Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

design

Saturday, December 31, 2011

day 195: A Future of Hope

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

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I hope this last day of 2011 finds you happy, healthy, and excited about the future. 

2012 has been a 'scary year' for years (thanks to the Mayan calendar... my take on it?  They got tired....). It kind of reminds me of Y2K... remember that?  Twelve years ago the whole world was going to end at midnight... yeap, *that* didn't happen (The upside was many people had enough food stockpiled to last them until 2005)

God has plans for us all.  We aren't just flung on this rock without purpose or plan.  His plans aren't for some sort of disaster, but for a future and a hope.

I find that very comforting, especially now. 

As you move forward from one year to another, remember that God looks at our future, not at our past (if you've asked him to forgive you).  Every day is a new day.  Make today the best yet :)

Happy New Year's Eve and be safe:)

God Bless You

Friday, December 30, 2011

day 194: What Makes You Happy?

Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise you, with all of my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

*****************

Someone told me yesterday that I sounded sad in my blog post.  Looking back on it, I guess I was-- though I really have no reason to be.

So, today is a happy post :)

I'd like to leave 2011 on the good side.  I've had a really great year.  Met a lot of goals.  Spent a lot of time with my family.

I'd like to praise Him and be 'filled with joy' because the alternative isn't much fun.

I asked my kids what made them happy:
My 4 year old  Chloe said, "Pet Hamsters." (not that we have any of those lol)

My 6 year old said, "love and kindness and being hugged."..... what more does anyone really need?

God Bless You (Sorry today's post was kinda rambly).

P.S.: My 4 year old said, "Mama, I know what makes you happy... loving me and Katie."  (awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....)



Thursday, December 29, 2011

day 193: Love is...

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud

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Ahhh... I love my kids.  I do. I've been blessed with three awesome ladies.  However, my three awesome ladies get a bit exciteable at times (which is normal).

Sometimes I have to tell them (loudly) to calm down, which I don't like to do.

*Sometimes* I lose my patience...

Do you lose your patience with your kids sometimes?

I don't like when I do. I just want to be happy, jolly, and playful with my girls, but sometimes I have to be stern mama and that isn't fun.

"Love is patient".... It understands that my kids aren't perfect and if they rip the seam on the couch and all of the stuffing comes out, it's ok because the couch can be replaced (eventually...)

"Love is kind".... It understands that above all else, I'm to show an example of Christ-like kindness (even when they are fighting).

"Love is not jealous"... It doesn't judge my family against the ones on facebook or message boards who get a "girls night out" or "date night" every so often.

"Love is not boastful"... It doesn't boast on facebook or message boards about how 'perfect' my family is... (even if they are ;) )

"Love is not proud"... It isn't too self-important that it can't say it's sorry for yelling or losing its temper.

We are all human and make mistakes. But we have to remember that no matter what, our kids look to us to learn how to react in the world.  There is no worse parent feeling than when your kid acts a certain way.... and you know he/she got it from you! :)

*If you are interested in a 1 Corinthians 13 Bible Study, I posted one in September on my other site: Oh, That Mom Again: "What is Love" Bible Study.

*Also, I'm taking blogs for the 'Devotional Directory'. Send me an email at ohthatmomagain (at) yahoo (dot) com if you are interested or put it in the comments section.

God Bless You :)



Wednesday, December 28, 2011

day 192: A work in progress

Colossians 2:19
...... For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

***************
Jedidja left a comment yesterday that really touched me and made me think.  I'd like to focus on the last part today... "My personality is not finished ..."

I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to be 'different': to act differently, to be more calm, less uptight, less aggravated at the small things, more 'lady-like', a softer voice, more patient (all things that would make really good new years resolutions lol) etc. 

I've spent so much time thing to be 'different' that I have no idea what I am. 

Then I read Jedidja's comment and I had to smile.  Of course I'm not who I 'want' to be yet... because God hadn't finished with me!  I have experiences to go through, love to share, things to write, etc.

If you aren't exactly how you want to be, remember that God isn't finished with you yet either.  You are where you are and how you are for a reason. 

God Bless You :)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

day 191: Being Patient

Genesis 29:18
Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told her father, “I’ll work for you for seven years if you’ll give me Rachel, your younger daughter, as my wife.”

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I admit that I'm not a patient person, especially when I have a goal.  I finished the Bible in 90 days in 78 because I couldn't be patient and just follow the plan. 

If I have something I want to do, I feel like I need to do it now! (kinda like the book I'm writing.  I just started it Nov. 1st. I'm on the second draft, but I want it done yesterday lol... I don't seem to have a lot of patience lol).

I couldn't imagine waiting 7 years to get married (my husband and I got married 2 months after we started dating.).  Jacob had patience because he knew the payoff at the end would be worth it... then he had to work another 7 years because Leah's father tricked him.

I was watching 'Left Behind III' last night and (not to give anything away), but one of the main characters was told by God to stay.  To not go be with his dying wife.  To be patient.  That is a hard request and took a lot of faith and patience.

What was the last thing you had to wait for?  Are you a patient person?  Are you like me and try to rush to get something finished?

We should be patient and wait on God because it will be worth it in the end.

Monday, December 26, 2011

day 190: Know it All

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all.

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*Sometimes* I think I know it all.  *On a rare occassion* I think I know better than everyone else in my house and if they don't do what I *know* is right, then things get ugly....

I know that isn't the right way to be, and I'm trying to work on it (I see a New Year's Resolution in the making there...).

No one human knows everything about everything.  Sure, we may have certain understanding that others don't.... we may be 'experts' in our field, but there is always something more to learn.  Some way to grow. 

I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, so (in a certain respect) I *know* more about kids than my husband does... BUT does that mean I know everything or that his opinions don't count?  Of course not. 

Remember, there is always things to learn, an always people who have good ideas around you.  You just have to be willing to listen.

God Bless You :)



Sunday, December 25, 2011

day 189: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, FRIENDS!!!

I hope the day finds you safe, healthy, and praising God for sending us his Son.  Without Jesus, they're would be no Christmas. 

If you don't feel like you have anything or anyone this year, remember that no matter what, God loves you.  He loves you so much that he gave the most important thing he had FOR YOU. 

Presents are nice to get, but only God gave you the present of being saved.  If you haven't recieved it yet, today is a great day to do so :)

Our last song for Christmas this year is "Joy to the World" by Third Day.




Saturday, December 24, 2011

day 188: Silent Night

Luke 2:6-14
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,[a] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (KNJV)

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Sometimes, you can't beat the classics.  While most of the time, I like to use the NIV or NLT translation of the Bible, I love the New King James Version for The Christmas Story. 

While you are opening your gifts tonight/tomorrow, remember the great Gift we could ever have......

While you are rushing around to get to each family member's house, thank God you have a family to get too.

While you are teaching your kids about Santa, don't leave out Jesus.

We need to do our part to keep Jesus in Christmas..... it is his birthday after all :)

Our song for Christmas Eve is "Silent Night" sung by Casting Crowns.



God Bless You :)

Friday, December 23, 2011

day 187: The First Noel

Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The governement will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
 will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's Armies
will make this happen!

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I think it's pretty cool how Isaiah wrote about Jesus long before he was born... long before Mary was even thought of.  Others probably thought he sounded like a nut.  The 'Savior' would be a mighty king or a fierce warrior, would he not?

Isaiah prophecied about the Messiah, but he never got to see him on Earth.  That happens to us sometimes (in a different way).  We work hard to see things happen for God, and we might not see it while we are alive.  That's ok because God has used us to lay the ground work, and God's time is so much more different than ours.

Our Christmas song today is "The First Noel" sung by Elvis :)


God Bless You


Thursday, December 22, 2011

day 186: Angels Sing

Luke 2:13-14
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-- the armies of heaven-- praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the Highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased"

******************

Have you ever seen an angel?  I'm not sure if I have or not.  The other day, my middle daughter said, "Mama, there's a man outside." And there was...

But...

My husband was at work, and it was just me home with 3 little girls.  I was too scared to open the door, and the man left. 

Afterwards, I prayed, "God, I hope that wasn't an angle."

I'm not avocating letting strange people in your house (and I have to admit, I'd probably do the same thing today).  The point is that we never really know where/who is an angel. 

The angels in heaven can appear like these: bright, amazing, and beautiful. Or they can appear as regular, ordinary Joes just passing by. 

Today's song is "Hark the Herold Angel Sing" by Carrie Underwood.



Wednesday, December 21, 2011

day 185: Breath of Heaven

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you![a]
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel[b] forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.[c]
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

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Mary wasn't the most important person in her town.  She was a poor girl who people probably 'knew', but didn't take the time to know.  But God knew her and knew that she was the perfect person to raise his Son. 

The risks to Mary were very real.  If Joseph had decided to not marry her, she could have remained unmarried all of her life.  If her father turned her away, she would have had to beg or sell herself for money.  And if she told the truth about her son being God's son, she'd be labled a crazy person as well.

Even knowing all the risks to being an unwed mother in those days, Mary still told the angel she was God's servant and wanted everything the angel told her to come true.

How many of us would do the same thing today?

Our song today is "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant.


Linked with: Women Living Well Wednesday and Winsome Wednesday

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

day 184: Faithful

Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

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I had a different verse picked out for today, but this one jumped out at me (they tend to do that...).  It has an awesome message though.  Even if everything else in the world was gone, God's faithful love for you (me... us) will remain.  That is a major promise. 

Sometimes we feel like our mountains and hills have disappeared.  We feel like we have nothing left and God had left us...   This verse is a great reminder that He is still there.  He never leaves us.  He is so faithful even when we don't realize it.

Even Isaiah realized that thousands of years ago... why is it so hard for us to remember it in 2011?

Today's Christmas song is 'O Come All Ye Faithful' by Celtic Woman.




God Bless You

Monday, December 19, 2011

day 183: The 12 Days of Christmas.

Romans 1:5
Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

****************************************************************

Part of our Christmas play last night told about the song 'The 12 Days of Christmas' and it's possible Christian meaning.  I say 'possible' because no one knows for certain that it was written for that purpose, but in any case, it can use it to remember what God has done for us and everything he will do.  I thought for today's 365 I'd post the narration part of the play.  I didn't write this.  It was found on different parts of the internet... so if you want to google it, you can.

We sing lots of songs at Christmast time. One of them is the "12 Days of Christmas".  This song counts the days from Christmas to Epiphany.  Some have suggested that it was written in the 16th century in response to the religious wars in England with hidden references to the Christian faith as mnemonic devices to teach young children.  While we can't say for certain that it was written with that intent, it is none-the-less a great reminder of God and his love for us.... We now present to you "The 12 Days of Christmas"... and their Christian meanings....

***On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me.... A Partridge in a Pear Tree

A partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas.  In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem!  Jerusalem!  How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so..." (Luke 13:34)


***On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Two Turtle Doves.

The old and new testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.


***On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Three French Hens

The three theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)


***On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Four Calling Birds

The four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.


***On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Five Golden Rings

The first five books fo the Old testament: Genisis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronmoy, which give the history of humanity's sinfun failure and God's response of grace in the creation of the people to be a light of the world.


***On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Six Geese a-laying

The six days of creation that confess God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1)


***On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Seven Swans a-swimming

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion (Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)


***On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Eight Maids a-milking

The eight Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, those that mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:3-10)


***On the nineth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generousity, Faithfullness, Gentleness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22)



***On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Ten Lords a-leaping

The Ten Commandments: You shall have no other gods before me.  Do not make an idol.  Do not take God's name in vain.  Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.  Honor your father and mother.  Do not murder.  Do not commit adultery.  Do not steal.  Do not bear false witness.  Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)


***On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven faithful Apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James the Greater, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Younger, Simon the Zealot, and Thaddeous.


***On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me.... Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve points of the doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:
*I believe in God, the Father almighty, creater of Heaven and Earth.
*I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord
*He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
*He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into the grave.
*On the third day, he rose again.  He ascended into Heave, and is seated at the right hand of the father.
*He will coem again to judge the living and the dead.
*I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

God Bless You :)

Sunday, December 18, 2011

day 182: Light of the World


““Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.”

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Happy Sunday :)  Today is our Christmas play at church, so we could use lots of prayers for that please.  There is a lot of sickness going around, and we need everyone to be healthy so we can put this on.

Today, I'm not going to type anything like I normally do.  Today, I just want to praise God for everything he'd done for me this year/this week/ even today.  Looking back, I can see how much he's brought me through, and that gives me hope and faith for all of the things he WILL bring me through.  I realize that I worry much  more than I should, and that worry is counterproductive.  God will work everything out in his own way... even if it's not the way I thought it should go. 

I want to thank God for protecting my family and for giving up his boy so we can all go to Heaven some day.  I can't imagine how  hard that had to be.

Today's song is "Jesus, Light of the World" by Third Day.

God Bless You :)



Saturday, December 17, 2011

day 181: When you are just tired...

Hebrews 12:12-13
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

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This isn't exactly the verse I was looking for this morning, but it is a good one none-the-less.  So.... how goes your Christmas shopping/church programs/charity work/etc. so far this year?

I don't mind telling you, I'm tired.  I took all 3 of my girls (6, 4, and 17 mo) Christmas shopping yesterday and while it was very very fun... I'm sore this morning (mainly because all of the buggies were gone at K-mart and I had to lug and/or chase the baby. 

I woke up this morning and my first thought (besides, "Can't the kids sleep a LITTLE longer???") was "I have so much to do today!"  And I do... I have to go to Wal-mart, play practice, clean this house I've been putting off (not that it will look like it later), go sign for a truck we unexpectedly bought, play practice, blogging etc.  I'm tired.

And I don't dare think I'm the most tired person right now because I for certain that isn't the case.  Some of you are dealing with sick family members, money worries, family drama, depression, and just normal/typical Christmas stress.  Let's face it.. it might be the most wonderful time of the year... but it is also the most stressful. 

And it shouldn't be that way.

We, as a people, have made this time so stressful.  While at K-mart, I passed a lady on the cellphone (she had a buggy so *I* t hought she should be grateful lol).  She was complaining to the person on the other side about getting all of this 'c*ap' done so she'd be done with Christmas.... Seriously!?  And to be honest, I'm the same way. Not that I'm looking forward to Christmas being over. (My tree isn't even up yet).  I LOVE Christmas. I love the plays, the stories, watching my kids open their presents, the lights... but the part leading up to it (the crowds, the shopping, the lists, the rude people) THAT gets old.

Is there a point to this post?  Well, when we are tired, who gives us strength?  Who lets us know that its not HIM that has filled our plates full to the brim? We have made Christmas into what it is... when all God wanted was it to be Jesus' birthday.  All of the things I 'have' to do... yeah, I HAVE to do them.  But they aren't the most important thing (even the bills I should be writing now before the mail comes). 

Let's not forget WHY we are running around like a chicken with our heads cut off... the REASON we have Christmas at all.  While we are standing in line at the next store, lets take that time to pray (for ourselves and those rude people around us ;) ).  Sometimes God slows us down, so we can really take time to focus on Him.

Our Christmas song today is "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"... So we can remember not to be Grinch-like this Christmas season. :)


God Bless You

Friday, December 16, 2011

day 180: Spreading the Word

John 1:1-4

1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples.[a] 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.

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This verse stuck out to me this morning.  I got to thinking, if no one told about Jesus being born... who would have known? Maybe Mary and Joseph's immediate family.  The shepherds, wise men, maybe a few neighbors.  He would have just been another child born to another family... and who died 2000 years ago.  It's not like we remember Zebidee's son.

In the bible, we have 2 accounts of Jesus' birth.  Luke said that 'MANY' people had written accounts of his birth.  I'd love to read those other accounts because they helped spread Christianity just like the 2 we have.  MANY people weren't afraid to tell about Jesus.  What if those early disciples had been so afraid of Caesar that they refused to tell anyone?  What if they were all skeptics and thought it was all 'religious hooey'? 

Luke said he investigated... could you imagine interviewing Mary or Joseph and getting an eyewitness account of what had happened? 

Brave people told about Jesus and his birth/word spread all over the world.  God is still doing miracles today... and lots of them.  Are we being brave and spreading the word around like the disciples before us?

Our video today isn't exactly a Christmas song. It's a video that I found on someone's facebook wall (ironic enough). It's if Mary and Joseph had facebook....

God Bless You :)

Thursday, December 15, 2011

day 179: A Child's Faith

Psalm 8:1-2

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.

********************************

My daugher told me the other day, "Mama, I believe in God, in Santa, and in Jesus."  Oh....

Yeah, that is going to be awkward some day.

But to my kids, there is no ifs, ands, or buts... God is God, and he made everything.  They have gone to church (most) of their lives.  We talk about God a lot (and they ask lots of questions that I don't know how to answer....).  They have faith that God is going to take care of them and answer their prayers. 

Here is the 64,000 dollar question.... WHO has taught children and infants to tell of God's strength?



Of course, that video is kind of tongue in cheek (it's from the NBC show 'Community'), but there is one bit of truth in it... SOMEONE needs to tell the kids about God because if you aren't taught, how can you learn?

It's our job as parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc to teach the young kids about Jesus because the world isn't/won't.  I'm a public school teacher and it has always made me laugh when people say that people keep God out of schools... as if a PERSON could keep God out of anywhere (he is GOD after all....). I don't have to mention God in my room.  My kids who go to church or have religious family members talk about Him when they get a chance... and sometimes others ask the other kids about church/plays etc.  *I* don't have to mention God or teach about Him at school... these kids who parents/grandparents/friends take them to church do a great job themselves. 

How many times do we willingly talk to our friends about Jesus or whatever is going on at church?  My four year olds aren't shy about it at all... and I don't even bring it up.  What if everyone was taught as young kids to tell of God's strength?

Our Christmas song today is "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill... because they do.  And one baby in particular changed the entire world...

God Bless  You



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

day 178: Bitterness and Joy

Proverbs 14:10

Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can fully share its joy.

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Ah... bitterness.

Such a fun thing to fill your heart and mind.  Being so tired or upset with a person (or jealous) that your heart turns cold when you hear their name or you cringe when you think of them.  Not the greatest thing to fill a heart with, but we all do it.... or at least most of us.

Bitterness can take on many different forms, and none of them are pretty. 

In the same way, no one else can fully share the joy you have in your heart.  For example, I finished the Bible in 90 days program in 78 days. To say I was excited would be an understatement.  I ran to my husband and do you know what he did?  He said, "Wow, that's good." and that was it. 

*Epic Deflate*.

It meant so much more to me, and he WAS proud and happy, but it meant something different to him.  Like when he tells me something about his video game that means squat to me, but he's smiling like it's the best thing ever.  I'm not near as joyful as he is... and that's ok.

If you are waiting for someone to be as excited as you are about something, you will probably have to wait a long time (save a few circumstances).  Every heart has its own bitterness and joy.  If you are bitter because some isn't as joyful as you over something, don't be.  It's not that they don't care. It's that they don't have your heart.

Today's Christmas song is "Oh Holy Night" sung by Celine Dion-- nope, I can't even make it go with this post lol.  It's one of my favorite songs though...


God Bless you

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

day 177: To Do What You Ought

James 4:17
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

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I love the book of James.  That man.. he doesm't mince words.  He's straight and to the point and if you don't like it, then that's YOUR fault because he's gonna tell you how it is....

Sometimes we need that.

I prayed for today's 365 and came across this. I have to laugh sometimes and the verses God puts in my path.... and always ones much needed.

We all know that sin is sin.  We all know that's not the best idea to go out murdering someone or stealing something... but what about the other side of the coin?  The 'what about when you don't do what you know you should do' sin?

This isn't talking about things like eating certain meat or anything like that.  It's more along the lines of having the feeling that you should give something to someone, and then not doing it (ie feeling deep in your heart that you should buy the person's meal behind you in line at the drive-thru, but you don't.)

Or even if you know deep down what God wants you to do with your life... but you don't do it.  Did you know that was a sin?  I haven't ever really thought about it much before... I'm a 'good' person, ya know.  But when you think about things in that light, we sin more daily than we realize.  That's why we need to ask God to forgive us continually, even when we don't think we have sinned because, most likely, we have and not realized it.

It is SO much easier to just bury our head and not look around at what God is calling us to do.  But, according to James, that is as big of a sin as any.... and that's a pretty big deal.

What is God calling you to do?  What things have you known you should do, but didn't?

Our 13th song leading up to Christmas is "Mary Did you Know?" by Kutless.  It doesn't really go with the verse, but I really like it.  Mary didn't know what all life had in store for her baby, but she willingly did what she knew was right.  She could have easily chosen not to... she could have sinned by looking the other way and saying, "Nope, not me. I didn't see that angel.  Must have been someone else."  but she did what God called her to do... what she knew she ought.

God Bless You.

Monday, December 12, 2011

day 176: When Love was Born

1 Corinthians 13:13
Three things will last forever-- faith, hope, and love-- and the greatest of these is love.

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Even if you stink at memorizing bible verses, this one is easy and oh so important.  It doesn't say money will last forever. It doesn't mention fame.  It doesn't say that big house you want/have/fought for.  It doesn't say your inheritance.  It doesn't say your xbox, your tv, your car,  your vacation home, your savings, even yourself.... It says three things (and only three things) will last forever....

The faith you have in God....

The hope you have in God, in Heaven, in all of God's promises being fullfilled...

The love you have for God, others, and yourself.

Notice, there is nothing material mentioned.  Even the pyramids are weathering away.

But the love you show others will last forever and ever.

Our 12th song leading up to Christmas is "When Love was Born" by Mark Shultz.


God Bless You.

**I have a personal prayer requeset.  I don't know if it's because I type a lot (I'm also trying to edit a book) or what, but my hands and fingers are hurting so much that typing is becoming very painful.  I do NOT want to give it up.. I'm just 30. I don't think they should hurt this much at 30. I know it's a petty request when others have so much worse things, but I love to write, and I love my blogs... I just need my hands to cooperate.  Any prayers would be appreciated.  AND if you have any prayer requests, post them and I'll definitely pray for them.

Also, if you'd like your blog listed in the blog directory, feel free to contact me.  I'd love for 365 to grow, but I know it won't be on my time.





Sunday, December 11, 2011

day 175: A Midnight Clear

Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey--
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

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This time of year, everyone seems so stressed.  Christmast is two weeks from today (eek!).  Christmas plays are going full swing. Last minute presents are being sought out.  Everyone is so concerned with 'finding' or 'buying' or 'making' happiness that they tend to be grumpy and miss it.

During these last stressful days before Christmas, let's make sure we make a conscious effort to use kind words and actions.. especially to our family (sometimes it's easier to be nice to a stranger than the people we love).

Our 11th song leading up to Christmas is "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" by Kutless.
God Bless You

Saturday, December 10, 2011

day 174: Rest

Genisis 2:2-3
On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.  And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. (NLT)

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This isn't a post on resting on the Sabbath... which we SHOULD do... but I dare say we don't (I don't).  This post is about resting in general.

How much do you rest?

I don't rest that much.... well, my body maybe. Probably not my mind.  I had to laugh the other night after the girls had gone to bed.  I sat in the living room on the laptop, earphones in my ears, editing the book, watching tv, and fiddling with my new Nook..... at the same time... seriously!  That was nuts!

When I figured out what I was doing, I had to laugh at how silly it was.  Do you think anything I did that night was very good?  Do you think that any of it had my full attention?  Ummmm.... no.

My husband has told me more than once that I'd do things better if I just focused on one thing at a time (like him lol)... but there is no way I can do that.  If I only have 2 things on my mind, I get a bit frazzled. How about you?  I can't seem to find time to 'rest'.

We live in a busy world.  Even if you don't have kids, you are constantly on the go... constantly having to do something... and then you take time to do what you 'want' which leads to less time to rest. 

God built the entire world in six days... and then he rested.  God.. THE head honcho... rested.  We are human... very much so.  How much weaker are our bodies? 

Do you get enough sleep at night or does your mind race?

Do you take time to sit down and rest during the day or are you always on the go?

Do you see someone else resting and get mad at them for not doing 'something' (um.. yeah, I've yelled at my husband to do 'something' before... not that anything needed to be done, I just wanted him up doing somethign lol)?

The point is, even God rested... and at this most busy of times we need to remember to take time to rest too. 

Our 10th song leading up to Christmas is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Mercy  Me.  What I love about doing this Christmas Song series is finding songs I hadn't ever heard before (or rather versions I've never heard before).  I've never heard this version, but it is now one of my favorites... :)  This video is one of those timed Christmas light things.  I thought it was awesome :)  Wish I knew how to do it.  Irony: I bet the person didn't *rest* much making that light display ;)


God Bless You :)



Friday, December 9, 2011

day 173: The new Kindle... ;)

Proverbs 21:26

Some people are always greedy for more,
but the godly love to give!

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Today's verse is a lot like the one we talked about yesterday. 

Have you seen the commerical on tv for the Kindle (or the nook... it's an eReader of some kind... I don't remember what they were selling, but I remembered their message)?  There are 2 people; preppy male and preppy female.  The woman shows the guy her new Kindle (or nook) and that she only paid $79 dollars for it.  Then the lady tells the guy, "It's better to recieve than to give."  And he says that he doesn't think that's how it goes... and she hold up another Kindle (or nook) and says, "Well, it's close enough." Or something like that... wait....

Ok, I'm going to admit, I don't remember exactly how that commercial went...Found it on youtube... here is the video if you want to watch it...



 but the point is the "It is better to recieve that to give."

THAT, friends, is the world we live in.  *I* live there too. 

A lot of times, we find it more thrilling to get something than to give, and that's human. It is.  But we aren't supposed to be that way.  We are supposd to take joy in helping others not only at Christmas but all through the year.  This is something I need to work on more.  I've been praying about it, and I want to start acting on it.

Anyone else want to take this challenge with  me?

Our 9th Christmas song leading up to Christmas is "Emmanuel" by Chris Tomlin.


God Bless You

Linked with: Brag on God Friday


Thursday, December 8, 2011

day 172: The Best Present of All

Luke 14:12-14
Then he returned to his host. "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors.  For they will invite you back, and that will be your reward.  Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.  Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward  you for inviting those who could not repay you."

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It is Christmas time, and we are all busy buying things for our family and friends. I know I am.  With three kids, it takes a lot to get Christmas bought.  And I know I shouldn't be that way. I should teach them to give to others before themselves, so that's something I really need to work on.

Maybe that is a challenge we can all do.  Maybe we can pick a charity to give too... a cause to support... someone around this time when we don't have a whole lot of extra to make an effort to give too.  Giving to our family, while very important, will give us the reward of seeing happy kids (which is awesome...).  But giving and helping people who can't help you in return, that is what God wants of us.  That kind of giving is what he will reward on judgement day. 

And not just money offering.  Offering of time.  Of help. Of prayer. Of telling about Jesus. 

That is defintely something to think about.

Our 8th song this month is "Christmas Offering" by Casting Crowns.


God Bless You



Wednesday, December 7, 2011

day 171: Being Honest

Proverbs 28: 23

In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

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To me, this is one proverb that doesn't really make sense when you first look at it.  You'd imagine that people would appreciate being told how awesome they are better than honest criticism, but it's not the case. 

Maybe at first, criticism can sting (boy can it), but once you get past that and get to the end product, you see that it was honest and usually correct.  If the person is coming from a place of love and prayerful consideration, then their imput can be invaluable.

The kicker here is that you have to decide if whomever is critiquing you is being honest or just disagreeable.  That is where prayer comes in.  Really pray about what they say.  The Holy Spirit will defintely lead you down the right path.

Today's song doesn't go with this post at all (sorry about that).  It is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever.  It's "Carol of the Bells" by Barlow Girls (acapella).  Amazing. 



God Bless You.  

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

day 170: Real Love

1 John 4: 9-10

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life though him.  This is real love-- not that we loved God, but that He loved us.

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Someone told me the other day that he didn't feel they could do things for God because he wasn't worthy or a good enough person.  I told him that if we all thought that nothing would ever get accomplished for God.  This blog certainly wouldn't be written if I waited to be 'worthy' enough to talk about God.  I dare say that many of you would be up the same creek as me.

I'm glad God brought me to this verse tonight.  Nothing we get from God is because we love Him.  He gave us Jesus because HE loved US.  We get that backwards sometimes.  Sometimes we love someone based on what they gives us... married folks we are so in this!  You love your spouse based on how much they love you... how much they do for YOU... what presents they give YOU... how much time they spend with YOU... etc.  God doesn't want us to be that way. 

Real love, like God showed us, isn't payback for what we get.  God sent Jesus to die not only for us (the 'good' people of the world), but for the worst serial killer ever imagined... for the child abuser... for the person who spits on Christianity like the plague... Sometimes that's hard for us who try to be good to hear, but it's true.  God didn't send Jesus because WE loved HIM.. but because He loves us (ALL of us... even the 'us' that don't believe in Him) that much and He wants us to come back to him.  If God can give up his only son for someone that hates him, how hard is it for us to love someone who just irk us?  Something to definitely think about...

Our 6th Christmas song (seriously?  It is the SIXTH of December already???!!) is "One King" by Point of Grace.  I heard this song at church for the first time probably five or six years ago and it has stayed with me.  There weren't just three kings in the stable....



Monday, December 5, 2011

day 169: Silver and Gold

Proverbs 2:3
The rich and the poor have this in common;
The lord made them both.

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I really like this verse because sometimes we forget that the 'rich' people are just like 'us'. If someone has a little bit of fame or power or money, we place them in a category different from us.

But God made us all.  Rich, poor, fat, skinny, tall, short, shy, loud, etc....

If you think that being something 'else' will make you happy, don't.  In God's eyes we are all the same... so who cares what the world thinks?

Today's song "Silver and Gold" by Dolly Pardon. Not really a 'Christmas' song, but it does go along with Christmas.  The money you spend on presents doesn't matter... it's how you help, treat, and love others that does.


God Bless You,

Kelly


Sunday, December 4, 2011

day 168: 33 Years

John 12:27

Now my soul is deeply troubled.  Should I pray, "Father, save me from this hour? But this is the very reason I came!  Father bring glory to your name."

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We tend to think of Jesus as all powerful, all knowing, all immortal, all mighty... and he is ALL of those things.  But for 33 years, he was also very much human.  Sometimes we forget how scary it had to be for him knowing what was going to happen, and knowing how horrible it was going to be.  I dreaded having my wisdom teeth cut out for weeks before it happened... and that was something minor.  I couldn't imagine knowing all of *that* was going to happen, and I had to let it happen willingly.

It wasn't just the physical torchure of it.  But the mental and emotional anguish of having to carry each and ever one of our sins on him.  You know how horrible you feel if you sin and you can feel it pressing down on you. Imagine that times... well a lot!

It wasn't something to look forward too, and the human part in him dreaded it.  And rightfully so.  He knew it was what he had to do... he knew it was the right thing to do... but it wasn't by any means the easy thing to do.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that seem painful (like talking to someone about him when you are painfully shy, or giving blood to the blood bank when you hate needles, etc.).  We need to follow Jesus' example and do it no matter what. 

Our 4th song leading up to Christmas is called "Born in Bethlehem" by (of course) Third Day.  This is my oldest daughter's favorite Christmas song.



God Bless You,
Kelly


Saturday, December 3, 2011

day 167: Joseph's Lullaby

LUKE 1:9-25

Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement[h] quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,[i] for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,[j]
which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

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Yesterday, we talked about how Mary might have felt. Today, I want to focus on Joseph.

Joseph had to be a good man.

There aren't many men in the world who wouldn't publically disgrace their 'cheating' fiance once he found out she was pregnant... and especially in that day and time.  Joseph couldn't make himself marry her (I'm sure he had numerous reasons), but he didn't want to shame her either.  What a cool dude :)

He had to of been a godly man too.  When the angel appeared to him, he did exactly what was told to him. He allowed his wife to be a vessel for God while he supported her and helped her in anyway he could  Imagine if more modern men were like him.  What an inspiration he is!

I'm sure he had doubts and I know that he wasn't perfect, but I believe he did try to be the best husband he could be, and the best earthy father for God's son. What a calling that was!

Today's song brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. The story is that Mary is sleeping after Jesus is born and it is just Joseph talking to the son who is his... but who also isn't.  In the song, Joseph prays to God to let baby Jesus sleep peacefully, at least for that one night before the weight of the world falls on his shoulders.  You can just imagine Joseph, a proud Daddy, looking down at the new baby; praying for peace for just one night.  It literally breaks my heart.. but in a good way.  A much needed way.

Our 3rd song leading up to Christmas is "Joseph's Lullabye" by Mercy Me.


God Bless You,

Kelly