Delight In the Lord

The Internet Cafe is pleased to welcome Sunny, from Jesus is my Hero to the Cafe!

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
~ Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Don’t you love it when you read something God inspired another brother or sister in Christ to write hundreds or thousands of years ago in which they share the current state of your heart? I sure do!

This morning, I was reading Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening and couldn’t help but rejoice in God my Savior as my brother Charles did nearly 200 years ago! Here’s an excerpt of my reading this morning based on Psalm 37:4:

“The life of the believer is here described as a delight in God, and we are thus certified of the great fact that true religion overflows with happiness and joy. Ungodly persons and mere professors never look upon religion as a joyful thing; to them it is service, duty, or necessity, but never pleasure or delight. If they attend to religion at all, it is either that they may gain thereby, or else because they dare not do otherwise. The thought of delight in religion is so strange to most men, that no two words in their language stand further apart than ‘holiness’ and ‘delight’. But believers who know Christ, understand that delight and faith are so blessedly united, that the gates of hell cannot prevail to separate them. They who love God with all their hearts, find that His ways are ways of pleasantness, and all His paths are peace. Such joys, such brimful delights, such overflowing blessednesses, do the saints discover in their Lord, that so far from serving Him from custom, His name as evil. We fear not God because of any compulsion; our faith is no fetter, our profession is no bondage, we are not dragged to holiness, nor driven to duty. No, our piety is our pleasure, our hope is our happiness, our duty is our delight.”

I cannot contain my gratitude for God’s gracious and merciful gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, our gracious Redeemer, who’s pure and holy blood alone can purify us from all unrighteousness!

The unfathomable fact that I, a despicable sinner can (through Jesus Christ) approach the Maker of all creation, the righteous Judge, the Great I Am, overwhelms me. I don’t increase God and I don’t make Heaven better. But my Father God delighted to save me from my sins, by giving me Himself so that I might know Him and engage in an intimate, holy relationship with Him. Oh how great the sacrifice, how high the cost, to redeem the rebellious, to save the lost!

Therefore, I delight in God alone. I delight in His law, His precepts and all His ways. For the law of God is perfect (Psalm 19:7), His precepts are right and trustworthy (Psalm 19:8, 111:7-8), and His ways are just (Deuteronomy 32:4, Daniel 4:37).

I delight in my glorious Redeemer because He Is.

What are some attributes of God in which you delight? How are these delights expressed in your life (i.e., with family, friends, at work, etc.)? What happens to you when you meditate on these things? Does it get you out of a rut? Does it help you encourage others?

Gracious Father God in Heaven, O how we delight in You! Thank You Father for making us Your daughters. Thank You for calling us Your own, and giving us new hearts with new desires. Teach us, mold us, and refine us for Your glory. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so we can walk in a manner worthy of Christ, fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You. May we be strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to You, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. May Your name forever be praised! And may we always honor You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

In HIM, Sunny

Sunny can be found at her blogspot...Jesus is my hero....

My first love is Jesus Christ; Second love - my wonderful husband of 16 years; Third love - both my boys (15 and 13) are tied for third J. My greatest desire is to live my life in such a way that it is something beautiful to my Lord and Savior (Mark 14:6). Though I have not achieved any of this yet, my goal is to become a Proverbs 31 woman, encourage my sisters (Titus 2:3-5) and to share the message of the Gospel of Christ to everyone and anyone who is open to receive the greatest gift known to mankind...eternal salvation found only in Jesus Christ.

I am a 39 year old, Korean-born, citizen of the United States & Heaven. I have worked as a Project Coordinator for Engineering Firms as well as hospitals in CA. Our family currently lives in Texas. Thanks be to God, I have been blessed in my current position as an Executive Assistant (1994 – Present) where I am currently employed at our family-owned, not-for-profit organization. I am the Executive Assistant to the CEO of our family who reports to the Owner. I am the personal assistant to everyone in the organization. I report all progress and details of business to the CEO for review and approval; resident 24-hour on-call nurse; dietitian, head chef, housekeeper, hairdresser, fashion consultant, interior designer, seamstress, hostess, caterer, receptionist, tutor, advisor, and volunteer. I am also responsible for training a staff of two assistants to head their own organizations one day, in accordance with God’s plan. My current position is most commonly known as “stay-at-home mom”.

August 30 - Cafe Chat

The catchphrase “It’s not about me” has become quite popular in our current world today. What does that phrase mean to you in your personal life? Explain.

Blessings,
Kim

STUNG

The four kids, plus me, walked down to the little bridge along the gravel ATV trail. They had begged to go down there to throw rocks into the creek and I had entertained them because a little walk sounded nice. The girls chased each other down the path while the boy stopped every few seconds for some new treasure: a rock shaped like an eyeball, a dead cricket, and a stick to wave around.

Suddenly, my eldest daughter came screaming down the bridge, waving her arms around her head and running as fast as if she were in an Olympic track meet. What could have caused such a reaction? Hornets. As she ran past me, I asked her stop so I could see the damage, but she wouldn’t slow down to explain that she was getting stung.


At first, I thought she had been stung once, then she pointed out three spots and only after closer inspection at home did I realize she had been stung five times. No wonder she was running like the wind to escape that pain.

I’ve seen people running away from church with that same speed; they would do anything to get away. They’ve been stung by someone’s careless words. Perhaps we didn’t mean to say something that would cause pain, but many of our words can sting and cause pain, swelling and severe discomfort to those listening.

When we make a cutting remark about how rude it is to smoke in the church parking lot, not realizing that the woman behind us is struggling to break the habit – it stings. Or when we criticize the painting in the gym, trying to be “constructive,” but crushing the person who worked so hard on that job – it stings. It really stings when we assume that someone is living in sin because of the circumstances they are facing. And often, people will be stung not just once, or even just twice, but multiple times before they walk (or run) away with tears running down their face.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

This is one of those verses that is hard to swallow. Every.single.word??? Wow, that’s kind of scary, if I really think about it. I say things all the time without thinking much about it, but when I read this Scripture, I realize I must not be so careless with my words.


Words flying about randomly can sting. And that’s not what I want to happen with my words. I guess I need to be more careful about my words so that they don’t cause damage along the way.

Wishing

Star light, star bright first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight… I wish it was the way it used to be.

Have there been times in your life you would love to go back to? Have you seen better days? Better financial times? Better marital years? Better looking years? Happier times? Ever thought, I just wish I could go back? I have. I’ve sat staring off in space, enjoying the moment of being alone in my own head, while the clock of reality ticked on.

I consider myself to be a young mother. I’m not so full of myself to think that just because I can do laundry in a single bound while cooking dinner and changing a diaper that I have life all figured out. Far from it.

I have three small children. Well, not tiny, but still small. My oldest is eight and the middle is seven. I do have one little one. She's 8 month old. The "big" girls are seventeen months apart and I have almost loved every minute of it. I say almost because I have been duped more than once by the enemy of all who follow Christ, Satan. He’s convinced me that what I have now is not what I really want. I’ve drank his poison of sweet deceit and been drunk on the lie that would tell me that if I could go back I’d be happier.

Don’t get me wrong I love my children and love being a wife, but I can remember days, when I had two babies in diapers, that I would long for “freedom” for what used to be. I used to be able to go and do whatever I wanted when ever I wanted with my daddy’s credit card. (Yes, I have a generous dad who took very good care of me.) I used to be skinner. I used to run around with my friends and live in the dorm. I'd whine in my head about being home with two babies, my husband gone all day and my life being defined by children, diapers, and housework.

Can I be honest with you? Sometimes, though rarely these days, I’ll find myself wishing for the days when they were babies!

But, why do we do this? Why do we wish for something we logically know we can never get back?

I believe there are a couple of reasons.

1. There is a draw to times when we felt really good, and since our reality may not produce the same feelings, we tend to look back to what did and wish for it. It’s funny how we block out all the bad that probably happened within those “perfect” years.

2. This is very important: we have a spiritual enemy who will do anything to get our eyes off of Christ. If one way to get us to not focus on the Now of Jesus is to get us to wish for what is long gone, then he will do it with a vengeance.

Feelings. Powerful, aren’t they? I can remember living on a small farm in Missouri when my first born came. We rented this house on one-hundred acres, twenty minutes from anything. There have been days when, after we moved to the city, that I’ve longed for that old farm. I know it is not what I want now and can’t really imagine going back. None the less, that old farm has a draw for me. But, if I think about it, what I long for are the moments I cherish the most. So why not just cherish them for what they are and then get on with living? Why did I allow myself to be disillusioned with my immediate reality based on a feeling a memory produces?

Paul said in Philippians 3:13 and 14,

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God as called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I’ve used this verse to help me overcome challenges concerning the bad things of my past, but not always for the good things. My draw to what used to be, if it calls me to abandon my reality, must be “forgotten.” Good or bad.

If we are staring off into our past, letting the spirit within us stare off to something we can never bring into reality, then we are missing our present.

In the season when I would literally wish for what used to have on a daily basis I would find myself more depressed than fulfilled. Why? Because th hand of reality would wave in front of my minds eyes, bringing me back, and nothing had changed when I escaped for a few moments. No matter how hard I thought about what I used to have, I still had two little girls in diapers who needed me. Never did my longing for my past cause me to neglect or despise my children, but it left me unfulfilled and restless.

Restless. That’s the word I want you to hear from me. Not depressed or angry about my life, I was just restless. I feel like I’m painting a poor picture of what I actually thought of motherhood. I loved it. Still do, but when I would let the enemy tell me I used to have better days, a restlessness would come up in me that I could not settle.

Maybe you have dealt with this restlessness.

Maybe you are right now.

Maybe your restlessness has turned into depression, anger, or resentment.

If you are a follower of Christ this is no way to live. I had to let God do some refining in my thought life. We had to get some things square. Through fixing my eyes on Him, He said that He is the author and perfecter of my faith (see Hebrews 12:2).

We cannot fix our eyes on what used to be. We must fix our eyes on Jesus who is our reality, our Now. Any longing on what used to be is but a distraction for what should be and what is. Even if what is is difficult, hard, or boring, it is still reality. We can choose to let Jesus fashion a fulfilled life with destiny, or we can choose to rest on memories of the past.

Isaiah 43:18 and 19 says,

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

To perceive this you must stop looking back and look to Jesus. You will find that he can bring life to your reality if it so needs it. He will take what is real in your life and bring glory to Himself. He is not a passive God. He is active and alive. His Word can come alive in you for this day. “Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Is there anything you long for or wish for that too often takes you eyes off of your reality?

In Him,
Natalie @


and

This Life I Live

It was October, 1994. I remember it vividly.

My husband, Chris, and I were sitting on the floor in our one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio, Texas, writing our very first song together. We volunteered our time and talents to lead worship at our church, as well as minister to teenagers. We loved it and enjoyed pouring into people. It was a nice, convenient gig that served us quite well and also touched a few others along the way. We were happy. Life was good.

Until, that is, my husband appeared to me with this announcement: "I think we're being called into full-time ministry."

Do wha???

My thoughts immediately jumped to me and my level of comfort: I can't be a pastor's wife. I don't look like a pastor's wife. I am not as nice as a pastor's wife. And I certainly don't act or talk like a pastor's wife. And for the love, I cannot wear denim jumpers with apples on them for the rest of my life.

But, when I calmed down, I started to pray. Eventually, I surrendered the dreams, aspirations and ambitions that I thought would be the catalyst for happiness in my life. And it was at this time that I truly found life.

And an abundant one at that.

Psalm 37:4 (NIV) says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Many take this verse out of context and think that God will give them anything they desire if they just play nice and go to church on Sundays.

Not so.

Because everything we want is not what is God's best for us.

I have found that when I truly delight myself in the Lord, the desires I once had fade and are replaced with Kingdom desires, wishes and wants. The life I thought was so amazing before can hold no candle to where I am now.

And that can only be explained by the promises of God that are so richly awarded to those who seek Him with their whole hearts.

Share a time when you surrendered something you thought was so wonderful only to find that the Creator of the universe had something so much better in mind.

In Him,



Join Cindy daily at her website CindyBeall.com

Celebrating the Life of Little Christian "Dozer" Drews

A Sweet Little Man of God!

Let's face it - Marsha and David have some handsome little boys and Dozer is no exception. That bright eyed "Korean with blonde hair" sure knew how to make his mama's heart melt whether he was talking about his "two foreheads" or outgrowing his lost blanky. Marsha is such a good mama and boy did she ever dote over this little one. And who could blame her? The little cutie was so musically inclined that he could play a guitar AND an egg slicer. I guarantee that he is making some sweet music up in heaven tonight!

Yes, Jesus has one more sweet little angel to bounce on his knee. Christian, whom Marsha lovingly referred to as Dozer, passed away on Tuesday evening. He was a three year old boy wonder who was so excited to begin school in the coming weeks. He had only been a spectator to his brother's lessons so far but he was a quick learner...

"one, two, fwee, foh, fiiive, sixteen, benineteen, fowteen, nineteen. I count fo you mommy!!!"

I know his mama, daddy, and his two brothers miss him deeply. They know he is in God's loving arms but that doesn't stop the pain they are feeling. I ask that you please, please pray for our friends. Marsha and David are amazing people and my heart is simply broken because this happened to them. Your prayers are coveted.

Cards or Correspondence can be mailed to:
David and Marsha Drews
c/o Rachel Harris
12830 N. Cypress Lane
Tomball, TX 77377

She will be sure to get them all to Marsha and David.


Father,
I pray that you would bless my dear sweet friend and comfort her and her husband and those little boys as they go through what is certainly the worst time of their lives. God I ask that you would keep your eyes fixed on them and your arms around them. I ask that you send thousands of angels to be there with them in their grief and comfort them. God, give them peace, the kind that surpasses all understanding. Give them joy. I know that only you know why these things happen but it just feels so unfair. Still we trust you. Please help us when we fail. And Father, give Christian a big hug and a kiss from each and every one of us. Thank you, Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.1 Corinthians 12:26

Marsha and David we love you and will be here praying with you through this. We can't even begin to fathom your thoughts or emotions right now but please know that we are here, whatever you may need. We love you.


Dozer, we'll see you soon, sweetheart!

Help is on the Way

"What City and State please?" City?? Well I knew the City...and I knew the State. As I spouted the necessary information back to the Emergency Response Operator, I began to wonder at my state. Not my location...but my actual state.

"Was anyone bleeding?" No mam. "Are there any fluids coming from any of the vehicles?" No mam, not that I can tell. "Are you alright?" Yes mam. A few more questions and she informed me that help was on the way. Help is on the way. Help....is on.....the way.

When I disconnected the call on my cell phone that Friday afternoon, the phone made a beeping noise it had never made before, flashed a light and then the front cover said "EMERGENCY MODE". It reminded me every time I looked at it that "help was on the way." I need not worry. Just relax.

God's word does the same thing. It gives us reminders. EVERY single time we pick it up.

God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Psalm 121:1-4 says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."

Sounds to me like He's more reliable than Onstar. More reliable than the 911 operator. Which that reminds me, one of the girls from my office recently witnessed an accident and called 911 from her phone. Guess what? Her phone did the same thing. "Emergency Mode" appeared on the screen followed by strange beeping and her signal was set. Just like mine. Just like yours...every time you pray you send up a signal to the throne, and your position is marked.

Years ago, a minister told the story of a close friend who was going through some severe problems in her marriage. So severe in fact, that they were already at the divorce stage. As she was driving one day, weeping before the Lord, crying out to God of her dire circumstances, with her broken heart laid bare, God gave her a picture in the sky.

Being an amateur photographer, she always had her camera handy. She pulled off the highway, raised the view finder to her eye, to capture the incredible colors in the cloud formation, and snapped the shot. As she continued home, she prayed for the Lord to reveal to her heart what she should do. She had lived in the pain so long that she couldn't see God in it anymore.

When she developed the roll of film, the picture she took by the roadside that day brought surprise and peace to her heart. When she thought she was photographing simply some unusual clouds and colors in the sky, the developed photograph was decidedly different. The picture resembled an angel hovering in the sky, as if to send a message to her heart. "I am here. Help is on the way." Whether there was just an unusual cloud formation or not, God touched her life that day. He gave her the message that "HE was with her in her trouble".

I don't know what is going on in your life today. Maybe the circumstances are so hard to handle, you have not told anyone. The wound may be too fresh. It may be too deep. Whatever it may be, God is not so far off that He can't be reached. Go ahead. Dial His 911 line. It's found in the Word.

Some suggested readings:

Psalm 102:17; Psalm 62:5; Psalm 30:2; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 18 (whole chapter!)

Many times in the Psalms we are instructed to "Sing to the Lord a new song". I encourage you to find some good worship songs on CD. Play those over and over while you work, drive, or rest. Fill the hours of your day with as much "worship" as you possibly can. If you are filling every available space of your heart from encouraging and uplifting sources, the enemy has a harder time trying to find an inroad into your life.

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7 KJV (emphasis mine)

It's absolute truth. He will be your help. Call on Him. Lean on Him. Seek His face and stay in the WORD. That's where your strength lies.

God bless you all!

I'd love your visit at Knightly News!

Listen to Talking Donkeys!

One movie that always tickles my funny bone is the movie “Shrek.” Nothing spells humor like a big green ogre.

In the original movie, Shrek spends his days trying to impress the beautiful Fiona. He is shocked to discover at the end of the day that she turns into a green ogre just like him. A true lesson in the fact that we are all the same “deep down.”

But I have to admit, “Donkey,” a talkative and sometimes smart alec donkey is my favorite character. His classic comebacks and witty one-liners always leave me dabbing tears of laughter from eyes.

When was the last time you heard a donkey talk? I have to admit, it’s not something I have ever heard. Yet, there is a story in the Bible, with a talking donkey that captivates me every time I read it. This one, although just as lovable as the one from the movie, is minus the wisecracking comments.

Does it surprise you that God could use a talking donkey to get someone’s attention? Several years ago when I stumbled on this nearly forgotten story in Numbers 22, I have to admit I laughed as I read the story.

A talking donkey? In the Bible?

Yes, and would you believe that there is a lesson in it that nearly everyone can relate to?

The story takes places a few years after the Israelites left Egypt by means of a parting Red Sea. The king of the neighboring country, Moab, noticed how powerful the Israelites had become. This king knew that sheer man power alone was not enough to defeat them. So, instead of calling his military advisor, he called Balaam, a sorcerer. He knew something supernatural was the only way he stood a chance of being victorious over the Israelites.

Balaam agreed and was preparing for the journey. The night before he was to leave, however, God told him not to put a curse on the Israelites because they were blessed. In the end, God allowed Balaam to continue on the journey but only under the conditions that he did as God said.
On his way, apparently his motives changed because God was no longer happy with Balaam. On the journey, an angel blocks the donkey’s path. Balaam does not see the angel and beats the donkey for stopping. Twice more, the donkey sees an angel trying to prevent the journey. Unfortunately, Balaam’s heart was so hard by this point, God needed to use a donkey to deliver His message.

Infuriated by his donkey’s disregard for his mission, Balaam again beats the donkey. Now, here is where the story gets really good. Look what the Bible says happened:

“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” Numbers 22:28

The donkey talked!

As you read this story, you can’t help but wonder what the look on Balaam’s face must have been. Shock? Fear? Amusement?

The next verse shows us what he did:

“Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’ Numbers 22:29

In fact, Balaam is so concerned about his own pride, he didn’t even notice the talking donkey! Instead, he argued with him. God was using this animal to protect Balaam from harm. Instead of recognizing this fact, Balaam is furious and threatens the donkey’s life.

Many times pride and a hard heart make us deaf to any message but our own agenda.

When was the last time you were so caught up in your own pride that you didn’t notice God was trying to speak to you?

I like to think in my own life, I don’t miss God, but I do. Some days I get so caught up in housework or other “Mommy jobs” that I fail to notice my boys for the blessings they are. Instead, I see a pile of toys and crumbs that looks like extra work. I see stained clothes that most certainly will require a soaking and scrubbing to look new again.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the mechanics of being a Mom, that I miss the path that God has clearly set before me: to raise men of God.

While the story of Balaam and his donkey have some rather comical aspects to it, it also communicates a message that I need every day: God loves me enough to go to extraordinary lengths to reach me. He doesn’t always do things in the conventional methods I’ve come to expect.

No matter how hard life gets, we need to be watchful of the circumstances God places in our life to remind us of His love and protection of us. Even if they are a little peculiar at first glance.

In the end, I have to admit, if one day my heart looses the sensitivity that God wants it to have and a donkey rings the doorbell, I will listen to every word he says!

Question To Ponder:

What are the "talking donkeys" in your life?




I would love for you to visit me at my personal blog, "Overflowing Grace."


"Donkey" picture courtesy of www.kids.aol.co.uk

Sandpaper Touch

There’s a renovation project going on in my office building. For the past few weeks, I’ve navigated through a variety of construction crews doing everything from demolition to window installation. Today the carpenters were on the job. I don’t know what their specific project was, but I know they were sanding. I heard the high power sanders and saw the remnants of their efforts covering all the workspace outside.


I thought about the sanding process. I like to refinish furniture and I know sanding is an essential step to creating a smooth finish. First, all the old finish has to be removed and then you take sandpaper to the bare wood. A mountain of dust later, your piece will look smooth and ready, but it may not be. This is where the touch test comes in. Run your fingers across the bare, sanded wood and feel for any imperfection. Do you feel any ridges, bumps or dents? What you can’t see, you can feel.

This process is a picture of what the Lord is doing in my life. He’s touched my life and found the flaws that others don’t see. He looks beyond what is noticeable to the eye and finds the places that need work. The Lord knows my heart and while my outward appearance may look fine to others, He needed to get rid of some of the bumps and ridges in my spirit. I didn’t like it and I still don’t like it. It’s painful. I’ve walked away from this sandpaper process – more than once. But I’m back now, because I know to move forward with Him and His plans for me, I have to allow Him to refine me.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

You are His workmanship. We are His workmanship.
The Lord continues His work on me. He’s sanding my spirit and with each pass little bits of the old me are falling away – bits of pride, envy, jealousy and anger are turning to dust in His hands. He’s sanding away my desire to be in control of every situation. He’s sanding away my need to succeed and replacing it with a deep desire to serve Him. The feeling is raw and painful as the old is scrubbed away and the new revealed.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Ps 51:10

That's what I want -- a steadfast spirit. A spirit fully committed to serving the Lord. A spirit wholly sold out to God. A spirit that won't waver at adversity or at controversy. I know that sanding is a step in this process, I don't know where He will lead me next, but I just know that I will go. I will follow Him and I will serve Him. It won't always be easy and it won't always be fun, but it will always be filled with the peace and the joy of serving Him. A joy that surpasses all understanding.

Where are you today?
Is there something in your life that the Lord needs to sand down?
Are you struggling with a past hurt?
Are you like me and want to be in control of everything?
Are you dealing with feelings of loss or rejection?

Let Him renew your spirit within you. You are His workmanship – His masterpiece. He created you and He will renew you. Ask God to show you what past struggles are troubling you and let Him begin His mighty work in you.

A Fine Feast

Can I get an “Amen!”?!?!?

Ok, that amen-calling may have been a bit premature. I’m just feeling passionate about this one!

I have not yet been married for a year and Houston, we’ve got a problem: my husband just doesn’t share the same enthusiasm as me for dessert. As a matter of shocking fact, I am honestly embarrassed to admit, some nights he forgoes a night-time snack all together!

He often says, “I’ve just eaten enough today.”

Or “I am full.”

Who? Says? That?

I stare at the computer screen tonight and think, “This is the man who when I suggested we play the ‘I'm-Going-On-A-Picnic-Game’ said he was bringing a sandwich, which is fine if we were at the letter ‘S’, but he was supposed to be bringing something that started with a “B”!” I mean, surely, all of heaven is aware I am the brain of this operation!

How is it then that he houses enough self-restraint to opt out of the dessert meal of the day?

And you see, when he doesn’t eat a delicious treat…it makes it hard for me to. When he orders a small ice cream cone, I have to follow suit! Because what woman wants to be seen eating an ice cream cone that puts the tower of Babel to shame as her husband enjoys a dainty sampling of the newest ‘cream at Coldstone? Tell me! Who!

When the Starbuck’s barista asked him for his latte size a few weeks ago and he dared to utter the word, “Tall,” ladies, I about lost it.

You can cross me in many ways before I speak up: decide not to partake in some popcorn, decline the fruit smoothie, simply shake your head ‘no’ to a vanilla pudding offer – but DON’T YOU EVER ORDER ANY SIZE LESS THAN A GRANDE AT STARBUCKS.

Dear me. My heart nearly gave out. And that was when I knew things were bad.

“I am full.”

Now, now, ladies. Before you go telling me we need marital counseling because something is clearly wrong with the Man, bear with me.

What if we lived our spiritual lives like this?

What if when temptation came knocking, smelling sweet and looking fine, we simply shook our heads and said, “I am full.”

Oh, how I pray when we find ourselves faced with that shiny, red apple being dangled before our eyes we will remember the words of Hosea, “All that party food won’t fill you up. You’ll end up hungrier than ever…you’ll be starved for God.” (Hosea 9, TM)

In those moments I ask on our behalf that we will say, “I am full.”

Because, friend, that is what we are offered in Christ Jesus. Lives that are full. Hungry stomachs that are fed. There is nothing wrong with being hungry – it is when we abuse the hunger that we begin to see problems.

Psalm 81:8-10 speaks to us today, “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever, but you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

So often we look to all of these others things to bring us satisfaction. We are “hungry” but don’t realize Who we are starving for.

I want to challenge us this week to tell the world “we’ve eaten enough” of it and bring our hungry selves to the feet of Christ.

There is nothing He would like more than to fill your hungry stomach.

I hope as you drink your Grande (or larger!) Starbuck’s coffee, you will ask Him to meet whatever need you feel is going unmet at the moment.

Feast on His words and be fed!


Father God, When the things of this world begin to appeal to my appetite, help me feast upon Your Word! Still my hunger, fill me up and keep me determined to look to you for my satisfaction. I thank You for Your Spirit, who is at work in me and leads me ever closer to you. Amen.

You can visit Kristen at her blog, Exemplify, to read more of her writing.

"Word of Mouth"

This is my first "Word of Mouth" post. What is a "WOM" post you ask? Well, I'm continually on the search for good, preferably great Christian and family friendly resources. These resources can be books, movies, games, or anything that may draw you closer to Christ and your family. In the scheme of things, I am not a professional reviewer of resources, but just an ordinary woman willing to share her opinion on things that have helped me in my Christian walk. I hope that what I share with you will be beneficial to you and your family.


So with great excitement I present my first "WOM" post... Below you will be able to preview the official trailer for the new movie, "Fireproof" being released at theaters on September 26th. "Fireproof" is the third movie to be released from Sherwood Pictures . "Flywheel", and the ever so popular "Facing the Giants" were the first two movies made by Sherwood Pictures (If you have not seen these two movies yet, run out today and rent or purchase them!!!). The story of how these movies came to be is a wonderful story that I do not have time to explain in this post, so click the link above to Sherwood Pictures to find out more information.

For the third movie the Kendrick Brothers (writers, directors and producers of the movie) turn their focus to the marriage relationship, and from viewing the trailer you will not be disappointed. I could give you more of the storyline here, but I will let the movie trailer speak for itself. Make sure to visit the "Fireproof" movie website for more information on the movie, and to find helpful resources for you and your Church.

Please make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of the movie. Also, let me know if you plan on going to see the movie when it opens on September 26th. I have heard many times that it is so important to go see a movie on the night it opens, and if there is anyway you can support a Christian film like "Fireproof" please DO! Blessings, Kim

The Cost of Bandwidth

Have you ever sat down at your computer only to find that someone, somewhere in blogland not only has an issue with you or something you have shared but they took the time to comment or post about it or maybe send you an email concerning it?

Maybe you are the one who has had an issue and made sure you voiced your opinion about it.

Either way, this is the cost of bandwidth.

I once was told of a situation that occurred between a reader and a blog author that had to do with her being remarried and her children now having a stepfather. The lady emailed the mom questioning her judgment to put her children in such a predicament.

"Stepchildren are less likely to succeed in our culture today. They suffer because of what their parents have done. Children need to be with their biological mother and father and not someone who has simply "step"ped in to fulfill a role. I pray for your children."

Yes, that is what the lady said. The problem here was her perspective of that particular situation.

The mom, who was on the receiving end of this, emailed me to ask how she should handle this knowing that I too am a mother of "stepchildren." I smiled and promptly emailed her back and said just pray for her and email her and thank her for her concern and prayers. Let her know that Jesus can most certainly help your children overcome this. After all, he too was a stepchild.

{don't you just love how the answers come so clearly when it isn't YOU on the receiving end?}

She sent her an email. The woman received it and immediately apologized for her haste judgment. After she received the email she had indeed prayed about it and God had shown her that stepchildren are no different than adopted children and she herself had adopted two. She had also "step"ped in to fulfill a role - a God given one. God also showed her that her opinion on the matter was developed at a young age because she was a stepchild and had never dealt with the issues buried in her own heart.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose"

While we can all agree that in most all circumstances it is best for children to be raised by both biological parents this isn't always possible. Unfortunately, some spouse's are forced to sign divorce papers, some were harmed physically or their spouse had multiple affairs and refused to stop, or sometimes spouse's die. Knowing the situation beforehand, God purposed for Jesus to be a stepchild and he purposed for Joseph to be a stepfather. We can't presume to know what God has purposed for many other Christian women in our circle. And let me state that I'm not talking about the black and white stuff here. Some things he made clear in his word and some he didn't. As much as we would like to think that we have all the answers the true wisdom is in those who seek him first before making haste judgments, rather that is to impose your personal opinion or conviction on someone or to act in a defensive way by responding while hurt.

I failed this test earlier this week. Someone emailed me and questioned my judgment of a movie that I liked because it was "R" rated for violence and I was swift on the keyboard to email her back and let her know that these ratings were man made, this movie had no evil spiritual implications, and there are plenty of movies rated "PG" or even "G" that are completely demonic. When it was all said and done I reread the email and then read it again and again. God began to give me compassion for her. Who knows why she has such strong feelings or why she felt the need to express them to me but she is God's child and he loves her dearly and the least I could have done was ask him what I should do before I hit "send." Thank you, Jesus that I can repent and start over afresh in his mercy every morning. I will most certainly think twice before acting on impulse again. I hope.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

We must give an account for every action and reaction of our heart whether done in in person or in cyber world. God sees no difference in the two. We can support and uplift each other even when we don't understand each other. If we see a problem with someone else we should pray first and then if God impresses us to act or react, then do it.

• Can you recall a time when you acted hastily? How could you have handled that differently?
• Do you justify your reactions to people? If so, how will you work on changing that?

God, you are the ultimate example of love and mercy. I am thankful to be on the receiving end of that. Please help me to extend forgiveness, grace, and mercy to others. Reveal to me how to be an extension of your love. I don't want the cost of bandwidth to be the loss of one of your children. Give me a new perspective on things, hands that are clean, and a pure heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I'd love for you to visit me at my personal blog: In Pursuit of Proverbs 31

August 23rd - Cafe Chat

What is one thing you were convicted about when you were younger, but now being older and wiser you have changed your mind on that belief? Why? Or on the other side, what is one thing you may have not held a conviction on that you now do? Why?

This question was inspired by Rick Warren’s interviews with McCain and Obama this past weekend. I thought Rick’s question was a thought provoking one, and it will be interesting to read all of your answers. Blessings, and think deeply! :)

( FYI: This question is not word for word exactly like Rick Warren’s question, but it is very similar)

Blessings,
Kim

Twists and Turns....

During the last few months our family has been going through some amazing changes. My husband left on a missionary journey on the famous Appalachian Trail and his main goal was to tell as many hikers as possible about our Savior Jesus Christ and then share how important the role of fathers is. The Lord opened many doors to share one on one, as well as, crowds of kids and young adults. Then, the Lord allowed him to only hike to the Connecticut - New York line.

"Honey," said my husband on the other end of the phone, "are you willing to come from Georgia and pick me up here?'' My reply being, "Of course!" That was an unexpected twist from our well laid plans!

Proverbs 20:24 says,

"A man's steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?"

Proverbs 16:9 says,

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

It seems when these twists come into our lives we begin to question our Savior with forgetting that He holds this whole world and everything in His majestic hands! I have noticed that usually it is not a twist or turn at one time, but several! That is how He works! His ways are definitely not ours!

Picking up my husband was one of the longest car trips I remember taking, but maybe the key word is "remembering." The reunion was unspeakable to say the least. Tears of great joy, with a little of mixed emotions, and still wondering what the Lord was doing, but we trust Him!

The next big turn on our road ahead led us to Bowling Green, Kentucky. We have been praying about a move there for almost a year because in our heart we knew our ministry here was coming to an end for now. We then realized that Ft. Knox, where our son is going to be stationed, is only an hour or so away!

We met a Pastor and his beautiful wife whom my husband had contacted almost a year ago. They shared their needs and desire for the fellowship. You see we had known about the needs almost a year ago, but nothing happened. The big twist came when we were all together as one in Spirit! Our hearts were tugged by our Savior Jesus Christ.

In John 16:13 when the Lord was speaking to the disciples He says,

"However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."

I love this passage for we also have the Holy Spirit and He unites us as believers and it doesn't matter what part of the country you are in because He, the Holy Spirit, unites us! Beautiful!

The family (all 11 of us) were all in one accord in our decision to move. The Lord began opening doors so fast that our twists and turns became very noticeable. The first twist we had was when we found the home at the last moment, and then we didn't have it anymore and then the last turn is that we now have our beautiful Bowling Green, Kentucky home. It is the Lord's home and it belonged to Him from the beginning.

Watching our kids handle the twists and turns and even a little curve ball that our Savior allowed to be thrown at us was a real blessing to me as a mother, mentor, and wife! In John 16:33, He says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!"

Whether we call them twists, turns or circumstances He is still in total control. He watches our steps, He directs them, He turns them, He twists them, He curves them, and He puts them in direct paths for us to follow!

In John 14:27, He says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

This is the peace that is taking us to our new mission field. The Lord promises in Matthew 6:25-34 that He will take care of all our needs and not to worry as He says, in verse 33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Then is verse 34 He says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things, Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

As I am sharing with you today, we are preparing to be in Bowling Green on the second week of September, Lord willing! We are all excited and ready to do His calling and His will! What if there was a twist in that? How will I handle that?

Close and Personal:

1. Have you recognize the twists and turns in your life?

2. Have you said thank you to Him when they have happened?

3. What was your immediate response? Has that changed and How?

My dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for always looking out for our best interest! Father help us to have a thankful attitude towards those twists and turns in our lives. Sometimes it has been because you have kept us out of harms way and had something much better for us. We love you so much, Lord and thank you for loving us first!

In Need of a Remodel?

Sawdust, tile, sheet rock, nails….


I am up to my ankles in building materials this week because we are doing a semi-remodel of the kitchen. We had a very old 27” drop-in stove and it finally went up in smoke, literally. We found it was cheaper to get an average range and remodel to accommodate it versus buying another drop-in. The problem we had with this was the inconvenience. We honestly pondered the idea of spending almost $600 more to get around it. I mean, we seriously considered it. Can you believe that?



We finally realized how foolish that was and decided to begin demolition. Of course, I tried to cut every corner possible. “Save that! Maybe we can use if for something else.” I didn't want to get rid of anything. I also gave my $.02 worth when it came to the supplies that were needed. I assumed that we could just use what we had. Why did we need a trowel and tile sponges? Why can’t we use a kitchen sponge and flat blade knife?

My brother the engineer/construction guy insisted that if he was going to do this job then it needed to be done right and he would also need these tools. He said we couldn’t use old warped wood because the tile wouldn’t lay right. He said he was not going to be a part of any project that was done so poorly. Then, my 20 something brother began to preach to me about foundation and structure and how I could make it look like a million bucks cosmetically but it still wouldn’t matter if it collapsed because the structure was weak.

sigh…. Can you hear God’s voice already?

1 Corinthians 11:1
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

Our Lord doesn’t pretend to be good, He is good. He didn’t put a smile on his face and calm the tone of his voice just to be aesthetically pleasing. He did it because that is who He was as a man. If I am to imitate Him then I must do it from the inside out. I need a good structure or else I will collapse under pressure. This has happened to me many times before. I have slipped up and revealed my true insides in front of others. This happened because I tried to modify my behavior instead of letting God change my heart. Being Christlike is a result of loving Him. It can be hard work to change your heart but it is the only way to imitate Christ.

I want to be as true and strong as my new kitchen!


Thank you, Father for speaking to my heart even in day to day tasks. Amen.

Ephesians 6:6
Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

I'd love for you to visit me at my personal blog: AmyBayliss.com

Weariness or rest?

Time unfilled is like a vacuum. Have you ever noticed that? Take something out of your schedule and there is something new bound to come creeping in (something that must be done, no doubt) and take over those free minutes in your day. I am one who seems unable to keep busyness at bay. I like being productive. I like crossing things of my to-do list. I like putting things on my to-do list even if I've already done them simply to have the satisfaction of crossing them off! Anyone else like that? Hmm. Didn't think so.

I have experienced many evenings sitting with my husband answering the question, "So what did you do today?" All too often I know I have done hundreds of things, but feel like I've accomplished few. Is the busyness I am enslaved by meaningful? Or am I wearing myself out for no good reason...

Jesus promises rest, a release from the heavy burdens we bear from day to day. Even dailiness itself, the again-and-again quality of so much of our lives, is a burden we must surrender to fully live His promise.

But the rest spoken of in scripture is not always about bodily quiet, it can also mean trust.

In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength.
Isaiah 30:15

Trusting in God, fully relying on His goodness, His mercy, His grace in our daily living brings us true rest. It is more about obedience than a nap, so to speak, though I love a good nap!

Earlier in Isaiah, he expresses God's dissatisfaction with his people:

...God will speak to this people, to whom he said,
"This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and "This is the place of repose"-
but they would not listen.
So then the word of the Lord will become:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule;
a little here, a little there-
So that they will go and fall backward,
be injured and snared and captured.
Isaiah 28:11-13

The people's willfulness in turning from God's offering of rest, their unwillingness to trust in the Lord and wait on Him, caused His word to become as nothing to them. It began to make no sense. Gibberish.

Meaningless activity apart from God, wearying busyness, not resting in God's faithfulness and trusting Him at His word.

That sounds awfully familiar...

The truth is that our doing, our busyness, our to-do lists take more from us than just sleep. If we do not make a point of trusting in God, resting our souls, laying our heads in His lap for a few moments in our day, all of the tasks in our day are senseless. Obedience in the daily things brings the true rest we need.

Let's not be like the Israelites. Let's listen. Let's capture our time, before something else captures and ensnares us.


Christine can be found daily at her personal blog:

Promises!

I love the stories in the Old Testament. There are so many nuggets of knowledge there! Like the story of Noah and his ark. It's a well known bible story that even most small children have heard and can recount. God told Noah to build an ark, God sent the rain, It rained for forty days and nights. Noah took all the animals in pairs…

Noah trusted God.

He built an ark. Can you imagine the ridicule he suffered? I can’t.

He did all the things God told him to do.

When he released that dove to see if there was dry land, God sent him an olive leaf. It was a piece of hope.

It meant that God’s promises were true and the land was going to be dry again.

Can you imagine the smell of the ark full of dirty animals?

I’d be ready to place my feet on dry land, wouldn’t you?

Would you wonder if the water would subside?

Wouldn’t that olive leaf be a wonderful sight?

I love the olive leaves God sends my way.

I believe His promises.

After another forty days, Noah opened the window he had made in the boat and released a raven that flew back and forth until the earth was dry. Then he sent out a dove to see if it could find dry ground. But the dove found no place to land because the water was still too high. So it returned to the boat, and Noah held out his hand and drew the dove back inside. Seven days later, Noah released the dove again. This time, toward evening, the bird returned to him with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Noah now knew that the water was almost gone. Genesis 8:6-11

The Lipstick Drawer

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
Colossians 3:8

How many lipsticks can one woman have???

It's one of my little "things." I admit it...I LOVE lipstick. Every coffee cup that I sip from bears the lipstick marks! I simply can't resist them in the drug store! (YES, I only buy them at the drugstore...never department store lipstick for this gal...if you want quantity, something has to give!)

Just the other day I was sorting through the lipstick drawer, making room for the new "Fall" shades and while they make me feel good...they should be a reminder of so much more...A walk through Proverbs reveals so much wisdom on "lips" and the power they contain.

"Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right."
Proverbs 8:6

"My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness."
Proverbs 8:7

"The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."
Proverbs 12:22

The pages of Proverbs hold reminder after reminder that each time I look in the mirror to behold the power of my lips and what rolls off of them, reminding me over and over again of the importance of my words.

It needs to be a daily reminder to me that I only allow edifying words of praise and thanksgiving spill forth. The words that I speak and the tone that I use should be a reflection of Christ at all times, while ridding myself of "anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language." Filthy language in the form of gossip and unkindness....ouch. (It's a tall order, but I can try!)

I don't know about any of you out there reading, but I need to do a "lip check" several times a day!

So, that "Comforting Cocoa" and "Virtual Violet" can serve a higher purpose! IF I take the opportunity to pray that my words be full of grace, mercy, kindness and love each time I apply those luscious shades, then I have seized a daily detail and turned it into a powerful prayer tool. How COOL is THAT?? I like to think of it as my own personal version of "What NOT to Wear!" The POWER that those lips hold!

"The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools."
Proverbs 15:7

" An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips."
Proverbs 24:26

Each day as I choose a shade, or re-apply throughout the day, I need to see it as an opportunity to ask God to guide and order my words. The power that reminder can carry is tremendous! If the words that roll off of my lips exhort, encourage and edify then I am walking in the ways of Christ. My words have the power to wisely proclaim The Good News!

It was right there in front of me...an opportunity to see God in the daily details of my life. I am striving to see God and reminders of HIS message in the details of my life...today, I just happen to be applying my detail, literally...
mouth offers praises with joyful lips. Psalm 63:1-5
hmmm...which shade today? Whatever shade you choose, I pray it reminds you of the power those lips posses...oh, and don't forget your heart too!

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.
St. Francis of Assisi

Questions for Reflection:

Have you ever seen God in the daily details of your life?

Do you use your words to exhort, edify and encourage everyone you meet?

Challenge yourself that the next time you pass a mirror to "check your lipstick" remind yourself in a silent prayer to guide your words and tone.

Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the daily details in which you reveal yourself to me. Help me to seek today to use my "lips" as a vessel to encourage and uplift those I meet. May my words be joyful and full of purpose. Help guard my lips from any "wicked or unworthy" talk. Father, remind me frequently of the power that my lips hold. I want to be a reflection of your Son, Jesus whose words always spoke of kindness, forgiveness and love.








join Lori daily at her personal blogspot, where she can be found choosing the perfect shade....