'I AM - So You Don't Have To Be'
A Blog Bible Study
A Blog Bible Study
A Blog Bible Study
by Lisa McKay
Chapter One: I AM - Your Beauty
Chapter Four: I AM - Your Portion
Scroll of Remembrance
Patty @ Girlfriends in God
They Don't Call Her 'Grace' For Nothin'
We had Sunday lunch with some friends yesterday. On the way home, one of the three boys blessed us with an unpleasant aroma in the Suburban. Here's the conversation:
Baby Girl: Would whoever is fartin' stop it!?
The Preacher: DAUGHTER! Could you be a little more lady-like?
Baby Girl: Would whoever is fartin' PLEASE stop it!?
Don't forget about me when the Loser Mom of the Year nominations roll around. You can enter me in the "Her Kids are Potty Mouths" category. :)
It's Time To Step Up Sistahood!
Hi Girls!
Some of you either know or have heard of Heather of Swank Design fame, some not. However, today is one of those where it doesn't really matter. She needs our help and I hope you will consider joining in.
I am asking you each to click on the button above to read about Heather's brain cancer diagnosis and make a decision on April 18th to pray and if possible to give financially to aid her family. I won't elaborate here on what is best told through the link. All I can say is that I am torn out of my frame after reading her plight. This is one of those situations where you might ask, "How much can one family take?" This young wife and mother is a picture of the grace of God being sufficient. By her testimony you will respond, "How can she possibly be so calm?" It is only the confidence she has in our God...No doubt she is spreading His fame.
On April 18th a link will be established through this button for donations to this family. Again, you can read more by clicking. Please pray about how you can seize this opportunity for ministry.
Thank you!!
Lisa
The Best Hot Fudge Cake EVER
A friend of mine and I had a discussion about Hot Fudge Cake and I assured her this recipe from my momma is the best EVER. Mom's version of this classic has replaced our traditional birthday cakes and is usually served anytime we have the opportunity to get together for a special occasion. Our family is not one of die-hard cooks (except for my up-and-coming, Paula Deen lovin' niece, Kayla) but this dessert is a sentimental, easy to prepare favorite.
What you need:
Here’s the special part:
One Can of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
One Can of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
One Stick of REAL Butter
The magic is in the presentation so do this:
I won’t even tell you this has a bazillion calories….just try not to think about it while you eat this scrumptuous thing. Enjoy!
The Most Fun Personality Test
Choose One of these Shapes: Square, Rectangle, Circle, Triangle, or Squiggle. You should choose the one that immediately appeals to you. I'm talking 5 seconds here...Don't overanalyze. Go ahead and give yourself a first favorite and runner-up. One Last Thing - Don't Look at the Definitions Before You Choose..That is CHEATING!:)
Square - A Square is somebody who feels most comfortable with a stable environment and clear directions on what to do. She is conservative and likes things that are regular and orderly. If given a task she will work on it until it is finished, even if it is repetitious, cumbersome and lonely.
Rectangle - A Rectangle also likes structure and regularity. But she will more establish it with organization, meetings, committees and so forth. This will have to be done the proper way, taking all rules and regulations into consideration. If given a task she will start organizing it to be sure it can be done the most systematic way.
Circle - A Circle is social and communicative. No hard edges. She handles things by talking about them and smoothing things out with everybody. Communication is the first priority, and making sure there is harmony. When given a task she will talk about it.
Triangle - A Triangle is goal oriented. She enjoys planning something out and then doing it. She gets motivated by the accomplishment. She will tend to look at big long-term issues, but might forget the details. When given a task she will set a goal and work on a plan for it.
Squiggle - A Squiggle is off-the-wall and creative. She feels best doing new and different things most of the time and gets bored with regularity. When given a task she will come up with bright ideas about it.
Okay, I am first a Squiggle, then a Circle and might I say this is amazingly accurate. I totally begin well and fizzle at the end when I get bored or too many details overwhelm me...I think that is why I like blogging...totally random stuff...never boring....new things to do all the time. I come by this honestly. Just ask my organic gardening, hoop-house farming, aracauna hen-raising, mushroom growing, bee-keeping, fisherman dad..:)) Love you, Pops!! :))
Play along with me...what are you and was it accurate??!!
The Pied Piper of Pavement
Today I drove to my dad's house a 30-mile trip away. The highway I take is a scenic road that twists and turns up and over two different mountains. There is a new bridge that has been under construction for some months and recently paving began in the area leading up to it. Today, I had the blessing of sitting in traffic because one side of the road was blocked off so the other could be paved.
That is when I discovered the guy who has the most dumbfounding job I've seen lately. His mission, should he choose to accept it, was to lead traffic back and forth all day long for the short 300 yards the right lane of traffic was closed. I guess no one trusted us country crackers to read a sign that said, 'Right Lane Closed' or 'Stop If You See Someone Coming Head-On In Your Direction." Nope, this guy just drove to and fro for eight horrible hours making sure we didn't get on the wrong side of the pylons. The Pied Piper of Pavement. I was insulted.
I'm certain he sat a little taller in his seat, full of pride over his sense of accomplishment at having delivered yet one more group of vehicles a few pylons short of the safe zone. After he gave a wave and turned to lead his next flock, I was then the lead car. Would you like to know what I did with my Moses moment? I got on the wrong side of the stinkin' pylons. I don't know how! Oh yes, honey, I almost ran clear off the side of the road - or where the road used to be. But not only I, but the little chickens behind me too - they were thoroughly impressed with my leadership abilities. Guess us southern folks need Mr. Piper after all. We are safer because of him. Or at least you are if I am in front of you. :)
This would preach, but I'll spare you today....have a great Saturday!!!
'I AM' Study Linky
If you are participating in the 'I AM' Study, please click on Lesson One and re-sign the Linky...For some reason it lost your names today. Don' t forget to put your email address out beside your name...I've left mine for an example...Sorry for the trouble! :)
I'm Over at the CWO Internet Cafe'!
Works For Me Wednesday - Solving Ball Uniform Chaos
I don't know about you, but during baseball season one of our worse issues is finding all the pieces of our ball uniforms after the three boys have come home, stripped down, and thrown hats, socks, belts, etc. to the four winds.
We have solved this somewhat simply. I have a small laundry basket I keep on top of the washing machine. The ball uniforms MUST be put in that basket as soon as they are taken off. If they are not and I have to search for any piece of the uniform, the offender has to carry his sister's pink glove into the dugout the next game. I do believe they would rather stay home than touch anything pink while their friends are watching. So far, so good!
Hope this helps solve your uniform chaos - It Works For Me!
Go visit Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great WFMW ideas!
A Question for the Ages
Someone found my blog today by googling, "Are Preacher's Wives Crazy?". Google no more my dear friend, because I can tell you with a hardy !YES! they are, thereby consider your question answered.
I AM
So You Don't Have To Be Study
Lesson One - "I AM Your Beauty"
If you are just joining in on this blog Bible Study series, Click here for the Introduction.
I am so happy you have joined me for this blog Bible Study. Obviously anything I am able to present to you here will be greatly abbreviated for space and time's sake, but I pray God will use these teachings as a reminder that there is but ONE God and that He is for you. It took many years for me to finally embrace the fact God was working all the details in my life towards peace, rest and wide open spaces. So many times He held Canaan out to me and I turned my back on it for Egypt. I also finally understand after following Moses through this study that when God asks us to do something on His behalf, He is enough to accomplish the desired end. He delights in our 'yes' and how that spreads His fame. I want to be a girl with a 'yes' in my Spirit - don't you? When we can exchange God's I AM for our Am Nots, we'll proclaim as David, "With your help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall." (Psalm 18:29) The most important thing I've learned? Unless the circumstances are dire, unless the situation hopeless, unless the task impossible, God is not assured the glory when the miraculous happens. He is still a God of Wonders. What a thrill when He asks us to hold the staff.
Today's lesson will focus on the birth of Moses and Stephen's description of this event in Acts 7:17-20. The lesson is titled "I AM - Your Beauty" but we will break that down into the following sub-lessons: Just In Time, Beautiful in the Eyes of God, and After His Heart. So yeah, this study could drag on a while..:) Didn't have anything else to do, did ya?
Acts 7:17-20
"But as the time for the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father's home." (NASB)
*Note - All word definitions and lexical references are taken from the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible - AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN. Edited by Spiros Zodhiates or Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.* This reference is a nightmare in its syntax, but this is a blog, not Broadman Holman...Ya'll will forgive me, right??**
Have you ever considered that your placement on planet Earth, in your generation, in your county, state, city, family, circle of friends was completely intentional? That you are not the accidental end of a long list of 'begats' that just happened to spring forth when you did? No doubt in every span of time, God could pull out any individual to accomplish His will but how much more thrilling to know He dreamed you up and placed you, on purpose, to experience life and react to its circumstances so as to potentially aid in the deliverance of someone close to you. I say 'potentially' because we will see in a moment how our 'yes' or 'no' could affect our privilege of participation in God's Wonders.
Are you beginning to get the idea of what this time word implies? Moses was not born as one of many in a succession of moments, days, weeks, or years but was created to accomplish a necessary task. God would orchestrate the 'convenient opportunity' and Moses was the man whom He would bring forth to deliver His people, beloved Israel, from bondage. The implications of this concept are mind-blowing to me. I realize that God does not have national deliverance in mind for most of us, but what is that convenient opportunity, that necessary task, He is setting up for me and for you? Dear Girls, there is a reason God has placed us just in time in our particular circle of influence. Let's take our thoughts a step further.
Can you honestly describe yourself as a woman with a 'yes' in her spirit?
Are you in an emotionally and spiritually healthy place today? If so, what will you do with your series of unrecurring events? Will you commit to ask for spiritual eyes to see opportunities to defend a weaker sister?
If no, are you taking steps to seek out wise counsel from a sister you admire or perhaps a Christian counselor if needed? If not, will you resolve to do so?
Blessings on you, my girlfriends!
Lisa McKay - 2007
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Mom: The Hater of Small Children and Puppies
After our church's Easter Service, The Preacher, myself, and the 4 kids went to the in-law's about an hour away for a good 'ole Southern Easter Lunch. It was a wonderful afternoon complete with Fruit Pizza (my favorite dessert ever), an egg hunt, and 8 new puppies my sis in law is trying to give away. That is when the trouble began.
The children fell in love with one of the puppies. Now, never mind they have a beagle at home that is the sweetest animal that ever lived which never gets the attention or food she deserves. Nope, they want something a little fresher, a little cuddlier. Needless to say, the preacher and I said a swift "no way" as we proceeded to load the kids in the Suburban to head back home.
We got into the car to the sound of wailing like has never been heard outside of a Middle Eastern funeral...so if you need paid mourners at your next graveside event, I have just the kids for you. Squid and Big Daddy (#2 boy(9 yrs) and #3 boy (7 yrs) lost their ever-loving minds over not getting to take home a puppy. The conversation that followed was something like this:
Big Daddy: (through screaming and crying) You are just a FAKER. You said you thought those puppies were cute. If you thought they were cute, you'd let us have one. Since you didn't, you don't think they are cute so you are a FAKER.
Me: (stunned silence as I stare at the Preacher for help)
Squid: (In the best Nancy Kerrigan WHY cries ever) Whyyyyy won't you let us have one??? WHHHYYYYY???? We play with Daisy (the beagle) all the time...YOU KNOW THAT WE DO!!!
Me and Preacher: (equally speechless, staring at each other with mouths dropped open at this point)
Big Daddy: YOU DO NOT LOVE US AT ALL! YOU JUST SAY YOU DO BUT YOU ARE FAKING!
Okay, there are a couple of responses that would have been appropriate here:
Number One: A good ole fashion butt bustin' for all the parent dissin' going on, or possibly
Number Two: A theological speech on gratitude for what we have instead of grief over that which we do not.
At the risk of showing my continued qualification for membership in the 'Loser Mom' club, I must tell you we chose options three and four.
Three: Make a cell phone video of your children acting like total morons and text it to sis in law to thank her for offering the puppies to the children and let her laugh with us over all the wailing going on..:)) (It's okay LB, really..haha) -and-
Four: Turn on the song by Toby Mac "Stories- We all Got Em" Sing at the top of your lungs to drive your children crazy while doing the hand motions when appropriate. The song goes like this:
Big Daddy is throwing Easter eggs at the Preacher and me (while we are laughing hysterically)from the very, very back seat of the Suburban while he is yelling, "you don't love us and you just fake it all!!!"
Squid is kicking the back of the seats hollering, "leave us alone...ya'll are so mean!!! You know I play with Daisy and I feed her when you aren't looking!"
Princess (baby girl - 4 years) is pleading in her princessy voice "could everyone just be quiet? My ears are hurtin' back here!"
Einstein (oldest boy - 11 years) Dodging flying easter eggs as he sits in silence contemplating what has just happened in our vehicle.
So for those of you who are saying, "surely those kids got a whoopin'" ...Oh yeah, and bed early too. I should also say on my kids' behalf this behavior was totally uncharacteristic of them which is why we were totally blown away about what to do...But I thought I'd share so the next time you are driving down the road in relative silence, you could think of our car rides and say a prayer of thanks for what it could be like...
I know there are spiritual implications crawlin' all over this..I was frankly too tired to connect all the dots...Feel welcome to do that in the comments..:))
Have a great Monday!
Life With the Preacher
There is absolutely no human reason why my husband and I should still be married today, much less serving in ministry. We married young - me almost 19, him 23. We were not saved and the result of our Godless actions and decisions had us filing for divorce two short years after the ceremony.
I was living with my dad and stepmom during this time. I despised the not-yet-Preacher and the truth is, I despised myself as much as him. We had hurt each other in a million ways and all I could think of was getting away from the pain and starting over. We were within two weeks of our divorce being final when one night I received a bizarre phone call from him. He told me he started going to church and that he had begun to pray about our marriage and he wanted us to think about what we were doing.
I went off the deep end..."So you are turning into a religious fanatic and you think that is going to fix everything?" I spewed. I was so full of hate and bitterness in those days and it still makes me cringe to think of all the horrible things I said to him about his new found "religion". He continued, very patiently, to call and tell me he was praying as the clock ticked towards the day our marriage would be legally over.
I will never forget the night I had gone to bed, still resolved divorce was the only answer. For some reason, I woke up around 2 am and the tears began to flow. I missed my husband so badly I could barely lay there. I remember thinking, "What is wrong with you? You can not stand him! Why would you possibly be missing him? It is almost over, just hang in there." I realize now that voice was Satan's bent on thwarting God's plan for our lives. If you ask me how I know prayer works, or how I know God can turn a cold, black heart into one that can feel love, laughter, and joy I will point you to this night because it is the one that changed everything for me.
I called the not-yet-Preacher the next day to say, "Let's talk". One talk led to another and we called the lawyer to say we wanted to stop the divorce proceedings. I tentatively moved back home with him and we began visiting churches. I was still not very thrilled about the 'God thing' but I knew for some reason I wanted my husband back and this would play a part. Would it ever.
One night soon afterward hubby came to me in our living room and told me he had just then prayed for salvation. He'd gone to church his whole life but it was only at that time he truly accepted Christ as His Savior. I grew up in a totally different denomination so this Baptist way of doing things was a little traumatic for me. I was glad for him, but I still wasn't so sure what that meant for me. For personal reasons, organized religion held no real appeal so I was very afraid of how having my husband become so radically different was going to affect me and our life together. Suddenly I began having feelings of not being good enough for this new man and shame over my own sin slowly began entering my heart.
Salvation for me was not a lightening bolt experience but an intellectual process at first. I needed to understand it. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, "For the message of the Cross is foolishness for those who are perishing but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." I know the Spirit of God enabled me to believe what I was hearing because obviously I could have still walked away a scoffer. We had begun attending my husband's childhood church and the pastor there became a dear friend and mentor to us both. He started a small group in his home and I was able to ask all my questions in a very non-threatening environment. That dear pastor was so patient with me as I asked about everything from "What does 'once saved, always saved' mean?" to "When do you think the rapture is coming?". Finally, I realized that during those days I had already made a decision. That decision was for life - both for Jesus Christ and until death-do-us-part with my husband. I asked the Lord to 'officially' save me and soon afterwards made that public in the body of people who had prayed so faithfully for both my husband and me.
What a fitting way to celebrate Christ's resurrection this weekend. Not only did God resurrect His Son, He brought new life to my marriage, my husband and me. And where God is the Great Physician, my husband is His nurse who continues to bandage the wounds of my heart until this day. The greatest gift next to eternal life I have been given is the knowledge I have a mate who would die for me and his children, and that he is for me - as a guardian and friend. I know that no matter where life takes me, I will never have to go alone. God has given me His Spirit and my husband as forever companions and I will never get over being grateful for either one. Everytime I feel love instead of bitterness, joy in the place of despair, peace reigning over turmoil, I know that it is not me who lives, but Christ who lives in me.
So, today I praise God for raising His Son and my family. And to my husband I say, "Happy Anniversary". It has been 17 years - 15 of them wonderful. :) I adore you and am so proud of the man God has made you and the impact in ministry He is giving you. I am honored to be your wife and the mother of your four beautiful children. Though He chose us, you need to know I agree with Him - again and again. I choose life - His and ours.
I love you, Preacher and I'm expecting a real good dinner out of this...:))
We have interrupted our broadcast of CS Lewis Saturday....
My CS Post is being postponed...mostly because of my anniversary post that took most of my thoughts...I'll resume with you next week on our talk of Mere Christianity! I hope you'll join me then!!
Have a wonderful Easter!
The Hair Ministry
There is a new hair ministry being formed here and my friend NSpiredByFaith is the founder and CEO. Let me tell ya'll what she did for me!!! Last night at the ballfield, where I was watching my son Big Daddy playing ball in 42 windy degrees thank you, my friend walks up with not only the name of a good hair straightener, but a sample of her supply! A stinking SAMPLE!! Does a girlfriend get any better than that?? NO She Does Not!!
See I've been harping on ya'll about your "circles of influence" and how you should use your trials to "minister to those hurting around you." Oh this girl gets it and she has invested into my life indeed. I am being serious when I say this - I have been having a cruddy, stressful week (not just because of my hair) and God used her to give me a Divine Hair Appointment. This is just one fine example of how sometimes it is the little things that make huge differences in one another's lives. See, I was sure she liked me before, but now I am convinced she loves me because someone who doesn't love you would just not go through the trouble. They just wouldn't.
What is the most awesome thing is that I used this stuff this morning and I love it! It is something by Sebastian...I forgot the name but it looks like white lotion.. I'll find out and let you know for those who are also suffering...And, for you 'skinny haired girls', one of my friends who has this issue loves Big Sexy Hair products....just a suggestion because now that I've been ministered to, I am just full to overflowing in my desire to help you too..:))
So ya'll run over and say Hi to NSpiredbyFaith today...Tell her you've heard what a good friend she is...She'll be a good one to you too..:))
Help for the Forlorn of Hair
Okay ya'll...I need help with my Sheep Dog hair..No I do not have a sheep dog. I am the sheep dog. See, my hair is kinda curly at the base and frizzy/swollen at the ends. Not curly enough to be curly but too wavy to be straight without serious intervention. Let me be clear that in the 80's when spiral perms were in, my hair Rocked. It was BIG hair and I had it goin' on. But when perms went out, so did my 'do' and I haven't know what to 'do' ever since.
For one terrible thing, air drying is not an option for me. If you are one of those cute girls that can go to the beach or be in a hurry after a shower and simply let your hair blow free in the breeze to smooth perfection, well I just really don't like you. I learned this was not a possibility for me after a trip to Six Flags as a teenager...No one told me I would be getting soaked to the bone on the very first ride so for the next 10 hours of the 100 degree Hades of Six Flags I walked around with an air-dried poof on my head with absolutely no banana clip(my fave 80's hair accessory) in site! Talk about the walk of shame...uggh..Mark that down as one of the worst 10 days of my life.
So I've learned I can never, ever be in a situation where I can not either re-wet, have a ball hat and pony tail holder available, or blow dry immediately. I say immediately because if my hair gets too dry, I must start all over with a freshly wet head. You have no idea how much experimentation, trial and error has had to happen to perfect the process of getting this mane to lie down and behave. My family understands this...No one, NO ONE, messes with momma before the hair is dry. What they also understand is my deep, abiding affection for my round brush which I must use for the full 20 minutes of sectioned blowdrying. So two huge rules at my house?? You don't mess with momma with wet hair and you don't touch The Brush.
It isn't over with the drying...At this point, I must allow the hair to cool completely before the straightening begins. This is only accomplished by pulling it up in a clippy and combing out very small sections to burn into submission. Did you know hair can scream?? Oh yeah honey, it can. I've heard it. Anyway, the last step is to use velcro rollers in the top to give the crown that added bounce I've tried so hard to flatten out. No wonder I'm worn out by the time I'm ready to go anywhere!
I'm telling you all of this to say that I need a new hair gel, cream, pomade, something that will help in my quest for smoothness. I have tried lately: Big Sexy super smoothing gel, Matrix smoothing gel and neither one of them are doing it for me...My hair is still swollen and believe it or not...it really isn't dry, it is just fat. That is it...I have fat hair.
So if you understand at all what I am talking about or have found a product that works for you...would you tell me what it is?? Thanks in advance, I just know you'll come through for me, girls! :)
Better yet, do you have any hair dilemmas the sistahood could help you with?? Let's just get it all out girls...it'll free you...really.
Works For Me Wednesday Car Edition
In Other Words...
“At the heart of the story stands the cross of Christ where evil did its worst and met its match.”
~ John Wenham
The imagery in this passage of Satan's demise has always captured my thoughts. Certainly he knows these verses by heart - letter by letter, line by humiliating line. However, pride keeps him from accepting his fate now. He knows his destruction, yet he also knows the longsuffering of God. Satan can not steal God's authority but He can break His heart through stealing away His creation. He works feverishly with every moment remaining to continue the deception that began in the Garden, "God does not want what is best for you. He does not love you. He enjoys lording over you. Would you like to be equal with Him, wiser than Him, or better yet, ascend above Him...?" And many, perhaps with a whisper at first, reply with a chilling 'Yes'." 'I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High'." But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, the man who made the world a desert, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home? All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb. But you are cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch; you are covered with the slain, with those pierced by the sword, those who descend to the stones of the pit." Isaiah 14:15-19
And so begins the descent into the abyss. Satan knows he is going, but he is determined to not go alone. I love the KJV rendering of verse 16, "They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee". It is the stunned look of bewilderment, the face of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when the wizard is revealed to be a weak man skilled with magnified voice, smoke, and mirrors. Such is Satan and on the day of his revealing, many will weep and wail and gnash their teeth because in some way, for whatever comfort can be found in hell, their minds may have been eased in knowing he was more powerful than they. That they had no choice. That no one on whom his eye had settled could resist. However, there will be no peace when the curtain is thrown back to betray his true being - weak and powerless with maggots for a bed and worms for a blanket.
Where our Savior Jesus Christ is the Branch of the Lord in Isaiah and the Righteous Branch in Jeremiah, Satan will find himself the Rejected Branch even by the grave which opens wide to receive him. There will be no pomp for the return of this king. Satan is forever trying to convince mankind the second death belongs to us and I have often wondered, does he somehow believe he can exchange his end with ours? Did he believe Jesus' death would, in a somewhat different way, save him too on that dark day at Golgotha? Who can fathom the madness of one bent on stealing, killing, and destroying?
Praise God in Heaven, we know the wages of sin and the end thereof is destruction. But for those who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the end is peace, love and light. Satan was cast in shame from the tomb but our Savior stood and triumphantly walked away. No one took His life - He laid it down, He picked it up, He lives it in us by His Spirit today. All because of a Cross and Death which held no power over him.
Evil did its best, indeed, but its best was not enough. There is but One who IS enough, the ever-present, ever-living I AM. Raise your hands and voices to Him this Passion Week! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
I'm Paying It Forward...
UPDATE: I am so excited! Darlene Schacht from CWO also sent this award back my way...You can read her comments here. What a blessed girl I am to have such sweet bloggy sistas!
I am so grateful to Iris at Sting My Heart for mentioning my name for the Thinking Blogger Award. You can click on her site name or the award button to view her exact comments. I had never heard of this award until today, but I can not think of anything that would make me feel more special than to know something on this blog would make you linger over the goodness of God. Iris has an enormous heart and is a constant source of encouragement to me. I am still in awe that God has placed me in the midst of so many incredible women whose company I do not deserve.
From what I understand about this award, when it is given you pay forward meaning you send this award to others in the blogsphere that make you think. Here are the official rules of this award:
If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative gold version if silver doesn’t fit your blog).
Please know I could list about 20 here, but I'll be a good girl and follow the rules. So girls, I am tagging you five:
Tracey at Show Me State of Mind - I chose Tracey because her recent posts about her son's friend, Katie, who died in the Enterprise, AL High School which was hit by a tornado reminded me how everything in life can change in an instant. What touched me is that Tracey and her family took the time to drive down and be with this family. Often there are no words, but people remember who surrounded them in their time of grief. Tracey is that kind of friend.
Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart - Mindy has the most reflective spirit and is truly after God's heart. I am blessed to not only call her Blog Sister but family as well. (My stepdad is her uncle for those of you who have wondered) I can honestly say we've gotten to know each other in our adult lives and in our roles as pastor's wives moreso through our blog than time and distance would ever allow in person. Her family has never been considered a 'step' family...They have always been as good to me as my own. I am blessed.
Rita at The Jungle Hut - Where most of us would have to be dragged into the jungle to live in a hut and minister among natives, Rita had to be dragged out. Her blog is one I have only recently begun to read and it has touched me deeply. You simply must visit her site and read about her family's work in Venezuela. A hint: You'll never buy Citgo gasoline again! :)
Bonnie Bruno at Macromoments and Photo Buffet - Bonnie is the person God used in my life in my very first blogging days to encourage me in writing. Through several 'coincidences' (we all know there are no such things) she put me in touch with Darlene Schacht at Christian Women Online where I now have the blessing of contributing at the Internet Cafe Team Blog. She has two blogs, Macromoments which is features her writing, and Photo Buffet which highlights her photography. Her words are as beautiful as her images and as her tagline reads, I always 'arrive hungry and leave inspired'. Bonnie also is a columnist for Christian Women Online Ezine. Her April article, Snug as a Glove, is phenomenal. Thank you once again Bonnie for taking the time to bless me.
Darlene Schact at DarleneSchacht.com - Darlene truly has lofty thoughts and can use words to turn the most simple, everyday occurences into a beautiful image that is forever burned into the mind. I am specifically referring to her article, Therein Is Life, in CWO Ezine this month but you can check out her blog and find many more fine examples.
There are so many more I could list here. What I want you all to know is that you have made my life more rich than it was even two short months ago. Thank you for being my bloggy friends! :) And Iris, again, thank you my sweet sister. You just don't know how much it means....
I AM (So You Don't Have To Be)
Introduction
We just celebrated our oldest son's 11th birthday. The occasion left him with a pocket full of money and a head full of dreams over the purchase possibilities that now lay before him. His birthday request was for me to take him to the only place a young boy with a wad of dough wants to go: WalMart.
We loaded up in the Suburban -my first born and I - and headed to town. It is a rare occasion when I can take my eldest somewhere without one of the other three children in tow so it is at best an understatement to say I was thoroughly enjoying our mom and son bonding time.
We arrived at the store and browsed through action figures, fishing poles, baseball bats, and finally electronics. I never knew one of the male species could shop for so long and touch so many things. Unlike his father, this boy did not know what he was going to buy, go in and buy it, and dash out within 7 minutes of hitting the front door. Oh no, this kid is GOOD. He knows how to linger and consider and pick up and put down and come back later when he has decided this is the thing he likes best. His wife will thank me one day. :)
When he had finally made all his selections, I asked him if he was ready to leave. He looked up at me, a little nervously, and here is something how the conversation went:
Boy: "Well, mom, I've been planning something."
Boy: "You know those rings on that display in the jewelry department? I really want to buy you one."
Me: (Bear hugging him) "That is the sweetest thing, but honey, you can keep your money. I appreciate how you want to do this, but I would like for you to have your money to buy yourself something else. Thank you for thinking of me, though."
Boy: (Looking disappointed) "But mom, I really want to. I held some of my money back for it."
Now I have to admit, the one he picked out was not the one I would have picked for myself. But do you honestly think I was going to turn down what he thought made me pretty? You would be correct if you said, "NO!" He searched until he found the right ring in the right size and you've never seen a sweeter face than his when he realized it all worked out like he wanted. It was all over then...I hid behind the rack and cried. I hugged him once again and said, "This is the sweetest thing a boy could do for his mom." He said, "It feels really good to be generous." Be still my heart.
I tell you all of this because very clearly as this event was taking place God was whispering in my ear, "I'm trying to give you something here. PAY ATTENTION." Oh He gave me something alright - like the most perfect intro ever into our retreat that weekend.
In Scripture, the gift God promised to the Israelites by covenant through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was the provision of the Land. Not just any land, but a land filled with homes they did not labor to build, vineyards they did not tend, a "land flowing with milk and honey". It was a place of rest and safety. A place where God would teach His children true worship of His name alone. A place where they experienced the abundance of God not to hoard, but to bid to those around them, "come enter our rest."
The land of Palestine is not the most intrinsically beautiful God could have given His children. He could have placed them on Hawaii or at least somewhere with a beach, for Pete's sake. However, God was never concerned with our lying about in comfort. His purpose has always been about fruit-bearing. This is fascinating considering Palestine is described as as an agricultural wonderland. Stick seed in the ground here, and it will multiply as in no other place on the planet. There is also a relationship between God and this place. Most scholars agree, even though the topography of the land is different than pre-flood days, it is within this area where the Garden of Eden once lay. Ah, the Garden: Where God formed Adam from the dust, where He walked with His creation, where Sin required He drive His beloved away. God created us out of this land and, no matter how far we roam, is always about the work of bringing us back home.
The land was very much a physical blessing upon the Israelite community but we can experience it spiritually today. Just like my son giving me a ring that was beautiful in his eyes, the life God is giving you may not look like the one you had envisioned for yourself. We will never appreciate His choices short of the love relationship that will inspire us to respond 'yes, I'll receive and adore what You have picked out'. God has been planning something. It is was an intentional decision on His part to place you in this generation, within the circle of influence you possess because He alone knew the impact perhaps only your life could have on another in your midst. Our God wants to make us, in my southern twang, spiritually 'perty'. And, if you are like me, you want to wear the life God has said will make you most beautiful. God rejoices in 'being generous'. He is trying to give us Canaan! It is about time we quit looking back over our shoulders at Egypt and simply walked face forward into the gift.
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work is licensed under a
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This is an image of the place on Mt. Nebo where tradition says Moses overlooked the Promised Land before his death.
Other Study Links:
Welcome and Instructions
Table of Contents
Proceed to: Lesson One - "Just In Time"
Join Me At The Internet Cafe'!
For those of you who have just started reading, I also write for the Christian Women Online Team Blog bi-monthly. Today is one of those days! Click the link to meet me at the Cafe' today for "God's Best China". Hope to see you there!
C.S. Lewis Saturday - Mere Christianity
The ordinary human beings, that would be where I belong. Not keeping to the standard which we all agree to either consciensely or not. I fail all of the time in 'practicing the kind of behavior I expect from other people.' Oh, I have my excuses. Just like Lewis points out, if we do not believe in decent behavior, why make an excuse for not behaving decently?" What I find most fascinating is the next point:
"It is only our bad temper that we put down to being tired or worried or hungry; we put our good temper down to ourselves."
Isn't that the truth? Let me act like an idiot and I'll give you a thousand reasons why and beg you to excuse me. Let me behave in a right way and I'll pridefully and privately think of the reasons why I really did such a grand thing. Oh, I hope I'm not the only one.
Completing the chapter:
"These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature, the break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the Universe we live in."
This is the key in understanding human nature and the basis for any argument of morality you will ever encounter. These simple yet profound truths have shaped the way I share Jesus especially in the instance where people will argue against the existence of God or Right and Wrong. I hope this book discussion will help you also to open your eyes to the people in your midst who have subscribed to the Post Modern culture and idealism. Girls, the world is smart, and they will bring you lofty arguments. Let's be ready!
I've added a Mr. Linky if you would like to place your comments on your site. If you are just joining us, click the 'CS Lewis Rocks' label to see the previous posts. Hope you'll join me!
WFMW - How to Shoe Shop Without The Kids
I vividly remember as a child my mother drawing an outline around my foot when she wanted to go shoe shopping but not with her three little daughters. This way she could match the foot impression up with the shoe since they can vary so much in size.
This is the most awesome idea ever! Simply trace around your child's foot, cut it out, fold it, place it in your wallet, and you'll never wonder if that pair of shoes on sale will fit your little one again!
As If There Is Anything Better In The World Than Time With Jesus And Your Girlfriends
I want to thank you who prayed for our women's retreat this past weekend. How is it you can be crying buckets of tears one minute and laughing yourself into a stupor the next? I'm not certain, but I am willing to wager our men do not behave this way when they are together. What we have determined is that laughter is the best ab workout of all. You should see how buff we girls are..:))
I'm praising our God for being in our midst this weekend. The conference was entitled, 'I AM - So You Don't Have To Be'. We studied God in four contexts: I AM - Your Beauty, I AM - Your Sufficiency, I AM - Your Prestige, and I AM - Your Portion. I remain overwhelmed at the goodness of God who spoke to me so tenderly during the preparation for these lessons. He has truly shown me I can trade in my 'am nots' for His I AM - I'll never be able to fully comprehend how He can transform so much personal dysfunction into a tool for wonders. I pray we will all be women who make our God famous!
I plan on sharing these messages with you here over the next few days. I hope they will continue to speak as they did this weekend. God's Word can be trusted to do its perfect work. It will be in the days and weeks to come that we can see the fruit bearing that will take place because of His seed sown into our lives.
To the 26 girls who attended..What a blessing and encouragement you are to me! I am completely overwhelmed the Lord would place me in such a circle of friends, both old and new, from both within and outside our congregation, from teenagers to seniors. Seeing such diversity and love for one another, I am sure I witnessed a glimpse of heaven. Thank you for loving me and doing it quite well. Please know the affection is multiplied back to you ten-fold.
Here are a few photos from the weekend. Of course, I didn't get near as many as I wanted. If you attended and have some to add, please email them to me!
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CS Lewis Saturday
Mere Christianity - Preface
One can not get past the preface of this wonderful book without finding enough wisdom to fill pages. That is the gift of Lewis - few but profound words. He actually blistered me in the very first paragraph when he explained the editing process of turning these radio broadcasts in to printed matter. He explains that originally he used italics to emphasize the written words that he had also emphasized with his voice but later realized it was a mistake. He says, "A talker ought to use variations of voice for emphasis because his medium naturally lends itself to that method; but a writer ought not to use italics for the same purpose. He has his own, different, means of bringing out the key words and ought to use them." So my friend C.S. would not like the way I emphasize my words, at all. *sigh*
Today's Selected Quotes:
On his attempt at explaining 'Mere Christianity' and not simply putting forth as common something which would be peculiar to the Church of England:
"It is at her centre, where her truest children dwell, that each communion is really closest to every other in spirit, if not in doctrine. And this suggests that at the centre of each there is something, or a Someone, who against all divergences of belief, all differences of temperament, all memories of mutual persecution, speaks with the same voice."
I have learned from experience that when I was least "centered" is when I was the most argumentative. There are basic tenets of faith that all evangelicals hold to. Don't you think it would make God smile if we could find unity in our commonality instead of being on the 'lunatic fringe'?
To summarize the true purpose of the book, Lewis explains he does not intend to present an alternative to creeds of existing communions, but rather:
"It is more like a hall out of which doors open into several rooms. If I can bring anyone into that hall I shall have done what I attempted. But it is in the rooms, not in the hall, that there are fires and chairs and meals. The hall is a place to wait in, a place from which to try the various doors, not a place to live in."
So it is the hallway my girlfriends where we should strive to bring others. Not to say I don't prefer they go through the same door as me, but I will have succeeded if I have inspired someone to try the doors.
Finally, in encouraging unity, Lewis urges us to obey the 'rules of the house':
"When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall. If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. That is one of the rules common to the whole house."
The common rules of the house...I love that concept. May we be gracious to those whose chore charts differ from our own.
** Please join in with your own insights about these quotes....I am so interested in knowing what you take away from this...Have a great weekend!
One Last Thing As I Happy Dance Around the Computer
I made a 100, I made a 100! On my New Testament Exam that is...wahooo!!!
Okay, I'm done now...
A Little Prayer, Please?
To the Sistahood,
The women's ministry retreat I have been harping about since forever ago will begin tomorrow. I will be taking some time off from here to focus on prayer and the teaching over the weekend. Not like I haven't been doing that already, but I feel impressed by the Spirit to trade my computer time for face-on-the-ground time.
Will you pray with me?
1st - For a pentecost...That the Spirit will translate the words spoken into something very personal for each woman there.
2nd - For changed lives - That each one there will leave with the courage to posess their lands of promise.
3rd - For unity - That the many attending will leave as one determined to go to battle for each other.
Thank you for how you bless me...
p.s. Don't forget to stop in on Saturday to begin discussion on C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity...I'll have it scheduled to post before I leave...:))
Join me at the Cafe'!
Looking for me? I'm over here today...Please come by for a visit!
ALSO....
I'm also using my cafe' post to play along with 'In Other Words' hosted today by my friend, Laurel Wreath.
Her Quote is:
"It is insufficient to proclaim that the Church of God has a mission in the world. Rather, the God of mission has a Church in the world."
~ Tim Dearborn ~
I am 'amen-ing' Laurel's assertion that we are engaged in missions every time we step out our front door. As a Christian, we are always 'on'. Every word and deed has eternal consequences for those around us whether it be words unto salvation or a believing sister's broken heart. For my take on the practical implications of this, click here.
Be sure to visit Laurel Wreath for her thoughts as well as the other girls who are playing along...
Have a Wonderful Tuesday!
C.S. Lewis Saturday
For those of you who don't know, I am a C.S. Lewis-ite. That would be the term used for one who would be a C.S. Lewis stalker were he alive. I guess God knew it was time to take this positively brilliant man to heaven before I came on the scene and found out his home and email addresses. It would really not look good on the Preacher's resume to have a wife with a restraining order against her. I have at least one friend aware of this obsession. While poolside during a recent mini-vacation - she lovingly endured my reading 'Mere Christianity' aloud to her like only a true sista would. I can think of nothing better than relaxing in the sun with my best girlfriend and C.S. However, based on the glazed over look on her face, I'm thinking she wasn't as thrilled as me:) Go figure??!
I have been off track on my spiritual posts as of late because frankly, every single insight I'm having is going straight to the women's ministry retreat next week and I don't want to start dropping spoilers here! Trust me, after it is all over, you will be so sick of hearing about Moses you'll wish for forty days on a mountain just to get away. God has been showing me nothing but Wonders for my own life and I'm praying every single day that the women who are attending will see the same. He is still in the Delivering business!
Back to my favorite smart guy (next to the Preacher of course). I've determined in order to always direct whatever crazy path I have taken through the week back towards home before Worship Sunday, it would be great to take Saturday to reflect on the writings of the man who has done more to help me understand the nature of God than any other. A lot of his concepts are heady stuff, but we are smart girls! The Word tells us to meditate on His goodness. It is necessary to bring the profound into our thoughts. It's like a eating a good steak that takes a bit longer to chew. Will ya'll join me for dinner? Trust me - it will purely be the literary kind cause ball season is full on and there ain't much going on in mama's kitchen.
I plan to begin by taking excerpts from each chapter of 'Mere Christianity'. Oh my. This book, ya'll. I have to read it only a few pages at a time because it is so rich! I pour over it with a highlighter so practically every sentence is yellow. Then I go back and read what isn't yellow and determine I really should have highlighted that also. So, my whole copy is flourescent. Flourescent and dearly loved. This book truly is a necessity for anyone living in this post-modern culture who wants to be able to understand the thought processes of unbelievers and also have the tools to answer their arguments.
Now that the groundwork is laid, next week we'll dive straight in. I will leave you today with one of the yellow paragraphs from the man himself out of 'Mere Christianity':
"If Christianity was something we were making up, of course we could make it easier. But it is not. We cannot compete, in simplicity, with people who are inventing religions. How could we? We are dealing with Fact. Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about."
Indeed.
I hope you'll join in on our discussions!!
An Irish Blessing
In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day, I give you a lovely blessing compliments of sistachristi.
May those who love us, love us.
And for those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he can not turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we may know them by their limping.
So if you hobble up to me the next time I see ya, just know you are busted! :))
A Paradox Wrapped In An Enigma
Works For Me Wednesday
Sweet Southern Lime Tea
The thing I missed most the few times I have been North of the Mason-Dixon was a good 'ole glass of sweet tea. Don't ya'll have sugar up there or do you just prefer colored water with your supper? In my humble opinion, unsweet tea is just a waste of a perfectly good tea bag.
If you've never had a proper glass of sweet tea, here is a classic recipe with a lime twist.
You'll Need:
3 Family Sized Lipton Tea Bags
1 small saucepan of boiling water or a kettle filled up to the nozzle hole on the inside. ( I don't know how much water that is...It's just how we measure down here.)
2 1/3 cups of Sugar
2 Fresh Limes
To Prepare:
Bring Water to a boil and add tea bags.
Remove from heat and let cool COMPLETELY. (This is very important. Fresh tea is bitter and just plain nasty. If you must make it more quickly, add a pinch of baking soda to take out the bitter.)
Add tea mixture and sugar in a gallon pitcher. Add water to top of pitcher and mix thoroughly. Chill.
To Serve:
Cut limes - You can either float in the tea if you want a decorative touch or serve lime slices with an individual glass.
I promise this tea will make you famous! :)
In Other Words...
Darlene Schacht is host of 'In Other Words' this week. Go to her site to see a list of women who are expounding on this awesome quote!
"One of the secrets to a happy marriage is remembering the source of our joy, which is not one another. The source of our joy is the Lord. Yes, we share tons of joyous moments, but we don't expect, let alone demand, endless joy-filled moments from each other. "
~ Liz Curtis Higgs ~
from the devotional: Rise and Shine
The young girls in my life are sick of hearing me say to them, "Desperation is so unattractive." However, I don't imagine I'll quit harping on that point any time soon because in this generation more than any other, we have young women who are obsessed with toxic relationships.
It is a given in today's culture where fathers are often not a part of the family unit that girls will search for this kind of affection and accept it wherever they can find it. Frighteningly, there are those who will prey on these vulnerable ones. So begins the cycle of sexual sin and shame that will become a tool of Satan to haunt a girl the rest of her life. God intended for intimacy to last forever and when it doesn't, you have a baby girl who is lost and left searching for yet another source. Only God can put His foot in this revolving door of relationship, but moms, hear me well. We have the opportunity to stop it before it begins.
More than any burden I have for my own daughter is that I do this thing of healthy relationship well. I can be emotionally and spiritually whole in Jesus Christ in such a way as to model completeness in my relationship with Him. When we are filled with Christ, we do not have to be needy in relationships with others. Do I need my husband and family? Of course. Friends? You betcha. But am I going to fall apart if they do not meet my every expectation? No, ma'am. They can not meet mine. I can't meet theirs and I've learned, it's okay. There was only One who came to meet my needs, and it isn't Y-O-U!
Jesus said in John 4:13, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." He is speaking of salvation but I believe we can also draw the conclusion that the life He gives fills every needy place to capacity. There is no thirst where the water flows freely.
Healthy moms + Healthy daughters = Healthy marriages. It's that simple yet the most daunting of challenges. Let's get this one right, girls. Thankfully, we are not alone in the task. "Our soul waits for the Lord, He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You." Psalm 33:20-22
A Sunday Psalm
Psalm 73:25-28
Dear Father,
I praise You for being my portion. As the Levites in the Old Testament who had no land of their own, may Your sustenance, Your providence always be enough for me. May I always be satisfied with Your presence and filling. Who am I that you should want to stand near me in dark days and rejoice with me in the light? That you would draw me in lovingkindness to a very specific place in Your Word just so I will know that You KNOW. I invite you to indwell every needy place....let there be no room for iniquity. May I be found forever faithful in my 'yes' and my 'no' and I pray your name be famed anywhere mine is mentioned. Indeed, the nearness of God is my good.
And the Winners Are......
I will not EVEN bore you with the details of our crazy weekend which included my oldest son's birthday, ball practices, Build A Bear,a basketball award ceremony, three sleepovers, church, and Bible Study. I've been busy, okay?..:)
BUT, the exciting thing right now is the announcement of my door prize winner of the 'Checklist for Life' book from the Ultimate Blog Party. The kids drew NEVA at Dancing In The Light was chosen as the winner of this great little book. Congratulations, Neva! Thanks for playing!! 
LOSER MOM AWARD
If you haven't seen the "Loser Mom" entries from my Blog Party Post on Wordpress then you have missed some fabulous stories. I have to say that the ones that included bodily injury certainly rose to the top in determining the biggest 'Loser Mom'. After much consideration and the final votes from my kids, I am happy to announce the Winner is....drumroll please....Tracey at "Show-Me-State of Mind"!
Tracey, you totally won because of having been to Disney World all week though my kids think that ranks you as pretty cool for letting your son go on and not miss the trip over something as trivial as a broken bone. Though I have no prize for this category, I hereby induct you in to the Official Loser Mom's Club!
Thanks for all the fun tales...I hope that if you ever begin to fret over your mothering skills, you will instead find sistahood in this special little group!
Don't You Love It?!
I am so excited to 'unveil' my new little blog created by Lindsay at Splat Designs. Ya'll this girl is just awesome. If you are considering a makeover, you simply have to contact her! She's friendly, creative, inexpensive, and just downright smart. She didn't know what she was getting in to dealing with my dumb ole self, but she was gracious enough not to let me know I had her ready to run screaming in to the night. :) Thank you again, Lindsay!
Obviously things are still under construction here. I have quite a bit of material to add. For those of you who followed over from Wordpress, my previous posts will not transfer so I will add a link here for a while to toggle back and forth if needed.
I just want to say thanks again for hanging out with me! I love being with my old friends and making so many new ones...I hope this little space will encourage you as much as it has me.
Blessings on You!