God is... I AM
So, I propose that God indeed listed the first Facebook status, thousands of years before there was a Facebook. It seems that even He knew the importance of sharing who He was and what He was doing. I ask myself why, and it seems that I need to be reminded who He is and what He is doing. I somehow begin to think that the world is all about me, and...it's not. Are you perhaps the same way? It seems that King David of Israel was the same way. He details God's status often, especially as he works through his "issues." Just read a little of Psalms to see.
My favorite Psalm today (yes, they change daily, sometimes weekly) is Psalm 145, and this Psalm details much of God's "Facebook" statuses:
....God is my God. God is the King. God is great. God is doing mighty acts. God is majestic. God is doing wonderful works. God is gracious and compassionate. God is slow to anger. God is rich in love. God is good to all. God has compassion on all He has made. God is faithful to all His promises. God is holding up those who fall. God is giving food at the proper time. God is satisfying the desires of every living thing. God is....
It keeps going and going. If you are like me, you need to be more connected to God's "Facebook" in order to keep things in perspective.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Carry Each Other
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
During the past few weeks, I have been reminded yet again of the need I personally have for others. I really can't do this life on my own. I need my friends' encouragement and prayer! BUT, my friends will never know that if I don't share my needs, my concerns, my weaknesses.
I think we all often try to handle it on our own before we ask for help. We want to see if we can do it first. This week I really want to encourage you to share your needs, your concerns, your weaknesses with someone who can and will support you. Friends cannot help or support if they don't know the need, concern or weaknesses you are facing. I think this is why Paul says in Hebrews, "Let us not give up meeting together..." He is not giving another law or to do item for our week----He is encouraging us to share life together, support each other, help to carry each other through the tough times!
So, if times are tough for you, share your need! Make sure you don't give up meeting with other like-minded people who can support and encourage you. Let's daily pray for each other and help carry the burdens of those around us!
During the past few weeks, I have been reminded yet again of the need I personally have for others. I really can't do this life on my own. I need my friends' encouragement and prayer! BUT, my friends will never know that if I don't share my needs, my concerns, my weaknesses.
I think we all often try to handle it on our own before we ask for help. We want to see if we can do it first. This week I really want to encourage you to share your needs, your concerns, your weaknesses with someone who can and will support you. Friends cannot help or support if they don't know the need, concern or weaknesses you are facing. I think this is why Paul says in Hebrews, "Let us not give up meeting together..." He is not giving another law or to do item for our week----He is encouraging us to share life together, support each other, help to carry each other through the tough times!
So, if times are tough for you, share your need! Make sure you don't give up meeting with other like-minded people who can support and encourage you. Let's daily pray for each other and help carry the burdens of those around us!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Setting up Stones
"Go over before the ark of the Lord you God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:5-7In our crazy lives, God knew we would have trouble remembering His goodness, His faithfulness, and His work in our lives. So, I feel that it is time to set up stones of remembrance. These may not be big, huge events like crossing the floodwaters of the Jordan, but I need to mostly remember His faithfulness in the small things.
So, here's my first stone (at least listed on this blog):
We are going through a financially weak time. Today as I started to mow the yard, I was so thankful for the gas that was there (even though I sort of wished I had an excuse to not mow). Anyway, I started mowing, and kept mowing, and mowed some more. As I finished going down the last lane of unmowed grass in my backyard, the mower started to putter. Suddenly, I realized that I did not refill the gas in the mower which I have to do every time I mow both front and back yards together. God had allowed the one tank to supply what was needed right down to the last blade of grass! Pretty awesome, huh? Don't sweat the small stuff---God's got it covered!
Monday, April 13, 2009
We are the Winners!
"...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39
Even though we have celebrated Easter and Jesus' victory over sin and death, I am still needing the reminder that He has won the victory and that I am not abandoned or separated from Him. As I go through the battles of life, I have to keep these promises before me. He has made us more than conquerors!
Even though we have celebrated Easter and Jesus' victory over sin and death, I am still needing the reminder that He has won the victory and that I am not abandoned or separated from Him. As I go through the battles of life, I have to keep these promises before me. He has made us more than conquerors!
Monday, April 6, 2009
What is Easter?
Last week I saw Jay Leno ask this question to several people on the street. It amazed me how many people mentioned eggs, bunnies, and new life. When Jay would press to see if they knew "why" we celebrated Easter, it amazed me more to hear that people really didn't know! Though some knew it had to do with Jesus, they weren't sure what or why.
This segment totally shocked me, and I felt that I needed to make sure that my children knew the REAL story of Easter. I want to encourage you to take the time this week to make sure your children know the story as well. This is an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about salvation and the reality of what their salvation cost.
In The Teaching Home's recent e-newsletter, they offered a 5-day Easter unit study that explores Scripture, history, crafts, and education about this holiday. Please join me in using the information in this study to not only celebrate, but also educate.
As 1 Timothy 2:4 states, God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Share the truth of Easter and God's ultimate love with those around you this week! Be aware that even though we live in America, there are those who still do not know and have not heard.
This segment totally shocked me, and I felt that I needed to make sure that my children knew the REAL story of Easter. I want to encourage you to take the time this week to make sure your children know the story as well. This is an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about salvation and the reality of what their salvation cost.
In The Teaching Home's recent e-newsletter, they offered a 5-day Easter unit study that explores Scripture, history, crafts, and education about this holiday. Please join me in using the information in this study to not only celebrate, but also educate.
As 1 Timothy 2:4 states, God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Share the truth of Easter and God's ultimate love with those around you this week! Be aware that even though we live in America, there are those who still do not know and have not heard.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Parental Rights Amendment
As a result of the political climate of our country, I have made myself become more aware of the decisions that our Representatives and Senators are making on our behalf. Especially after our recent family field trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg, I am even more sure that God has given us these freedoms, and we really don’t need to take them for granted. Of course, there is only so much that we can do without devoting our every waking moment to watching CNN or Congressional videos.
I have chosen to connect with groups that I trust to do the legwork and let me know if and when I can make a difference. I have been a member of the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) for over 5 years, and I have been impressed with their ability to keep on top of the laws and bills involving not only homeschooling, but also families in general, that are running through Congress and our state legislature. In this past year, HSLDA founded an organization to promote the passing of a Parental Rights Amendment to the Constitution, and please make sure you take some time to visit www.parentalrights.org.
The Parental Rights Amendment would simply guarantee that parents can continue to make decisions regarding the education and upbringing of their children. There is nothing that specifically states this right in the Constitution, and the UN (United Nations) has recently approved a document that states otherwise---giving this right to the government. If the U.S. agrees to abide by the UN’s legislation, then our parental rights would be in jeopardy UNLESS there was a Constitutional amendment that specifically details these rights.
I have agreed to become a 10-and-2 representative and spread the word about this amendment. I would encourage you to sign the petition online, or I have a hard copy you can sign. Also, if you would like to donate as little as $1 to help fund this movement, you can give me that donation or donate online. I also have stamped postcards that you can sign and send to your U.S. Representatives and Senators. These are just a few little things you can do to make a difference and let your voice be heard. In addition, if you would like to be a 10-and-2 representative, you can visit the website for all the details, and I also have an informational sheet as well. Or, you can simply forward this information to as many people as you know!
At least, please sign the petition! Actually anyone aged 13 or over can sign the petition, so get your children involved. This will ultimately effect them anyway.
Thank you for your consideration and action, and if you are moved to become more aware of the political climate, sign up at Congress.org for updates and ways to contact your representatives.
I have chosen to connect with groups that I trust to do the legwork and let me know if and when I can make a difference. I have been a member of the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) for over 5 years, and I have been impressed with their ability to keep on top of the laws and bills involving not only homeschooling, but also families in general, that are running through Congress and our state legislature. In this past year, HSLDA founded an organization to promote the passing of a Parental Rights Amendment to the Constitution, and please make sure you take some time to visit www.parentalrights.org.
The Parental Rights Amendment would simply guarantee that parents can continue to make decisions regarding the education and upbringing of their children. There is nothing that specifically states this right in the Constitution, and the UN (United Nations) has recently approved a document that states otherwise---giving this right to the government. If the U.S. agrees to abide by the UN’s legislation, then our parental rights would be in jeopardy UNLESS there was a Constitutional amendment that specifically details these rights.
I have agreed to become a 10-and-2 representative and spread the word about this amendment. I would encourage you to sign the petition online, or I have a hard copy you can sign. Also, if you would like to donate as little as $1 to help fund this movement, you can give me that donation or donate online. I also have stamped postcards that you can sign and send to your U.S. Representatives and Senators. These are just a few little things you can do to make a difference and let your voice be heard. In addition, if you would like to be a 10-and-2 representative, you can visit the website for all the details, and I also have an informational sheet as well. Or, you can simply forward this information to as many people as you know!
At least, please sign the petition! Actually anyone aged 13 or over can sign the petition, so get your children involved. This will ultimately effect them anyway.
Thank you for your consideration and action, and if you are moved to become more aware of the political climate, sign up at Congress.org for updates and ways to contact your representatives.
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