I Resolve to....Trust in HIM

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Now that's a promise I can live with!  But do I? Do I truly TRUST that He will always be with me?

Of all the New Year's resolutions I've ever made, this one is without a doubt, the one that could end a need for New Year resolutions.

Seriously, think about it.  There is very little we can do on our own (truly nothing of value). The sooner we realize this, the more we can accomplish. God provides for our needs, He gives us Peace and Joy. Having Joy, doesn't mean that we will always be happy, but that we can continue on when we are sad or hurting. It's knowing that our God will be with us, even in the valleys, especially in the valleys. Then, why, do we (even as Christians) worry and fret, and stress over everything?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

Matthew 6:26

And so, it is my (New Year)resolution to trust in Him and His Word always. Which leads to turning to His word (not food)for comfort, praying more (which leaves less time for gossip, and senseless words) thinking on things that are pure, wholesome and true (our thoughts become our actions) and to attend church more regularly (which refreshes my soul and puts me in the company of other believers, and most importantly, provides opportunity to worship my Lord.)  Are you starting to get the picture? Is the obvious revealing itself to you as it did to me, or rather as God revealed Himself to me.  Trust. In. Him. Follow Christ. Live by His Word. You still will have troubles, life won't be perfect, but His grace is enough.

Will you join me? Will you trust in God? Will you give Him your worries and troubles (and not take them back when they seem manageable?) 

I don't intend to make New Year resolutions that I can't keep, or promises that I can't live up to. I only hope to look to my Lord and His Word for guidance, direction, strength and grace.

A couple more scriptures to ponder:

Philippians 4:8

Jeremiah 29:11

These two, I won't quote. Perhaps you'll find yourself "in His Word" looking them up; it's a glorious place to be

Christ's Blessings to you and your family throughout 2014!

So Many "FIRSTS" at Our Home

Have you ever had a year with a whole bunch of "firsts" happening in your family? Most of us have. Just take the first year of a baby's life. Maybe even a month or week that held new ideas and experiences for yourself and family members?   How about a heap of "firsts" in ONE DAY? Well, that's just what today held for us.

Today was the first day of school for our two older children, and the "first" attendance at a new school for our daughter. Today I appeared for my first ever Jury Selection, which caused the next first: our nearly nineteen month old (how did that happen so quickly), was without me for her very first full day.

So, was it a good day of firsts?

Our son's first day back to school went smoothly. Our daughter (pretty much) enjoyed her first day at her new school. She said it was a little boring. I tried to explain, that she is in 5th grade, it can no longer be about "her having fun" (should school really EVER be about that?), rather, that the older she gets, the more focused she and the teacher need to be on academics. I was chosen for Jury Duty. Is that good? Well, I will be able to tell you better tomorrow night, after having served.  And last, but by no means least, our little princess and her Daddy had an awesome "first whole day together", just the two of them. 

Yes, it was a good day!

Tomorrow will be nearly a repeat of today, except they won't be firsts anymore, they will be "seconds"

Though we go through changes, have new experiences, or are sometimes forced into "new things", we can have peace, and joy while doing those things. There is one constant in our life; God!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.   Hebrews 13:8

The Bible: Your Way

Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us. Most of us have heard that "jingle" before, and likely taken advantage of it; or if that particular fast food restaurant doesn't satisfy our palate, there are many more to choose from. And we all not only enjoy choices, we expect them. Making choices is what makes us, us. Right?  We define ourselves through choices and decisions. And God gave us the freedom to "choose", He gave us free will.  But, do you suppose he intended it for His Word, also? That we can pick and choose what to obey and how to interpret it?

As free-willed individuals, we have the ability and the right to make choices. Yes, I believe we do. However, I don't think that Christians should CHOOSE to accept some and reject other parts of God's word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   John 1:1

Upon Googling it, I found that there may be as many as 450 translations of the Bible into the English language. We all have our favorite, right? And some of us are totally convinced that our's is the only  right  one! And we have our reasons: it's the "original" translation, or it's the easiest to understand, or it's the only one that really talks about life today. Could it be that we are trying to find one that "suits" us, that we can live with? Who hasn't searched for the translation that has "just the right wording" to get your point across when posting on Facebook or similar media? I know I have!

Then beyond the actual translations, there's interpretation. "It's all in the interpretation", a bet more than a few of us have at least thought those words, even if we didn't actually voice them.  Let's look at some of the Ten Commandments. "Remember the Sabbath", how many interpretations are there on this one? "Thou shalt have no other gods before me", now hopefully, anyone claiming to be Christian will not worship actual "other gods", but doesn't that also imply that we should not worship ANY other person or thing; like money, food, clothing, an actor, a singer, your spouse? You get the picture? "Thou shalt not bear false witness"...pretty sure this means we shouldn't gossip. Yet, who among us can say we ONLY speak positive about everyone, all the time. 

Then there are some that seem so obvious like "thou shalt not kill", yet some Christians are "pro choice", or "pro killing".

“You shall not commit adultery."  Exodus 20:14

If I haven't hit a nerve yet, I just might soon. The 7th commandment regarding adultery is one that surely gets several interpretations. If looked at independently, some may take this as "no sex with someone else's spouse". If combined with other instructions from God, it is clear that God wants us to wait until we are married to have sexual relations, and then only ever have them with our spouse.

Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4

To be clear on what a fornicator is: Someone who has sex outside of marriage. Period. God will judge fornicators.  I recently watched (and listened to) a speaker on TV (I would give her credit by naming her, but I am terrible at remembering names). Anyway, she was speaking to a group of youth, and she said "You are either married or you're not.  If anyone is not sure if they are married, see us after the program and we'll help you figure it out."   Yet, as a society, we seem to accept things like premarital sex and living together. 

I think all too often, our interpretations "water down" God's Word. We like to understand things in a way that make it a little easier "to live for Jesus"

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  Ephesians 5:18

And yet another topic that people seem to interpret to their liking is that of alcohol consumption. The Bible is filled with wine and has stories about beer. It appears that God does not forbid the drinking of alcohol. He does tell us not to be drunk. So define drunk. Wow, now we need Webster's dictionary to understand God's word. Or do we? I think that this and many other topics and subjects can be interpreted with our heart. If we ask the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us, our conscience will tell us when we are living outside of God's Word. A good rule of thumb, if it seems like the way the world is doing something, likely it's not pleasing to God. 

Why don't we make living the Christian Life look differently than the worldly life?  We need to be deliberate about our choices, always looking to the Scriptures and asking God to help us understand His meaning. We should always ask ourselves would we do this or that thing if Jesus was in the room with us. The Bible teaches us about Jesus; consider His character and apply that to the Scriptures when interpreting them. We need to not look for the most liberal or lenient translation or interpretation of the Bible. God's word is Holy and Living, so it is very applicable to our lives. Listen to preachers that teach sound messages, based upon Scripture; again, not watered down.

I find myself blogging about things that I feel strongly about, and as I blog, many times I am convicted of specific sin in my own life, as I put my thoughts "to paper" (so to speak). Search within, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Take the narrow gate.

One more thought. A wise man (my husband)has been very instrumental in me learning the most basic and by far the most important lesson that Jesus taught. Love. I don't think that anything can be more clear than the Scripture itself from Matthew.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

So, in reading the Bible, if there is doubt in it's meaning, consider this; what would honor God and what would be more respectful and loving to those around you?

Thanks for stopping by. Blessings to you and your family!

The Verdict is In, NOT GUILTY

And so, after months of trial and several hours of deliberation, George Zimmerman was acquitted. 
The jury was not convinced enough evidence existed to prove guilt. One young man lost his life, and one man lost his life "as he knew it". 

I have decided not to reveal my belief of guilt or innocence in this case. No one except God and George Zimmerman can possibly know the actual events that unfolded that February night in 2012. It's my understanding that there was not a witness to "all that happened", so Trayvon's family cannot know, George's family cannot know, President Obama cannot know, and no, not even the jury can KNOW what happened.
The jurors, (and God bless them for doing their civic duty, I don't envy them) could only come to their verdict by what they were presented as "evidence", or lack there of. This is still America where you are innocent UNTIL you are proven guilty. He was not proven guilty.

My point of blogging on this is because I feel that those of us proclaiming to be Christians need to act as if we are. Even if you have strong feelings one way or the other, lets not attack each other. Let's pray for both families involved, and for peace, especially here in central Florida, but nationally too.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you      Matthew 5:44 

You see, this case (well, actually the media and higher government) has CAUSED racial hatred to explode. They made it about race, instead of about human life. Well done Washington and mainstream media. Is this seriously what you were aiming for?  I would hope not, but I do believe that's just what has happened.

Two things to consider:

1. No matter the reason, Trayvon Marton, a 17 year old young man is dead, his family and friends still mourn and will always have a void in their lives. Even if Trayvon was at fault, the family has the same loss.

2.If George Zimmerman is innocent, and he acted in self-defense, his life is "ruined". This whole thing will never leave him or HIS family.

whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:6

As Christians, let's honor God with our thoughts, words and actions. Pray for all involved, and don't be party to those "claiming to know the truth", we just can't, we are not God.
Be thankful that it was not YOU on the jury, I am quite certain that they will live in fear always.

Thanks for stopping by, feel free to comment below. Christ's blessings to you!

I'm a Genius!

Well, maybe not quite a genius, I just baked a cake. However, I did impress myself a bit. My daughter and I decided a Jello-poke cake would be awesome for the 4th if we used one package red jello, and one package blue with the white cake, with the delicious pudding & Coolwhip frosting. We bought strawberry and blue mixed berry Jellos.
If you have ever made one, you know that the project is best started the day or night before due to cooling times.

So, last night I baked the white cake, but rather than use the 9 x 13 pan that I would normally use,  I decided to get all fancy and make a layer cake. That way I knew that the Jello colors wouldn't mix together. I used two 9" round pans. After baking, I did my pokes and added the blue Jello to one and the red Jello to the other. In the fridge they went.  As I did this I wondered if the cakes would ever "pop out" for me, even though I did spray and flour the pans. I was pretty sure the jello would be an issue. Hmmm. Well, morning would tell. If it didn't work, we would have two separate cakes. Boring.

Sure enough, the Jello was preventing my masterpiece from being completed. Drats! Hmmm. Oh, wait...wait a minute. I have an idea. How about setting the bottom of the pans in hot water?  That could work. It's worth a try. Yep, it worked for the first one. Beautiful.  Now, easy, let's do this again. Got it.  Awesome!

that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever

    Psalm 30:12

My red, white(ish) and blue cake worked. See, I may not be a total genius, but, a bit ingenious, don't you think? Anyway, I took some pictures, so that you all can visually enjoy my cake. Wish you could taste it, because this cake rocks, even in a 9 x 13 pan!

Hope your day is going splendidly. Enjoy, stay safe. 

Christ's Blessings on You.

One Nation Under God

Well, our plans for the 4th of July are rather low key, which usually proves to be very enjoyable on holidays. Being one of 10 children, I always enjoyed the GREAT BIG family to-dos when we lived in New York. Seriously though, it eliminates a ton of stress to keep plans to a minimum. Actually, with the baby, we are more likely to do some small, short lived, activities over a few days, rather than plan a whole big day of stuff.

With the big kids on summer break, I have been enjoying hanging out and doing things with them. Today we took in the local zoo, ending our short stay there at the splash pad.

  Our annual pass should prove worth the money for us, the baby had lots of fun, and the big kids always enjoy it!

My biggest plan (hope) for Independence Day is to sleep in. As always, Little Miss Munchkin has total control over my sleep pattern; and well, pretty much every aspect of my life right now. We have typical American Fourth of July foods planned-hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and plenty of desserts. I'm guessing there will be some pool time and maybe a movie. Not so different from many weekend days at our house. Hoping to end the Holiday with fireworks at a local park.

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

No matter your holiday plans, even if you have to work, let's not forget why most of us have the day off from work, why we celebrate July the 4th as a federal holiday.  It's not just a great day for a BBQ, or even an excuse for fireworks. It's a day to celebrate this great nation we live in, the freedoms we have, and the premises on which this country was founded.   Our money says "In God We Trust". Not only did our Founding Fathers believe in God, they put their trust in Him.

Some of Abraham Lincoln's famous words come directly from the Holy Scriptures. (I know, I know, he's not actually a Founding Father, but he is a pretty important man in the history of our country!)

“A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Abraham Lincoln

Happy Independence Day!

 May Jesus bless you with food, fun and faith!

There is No GOD Like JEHOVA

If you are Canadian, happy Canada Day, if you are not, Happy July first! It was a happy day for me.

The day started nicely, at about 6:30 am I awoke to singing birds and a fussing baby. Well, the fussing baby wasn't really that nice, but the fact that I awoke to that beautiful blessing from God  WAS nice!  She gulped down a food pouch and drifted back to sleep, my slumber was soon to follow after sharing a bit of time with Jesus.  It's not that I was in a sound sleep, mind you, but I was restful until nearly 9:00 am!  I may have mentioned this before, but I really like to sleep in!  Perhaps it makes me a bad Mom, but I am constantly trying to get our big kids to sleep in, too. Actually, just our big girl, I don't have to ask the teenage boy twice to sleep late!

I had a plan, I was going for that morning walk I have been promising myself. I told my daughter my plan the night before, thinking she would likely hold me to it. She did, So, I woke up, guess who...my son.  The baby enjoyed the ride in her stroller, I know this because she didn't cry most of the way, in fact, she never so much as grumbled. I good day indeed. I hope the walk is the start of a good habit.

Back at the house, time for showers and then out the door for a quick trip to Publix and a haircut for my son. Or not. I got the shower, and got dressed, only for the kids to tell me the neighbor girl showed up for my daughter's Birthday shopping at the mall.....hmmm... her birthday is NEXT Monday.  Her mom had planned her entire day as if I would have her daughter with me.

Okay, so we're going to the mall, kids! Get dressed. Oh, wait, still some variables: lunch, baby naps, things I needed to get done this afternoon. Hey, my daughter only turns 10 once! Yes, 10! Wow, how did that happen?  But back to my story.

I called my husband who was on his way home for lunch. Honey, could you grab a couple $5 pizzas from Little Caesars? Perfect. Lunch, diaper change, out the door for a fun girls' shopping day (except my son snuck in the van so that he could hang out at the book store for the afternoon). Truly, I was feeling somewhat exhausted before we started.

It would be a good day, it would. It would be fun to watch my daughter make choices, and "run it past the modesty police" (me for today) After all, she held in her hands enough money to actually buy things at Claires and Justice and Bath and Body Works.

and he said, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keepest covenant and lovingkindness with thy servants, that walk before thee with all their heart;  1 Kings 8:23

The drive was good, as good as it gets on I-4 in central Florida. The music was better...Z88.3, "safe for the little ears", and a blessing to Momma's soul! Just as we exited the highway for the mall, one of my favorite songs was playing; Days of Elijah, originally written by Robin Mark, performed by many. And you know what?  THERE IS NO GOD LIKE JEHOVAH! There is NO God like Jehovah!  A perfect peace came over me, no more feeling frazzled because my plans had been changed, no more worry if the baby would be happy.  Just peace and excitement to take these four kiddos to the mall. Isn't it amazing how a song can totally change your outlook at that moment.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.  2 Thessalonians 3:16

It was a good day. I already knew that there is no God like Jehovah. I already knew that I had in my minivan three of God's greatest gifts to me and another blessing in the girl from across the street who is a good girl that Naomi has a friend in. I knew that I am blessed to have the ability and privilege to take them all to the mall!

It was a GREAT day!

One week from today, as a family we will celebrate my second baby turning double digits on her actual birthday, and that will be a great day too!

May each of you know and remember that there is no Go like Jehovah.