WordFILLED Wednesday: Forgiveness...

After my bookworm revelations of yesterday...I now will admit that I read many, many Christian non-fiction books at a time. If you're like me you are given a book here, buy a book there, borrow a book here...and they all seem to be half way read.

I think I read them all at the same time for numerous reason. One, they are often rather deep and I cannot digest any more than a few chunks at a time. Two, I'm trying to conquer them with some amount of speed so that I remember who they belong to, etc. etc. Anyhew...

You know how God often repeats himself in scripture? Yeah, well...He does that in my life too. I'm not a really good listener...ahem. (Probably a lesson there in my level of patience in dealing with my rather similar 2 year old.) So, in my Bible Studies and in my many works of half read non-fiction...one theme has come glaring through this week...FORGIVENESS.

I know, ewwwww!

So, seeing as I do realize the warning at the end of the passage in Matthew...I decided I better really examine this out in my life. I don't want ANYTHING between me and God! ANYTHING!! And...it was there...that situation of several years past (yes, years) that had raised it's ugly head. Yes, I'd forgiven initially...but when slander, offenses and what-have-you continued...instead of forgiving I had gulped down that root of bitterness and nurtured it into a great, furry beastie! I had even found myself some "friends" who themselves had similar beasties to help nurture my beastie. Not the kind of friends you want folks...you want friends who tell you what GOD'S WORD SAYS!!! If someone pats your furry sin on the head and says, "Oh, I understand...he is just like mine." A doo run, run, run!!!

So, I re-forgave...and it's so freeing. BUT here is the thing I want to share...sort of my most recent revelation on forgiveness... If we picture God's forgiveness to us when we forgive others (which we should)...we must forgive like God...AND THAT MEANS...
-covering all our sins
-blessing us as if we'd done nothing wrong

I know....Ouch, ouch, ouch!!!

So, do you care more deeply for someone after you've forgiven them? You should. You should be praying that God will bless them! Yup, you read that right...BLESS THEM!!

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

To Join WFW today head over to Amydeanne's...HERE! It occurs to me that I could have posted a very Easter post today...but oh well...this was on my heart instead. Probably a reason for that too!

Tube Tuesday: Veggie Easter!

The Oddities of a Bookworm!

I think I must be a bit unusual when it comes to my reading seasons. For me every season finds me never without a book...and have my nose buried in one incessantly. But, I do find major changes in which seasons I read fiction versus non fiction. There is also a direct correlation between the quantity of my reading and the quality of my housekeeping skillz.

For me SPRING is a big fiction reading season...because my Sweet Boobahs want to be outside. They no longer require my constant physical presence...but do require my watchful eye...so, I can cart about a book and read while they play. I spend a lot of time in the hammock or on the screen porch while they shovel sand, swing and blow bubbles.

My Sweet Loverbrains suggested that I might be "unreachable in my literary world" but I assure you that I can keep up with both worlds just fine. Thank you! Don't worry...crying or screaming definitely get my attention. Haha! I read fiction because it is easier to read in an "unfocused, MomE" sort of way. I can read a few paragraphs and still be understanding where it's all going.

WINTER is what I'd figure is most people's "snuggle up and read" season. When the kids are cooped up though...it's anything but restful and quiet reading time for me. I do enjoy deeper nonfiction reading though. It sort of goes with my "brooding, gray" mood. I can read a small portion and dwell on it and chew on it for days.

What's in my Spring lineup...some fun vintage British mysteries! I am taking a slight hiatus from my Agatha Christie goal (I'm gonna read them all in 2010)...I'm now reading...

Jane and His Lordship's Legacy by Stephanie Barron
Tell Me, Pretty Maiden by Rhys Bowen
Death of a Gentle Lady by M.C. Beaton
(if you haven't read her Agatha Raisin series your missing out on some laughs)

So, in case anyone was wondering about my bookworm tendancies...now ya know!

What are ya'll reading?...Any good mystery suggestions for me??

Caffeinated Randomness: Spring Rains...

Caffeinated Randomness fits me so well...every Friday! It's hilarious...any other day, I'm not sure I could be so random. Hey, I heard that snicker!! Okay, first cup of coffee *slurp*....

I don't particularly like rainy days. I know, I'm probably not alone there, right? Anyhew, I was just kind of struck by how Spring rains are so purposeful. Yes, yes...all rain waters the earth...yeah, I know. BUT Spring rain...washes those little red pods off the trees so the leaves can spread out and flowers can bloom. It washes away all the winter salt and gunk. (Yes, gunk is a word!) It wakes up the froggies and fishes by riling up the ponds and lakes. It probably wakes up the worms too...to feed all those early robins!

Oh, before I forget *GASP*....my Loverbrains is a wonderful, genius!!! Our washing machine is fixed. Yeah, happy little Bobbi dance! Now, I get to tackle all the mountains of laundry!! Er, yeah....hahaha! Thanks to all who prayed. I prayed all day yesterday after the part came (and I practically hugged the FedEx man) that I'd have a proper attitude if the part did not work. Like I said before...this was a big lesson in trusting him...and HIM! But, praise the LORD, He allowed the part to be "plugged in" within a half hour...and SPIN *warp speed*...it WORKS!!!

Tonight is a date night *I know could this just get anymore randomly exciting?*...I'm so excited. I already have my clothes picked out. With battening down the hatches...we really need to get out! Italian food...and maybe Cheesecake for dessert. Ummmmm...

I guess I'll wrap up by randomly saying that it's gonna be sunny today...but a high about 20 degrees lower than our usual lately. So, the Sweet Boobahs will be after me all day to go outside and play. They'll think I'm being mean when I say it's too cold. I'll hold them off until after naps...when the sun hits the backyard and raises it about 10 degrees. Then, they'll go outside...and their little noses will run...and they'll complain about being cold. No, I don't have ESP...just BTDT. Incidentally, BTDT appeared in my comments lately...and it took me three days to figure out what it meant! HAHAHA!

All my love to you chiccies...here's hoping your weekend is filled with random love and funtimes!!

Deep Thoughts in my Coffee Cup

I love hearing a good quote and then hunting it down and reading the entire article that goes with it. Yes, most of this is because I'm paranoid and don't want to recommend or accept something that isn't the gospel truth...ie. the BIBLE. It does make for some interesting reading though. Depending on the era...it can make for some deep thinking too.

My most recent hunt was for, "A keen observer once said to me, "You Christians seem to have a religion that makes you miserable. You are like a man with a headache. He does not want to get rid of his head, but it hurts him to keep it. You cannot expect outsiders to seek earnestly for anything so uncomfortable."

Now, if you choose to be a mighty quote hunter like myself...you need to scribble down key words so that you don't drive yourself mad looking them up on Mr. Google. For this one I managed to grasp "keen observer" and the concept of a headache but can't get rid of head. It still took some searching. Plus, I wondered who in the world wrote this...

Turns out to be...an article by Hannah Whitall Smith...who I didn't know anything about. Segue into her bio....she was a saved Quaker who wrote "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" in 1870. I love this bio blip..."Smith was by no means a dour servant of Christ but rather, her life expressed the joy found in complete surrender." Just a good reminder to SMILE...if you are truly filled with JOY!!!

To sum up her article. She challenges whether a Christian can have, not just forgiveness of sin, but freedom from sin. "But you will say that no man can redeem himself by his own power, and no man can live without sin. Amen to that. But if men tell us that God's power cannot help us and redeem us out of sin, we cannot accept it!"

Of course, there is a good quote within the quote...where she quotes Dr. Chalmers..."We can now walk before God in peace and graciousness. How can we believe that God would be allied with a persistent sinner? How will we, recover from such a catastrophe, continue that which first involved us in it? The cross of Christ, by the same mighty and decisive stroke with which it took the curse of sin away from us, also surely takes away the power and the love of sin."

So, that's my deep thoughts in my cuppa for today. Grab yourself and fresh, warm cup and read it...after you've read your BIBLE (first things, first)...here ya go!

____
Sadly, it has come to my attention that Ms. Smith's life ended with her not understanding this truth, that she herself wrote about. She became deceived and a full supporter of the Universal Church Movement...a proclaimed heretic, not hero. It is truly sad to discover that she didn't fully grasp the truth of "happiness versus holiness" for after reading more deeply about her...I'm sure that the truth of that doctrine could have comforted her during her very sad and troubled last days. To read more of her gritty ending...go here! I'm not deleting this post...as I feel that this particular article holds important thoughts for every true believer.

"An examination of Smith and her book is not complete without asking if the goal of the Christian life is happiness or holiness. Our days might be bitter, but God’s love remains sweet. In the light of the admissions by the Apostle Paul of times that even he was temporarily “cast down” (2 Corinthians 7), we cannot expect to be happy constantly until we get to heaven."
~Personal Freedom Outreach

picture courtesy of farm1.static.flickr.com

WordFILLED Wednesday: Spring Sheep!

My Shepherd...cares for me with love and compassion. I matter to him..and so do you. Even when we try to run away, intentionally or unintentionally, he uses his rod and staff to guide us back to the right path.

My Shepherd...knows me. He knows every single one of His sheep...by name. He loses none of His sheep...ever! Maybe more importantly, I know my Shepherd's voice. The more you hear a voice...the more easily you recognize it!

My Shepherd...died for me. He became a lamb. He put himself between me and the predator of sin. He actually died to prevent me from experiences eternal separation from Him.

My Shepherd...became a lamb. Bleeding from thorns meant for me. Sacrificed on an altar, called Calvary. My Shepherd...became a lamb!!

Please join WFW...at Forever His!

Tube Tuesday: Thoughts on Holy Week!

I spent a lot of time looking for a good Easter/Palm Sunday video. Let's just say there's not a lot out there! This one made me cry...and think a lot of things.

I wonder what ever happened with the servant of the high priest? He was miraculously healed by Jesus during his arrest. FYI- Peter didn't mean to cut his ear off, ya know...he meant to split his head in two! Not that it matters...but I wonder if he ever became a follower of Jesus.

Mary pondered things in her heart. I wonder how much she remembered from his birth and childhood that she put together at the end. WOW! Heartbreaking...to this mother's heart!!

Even though it's not really in this video...I want to remind you that the reason Palm Sunday or the Triumphal Entry is soooo important isn't that they hailed him as King and then crucified him later exactly. That day...the day of the Triumphal Entry was right before Passover. The Jews didn't know it but they were choosing their Passover Lamb...Jesus Christ!!! They screamed it over and over...

"Hosanna!" means, "Hooray for salvation! It's coming! It's here! Salvation! Salvation!"

And "Hosanna to the Son of David!" means, "The Son of David is our salvation! Hooray for the king! Salvation belongs to the king!"

And "Hosanna in the highest!" means, "Let all the angels in heaven join the song of praise. Salvation! Salvation! Let the highest heaven sing the song!" ~JP

Just a brief ending note...I liked this video until the very end...where they sign it as "Your bff, Jesus"...Am I the only one who finds that slightly irreverent? I mean, yes...I can see how technically He is your best friend forever...but He's also GOD, folks!! I guess it's the same reason I don't like people calling him the "man upstairs." Anyhew...just my two cents...for what it's worth!

Washer Repair...true lessons in trust and submission!

I could jokingly say, "See? This is what happens when your washer breaks and your husband is a process engineer!" I could...but I won't...cuz there was a much bigger lesson for me this weekend...
and NO the washer isn't fixed yet.
After some recent not so fun rollercoaster rides with WORRY...I just knew all day laundry day...as load after load didn't spin out...that I was to PRAY and not WORRY! I prayed with each load that I rung out by hand. It's amazing all the scripture that comes to mind when you focus on praying and NOT worrying.
Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
I even calmly told my Loverbrains about the problem... and requested prayer for our silly washer...our pretty new, very computerized washer...
So, the sweet Loverbrains then decided to take the washer apart...and trouble shoot it himself with the little manual they put in the back. I started to flail and flounder at this point, I'll admit. I might have called my parents and tried to pull points on "even my Mr. Fixit Dad doesn't fix computerized stuff." Of course, that backfired badly cuz my parents obnoxiously support our marriage...and told me to TRUST my husband..."after all he is a process engineer, dear! If he thinks he can do it, you need to listen to him." So, I tried to back off...and lay it down with God...er, again!
So, it turns out Mr. Loverbrains has already saved us about $200 in parts and service fees...and through the sacrifice of his sleep and research...is ordering our new part today. The biggest hurdle between now and then...is to be truly thankful...and to LEARN to really trust in the future. I should point out...that even if it all doesn't work, this is still a good lesson for me...to submit to his way of doing things...no matter how foreign and frustrating it might be at the time. AND...to submit to HIS way of doing things!

God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!!

Caffeinated Randomness: Where's da moon?

picture by Springleap Flickr

So, seeing as I've only had one cup of coffee so far...I shall begin by saying the above is the coolest latte I have ever seen! I don't know if I could drink this one. Anyhew...my Sweet Son saw it and said, "Where's da moon?" Cuz...well...he's sort of in love with the moon these days. With our recent time change (ugh, spit and grumble) he's been seeing the moon rising on the sunset horizon as we exit church or other evening activities. He goes on and on (and on and on) about it the whole way home. We turn a corner and he says, "Where's da moon?" He's even got his sister into the action. So, if you're in Indy and you happen to see me drive past at night...and my kids are hanging out of their car seats looking up at the sky...now you know!!

This weekend is an exercise in not being disappointed but rejoicing in God's good plan. Due to a whole heaping lot of work stress for Loverbrains...we have "battened down the hatches" and decided to cancel all family trips, etc. until the "storm" has passed. There is some guilt associated with this...which thankfully our families have dispelled with their amazing understanding and love. There is some disappointment in this...cuz we love our families and would like to see them...and our children to see them...but there will be other times. Right?

And...you know what??? God's plan is GOOD!! I know, big shocker. It's almost like I've never read Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Last, but randomly not least, I started playing a game with my Curious Georgette that I played with my mother when I was little. I whisper, "Hey, Emmy...guess what?" She gets all excited and I whisper, "I. LOVE. YOU." The really cool thing...after doing this and getting her giggles for many a time...She has started doing it back. She said to her DadE last night....*whisper*..."DadE...wanna know a secret?" He said "What?" and she smiled her cheesiest smile and said, "I loves you!!" Awwww!

So, that's it for my caffeinated randomness...mostly cuz I need to go get another cuppa of caffeinated. Oh, you poor dearies on decaf...I'm amazed and in awe!

Go visit Andrea to view the other zany CRs...FYI...She was wonderful at A Woman Inspired Conference Wednesday....and just a quick shout out...the conference is rocking this Domestic Engineer's socks off! God is so good!!

Garage Sale Treasures in Heaven...

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt. 5:19-20

I pondered this verse today while I stopped at a few garage sales. The one was totally "my kind of garage sale." They weren't trying to sell old junk for at-cost prices. Nope, these people were moving...and practically giving stuffs away. I got 15 Mercer Mayer books for 50 cents...and a lap quilt (handquilted Mom) and antique chair for a combined $13. Woohoo.

The more I look at the verse above...the more convicted I am about what it means to be a good steward. I can say that I question all purchases closely these days. I'm much more selective...at garage sales. Retail...oh, I'm a lost cause to retail stores. Sorry. I buy name brand clothes, toys, purses, etc. for a literal fraction of the cost. No joke...I bought three shirts at GW and went home and looked them up online and discovered that I'd paid one tenth of the store cost. WOW! I jokingly say that I "exchange" with Goodwill at a regular rate. I buy it there...and return much of it there...whatever doesn't sell at consignment or go to hand me downs. I can truly say that I'm learning to enjoy being a good steward of what I have been given.

BUT the other big issue that comes up when I meditate on this verse is CONTENTMENT! And sometimes, I want my contentment to be conditional on what God does for me. You know, a big 'ole case of entitlement. I question why God hasn't provided more money, what so and so has, etc. I tell Him, through my discontent, that I'd be happy and praise him if I only had those things. Sometimes, I begrudge current blessings by saying to God..."Well, that's nice but I could be happier still if I had THAT." Seems like everytime I get that way...I'm strongly admonished to count my blessings.

AND...oh, the blessings are so vast! What comes out is that the things I think would make me content...stuffs, stuffs and more stuffs...are not what make me so incredibly blessed. It's the things with ETERNAL value...my salvation, my Godly husband, our wonderful family and church family, our beautiful children....

"for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I think it's so easy, maybe especially in America...to feel like I can have all these rights...to earthly treasures and the comfortable life. As Christians, we were never promised that...in fact...

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Tim. 3:12

Not really sure where I'm going with this...just to encourage thoughts of contentment and ETERNAL perspective. I'm not saying anything about good 'ole fashioned junking...call me, I'll go garage saling anytime...but GOD MUST BE FIRST....

Are you being a good steward of what you've been given?

Are you viewing treasures from an eternal perspective?

Word FILLED Wednesday: Keep reading...

When stressed...I find it natural to go to Phil. 4:6-7. For one thing...you can find it in your concordance under worry/anxious...HA! Okay, well...maybe I'm the only one who's mind totally freezes on references. Anyhew...for a reminder...it says...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

But...lately some things have been soooo stressful...that as I was reading...I just felt nudged to start at the beginning and keep reading!

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Emphasis Mine

Gee, well...no wonder God put that all together!! It really pushed me to the next step. You know when things are hard and people tell you to focus outward, on others, to get through your own difficulty? Well, that's what this is like...after praying and praising...I'm supposed to focus on the things (God's provided for me to see)...that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, worthy of praise! Then...comes peace!

My Mom cross stitched this verse out for me when I went to college. She sent me out with the message, "Think on these things." I've had it by my TV...a good place to be reminded. I moved it recently to the foyer. I see it just as I enter or leave our home. It must be God's timing. Providential!! Lately, when I flutter in or out...it is just what I need...to be reminded...that there is peace in focusing (or refocusing) on what "these things."

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Keep Reading!


Join WFW---with Critty Joy!

Tube Tuesday: Prosperity Gospel...

Find rest...

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Selah
Psalm 62:5-8

www.awomaninspiredconference.org

Complete in Thee

Caffeinated Randomness: Yogurt, Detergent and Worry...

photo by ecurry.com

How is that subject for caffeinated randomness? AND...I've only had one cup of coffee so far...haha! Truthfully, I've started letting the "cat out of the bag" that I've gone all "little house on the prairie" and started making my own yogurt, laundry soap and bread. So, now I get questions and desperate pleas from those trying these things out for themselves.

My poor friend Kayren searched all over my blog archives looking for the yogurt recipe and gave up and sent me an exhausted comment requesting it. Well, turns out (as far as I can decipher) I never posted the actual recipe. I just said that I'd made my own yogurt. Sorry!!

It's super easy though... Slowly heat one gallon of milk...stirring often. When it reaches 185F...put it into an ice bath (sink full of ice and water) and bring the temp down to 115F. Add your powder culture or a few tablespoons of plain yogurt...stir well! Transfer into an igloo 2 gallon cooler and leave for 8 hours (or overnight). Voila! You now have yogurt.

Transfer to containers that fit into your fridge and chill before eating. I buy powder culture from Dairy Connection because I feel it's stronger and purer but have friends who use the plain yogurt method too. If you're like me and want the end result thicker add 1 c. powder milk during the heating up process. You can add flavor (ie. vanilla, coconut, etc.) when you add your culture. I don't...cuz I prefer to add fresh fruit or muesli to mine. Healthier ya know...*snort...hehehe!

I did post about the laundry detergent (but over at MomE & Loving It...cuz I like to keep myself on my toes when it comes to linking things...argh!) I LOVE this recipe and I save sooooo much monies! I even have my parents into this now...even though their's turns out really gloopy and jello-like. FYI---if you try this recipe and it does become gelled, don't worry. It has something to do with the washing soda quality control and water type (hard/soft). Everything I've read and heard says it doesn't effect the washing power of the detergent. Just scoop it on out and use a glob! I do encourage vinegar for your rinse cycle...but I'd encourage that regardless of what detergent you use...cuz it ensures the soap washes clean of the clothes. NO, you can't tell...I do not smell like a pickle! *sniff, sniff...

Oh, and worry?...where was I going with that you might wonder?? I heard something great in my church's ladies bible study...Refresh Your Heart by Claudia Barba. I wanted to share it with you...."Disciplined thought moves in a straight line through a tangle of difficulties to possible solutions. Worry is a swirling tornado of thoughts centered on fear. They repeat themselves over and over, making you dizzy but accomplishing nothing else. When fretful thoughts begin to sound familiar, that's worry."

Prayer...what it is & what it isn't...

"Prayer is a wartime walkie talkie, not a domestic intercom...
It is for advancing the mission, not calling the butler to turn up the thermostat."
~John Piper

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my prayer life. I've finally been really committed to getting up early to make time for prayer...and then, I find myself all knotted up about how I'm praying. Journalling seems a "no brainer" cuz it insures I stay awake at that very early hour in the morning. Should I use ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) or PRAY (praise, repent, ask, yield)? If I spend too much time on any one thing...I'll never get done. I mean...really praising God can be endless...and repentance, oh my...once I get started...ewww!

Around the time I'm frustrated with the "process" issues...I'm reminded that the Bible says, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes. 5:16-18 and I know that is true. If the kids wake before I'm done...I can pray throughout my day too. It's not like I'm cornered into a 60 minute conversation with God. Duh! Yet, I still want that time to be special. I mean, there isn't a lot of quiet, just me, time to offer.

Then, I read this...
"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." John 16:24 So, what are the requirements for prayer? Being quiet and listening. Remembering it is a privilege. Most important, we must come identified with Christ. The unsaved might get a prayer answered...but we have full access! Next, we must pray in HIS name; remembering this is based on HIS merit, not mine. I have no entitlement. I am to humbly ask. Finally, we are to pray in line with Christ's character and objectives. HIS WILL! We need to see our circumstances through HIS eyes.

I feel soooo humbled. It's like a light-bulb went on. I vocally share disdain for the "name it, claim it" crew that use this verse to try to pigeon hole God into giving them what they desire. But how different am I really? Seeing things through God's eyes means NOT praying for an easy, healthy life...something I dwell on ALOT.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:23

Our prayers are answered in proportion to how God's Word shapes our requests. Peace and trouble do not negate each other. I think there are people out there preaching that this says, "take heart and YOU will overcome the world." WRONG!!! GOD has overcome the world.

So, I'm working on a new approach...stopping and listening...and trying to see my circumstances through HIS eyes. I love the Piper quote at the top of this post...I briefly talked to my Dad about it...and he said, "We pray better when we are pressured more." I guess, I really should be praying for more pressure. Eeeek! Guess I should pray for courage too!

pictures courtesy of smashingmagazine.com and channel4.com

Word FILLED Wednesday: Truth, grace & soap...

I'm sure many of you are scratching your head looking at my WFW...soap...hmmmm? Well, this is one of my favorite verses of all time.

Recently it was brought to my attention that soap is essentially two parts...caustic and viscous. The caustic part represents TRUTH. Just as the caustic part of soap stirs up the dirt, so truth (law) stirs up sin. The viscous (slippery) part represents GRACE. Just as the slippery soap washes away dirt, so by the grace of God our sins are washed away.

The more I thought about it...a funny thought struck me. Some people (like me, myself and I) are strong on TRUTH and weak on GRACE...I can tell you what's wrong but might not be able to lead you to the One who'll wash it away because my tone, approach, etc. is not tempered with God's GRACE. Some people are strong on worldly GRACE and weak on TRUTH...they are so sensitive to feelings that they don't get to the truth of Jesus Christ, the ONLY way...the Savior from sins.

And just for the record...it doesn't always work to be quiet anymore. I sometimes will sit in a group (let's say a Bible Study) and I'll think..."Just be quiet...you don't need to point that out...breathe..." and then someone will point me out and say, "Hey, Bobbi...I'll bet you have some thoughts on this issue." At moments like that I just pray, "Oh God help me..."

I've had a rather high adrenaline week...you know the kind where you would have produced less stress had you practiced more FAITH and TRUST... Through the trying week and my Bible study I was reminded that the Holy Spirit guides the believer into all truth to bring glory to Jesus Christ!

So, what truth of Scripture do you need soaped?
To whom are you to speak truth? In what circumstance?

Join WFW over with Lori where its all you have to give.

Tube Tuesday: Post Christmas Thoughts

In my search for great Tube Tuesday footage...I came across these two. Yes, I know it's post Christmas but they are good and thought provoking.

He's Always Been Faithful To Me...

Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed, in
awe of the mystery of his perfect ways

CHORUS:
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me

I can't remember a trial or a pain he did
not recycle to bring me gain. I can't
remember one single regret in serving
God only and trusting his hand

CHORUS

This is my anthem, this is my song, the
theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.

CHORUS

Caffeinated Randomness: Spring to my step...

Okay, yes....YES...I do know that it is not technically Spring until the 21st...but when I flip the calendar to March...I do a little happy dance. I change all the decor in my house to Spring/Easter...and I smile and have a spring to my step (pun intended). It's strange...cuz it's totally psychological, right? I mean...it's still pretty cold and there's snow on the ground. Doesn't matter to me....

Yesterday, I picked up a LOT of sticks in our yard...that the WINTER knocked out of the trees...and taught my Sweet Boobahs to kick the clumps of snow. I explained that if you spread it around it'll melt faster!! Hahaha!

Today, I'm breaking out the bikes they got for Christmas. They'll be soooo excited! I hope I can help everyone...There are certain activities that force a mother to have her attention on too many things at once, no matter how organized she may be....

I'm still flying high on the wings of yesterday's lovely honor. I'm heading over to check out ALL 99...cuz I just think I should. I happen to know quite a few...and consider them my friends...and that is sooo nice! I'm so tickled to be considered a beautiful cup blog...and I so desire to send off a beautiful aroma to God in EVERYTHING I do!

Happy early SPRING... from your crazy little friend... on this highly caffeinated Friday!

I'm shocked and delighted...

...because today I was notified that...
I was nominated within the Caffeinated Blog category...that said...
"This is a high energy blog! Perhaps she is a mom to a dozen or a woman who is wearing many hats. Her energy and enthusiasm shine through on her blog."

Isn't that just nice!? Thank you to everyone who voted for me...I'm tickled pink! To check out the other fabulous 99 visit at Internet Cafe.

Springtime Reading!!

It's Spring...Okay...for me MARCH is Spring!! Anyhew...I always do a bunch of reading in the Springtime. I do a bunch of reading all the time...but with the kids playing outside and my not being able to leave them alone to craft, bake or do other things...I grab a book and pick a seat outside...and I read.
I've mentioned my desire to read all the christian biographies and autobiographies I can get my hands on. One of my New Year's goals is to read all of them in our small church library. I want to encourage every christian to read them...because they are inspiring and can really change your perspective.

Our Pastor shared Charles Spurgeon's conversion story last Sunday. I liked it so much I asked him for it...and here's the LINK...I hope reading this short blip of a bio will inspire you to read more.

Some stories I've enjoyed so far are....
A Chance To Die by Amy Carmichael
Hymn Writers and Their Hymns by Faith Cook
Her Heart Can See about Fanny Crosby

A while back I wrote about a bunch I'd read...probably the group of books that got me on this reading journey. HERE...

Word FILLED Wednesday: His Likeness...

I sort of chant "slow to anger, abounding in love" to myself these days. My dear, Sweet Boobahs do not like to be told NO and made to obey...big surprise. Since having these children, I have discovered that my selfishness produces a very nasty anger problem. It makes me miserable.

Oh, I want to be like my Lord...slow to anger, abounding in love!

Do you chant any helpful verses to yourself during the day?

To check out all the other neat WFW posts head over to....PennyRaine....

Tube Tuesday: Does God Exist?

Marriage Monday...yup, I'm linking my blogs...

Generally, I try not to over link my two blogs...but today I blogged about the importance of prayer in marriage...a newly recommitted truth in my life...and I want to share with you. I have deliberately chosen to post my Marriage Monday posts over at MomE & Loving It because I want to make a POINT that marriage comes before MomE....and God comes before both. Join me HERE...and to join Chrysalis, click the button below.




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