Thermometer or Thermostat?

Well, in Texas the temperatures are finally beginning to fall - a little bit, that is. I was so excited last week when I was actually able to wear my winter pj's and snuggle up with a good movie and some hot chocolate!

This is definitely my very favorite time of year. I love all of the decorations, the shopping, and most of the all the amazing realization that God actually sent His own Son to be born on this Earth as one of us.

This time of year can bring excitement and joy or stress and depression. As I listen to others around me, I often notice that many of them are not looking forward to the holidays. They complain about the money they will spend, the people they will have to see, and the pounds they will gain at all of those Christmas dinners.

There are often times that I find myself joining right in with those people that sound bitter and unhappy. I allow myself to be swept in to conversations that open the door for the enemy to bring discontentment and bitterness.

Last week, I heard a pastor speaking on being a thermometer or a thermostat. I loved this illustration because it was so true! I love when God allows others to use everyday things to point out something in my life that I need to work on.

The speaker was sharing the difference between the two. You see, a thermometer simply takes the temperature. It doesn't change anything. If we are like thermometers, we might do the following:

* Enter a room full of people that are complaining and begin to do the same.
* Work with cold people and allow ourselves to become to cold as well.
* Find ourselves living lives that would not please our Savior simply because we don't want to "change" anything.

A thermostat, on the other hand, changes the temperature. It sets the the temperature in the room. If we set the thermometer to a comfortable temperature, everyone in the room is comfortable. It is inviting to walk into a warm and cozy place during the holidays. However, it is very uninviting to walk into a room that is very cold. If we are like thermostats, we:

* Change the temperature when we walk into a room.
* Can affect the way others feel when they are around us.
*Are always adjusting ourselves to make others around us feel comfortable.

I believe that Jesus wants us to be thermostats. I believe that He has called us to set the temperature when we walk into the room. People should see that we have something different about us that allows us to bring warmth and comfort to those around us. We should want those around to us to feel good. Jesus has called us to be different than those around us. He does not want us to take the temperature in the room and just adjust ourselves to fit in.

Phillipians 2:4 says, "Each of you should not only look to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Make those around you notice that there is something different about you. Become a thermostat that changes the atmosphere of the room when you walk in. Allow others to take notice and realize that there is something different about you. Give God total control over you and your words. Don't allow the world to make you a thermometer that simply takes the temperature when the Heavenly Father created you to be a thermostat that changes the temperature!!!

Some Things to Think About:

1. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
2. Do you change the temperature when you walk into a room or simply take the temperature and join right in?
3. Do you want to stand out as someone who changes things or are you comfortable just fitting in?

Words of Worth:

"Each of you should not only look to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Phillipians 2:4
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Phillipians 2:5
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

*Thermometer vs. Thermostat Illustration - Robert Herber, Antioch Community Church

Wanting It ALL

Wanting It ALL

“I want Santa to bring me ALL of the Thomas Train toys.” This is what our three year old has been telling us every day for the last three weeks.

He is very concerned that Santa is going to bring the wrong toy or not enough of what he thinks will make him happy. He has also kindly expressed to us that he would like ALL of the Gameboy games, ALL of the Leapster games, and ALL of the Lightning McQueen toys.

At first, we thought it was cute. However, a couple of nights ago, my husband and I realized that our little man was serious. He really thinks Santa is bringing him ALL of the toys that he has requested, even though we have tried explaining to him that that this would be very difficult (not to mention very costly for “Santa” J).

So, I sat him down to talk to him about the reality of what he would find under that tree in a couple of weeks. As he looked up at me with those big blue eyes, I explained that Christmas was not about what we receive but what we give. I also explained that “Santa” would be bringing some gifts for him but that it just wasn’t possible for him to receive EVERYTHING on his list. I told him that “Santa” knows what he needs and what he will really enjoy. I explained that he will receive some of what he has asked for but if he got everything on his list, he would have nothing to look forward to later in the year.

As I finished up our little talk, I braced myself for his questions, tears, or maybe even a fit. But when we were finished talking, he simply jumped off the bed and said, “Mom, can you just tell Santa to make sure he brings the other things next Christmas?”

I couldn’t help but realize that God was teaching me a huge lesson in contentment.

Psalm 107:9 says, “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

How often have you requested something from God and then reacted in disappointment or even anger when your request was not satisfied? I know that I have made requests like our son’s many times. And the Father has often not fulfilled my requests in the way I would have liked. However, somehow, his plan and way of doing things always seems to work out better than mine. He knows what I need and when I need it.

It is so hard in today's society to restrain from wanting and sometimes getting everything that we desire. We have access to credit, loans, instant cash...We can obtain what we want, when we want it. But God says that HE satisfies us and fills us with good things. In other words, we should not need the things of this world to bring happiness but instead should just be thirsty and hungry for more of Him in our lives.

Just like I explained to my little man, if God gave us everything that we wanted, we would have nothing to look forward to. He knows what is best for us and what will bring us joy. He longs to give us the desires of our heart but that means that we must be patient and understanding with His will for our lives.

Remember that this Christmas as you shuffle around buying last minute gifts, trying to satisfy everyone on your list. Remember that Christmas is not simply about what we give and receive but a time to reflect on best thing of all, Jesus Christ. Allow Him to bring you happiness and joy this season. Be content in knowing that God has given us the best gift we could possibly receive when he gave us his Son, Jesus Christ on that amazing night in Bethlehem.

Some Things to Think About:

1) Are you content or are you always trying to find ways to experience contentment?
2) Do you allow God to fill you up with good things?
3) Do you believe that your Father in Heaven knows what is best for you and has amazing plans for your life?

Words of Worth:

“He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Slow To Anger

Slow To Anger

"The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness..." Exodus 34:6

These are words that God used when describing Himself to Moses. "Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness"- Is this how you think of God? Or do you think of God as a distant Father who simply exists to judge us for our sins?

I believe that many of us know that God loves us. We have heard that all of our lives. But I wonder, do we fully understand the character of God and His ability to give us all that we have ever wanted or needed in our lives?

One of the phrases in this verse that speaks to me the most is when God refers to Himself as being "slow to anger." I've got to say that I am not always slow to anger. In fact, I can go from zero to hysterical in a matter of seconds. Even with the people I love the most, I can become angry and frustrated quickly if I do not seek God in all situations.

I think that so often we try to assume that God reacts the same way that we do to situations. When we do something that is disappointing or hurtful to God, we are afraid that He is angry or upset with our choices or behavior. While I do believe that God's heart breaks when we sin and choose the ways of this world, I also know that He is faithful. If He says that He is slow to anger, He means it. He didn't say, "I am slow to anger unless you do something really bad" or "I will be compassionate and gracious if you read the Bible at least once a day."

Instead, God is describing his character. It is His nature to be loving, faithful, forgiving, and gracious to those of us that don't even deserve a glance from Him. He is in love with us and wants to show us His amazing love and compassion. However, in order for Him to do that, we must be willing to run after Him with all of our hearts.

Don't think of God as a distant Father that stands in Heaven waiting to judge you. Instead, realize that He is the father that you have waited for all of your life, who stands in Heaving waiting to love you and bring you peace. He is the Savior who came to save your life and offer you more compassion and grace that you could ever imagine. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness.

As you go through your day today, ask God to reveal His character to you. Ask Him to remind you that He is faithful and true in a world that is anything but. Pursue Him each and every day and know that in return, He will be pursuing you.

Words of Worth:

"The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness..." Exodus 34:6

"The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." Numbers 14:18

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15

Some Things to Think About:

1. What are three words you would use to describe the heart of God?

2. Does your character match up with God's character?

3. Do you believe that God is slow to anger?

Building Up Your Home

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." Proverbs 14:1

God has often reminded me of this verse when I become frustrated and tired. I sometimes wonder if things will ever slow down. I wish that I could have more time alone, I wish I had more help around the house, I wish that dinner would cook itself.

In my frustration, I usually become bitter and that bitterness comes out to family in the form of complaining, impatience, and moodiness. I complain when my husband comes home about all that I have done that day, I am impatient with the kids when they are unwinding from their day, and my moods can range from completely content and happy with the way my day has gone to completely discontent and angry with the outcome of my day.

Sometimes, I hear God whispering, "Be wise...not foolish." God longs for us to be women that build our houses and families. He wants us to build homes that honor Him. Our homes should be a place that is filled with love, patience, and understanding.

Proverbs 24:3-4 says,

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

As women, we can allow our homes to be torn down by using words and actions that are not of God or we can choose to build houses based on the wisdom that God has given us. In seeking Him and His will for our families, we are building our homes on wisdom.

Understanding is something that is often overlooked in family life. In order to live together, we must understand each other. Make it a priority to really understand each of the people in your family. Know what they enjoy, what they don't enjoy, and what is going on in their lives. Understand your husband and what is going on his life. Some of us have toddlers, others have teenagers, and some have children that have grown and left the home. But whatever their age, every child longs to know that their parents understand them and respect them for who they are.

I don't know about you, but I love filling the rooms of my home with things that are beautifiul. I enjoy making my home special. God's word tells us that through knowledge we can fill the rooms of our home with rare and beautiful treasures. As Christians, our knowledge comes from knowing that our God and Father is everything that we will ever need. We can base everything that we believe and know on the fact that God loves us and wants the best for our lives.

Ask God to dwell in your home and breathe life into each room. Take some time this evening to pray over each room in your house. Ask God to give you the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to build your home and your family up each and every day. Give Him opportunity to show you things that have been torn down and ask Him for the opportunity to build them back up.


Some Things to Think About:

Are you tearing your house down or building it up?

Do you really understand the people that live in your home?

Are you allowing God's wisdom to help you build your home each day?

Words of Worth:

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." Proverbs 14:1


"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4

Come To Me...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

I love this scripture. This is a promise that I have held onto so many times in my life. I believe that this scripture so clearly describes the character of Jesus and His desire for our lives.

Many nights, I lay in bed and look back on my day. I realize that most of the day I was hurried, frazzled, tired, and weary. I spend my time allowing myself to become burdened by worry, anxiety, and fear. It is in those moments that I remember the words of my Savior, "Come to me...I will give you rest."

When we think about relaxing, we often think about a massage, a nice bubble bath, or a day at the spa. How many of us can say that when we think about relaxation, we think about Jesus? How many of us truly come to Him when we are burdened and allow Him to give us rest?

I must say that I do come to Him quite often. However, allowing myself to rest in Him is not as easy. I often find myself treating Jesus as my best friend. I tell Him everything and ask for His wisdom and counsel. But, once I have told Him everything, I continue to worry about or try to control the situation. You see, in order for Jesus to give us rest, we have to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. We have to stop trying to control everything that happens in our lives, and give all of the control over to Him.

There are so many things in our world today that can make us weary. Many of us worry, some deal with issues of obsession and control, others have relationship issues that are exhausting. We allow our circumstances to burden us and we become tired and stressed.

Let me assure you that this is not the life that Jesus has for you. He does not want you to be weary and longs to give you rest. His gentleness and humbleness can be refreshing and renewing. Just the thought of sitting with Jesus and allowing Him to take on my burdens brings peace to my soul.

This weekend, our oldest child was crying because some of his friends were not wanting to play with him. His heart was broken because he felt unwanted and insecure. He wanted to be part of what everyone else was doing and when he didn't fit in the way he wanted, he became very upset. As a parent, I just wanted to take that burden from him and make everything okay. I wanted to tell him that everyone loves him and not to worry about such a small thing.

Don't you know that God feels that way so often? When we come to Him broken and upset, He longs to show us how small our lives really are when compared to eternity and the life we will have with Him when we leave this world.

However, while we are here, the only thing we can do is find joy in knowing that our Savior has promised rest from the world in Him. He is waiting for us to come and rest in His arms. He is longing for us to sit at His feet and find a peace surprasses our understanding.

Are you living the life that you have been called to live? Do you allow Jesus to bring rest and peace to your life? Or do you spend every moment of your life searching for a way to find rest and relaxation?

Ask God to remind you that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When you begin to feel tired and stressed, stop and come to Him. When you come, don't just come, but come and unload. He promises that He can take it and is more than willing to give you the rest and relaxation you need and deserve!

Some Things to Think About:

1) What makes you weary?
2) Do you try to find rest and relaxation in things of the world or do you allow Jesus to be your place of rest?
3) How often do you "unload" your burdens on Jesus and allow Him to take them from your life?

Words of Worth:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:6

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:7

The Joy of the Lord

I wish I would have had my video camera at church today! Our little girl absolutely loves worship music and just goes crazy during our worship at church. Today, as we sang of God's faithfulness, she began to dance and lift her hands. It was almost as though as it was just natural for her to worship and praise her King even though she is not even a year old yet.

As I watched her, I began to think about how much it must bless the heart of God to see a child worshipping Him without any hesitation. She wasn't worried about those around us. She didn't care what anyone thought. She was just having a good time experiencing the joy of the Lord!

How often do we, as adults, experience the joy of the Lord? How often do we allow Him to lavish us with His love?

Today's society is certainly not one in which joy is easily found. It is difficult to watch the news at night and feel joyful. However, because of the life that we have been given in Jesus, we can have joy.

Webster's Dictionary defines joy as "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires."

Why should we, as Christians, be lacking that emotion? Jesus has given us all that we have ever needed. If He is truly all that we desire, we should be extremely joyful and content with the lives that we have been given.

However, day after day, we allow people and situations to steal that joy that we have been given. We allow the enemy to convince us that joy is not something that is everlasting. We allow our joy to be taken away, when in reality, if our joy is in our Savior, it can never be stolen. He has given us a joy that even surpasses the definition of well-being, success, or good fortune.

Habakkuk 3:17 -18 says, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be JOYFUL in God my Savior."

In other words, it doesn't matter how bad things get or how terrible things may seem, we can rejoice in knowing that the Lord our God is our joy!

Psalm 92:4 says, "For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for JOY at the works of your hands."

Do you sing for joy at the works of the Lord? Do you give Him the glory that He deserves for what He has done in your life? Or do you blame Him for the negative things that you have experienced?

I want to encourage you to spend this week being joyful. Don't allow others to steal your joy. Remember, in Jesus our joy is eternal. Our Father has given us more than we could ever imagine in sending His son. Allow Him to be your joy. Ask God to give you a joyful heart and watch as He breaks down the walls of bitterness and becomes your joy and delight!

Some Things to Think About:

1. What does JOY mean to you?
2. Do you allow your circumstances to steal your joy?
3. Do you believe that the joy of the Lord can overcome your circumstances?
4. Have you allowed Satan to convince you that joy is not possible in today's world?

Words of Worth:

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:4

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be JOYFUL in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3:17-18

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11

Speak Carefully!

Last week. I was talking to a friend on the phone and as I hung up the phone, I realized that I had spent our entire conversation complaining and grumbling. I had complained about how hard my day was, how crazy my life is, and how the chaos never seems to end.

That night as I lay in bed, God had to give me one of those "Father-daughter" talks as He so often does.

I was reminded of Phillipians 2:14-15 - "In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing...You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God...Let your lives shine brightly before them."

God didn't say that we could complain on really bad days or to our really good friends. He said that in EVERYTHING we do, we should stay away from complaining.

It must grieve the heart of our Father to know that we are not happy or content with the lives with which we have been blessed. He must feel such sorrow when He sees the enemy convincing us that our lives are less than what we imagined.

God has given us so much. We are blessed to live the lives that we choose. I often think about people in other parts of the world that are persecuted for living out their faith, speaking their minds, or simply wearing the wrong type of clothing. And here I sit, complaining because my day was a little busier or crazier than I had planned!

I long for my life to shine brightly before men. I want people to wonder what I have that brings me such happiness and contentment. It's a little hard for others to want what I have if I am constantly complaining and grumbling. I want to represent my Savior in a way that true and good. I want to show others that He truly is the only way to have contentment and joy.

Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

Have you ever talked to someone who just complained so often that it brought you down? Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling worse than when it started? Don't allow yourself to cause others to feel that way. Let the words that you say be good and helpful. Be an encouragement to others and not a complainer. God has called us to speak life and joy. Do not let the enemy use you to speak death and destruction.

As you go throughout your day today, speak carefully. Ask God to show you when you are complaining. Ask Him to give you words of life and use those words to be an encouragement to your friends, family, co-workers,and acquaintances.

Some Things to Think About:

1. How often do you complain?
2. What do you complain about?
3. Has complaining become a routine part of your day?
4. Have you ever focused on the things that bring you joy instead of the things that bring you pain?

Words of Worth:

"Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29

"In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing...You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God...Let your lives shine brightly before them." Phillipians 2:14-15

"Why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn again in repentance to the Lord." Lamentations 3:39-40

The Cross

Today, as I was cleaning house, I began to reflect on the many crosses that we have hanging throughout our home. I love crosses and have them hanging in almost every room. I have them in our home to remind us each and every day of the sacrifice that our Savior made for us.

However, I think all too often we look at the cross as simply decoration or jewelry. We have minimized the huge significance of the cross. I often see people on TV or walking down the street wearing the cross but doing things that would not be pleasing to God. Don't you know that it breaks the heart of our Father to see that what meant so much has come to mean so little in our culture?

When I think about that day - that terrible, yet beautiful day, I can't imagine how anyone could look at a cross without being extremely grateful. The cross reminds me of the pain, the suffering, and the unbelievable sacrifice that Jesus made for us. I can't help but think of His mother Mary and the pain that she must have endured that day. Knowing that God's heart grieved for His only son as He watched Him go through such a terrible death, brings my heart grief. But knowing that God loved me that much brings me joy and a heart of thankfulness.

Thinking about the cross can be overwhelming. Knowing what Jesus went through that day is almost too much to conceive. However, as Christians we know that our Savior did not stay on that cross. Our Savior did not stay in the grave. Instead, our Savior lived and is alive today. You see, just as His Father had promised, Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into Heaven to be with His Heavenly Father.

1 Peter 2:24 says "He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!"

Wow! The cross carries so much meaning. As I sit here writing this, looking at the cross on my wall, I realize that it stands for death, it stands for life, and most importantly it stands for the relationship that I am able to have with the Father all because of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.

So next time you see a cross hanging on a wall or in a jewelry store, take some time to reflect on what the cross truly means. Remember the sacrifice that was made for you and take a moment to thank your Savior for giving His life so that you could have yours. Thank Him for enduring the pain and torture so that you could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Don't allow the significance of the cross to become minimized in your life. Realize the reality of what Christ did for you and thank Him for it every day!

Some Things to Think About:

1. How often do you see crosses throughout the day?
2. Have you seen crosses so often in society that it has lost its meaning or do you realize the significance and reality of the cross?
3. Have you ever take the time to truly reflect on what Christ endured that day? Have you truly thanked Him for the sacrifice that He made so that you could receive eternal life?

Words of Worth:

"God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed His blood, sacrificing His life for us." Romans 3:25

"He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!" 1 Peter 2:24

"God so loved the world that He gave his only son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life." John 3:16

Quiet Moments

Is it Sunday evening already? It always amazes me how quickly the weekends FLY by! It seems like when I just begin to get things done, it's Monday and time for another crazy week!!

For my 30th birthday, one of my best friends gave me a beautiful framed quote. It is hung over my bathtub and reads, "Take time for the quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud."

Every night when I have my "me" time, I look up and realize just how true that statement is. The world can be almost deafening at times! There are times when I finally relax at night and realize that I haven't taken the time to hear God at all. I have listened to screaming kids, honking horns, loud music, and the constant sound of the television, but not the Lord Almighty who has been trying to get my attention all day long.

It breaks my heart to know that so often I choose to hear all of the things of this world instead of listening to the sweet whispers of my Father in Heaven. So often I know that He has tried to give me direction, advice, and love. However, time after time, I choose listen and receive those things from other people in my life.

I've often found myself thinking, "Lord, if you could just be a little louder, maybe it would be easier for me to listen." HA!! I know, it's amazing the things that we say to the God of the Universe.

Every time that I have asked God to respond in a louder, clearer way, He reminds me that it is up to ME to listen. It has to be my choice to block out the things of this world if I want to hear what He has for me each and every day.

Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God." This verse tells us that quietness helps us hear God's voice. We have to be still in order to be able to fully listen to our Father.

God wants to speak to us. He wants to talk to us and give us the wisdom that we need. But in order to hear Him, we have to stop and make time to shut out the world and listen to what He is saying.

Take time today to stop and ask God to speak to you. Listen to the whispers of God instead of the loudness of this world. As you go through your day, make a point to find quiet places where you can meet with God. Ask Him to speak to you in a new way and reveal His heart in your life.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Things to Think About:

1. Do you have a time each day that is set aside to meet with your Savior?
2. Do you have a place that you can go where it is quiet and you can be still?
3. What part of your world is really loud right now? In other words, what is keeping you from hearing God?

Words of Worth:

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

"Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3

"Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise." Proverbs 1:23

Fall Brings Change

I love this time of year...Leaves begin to change, the weather begins to cool off, and I can start pulling out jackets and my favorite, comfy warm up suits! Okay, okay ~ so it's not quite time for all of that yet, but it's getting close. My husband always gives me a hard time because I start wearing my warm ups around the house way too early in the year. But something about fall just makes me feel a new vigor for life!

Fall for me is a lot like my relationship with Jesus. He changed my life just as the leaves change. He gets rid of the dead things in my life and brings new life in ways that I never knew possible.

I feel comfy with Jesus. I know that when I need something, I can just sit at His feet, get comfy, and pour out my heart.

Fall represents change. So many of us are afraid of change and feel that change is a bad thing. God has really been teaching me that change is His way of getting our attention and making our lives what He wants them to be.

I think that many of us are afraid of change because we think that our ways are the right ways. Our pride holds us to our same old lives, day in and day out. However, our Father in Heaven will shake things up when we stop growing. He will use change to give us the opportunity to grow in our relationships with others as well as in our relationship with Him.

As Christians, we cannot expect to have a life with no changes. For many of us, our lives change faster than those leaves each fall. However, we can expect our Savior to give us the wisdom and the amazing grace to face those changes head on.

We can face changes knowing that there is a purpose. We can rest in knowing that Jesus will walk us through every change that we endure in our lives, no matter how large or small they may seem.

How do you face changes? Do you run from them or do you attempt to face them on your own? Think about changes in your life. Ask God to allow you to face them with a new and exciting attitude. Face the changes in your life knowing that the Father has a plan and a purpose for each and every change that you endure.

Have a wonderful week!!

Blessings!! ~
Andi McNair
www.andimcnair.com

Freedom In Christ

Do you ever feel like you are dragging around a ball and chain? Do you ever feel completely buried beneath unforgiveness, jealousy, fear, worry, anxiety, or worldliness?

I definitely have days when I feel like I am simply a slave to the world. It's so hard sometimes to live a life that glorifies God when Satan makes us feel like we are captive to the feelings and experiences that take place in this life.

I often feel like I just need someone to ride in on a white horse and just rescue me from myself. I need someone to make me feel like a princess, help me forget all of my fears, relieve my anxiety, and give me the unconditional love that we all desire. Sounds like a fairytale, right?

It might sound like a fairytale, but for us Christian gals, it's a reality. Our Savior is that prince that will ride in and sweep us off of our feet just when we feel like we cannot make it one more day. He will give us more love than we ever imagined possible if we will just cry out to Him.

We've all heard the saying, "Freedom comes at a price." Our price for freedom in Christ was paid in full the day that our Savior hung on the cross. He set us free from bondage, yet some of us still choose to let those chains hold us captive each and every day.

John 8:36 says, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be truly free."

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. I think so many of us search for freedom in the world. We have been taught that we can free ourselves or others can help us find freedom. But the Word of God says that the only way to be TRULY FREE is through the Son, Jesus Christ.

Isn't it wonderful to know that true freedom is our reality in Jesus? He has paid the price and set us free. However, it is up to us to step out of those broken chains and walk in the freedom that He has given.

I want to encourage you today to walk in the freedom that Jesus has given you. Don't stay in the chains that have already been broken. Step out of those things, girl, and live the life that God has given you.

Some Things to Think About:

1. What are some things from which you need to be set free?
2. Do you truly believe that you can be set free?
3. What chains are keeping you from being totally free?

Words of Worth:

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be truly free." John 8:36

Blessings,
Andi McNair
www.andimcnair.com

Focusing on Your Family

Well, it's that time of year again. School is starting and the lazy days of summer will soon be gone.

For many of us, this means busier days, evenings, and even weekends. I know that for our family, a new school season brings many new challenges. One of the most challenging being making time for one another.

As a family, it is often difficult to keep our priorities straight. We often begin putting events, obligations, and other people before the people that we love the most.

How often have you passed up a relaxing evening with your husband to go shopping with your girlfriends? How many times have you missed out on a precious moment with your child because you were in a hurry to get to school that morning?

I know that I am guilty of both. However, lately I have tried to really focus on making my husband my top priority, second only to my relationship with my Savior. And believe it or not, the more I focus on him, the more he has focused on me.

In putting each other first, we have learned what marriage truly should be and are gradually learning that that friendship that we had when we first married doesn't have to wither with time.

Each day that I spend quality time with my children, I realize that each of them uniquely bless my life. They truly are gifts from Heaven and deserve to be treated as such.

So, I want to encourage you to take some time this week to focus on your family. It doesn't matter if you are married, single, a mother to two kids or ten kids - take the time to make what God has given you a priority.

Some Things to Think About:

1. Does this time of year bring challenges your way?
2. Are there some practical things that you can do to allow you spend more time with your family?
3. When was the last time that you came home ready to leave the world outside and simply focus on your family?

Words of Worth:

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." Proverbs 31:10

"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." Proverbs 12:4

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 21:38

Have a wonderful week!!!

Blessings~
Andi McNair
www.andimcnair.com

Like Little Children

Like Little Children

My goodness, what a week!!! I can't believe I am saying that since it is only TUESDAY! It has just been one thing after another and life just seems to come at us faster and faster each day.

Today, as I was watching my children play and laugh, I couldn't help but notice how carefree they are. They don't worry about what we are going to do tomorrow, what others think of them, or how much money our family has. They live for the here and now. They live completely in the moment and love doing so.

I began to focus on the verse in Matthew 18:3 where Jesus says, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

As I watched them play, I think I got a small glimpse of what Jesus meant by becoming like little children.

* Little children do not worry about how their needs will be met. They simply believe that they will be met.
* Little children do not judge others based on how they look, what they wear, or how much money they make each year.
* Little children believe what people tell them. They do not understand selfish motives. They simply believe what people say because they are trusting.
* Little children are loving and caring. They take time to show love by using their words and action.
* Finally, little children are obedient. They understand that they must answer to someone and spend most of their time trying to please and bring joy to those people in their lives.

So, how can we be "like little children"? It's really not as difficult as we make it. We simply have to...

* Stop worrying and start believing.
* Stop judging and starting loving.
* Start believing and stop being skeptical.
* Start loving and stop being selfish.
* Stop being disobedient and start pleasing our Heavenly Father.

Think about your life. Do you live it with childlike faith or do you spend all of your time wrapped up in "adult" worries and concerns? Ask God to give you the heart of a child today. Ask Him to allow you to see your heart as He sees it. Take the time today to become the person that God wants you to be instead of the person that the world has caused you to be.

Some Things to Think About:

1. What does "like little children" mean to you?
2. Have you ever watched children play and thought about this verse?
3. Which of the "little children qualities" do you struggle with the most?

Words of Worth:

"And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3

"So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Phillipians 2:15

The Hem of His Garment

"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go out in peace."

These are the words that Jesus said to the woman that touched His garment on the street. You see, she had been bleeding for TWELVE years!! Can you imagine? She had been to many doctors and many friends asking for advice and healing. But it was to no avail. She had suffered day after day, year after year and was probably beginning to believe that she would have to live the rest of her life suffering from this terrible illness.

However, one day she heard that Jesus was coming. She knew that this was her opportunity to be set free from her suffering.

Not only was it physically difficult for her to prepare herself to go into public, she also had to prepare emotionally. Women like her were not allowed on the streets and she was certainly not to get close to someone as important as Jesus and His disciples.

Risky as at was, she made the decision to make every effort to see Jesus that day. As she stood in the crowd, I can just imagine how nervous she must have been as she waited. Then it happened, she heard the crowd start to rustle and move as Jesus came in their direction. I'm sure her heart was about to leap out of her chest as she began to push her way through the crowd. She was motivated by the fact that she was going to see the Jesus and believed that she was going to be healed by her Savior.

As she came to the edge of the crowd, Jesus passed by. As He did, she knelt down and strained to reach for the hem of His garment. In that moment, the woman that had suffered for so many years was completely healed. The bleeding didn't slow down or stop for a moment, it COMPLETELY stopped. She was healed COMPLETELY because she believed and trusted in the power of Jesus.

After she had touched His touched His garment, Jesus turned and said, "Who touched me?". The woman began to tremble and knew that she could not go unnoticed. She knew that she had to come forward. I can just imagine her as she came forward and knelt before her King. Her words probably sounded something like, "Jesus, it was me...you see, I've been sick, well, I was sick, I'm not now, but...well...you healed, I mean, I've stopped....Jesus, touching your garment has completely healed me from my suffering."

Now, Jesus could have done several things. He could have touched her and said something like, "Be blessed" or "Glad I could help", but He didn't. He looked at her and said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go out in peace."

Jesus was not always a man of many words, but even His few words said so much. To begin with, He called her daughter. The woman that had been shunned and ignored by her community was now being called daughter by the man that they had all come to see on that day. He also made sure that she understood that her faith had healed her. It wasn't a magical touch or the garment that had healed her but her faith in Him that had brought complete and amazing healing. And finally, Jesus told her not to worry anymore. "Go out in peace." I believe that this was His way of telling her she didn't have to worry about her problem anymore, for she was free from all of her suffering.

I love this story, because I think this woman represents what so many of us go through every day. She didn't "blend in" with the crowd and didn't let fear keep her from meeting with her Savior that day. She stepped out in boldness and faith to meet her Jesus in the place that brought her healing and renewal.

Are you blending in with the crowd or letting fear keep you from meeting with Jesus? Is there something that you are suffering from that needs to be brought to the cross? I want to encourage you to boldly touch the hem of His garment today and allow Him to call you daughter. Let your faith bring you healing and allow Jesus to give you courage to go out in peace.

Some Things to Think About:

1. What are some ways that we blend in with the crowds in today's society?
2. Are you bold in your faith or do you allow others to hold you back?
3. Do you believe that your faith in Jesus can bring complete healing?

Words of Worth:

"Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at His feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed. Then He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." Luke 47:48

Remember, Surrender

"Remember surrender
Remember the rest
Remember that weight lifting off of your chest
And realizing that it's not up to you and it never was"

These are the words to a song by Sara Groves that I heard when I was putting my baby girl to bed last night. Sometimes, God just amazes me in the little ways that He reminds us that He is in our situation.

I just began to weep as I stood there looking at my precious little angel settling in for the night. In that moment, I realized that the way I look at her is the same way that God looks at me. He doesn't want me to hurt, He doesn't want me to worry, and He doesn't want me to try to handle things on my own. He longs to take me in His arms and make everything okay, but I have to surrender all of my pain, all of my suffering for healing to take place.

"Realizing that it's not up to you and it never was..." WOW! That line hit me like a ton of bricks. I think so often I think that if I worry enough about something, it will somehow be resolved. Or maybe if I talk about my trials enough, it will somehow bring healing. God reminded me last night that neither of those will bring life but will only bring destruction and pain.

As I laid in bed I could almost hear God whispering, "Remember, surrender...remember, surrender...". Don't you know that He just longs for us to surrender all of our cares at the cross so that we can live the life that He has for us?

So often we ask, "Why am I having to go through this?" instead of "What can I learn from this? What is God trying to show/teach me?" We wrestle with ourselves and our Savior simply because things aren't going the way that we think they should go. We all have a preconceived idea of how we think certain situations should turn out. Even as young children, we throw tantrums and fits when things don't go our way. And, many of us still throw tantrums as adults when our lives take unexpected turns. They may be internal tantrums, verbal tantrums, or emotional tantrums. But, tantrums all the same.

Acts 21:14 says, "When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."

Sometimes, that is all God is waiting for us to do. He is waiting for us to give it up and say, "Your will be done."

So, today I want to remind you as well as myself to "Remember, surrender." Surrender your life to the one that has had it planned out from the beginning. Believe me, His plan is much better than ours even though we would often beg to differ!! Give it all to Him today and allow Him to bless you and give you life.

Some Things to Think About:

1. Do you surrender or do you throw tantrums?
2. Do you look at surrendering as a weakness?
3. What area of your life do you need to surrender to your Savior?

Words of Worth:

"When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." Acts 21:14

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

"He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Matthew 26:39

Balancing Act

Sometimes I truly feel like my life is a balancing act and I am going to fall off of the wire at any moment. I feel like I am trying to be so many things for so many people that I can't possibly hold it all together.

The good news is that I don't have to hold it all together. I serve a God that holds it together for me and will take it all from me at any moment.

As women, we play so many different roles. We are mothers, daughters, wives, nurturers, and so much more. If we are not careful, our day to day lives can become very overwhelming and consume our very being.

Romans 13:14 says "Let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires."

So often, I lose sight of who is really in control and try to take over. It never fails that when I do that, I lose my balance and fall. But when I focus on Jesus and allowing Him to help me balance everything, it is then that I can walk and not waiver.

What is it that you are trying to balance today? Are you trying to hold it all together on your own? Are you focusing on Jesus or just focusing on all of the things you are balancing?

Take time today to give Jesus all of the things you are balancing. Ask Him to take control of your life and give you the balance you need to hold it together.

Some Things to Think About:

Are you trying to balance too many things?
Do you feel like you are tackling life on your own?
Do you have a hard time giving things over to Jesus because YOU want to control them on your own?

Words of Worth:

"Let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires." Romans 13:14

"Don't be impatient for the Lord to act. Travel steadily along His path." Psalm 37:34

Running Your Race

I promise myself every summer that I am going to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, and take better care of myself. I start out really strong and usually lose a couple of pounds those first couple of weeks of summer.

But then it happens. It becomes boring and mundane and I go back to eating what I want and exercising less. I lose sight of my goal and more often than not, end up weighing exactly what I did when I started (maybe even a couple pounds more!).

I think that so many of us do this same exact thing in our relationship with God. Having a relationship with our Father requires dedication, honesty, and time. It requires us to be transparent and that is so difficult for many of us.

1 Timothy 4:7 says, "...train yourselves to be Godly. For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

Looking good here on Earth is nice. I truly believe that God wants us to take care of ourselves and the bodies that He has given us. However, if we are not training ourselves to be Godly, we will not only miss out on things here on earth but will also miss out on things that God has for us in the life to come.

Training always makes me think of marathon runners. Our lives are so much like marathons in that we are all running a race trying to reach a goal. For those of us that love Jesus, our goal is pleasing Him in the lives that we live here on earth.

Sometimes I just close my eyes and picture Jesus cheering me on. I literally picture myself running for the finish line and Jesus saying, "You can do this, Andi! I am here waiting and I will help you get there. Keep running, don't give up! I love you and I won't give up you."

So how do we train for our marathon here on earth? Below are some ways that I believe God wants to us run our best race and stay on course...

God's Word - God's Word is like the water that runners receive along the way. Without receiving the water, the runners get tired and will not be able to finish the race. God's Word is our water. If we don't receive it, we will not be able to finish the race. We will become tired and unfocused.

Prayer - God is our coach in the race. If we don't communicate with our coach, we will not know what is best for our training. God helps us understand how we should train, why we should train, and what the end result of all of our training will be.

Focus - Runners in a marathon must focus on what is ahead. They focus on the finish line. They do not turn behind and look at what has already happened or what is headed their way. Instead they stay focused on the finish line and what they can do to finish strong. It does not benefit us to look behind us in our race. We must focus on the finish line and what we can do to finish strong.

All of these things are very important in our race. Without them, we will not finish successfully.

Think about your race. Are you running it with everything that you have? Are you training yourself to be godly or are you just running with no real focus and direction?

If you are at a difficult place in our race right now, close you eyes and picture Jesus cheering you on. He will not give up on you. He loves us and is calling out your name daily as you run, becoming closer and closer to being with Him.

Some Things to Think About:

1. Are you running your race picturing Jesus as your prize?
2. Are you training in a way that will result in godliness and Christlikeness?
3. Are you using God's word and prayer to run the race or are you trying to run it on your own?

Words of Worth:

"...train yourselves to be Godly. For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:7-8

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:13-14

Control Freak

Control: To have power over. Webster's Dictionary explains that to control something, you must have power over it. I have been dealing a lot with control in my own life and learning each day that in reality, I don't have the power to control anything.

I have never really thought of myself as a control freak. I like to think I turn most of my major concerns over to God and let Him deal with things in His way and in His time. However, God sees things from a different point of view and has definitely shown me lately that I am more of a control freak than I ever imagined.

God has really shown me in recent weeks that, more than anything, I want to control what other people think about me. I want to have the power over how they feel about me and who I am. Just like most people, I long for others to like me, love me, and respect me.

I've really been seeking God on this and asking Him to take control and allow me the strength and courage to give up that control. I never imagined the journey that He would take me on to allow me to do just that.

Recently, I felt like God gave me a picture of what it looks like when He is in total control. I pictured a courtroom with God in the judge's seat. There were seats for a jury but they were empty. There were seats for attorneys, but they were empty. There were seats for onlookers, press, and others interested in the trial, but you guessed it, they were empty.

The more I thought about this picture, the more I understood what it meant...

No jurors - It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about me. I don't have to answer to a jury of my peers. I simply have to answer to the judge and that judge is God.

No attorneys - I don't need anyone to plead my case for me. It is wonderful to have people pray for me and with me. However, it is important that I also understand that I can come to the Father boldly and know that He will listen and respond with grace and mercy each and every time.

No audience - I need to stop worrying about pleasing everyone around me. I constantly worry that I have hurt someone's feelings, disappointed someone, or caused someone to dislike me. At some point, we have to realize that being who we are is all that we can do and as Christians, we can only be who we are in Jesus.

Psalm 26:2 says, "Put me on trial, Lord, and cross examine me. Test my motives and affections."

If God tested your motives and affections, would He see that your motives were to please Him and only Him? Would He see that your affections are His? Or would He see that you are motivated to please others and gain the affections of this world?

I truly believe as women we all struggle with wanting approval from others. We so desperately want to please others that we often lose sight of who our judge really is.

This week, as you face control issues, whether it be trying to please others, or just trying to get things to go the way that YOU had planned, picture that courtroom. Close your eyes and picture an empty courtroom with only you and God. Thank Him for being everything that you need. Ask Him to put you on trial and change your heart. You'll be amazed at the things He will teach you and show you when you make yourself vulnerable to His will.

Some Things to Think About:

1. Do you worry more about what others think than what God thinks of you?
2. Do you sometimes feel like you have a jury that you must answer to?
3. Do you see yourself as a people pleaser or a God pleaser?

Words of Worth:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

"Put me on trial, Lord, and cross examine me. Test my motives and affections." Psalm 26:2

A Daddy's Love

I love to see the look on my little girl's face when she sees her daddy. John can just walk into the room and her face lights up and the biggest smile appears across her precious little face.

It doesn't matter what she is doing. Sometimes she is playing, sometimes she is fussing, and sometimes she is eating. But when Daddy comes in, she stops what she is doing and waits for his attention and his love.

Our daughter's reaction to John is the exact reaction we should have to our Father in Heaven. We should long for His attention and love. We should be joyful in His presence.

Do you think of God as your daddy? Do you think of Him as someone you can go to with your most private thoughts and fears? Or do you see Him as a distant father who doesn't care about the little things in your life?

I want to remind you today how much you are loved by the Father. He longs to lavish you with His love and wants to be a part of your life each and every day.

Romans 8:39 says "Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

It doesn't matter what is going on in your life. Things can be going very well or things might be really bad. It doesn't matter because NOTHING can separate us from the love of our Father. He will love us through any situation and every season of our lives.

I know that John would do anything for all of our children. He would do anything in his power to make sure they are safe, happy, and loved.

How much more must the Father in Heaven love us? We can't even imagine the love that He has for us and yet, we often ignore Him or let others steal that joy that He can bring.

God wants to love on you today. He wants you to know how very much He loves you. Smile today when you feel His presence. Stop and acknowledge that the God of the universe loves you and wants to spend time with you. Stop and let your Daddy in Heaven show you His love.

Some Things to Think About:

1. Do you think of God as a daddy or a distant father?
2. Do you long for the love of God and allow it to bring joy to your life?
3. What are some ways that God shows His love for you each and every day?

Words of Worth:

"God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." Romans 5:5

"Nothing can ever separate us from His love." Romans 8:38

"God showed how much He loved us by sending His only son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love." 1 John 4:9-10

"Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 9:39

Getting Lost

Have you ever gotten lost? It's a terrible feeling. The feeling of not knowing where you are or where you are going can be very frightening.

I remember being lost one particular time. John and I were in Dallas and we had gotten completely turned around. I was so scared and afraid. We felt completely helpless and didn't know which way to go. It seemed that every turn we made just caused us to become more lost than we were before.

We ultimately ended up having to call my Dad who was still at the wedding that we had left. Dad left the wedding immediately and came to where we were. He told us to follow him and he led us out of that frightening area and back to the highway.

What was funny about this situation was that we could see the highway from where we were, we just couldn't get to it. We knew where we should be, we just weren't sure how to get there.

Isn't that a lot like how we feel in life sometimes? We know the path we should be on, we just don't know how to get there. We get lost, lose our way. We stray from the pathway that we have been on and then can't find our way back. We become frightened, scared, and begin to feel alone.

Psalm 32:8 says, "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch over you."

Just like my dad came and rescued us that night, God is waiting to rescue you when you get off of the path that He has made for you. All you have to do is call on Him and follow, and He will guide you back to Him.

God says He will guide us along the best pathway for our lives. Not the easiest and not the fastest, but the BEST. Sometimes we try to take shortcuts and end up lost and frustrated. But God says that He will advise and watch over us. Trust Him to do that and do your best to stay on the path that He has prepared for you.

Trust the Lord to guide you along the best pathway for your life. When you become lost, cry out to Him and ask Him to get you back on His path. Take heart in knowing that the Lord of all creation is advising you and watching over you!

Some Things to Think About:

1. Do you really trust God to guide you along the best pathway for your life?
2. Have you ever spiritually lost your way?
3. When you did, did you cry out to God or try to find you way back on your own?


Words of Worth:

"The Lord will work out His plans for my life." Psalm 138:8

"The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

"You chart the path ahead of me and tell me whre to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am." Psalm 139:3

Remember When...

This weekend I was going back through some pictures of the kids that I had not looked at in a while. I found many pictures that I had completely forgotten about. I was reminded of so many happy times, funny moments, and great memories. I was amazed at how quickly I had let those memories slip away.

As I thought about this, I realized that this what often happens in our relationship with God. We forget about so many of the wonderful things that He has done for us.

Think about it. Think about a time that God did something amazing in your life. Maybe it was a time when you needed financial help and God provided in a supernatural or miraculous way. Maybe you were healed or restored. Maybe He met with you during a time you felt completely alone and broken.

Now think about when you went through a situation similar to the one from which God delivered you. Did you panic and become fearful or did you remember God's faithfulness and trust Him in that moment of need?

I once heard it referred to as "spiritual amnesia". We so easily forget God's goodness and the grace that He gives us in the most difficult of situations.

Psalm 77:11-12 says, "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds."

Do you remember the deeds of the Lord? How often do you meditate on His works? Take some time today to reflect on the the things that God has done for you. Begin a spiritual journal and look back on it often so that you remember all that He has done and will do for you.

Some Things to Think About:
1) How often do think about the things that God has done in your life?
2) Do you remember what He has done when you are going through difficult times?
3) Do you share the amazing things He has done in your life with others?

Words of Worth:
"I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night." Psalm 63:6

"We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of His power and the mighty miracles He did." Psalm 78:4

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." Psalm 77:11-12

Surprise Your Attacker

Sometimes God amazes me in the way that He uses such simple things in life to illustrate such powerful messages. Tonight was one of those times when God used something very practical and very simple to teach me an awesome truth.

This evening was our women's meeting at church. The husband of one of our ladies is involved in the narcotics division of the DPS and he came in to teach us, as women, how to escape or survive if we were suddenly attacked by a stranger.

As the speaker shared with us the many techniques and strategies to use when being attacked, I couldn't help but realize the many parallels between a physical attack and a spiritual attack:

1) Both types of attacks can come out of no where if we are not alert and ready to be on the defense.

2) Both attacks involve someone using fear to cause harm.

3) Both attacks can be avoided if we are ready, prepared, and bold in our response.

I have really been seeking God lately on how to deal with anxiety, fear, and worry. Satan has been throwing those fiery darts my way and I have allowed myself to be used as target practice.

But as the officer shared tonight, we have a much better chance of surviving an attack if we surprise our attacker. If we catch them off guard and react with boldness, they will retreat and probably leave us alone.

I began thinking, how can I surprise Satan? What could I do that would catch him off guard the next time he attacks with his lies and deceit?

I couldn't help but think of the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

The devil is constantly scheming against us. He wants us to be afraid, worrisome, and ultimately lose the faith that we have in our Savior. However, if I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, I will be ready for anything.

I want to encourage you to read Ephesians 6:10-18 and put on the armor of God each and every day this week. Let's surprise our attacker when he throws those fiery darts and show him that we are not afraid but ready for battle!

Some Things to Think About:

1. How do you react when Satan attacks?
2. How often do you put on the armor of God before starting your day?
3. Do you believe that God's word can help you avoid and destroy those fiery darts when they come your way?

Words of Worth:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10

"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy!" 1 Peter 5:8

"Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

The Storms of Life

I remember as a child hearing the story of Jesus calming the storm. I always pictured how awesome it must have been to be there on that day when Jesus said, "Be still," and even the wind and waves obeyed Him.

I often deal with storms in my own life. I don't understand why I have to go through them or why God doesn't always calm them right away. But I do know that if He could calm that storm out on the waters, He can calm the storms that I encounter in my life.

The story in the Bible says that the boat was nearly swamped with water. The storm was overtaking the boat that the disciples were in. I so often feel like I am being overtaken, that I am swamped with fears, worries, and doubts.

But in reading the next part of the story, I am reminded of the authority and power of Jesus Christ. The disciples were afraid and they woke Jesus up. They said to Him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

How often have you asked Jesus if He even cared? I know I have found myself many times wondering if He was hearing my prayers or if He had the time to deal with my situation. I have often cried out, "Lord, don't you care about what I am going through right now?"

And just like in the story, my Jesus always calms the storm and works things out in His time. Can you imagine what it must have been like when Jesus stood up and said, "Quiet! Be still!"? In that moment, the waves and the wind stopped. They were in complete obedience to His words.

Jesus then asked the disciples why they were afraid. He said, "Do you still have no faith?" Even after all they had seen Jesus do, the disciples still struggled with their faith in a situation that frightened them and seemed overwhelming.

Don't you believe that if He can calm the waves of the ocean, He can calm the storms in your life? Believe in His power and authority. As you encounter storms and difficult times in your life, cry out to Jesus. Give Him your fears, your worries, and your doubts. And then watch as He calms your storms and gets you through the rough waters.

Some Things to Think About:

1. What storms are you going through right now?
2. Have you asked Jesus to calm the storm?
3. Do you believe that Jesus cares about your storms and has the power to get you through them?

Words of Worth:

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!". Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Mark 4:39

"The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and then He saved me." Psalm 116:6

"Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

Move It!!!

Moving is not an easy thing to do. Everytime John and I have moved, it has been hard. I hate the packing, going through things, putting things away, and asking for the help that it will require to get us to our new location.

I can honestly say that each time we have moved into a new home, I have done nothing but moan and groan. I complain about every part of the move and I never focus on where I'm going until we are all moved in and everything is where it should be.

Has God ever asked you to move? Has He ever asked you to move out of your comfort zone to share Jesus with someone you didn't even know? Has He ever asked you to move away from something that was damaging to your faith even though it was something that you loved and enjoyed? Has He asked you move closer to Him and give up things that you longed to hold onto?

I think that when God asks us to move on something, we sometimes have the same attitude as when we are moving to a new location.

~ We are excited about getting to where God wants us to go but we aren't sure about all that we are going to have to do to get there.
~ We often complain when God is moving us in a certain direction. Instead of focusing on where God is taking us, we focus on what He is taking us from.
~ We worry about asking others to help us when God is calling us in a new direction. We worry about what they might think or how they might react to us moving in the new direction instead of asking for prayer and words of encouragement.

When God called me to begin my ministry, I was so excited but I also knew that He was moving me in a direction that was going to require a lot of faith and dedication. I worried what others might think or how they might react to this step that I was taking in my life. I often find myself focusing on the things that I am having to do to get to where God wants to me to be. However, God is always faithful in reminding me that He would not move me in a direction that was not in line with His will.

Joshua 1:9 says "I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Sometimes it feels as though we are as far away from God as we have ever been. But His Word says that He is with us WHEREEVER we go. This means that even when we feel like we have moved away from God, He is still with us. However, when we move TOWARDS God, I believe that He will renew us and give us the strength that we need for any situation. It can be scary when we are asked to move in a new direction, but that new direction is often the path to a closer relationship with our Savior.

Ask God today if He is wanting you to move in a certain direction. Is He asking you to move away from something, towards something, or to continue perservering down the path that you are going?

Believe that God's will for your life is no less than perfect and He will not ask you to move in a direction that would not be beneficial to your relationship with Him. Be strong and courageous and know that He is with you wherever you go. God will move you in the right direction if you will choose to listen and be obedient to His commands.

Something to Think About:

1) Is God asking you to move in a certain direction?
2) Have you been stubborn and refused to move or have you chosen to listen and obey His direction?
3) Are you moving toward God or moving away from Him?
4) Are you you willing to move it when God asks you to do so or would you rather stay in your comfort zone until YOU are ready to move?

Words of Worth:

"I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest." Psalm 139:3

"I am holding you by your right hand - I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Do not be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:13

Are you Amazed?

"You are worried and upset about many things." These are the words that Jesus used as He addressed Martha while visiting her home.

"Worried and upset about many things." Sound familiar?

Many of you know the story of Mary and Martha. I love this story because I believe it is a wonderful example of how we can become so preoccupied with our daily lives as women and miss out on all that Jesus has for us.

I can only imagine how Martha must have felt as she was preparing her home for the Lord to visit. I clean like a crazy woman when we are having our closest friends over; I cannot imagine how many bottles of Lysol I would go through of Jesus was coming to my home.

Martha was hurrying around trying to clean and prepare as Jesus arrived at her home. She wanted everything to be perfect and longed to please her Savior.

However, her sister just sat at the feet of Jesus when He arrived. Mary was amazed and consumed with everything that Jesus was and longed to listen to anything that He had to share.

This made Martha angry and she asked Jesus why He didn't care that she was doing all of the work while Mary just sat and did nothing. Martha even told Jesus to tell Mary to help her! Can you imagine? Martha must have been extremely frustrated at this point and was probably very tired. She wanted her home to be pleasing to Jesus and was working very hard to make sure everything was in order.

I think many of us can completely understand Martha's reaction in this story. Martha loved Jesus and wanted to spend time with Him. However, she also wanted to appear prepared and ready for His visit. She probably longed to sit at His feet also but allowed herself to be worried about other things that really didn't matter at all to her visitor. Many of us do this same thing day after day. We long to spend time with Jesus but become busy trying to be the perfect mom, wife, or employee. We want to be pleasing to our Savior but just can't seem to find the time to stop and sit at His feet for even a few moments.

I wonder, how many of us can truly say that we can identify with Mary's reaction? How many of us can say that we would just sit and listen without any preoccupations when Jesus came to visit?

The New Testament uses the word "amazed" to describe how people felt when they saw, heard, or experienced Jesus. Mary was truly amazed by Jesus and His love for her. She was not going to let anything stand in the way of spending time with her Savior.

In this moment, Jesus saw her heart and explained to Martha that Mary had made the right choice. "...only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Take some time now to think about Mary and Martha. Who do you relate to? Are you amazed with Jesus? Do you understand how Mary must have felt or do you relate better to Martha's reaction of busyness and preoccupation?

Slow down this week and just spend some time sitting at His feet and listening. Don't let life get in the way of the amazing reality of who Jesus is and what He has done for every one of us.


Some Things to Think About:

Are you truly amazed with Jesus and all that He is?
Do you often find yourself too busy to stop and spend time focusing on your Savior and what He has done in your life?
How many times do you find yourself more concerned with the way things appear and less concerned with your relationship with Jesus?

Words of Worth:

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching."
Matthew 7:28

"The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!"" Matthew 8:27

"The people were amazed at his teaching, because He taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law." Mark 1:22

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

Still, Small Voice

When I think about God's voice, I often think of a loud, booming expression that cannot be ignored. However, sometimes when God speaks, it is a still, small voice that gently tugs on our hearts.

A couple of weeks ago, I was cleaning out some of the things in my classroom. As I was cleaning, I came across a journal that I had kept during my first years as a teacher. As I began to flip through the pages, I came across several names of the students that I had taught.

Then, I came across the name of a student that I remembered and couldn't help but feel as though I needed to pray for him. I can't explain the feeling that I had other than just a gentle tug on my heart - a still, small voice.

In that moment, I just said a quick little prayer and never thought another thing about it. I just put the journal away and continued to clean my classroom.

You see, I didn't realize it in that moment, but God was telling me that I needed to pray for that student for a reason. For, just last week, I was reading the news and came across an article that caused me to pray again for that same student. His sister had been killed in a car accident just days after I had come across his name in my journal.

I could not believe what I had read. I had not thought of this student in more than five years, and before anyone even knew their family needed prayer, God began tugging on people's hearts to pray for them. Who knows how many others were called to go before the throne on their behalf, but God was definitely moving and preparing their hearts for a very difficult time in their lives.

I only wish that I had listened more completely to the Holy Spirit as it spoke to me that day. I wish I had prayed harder and given it more of my attention. Instead, I said a quick prayer and went about my day.

I want to encourage you to be aware of that still, small voice that speaks to us so very often. I believe that more often than not, we miss out the things that God is doing or calling us to do because we get so caught up in our own busy lives, crazy households, or selfish ambitions.

1 Kings 19:11-12 tells of a time when the Lord appeared to Elijah:

"The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."

The whisper was the voice of God. This is a perfect example of that still, small voice that you and I can hear if we just choose to listen. However, sometimes, we miss it because we are expecting something big and loud, like the wind, an earthquake, or a fire.

God might choose to speak with a voice that thunders but it's important that we also realize that He can speak in a gentle whisper that can only be heard in us making the choice to listen.

I believe that everyone hears God's voice in a different way. I think He speaks to us through other people, nature, circumstances, and as individuals.

Again, I want to encourage you to listen for that still, small voice as you go about your day today. Then tonight, when everything is quiet - the kids are in bed, the house is in order, and you are alone with your thoughts, ask God to speak to you in way that is new and refreshing. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and then wait patiently and allow Him to speak to you in that still, small voice.

Some things to think about:

1) How often do you ask God to reveal Himself to you?
2) Have you ever heard Him speak to you through others, nature, circumstances, or heard Him speak directly to you?
3) Do you believe that God can and will speak to you?
4) Is there a situation in your life that you are seeking to hear God's voice on?

Words of Worth:

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12

"Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3

"You can be sure of this...The Lord will answer when I call to Him." Psalm 4:3

"Be silent and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Top Priority

God, family, friends. These are my priorities - in order. Or are they in order? Anytime I think about or write down my priorities, I put them in this order. I always put God first because I know that that is the arrangement that my priorities SHOULD be in.

I would like to think that if it came down to it, I would choose God over everything else in my life. I long to please my Savior by living a life that reflects the fact that He is my very top priority no matter what the situation may be.

However, sometimes, I fail to live my life in a way that shows others that God is my top priority. In fact, I often get all of my priorities mixed up. I can't say that I haven't put my family at the very top of my priority list nor can I say that I haven't put my friends first in a situation where God was clearly calling me to boldly stand up for Him.

Think about these examples:

1) How often do you get up and leave a very juicy gossip session because you know that God is disappointed that you are taking part in such a situation?
2) How often do you remind your children as you disciplining them that not only have they made you unhappy but they have also grieved the heart of God?
3) How often have you and your spouse decided not to go out with a group of friends because they are seeing a movie that goes against everything that you believe in?
4) How often do you get up and have your quiet time with God before you make breakfast, lay out clothes, and get ready for work?

I must confess that I have found myself in all of these situations. So often, I worry what others will think instead of remembering that the only person that I truly long to please is my Father in Heaven. God loves us so very much and longs for us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and will ultimately result in our lives being a living sacrifice for Him.

Luke 12:34 says, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be."

So, where is your treasure?

Is it in what others think of you?
Is it in how much money you have?
Is it in the job promotion that you have worked so hard for?
Is it in your spouse?
Is it in your children?

Or can you truly say that your treasure lies in knowing that your Heavenly Father is pleased with the way that you live your life each and every day?

We cannot help but put our focus on the things that we love the most. It is our nature as human beings. Therefore, if we love Jesus more than anyone or anything that is here on earth, we will not be able to turn our focus away from Him. On the other hand, if we love anyone or anything more than Jesus, we will turn our focus from Him and place it on these things.

Think about these things as you go about your daily routines today. Remember, that God is your treasure and ask Him to help you to turn your focus toward Him rather than toward worldly things that will not bring us any eternal reward. For if our focus is on Him, all of our other priorities will fall into place.

Some Things to Think About:

1) What are your priorities based on the way you live your life and not based on the order that they should be in?
2) What are some things that you can do to make sure that God is your top priority?
3) How you can you live your life in a way that makes it evident to others that God is your top priority?

Words of Worth:

"Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a place of refuge for their children." Proverbs 14:26

"Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6

"Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of Heaven your primary concern." Matthew 6:32

"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." Luke 12:34

God's Promises

"Look,Mommy!" my oldest son said as we walked outside Tuesday evening. "A rainbow!"

As I looked up at the sky, there was a perfect arch of the most beautiful colors. It stretched all the way across the blue sky and it seemed as though God had placed it in the sky just for us.

After I put the children to bed that evening, I began to think again about the beautiful rainbow and all it meant to me.

As we all know, the events of this week were very difficult to take in. I was searching God's heart and asking Him many questions, most of which started with, "Why?"

As I stared at that beautiful arch in the sky, I couldn't help but remember what a rainbow means to us as believers. You see, God gave Noah the rainbow as part of a promise. It was to serve as a reminder to mankind that He would never again destroy the Earth with a flood.

However, in this moment, I believe God was reminding me of some of the other promises and truths that are part of His Word.

The first promise is that His grace is enough.
God's grace is sufficient for all of us. It will cover us and get us through even the most trying of situations if we will only allow Him to do so.

2nd Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...". His power is made perfect in our weakness. I don't know about you, but I have felt pretty weak and powerless this week. But in that weakness, God's power is made perfect. He can take our weaknesses, hard times, troubles, and struggles and give us the grace to make it through. His grace is enough.

God's Word also promises that He is the God of mercy and comfort.
2nd Corinthians 1:3 says that "He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us." We serve a merciful God that will give us comfort even in the most uncomfortable situations. He can bring peace and life if we will just let Him in.

Finally,I believe that God wants us to all remember that He is faithful in keeping His promises.
God does not waiver. He does not change His mind. His ways are perfect and His promises secure. We do not have to wonder if God's promises will change from day to day or whether He will keep the promises that He has made. We can believe and stand firm in knowing that His promises will not be broken. Hebrews 10:23 says "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise."

Times like these are never easy. God knows that we are going to have questions, fears, and doubts. However, He also knows that the only way we can have any of those questions answered, fears relieved, or doubts erased is to come to Him. Don't be afraid to ask God the hard questions. He already knows you are thinking them and longs to compassionately and lovingly help you get through even the most difficult of situations.

Something to Think About:

1) Is there an area in your life where you could really use God's grace, mercy, and comfort?
2) Do you believe that His promises are true and that He is faithful in fulfilling them?
3) Do you believe that His grace is enough and that it will carry you through even the most difficult of circumstances?

Words of Worth:

"Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow." Lamentations 3:32-33

"He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

"Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23

Wait and Seek

Patience. Sometimes, I feel like I have absolutely none. So often, I get angry and frustrated because:

* The elderly woman at the grocery store has lost her credit card, so I have to wait three more minutes in line.
* My three year old doesn't do EXACTLY what I asked the FIRST time I asked it.
* My husband did not bring home milk even after an e-mail, phone call, and note left on his dashboard.
* God has not answered the prayer that I was sure was in line with His will.

All of these situations allow me the opportunity to choose my reaction. The first reaction is one of patience and understanding. The other is the reaction that is all too familiar, one of anger and frustration.

Webster's Dictionary defines being patient as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint."

How often can we say that we do that? How often do we endure pains or trials without complaining?

One of my favorite scriptures is Lamentations 3:25. "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him."

Did you catch the wonderfully good part? It seems as though we would all long for the Lord to be wonderfully good to us. So why in the world is it so difficult for us to wait and seek Him?

Because we live in a right here and right now kind of society. We don't have to wait for much and when we do have to wait, we are not happy about it. Think about it...

1) What if you wait and seek Him before you complain about that elderly lady in line and instead reassure her that you are in no hurry?
2) What if you wait and seek Him before disciplining your children in anger and instead discipline them in love?
3) What if you wait and seek Him before getting frustrated with your husband and instead thank him for the groceries that he did remember?
4) What if you wait and seek Him before becoming angry at Him for not answering your prayers right away and instead give Him the opportunity to work out His good and perfect will for your life?

Wait and seek...Really, it's not that complicated. Patience is simply a matter of waiting and seeking God. Seeking God's heart in a situation can make a huge difference in our reaction. It can turn an otherwise frustrating moment into a moment of learning and obedience.

Think about some situations in which you seem to be the most impatient. Is it with strangers? Your spouse? Your children? Ask God to give you patience and a heart that is willing to wait and seek Him in all situations.

Something to Think About:
1. What are some situations in which you have a difficult time being patient?
2. What trials and pains have you complained about lately?
3. Is there something that has happened recently that could have had a different outcome if you would have chosen to wait and seek?

Words of Worth:
"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1

"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience." Galatians 5:22

"The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him." Lamentations 3:25