Day 74: "Oh Lord... Give me strength..."

1 Peter 4:10-11

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spritual gifts.  Use them well to serve one another.  Do you have the gift of speaking?  Then speak as thought God himself were speaking through you.  Do you have the gift of helping others?  Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.  All Glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.

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I am tired.

There... I said it.

I'm tired.

I've worked all day.

I've taken care of my kids when I got home.

I've done some cleaning.

I'm tired.

So, I had the bright idea that I'd LOVE to write a 365 about the Lord giving you strength.

Little did I know that *this* is what the Lord was going to lead me too.

"Do you have the gift of helping others?  Do it with all the strength  and energy that God supplies."

So, my exhausted need to find a verse on God giving ME strength lead me to a verse on God giving me STRENGTH to help OTHERS.

Got it, God.  Thanks ;)

God doesn't just give us strength to help ourselves.  He gives us the strength to help the people around us.

Have you ever had a time when you knew you needed strength, and you saw where God not only gave you strength for yourself.... but gave you the extra umph to help someone else who needed it?

I'm sitting here with a knowing grin.... yeap, God.... I hear ya :)

God Bless You :)

Kelly

Linked with: Best of 2011 Blog Hop

Day 73: 'Other' peoples' problems

Luke 6:41:42

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, 'Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye', when you can't see past the log in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye, then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."

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Ok.... yeah... it's SO much easier to see other people's faults.  We can see their downfalls with High Definition glasses.

Their 'issues' are amazing clear.

Their 'faults' are such that everyone should see them.

Their 'sins' are clear as day.

Amazing how well we can see other people's faults... when we ourselves have logs the size of telephone poles in our own eyes.

I bet I could tell you 20 things that are wrong with my husband (bless him), and I could probably 'fix' everyone of them.... but how hard would it be to change the table and looked at myself as strictly.

We are all like this, I think.  We can see what is wrong with others much more clearly than we see ourselves.

Maybe we need to take time to think about that other person... think about their feelings, their motives, their family life, etc.  Put ourselves in their shoes and THEN see how we feel about the perceived 'specks'. 

I had to laugh when this verse came up tonight, but its something I really  needed... didn't want ;)... but needed. 

How about you?  Are you looking around your own log to see someone elses' splinter?

Something very important to think about.

God Bless You!

Kelly



Day 72: What Makes a Home

Proverbs 24:3-4

A house is built by wisdom

and becomes strong through good sense.

Through knowledge its rooms are filled

with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

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In the verse above, how many times did it is "A house is built by money"?

How many times does it say, "and becomes strong through State Farm Insurance."?

Oh, and what about, "Through your Lowe's Credit Card its rooms are filled"?

I dare say that MONEY doesn't build a home.

Ok, sure.  You have to have money to build a house.  You can't get it with your good looks, however, what MAKES a house isn't how big it is, how expensive it was, how modern it is, how many bedrooms etc.

A true 'home' is built through wisdom.

What kind of wisdom?

Wisdom that the people in the house get from praying and reading the Bible along with discussions with Christian friends/mentors. Wisdom that knows that it's not the building that matters... its the family and God inside.

You can have the biggest, most wonderful house around, but if inside you have a bitter marriage, dislike for your  kids, and a basic bad attitude all together on life, it won't do you any good to have that mansion.  It will be as 'dirty' as an unkept/cluttered house.

You can try to 'keep up with the Joneses' or try to hide your unhappiness through 'things', but God sees.... and God knows.

He would rather see a 'lived in' home filled with love, following Him through wisdom, than a sparkling clean home-- dirty with sin. 

That's not saying that if you have a big, awesome home that you are a big sinner.  That's not necessarily the case.  And people who live in small houses aren't automatically humble. 

The point is, however, that it doesn't matter WHAT size your house is-- what matters is praying, reading the Bible, using wisdom to build up your family on the inside of the house.  Because the people in the house is much more important than the bricks on the outside.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 71: The New Me

Romans 12:2

Don't copy the behavior and customs of the world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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Lots of times, we have plans for our lives. 

Some are big... some are small.  But they are all ours.

Guess what?  God has plans for your live too.

Sometimes his plans don't mix with your plans.

I wonder whose plans will will out?........

If we follow God's plans, if we willingly do what God wants, we will not only be a new person.. we will have the ability to bless others and be blessed.  Plus, we won't have that nagging feeling that we should be doing 'something'... OR fighting God ("But I don't WANT to go on a mission trip, God!  Give me something else....")

We all know that, for the most part, the world isn't focused on God so if we try to copy the 'world' we won't be focused on God either. 

We need to find ways to keep God first in our lives.  When we do that... when we decide to stop fighting and accept God's will-- we will feel so much  happier.  We will have a purpose.

And it is good and pleasing and perfect :) 

What is God wanting you to do?  Do you know what His will is for your life?  Is His will what you thought it would be?

Have an awesome Sunday :)

God Bless You :)

Kelly

Day 70: Prayer Ideas

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

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Apparently... I need to read about prayer lol

Yesterday's 365, God pointed me to write on prayer.

Today's Kid's Devotional in '365 Days of Very Veggie Devos for Kids' (It is awesome to read to kids :) ) is about prayer.

And a blog I read today, Living to Please God, was about... praying.

Maybe someone is trying to tell me something.

The blog linked above had some really good ideas on when you aren't sure how/when/why to pray.  One of the things she suggested for when you don't know 'what' to pray, is reading one of the Psalms like you are talking to God.

I think that is an awesome idea! 

I wanted to share it with you too.

I tried it last night.  I'm not sure if it's obvious or not (I think it is lol), but I'm having sort of 'Writer's Block' when it comes to praying.  I have a list or I think prayers in my mind, and then I try to pray and its like a block.  The words won't come. I pushed through and got it out there but it was weird.

So, last night I tried the idea of reading a Psalm out loud as a prayer, and wow, it really worked.  Once I started on the Psalm, I couldn't stop.  It felt good to not be 'blocked' any more. 

I know people who have set up email accounts to 'Email' God.  I know people who use prayer journals (I used to write one, but have really let it slack..... no excuses). 

Sometimes, praying is hard.  It seems silly, but it's true.  Sometimes the words won't come.

But we don't need to let that keep us from talking to God.

God knows what is in our heart and He appreciates the effort. 

Even when He feels so far away, He is right there beside of us.

I really do love that. :)

God Bless You :)

Kelly

*lets all say a special prayer to the people on the coast dealing with the hurricane

Day 69: Just Do It

Does anyone ever have a time when you find it hard to pray?

I love to pray.. I do... but sometimes, it seems like it might not be getting through. Or that I'm not as connected as other times.  I mean, I *know* it is, but still.... there is that 'feeling'.

James has great encouragement/advice on this:

James 5:13-15

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray.  Are any of you happy?  You should sing praises.  Are any of you sick?  You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.  Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sic, and the Lord will make you well.  And if you have committed sins, you will be forgiven.

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Well... that pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? lol.  PRAY at all times. 

When you sad....

When you are mad....

When you are joyful....

When you are indifferent.....

When you are stressed....

When you are at your whits end....

When you really don't know what to pray for...

Just do it :)

The sincere effort will be known to God. :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

**If you need any prayer requests, please don't hesitate to send me an email at ohthatmomagain@yahoo.com . I'd be happy to pray with you.

(linked with Brag on God Friday )

Day 68: Pillars

Revelations 3:12

All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it.  And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God--the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God.  And I will also write on them my new name

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Victorious...

Sounds like an awesome word :)

"All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God"...

See.... that's the most awesome part of the Bible.  There are many lessons in there.  Many stories.  Many things that we NEED to know/do to grow in God/Jesus.

But sometimes we need to think about 'why' we are doing it.

We are Victorious in the end days.

We will become pillars in the Temple of God.

Holding it up.

A structure can't stand without pillars.

A church can't stand without members.

We will be pillars holding up God's Temple... and we will never have to leave.

We know how the story ends.  Chapter and verse.

God wins... simple as that.

Everything we work for here is with the end goal in mind.  The idea that we are going to be victorious some day.

I'm a competitive person.  I like to win.  It is even hard to hold back when I play Monopoly with the girls lol.   Why in the world would I not want to be on the winning side?

God knows we aren't perfect (kinda have to remind myself that He knows that about me lol), and he forgives us of our imperfectness when we ask for it. He wants us to get as many people on the winning team before the buzzer sounds.

The verse before this one says, "I am coming soon.  Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown."  God made us who we are for a reason, and gave us what we can do for a reason.  Lets (me included) use what He's given us for good... for Him. 

Lets just not coast into being 'Pillars' and being 'Victorious'.  Lets bring others to the celebration.

We know how this story ends.... Personally, I like the ending (well, this part of it anyway lol.  Revelations is still hard for me to read......)

If you have any questions on this (or anything really) and you don't want to post it in comments, please feel free to email me at ohthatmomagain@yahoo.com.  If I don't know the answer, I'll ask someone who can. 

(I know this is a different way for me to write, but God really threw me for a loop tonight lol.  Amen :))

God Bless You,   Kelly

Day 67: Angry 'Birds'

Ephesians 4:26

And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil

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I always thought that the expression, "Don't go to bed angry" was just an Old Wives' Tale.

I even read a study on msn.com (I think) the other day on how its 'ok' to go to bed mad.

Have you ever gone to bed mad?

I have......

Guess what?

I woke up mad too!

And do you think the day got any better?

Um............ no, not really!

Anger is such a fun place for the devil to play. 

Emotions of any kind are fun for him, but really anger seems to be a great "foothold" for him.  We've talked about what anger leads too... Anger leads to hate... hate leads to the 'dark side'.

What types of sins can we commit when we are angry?

Well,

*Using Foul or abusive language  ("Do you kiss your Mama with that mouth?")

*Lying

*Saying hurtful words.

*Holding anger in your heart (You know... the 'martyr' type.  The "Oh, I'll do it, but I won't be happy about it.")

*Coveting your neighbors' "Perfect" life and their "Perfect" spouse

*Finding other ways to escape (some not nice videos or internet sites)
.

Those are just a few... and then we have the more extreme fruits of anger:

*Physical, mental, emotional abuse

*Adultry

*Uncaring attitude
.

Anger is a serious thing.  We think that it's not..... we are programmed to think it's ok (anyone ever watch the We TV show "Bridezillas"?  They take 'angry' to a whole other level.....). 
.

It is OK to be upset with someone.
.

It is OK to be not happy with your husband/wife/friend/ etc.  What is NOT alright is when you let those thoughts eat at you.  When you DON"T talk to the person you are mad at and work it out with them.  It is NOT ok to hold on to that anger. 
.

The devil will snag you like a flypaper to a fly.
.

Lets give our anger to God.  In 50 years, will what we are so upset about right at this very second mean anything?  If you sincerely believe the answer is yes, pray about it and then talk to the person you are mad at.  You can't live a productive life full of anger.
.

God Bless You :)

Kelly

linked with Encouraging Words Wednesday , Women Living Well Wednesday )

Day 66: The Hidden Little Secret

Proverbs 10: 18

Hiding hatred makes you a liar:

slandering others makes you a fool

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"But I don't say it out loud!"

I think that everyone (or most everyone) has a person that they don't really like that well.  It could be a family member, co-worker, 'friend', celebrity (they are people too)... whomever.

Even if we don't voice our dislike or 'hatred' out loud, doesn't mean that it's not a sin to feel that way about them.

We see in this proverb that it is as much of a sin (lying) to hide hatred as it is to verbally announce it (slandering).

We have to watch our hearts.  Hidden anger/hate can turn our hearts cold.  It can cause us to clam up/get sick to our stomach/ say things we wouldn't normally say... etc.

If we have any hatred in our hearts and are trying to hide it (God can see even in our hearts), we need to pray really hard to God to heal us of that negative emotion.  With His help, we can get rid of that hatred and start loving our neighbor.  Everyone is our neighbor... whether we 'like' them or not.

God Bless You!

Kelly

linked with:

Day 65: Stingy

Mark 10:25

In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"

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I'm not going to lie... I like money.

People are going to stop reading this if I don't stop being so honest lol.

But its true... I like having money and feeling secure. (now, I'm not in love with it.)

I like having a little in savings "just in case".

I like knowing that we have a little nest egg.

I'm not rich by ANY stretch of the imagination lol.  But still, I like knowing I have enough in case any emergency.

I'm not entirely sure my thinking is right.

God wants us to rely on Him for all of our needs.  He wants us to use what money we have for his Glory and for His work.

Do I think that  means giving away all of our money?

No, I really don't.

But what I DO think that means is that we shouldn't be stingy with our money.  We should willingly give to charity, tips, tithe (that has been a hard one for me to do in the past, but I'm much better about it now).  We need our money... God has blessed us with it!  However, we don't need to be so attached to it that we can't bless/help others with it.

After all, we can't take it with us. 


That song, "He's Still Working on Me" is stuck in my head this morning :)

God Bless you :)

Kelly

Day 64: Preparing the Way

Mark 1:2

Just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

"Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

and he will prepare your way.

He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,

'Prepare the way the way for the Lord's coming!

Clear the road for him!'"

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Mark (and Isaiah) were of course talking about John the Baptist who, in turn, told the world about Jesus.

John was not a shy man.  He let his faith be known... he let his beliefs be known... and he baptised as many people as he could to bring them into the kingdom of God.

Mark, as well, spread the gospel about Jesus.

Back in those days, people paid with their lives for spreading the word of Jesus.  These men (and women in some cases) risked their lives to spread the truth about God and Jesus in a world that didn't want to hear it.

I read a lot of blogs.  In those blogs, one thing that I've really noticed here lately is how people are telling others about Jesus.  I read one where the father prayed for a way to talk to the waiter about Jesus (and he did end up doing it).  You can read it here.

The point of all of this rambling is this.... God needs messengers go to ahead of him and spread his word.  He needs people to prepare the way.  He still needs voices shouting in the wilderness.

The next time He comes, it won't be as a sweet little baby in a manger.  Jesus is all grown up now.

*I* am a very shy person (Didn't know that.. did ya? lol).  God has shown me at least 2/3 times Friday alone when I could have said something about Jesus, and I didn't.  I do feel bad about it, and I want to change.  I want to be one of those confident people who just bring God/Jesus up in any conversation like it's just every day conversation.

I'm getting better, but there is a long way to go.

We have it pretty easy... no one is ready to cut our heads off for spreading God's word. (Well, in this country at least... And even if they want to here, they can't :).)

I'm so sorry this 365 was a bit rambly.  Lots of thoughts on this running through my head.

God Bless You.

Kelly

Day 63: Over-whelmed

Psalm 142:3

When I am overwhelmed, you alone know thew way I should turn....

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I'm writing this tonight after a very long day.  I will have more about it over at Oh that Mom Again for Brag on God Friday.

However, after I got home, and the kids went to bed... I started feeling overwhelmed.

I do at times.... get overwhelmed.  My kids are getting older, and the challenges are getting tougher.  A booboo I can fix... a broken heart I can't.

So yeah, it was a bit amazing to me when I sat down to write this '365' and opened up to this verse on being overwhelmed.

Sure, its in a different context to David, but it does mean something to me.

God knows which way I should go and I should pray daily (more than daily even) about the paths I need to take especially when it comes to raising my girls.

God knows when we feel overwhelmed. Lots of things can be overwhelming: parenting, illness, job, home, etc.  But we should take comfort that no matter what, God is with us... helping us.... guiding us. 

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 62: Alone on the Shore

John 6:19-21

Soon a gate swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough.  They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat.  They were terrified but he called to them, "Don't be afraid.  I am here." Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

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Ok, I love this story.  We have to back a few verses to really appreciate it.

Jesus had just fed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish.  They crowd was ready to force him to become there King (something he will do eventually, but not at that moment), so he left and went to the hills to be by himself.

The  disciples were down by the sea of Galilee the next morning, ready to go to their next destination.  For some reason, Jesus was late.

And just like we do...they went on without him.

Since he didn't come when they expected him, they went out on their own.

I had to wonder... WHERE did they think they were going without Jesus?  I mean, wasn't Jesus their main man?  The leader of their pack?  Their reason for preaching?

What exactly did they think they were going to do without him?

And who in their right mind would leave Jesus behind?! 

Can you imagine Jesus... poor Jesus... he  had secluded himself in the hills to get away from all of the people... and when he came back down again, everyone was gone, even his most trusted friends.  I bet he was all, "What in the world?!?"

I bet he stood there on the side of the sea, shook his head, and smiled at the silliness of the situation.  Where did the disciples think they were going without Jesus?

..... where do we?

The sea grew rough.  The disciples were 3-4 miles away from shore.  Their 3 hour tour was about to turn into a nightmare.  The rough seas weren't what surprised or scared them. The sea of Galilee was known for windstorms that caught sailors off guard.  It was just par for the course.  However, what did scare them was looking out and seeing Jesus walking out toward them... walking on the water!

Jesus was probably taking a nice stroll on the water... maybe waved a friendly hello to his friends... and they were terrified!  They thought he was a ghost. Maybe they thought he had finally been caught and killed while they had left him behind.. maybe they thought that he was coming to get revenge on them for not protecting him.

In any case, seeing ANY man walking toward you on water would freak a person out... much less a friend.

I have this image of Jesus not as a boring, proper speaking man (like portrayed in a lot of movies), but I see him as a kind, soft faced, joyful man who took delight in people and situations.  *HE* knew he was God's Son and he knew that his disciples knew too... however they didn't exactly know what all that meant. He looked human... and even though they had witnessed his miracles, they may not have fully 'got it'. He 'looked' human... he was human..... but he was SO much MORE.

I bet he had that same smile on his face as he had when he stood by the shore of the sea.  A loving smile of someone who feels genuine affection for people.

He knew they were scared, so he yelled out to them, "Don't be afraid. I am here!"

There are 2 very important things to learn/remember from this story:

1. Don't leave Jesus standing on the shore while you go try go make it on your own.  Just wait on him and tour seas will be much calmer.

2. No matter what storms are in your life, keep your eyes on Jesus.  He doesn't want us to be afraid.  He is right here with us. 

How do you picture Jesus?  Is he a regular passenger on your boat or do you continually leave him alone on the shore?

God bless you :)

Kelly

linked with Brag on God Friday

Day 61: "Good Job!"

Galatians 6:4

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else.

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At school, I write "GOOD JOB!" on my students' papers before I send them home..... well that, or something similar.  It could be a smilie face or "WOW!".. something. I teach in a pre-k special needs classroom and those 4 year olds LOVE a smilie face on their paper more than gold.  If I don't put it there, you'd think it was the end of the world.  They are proud of themselves, but they want me to be proud of them too... along with their parents.

I've found adults aren't much different.

We all seem to want a "Good Job"... "Job well done." (I've said in the past that I'd love for God to say that to me when I get to Heaven.. I'd love it if Jesus gave me a smilie face sticker... or even a thumbs up)

As much as we want that for ourselves, its hard not to envy others when they get  a 'good job' themselves...

It is so hard not to compare ourselves/our works to other people.

It's very easy actually.

If we spent half of the energy we use worrying about someone else and use it on OUR work, we'd be much better off and probably much happier. 

I (can be) a jealous person.  I think I'm a hard worker and I get sad sometimes if I don't think that work is getting rewarded/reaping benefits.

What I need to realize is that as long as I do all I can do *I* have to be proud of myself... and that's all that matters (well and God's opinion of course). 

This can be taken in all aspects of our life.  From work to blogging to company ownerships to marriage (facebook statuses can be hard on a marriage if 'someone is doing something' your spouse doesn't.).  It's so easy to compare/to judge/ to say "wait a minute"

We know our hearts and our minds... if we are truly working our hardest at something, that should be enough for us.  Lets not envy others' successes.  We are not them and we have no idea the circumstances of how they got where they are now.

Lets be happy with our own accomplishments... and try not to be jealous of others.

Look in the mirror, smile really big, and give yourself a big thumbs up!  You are awesome!!

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 60: Elmer

Romans 8:38

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow-- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love

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We humans think we are pretty power beings. 

We think we can figure things out... decide the right path.... understand mysteries of the universe.....

.... separate ourselves from God.

I've sure we've all seen people (and maybe it has been you) who have said that they have done to many bad things for God to use them... or even be WITH them.  They think they have the power to keep God away from them.

They don't realize that God is everywhere.  God sees everything.  And God doesn't leave a person... even if he/she thinks it.

According to this verse, nothing can keep you from God.  A demon can't steal God from you.  Worries can't take God away.  Dying (if you are saved) will not take you away from Him.

Yet, we think we are much more powerful than He is.  We think we have the power to kick Him out of our lives.....

Well, that is just cockiness on our part.  That's when we think we are too big for our britches. 

God is with us, even when we don't want to acknowledge Him.

He's always trying to get us back to Him...

And then you have those 'nagging thoughts' of "Oh, you've done it now. He doesn't want you now.  He's definitely left you for good."  Um... I'm not thinking its God putting those thoughts there. 

Everywhere we go, He goes. He's stuck to us like Elmer's glue :) 

God Bless You :)

Kelly

(linked with Encouraging Words Wednesday , Women Living Well Wednesday )

Day 59: What Dr. Google has in common with God...

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

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

Just fair warning.. I just made it to Proverbs in my "Bible in 90 days" reading so there 'might' be a few for the next few days.  I love Proverbs. It's one of my favorite books of the Bible.

This is one of my favorite verses.

The verse after this is the verse I wrote about all the way back on day 1: "Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Anyway, back to this one...

I don't know about you, but I think I have a 'fair' amount of understanding.  I mean, I understand things (except for insurance lol).  I will sit and try to figure something out... to understand it better. 

I do the same thing with problems I have. 

I think about it from every angle.

I think about ways to solve it.  Try to find the best way to fix it.

If I had *real* understanding, I'd realize that all of my understanding probably fits inside God's little toe nail. 

We use the Internet to research EVERYTHING (or at least I do). I can't tell you how many diseases I have "had" since I got the Internet.  ("Dr. Google" anyone?). 

The internet and 'Dr. Google' can't hold a candle to God's understanding because... well, he's God.

If we could just trust God with everything... Everything.  From the big to the little... from the seemingly insignificant to the most mighty.  If we pray/read the Bible/follow God's leading, our lives would be so much easier.

God already knows everything.  *I* don't.  If we think logically, which 'person' would I need to listen to for an answer to a problem?  The person with very little experience or the person with ultimate understanding? 

Yeah, I know the answer too......

God, I know you have the ultimate understanding.  And I'm sorry for not seeking you for answers as much as I should.  Thank you for being willing to help us.... from the big things to the seemingly small.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

God Bless You :)

Kelly

Day 58: When you are just in a bad mood...

James 1:26

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

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Have you ever been in a bad mood?  Just a real funk where you didn't really want to think a nice word, much less say one?

In our Sunday School lesson today, we talked about Naomi, Ruth, and Orphah (from the book of Ruth if you want to refresh your memory of the story).  Naomi had lost her husband and her 2 sons.  She and her 2 daughters-in-law  were on a long journey back to Bethlehem from Moab.

Naomi was tired.

She was hot.

She was depressed.

She had a long time to think on her trek back home.

Finally, somewhere along the way, she stopped, turned to her girls and told them to go back to Moab.  That there basically was no future for any of them in Bethlehem.  Naomi had no other sons and was either past or nearing the end of her child bearing age.  She was upset, down, and bitter. 

In effect, she was thinking of the girls' earthly well being.  Back in those days, women especially foreign widows had it extremely rough.  A woman's only security was being married.  Naomi hadn't been to Bethlehem in at least 10 years.  She had no idea what the spouse climate was there as they headed back. 

Naomi wasn't thinking of Ruth and Orphah's spiritual life.

In her tired, frustrated, bitter condition, she only thought of their life on earth.  If the girls had gone back to Moab, they would have certainly gone back to serving their idol gods because one tends to do what the community around one does.

One daughter-in-law listened.... one didn't.  If Ruth had of been like Orphah, there never would have been a King David... nor any other descendant of Jesus through that line.  Thankfully, Ruth was stubborn and wouldn't listen.

The point is that Naomi was tired.  She had the best intentions, sure, but she wasn't thinking godly.  She was thinking practically.  Orphah was willing to go to Bethlehem with her.  They were on the road there.  If Naomi had of kept her mouth shut, Orphah might have married a nice man from Bethlehem, raised a good family, and believed in God.

Instead, the last we hear about Orphah is that she kissed Naomi and went back home. 

Naomi's bitter attitude (though understandable) could have cost that girl her relationship was God.

We have to be so careful with what we say.... not to let our emotions get the best of us.

A nice, kind, kinda blunt person told me the other night that I had had a negative attitude and unpleasant tone the past 2 days.  Well... I have to say, I was a bit upset.  I mean, how dare this person say that to me?  Sure, I KNEW that I was crabby... but didn't I deserve it?  I have 3 small kids, work full time, lots of online things going on, housework, etc... didn't I deserve to be kinda crabby?

Well, sure, I guess that was ok.  However, I sure didn't watch my tongue those few days.  I didn't bless anyone out or anything, but a lot of my words weren't very uplifting or positive especially at the end of very long days when I was tired. 

It is SO easy to get in a mood like that.  It is a hard battle to not let your tongue win out. 

Our words have lasting effects.  Naomi's words had lasting affects on Orphah's life (notice there isn't a book of Orphah... and as the Sunday School class pointed out.. her name was even misspelled on 'Oprah's' birth certificate (poor woman)).  Our words have a lasting effect on others.  Lets not let our bad mood cause us to say something to someone else that could have unintentionally bad consequences.

God Bless you :)

Kelly

Day 57: God's Battle

2 Chronicles 20:15

He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem!  Listen, King Jehoshaphat.  This is what the Lord says: "Do not be afraid!  Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's"

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The circumstances are different now, but the idea is the same.

All of our battles-- our fights-- our disappointments-- our illnesses-- our sadnesses-- our enemies

All if it is God's battle, not ours.

Our job is to love each other.  To help take care of each other.  To spread God's word.  To forgive our enemies and love our oppressors.

If we spent time thinking of ways to bless, we wouldn't have time to worry about the 'battles' that belong to God anyway. 

God fights for us.

I'd much rather rely on God for victory than my own human ideas/strength.  I think He does a much better job :)

Do you have a battle (either figuratively or literally)? If so-- "don't be afraid-- don't be discouraged-- for the battle is God's"

God Bless You :) and Happy Sunday

Kelly

Day 56: Sin holding you back

1 Timothy 1: 15-16

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"-- and I am the worst of them all.  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.  Then others will realize that they, to, can believe in Him and receive his eternal life.

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I really like the story of Paul... not the whole "murderer" part, but the fact that God whacked him up upside the head (pretty literally), saved him, and used him to spread his word.  Paul didn't ask anyone if he was saved... he didn't consult anyone... he didn't even tell a holy leader he was going to do it... he just got on his own 2 feet and started preaching. 

And he didn't try to hide his past either. 

Well, he was pretty famous (infamous most likely actually) as an oppressor of the Christians.  I'm sure most people around that area had heard of him.  I mean, if someone was hunting down Christians, I'm sure it would be big news.  Even if they hadn't seen him, I'm sure his "legend" had spread.

So, even if he wanted, I'm sure he couldn't have glassed over his past.... but he didn't anyway.  He accepted who he was, what he did, was sorry for it, and did everything he could do to spread Jesus' story to the same people he had been against.

He never said (or at least he didn't write it), "God, you can never use me. I did horrible things." Nope, he thanked God for forgive his sins and then went on to do the work God had for him.

Paul is an awesome example of "If God can save him, he can save me."  A lot of times, people think they have sinned too much to be saved........ but like Paul says, that's not true.  "Then others will realize that they, to, can believe in Him and receive his eternal life"

Paul didn't worry about what he had been.... but he rejoiced in what he was now :)

I love that. :) 

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 55: Psalms

I'm doing something a bit differently today.  For our encouragement today, I would LOVE for you to post your favorite Psalm.  It can be the whole chapter or simply a verse.  I'm reading Psalms right now for the Bible in 90 Days program, and it's really making me smile. I've read most of it (sadly not all) before, but I keep getting more and more out of it.  When the Bible in 90 Days program is over, I have lots of chapters/books I want to go back over and study more.  Psalms is one of them.

So, lets encourage each other.  Take the time to leave a comment below with your favorite Psalm in it, please.  I'd love to find out which one really touches each of you.  :)

God Bless You!  Kelly

One of My Favorite Psalms:
Psalm 117:1-2 (Because it really encompasses what it means to praise, and has so much hope/joy in it)

Praise the Lord, all you nations

Praise Him, all you people of earth.

For he loves us with unfailing love;

the Lord's faithfullness endures forever.

Praise the Lord

(linked with Brag on God Friday )

Day 54: Our Own Desires

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.  They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

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No one likes to hear bad things.  It would be easier to be around people who always told us what we wanted to hear...

Who always told us we were right....

Who always said yes to us....

Who never tried to lead us on the right path....

Who told us exactly what we wanted to hear.....

However, life isn't exactly like that.  We don't need 'Yes People' we need people who tell us what we need to hear when we want to hear it (whether we want to hear it or not).

You can always find a teacher/preacher/website that will tell you exactly what you want to hear.  That's not hard at all.  Look hard enough and it will be there. However, it's harder to find someone who tells us what we 'need' to hear.  What God wants to tell us.  The truth.

Lets face it... God IS love... but He isn't always sunshine and kittens.  There are some very basic/unpleasant truths in the Bible that we have to know.

Before we enter a Bible Study, listen to a preacher, read a blog, lets pray that the person who is presenting it is doing it for God and through God.  Usually we get that confirmation when we read/hear something we don't want to see... but NEED to see (and we recognize the difference).

I strive for this blog to be that type of place... but if you think differently, let me know.  It's always easier to judge others than ourselves.

:) God Bless You!!!

Kelly

Day 53: A Topic I Don't like to Talk About Much...

1 John 4:17

And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.  So we will not be afraid on the day of Judgement, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

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I'm going to write something pretty open here.  I don't talk about it much, but here lately my daughter  has been asking a lot of questions about it, so I've had to think about it because I want to be truthful with her.

I'll admit it here though in case you all think that I am the 'perfect' Christian (because you all thought that, right?! ;) )

I don't like talking about dying... and I don't like talking about Judgement day.  Revelations is my least favorite book in the Bible and when the preacher says he's going to preach on it, I cringe.

The thought of no longer being 'here' makes my chest hurt.  I get a bit claustrophobic when I think about it long.

It's not that I don't think I'll go to Heaven.  I know I will.  I'm not worried about that.  I'm happy about that.  But I'm not 'excited' about going, kwim?  It's not like I look forward to it or Judgement day. I'm not one of the Christians who pray for Jesus to come back soon. 

This is hard to write....

I'm not afraid of Judgement day... I'm afraid of not being... 'here'. 

I'm working on it.

I want to live on Earth and enjoy it.  I want to spread God's word.  I want as many people as I can to come to Heaven with me when the time comes.  But I don't want to rush it.

Am I making sense?

I know there are lots of people like me.  I don't think it's wrong to not like to talk about dying.  However, it is wrong to not make plans for where to spend our afterlife. 

When the time comes, I want to face God and have him be proud of me.  I want him to smile when He sees me and say that I did good. 

We need to live in God on earth because that's how our love grows.   I can tell when I kinda put God on the backburner how differently I feel. I don't feel as loving.  Things get to me more.  The more I am with God... the more I feel love toward others.  We need that so that we can stand in front of him on Judgement day and not be afraid. 

I'm sure this post is a ramble... but I hope the point gets across.  Lets live in God... feel his love and his joy so we can spread it to others... so on the day of Judgement we are able to not be afraid... to know we did what we were supposed to do while on Earth.

God Bless You!

Kelly

(linked with Women Living Well )

Day 52: It will happen...

Matthew 9:29

Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen."

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This verse refers to the healing of 2 blind men who were persistent in asking Jesus for healing.  They went to the house where Jesus was staying and asked for mercy on them.  Jesus asked if they believed he could heal them, and they said they did.

Those men had faith that Jesus could heal them. 

I talk allot about 'big dreams'... mainly because I have a few.  Some feel so big that I'm not sure it will ever happen... or where to even start.... however, I have faith that they will happen.. in some sort of fashion. 

If we have faith, it will happen.  It may not be exactly the way we picture, but I do believe that if God gives us a desire and we believe, that it will come true. 

What are you believing in?  What do you want to happen?  Do you have any big goals or dreams that you are being faithful in trusting God with? Do you have any that have come true?

I'd love to hear from you :)  I love to hear when God has answered prayers... and especially fulfilled dreams. 

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 51: Those 'certain' 4 letter words

Proverbs 5:24

Avoid all perverse talk, stay away from corrupt speech

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Ah.... ye ole 4 letter words (and I'm not talking about l-o-v-e here.)

If I told you I had never uttered a 'bad' word, I'd be a big liar.  For some reason, I was big on the 'worst' of the bad words, but I didn't like the softer ones (like the 'c word' meaning poop....).

I never said any of those words around my kids.  My husband heard them in anger some.  If fellow drivers could read lips-- I'm sure they 'read' a few choice ones.

And I didn't think I was doing anything wrong...

I didn't use the 'Big daddy' of all 4 letter words (which is actually 2 words) that still makes me cringe when I hear it (especially on a movie... why does it have to be in pg-13 movies?), but I thought that the others were ok.  As long as I wasn't taking the name of the Lord in vain, then I was alright... right?

Well, probably not. My Sunday School teacher told me this verse was in the Bible and I had to laugh when I looked a few minutes ago and saw it marked.  Yeap, it is there... plain as day.  "Watch your mouth, Kelly." (You saw that too, didn't you?)

I got convicted over it a few months ago, so when I made Behavior Contracts for the girls, I made one for myself too and added "I will not use bad words."  Even though I didn't say them out loud, I still thought them and that is just as bad.  Since then, I have been very careful to watch what I say/think.  I won't say that I've been perfect at it, but I've been better and now I ask God to forgive me when I do happen to 'think a slip-up'.

'Dirty' talk is SO easy to get in a habit of doing.  Especially when you are alone.  I mean... it's late and no one is up.... or you are in the car alone... but guess what?  We are never truly alone.  Would I want to go to Heaven and spout out those words to God face to face?  Um.................... No.

So, if Jesus lives in my heart (and he does) why would I want to say those words when he's RIGHT THERE?! I would be embarassed to death if I said a bad word, turned around, and there was Jesus staring at me.  Well... its the same principle.  He is there..... whether we see him or not. 

Corrupt speech can mean bad words, slander, gossip.... anything that can be harmful to ourselves or others. I never really think of my words being harmful, but they can be.  Words can't be taken back. Once they are out there, they are always there.  We (I) need to be very careful to take time to choose our words carefully.  I don't want to hurt someone with my words (even if they aren't dirty words... what if they are hurtful words?  Words that hurt instead of help?)

Lets take special care to watch what we say today (and every day).  It really does help in how you feel mentally.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 50~ A Little Story

Romans 10:9-10, 13

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.  For "Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved."

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I was saved at the age of 12 at a Baptist church Vacation Bible School-- in the bathroom.

Yep-- one of the most important moments of my life-- was in a bathroom.

Now, I wasn't using the bathroom (not that it would have mattered--- just wanted to get that out there).

The point is I knew I wanted/needed Jesus in my heart, but was too shy to up front.  I wanted to be alone..... of course, I wasn't truly alone.

I asked.

I accepted.

I felt peace.

I told my teacher.

She told the preacher.

We had a chat.

That was it :)

Simple.  Easy.  Awesome

We told my parents, my preacher (I didn't go to that church) and got baptised a few months later.

One thing that I really remember about it (and I remember most of that night), is when I got home Daddy (who was already in the bed) got up and gave me a thumbs up..... and went back to bed.  My Daddy didn't speak much.  He always said that he thought people only had a certain amount of words and when they were used up, that was it.  His words "ran out" unfortunately on 1/17/03 at the age of 62 after a very short battle with lung cancer.  The point is that I knew my Daddy was happy... and I knew that he loved God.  You could just tell it on him.  That's how I want to be. 

That's my story.

What's yours?

Some people get saved at the alter... some get saved at home.... some get saved out on a tractor... some get saved in a bathroom (hey, it worked :) )

If you don't have a story, would you like one?

Once you decide to accept Jesus, to believe in him, the rest is really easy.  You simply ask God to forgive you of your sins... you believe that Jesus is God's son... and that he died and rose again.  After that, man, the weight just lifts off.... and when the weight comes back, you just pray for Jesus to take it again.  That's it.  Doesn't hurt at all. :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

**PS.... this is the 50th day!!!!  I can't believe it!  It's has gone so fast.  Thank you so much for reading.  I love writing them... I'm so blessed that God allows me (I love to write).  I hope they bless you as much as the bless me (and hit me upside the head sometimes).

**ALSO, if you didn't notice, we have a new URL (YAY!).  My preacher calls this "The blog with the really long title that I can't remember."  Well... it's not long any more :)  Please spread the word.  http://www.encourage365.com/  Thanks so much!!! :)



Day 49: We are Family....

Luke 8:21

Jesus replied, "My mother and brothers are all those who hear God's word and obey it."

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We all know there is nothing like family.  There is a special love-- a special bond there that is hard to replicate.

Jesus- King of Kings Jesus-- loved his family. He loved his Mama, his Daddy, and his siblings.

Now, think of the way you love your family-- think about how your heart swells when your daughter does something great, how hurt you are when are lied too-- how excited you get over a promotion-- think about all of the feelings (close feelings) associated with being a family......

That is the exact same way Jesus loves us?

To know that (as a Christian) Jesus loves me as much as his own Mama-- WOW!  Serious goosebumps here!

If you ever get to the point when you think that no one loves us-- remember this-- Jesus loves you as  much as the most important human in His Life!

You can't get much better than that :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 48: An Eye for an Eye

Romans 12:17

Never pay back evil with more evil.  Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

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An eye for an eye is probably one of the things from the Old Testament that most people would still love to practice....I mean, if we are being truthful.

If someone does us wrong, our first instinct is to do something right back to them.  An eye for an eye as it were..... and insult for an insult.  Our first instinct is not usually "Oh, I love them so much!"

Now, imagine if Jesus did the same to us?

Scary thought,  huh?

What if he held a grudge?  What if he held back forgiveness and dished out revenge instead?

We would be in a WORLD of hurt!

We aren't Christ, but we are supposed to do everything in our power to try to be 'Christ-like'.  We need to forgive because that not only is it what Jesus would do.... but because its the right thing to do.... and IF we don't, that anger can poison us.

Another reason we shouldn't pay someone back is because it hurts 'our' testamony.  People see us and like it or not, people judge us.  And while we aren't supposed to care what others think we do need to care if it hurts the name "Christian". Sometimes non-Christians (not all) just hoover around a Christian and just wait for them to mess up ("Oh!  You aren't supposed to say that.  Thought you were  a Christian.") and then everything you have worked for is gone.

Man, that sounds depressing..... Don't give up on me yet!

We can't be perfect... I know I'm WAY down on the 'perfect' list.  We all have days when we shouldn't have even gotten out of bed and moments we'd like to forget.  But if there is something we do continually-- people we can't forgive-- OTHER people-- PEOPLE we are trying to minister too WILL see!

The last part of the scripture is very important-- DO all you can to live in peace with everyone.

Everything you can which means we might not succeed all of the time.  Sometimes we come up against people who won't be happy no matter what.

We do our best and we move on.  We pray for them-- and for ourselves that our hearts don't become hardened and that our mouths don't become bins of gossip against them.

We need to give it to God, and then have peaceful heart.

God Bless You!!

Kelly

(linked with Brag on God Friday )

Day 47: Are You Enthusiastic?

Romans 12:10-12

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

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There is so much encouragement in those verses:

*Confident Hope

*Patient in Trouble.

*KEEP ON PRAYING!

There are a few I want to talk about today.

1). Serve the Lord Enthusiastically

      *ENTHUSIASTICALLY!

      * Excitedly! Over Joyously! Readily! Chomping at the BIT!

We are supposed to be excited about serving God.  We should at least be happy about it.  You see some people (maybe you are one... maybe you are married to one.... maybe you know one) who serve the Lord, but only because they either have to or do it for attention.  Some people serve the Lord simply because they don't want to go to Hell.  They do the least they think they can get away with in 'their' minds to get to Heaven.  Also, some people do it for the attention (Um.... if you start getting too much into your post counts/comments/views that can happen very easily on blogs... I should know.... and let me tell you, the Lord is really letting me know it too!) 

Anything--anyway- we can serve the Lord we should be excited about it!  Even if it's giving money at church (yeap... I'm not good at this part either).  If we were in the presence of an Earthly king, we would be more than happy 'serving' him..... why should serving God be any different?

2). Rejoice in Confident Hope

Ok, Confident- Hope seems like an oxymoron at first.  Hope requires faith and faith requires belief in the unseen.  However, sometimes the 'unseeen' doesn't help us with our confidence... and it doesn't help when we pray for something, but we don't truly believe that it's going to happen.  We are supposed to be confident-- never wavering in our hope.  Confident that God will be with us.  Rejoicing in an answered prayer because it's answered..... and an unanswered one because something better is coming along.

3). Be Patient in Trouble and Keep on Praying

Even if we don't get our answer the first, second, fortieth, four-hundredth time we've prayed doesn't mean we should give up.  We are to keep on praying-- and being confident in the hope that the prayer will be answered--- in one way or another.

Is it easy to be patient?  Oh. My. No!

Is it easy to keep hope when you feel hopeless? No

But we know God.  We know that it may not be easy... but it will be SO WORTH IT in the end!

God bless you!!!!

Kelly

Day 46: Parts of a Whole

Romans 12:4

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

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Chapter 12 of Romans has really been catching my attention lately.

Just as our body suffers (or can't function fully) when one part is missing or not completing its function, so does the church body (the body of Christ) suffer when someone fails to do their spiritual part.

The next few verses tell us what some of these functions (or gifts) are: prophesy, serving others, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, kindness, etc.

And of course-- loving others.

We all need to do our best to fullfill our spiritual duties of Christ's church-- whatever part we have been called on to go. 

YOU are very important!  Don't think that you aren't.  The 'body' can't function without you.  When you aren't there, the body suffers.  When you don't show your kindness or your encouragement or your serving others, the whole body suffers (speaking to myself here too). 

What is your gift?  How are you/can you use it to help the whole body of the church?

You have a very important job.... never forget that! :)

God Bless You!

Kelly

Day 45: Your Motives

James 4:3

And even when you ask,  you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-- you want what gives you pleasure.

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A few days ago, we talked about James 4:2: We don't have because we don't ask.

This is the next verse after that.

What are your motives for your prayers?

If you pray for money, is it to buy yourself a new car-- or to bless the poor?

If you pray for spiritual gifts, is it to honor God or to gain status in church?

If we pray for success, is it because we truly want to help others or because we want to make a name for ourselves?

As overwhelming as it is, God knows our heart-- and our true motives.

Now-- don't let the Devil sneak in and plant 'You are only doing this for recognition" in your heart because he will plant doubt and you will want to give up.

Pray for gifts you can use and use them to help others.

Write down what you want to do and keep it so when the Devil gets after you, you can go back and read your real motives.

Search your heart and be honest. It will do no good to lie.  Then go over your thoughts.  Which reasons do you need to pray about?  Which reasons seem "Godly" and which seem "Worldly"?

And--no matter what--- don't give up!  Even if some of your motives can seem worldly, you can pray about it and ask for a change in heart.  We aren't prefect.

Once you focus on the spiritual reasons, you will find a renewed joy in it.

God Bless You!

Kelly