Saturday, January 28, 2012
clean house
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
stop, drop & roll!
"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."
Proverbs 14:29
If you have come here looking for an article on fire safety, you're out of luck! However, what I am going to write about can be just as dangerous.
I had one of these days yesterday. By the time I walked through my front door, I was DONE. All I wanted to do was change my clothes, crawl into my bed and go to sleep! I was short-tempered with my husband, and impatient with my child. I was NOT fun to be around. A personal time-out is rarely an option, so I had to adjust my disposition quickly, or I was going to cause a crash!
Enter Holy Spirit. It was at this time that God gently reminded me that I am not on my own. He is the creator of our emotions, therefore He wants to help us control them. He gave me the following three steps to follow:
After practicing these strategies, it made the world of difference in my day. We, as humans, are naturally selfish, self-centered creatures. We must remind ourselves on a daily basis that this life is truly NOT about us!
Next time you need assistance maneuvering back into the right lane, STOP, DROP & ROLL!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
where the heart is
your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as
yourself.'" Luke 10:27
My husband and I adopted a baby boy from Guatemala in 2007. It was the most wonderful experience. There are not many things, in my mind, that compare to picking up that sweet Mayan package and welcoming him into our home! Having said that, waiting to bring him home was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced. We spent his 1st Christmas with him when he was 4 months old and then had to leave him for 6 months. During that time, I literally felt like I was missing a piece of my heart. It was hard for me to focus and function from day to day. I was not complete.
I believe that God uses our life experiences as a classroom for His teaching. As I look back on that particular semester in my life, I am reminded of the invaluable lesson He taught me about the heart. God is not interested in having only a PART of my heart. He wants ALL of it. Just as I did not feel complete until my son was home with me, our relationship with Christ will never be complete if our hearts are not completely surrendered to Him.
Lord, this was not a class I would have signed up for on my own. The assignments were difficult. Sometimes painful...but I am very thankful for what I learned.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
GPS (God's Piloting System)
Monday, January 16, 2012
the waiting room
As I enter through the doorway
My heart is pounding in my chest
My knees are weak, my palms are wet
I do not feel ready for this test
The room is far from empty
There is a soul in every chair
Wondering if He's heard their cries
And listening for an answer to their prayers
I've never seen this room before
My life has been pretty smooth
But I was always told the time would come
To take my seat in the Waiting Room
So, here I am Lord, waiting for this child
He's in Your hands, he's happy
You've sent me glimpses of his smile
I'm waiting now for my turn to have him and know that he's my child
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds.."
I know that's what you ask of me, Lord
But I feel too weak this time
It seems like I've been in here forever
It's getting hard for me to breathe
Where are You, God? I need you!
Hear my earnest plea!
I am on my knees and praying
My face is on the ground
Just when I thought I was all alone
That's when I heard the sound
I looked up and I saw what looked like an ordinary man
He knelt beside me
Looked into my eyes
And offered me His hand
I had no choice but to take it
His voice filled my heart with peace
"Walk with me, child! I'm here with you
Let all your worries cease!"
"I know this time is hard for you
and you do not understand
Trust in me, stay close to me
I promise to fulfill my plan!"
"These months were not intended to harm you
You've done exactly what I'd hoped you would do
You brought me honor, glory and praise
throughout your time in the Waiting Room."
Saturday, January 14, 2012
i was martha today
I was proud of myself until I sat down a few minutes ago. I realized that NOT ONCE today did I pray or spend time in God's word. Productive, huh? It reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha in the book of Luke:
" 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Friday, January 13, 2012
ATTENTION:
THANKS!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
stomach bug
I will resume with my daily devotions tomorrow night! Thank you for your patience!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
there will be shadows
Saturday, January 7, 2012
there's something about mary...
-The child she would soon raise was not the product of her
relationship with Joseph.
-Mary had to rely on God to tell her when the baby would be born.
my life. He wants that for all of His children. Could it be that God is waiting on me to have a heart like Mary? Is He waiting for me to simply say, “I am Your servant. May it be to me as You have said." My prayer for myself is that God will help me to trust Him the way Mary did. It definitely isn't something that comes naturally to me.
Lord, create in me a heart like this Mary. I want to trust totally in Your plan for my life. I know that it is bigger and better than the plans I’ve made for myself. This begins with saying “ok” to You and Your will.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
here's a tip...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
sweetheart, you're not obeying...
right thing to do." Ephesians 6:1 (NLT)
Monday, January 2, 2012
blessing in disguise
Sunday, January 1, 2012
i am not strong enough!
God’s job! He does not expect us to be able to weather some of the storms that blow into our lives. He only expects us to hold His hand while we’re out on the water. And as long as we keep our eyes on Him, He promises not to let us sink!
Dear Lord, it’s raining so hard in my world right now it’s hard for me to see Your face. I guess this is where faith floats in. Please help me to trust You. I know that You will not let go of my hand!