Don't be led astray....

Colossians 2: 8&9, 16-23

8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,[e] saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

Happy Tuesday, and God Bless!!!

Sunday Scripture

Happy Sunday and be blessed...

Colossians 1 : 10-17
10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[e] the forgiveness of sins.

The Supremacy of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Saturday...

Saturday, and yet this Saturday is not like the last. My husband is home!! And yet, I find myself with even more to do than I did last Saturday when he was not here. Quite the conundrum, but this Saturday just feels so much better with so much more to do.

Count it all as joy, my brothers and sisters! Realize that in the midst of loss, trouble, confusion there is always a light of hope, always "someone" loving you, praying for you, holding your hand and carrying you through.

Try to remember to find "What's right with this picture?" instead of what's wrong with it. Flip that old game around and discover a renewing of the mind that comes only from filling it with those things I've mentioned before. WHat is noble, what is right, what is good...

Good: My children are healthy, loving, cheerful, and learning to be filled with the Spirit of God, my husband loves me, is a fellow believer, and is full of sweetness, laughter, and music, my animals are healthy, obedient, and my vegetables are providing food. I have a roof over my head, there is food on the table, I have a God that truly loves me, I have a God that I truly love, I have a God that stands beside me through the trials, teaching me more and more about myself every day, I have a God who is preparing a place for me, I have a God who sent His Son for me to save me, I have the fellowship of other believers who are my brothers and sisters in every way. I'd say I'm truly blessed..

Bad: I work 50 hours a week, my husband is in search of employment, we struggle to make ends meet, and we are losing both of our vehicles...

I'd say the scales are definitively tipped in my favor! Hallelujah and Praise to my God and Father!!

At this point I've forgotten what the tally is, but I can definitely say,
Mark one up for God, because the world hasn't taken me yet!

Much love to you all, and happy Saturday!

I leave you with this scripture for today that reached me...

Philippians 4: 11b-13
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all things through Christ[b] who strengthens me.

Scriptures for your day...

In Today's reading there were a few that stood out...

Take them, read them, remember them, guard them..

Learn to leave yesterday behind for tomorrow is a gift from God.

Philippians 3:13&14
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Hope in times of desperation:

Proverbs 24:16
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

For though he falls seven times, he rises again, he rises again..

Much love to you all, and have a blessed day!

Guard Your Thoughts

What do you think about during the day?

An email response to your resume that said, "Thanks but no thanks"?
The driver who cut you off?
Your financial puzzle?
The pain of a loved one?
Someone's smile?
We are all thinking about something all of the time.

Our minds bring back pleasant memories. Recall facts. Store useful (and sometimes useless) details. And do so many other positive and helpful things.

But our minds also create pain and suffering. They focus on wrong things such as fear, greed, selfish power, envy, false escapes. . . .

Did you know that God knows all of your thoughts—as well as everything else about you? God is intimately involved in your life:

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?. . .

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
—from Psalm 139

Did you know that your mind is a spiritual battleground, and that what you put into it dramatically influences your life?

Music you listen to.
Movies you watch.
Books, magazines, and internet articles you read.
Mental images you play with.
What you keep thinking about yourself.
How would your list of thoughts stack up at the end of the day? Positive thoughts: 1,350; Negative thoughts: 2? Or the other way around?

What if someone gave you a dollar for every positive and uplifting thought you think and took away a dollar for every negative thought? Would you end the day with money left over?

How much influence do your thoughts have on whether or not you focus on the good? On how you think about the stress in your life?

How are you thinking about the people around you—a family member, a waitress in a restaurant, a person applying for the same job that you really want?

Paul, a follower of Jesus, knew about the battle taking place in our minds. He urged the early followers of Jesus to actively direct their thoughts toward the positive:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
—from the letter to the Philippians

With God's help, you can take control of your thoughts!

Make the closing words of Psalm 139 your prayer today:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

*Taken from Biblica-guarding your thoughts*

S.O.A.P. for 09-30 To be or not to be....

S: Philippians: 2:1-4

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Take heed the words of that scripture. It tells us very succinctly how to be Christians. It's a beautiful way to live, and is filled with the knowledge of how to shine your light, and how we should look upon ourselves, and remove ourselves from those lofty places that make us think we are "deserving"of anything, and that we are "above" everyone else. For we are not. Even Jesus came as a servant and humbled himself to the world in order to show the most love, so who are we to think we know better than Him?

It won't be a full S.O.A.P. this morning, but I'll be back! ;)

Again, no time this morning.. My husband is home at last! It's been a long three weeks, and I slept so soundly , that I could barely wake myself up this morning! Amen and Hallelujah! Praise to God for small things!

Be Blessed! Be encouraged! And stay in the word, even if its only a little while every day. Every little bit counts, and it's a great way to start your day!

S.O.A.P. for 09-29 Wolves in Sheeps Clothing..

Are we??

S: Isaiah 58: 1-14

1 “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.
Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.
Tell my people Israel of their sins!
2 Yet they act so pious!
They come to the Temple every day
and seem delighted to learn all about me.
They act like a righteous nation
that would never abandon the laws of its God.
They ask me to take action on their behalf,
pretending they want to be near me.
3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
4 What good is fasting
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me.
5 You humble yourselves
by going through the motions of penance,
bowing your heads
like reeds bending in the wind.
You dress in burlap
and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the Lord?

6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.

13 “Keep the Sabbath day holy.
Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath
and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
14 Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”

O: My observation is this: God is calling us out. He is calling us to meet Him at the table and He's holding a mirror. Even when we THINK we are doing right, how much of ourselves have we truly examined? It goes beyond our skin. He sees how we treat others, how we relate to the world around us, how we handle our "things", how we deal with the world around us, and then it seems we have the audacity to think we "deserve" something simply by having shown up to the party.

A: I must not forget to examine my own heart. I must not forget to examine my outward actions to others. Have I shared my bread? Have I shared my coin? Have I shared my home and hearth? Have I shared my love and my friendship in a real and personal way? Not thinking that I'll ever get it back, for then it is truly not giving. When I give and expect to get something in return that is not generosity. How do I treat my neighbors? My brothers and sisters in Christ? The man on the street? The friend in the congregation? The helper? How have I spoken of them to others? How have I stretched myself to help them? Have I said prayers to my God for help and release from oppression when it very well could be that I am doing the oppressing?
Are we being wolves in sheep's clothing? And who are we trying to fool? Certainly not God, for if we believe we can fool Him, then we truly are the fool.. How deep is He rooted in our hearts? That will answer the question of whether our worship to Him is true or false.. So ask yourself, are you being True? Or are you being False? There is only one answer, and whatever it is, act on it. Let it open your eyes so that you may see beyond the box and study that person in the mirror. For He wants to be your delight. And to me, what could be better?


P: Father God, I come to You with love in my heart and a prayer in my heart. Lord I seek to know You and have You truly change me from the inside out. Lord , please do not let me be a casualty of this false worship. Reveal my heart and open mine eyes that I may notice everything around me and respond to it in a way that is pleasing in Your sight. Lord, You are my strength and my redeemer, truly You must know this. Truly You must know the depths of my heart, and if I'm guilty of false worship, it is not intentional. Remove my blinders and heighten my senses. Lord, help me lead others to a true sense of worship, being honest in love, and careful to step lightly but with the word of Truth as my sword, that in my quest to Truly worship You as I should, with a pure and honest heart, behaving as a child of God, that I may steer others along the path of righteousness as well, Lord! Lead me always, Lord. I thank You for never giving up on me and loving me through my mistakes. I thank You for helping me learn to be more like You and being such a good Father.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

My heart and my soul,
I give You control,
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise,
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out!!
*Hillsong*

S.O.A.P. for 09-28 Are you thristy?

S: Isaiah 55: 1&2

1 "Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.


O: Isaiah's word here is speaking of the wonderful provision of our Lord. He is speaking of the bounty of living simply and living for God. God knows how best we may live and be fruitful, and be satisfied, for He created us! He knows! God is telling us what to fill ourselves with, what will truly make us feel "full".

A: How many times do I worry where my next meal will come from? How often have I been concerned if my children are eating healthy enough or not? How often have I worried at spending money on that which is not bread.....Everyone should have the capacity to see through this one. Spend money on what is not bread. We think about things, what they will do for us, how they will help us, how they will make life better. But the only thing I've found is that they burden us. The oppression of wondering how to afford, how to upgrade. And even then, the thrill fades, and the need to replace it begins. When will we cease this vicious cycle and truly learn what IS important to "buy". If we cease all the needless "needing", then we would truly have more leftover to provide for our families. I am learning this lesson firsthand with our vehicles. We lost almost everything when we left Arizona. It was a needed move. A move to change our life, a move to change our home, and a move to change our "lifestyle". But the pruning is not yet over. The wolf is at the door to now take away both of our vehicles, but the funny thing is.. I don't care. I feel RELIEF and the thought of not having to figure out where the money is going to come from. I feel RELEASE at the thought of finding something cheap that will get us from A to B that will allow us the money to get what we truly "need". The WORLD said we needed, and God is proving that we don't. How empty and stressful our life became because of worldly need. And how truly "filled" I feel at the thought of washing my hands clean of all of it. So what if our credit is shot. Credit is also a worldly thing, and My God will not measure me by that score, no sir! My God judges me on so much more and for that I'm thankful, and for that I separate myself from the things of this world that would tie me down and lead me astray!

Spend my labor on what does not satisfy. What DOES satisfy? You Lord, You Satisfy! And I know why You have created me, I know my calling, now to go and get it. Yesterday's sermon spoke of reaching out and walking on faith, and grabbing hold of the life you have intended for me. Lord I pray for the conviction to grab the bull by the horns and seek out the ministry You have developed me for. I pray Lord, lead me to Sing once more! I haven't sang since Arizona, and my heart is calling out to You! I want to sing for You, Lord! I want to lead worship for You Lord! I want to lead others to a deeper understanding of true Worship to You Lord! Lead and I'll follow, for that is the Labor for me that would satisfy.. Please help me. I already work full time Lord, help me figure out how to make it happen for You! I know I can do all things through You! And I know You promise to refresh and give me energy, so I know I can do this.. Lead and I'll follow Lord! Lead and I'll follow!

P: Abba Father, I come to You this day in praise and thanksgiving for everything that You are to me, everything that You've become, and everything that You've lovingly taught me. Lord the lessons are long, and I'm sure there are many many more to come, but I rest in knowing that You are always there... Lord, please lead this family to a place where we come to You when we are thirsty, come to You when we hunger!! Help us learn to trust in Your provision. Lord, teach us what we CAN live without and what we TRULY need. Lord I thank You for getting me to the place that "losing" something no longer hurts but is a blessing! For I KNOW you are in control, and I know You are teaching me a better way to live, love, and walk! Let me learn and let me be Your vessel! Lord, oh Lord, I pray that you guide me to where my soul will delight in the richest of fare! I am thrilled with anticipation and joy at this notion, Lord! I wait for You! With a smile on my face and love in my heart....(patience)....

In Jesus Mighty Name,

Amen

Your name is like honey on my lips,
Your Spirit like water, to my soul,
Your word is a lamp unto my feet,
Jesus, I love You, I love You..

Early to rise...

It would seem that getting up at 5:30 is no longer early enough for daily devotionals...
Ugh, the kids are already up, and I'm behind schedule in getting them going and ready for school..
Do I have the commitment to get up at 5? It's only 30 more minutes, (or 30 less depending on how you slice it)
So for today, I'm only able to share with you the scriptures that reached out to me, but really can't go into detail...hmmm, this makes me sad as I love to journal as it helps me study, and it buries His Word on my heart. But He knows my heart, and He knows I'm trying.. so in that I must be satisfied for my life is no one else's, and for goodness sakes, I'm certainly not perfect...
(yet) ;)

Ephesians 4:2-7 & 15%16
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift[a] through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,

“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”

15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Much love to you all, and I pray that He rests in you, and that you have accepted Him in your heart. I pray that you are Saved!! NO matter who you are...
Be blessed! Know Him, Love Him, Serve Him, and experience Joy and Freedom!!

When I Get Where I'm Going....

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
And run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,
And he'll match me step for step,
And I'll tell him how I missed him,
Every minute since he left.
Then I'll hug his neck.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

So much pain and so much darkness,
In this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can't answer,
So much work to do....

But when I get where I'm going,
And I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
Of His Amazing Grace.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
I'm gonna be in Heaven!
When I get where I'm going

*33 Miles*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i73m8CRnZUE&feature=related

S.O.A.P. for 09-22 On my Heart..

S: Isaiah 40:8....

8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.”

10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

He picks up the whole earth
as though it were a grain of sand.

22 God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
and makes his tent from them.

The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

In Jesus Name:
Amen and Amen...

S.O.A.P. for 09-21 Doing Good

S: Galatians 6:9-10

9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

O: Paul is encouraging us to remain steadfast in our deeds. To continue doing good at all costs, for there is a reward for us. We must not give up. He entreaties us to do good, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are there as a family to uphold, encourage, strengthen, and share the blessings of the Lord. It would seem in that statement, that he is encouraging us to always to good to everyone...friend or foe.. believer or non-believer.

A: I must remember that there is something good to come of this life. Something amazing and indescribable and I must not falter in revealing my heart to those around me. They must never need question who I am or what I believe in. It should be revealed in my actions, my words, my walk..Lord help me to remember this. How easy it is to be good and do good things for those who are good and do good things for us? How fulfilling and enriching it is to be in an environment that would nurture those things and make them almost "second nature" that it would just be a part of who we are..but what of the other side of the coin? I do know that there are people who I once considered friends who have revealed a side of themselves that forces me to pull back. They treat us maliciously , with malcontent, and vile words, Lord.. They behave as though we are beneath them. Lord, give me strength to show them goodness and love, despite how they treat us. I have noticed, that although I do not retaliate, I DO keep my distance. For I fear the words, I fear to be treated poorly. Who wants to walk into the lion's den of their own volition??


P: Lord God, Give me STRENGTH to see this through!! Lord, I pray for this man, you know who he is and why he's on my heart.. What have we done to deserve this treatment? We thought him a friend, Lord, and I think that is why it pains us worse and is harder to pull away. Lord, please reveal to HIM what he's doing, and temper his heart, Lord, fill it with Your love! Bring him to You Lord, for he does not know You! Help us remember to show good in all things, to shine Your light in all things, that maybe one day he will be won over. Lord, God, however, if his heart is hardened, only You would know this, please light a path to deliver us Lord!! Please deliver us! Reveal a new job for my spouse that he does not have to work under such oppression hostility... That situation is not nurturing the fruits of the spirit Lord.. I know that You know best, and I leave it to Your will and omnipotent understanding, I just ask that Your hand be upon it...and through this, give us the courage to keep "doing good"....

In Jesus Name
AMen

S.O.A.P. for 09-20 Free indeed!

S:Galatians 5:13-16

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[b] 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.


O: The moral standards of the law are not discarded or violated by Christians who are free from the law. For "the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" (Rom 7:12). Freedom from the law is not license to break the law and pursue every selfish desire. No, freedom from bondage to the law is experienced by those who believe in Christ and are led by his Spirit. They use their freedom to serve one another in love. And in that loving service the high moral standards of the law are fully realized in their lives. Though the law is holy and good, since it is God's revelation of his moral standards for our lives, the law provides no power to overcome sin.

Only the power of the Spirit at work in us can enable us to overcome sin and fulfill God's moral design for our lives through loving service to others.

A: Apparently God is really wanting this "message" to write itself on my heart...something must be right under my nose and I've not seen it...Apparently He's trying to get my attention. Have I been too "busy" with the "things I should do" to make Him happy? Other than focusing on the Spirit, and what comes next in this passage.?. Have my eyes and heart been blind to the freedom? It would seem so, even though I feel nothing but gladness in serving Him, I feel as though my heart would burst with joy in my love for Him, and to talk with Him brings tears to mine eyes..it would seem, as I said, He's trying to get my attention..

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The Fruit of the Spirit, I know of them, I've memorized them, but where am I with them?

P:
Love - Oh yes there is love. It is evident in every fiber of my being. Love for my Father, in how I live my life for Him, worship Him, Praise Him. Love for my family, my children. The deep and abiding love I have for my husband, who I feel more in love with now than ever, and I know it's because of the foundation we share. Love for my neighbor, love for my church, love for the needy, the poor, the downtrodden. My cup runneth over in love, and I thank Thee Lord!!

Joy - yes, joy is very evident in my life, I have truly found a way to find joy in all things.. There is much laughter, and much smiling, and delight in my family, and delight in You. For this I thank You Lord!

Peace - Peace, I would say I'm close...because it's not always evident. I would confess that my human side lets the troubles of this world "get to me" and I forget the peace that can only come from Him.. SO I will pray for more peace...

Patience - whoa, now this one is a tough one. I've prayed for patience, then had to put the brakes on, lol... Patience is hard!!! Patience is challenging! So apparently, more patience is needed. This too, will I pray for, but one at a time, there's only so much one can take on at once.

Kindness - Kindness makes me smile, kindness fills me, makes me happy. Could I use more of it? I'm fairly sure, because something very sad that I've noticed, but is very very true, is that we are kinder to strangers than we are to those closest to us. I do not want to be that way anymore. I don't want to feel "comfortable" with being "real" with my children and spouse. They are more deserving of my kindness than anyone else. How easy it is to let go of that with the ones you are most comfortable with and claim to love the most.. I must pray for this to be completely and not just partially fulfilled in my life. I think I would like this first...

Goodness - Inherently I feel that I am filled with goodness..I look inside and I know it is not perfect, but it is there. It is part of the love I feel for others, for the love I feel for my family, and for just taking this life as a way to serve and show God how thankful I am for all He's given me, by taking care of it, by nurturing it, and by loving it.

Faithfulness - Yes, faithfulness, just saying it makes me heart smile.. I search for more faithfulness. I pray for more faithfulness. I want more faithfulness. For here is something indeed I feel that I have, but in completeness? I would have to say no. For I know there are times when I lose sight of "who is doing the doing"...when I think "where are you Lord, in this thing?".. SO yes, another aspect revealed to me of something I definitely need more of... Okay Lord! Not too much at once, now, okay? But a healthy dose of Faithfulness would please my heart, and I pray for the Spirit to instill in me a stronger sense of Faith. And I pray that the Spirit never cease on this until I have achieved the Faith of a Mustard seed, for it would seem that this much even, I do not have...but apparently this much would be enough to great things with You... Lord I am not saying that I would stop there, only that it would be amazing enough to get to that point, and if and when I ever get there, Lord, we can bring this topic back to the table :)

Gentleness - Yes gentleness is at work, and I've seen changes over the years, but they've been slow... AHH!!! See? There it goes again, not gentle. I am a fiery spirit, I have energy, and joy, and excitement abounding, so how does one reign this in? Lord help me "understand" this thing before I ask for more of it. Help me see HOW You would have this be evident in my life..and help me see exactly WHAT gentleness is, for I'm afraid I've not been exposed to it, not seen it very much. Maybe I have it and don't know it? Maybe it's okay to be as exuberant and as most people reference it "bubbly and infectious". As long as infectious is a good thing I guess that's okay, but that's up to You. Lord, bring me a greater understanding here, because I truly need to know where this would take me, and what it means...

Self Control - Ahhh yes, self control... I would have to say that above and beyond most of the others, this is the one that has become the most obvious change in my life. No longer am I easily "distracted" by things.. No longer can I be swayed without it going to my "heart" first for a decision. Lord I Thank You for this, but at the same token, You have made me look inside once again, and see that not all is as it should be. My Anger Lord. It has come a long way, blame it on my Hispanic blood, but I have a problem that when I see something wrong, I am quick to flare up. Not against me, Lord, but when I see people wrong each other, or my children wrong each other, I fear that I do not have Self-Control in those areas, and I run in with both barrels blazing, ready to "nip it in the bud" and "lay down the law"... Did I just say the law?? Seriously... ok... I'm getting it..
More love, more understanding, less law...
Lord I pray for Self-Control to handle situations that need "discipline" according to Your will, Your way, Your grace, and Your love!! Lord I pray for this in Great supply, as these little children are Your children Lord, and I want Your help in raising them to be strong men of God. Do not let me mess this up, God!! You only give me one chance...help me in this area that You have once again, lovingly revealed to me.
All Honor and Glory to You,
Your faithful and "learning" servant,

Amen.

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly
*Sanctus Real*

Today....

Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice!!

Trying hard to remind myself of that today as I run down the list of things I must do....

Saturday, and I'm on my own around here with the boys, so I will just have to gitterdone!

First, I have to get everything trashworthy to the dump. No "City services" here, no sir! We do it ourselves, so I've got to get it all ready, and load up the truck...

Then, oh my word, the house... too many hours worked during the week, means not enough tidying was going on, it's not too bad, but it could sure use a good once over.. *sigh*

*He will bless the works of my hands*

Then, water.. .have to go to town to fill up our water...maybe I'll try to do that at the same time as the dump..we'll see what fits...

Ok, then I have to see to the plants and the animals... I picked up goat feed earlier in the week, now have to remember to unload it and put it in the shed..

Then there's the fence in the back yard. It's not broken or anything, it's just that the gaps in the fencing are too big and our puppy keeps slipping through the holes (sneaky little stinker)... so I'm going to see what I can do. We have extra fencing, so I'm going to see if I can overlap it and keep the little guy from escaping anymore..

What's next? Oh, well there's meals and laundry of course. The laundry is washed and dried, it's just in a pile the size of the astro-dome, and at some point have to fold it all and get it put away....

Maybe thats it.. that's not too bad, I s'pose... Going over to a friends house tonight so our kids can watch a movie and I can have someone to talk to for a little while...

Not much else to say about today, just going to pray my way through it and keep smiling, as always..

Read my bible this morning, but nothing major jumped out at me...so no SOAP for today, so I started my day right, with my daily dose of Him, so I know all will be well..

S.O.A.P. for 09-18 The Rock

S: Psalm 62:5-8

5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.

O: My safety, my hope, my protection, my salvation, my refuge rests in one thing. One thing that cannot be changed, one thing that cannot be moved, one thing that cannot be compromised. That is my God, and through Him I can find things that truly make me whole, truly make me confident, truly make me steadfast. He is my rock. I will not be shaken , I will not be moved.

A: I must remember that it is not on the reliance of people that can make me feel "sure". It is not on the dependence of worldly things that makes me feel like it's going to be okay. I must remember that I can not put that pressure or expectation on another human. For I will be putting myself in line for disappointment. I must remember to love my brother/sister for who he/she is, and not look to them to help me be strong, for they have their own struggles. Yes we should be there for each other, but not on that level. Not on a level that only God can handle. He is the only one that can truly fulfill me, so I must remember to seek HIM first in all things, so I can build that fortress within me where HE can reside, so that I can truly feel, I will not be moved...I will not be moved... I will NOT BE MOVED!!

P: Father God, I love You, and thank You for new wisdom that you reveal to me each and every day. Lord, I see that my stability comes from no one but You. Not my friends, for they offer me nothing past this life. Not my husband, for he, too, is for this life.. and I must learn to love everyone for who they are, and that alone is difficult in itself, but then to put higher expectations on them, that my happiness and strength come from them? That is just not fair, considering we are all prisoners of sin, and I would just be setting myself up for failure. But YOU are truly dependable, infallible, and truly worth placing my hope, my trust, my fears, my heart, my life. Lord I thank You for Your word that continues to steer me, sometimes with that huge left turn at Albuquerque, and sometimes with a gentle nudge. You are my Rock. I pray that I continue to remind myself of this so that it becomes "written in stone" upon my heart.

In Jesus Name,
Amen..


On Christ the solid rock we will stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
ON Christ the solid rock we will stand..
We'll climb on your back, take us to higher ground!!!
*Delirious*

S.O.A.P. for 09-17 The Law

Galations 3: 19+22

S: What then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed of whom the promise referred had some. *Is the law therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come because of the law. But the scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through Faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe...

O: My observation on this is that the Law that was created in the Old Testament was a set of laws to help bring us into a place of righteousness, if we were but able to follow them completely. However, after God watched us for a while, He could see that as a whole, as a society, even then we fell short of the mark, fell short of the Glory of God. He could see that there were but a few with the steadfastness and strength to fulfill these laws and that we were and still are prisoners of sin. So He devised a truly beautiful plan that would save us. Save us from sin, save us from ourselves, and lead us to Him... He sacrificed His one and only Son...to be the curse, to shed the blood, that would save us all, if we would only believe...

A: Here I see that it is by Faith, alone, that I have been saved. Yes, the old laws do mean something, they are vital, and teach us how to live, but living by them alone is not what will save us, no matter how "to the letter" we learn to abide by them. I must focus MORE on just having Faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and less on "do this, do that, and do the other or you're not good enough"... I don't know where it came from , but I do think to myself, if I don't do this, then God won't be happy...if I don't do that, God won't be happy, if I DO this God won't be happy... If I DO that, then He will be pleased...and then I measure others I see by those standards I have placed upon myself.. It's almost like I created my own set of laws to be worthy of Him..and have somehow made my own life a prison, instead of being able to revel in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing and loving and believing in my God. I must let go.. not to behave differently, for just having accepted Him into my life has changed my life, and I would never go back..but I must let go of the "standards" that somehow hold me captive more than they give me peace... It is by Faith in Jesus Christ that I have been saved and I must remind myself of that. This doesn't give me carte blanche to do whatever I want and to go, "Hey, I'm saved, what do I care?" NO, the bible reminds us that the laws are STILL important, it's just that they have taken second seat to the one thing that superceded them, that would lead us to salvation, where nothing else could, Jesus..Even Jesus still spoke of the laws, and upholding the Sabbath, so they're still there..

P: Father God, I pray to You with joy and thanksgiving that I am Saved. I am grateful for my salvation, and I rejoice in the fact that You knew that we were weak... You knew, and yet You never stopped loving us.. You KNEW and yet You still figured out a new way to save us. Your love must be so unimaginable, that to know I am loved that much by anyone is worth celebrating, and worth offering my life to. Father God, help me to see what truly matters in my walk, and the walks of others, and not get stuck and mired down in the details..so that I may shine and rejoice with You!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

What has washed away my sin...
Nothing but the blood of Jesus..

S.O.A.P. for 09-16 My Child..

Proverbs 23: 15-16.
My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!
Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.

O: How connected we are to our children, that when they behave negatively, oh how it can hurt our heart! Not only do we have to correct them, but we have to hurt for them as well. And it somehow makes us feel as though we've missed the mark somehow.. Oh, but when they get it right! Oh, when they get it right! Our hearts feel as thought they will explode from our chest, and our smile widens, and we just look up to You, Lord and say Thank You for that one! But do we remember to share that moment with the one that got it right? Does he/she know how you felt right then as a parent? Or did you look on, but hold it inside? How will they know? How will they know to do it again?

A: I need to remind myself always, that with the good comes the bad and vice versa. I am quick to "nip it in the bud" when something is wrong, but how quick am I to celebrate it when it's right? I need to keep myself in check with the positive re-enforcement as well. I know I try to, but what is the ratio? If they can feel the joy and gladness that they create when they do something right, won't they want to be in that place again? I do not want to let them down and leave them feeling empty for something truly well done, or well said. Let my tongue be quick to praise my children in nurturing the positive. I understand the need for discipline, but I can also understand the need for praise and encouragement as well. I must try to make the positive out-weigh the negative so that my children don't feel that is all they hear.
For I know that my God loves me, but His word doesn't speak incessantly of discipline, it speaks of His love, and His mercy, and His grace, and His sacrifice. Yes the rules, and "hopes" for us are in there, along with a wonderful, amazing, love. I an only hope that I make My Father's Heart Rejoice one day as well.

P: Abba Father, I come to you with Praise and Thanksgiving for who You are and for what You are doing, and for creating me to be a living vessel for You. I honor You and love You so very much. Lord, please help me to raise my children in a way that You see fit. Lord, touch my heart and remind me when I need to respond to something good in them. Sometimes, wrapped up in the business and chaos of life, I know I just "accept" the good and think to myself, whew, ok, at least they're being good right now. But did I say anything? Did I respond? Or did I just think it to myself, more as a relief that there were no problems at the moment. Once the bad happens, I'm quick to jump up and take care of it and verbalize...so what am I dishing out more of? Oh Lord, impress this on my heart that the scales should weigh much more on the positive, if that is the kind of person I want them to be. I beseech You to help me not be a burden to them, but an encouragement! Open my eyes and my heart to be responsive in all things...as You are responsive to me in all things.. Oh How I feel You rejoice within me when I've gotten something right. Oh, Lord, to be able to give my children that feeling... I'm truly sorry, and I thank you for revealing this need in our family. I know I do it, but Lord, I have to admit, I know I've not been doing it enough. Busy-shmizy, it's no excuse and I accept that and admit that and ask for Your forgiveness and Help.. Thank You for listening to Your child, and I pray to commit to being more Christ-like in "raising my children"...

In Jesus Name,
All Glory and Honor be Yours,
Amen

Getting my feet wet, once again....

Well Good morning... Almost 6 a.m., almost time to wake the youngens... and yet.. Here I am.. First off, let me apologize, I've been gone much too much too long. But it seems that I finally feel settled enough and compelled enough to get back in the saddle.

There's no excuse, to be entirely honest, considering my blog is Faith based, and tends to be directed at my Father, so for that I ask HIM for forgiveness from His child, who has been "busy" much to long.

So why now, you ask? I've no idea. Right now is possibly the worst time, but I feel it in my gut. He is calling me, asking me where I've been, and I just have to answer when my Father calls...

Right now, as most of you know, I am in the great state of Texas, in a tiny little, quaint, beautiful, conservative town called Utopia. We have a little house in the trees, where we have a few animals and have been growing some fruits and veggies... Trying to be more self-sustaining for a few "somewhat obvious" reasons.

Frankly, what's going on in the world scares the life out of me. Frankly, I am against almost everything that our government is trying to shove down our throats as if we were naive little children incapable of coherent thought and needing to be force fed. They behave as though because they've achieved the status that they have, that no one else is capable of "rational" thought as they are. Something to me feels...smells...looks fishy.. And you know what they say... if it looks like a fish, and smells like a fish... (sort of :) )

Anyway, back to life...my life...the one that has MY family in it, the one that has MY GOD in it, and the one that matters... Kind of why we're here. So the outside world and it's JUNK could affect it less, and I could allow My Father to affect it more... Without being compared to the neighbors and the kids at school, and "why do I have to do it this way? Johnny doesn't"...
Ladies and gentlemen, I have one shot to raise my kids and lead them along the paths of righteousness...I can NOT turn back time, I can NOT protect them from everything, but I can darned sure make wise decisions when it comes to how/where they will be raised. I CAN ensure that our ideals are the majority, not the minority, so that they grow strong and steadfast in their beliefs. Will it turn out as I hope?
Who knows, no one but GOD knows, but what I DO know is this.. I DO have to be pro-active, and not "let" life happen.. I DO need to live in such a way that reflects my beliefs and surrounds my home and hearth with His protection. And I DO need to rely on the Faith , that as long as I'm fighting, God is fighting with me, and that, my friends, makes it all worthwhile..

So here I am....once more.... SOAPS will be returning for your viewing pleasure ;)...along with any "special" stories that happen to my family along the way...
(Like the day we decided to drive home in reverse) LOL! But you'll have to be patient...as I said.. I'm just getting my feet wet.. :)

S.O.A..P. for 04/30/2009 Content with Who I Am.

S: John 1:6-9 & 26-27
6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

O: John was fully aware of who and what he was meant to do, and he was content with that. People wanted to give him more credit than he deserved, and rather than be lured by that temptation, he remained firm. I feel proud of John in that moment, for many people in this day and age do not accept who they are and how they are bent. They continue to try and be something more, something that they're not..and it's sad to see for they will never feel truly happy. John understood he had a great commission to fill and he was steadfast, unwilling to be distracted or tempted. And therein, in God's eyes, was a truly great man. Even though he shared the Word, and was highly regarded, he never wavered from the thought and knowledge that he would be ushering in someone much greater than he. And he was good with that. As so should I be.

A: How do I see myself in the scheme of things? Have I been tainted to want to feel special? Or to be like everyone else? To have what they have? Do I take credit for things that only God should be deserving>? Do I say, thank you, when complimented for an achievement? Or do I say, Praise God... If my life is a constant battle to be "better" than who I think I am, then I'll never find contentment in who GOD made me. HE made me, HE designed me, and HE knows how best I can feel complete. Who am I to say I can go one better?

Do I realize that without Him and without honoring Him as I should and giving Him the credit for all the good things my life produces, that I'm robbing myself of true blessings? I must remember that I am who HE made me, I am made for the purposes HE gave me, and that all I do is for Him.

P: Father God,
Let me not ever take credit for things You have done in my life. You gave me life, breath, a beating heart. So every beat should be offered up to You in thanks. Every breath in thanks. Let me offer every note I sing up to You in honor of You creating the voice that would sing Your praises! I am just the vessel for it. I did not create it, You did. I pray I never take credit and want more than You have in mind for me. Let me be completely confident in who You've created me to be, and help me fill the shoes and play the role... I pray I do find the roots You have me seeking, that I may shine the most possible light for You and be Your lampstand.

My heart, my soul, my life, my family, my voice, my hands, my feet, I give to You, Oh Lord, My strength and My Redeemer.

In Jesus Name,
Amen


I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

I can feel that
Muddy water runnin' through my veins
I can hear that
lullaby of the midnight train
And it sings to me and sounds familiar

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

I can taste that honeysuckle
And it's still so sweet
When it grows wild
On the banks down at old Camp Creek
And it calls to me like a warm wind blowin'

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

It's where I learned about livin'
Its where I learned about love
Its where I learned about working hard,
And having a little was just enough
It's where I learned about Jesus
And knowin' where I stand
You can take it or leave it
This is me
This is who I am
Give me a tin roof, a front porch, and a gravel road
And thats home to me, feels like home to me

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul
In the boondocks

You get a line I'll get a pole
We'll go fishin' in the crawfish hole
Five card poker on Saturday night
Church on Sunday morning
*Little Big Town*

S.O.A.P. for 04/26/2009 Who Am I?

S: Judges 6:15
"But Lord", Gideon asked, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Mannaseh, and I am the least in my family."

O: Gideon asks the Lord probably what anyone will and has asked the Lord. Who am I? I am no body. I am not powerful, nor do I have a place of status that people will listen to me. Gideon felt unworthy and too unimportant to be inpactful in any sort of way. How often do we feel the same>?

When God calls us or convicts us of something, how often do we say - "I can't do that!", or "How am I supposed to be able to pull that off?" or "They won't listen to me", "That's going to take more time than I have", 'That's way beyond what I'm capable of, "

Excuse me here, beyond what WHO is capable of?... It's not US He's asking to do something. He wants to do something THROUGH us, and because of our humbleness HIS greatness will be revealed!!! He is a genius! He's asking us to be His willing vessels so that HE may do those magnificent things and still reveal that HE is among us! So who do we think we are?

Have we robbed Him of HIS thunder & power when we toss something we've felt called to do aside? Have we prevented HIM from showing Himself to a world that needs Him? Have we accidentally kept more people from coming to Him because we haven't allowed Him to do what He wants to do? When did we start thinking it was us that did anything anyway? Have we forgotten that we can do ALL things through Him that strengthens us? Have we forgotten how to be His vessels and let Him do the impossible? Have we put Him in a box?

A: I MUST remember, I must FORCE myself to remember that nothing is too big or too small for my God! If I feel called to do something, then God has simply chosen me to be His vessel. So who am I to think it can't be done, when I won't be the one making the "magic" happen in the first place. Yes I need to be willing, and go forth in His will, but the greatness, Oh the greatness of that is ALL HIM!! Am I going to give up an opportunity to let God do something because I didn't think I was good enough to be the one to do it? Who IS good enough, for that matter, for we all fall short. How sad to think I may be a culprit for having prevented HIM from revealing Himself in His Glory somehow. How sad, indeed...

P: Lord God,
Forgive me when I doubt. Forgive me when in doubting myself, I've ultimately doubted You. How can I say I truly believe You capable of anything, when I won't let You show me!? Forgive my fear, and help me let You lead me. Help my heart be courageous enough to be Your vessel when You call, and help my Faith to remember that it is YOU and not my own knowledge that will put me where You want me.

How honored I am that You would also pick me - someone of little consequence to the world, and love me enough to want me to be Your vessel. How awesome, that You can take someone of little consequence, and make something Glorious happen! What genius to pick the lowly that Your light and Glory may be revealed and that no one could possibly think that Your humble servant could have done it without You! I love You and I hope to one day hear You say, "Well Done"...

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Who am I, that the Lord of all the Earth...
Would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt...

Not because of who I am,
but because of what YOU'VE done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of WHO YOU ARE!!!!!