Tuesday, August 23, 2011
If God is so good, why do bad things happen to good people?
This is a wonderful reminder of how merciful and loving our God really is. Lord, please help me to remember that each breath I take is borrowed from You. I want to do Your will and not my own. Without Your hand of mercy in my life, I can only imagine where I would be now. I am so thankful for Your perfect vision and guiding hand in my life.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Set Me Free
A Healing Captive
O, God, Who frees the captive
Do not liberate this carnal slave for freedom's sake
For I will surely wing my flight to another thorny land.
Break, instead, each evil bond
And rub my swollen wrists,
Then take me prisoner to Your will
Enslaved in Your safekeeping.
O, God, Who ushers light into the darkness,
Do not release me to the light
To only see myself.
Cast the light of my liberation upon Your face
And be Thou my vision.
Do not hand me over
To the quest of greater knowledge.
Make Your Word a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
And lead me to Your dwelling.
-Beth Moore
Why is it that so many Christians are still held captive in the bondage of their past and present sins? When will it be time to let God release us from our own chains and be free in Him? How much is too much? How long will we be able to last in captivity? Do we really seek to be free? Do we really long to have the freedom that God has so mercifully and graciously given to us? These are just random thoughts that I am having.
I want to be completely free of the chains that I have carried throughout my life. I no longer wish to live held in bondage. Lord, please help me lay EVERYTHING down at your most gracious feet and let you take over. I admit that I cannot break these chains alone...you know I've tried. I pray that you will humble my spirit and give me a peace that no other worldly thing/person can give me. I desire to live each breath I take in Your complete will. I desire to live out the wonderful promises that You have given to me to claim. I love you and in Your name I know I will succeed at claiming freedom and laying down my chains.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." -2 Cor. 3:17
"I will walk about in freedom..." -Psalms 119:45
"The Lord sets prisoners free..." -Psalms 146:7
O, God, Who frees the captive
Do not liberate this carnal slave for freedom's sake
For I will surely wing my flight to another thorny land.
Break, instead, each evil bond
And rub my swollen wrists,
Then take me prisoner to Your will
Enslaved in Your safekeeping.
O, God, Who ushers light into the darkness,
Do not release me to the light
To only see myself.
Cast the light of my liberation upon Your face
And be Thou my vision.
Do not hand me over
To the quest of greater knowledge.
Make Your Word a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
And lead me to Your dwelling.
-Beth Moore
Why is it that so many Christians are still held captive in the bondage of their past and present sins? When will it be time to let God release us from our own chains and be free in Him? How much is too much? How long will we be able to last in captivity? Do we really seek to be free? Do we really long to have the freedom that God has so mercifully and graciously given to us? These are just random thoughts that I am having.
I want to be completely free of the chains that I have carried throughout my life. I no longer wish to live held in bondage. Lord, please help me lay EVERYTHING down at your most gracious feet and let you take over. I admit that I cannot break these chains alone...you know I've tried. I pray that you will humble my spirit and give me a peace that no other worldly thing/person can give me. I desire to live each breath I take in Your complete will. I desire to live out the wonderful promises that You have given to me to claim. I love you and in Your name I know I will succeed at claiming freedom and laying down my chains.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." -2 Cor. 3:17
"I will walk about in freedom..." -Psalms 119:45
"The Lord sets prisoners free..." -Psalms 146:7
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Glorious Day-Casting Crowns
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day
One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved one, bringing
My Saviour, Jesus, is mine
Oh, glorious day
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day
One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved one, bringing
My Saviour, Jesus, is mine
Oh, glorious day
Saturday, September 4, 2010
While I'm Waiting...
Do you ever feel God speaking to you? Do you ever feel His presence so close that you are ready to bow at His feet? Do you ever humbly cry out to God and ask Him what he desires of you? Do you ever feel that you are not giving your all? Well...honestly...I can say yes to all of the above. Sometimes I feel that God is so close that I can reach out and touch Him. What an amazing feeling to feel the holy presence of our amazing Saviour!
Do you ever ask God what you can do while you're waiting for His triumphant return? I do and sometimes I can feel quite confused. I feel His will trying to grasp my heart and my soul and at the same time I feel the pull of my own will trying to take over. Wow...what a struggle that can be sometimes. I have to pause and remind myself to let go and let God take over my life...completely.
I was teaching my boys their Bible lesson in school on Friday and the lesson really touched me. It was called "Lord of the Kings" and it was the story of Samuel and Saul. It was talking about the people's desire to have their way and not God's and God gave them what they desired. It struck me that sometimes God lets us have our own way, even when He knows we may fall flat on our face. Why is it that we want our own way and not always God's wonderful plan for our life? It is called the sin nature and sometimes it seems to be so embedded in our lives. I often wonder why that is????
There will come a point, when we all will bow down before the most merciful and awesome Lord and Saviour. We will want to give Him everything we have. We will want to surrender all we are to His feet. The question arises...Why would we wait until the end to do these things? There seems to be four basic ingredients in a healthy relationship with God...respect, obedience, love and service. These four ingredients are seemingly quite simple, but often times challenging to each of us.
My prayer is for God to give me strength, grace, humility and most importantly a will to respect, obey, love and serve Him in all areas of my life. I pray that I will continue to run the race...even while I wait for His most glorious return. Wow...what a day that will be....whatever the cost...it will be worth it in ways that humanly we cannot even imagine.
"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul" Deuteronomy 10:12
Do you ever ask God what you can do while you're waiting for His triumphant return? I do and sometimes I can feel quite confused. I feel His will trying to grasp my heart and my soul and at the same time I feel the pull of my own will trying to take over. Wow...what a struggle that can be sometimes. I have to pause and remind myself to let go and let God take over my life...completely.
I was teaching my boys their Bible lesson in school on Friday and the lesson really touched me. It was called "Lord of the Kings" and it was the story of Samuel and Saul. It was talking about the people's desire to have their way and not God's and God gave them what they desired. It struck me that sometimes God lets us have our own way, even when He knows we may fall flat on our face. Why is it that we want our own way and not always God's wonderful plan for our life? It is called the sin nature and sometimes it seems to be so embedded in our lives. I often wonder why that is????
There will come a point, when we all will bow down before the most merciful and awesome Lord and Saviour. We will want to give Him everything we have. We will want to surrender all we are to His feet. The question arises...Why would we wait until the end to do these things? There seems to be four basic ingredients in a healthy relationship with God...respect, obedience, love and service. These four ingredients are seemingly quite simple, but often times challenging to each of us.
My prayer is for God to give me strength, grace, humility and most importantly a will to respect, obey, love and serve Him in all areas of my life. I pray that I will continue to run the race...even while I wait for His most glorious return. Wow...what a day that will be....whatever the cost...it will be worth it in ways that humanly we cannot even imagine.
"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul" Deuteronomy 10:12
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A Mother's Touch
She could open up the pantry with hardly nothing there
And like the loaves and fishes there'd be plenty left to share.
She could take a penny and stretch it to a dime.
She could kiss a fever and leave us feeling fine.
There is only one explanation
for these amazing transformations
How she could take so little and turn it into much.
'Cause God gave her a miracle when He gave her
A mother's touch.
Give her two yards of cotton and a little bit of lace
She'd turn a "flower on the wall" to the prettiest girl in the place.
She could take a young man's heart that was drowning in his tears
And bring back the sunshine with just a listening ear.
And of all a mother's hands can do
Nothing can compare
To the way she could reach heaven
And touch a child's heart with her prayers.
There is only on explanation
for these amazing transformations
How she could take so little and turn it into much.
'Cause God gave her a miracle when He gave her
A mother's touch.
And like the loaves and fishes there'd be plenty left to share.
She could take a penny and stretch it to a dime.
She could kiss a fever and leave us feeling fine.
There is only one explanation
for these amazing transformations
How she could take so little and turn it into much.
'Cause God gave her a miracle when He gave her
A mother's touch.
Give her two yards of cotton and a little bit of lace
She'd turn a "flower on the wall" to the prettiest girl in the place.
She could take a young man's heart that was drowning in his tears
And bring back the sunshine with just a listening ear.
And of all a mother's hands can do
Nothing can compare
To the way she could reach heaven
And touch a child's heart with her prayers.
There is only on explanation
for these amazing transformations
How she could take so little and turn it into much.
'Cause God gave her a miracle when He gave her
A mother's touch.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Being a wife and mother...lost in our society?
I'm writing this blog partly to vent, but mostly to encourage not only myself but other women out there. Lately...I've been receiving some very "interesting" comments regarding my status as a stay-at-home mom, wife and homeschooler. While I am open to any questions or comments that come in a positive light, I'm not so open to rudeness and overall ignorance. Since when did it become so "unacceptable" to be a wife and mother? Sometimes...I'm just perplexed and quite frankly hurt by people's comments. I've had several people comment that they felt "so sorry for me", because I stay-at-home with my children. They indicated that I must be missing out on so much the world has to offer and that surely I would rather have a "valuable career" than my role as a wife and mother. I have been told "I can't believe you are going to have 4 children...you are crazy!" Now...understandably...if these comments came from a unbeliever...I would completely understand their opinion. BUT...no...these are coming from fellow believers in Christ, so I'm completely shocked. I'm guessing somehow they have missed the Biblical passages that shed light on these matters. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not angry with these people...just confused by their thought process.
I love being a wife, mother and homeschooling my children. When I ever thought about being the above, I dreamed of being the best possible in those areas... according to Godly standards not worldly ones. So...why...I ask...do these roles seem so "unattractive", "undesirable" and "unwanted" among so many Christian women. I suppose I will never really know the full answer, but I am thankful that God has laid it on my heart to be a Godly woman, wife and mother.
The Wife of Noble Character
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it shows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Proverbs 31:10-31
The above scripture should challenge and encourage all women to be a Proverbs 31 woman of God. I know it challenges me and I'm thankful for each new day that God has given me. I love being a wife, mother and princess of a loving and amazing God....and I will shout it from the rooftops...I will not be ashamed...I will not let the rocks cry out for me!
I love being a wife, mother and homeschooling my children. When I ever thought about being the above, I dreamed of being the best possible in those areas... according to Godly standards not worldly ones. So...why...I ask...do these roles seem so "unattractive", "undesirable" and "unwanted" among so many Christian women. I suppose I will never really know the full answer, but I am thankful that God has laid it on my heart to be a Godly woman, wife and mother.
The Wife of Noble Character
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it shows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Proverbs 31:10-31
The above scripture should challenge and encourage all women to be a Proverbs 31 woman of God. I know it challenges me and I'm thankful for each new day that God has given me. I love being a wife, mother and princess of a loving and amazing God....and I will shout it from the rooftops...I will not be ashamed...I will not let the rocks cry out for me!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
12 weeks to go...
Wow...I can't believe in 12 weeks or less a new bundle of joy will be here! This will be our 4th child and we are so excited about the new arrival. :) I have to admit that I will also be excited about getting rid of this 9 month "morning sickness"...yay! I guess I should be use to it by now...especially considering I've had it with all 4 pregnancies. No matter what I've been through...this new baby is completely worth it.
I couldn't have imagined having 4 kids, when Jeremy and I got married almost 10 years ago. I think we always thought we would probably have 2 kids. Life has a funny way of changing along the way and the number kept growing with the years. I just love babies and kids and I feel totally blessed to have the ones I have. God is an amazing and wonderful God.
12 weeks to go and still working on baby names. I'm really not sure what the problem is...haha...maybe my husband...haha. It seems every name I come up with...he just looks at me with a funny smirk and says "I don't think so"..haha. Hopefully...and I do say that with hope...we will have a name once the baby is born.
Well...I guess this is the latest baby update. I'm excited to go on Monday for an ultrasound. I always enjoy seeing the baby and how much they have grown. Until then...God bless.
I couldn't have imagined having 4 kids, when Jeremy and I got married almost 10 years ago. I think we always thought we would probably have 2 kids. Life has a funny way of changing along the way and the number kept growing with the years. I just love babies and kids and I feel totally blessed to have the ones I have. God is an amazing and wonderful God.
12 weeks to go and still working on baby names. I'm really not sure what the problem is...haha...maybe my husband...haha. It seems every name I come up with...he just looks at me with a funny smirk and says "I don't think so"..haha. Hopefully...and I do say that with hope...we will have a name once the baby is born.
Well...I guess this is the latest baby update. I'm excited to go on Monday for an ultrasound. I always enjoy seeing the baby and how much they have grown. Until then...God bless.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Go Away Germs!
I am officially ready for Spring to come. Elijah got sick with a stomach bug on Sunday early morning and it lasted for 72 hours. Isaiah woke up Wednesday morning around 6:30 a.m. throwing up. Jeremiah started with a sore throat and nasal congestion yesterday. Now...I guess it's my turn...yep...upper resp. infection...and feeling miserable. I go to the doctor this afternoon, so hopefully an antibiotic will get me feeling normal again. I hate when my boys are sick and I'm not a very good patient either. haha
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Isaiah's 3rd Birthday
Mommy's little birthday boy...7 a.m. on his birthday
Isaiah wanted a strawberry Elmo cake...so I baked one and Jeremy did the Elmo face for it. :)
"Dollars"
Cowboy guns
Elmo coloring books from his brothers
VSmile games from Papa and Mimi
He loved opening his gifts
New Toy Story shoes
Excited about his cake
My little cowboy
Isaiah licking the icing off the candles...haha My 1st Niece...Aleah Riley Witmer
Aleah Riley Witmer...8lbs 10 oz...19 inches long and beautiful!
Holding Aleah for the first time.
So precious...chubby little thighs!
Jeremy's mom, Nana, feeding Aleah her 2nd bottle
Uncle Jeremy and AleahOur first niece was born yesterday afternoon and she is just a living doll. We are so thankful that she is healthy and doing well. The last time we were aunt and uncle was 7 years ago, so this is exciting! Plus...I just love babies! Holding Aleah made me even more excited for our 4th baby to arrive! :)
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