Friday, September 30, 2011

Honoring your Siblings


1 John 4:20-21
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
1 John 2:9 -11
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
John 3:15
Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life within them.
1John 3:17
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of the Lord abide in him?
Matthew 5:23-24
So when you are offering your gift at the alter, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the alter and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

James 4:11
Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;


 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Honoring your Parents

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 21:15, 17).

That is how important this command is in God's eyes! The home and the family unit are the basis of all decent society. And the relationship of children to their parents is an exact type of the spiritual relationship between true Christians and God.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise" (Ephesians 6:1–2).

The Apostle Paul reemphasizes the blessing attached to the fifth commandment: "That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:3). Obedience to the fifth commandment automatically results in the building of habits and character that tend to long life. And, in its ultimate meaning, those who learn to respect and obey their parents and later—because of this training—God Himself, will certainly "live long on the earth." For, as Jesus said: "Blessed are the meek [the humble and obedient], for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

The time may come when it is no longer necessary or right that a person should strictly obey his parents. But the day should never come when they cease to honor them. The word "honor" has a much larger meaning than that of obedience. It indicates a high respect. It denotes a feeling of high esteem and reverence. This honor expresses itself in courtesy, thoughtfulness and kind deeds. As we mature, it becomes increasingly evident that untold hours of work, of anxious thought and agonized prayer were bestowed for our welfare by faithful and loving parents. It should become the delight of every decent man and woman to return this love that our parents showered on us. Let us think and act on this opportunity to return the love our parents so freely gave!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Kindness

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

20 Ideas For Being Kind


1. Be resolved to become a kind person. How do you do this? Think, speak, and act with kindness.
2. Love kindness. When you do what you love, you are happy. A master of kindness is a master of joy.
3. When encountering someone, let your first thoughts be, What kind words can I say to this person and what kind things can I do?
4. Keep asking people, What can I do for you?
5. Everyone needs encouragement. Ask yourself, What can I say that will be encouraging?
6. Wherever you are, you are there for a reason. Ask yourself, Since I am here now, what kindness can I do?
7. Every kind person is unique. You have unique talents, skills, knowledge, and resources. Utilize them to help others in your own unique way. Ask yourself, In what unique ways can I be kind?
8. Do a daily act of kindness without letting anyone know who did it.
9. Learn from every kind act you see or read about. Ask yourself, What can I learn from this to be kinder?
10. A valuable rule is, Even if you do not feel like a kind person, you can still act like one. Think of a kind act you can do that you do not feel like doing.
11. Think of a kindness telephone call that you can make today.
12. Think of a kindness note, letter, or email that you can write today.
13. View your own pain, distress, and suffering as tools for empathy and understanding. Ask yourself, How can this experience help me be a kinder person?
14. Keep asking yourself, If I were this person, what would I want others to do for me?
15. As soon as your recognize a need, volunteer to do something about it. Do not wait until you are asked.
16. Listen to those who need a listening ear. Listening to someone is a great act of kindness.
17. If you know that someone is looking for a job or needs to earn more money, ask yourself, What can I do to make it happen?
18. Be empathetic and compassionate. Be resolved not to cause distress, pain, or loss with your words and action.
19. Learn from everyone. Keep asking people, What kindnesses from others have you appreciated?
20. Pray for the welfare of others.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Writing my Vision of Faith

Habakkuk 2:2-3
Then the Lord said to me,
2 “Write my answer plainly on tablets,
      so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
    3 This vision is for a future time.
      It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
   If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
      for it will surely take place.
      It will not be delayed.


Be so specific that when it comes to be – that you have no doubt that it comes from the Lord. This is what our sermon was about yesterday. This is my vision for my family. And I believe through my faith in the almighty Father, that it will surely take place.

  
I pray for my finances. That we find away to get rid of our credit card debt of $8,303.34.
I pray that one day soon we will find a house in the Savannah, Paloma Creek or Providence area.
I pray that when we go to get the mortgage loan that our credit debit is low enough to qualify.
I pray that we are able to save for a down payment of at least $5,000.00
I pray for courage to start a new career at Humana and to prosper at it.
I pray for my husband’s career at the fire department. That it flourishes and makes him feel rewarded.
I pray for my husband to be leader of our family.  That his patience be plenty and his temper be few.
I pray for my children to follow you, learn your ways and worship you fiercely.
I pray for Nathaniel has he goes through one of the toughest parts of childhood (puberty). That he deals with the different emotions that he is going though in a positive, correct way and that he stays out of trouble. That he would be a good example for his younger brother and always be there for him.
I pray for Jakob.  That he continues to be the sweet loving boy that he is now, all the days of his life. That he continues to learn to deal with his ADHD, and that other people continue to learn how to deal  it with it as well.
I pray that the boys constantly learn and realize what their Dad and I do for them and that they are grateful for it.
I pray for the will power to lose the weigh I want to lose and for the energy to exercise.
I pray for my hormone levels.  I pray for my injections to last the longest amount of time possible, and that when it come time again to get them, that I will have the funds to pay for them.  That the procedure is not a financial burden. 
I pray for my marriage. That although it has its ups and downs that we never give up.  That we always know there is love there for one another.

I ask these things in your gracious name, Lord Jesus, AMEN.



Friday, September 23, 2011

Laughing Over Spilt Milk

 


Where no oxen are, the crib is clean:
but much increase is by the
strength of the ox.
~ Proverbs 14:4

My “crib” isn't always in order, but walk into my sister Bonnie’s house at any hour of the day and you won’t find a shoe out of place. Same with my sister Kathy, in fact Kathy told me yesterday that she “folds” her underwear before putting them in the drawer.

I like a tidy house, but with four kids around I don’t take the time to fold panties, like I used to. Actually I don’t think I ever did. But I remember a time when my husband and I would deep clean the house and it would look just as clean four days later. Those were the days before kids.

These days, maintenance takes more time than deep cleaning ever did. Ten minutes after I clean the house its right back where I started, unless I’m on them every minute, making sure they clean up after themselves. You wouldn’t believe what’s growing in a cup in our bathroom—gummy bears! Nathaniel wanted to see how large they’d grow in a cup of water. Apparently they grow a lot.


But I’m blessed.

Busy children trump an immaculate house any day of the week. Life is messy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Does it really matter that my carpet has a juice stain on it, or that my cupboard drawer no longer works because Graham thought it was a stepping stool? Things can be replaced, but nothing can replace the feeling of “home” that one gets when a house is bustling with children.

I see the importance of cleaning our homes, and believe that it’s an essential part of ownership. It creates a comfortable atmosphere for the ones that you love, and helps to bring order to your home.

But there are still those times when it’s okay to laugh over spilt milk, put whip cream on your chin, and climb up on the cupboards to roll dough with your mom. That's what living is all about.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Holding a Grudge

Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends.  Proverbs 17:9
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14
The lover of fighting is a lover of sin: he who makes high his doorway is looking for destruction. Proverbs 17:19
I found this statement on a health website:
 A grudge pours its corrosive bitterness into us, arrogating our entire being. Soon the door will be open for envy, malice, jealousy, bitterness, gossip, and slander to come and visit. We will stop at nothing to even the score against the other party. Holding a grudge will only devour you from inside out, eventually turning you into a bitter person. All this happens because you refuse to forgive the one who hurt you.
And this also: 
Often holding grudge for someone shows an emotional imbalance.   
Hmmmmm, something to think about....
But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."   Mark 11:25
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:7-8 
(Credits to THE HOLY BIBLE and WWW.CHARMINGHEALTH.COM)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Anger


Anger is defined as aversion with stronger exaggeration.  

We all know that anger and aggression give rise to anger and aggression. One could say that there are three ways to get rid of anger: kill the opponent, kill yourself or kill the anger - which one makes most sense to you?"

I love these quotes about anger.

Unknown - Sticks and stones may break your bones when there's anger to inpart. Spiteful words can hurt your feelings but it’a silence that breaks the heart.
Clarendon - Anger is the most impotent passion that accompanies the mind of man; it effects nothing it goes about; and hurts the man who is possessed by it more than any other against whom it is directed.
Helen Douglas - Character isn't inherited. One builds it daily by the way one thinks and acts, thought by thought, action by action. If one lets fear or hate or anger take possession of the mind, they become self-forged chains.
Buddha - Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Marcus Antonius - Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief, than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved.
Elizabeth Kenny - He who angers you conquers you.
Chinese Proverb - If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.
Golda Meir - You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.
Leo Buscaglia - Don't hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love.

Booker T. Washington - I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.

I have been guilty of holding on to anger before.   I have said some harsh things while I was angry.  But I soon realize that only I am being affected by my ability to not forgive and so I let it go.  The words I spoke while angry may never be taken back but  if I appologize and ask that person for forgiveness, it's almost like it never happened.

 Thank you Lord for the forgiving people I have in my life.  Thank you for allowing me realize my mistakes.  I am so glad you accept me as I am and that my family does too. Amen.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Pre-Occupied

So, I didn't post very much last week.  I have been a little pre-occupied.  It kinda dawned on me that my trip to Vegas for my 15th anniversary is only 3 months away. I have been planning since January.  But now it seems its just around the corner.

You see, Josh and I are re-newing our vows come this December 19th.  We eloped the first time and this girl has never really had a wedding.  I have the venue taken care of and paid for.  I have reserved our rooms.  I have dinner reservations.  But it's the play money I can't seem to hold on to and keep.  I was really trying to save up the whole year but finances just haven't allowed for it. 

I am so so excited.  I really can't wait.  We are staying in the newly renovated Riviera for 2 nights. Yes, very quick trip.  We have our vow renewal ceremony at 6:00 pm on the 19th, and then we are having dinner in the Monte Carlo at the Brand Steakhouse.  They have a steak for 6 for $300.   I can't wait to taste a $300 steak!!  It had better be good.  I also want to make time to go to the world famous Madame Tussaud wax museum.  I have alot of funny pictures in mind for this place!! We have invited my mom and step dad and Josh's parents to join us.  (We failed to invite them the first time!)

Being that this fun little hoorah is so close to Christmas, I have also had to plan for that!  As of last week, I am officially 95.999% done with my Christmas shopping!  I have a few things to still get for my boys, but other than that, I am done!  I even have stuffers! Yep, I am that good!! (No wonder I haven't been able to save any money!) I will more than likely decorate for Christmas on the Thanksgiving holiday and get that out of the way too.

So, I'm banking on a nice little Christmas bonus from the attorneys I work for and I have asked for cash for Christmas from my mommy. I am praying that's how it all plays out!  I am also praying for nice balmy December weather. Say above 50 degrees and no precipitation in site!  Joshua has to be back to work the day after we get back and there can be no cancellations, layovers or delays.  Please pray on this with me.  'Cause you know, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20...

Now, if I could just lose the 15 pounds Ive gained this year before then!  :o) We will see!

Monday, September 12, 2011

I believe...


I believe in the God of the Bible (Exodus 3:6-14)

I believe the Holy Bible to be the Word of God. I believe in its History, Covenants, and Prophecy (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21).

I believe in the Bible’s account of Creation (Genesis 1 & 2).

I believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

I believe Christ died for us (Romans 5:8); also, that He was raised from the dead (Romans 6:4; Revelation 1:18).

I believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary (Romans 5:11); not only for Israel, but for the sins of the world (I John 2:2).

I believe Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 8:1).

I believe in the literal return of Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:9-14) when He shall take the Throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33) and rule on earth for the prophetic thousand years known as the millennium (Revelation 20:4 Zechariah 14:9).  


I believe that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

I believe in the Holy Spirit and His mission (John 16:7-14; Acts 2).

I believe salvation is by grace through faith, and it is the gift of God, and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It must be preached (Romans 10:14) and it is necessary for all (Romans 3:23).

I believe that water baptism is ordained of God for all that believe (Matthew 3:13-15; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 2:37-39).
I believe in the ordinance of the communion as established by Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 10:16).

I believe in prayer, and whatever the immediate purpose, prayer should be that God's Will be done on earth (Matthew 6:10; I John 5:14-15). We must forgive to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14). The Holy Spirit will help us to pray (Romans 8:26-27). If we ask in faith and in the Name of Jesus Christ, He will hear (John 15:16; James 1:6-7).

I believe. I have faith. I love. I surrender.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Prayers for Firefighters

Bastrop County, TX


The Firefighter's Prayer
   
When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;

Please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.
 

My father in law is out there somewhere.  Looks so scary!  Praying for the Lords hedge of protection, and some RAIN!!! 

Lord, please be with every man and woman out there bravely fighting these fires.  Protect the communities they are affecting.  And Lord, if its not to much ask, (thank you for the cold front, by the way) please bring the rain. Help everyone to get home safely to their families.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Suffering & Its Reward



"It is good for me that I have been afflicted" (Psa. 119:71).

 Usually when we suffer we can only see the problems involved. Surely if we commit sin as a result, then the suffering is harmful. But if we remain faithful, there are favorable results that can occur.
 Consider a few.

Suffering Gives Us Opportunity to Prove Our Commitment to God.


 1 Peter 1:6,7 - As gold is purified by passing through fire, so the genuineness of our faith is proved by trials.

 If suffering was limited to sinners and Christians never suffered, all people would want to be Christians, not because they really loved God, but just to avoid earthly problems.  

The fact that Christians suffer too means that suffering "separates the men from the boys" - it shows who is willing to remain faithful even when it is hard to do so. (Acts 5:40-42; 1 Cor. 11:19; 1 Peter 4:12)

Suffering Causes Spiritual Growth.

James 1:2-4 - Count it joy when we face trials (hardly the natural reaction), because this leads to patience and completeness in God's service.  

Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoice in tribulations because they work steadfastness, approvedness, and hope.  

  
Even in the physical realm, which bones and muscles are the strongest? The ones that face the most hardship.  Trials defeat some people but strengthen others. It depends on how we deal with them.

Suffering Keeps Us Humble and Dependent on God.


2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Affliction taught Paul not to trust in himself, but in God. God has repeatedly allowed countries to face wars, famines, and hardships when they became independent and failed to trust Him.

Often this shows people their need for God.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was a messenger from Satan, yet God allowed it to remain because it kept Paul from becoming too proud over the many revelations he had received. From weaknesses, God can produce great strength.

Genesis 50:20 - Joseph explained that his brothers had mistreated him, but God used that as a means to save the family from famine.  
Satan puts trials in our lives to harm us. Yet one of the greatest demonstrations of God's power is His ability to take those problems and use them to accomplish good. The greatest example of this is the death of Christ. Satan intended it as a defeat for God and all mankind, yet it ended up as the salvation of all mankind. (1 Peter 2:21-24) 

Think for a moment of the really important things in life. How many of them are accomplished without hardship? Birth of a baby? Working to care for our families? Our eternal salvation? Suffering is an inherent part of everything good! 

So Satan sends trials to harm us, but God can make them come out in the end for our good (Romans 8:28). But this works only if we remain faithful.

Faithful Christians will suffer. Yet the Christian's life is still the best, because only faithful Christians have the assurance that we can endure, that God will help us, that the result will be for our good, and that in the end we will have eternal life.
 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13.



Tuesday, September 6, 2011

12 Ways to Wake Up Joyful and Refreshed



If you're anything like me, you've probably been going to bed late all summer and sleeping in later too. Now that it's back-to-school for so many of us, waking up early to get the kids ready for school is going to be tough. Waking up joyful will be an even a greater challenge, but with a little determination we can do it!
Here are twelve ways to wake up joyful and refreshed:
Cut back on the caffeine the night before so you get quality sleep. Avoid coffee, cola, and chocolate.

Go to bed early the night before. Even if you don't feel tired, your body will get used to the time that you set it to.

Train your body to get used to a sleeping schedule. The average person needs six to seven hours of sleep each night, but more importantly, our bodies crave routine.

Clean the kitchen the night before so that it's a welcoming site in the morning.

Don't got to bed angry or irritated. If you are quarreling with your spouse, work it out before hitting the sack. If you are angry with a co-worker or friend, let go of the anger and hurt. Don't let it fester overnight.

Don't overeat the night before or your stomach will be at work all night.

Wake up as soon as the alarm rings. Sit up immediately, then stand. Don't hit the snooze button or you'll only form a habit that's hard to break.

Greet your family with a smile and say something encouraging.

Start the day with prayer and scripture.

Make a schedule for the day including things that you will look forward to.

Get moving as soon as you can. Rather than reclining on the couch watching the news with your morning coffee, throw some laundry in, do some vacuuming, or go for a brisk walk. A little exercise will kick start your day.

Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show that children who eat a good breakfast get better grades. My own personal studies (based on a survey of one person) show that moms who eat a good breakfast do quality housework and are less cranky throughout the day! :)

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.~ Psalm 5:3 

You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene
(Taken for Time Wrap Wife )


Friday, September 2, 2011

Happy 3 day Weekend!

Praying for travel mercy and the Lords hedge of protection for all of those who are traveling this weekend.


My mommy is coming today!

 Yay!

I'm getting off at noon!

Yay!

My boys have their first football games of the season tomorrow!

Yay!

My baby turns 8 and we get to party at Chuck E Cheese!

Yay!

I don't have to work on Monday!

Yay!


Thank you Lord!
You ROCK!


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Jakob

My precious baby is turning eight this weekend. Eight! Seems just like yesterday when he was totting around in a diaper, still not talking and being the biggest bestest cuddler ever.  Where has the time gone?

Jakob is such a bright awesome boy. So very inventive and curious.  I love him so much.

From this:




To this: