets? Anoles.

22. Friends? Smiles.

23. Your life? Yo-yo.

24. Your mood? Anticipating

25. Missing someone? Many.

26. Vehicle? Van.

27. Something you're not wearing? Gloves

28. Your favorite store? Goodwill

29. Your favorite color? Blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? 6 AM

31. Last time you cried? yesterday

32. Your best friend?(s) Christ-like

33. One place that I could go over and over? Lake

34. One person who emails you regularly? Kerry

35. Favorite place to eat? Cracker Barrel

Now for six of my favorite bloggers...Some of these ladies I've known as long as I've been blogging...some are relatively new to me...but all are GOOD. Although they vary in life stages and abilities...they are all genuine...and that counts for a lot. Thanks again Christy!

Kayren

Barbara

Beckie

E-Mom

Andrea

Janna

Word FILLED Wednesday: Obedient Servant...

It is hard, perhaps especially for a mother of small children, not to feel squashed and put upon in the role of motherhood. It's all about being a SERVANT. Of course, I KNOW that there is nothing better in God's sight...

Matthew 20:25-28, "Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Some days...amid the laundry, and the needy whiners, and the million "hold you mommies"...sometimes it helps to think of this verse above. It helps me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing. It helps me remember who is OVER me...and yet comforts me.

Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,"

2 Cor. 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Obedience, in action and attitude...it's so instructive...and so hard. I think maybe Oswald Chambers expressed it best...

"There is only one golden rule for spiritual discernment, and that is obedience. We learn more by five minutes' obedience than by ten years' study."

Tube Tuesday: Deep, deep love of Jesus!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Your love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To Your glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Spread His praise from shore to shore,
How His love is never-ending,
And it changes nevermore;
How He watches o’er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He’s interceding,
Watching o’er them from the throne.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev’ry love the best:
‘Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
‘Tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
With You evermore to be.

by Samuel Francis

I've had several comments about Tube Tuesday recently...about truly developing it as my Meme, my creation, adding Mr. Linky, etc. I thought about it...and decided I'd throw the opportunity out there...to see if it's worth going to any hassle. So, leave a comment if you'd like me to make this Meme official...give me a link to your favorite Tube Tuesday. My desire in creating it was more to share the quirky, eclectic side of me...and for an excuse to browse about You Tube and Tangle..but we'll see...

Thankfully Restored...

"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)
Yes, it's been a very harrowing New Year for our family already. We managed to get the dreaded stomach bug that seems to be floating about our church...flattening everyone in it's wake.

"O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You have healed me." (Psalm 30:2)
I've had a few epiphanies of my own throughout this experience though...for example...it's much better to be sick yourself than for your young children to be sick. Yes, yes...because it's hard to watch them suffer...but also...it's just hard to clean up after them. Ugh! I lost a throw rug in this battle! Poor thing will never be the same...

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds ... Great is our Lord, and mighty in power ..." (Psalm 147:3)
Of course, you know my sick (haha) sense of humor thought of countless funnies amid the flood of fluids. I thought it was sort of ironic. I mean, I talked about wanting to start the year on bended knees...reverently before God...giving Him control....

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
...just didn't anticipate the cold porcelain kneeling bench! HA!

"But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." (Psalm 24:10)
Thankfully, we are all back on the mend again...and just for the record...I haven't missed a day on my Bible reading schedule yet! Yeah!