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

Friday, March 30, 2012

New Blog Added to Directory



THIS ^ isn't the button for the new blog added to the directory--- I couldn't find a button on that blog. But I did find a study written by Pedro Okoro (one of the people who writes for the blog and the one who asked if the blog could be added to the directory).

Very human moment--- I'm kind of in awe of anyone who can get a book written-- and published. I haven't checked this book out yet, but I wanted to put it with this post.

ANYWAY,

The new blog added is Everyday with the Lord. Pedro says, "Everyday With The Lord is a daily devotional which seeks to inspire Christians to live victoriously in Christ. It can be received by email everyday of the Year."

Please, show click the link and show the blog some love...

and PLEASE don't forget to check out the directory. It's getting quite a few blogs listed now. Each give a unique devotion which might be meant for you.

If you want your blog added, please send me an email at ohthatmomagain (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Thanks :)

~Kelly

day 284: Yeast and Dough

Galatians 5:9
This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough!

******

This reminds me of rumors... and rumors spreading out through the church.

Rumors start out as little, tiny things-- little yeasts.  That spread like wildfire... and that affects the entire dough-- the church.

A false teaching can do the same thing.

Little, tiny things can take down big structures. A lion can be taken down by a thorn. A tiny virus can knock you down for days.

So can a rumor in a church, and in your daily life.

Watch out for rumors... don't let your dough be ruined.

God Bless You!

Kelly

Thursday, March 29, 2012

day 283: Technical

Romans 14:23
But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

******

Have you ever wondered if something is a sin?

According to this verse, if you ever have a thought about something being a sin, and you do it, then you are sinning.

I never thought about it that way before.

There are somethings I've questioned about whether it's a sin--- it doesn't matter if it 'technically' is- if I do it, I'm sinning.

How's that for a new way to think about things....

God Bless You,

Kelly


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

day 282: Weaknesses

 Romans 6:12
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.

****

How can we not give into sinful desires?

Well....

One way is to keep God on your mind and in your heart. It's hard to do sinful things when you imagine God sitting right beside of you (and he CAN see everything you do so.....)

Another way is to know your personal weaknesses. Do you love to gamble? Stay away from it. Like to watch certain 'bad' things on tv or the internet? Put a block on it. Don't beat yourself up or live in denial. You can't get better if you don't acknowledge you have a problem.

Further more, lean on God's strength and grace.  God can take care of us when we can't. If you are having a problem with something, don't just pray once. Pray continually about it. And even pray during the times you are having problems with it.

It's not easy but with God it is possible.

God Bless You,

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

day 281: Don't Question It.

Amos 7:14
But Amos replied, "I'm not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I'm just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees."
*****

Here's the thing...


Not many people in life are 'professional prophets'.  Just like not many people in life are professional writers, professional speakers, professional evangelists.

Most people are just plain, Jane/Joe. But I'm sure God doesn't care.

If God tells you to do something, don't question it. Do it.

Don't say, "But God, I didn't go to school for that... I don't know what I'm doing." If God told you to do it, He will provide a way to get it done.

God Bless You

Kelly

Linked with: On Your Heart Tuesday

Monday, March 26, 2012

day 280: Checking the Door

Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight you, but they will fail.
For I am with you, and I will take care of you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!

*****

We all need a hug sometimes.

Sometimes it's from our kids..

our spouses...

our parents...

our church family...

even strangers...

Everyone needs a hug.

Today at church, I wasn't feeling my best self, so I hugged up to my Mama (I'm 31... and I didn't care).

We all have a need (some people bigger than other) that need someone to take care of us. I remember when I was little, my Daddy used to check the door and the stove before he went to bed every night.

When I got married, I just 'assumed' that was something all men did.

Well, I was wrong. If the door gets checked at night, *I* have to do it (or tell him to do it)-- either way I have to think of it.

Sometimes I just get tired of having to take care of things, and I just want someone else to think so I don't have too (My brain hurts sometimes lol).

I need to take this verse and tattoo it on me somewhere I think.. or at least print it off and put it over my door. When I (we, us) feel down or are tired or just don't know what to do, remember that even when no one else will, God will take care of you.

God Bless You
~Kelly



Saturday, March 24, 2012

New Blog Added to the Directory :)

Friends, I'm pleased to let you know another blog has been added to the directory.

Susan’s Blog is a place where I write about what I’m learning from the Lord and even wrestle with Him on this journey called life. It’s a place where I seek to honor and glorify my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Please head over to her blog and show her some love :)

Big thanks to Susan for wanting to add her blog to the directory.

God Bless You,

Kelly

Friday, March 23, 2012

day 277: For the Young Mama's

Proverbs 14:4
Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

***********

Ok, I'm going to admit something.... I cleaned my house Saturday. And do you know what happened on Sunday? It wasn't clean any more (le sigh!)

I know you all with small kids or grandkids (or dare I say even teenagers) can relate.

Nothing stays clean.

Ever.

BUT, I know how it could stay clean.

If it were just me  living here.

I could put everything in it's place and it never be moved--- just collect dust and never be used.

That's how it would be without my kids.

I'll take my kids over clutter any day. The clutter will always be here.... my kids won't always be this small.

Without them, my stable might be clean, but it would be very lonely.

God Bless You,
Kelly

Linked with: Faith Filled Friday

Thursday, March 22, 2012

day 276: Real Housewives of ......

Proverbs 14:1
A wise woman builds her home,
but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

**********

Have you ever thought about how easy it is to tear down your home? I have.....

If you focus so much on cleaning that you won't let anyone make a mess..... ever!

If you worry so much about messes that you don't let your kids  help you cook.....

If you fuss with your husband so much that your kids think of that as the 'norm'.....

If you nag your husband so much that he finally shuts down and does nothing.....

All of that can tear down a house, and so SOOO many more things!

What things can you think of that someone can do (not meaning to) that can tear a house down?

What can you do to stop it?

PRAY!

I'm not the easiest person to live with-- I know that. And I'm praying to be a more 'fun' and 'relaxed' wife/mother. 

I'm trying.......

What about you? What do you need to work on?

God Bless You,

Kelly

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

New Blog Added :)

Tonight, I've added a new blog to the directory.


Saved by Grace is a weekly Christian Bible study and devotional from God’s Word, for the newly saved and more seasoned believer, and for others seeking truth. Our prayer is to encourage you and strengthen your faith in God’s infinite mercy, love and grace, and in the Gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ, that all who seek Him have eternal, abundant life.

Please take time to go over and check out Laurie's blog :)

God Bless You,

Kelly

Day 275: The Jersey Shore

Proverbs 12:16
A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

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

Can you imagine what would happen if those people on the 'Jersey Shore' stayed calm when they were insulted (or thought they were insulted)?

My guess is there wouldn't be a show. Who wants to watch a show where people actually deal with their problems like adults and not hit each other? Hmmmmm......

No one... NO ONE... likes to be insulted or picked on. It is so easy to let your temper flair and just go off on them.

But that's not the wisest thing to do. Does that mean you have to hold it in forever? No. You need an outlet to get your angry feelings out: a punching bag, a stressball, writing, something-- just as long as it isn't someone's face you are whacking.

Nothing can get you in trouble quicker than a quick temper. That's something I really need to work on.

God Bless You,

Kelly


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

day 274: Stingy

Proverbs 11:24,25
Give freely and become more wealthy,
be stingy and lose everything.

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

It's hard to wrap our minds around giving makes us more wealthy.

In worldly ideals, it doesn't.

But we aren't talking worldly. We are talking godly.

If you freely give, you have a generious heart. You pass that down to your kids. Your generousity can help the poor, the needy, the homeless, the church.

You can sponser a child...

You can give to charity...

You can invest in the future by letting your kids see how it is to give....

If you don't. If you just hold the money in like a child who won't let anyone play with his/her toys (just hoards them and doesn't play for fear someone will take their toys), you will lose it.

You can't take it to Heaven with you anyway-- why not sow it where it can do some good.

God Bless You,

Kelly



Monday, March 19, 2012

day 273: Rumors

Proverbs 18:8
Rumors are like dainty morsels
that sink deep into one's heart.

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

Ah.... rumors....

We all love to hear them. I've been known on occassion to say, "Just tell me. I won't tell anyone." Then run and tell my Mama (because she's about the only one I tell rumors too.... not that it's any better...)

What happens when a rumor spreads, and it's true?

Well the person might be embarrassed. They could be upset that you broke a confidence. Their reputation could be ruined. People could think differently of them. It makes you a gossip.

What happens when a rumor spreads, and it's not true?

You could damage someone's reputation. They could blame you for spreading the rumor around and you could lose a friend. Others might not believe you any more.

There are so many negatives to spreading gossip/rumors. Even if you don't give 'names' or 'details'-- usually people's minds wander-- and a lot of times what they come up with is worse than whatever the real 'rumor' or 'truth' is.

Think before you spread rumors, even if you 'think' they are true. Either way, you could  hurt someone's feelings.

God Bless You,

Kelly



Friday, March 16, 2012

day 270: Hope

Psalm 39:7

And so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

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

We humans put our hope in a lot of things.

The government

Our spouses

Other people's interpretation of the Bible.

But where should we really put our hope?

In God.... and God alone.

People can tell us things to convince us otherwise, but if GOD has told you to do something, do it! Pray about it, and don't listen to naysayers who say you can't do it.

If GOD tells you too-- He will make a way for you to do it!

Listen to God.  Put your hope in Him!

God Bless You!

Kelly

Linked with: Faith Filled Friday

Thursday, March 15, 2012

day 269: Xena, Hercules, and God

John 1:14
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.

*******

If you don't know it by now... you should (if you've read these for a few days).

What is the 'WORD'?

Jesus. :)

Good job ;)

So, today's post is all about how Jesus became human.

Have you ever watched Xena:Warrior Princess or Hercules with Kevin Sorbo. I'm not going to lie... I LOVED those shows in the 90s. I used to stay up late on Sunday nights (because that's when they came on my local ABC channel at around 12 am). They had a lot of the Greek gods on it (Aries, Aphrodite, Zeus etc). Those gods could appear as human, but they never lost their powers. They never were truly human.

Our God-- Our Jesus-- The TRUE God is much more awesome that that!!

Jesus actually came as a human. He lived as a human. He WAS human with human emotions, feelings, hurts, exhaustion, fears... He was human. He didn't just look it.

If you don't think he understand what you are going through, he does. He lived it. He lived  happiness (at the wedding, healing people), being tired (when he got on the boat just to rest for a while), being upset (when he tossed the tables at the Temple), sadness (when Lazarus died), fear (when he prayed to his Daddy to take the cup from him), etc.

He was human so he knows what we are going through. That is huge for us! We have a God who knows our feelings. Who understand our frustrations, joy, sadness, etc.

If you think he's disconnected, he's not.

God Bless You

Kelly

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

day 268: (Wednesday) Flashlights

John 1:4-5
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

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

We talked a few days ago about how the 'Word' was Jesus. And how Jesus and God are the same and different.

Today, we are going to add to that a bit.

Salvation is available to everyone: man, woman, child, black, white, Asian, politician, athiest, murderer etc. Everyone can be saved through believing in Jesus and asking him into your heart.

I think of that like a flashlight.


Just like a flashlight always has the potential to shine, so do people.

Everyone in the world has the potential to have Jesus' light shining through them.

But just like a flashlight, light won't pour out UNLESS YOU push the button.

esus has the potential to shine through everyone in the world's darkness. The question is, are you going to flip the switch and allow him too? Or are you going to keep walking blindly in the dark?

God Bless You,

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

day 267: Rejected

John 1:10-11

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.

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

To me, this is one of the saddest verses in the Bible.

Jesus made the world (like we talked about yesterday). But when he came into the world as a human, he was rejected.

Think about your kids: My oldest daughter is 6. In a sense, I "created" her (ie I carried her and birthed her). Sometimes, she gets mad and says she hates me. Ouch! The person I love more than all others (save her sisters), who I hurt for, was sick for, labored 27 hours for, cried for, took care of, etc.--- she says she hates me?

Of course I know she doesn't really. But it still hurts to hear.

That is the kind of thing Jesus went through, but his was on a Much MUCH larger scale!

He made everything and all the people. He knew them all-- but they rejected, hated, despised, and killed him. I know how it feels when my daughter says something like that-- I can't imagine how it must have felt to Jesus.

Even his own town didn't recognize him as the Messiah. They still thought of him as "Joseph the Carpenter's boy".

It would be bad enough if that was the end of it, but it's not. Every day, every hour, in every part of the world, people are still rejecting him. They don't believe he's the Messiah. They don't believe he created or loves them. He STILL has to deal with that even 2000 years later.

That breaks my heart.

I'm not good at missionary work. My husband can talk to a stranger about God.... I have a hard time talking to my mother (and she's saved and goes to church!). There is a blog that has really good missionary ideas. It's called http://www.beholdingglory.com/. It has a tab just for missionary stuff and ways to do missionary work in practical ways. I encourage you to check it out and find ideas that might be right for you.

God Bless You,

Kelly

Monday, March 12, 2012

day 266: God's Plans-- Guest Post by Kathy



Today's Guest Post comes from a special lady: my sister, Kathy :)
Kathy is in the process of becoming a preacher, and has a great facebook page called Prayer and Praise. Go check it out :)
I text Kathy on Friday and asked if she could write a 365. She awesomely wrote this one for you.  The verse she picked is one of my favorites!
Love you, Kathy :)
********************************
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV......For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
***********
Oh how I love this verse!!!! So much comfort and truth in it.
At my church, ( a very traditional, low key church), I have had the desire to stir them (and me) up. To praise the Lord the way he wants.
I had been racking my brain for a way to do that.
A few weeks ago, our pastor announced that the Lord was dealing with him about doing an early morning praise and worship style of service before the regular service. My heart skipped a beat! Was this what I had been praying for?
.
I told the pastor I would help him do whatever he needed me to do.
.
The other night he sent me a message that said that basically all he was going to do for the early service was say a welcome and read a little scripture. The rest of the service was mine. Oh My Goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ME?
.
Even though I am going into ministry, I still feel fear, to be starting something that no one is used to. but also excitement. The unknown is a scary thing.
.
Little by little , God has been revealing to me what to do in this service. It's like God is saying, Ok Kathy, this is what I want. Are you going to do it?
.
Our ways are not his ways, our thoughts are not his thoughts. But, he has plans for us. Not to hurt us, but to prosper.
Am I afraid? Oh Yes!!! Most definately. I'm afraid I will disappoint my Lord. But if I do as God directs me, to His glory, it will not fail.
.
With God in it, it can only succeed!
.
Much Blessings,
Kathy

Sunday, March 11, 2012

day 265: The Word

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

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

Who is "The Word"?

Jesus.

If you take "The Word" out of this verse you get:
In the beginning was Jesus.
Jesus was with God,
And Jesus was God.

What do we get from that? Well, a lot of times people don't understand the 'God-head'? How can there be 3 parts of a whole which are all the same?

It really doesn't make any sense (that's why you have to have faith and believe).

John has a great way of taking that basic/complex component of Christianity and put it in easy to understand terms.

What can we learn from this? How how can we use it to tell others about Jesus?

We can learn 3 things from this one verse:

1) Jesus was here when time began.

2) Jesus was with God when he created the earth.

3) Jesus is God.

This is how I think of it....




Jesus and God are the same whole, but can be thought of differently. They are the same and different, kind of like a Vienn Diagram. They are both parts and wholes.

If you have anything to add to that, please leave me a comment and tell me :)

God Bless You

Kelly

Saturday, March 10, 2012

New Blog Added....

I'm really excited to added Alecia's blog, There's Something Different, to the blog directory!

Alecia and I have emailed a few times recently (health stuff, not Bible stuff), but I can tell she is a sweet lady who really wants to help others.

Please stop by and show her some love.

Also, I'm giving away a free copy of "Woman to Woman Magazine" on my other blog, http://www.ohthatmomagain.blogspot.com/ com. Click over there, and enter :)

God Bless You :)

Kelly

day 264: Nothing Is Useless

1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

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

I know a lot of times, I don't think things I do are important. Maybe even things for God. This verse really hit me upside the head this morning because it was something I needed to hear.

Maybe it is something you need too.

How many times have you felt kinda down about what you are doing-- for God or not? If you don't see results, you can get discouraged or upset.

People can tell you things, plant things in your mind, that make you question yourself and your commitments.

This verse is a good one to memorize, especially when you are feeling a bit down.

God Bless You,

Kelly

******

Ok, I have a big request. I'm asking for guest posters. If you are interested, please send me an email at ohthatmomagain (at) yahoo (dot) com. 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Another new Blog Added to the Directory...



I just added Beneath The Surface: Breath of Faith to the blog directory.

Dawn, the writer, made me smile when I asked her to write her snippet. She, apparently,  isn't one who likes to talk about herself. I think she did a great job! And am honored to have her blog added to the devotional blog directory.

God Bless You,

Kelly

day 263: The Right Path

Psalm 25:4-7

 4 Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O LORD. 

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

We all have things we want/would like/feel like we need to do. Sometimes, they are for God, sometimes they aren't. Even if they are, we need to sit down and really pray about if it (whatever your 'it' is) is the right thing to do.

God's ideas a much greater than we can even imagine. If we try to go by our own ideas, we end up tired, frustrated, upset, and sad. Sometimes we get mad at God for not doing something, when it was never in God's plan for us to do in the first place... it was our own desires or ideas.

With every decision, pray about it. Tell God to lead you where he wants you to go... and willingly go. That's easier said than done, sometimes.

God Bless You!

~Kelly

Linked with: Faith Filled Friday

Thursday, March 8, 2012

TWO New Blog Added to Directory! :)

I'm very excited to annouce two more blogs added to the 'Devotional Blog Directory' (tab above).

One is one that I've wanted to put up for awhile, but have waited until the one month blogging had passed. I've "known" Megan for awhile. She had a different blog, but now she writes on this one... Here To Find Him. Megan's blog is an inspiring one, and I hope you all check it out!

The second blog is Laura's blog, Beholding Glory.

Laura's posts will uplift you, make you smile, and if you've ever wanted to know anything about mission work, her blog is a good place to start :)

I'd like to thank Megan and Laura for adding her blog :)

If you are interested in adding your blog for this online resource, please send me an email at ohthatmomagain (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Thanks so much! I couldn't post this directory without YOU! :)

God Bless You!

~Kelly

day 262: Don't Speak

Psalm 4:4-5
Don't sin by letting anger control you,
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
and trust in the Lord.

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

I talk about anger a lot (wonder if there is a reason behind that????). When I was reading my B90 tonight, this really stuck out at me.


Don't let anger control you.... instead think about it overnight and remain silent.

How many of us actually remain silent when we are mad? Me, personally, talk more when I'm angry. I'm a pretty laid back person (mostly), but when I get mad... things start flying out. Imagine how many fights with my husband could have been avoided if I had just slept on it.

And I am getting better. Now I pray (most of the time.. I'm not saying that I don't get mad and slip sometimes) and ask God to calm me down and say the right words (because frankly, we tend to say things we don't mean when we are angry).

What good can happen from waiting before you speak when you are mad?

One, you don't have to eat crow. I don't know about you, but crow doesn't taste good to me. And I really dislike the words, "I told you so." especially when my big, grand (incorrect) point came when I was mad and not thinking clearly.


Two, you don't say words you don't mean. (Double  negative... awesome!) In the heat of the moment, words come that you don't mean. When it's over, you want to take them back, but you can't. If you hold your tongue, you don't have to worry about it (win win!)


Three, the person you are angry at *might* decide you are right.  Now this doesn't happen all of the time, BUT there are occassions when I'm actually right when me and the husband argue. HOWEVER, for some reason, if I fuss with him, *HE* thinks he's automatically right. BUT, if I don't. If I drop it, usually, he'll tell me he's sorry and was wrong.  (Took many years of being married to learn that....)


Four, you can show godly love to another person. Remember, "You are the only Bible some people will ever read"? Well, same goes for being angry with someone. If you are angry with a non-believer and you go off on a tangent, cussing, swearing, not being your best self, they see that-- and they can think they don't need to be saved because they aren't any worse than you are (in their mind). Be careful! If you get angry, handle it delicately, especially if that person isn't a Christian. He/she will probably watch you more closely to catch you in your 'sin'.

The point, be careful when you are angry. Practice breathing, biting your lip, and sleeping on it. It's hard... OH I know it's hard (see yesterday's post at http://www.ohthatmomagain.blogspot.com/...). But it is something worth trying to do.

God Bless You

~Kelly

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

day 261: Mysterious Ways


“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

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

So... last night I was really tired and I thought to myself, "Self, I'll write tomorrow's 365 in the morning."

This morning, I overslept.

Ug.

But I didn't want to leave you with nothing today, so I thought I'd find a Psalm for you.

Looked up on Biblegateway and sure enough, "today's verse" is a Psalm. (Thank you Lord for providing when I don't realize it!)

Maybe that's the lesson today: God has a plan, even if you (or I) don't see it. Even if you think a situation is 'bad', He's got it all worked out. He knew that *someone* needed this verse because I dare say this isn't the one I would have posted if I had typed it last night.

That makes me smile.

Have a great day :)

God Bless You,

~Kelly

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

day 260: I Always Feel Like... Somebody's Watching Me


Deuteronomy 6:6-7

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.


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

People are forgetful little creatures. I know I am. I forget a lot of things. I have a little sign next to my door that has "Don't Leave This House Without...." and I have a list for myself and each of my kids. If I didn't have my list, I would forget something.

The same goes for God's Word. If we don't focus on it daily, hourly, all of the time, we tend to forget it. It's not that we mean too... it just happens. Life, the world, sneaks in and we lose focus.

Also, we have a big responsibility to teach our kids because, like us, if they aren't reminded, taught, brought up on the Bible/God, they will tend to forget it too.

This verse says that we are supposed to continually be telling our kids about God and all of this commandments. At home, on the road, in the morning, and at night.

That doesn't mean we have to shove it down their throats. Teaching about God can be as simple as:

*how you react to a situation (Kids are ALWAYS watching! Even when you'd rather them not be...)

*talking about the clouds, and how God made them

*watching shows with your kids and talking about choices the characters make-and whether they are moral.

*showing your daughter how to dress modestly (and still fashionable)

*showing your son how to treat a woman by how you treat his mother.

One of my favorite quotes is, "You may be the only Bible some people ever read." And the same goes for our kids. It's great to focus on God and teach them His commandments, but what you don't say is just as important.

If you fill your heart with God and Godly things, others have no choice but to see it through you.

God Bless You

~Kelly

Linked with: On My Heart Tuesday

Monday, March 5, 2012

day 259: Closets, Storms, and Nervous Nillies

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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

We all get scared sometimes. Last Friday, we had some pretty big storms come through my neck of the woods. It did a lot of damage to counties and states around me.

School was let out at 12 noon which is a hassle... Very much needed... but still stressful. I, apparently, was a stressed out lady all day.

Got the girls, came home, and waited. Watched too much weather and by the time the storms came I *told* my husband that I wasn't nervous and there was nothing to be worried about.

Truth be told, I was freaking out a bit on the inside.

We all prayed before we ate (we ate supper like 'normal' 10 minutes before the storm was supposed to be at my house). I guess we were trying to act normal for the girls (6,5, and 19 months), but they knew (because they had been watching the tv too).

When my county got in a tornado warning, I put the girls in our bedroom closet and sat outside of it (with the door open) to watch the news. My husband decided it best for us to get inside the bathroom closet so we did.

All the while, my husband was praying (calmly... I have never seen him so calm in a storm... EVER!). I tend to hold things inside (a lot) so I was kinda snippy, but not hysterical-- and really nervous. 

We had the TVs on in the living room and bedroom and turned up so we could hear. The husband was watching the storm from the kitchen (yeap) and I was in the bathroom with my girls. Silly me, raised the blinds so I could see out (EEK!)---- that's when I got in the closet with the girls and hunkered down.

We didn't have a light-- just my cellphone (I really need to buy some flashlights). My girls are great little prayer warriors. Seriously, they will pray for anyone at anytime-- my middle daughter asked to pray at meals 3 times today. So, they sat in the closet and prayed a little prayer. Then we sang songs (note: "If Your Happy and You Know It" is NOT easy to sing when you are cramped in a closet with 3 other people... just saying...)

My husband finally came and told us it was all clear, so we got out. We didn't have any damage at my house. Thank God. I know there are lots of people who aren't as lucky and I'm praying for them.

Is there a point to this.... and how does it relate to the scripture?

The point is: Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

*I* was afraid. I'll admit it. It's hard when you have little kids that you are responsible for during a storm like that (but I get nervous driving sometimes, truth be told.) But God was with us in that little closet. He is with us everywhere. I need to remember that. How about you?

You are never truly alone. I'm sitting in one of the bedrooms of my house right now as I type this. I'm the only one here awake. I'm sitting all alone-- but I know I'm not truly alone. God is with me. I feel like he's moving my fingers to say the words He wants (because I stutter when I try to say all of these things).

Where ever you go--- whether it be a church or a store, a closet or a stadium-- God is with you. Looking out for you.

Don't be afraid.... and don't be dismayed.

Much Love,

Kelly




Sunday, March 4, 2012

day 258: The Young and the Restless

2 Samuel 12:11-12
"This is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes and he will go to bed with them in public view. You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel."

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Ah... what a great way to start a Sunday.....

David's family, bless them, had enough storylines to be on One Life to Live-- or The Young and the Restless.

And it all started when David saw Bathsheba taking a bath on her roof.

Sure, if he hadn't of, then killed her husband... then married her... Solomon would have never been born and things would have been very different. But it didn't mean it was right.

That one act by David set a domino affect that affected everyone.

God had Nathan tell David that: "I will cause your own household to rebel against you...."

And they did. At least 2 of his sons tried to over throw him as king.

Nathan also told him: "I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes and he will go to bed with them in public view."

And that happened too.... though I'm sure David never imagined that it would be his own son to sleep with 10 of his concumbines in a tent on the roof (ouch!)

All of this happened to David because of what he 'secretly' did to Uriah (Bathsheba's husband). God forgave him for what he did, but David still had to deal with the consequences of his actions.

God will forgive us, but we still might have the consequences to live with. Even with all of that going on, though, David never stopped believing in or praying to God. He didn't blame God for what was going on in his life-- he knew he's brought it on himself.

No matter our circumstances (whether our own doing or not), we must take a page out of David's book. Never stop praying. Never stop believing. And always keep our eyes on God.

God Bless You

~Kelly



Saturday, March 3, 2012

day 257: The Rest of the Story

2 Chronicles 33:10-13
The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the commanders of Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound chains, and led him away to Babylon. But while in deep distress.........

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Do you know the story of Manasseh?

I thought I did. His story is told in two places (like a lot of kings). The first place is in 2 Kings 21.

The cliffnotes 2 Kings 21 are:
*He was a really evil king.

*He built altars to "all the powers of heaven and earth" (ie NOT God) in the Temple of the Lord.

*He sacrificed his own son in the Temple to the 'gods'

*He practiced sorcery and divination, consulted with mediums, and psychics.

*Put a carved image of Asherah in the Temple of the Lord

*Manasseh murdered many innocent people until Jerusalem was filled with innocent blood.

That is all in 2 Kings. Then it says, "The rest of the events in Manasseh's reign and everything he did, including the sins he committed, are recorded in the Book of the History of the Kings of Judah."

*I* read that and thought Manassah pretty much as evil as they come... and he was. But I didn't know... the rest of the story.

Manassah's story is exactly why you need to read the Bible cover to cover. You miss things important like this.

Wanna know what happened to Manasseh?

Well.....

2 Chronicles 10:12-13
.........But while in deep distress.........
Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!


I don't know about you, but that's a BIG chunk of his story to miss!

Manasseh was as evil as evil could be, but he sincerely prayed to God, God heard him, and he was saved! After that, he tried his best to lead Judah back to God, but they were too far gone.

If God can/will save a man as evil as Manasseh, He can/will save anyone. We all have people we pray for to be saved. Sometimes we feel like giving up because either it's not working (we think) or maybe they are 'too far gone'. 

It isn't too late until they take their dying breath, and Manasseh is a prime example of that.

We can get 2 things out of this:

1. We all need to read our Bible, and not just in snippets. If you don't want to do the B90 program, that's fine. But it is important to read it cover to cover (even if it takes years), and really get the story as it is told. You'd be surprised how much you find out.

2. Manasseh wasn't a good guy, but God saved him and used him. I dare say you haven't committed half the sins Manasseh did, so don't think God can't use you too-- even if you are a sinner (who's not?)

God Bless You

~Kelly


Friday, March 2, 2012

day 256: Walking by Faith (Guest Post by Mike)

Today's post is a first for 'Encourage365': the first guest post. At the beginning of this blog, I wasn't going to do guest posts because I felt like *I* was committed to writing 365 days of encouragement for you-- and then I decided-- you know, reading others posts are a blessing to me. And reading/writing guest posts could encourage you more than I can on certain days.

If you'd like to write a guest post, send me an email: ohthatmomagain (at) yahoo (dot) com. And if you'd like your blog listed in the directory, let me know.

Here is what Mike has to say:


Walking today in the un-perfect printed path in the snow, I realized that this was just like our own lives. It wasn't straight .It was curvy. Left to right, right to left. As I'm trying to walk the best I can by looking straight and keeping in the lines, I realized I started singing the song of "We walk by faith and not by sight" After I finished singing that song quietly, there was a wind and the sun just shone in my face. Then before I knew it, I was at the end of the trail. I had completed the long trail, and there were many foot steps many becoming lighter by foot step.

I think it's a little to often how we look at ourselves and find ourselves concentrating on the earthly things, walking by sight.I can often see myself walking by sight. And how often I realize that I need God to help me walk in a straight road and to walk by faith. But how happy God will be when we let him in.

So then God throws a brick and says that Walking by sight is dangerous because we start to worry about all the things and not just worry about the troubles of this day, and we look into the future... We need to let him walk us by faith and let him see the things of our world and let him take care of it. We might think that we can look after everything, but really, we can't. WE NEED GODS HELP!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 "For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. 17 And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. 18For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever."

What we really need is to keep it simple and not to fix our eyes on the things that are seen. But to pray and wonder what are these great things that are not seen. Yes we will go through plenty of things and yes we will have our own sufferings, but our reward will just become that much greater! Our pain will be like that curvy track in the snow. Going to the right then going to the left. Until it reaches the last bit and there is no more trail to follow.

" For We walk by faith and not by sight"

For when we walk by our faith we carry our cross and follow Jesus. When we look forward at the road to see if it is going right or left we are walking by sight and doing the opposite. We need to look forward, carry our heavy cross, and follow the path by faith and not by deceiving sight.


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- Mike
I have the privileged to guest post at encourage 365. I am the witter at Life of us and saints blog. If you want to see it click Here

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