So I am really late in posting this.... with the month of December almost over (where did it go??) I failed to post my last SSMT verse!! Pinch me I still cannot believe I stuck with this.... again I have failed some through this, yet I am still trying to stay the course!
With the busyness of the season, I attempted to keep my focus on Jesus..... so that is why I chose the following verse.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6
Hopefully, soon I can post about our wonderful Christmas with family & friends!!
I think I may have slept or blacked out at some point the first
week of December, because my calendar says its Dec. 23! WHAT??!!! Seriously, I was thinking more like the 15th?? Would someone please explain where time goes??
Another week has flown by and I haven't posted. I don't know about you, but it sure doesn't feel like Christmas..... its been very warm. Average temps here, 60ish, I am not complaining because I am not very fond of COLD.... the decorations are out, Santa is at the mall and most of my shopping is done (much better than last year at this time!!) Oh and I am soooo excited that I actually have some wrapped presents under my tree before Christmas Eve!! You are probably thinking, CHRISTMAS EVE!!??? Cause you probably have yourself all together, have had shopping done since September, and all you gifts wrapped before you put up your tree. Well, don't fret, cause the past few years, well.... that's just how I roll.
SO LAST MINUTE.....yes that's me.
I know, I know!!!
Every year I vow to do better next year, and usually I am still frantically running around on Christmas Eve. This year, I have kept that vow, if only by one day, I still made it. All I have left are a few gift cards, (don't criticize, what do you get for the parents that have EVERYTHING???) and some wrapping to do. Oh yeah, and something that I am making, I must finish it tonight. I can't tell you what it is or who its for, cause then it wouldn't be good if I didn't finish. And some of you can't keep a secret :)
I had different plans for the days leading up to Christmas, I wanted
to be more intentional about my family focusing on Christ's birth
the gifts to be more personal
to perform R.A.K.ing (random acts of kindness people!! cause I definitely do not rake!)
to spend more time with my family
to make some "pint*resting" stuff (Pint*rest a NEW obsession)
to be more crafty
to make Christmas goodies (especially chocolate covered cherries for my hubby)
to go to Billy Graham L*brary.....today is the last day, :(
to do many other things differently (I could go on & on but I don't have much time to post)
to post all about this month & Christmas so that one day my children could look back and remember....lol!
To list all that makes me feel guilty and sad all at the same time.....I have already beat myself up enough over all that and more. So I am going to just pick myself up and try, try again! Thank God that His mercies are new every morning!!
Something that I have been thinking about this season, my husband said to me when we were getting Angel Tree stuff together, "Why is it we (& others) only help people out at Christmas? Shouldn't we make it a point to help them all through the year?"
Yes, we should..... we need to be more intentional about making a difference in others lives. At least I know I do.
God has blessed me this month, with laying children, and several families on my heart. I couldn't have helped them very much on my own, but with the hearts of our church family, my co-workers, and even my daughter, we were all able to make a difference this Christmas in many lives. One said to me, "thank you", I said, "I didn't do all this" and he said, "without a willing vessel, nothing is accomplished, without your obedience, my children would not have anything for Christmas."
Oh, (tear) I never even thought of it that way. How many times have I missed what God what leading me to do?? I am on the lookout for opportunities He places before me. How about you??
In case I don't make it back on here, may each of you that stop in to see what a mess I am, have a Merry Christmas.... May Christ be your focus and enjoy your time with your families! Take every opportunity to share the love of Christ, the New Born King this Christmas!! He came that we may have life! He came to change the world!!
Oh, my this week has been another wild one.... I want and NEED to slow down. I found these and they just made me smile and a little sad..... because these same precious children are growing up WAY too fast!!
An angel & a wiseman!!
Just last Sunday, during our Children's Christmas Play, these same two
cuties sang together again (they are 6 & 7 now), (hopefully I will share more about that
wonderful play later) I love love seeing these kids grow up together!!
My babies several years ago..... love this picture!!!
Christmas is a busy time of year, although I have been attempting to "not be so busy" (that's why I haven't posted in the past couple of days..I have lots of pix and I need to get them on here before this phase of my kids lives fly by as well.) The past several days seemed to have flown by at the speed of sound. Lots going on at work and in the rest of my world. This morning I woke up anxious and overwhelmed and that was before my feet hit the floor. Once I got to work I had calmed down some, I prayed all morning. I needed a calm reassuring song to bring me comfort. This song did it.... oh the words were sooo very true..... take time to watch the video and allow the works to speak to you..
So, if you too are like me, trying to figure out how to get it all done and get everyone where they need to be and you just feel like you can't do one more thing....... settle down (get a cup of coffee or a latte) pray and let this song minister to you... HE is WHAT I needed this morning!!! I need to be In HIS Arms!
Hang on dear Sisters, He has so much more in store for us!!!
This week has be C.R.A.Z.Y. and the weekend will be NO DIFFERENT....I won't bore you (or whine) with all the details.....
Sooooo, this morning a friend sends me the picture below and it just made me smile. No, this is not our spoiled weiner dog, unless she went on a photo op on her own. Because it really looks like her!!!
It must be her twin!!
Have a great weekend, if you don't mind, please pray for our Children's Christmas Play and for those that will come to see it. May GOD be GLORIFIED!!!
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
#23!! I cannot believe that I have made it this far... sometimes I start off well, and then before halfway I sorta just fizzle out! I started this the last time and I made it through 4-5 months. Oh, don't think that I have been strong, throughout the 22 verses, oh, I usually have my verse ready the day or so before or after.... ;). And, I have struggled with some of the verses, yet I falter and fail to study and memorize as I should, because BAM! The 1st or the 15th rolls around VERY quickly, so I have gotten behind more than once, but I am determined to finish this out. Not so I can say I did, because with every verse I have learned this year, I have been able to share with someone, just when they needed it, as well as apply it to what was going on in my life at the time. So many of what God has placed on me to learn, have been scriptures I draw from, I may not have known the entire verse, or where to find them in His Word. I use some of them daily. I don't want to stop when this is over, I want to continue to hide his word in my heart, so that when I need Him the most, His word will be alive and springing forth in my life!
Each verse that God has given me along the way, has been one that was speaking to me at the time. This verse is no different...... part of this verse is one that I use a lot. "He will never leave me nor forsake me" But, had I ever really looked or considered the rest of this verse. Lately the word CONTENT has been before me over & over. I know that God has something for me. I am a little hardheaded sometimes, so it takes me a few 100 times or so to hear or see that He is trying to get my attention. I have started looking at scripture concerning "content". I know there is a lesson in this somewhere for me. I may post more later on when I find exactly what God is doing.
So far, He has shown me a couple things about the word CONTENT:
Many times I get content right where I am.... afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Do you like to leave the comfort of where you are? I shouldn't be content with where I am in my relationship with HIM. I need to be about the Father's business in everything I do!
On the otherhand, "and be content with such things as ye have:" (gulp) My newest obsessions hobbies are Pinterest and decor/crafty blog stalking hopping. Ohhh, I love, love some of that stuff, and I would love to be able to do what they do, or have what they have...... "be without covetousness" starts ringing in my head....one day I even saw the word content on Pin*erest. Oh, I part of me would love to have things, and another part of me sees that "I wish I was like her". She has it all together, I wish I could be bold like her, I want this or that..... or to be someone else..... (keeping it real here)
And then a gentle reminder last Sunday, when our Pastor said, "You were created to be you" Read a precious sister's post I Just Need to Be Me. I know that being content and being me is something I need to work on and this verse should be my "go to" when I am struggling with contentment with who I am and what I have!!
Are you content where you are?? With who you are? What you have? What verse do you use to direct you back to HIM instead of the things of this world?
I have heard this song many times, yet this morning on my way to work it came on and I turned up the volume, so that I could focus on the words as well as My Savior! Oh, I hope that you will take time to listen .....
My Redeemer
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1
My Healer
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Almighty
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
My Savior
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
My Defender
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my
strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my
salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2
My King
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Psalm 24:4
Over the years He has been all these to me and so many more.......I praise Him for Who HE IS? He is sooo worthy!!
Ohhh I can't believe I have survived the month of GIVE THANKS posts..... On November 30th I gave thanks for a WONDERFUL MONTH OF THANKFUL TIME with my WONDERFUL FAMILY!!
I meant to share some of the things that we were thankful for throughout the month and I am sorry I failed there....soooo here is our tree and a partial list...
Lots & lots to be Thankful For!!!
Thanks to my Secret Encourager for these little people & the pumpkin! Perfect addition to our Thankful Tree!!
My kids...salvation....Mom & Dad...food...Preacher Dale & Preacher Paul...my faith...my job...home...health...God's Mercy...WGBC Church Staff....Friends...toilet paper(love that!!) prayer...Sunday school teachers....car.... school...toys...talents...nature...hair...my blankey...music...Bella(our dog)....God's comfort... Bible...Godly workplace...Women of Grace grandparents ....parents...Flow (sis's car, lol)...God's timing...sleep(amen!)...heat...my siblings...my family ....technology...unseen hand...drums...safety.....discipline...Vickie ...sports....baseball...clothes...protection...God's grace....forgiveness...
There are several, I didn't list them all....there are over 180 leaves on our tree!! I am so thankful for the time we spent talking about these things and sharing them with each other. I am so proud of my children for sharing their hearts and their gratitude for God's blessings!
Father, thank you for putting this idea on someone's blog and on pinterest ... I know I am a copycat, but I loved this so much. Thank you for your many blessings on our family. A month is not enough to thank you for all you have done and all that you are. We have so much to thank you for!!!
Hello Piper. So many of us fail to stop and be thankful. You are blessed and give blessings to many.
You have been awarded the Liebster Blog Award. The award is to showcase up and coming blogs with less that 200 followers......
An award, for my blog? bahaahhhaaa...you are jokin' me!! Ok. So...... 1. I didn't know there was such a thing as awards for blogs (ok I am a Newbie!! lol!!) I haven't blogged very long. (although I have been a blog hopper/stalker for a long time!) 2. If I did know there was such a thing, I wouldn't think that what comes from my crazy life would be interesting enough for someone other than my friends (that just humor me by stopping by) to take time to read much less comment on . 3. I guess I opened myself up to this, by blog hopping (my newest obsession, other than Pinterest.) 4. And she is right, I am blessed and encouraged, by my friends and sweet sisters in Christ. 5. I will accept this award and I will pay it forward to others in order to encourage them. In my obsession, I have been encouraged by others and even inspired to attempt a craft or two!!
The rules to accept are:
The Criteria: The Liebster is meant to showcase bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers. This is all done in the spirit of pay-it-forward.
The Rules: You must mention and link to the person who awarded you the Liebster, and mention 5 other blogs with fewer than 200 followers who you think are worthy of the Liebster!
'Liebster' means "favorite" or "dearest" in German. This award, which originated in Germany, recognizes up and coming bloggers. In accepting this award, I agree to:
Thank the person who gave me the award, and link back to their blog
- copy and paste the award to my blog
- reveal the 5 blogs I have chosen to award and let them know by commenting on their blog
- pay it forward by awarding it to bloggers they would like to honor
What fun this is!! I am paying it forward to the following.....
For Such a Time as This a real life friend, that I appreciate more than she knows! Such a blessing and an influence in my life!
The Alabaster Jar I have only visited her blog a couple times, but I was so encouraged by the few posts I read, that I just have to share with others!
Make Them Wonder Love her Random Acts of Kindness posts.... an idea for my family, maybe??
Ok, so I am behind again. I warned you in the beginning I may not be able to keep up. Another warning, this one may be long & boring. This one was a little more difficult to actually name. It is definitely more difficult to put into words. We didn't get to do Thankful Time on Tuesday night (B & Bub were at a ballgame) and this one was one that I wanted needed all of them to hear.
So, we did two in one last night, for Tuesday,
I gave thanks for DELIVERANCE (wasn't sure what else to call it, exactly)
I mentioned here (day 20) about a wilderness time in my life. This day was a little tougher because, by choosing this, I was going to become vulnerable in a way to my children and my husband. Why this even came up, why I even remember this date is beyond me??? At some point on Tuesday at work, I was working on Monday, (odd yes, but when you work in Accounting you usually work in the past) and I wrote 11/28. I stopped and thought, that was when I got married the first time. Hmm?? Did that really happen to me?? Didn't think that much of it until later when I was thinking about what I would be thankful for today?? ....confession, I can think of lots of things, you know, like chocolate, good hair days(those are rare for me), easy mornings, my children's laughter, you know the simple things in life..... but, I want the things that I put on our tree and that I am writing about to be meaningful. And God reminded me again about the date. "Yes, Lord that is something to be very THANKFUL for!! As my friend, Deidre, in her He Is On My Side, post mentioned Psalm 124
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
If it had not been the LORD that was on my side.... my life would not be as it is now. I thought, what if all that stuff hadn't happened and I was never delivered from that situation? I would not have my husband, my children, or anything that resembles my life now. I may have never found my way back to the Lord. I am so unworthy, but HE chose to never leave me, nor forsake me. He delivered me from the hand of the enemy. He delivered me from myself. He had a different plan for me (Jer. 29:11)!! I praise HIM for His MERCY & His GRACE!! I have so much to thank HIM for!!
Oh, Heavenly Father, my heart has been so full since you reminded me of what you have done for me. I am thankful that I did not feel the guilt and shame as I once did when I thought of that journey that I chose to be on, away from you~ making my own choices with no regard for you or your ways. With victory, I can look back at that time in my life as ALL YOU. Your ways are not my ways and I praise YOU for that!! I think you allow me to remember that date, so that I can look back and remember how YOU delivered me!
If it had not been the LORD that was on your side________????
