DAY 29 (I am a day behind)
I am thankful
for discovering the benefits of gluten free eating. This is often
called a diet, but it a way of life not a diet. Also, for many people it
is not a choice but a necessity. For me it is not life threatening nor
does it make me extremely ill, but for some that is the case. I am
thankful that I decided to give it a try to help my Autoimmune Disease.
I feel so much better and I also know when I eat the wrong thing.
Praise the Lord for the new things out there that are Gluten Free.
Friday, November 30, 2012
DAY 26, 27, 28
Playing catch up again!
DAY 26, 27, 28
I am thankful for good LONG visits. I am so glad that my parents are retired now and can come for longer visits. They were here for 2 full weeks. We had a marvelous time!! I know they were ready to go home, but I am so glad they stayed for as long as they did. Pray for them as they head back to FL today and tomorrow. I really miss them!!! Praise the Lord for Godly parents!!
DAY 26, 27, 28
I am thankful for good LONG visits. I am so glad that my parents are retired now and can come for longer visits. They were here for 2 full weeks. We had a marvelous time!! I know they were ready to go home, but I am so glad they stayed for as long as they did. Pray for them as they head back to FL today and tomorrow. I really miss them!!! Praise the Lord for Godly parents!!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
DAY 25
DAY 25
I am thankful for my Christian heritage. My parents and grandparents went to church and that is great be able to share with my children. My Grandma Work wanted a Christian school for her grandchildren when she died in April of 1975 a fund was started to start that school. It opened in the Fall of that year. The school is still in existence today. I love listening to my Mom talk about verses her parents liked or hymns. Today my mom and I sang a duet in church "Ivory Palaces" my Grandpa Work's favorite hymn.
I am thankful for my Christian heritage. My parents and grandparents went to church and that is great be able to share with my children. My Grandma Work wanted a Christian school for her grandchildren when she died in April of 1975 a fund was started to start that school. It opened in the Fall of that year. The school is still in existence today. I love listening to my Mom talk about verses her parents liked or hymns. Today my mom and I sang a duet in church "Ivory Palaces" my Grandpa Work's favorite hymn.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
DAY 24
DAY 24
I am thankful for spoiling and memories! My parents are here and have been since the 14. We are loving it! You know how grandparents are, they love to spoil. My parents are not bad about it but just little things. Well, my mom has a saying "I am not spoiling I am making memories". I am thankful my parents are able to make the trip from FL to MI. We are making memories the boys will talk about for a long time to come. We are enjoying them!!!!
I am thankful for spoiling and memories! My parents are here and have been since the 14. We are loving it! You know how grandparents are, they love to spoil. My parents are not bad about it but just little things. Well, my mom has a saying "I am not spoiling I am making memories". I am thankful my parents are able to make the trip from FL to MI. We are making memories the boys will talk about for a long time to come. We are enjoying them!!!!
Friday, November 23, 2012
DAY 23
DAY 23
I am thankful for the seasons of Michigan! We got some snow today, a little more than flurries. It is SO fun watching the excitement in my boys as they see the snow coming down! I love seeing it through their eyes! God has given such beauty in His creation!
I am thankful for the seasons of Michigan! We got some snow today, a little more than flurries. It is SO fun watching the excitement in my boys as they see the snow coming down! I love seeing it through their eyes! God has given such beauty in His creation!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
DAY 21
DAY 21- I am thankful for my children all 4!
Many reading my think, 4? No I am not pregnant! Yet, 5 years ago today I started my day excited to see an ultrasound of Baby #3. Yet, by the end of the day, I knew that our baby had gone to Heaven. Today is full of emotion. I know if I had not lost that baby there would be no Little T! Trenton is my precious youngest who brings such joy to our lives. So, remember my little one waiting for me in Heaven and thankful for that loss that has also helped me help others.
Many reading my think, 4? No I am not pregnant! Yet, 5 years ago today I started my day excited to see an ultrasound of Baby #3. Yet, by the end of the day, I knew that our baby had gone to Heaven. Today is full of emotion. I know if I had not lost that baby there would be no Little T! Trenton is my precious youngest who brings such joy to our lives. So, remember my little one waiting for me in Heaven and thankful for that loss that has also helped me help others.
DAY 16 - 20
OH MY am I way behind!! My parents are here and I haven't taken much time for the computer!
DAY 16 - Our wonderful home God has provided. Thankful for the warmth.
DAY 17 - My inlaws- many people cringe when they hear in laws are coming. I am excited to see them. It is great having family we get along so well with.
DAY 18 - Church family- We are thankful for the church family God has given us. They are loving and care for each other in such a blessed way.
DAY 19 - Wonderful opportunities that our children have!! We praise the Lord for the conductors the boys have in HSMA. It is a blessing to see them learn their instruments with Godly leaders.
DAY 20 - Pastor and his family. We are so blessed to be led by God to a church led by a wonderful pastor. The Lord has blessed him with a calm spirit and a great way of teaching and preaching. We have learned a lot from him and his family in the few months we have been in our church. Our boys truly look up to their sons and it is wonderful to have Christ honoring teens for them to admire and pattern themselves after.
DAY 16 - Our wonderful home God has provided. Thankful for the warmth.
DAY 17 - My inlaws- many people cringe when they hear in laws are coming. I am excited to see them. It is great having family we get along so well with.
DAY 18 - Church family- We are thankful for the church family God has given us. They are loving and care for each other in such a blessed way.
DAY 19 - Wonderful opportunities that our children have!! We praise the Lord for the conductors the boys have in HSMA. It is a blessing to see them learn their instruments with Godly leaders.
DAY 20 - Pastor and his family. We are so blessed to be led by God to a church led by a wonderful pastor. The Lord has blessed him with a calm spirit and a great way of teaching and preaching. We have learned a lot from him and his family in the few months we have been in our church. Our boys truly look up to their sons and it is wonderful to have Christ honoring teens for them to admire and pattern themselves after.
DAY 14 & 15
DAY 14 and 15- I am thankful for safety of
travel for my parents from FL to MI. They will be here for 2 weeks!!!
Praise the Lord for being able to visit with them.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
DAY 13
Moving Beyond Bitterness to Forgiveness
Bitterness has destroyed many people because it enslaves them to the object of their bitterness. They have no freedom to enjoy their walk with God and others. A bitter person can infect their family, their workplace or even their church with their attitude. “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15)
God has not only given us a cure for bitterness, but He has also modeled this cure. This cure is called forgiveness. The word forgiveness means “to send away”. The idea is that we throw the bitter attitude out of our lives; never to retrieve it again. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” (Ephesians 4:31)
God gives us three reasons to cast out bitterness and embrace forgiveness.
1. Christ has forgiven us. ”And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32) No matter what anybody has done to us, it is nothing compared to all of our sinful offenses towards God.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant is a great illustration of the above truth. The landowner forgives his servant an enormous debt; yet this forgiven debtor is unwilling to forgive his follow servant a very small debt. (Matthew 18:21-35) How can we talk about God’s mercy and not share that mercy with others?
2. Christ commands us to forgive others. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.“(Colossians 3:13) A bitter spirit is a disobedient spirit. When we forgive a person in our heart, we are walking in obedience to Christ.
3. Christ is our example of demonstrating forgiveness. When Christ was being mocked upon the cross, He didn’t respond with anger and bitterness. He called out to His Father: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) When we forgive those who have hurt us, we are acting like our Savior. These people didn’t ask Christ to forgive them, but yet Christ poured out His forgiveness towards them.
Forgiveness is difficult for us because we think that the offended party is “let off the hook”. In reality, we are let off the hook. We are now free to live our lives without being controlled by our bitterness. God shows us the following blessings of extending forgiveness to others.
- We have a testimony before others. “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11)
- We show God’s love towards others. Charity “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:6-7)
- We will have a joyful heart. “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
- We will enjoy true Christian fellowship. “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 2:10)
“Dear Lord, you felt the pain of rejection, hatred, misunderstanding and ridicule; yet you forgave. Help me, to forgive those who have hurt me. My bitter spirit has not only hurt me, but those around me. I have lost the joy in my life. Lord, in my heart I now forgive _____________. Thank you for your forgiveness towards me when I don’t deserve it. From now on, help me to exercise love towards even those who have hurt me. Amen.”
Monday, November 12, 2012
DAY 12
DAY 12
I am so thankful for answered prayer. We had been praying that the Lord would show us if I should become a Pampered Chef consultant (something we have considered for awhile and felt now may bet he time). The Lord gave us some very clear answers that now was the time to take this step of faith. Satan loves to put doubts when God has given a clear path, and I was praying for the Lord to show me maybe a little more that I was doing the right thing. Well, yesterday he did just that!! I was sharing with a friend how the Lord was leading and the ways we made the decision and she gave me the money for my start up kit! I am SO overwhelmed by how God provides and makes his will clear. I am excited about this new venture and how it will help provide for my family!
I recently heard a good message on prayer by Paul Chappell. His outline was simple.
ASK
A- ask
S- seek
K- knock
God promises to answer we need to pray believing he WILL do it. I am so thankful for a faithful Father even when I am not so faithful!
I am so thankful for answered prayer. We had been praying that the Lord would show us if I should become a Pampered Chef consultant (something we have considered for awhile and felt now may bet he time). The Lord gave us some very clear answers that now was the time to take this step of faith. Satan loves to put doubts when God has given a clear path, and I was praying for the Lord to show me maybe a little more that I was doing the right thing. Well, yesterday he did just that!! I was sharing with a friend how the Lord was leading and the ways we made the decision and she gave me the money for my start up kit! I am SO overwhelmed by how God provides and makes his will clear. I am excited about this new venture and how it will help provide for my family!
I recently heard a good message on prayer by Paul Chappell. His outline was simple.
ASK
A- ask
S- seek
K- knock
God promises to answer we need to pray believing he WILL do it. I am so thankful for a faithful Father even when I am not so faithful!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
DAY11
DAY 11
I am thankful for the Veterans who have served our country. I have 2 uncles and a cousin who have served. The all served during a war, and thankfully came home safely. I know many military families today who have loved ones serving and many away from home today. THANK YOU!!!
I am thankful for the Veterans who have served our country. I have 2 uncles and a cousin who have served. The all served during a war, and thankfully came home safely. I know many military families today who have loved ones serving and many away from home today. THANK YOU!!!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
DAY 10
DAY 10
I am thankful for God's provisions. We have been blessed with a house that has yard enough to do a good garden. This year as we were digging potatoes it didn't seem like we had a lot, but NOW 14 quarts of reds later and still MANY left for fresh potatoes I am amazed again at how God provides.
I know there are many that can't do gardens due to health or where they live. My Mom would love to do one and has tried but has not succeeded yet, I know she will try again next year. It is a lot of work and canning is work too. BUT in winter months when we have fresh vegetables ready for us at no extra cost it is such a blessing!
Enjoy what God has given you today!!
I am thankful for God's provisions. We have been blessed with a house that has yard enough to do a good garden. This year as we were digging potatoes it didn't seem like we had a lot, but NOW 14 quarts of reds later and still MANY left for fresh potatoes I am amazed again at how God provides.
I know there are many that can't do gardens due to health or where they live. My Mom would love to do one and has tried but has not succeeded yet, I know she will try again next year. It is a lot of work and canning is work too. BUT in winter months when we have fresh vegetables ready for us at no extra cost it is such a blessing!
Enjoy what God has given you today!!
Friday, November 9, 2012
DAY 9
DAY 9
I am thankful for my youngest Trenton. This child has more nicknames than any other child I know.
I have called him T from the beginning. T Baby now T Bubba! Grandma Bidlack calls him Tiny Might. Papa Walker calls him Trenton, NJ. At church, we have a gentleman that calls him Shorty! All those names sum up our youngest. My all time favorite it "The Mess". I said this one time to a dear friend and it has stuck. For many years, I have seen families and knew that each family has a "clown" T is our clown. From a young age, his personality has always made us laugh. He is truly a joy to us!!
This is when he was 1 and being a clown.
He also had crazy hair as a baby!
.jpg)
.jpg)
I have really had fun looking through old pictures.
This summer at my family reunion he discovered water guns and pools!
I also used to call him Master of Disaster or Doctor of Destruction cuz he is always getting into things and breaking things.
I will have to say that he keeps me on my toes more that the other 2 did at his age!!
We are also enjoying watching him learn to love the Lord. He has not made a decision to accept Christ, yet, but we feel he is getting close. He loves to sing in church and he will play church and "preach" to his stuffed animals. I know God has something big for him too.
I am blessed to be the Mom of these 3 precious boys!!!
I am thankful for my youngest Trenton. This child has more nicknames than any other child I know.
I have called him T from the beginning. T Baby now T Bubba! Grandma Bidlack calls him Tiny Might. Papa Walker calls him Trenton, NJ. At church, we have a gentleman that calls him Shorty! All those names sum up our youngest. My all time favorite it "The Mess". I said this one time to a dear friend and it has stuck. For many years, I have seen families and knew that each family has a "clown" T is our clown. From a young age, his personality has always made us laugh. He is truly a joy to us!!
He also had crazy hair as a baby!
.jpg)
.jpg)
This summer at my family reunion he discovered water guns and pools!
I also used to call him Master of Disaster or Doctor of Destruction cuz he is always getting into things and breaking things.
I will have to say that he keeps me on my toes more that the other 2 did at his age!!
We are also enjoying watching him learn to love the Lord. He has not made a decision to accept Christ, yet, but we feel he is getting close. He loves to sing in church and he will play church and "preach" to his stuffed animals. I know God has something big for him too.
I am blessed to be the Mom of these 3 precious boys!!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Viola Video
DAY 8
DAY 8
I am thankful for my "middle man", as we affectionately call him. Raymond has always been my more laid back serious one. He has his funny side too! He reminds me of my Grandpa Raymond Walker (one person he gets his name from), says funny things in a serious way.
I am enjoying watching him grow spiritually as well. He accepted Christ as his Saviour when he was 4. He loves to go to church and learn about the Lord. I truly believe he is going to be my little missionary. If you ask him what he is going to be when he grows up, he says "A missionary to New Zealand". He loves people - at church he is the one that goes and gives hugs to everyone. I am excited to see what God has in store for him.
He loved the pool at the reunion this summer. There was no stopping him once he got over the fear.
Here he is just hanging out. He loves to just sit and watch people.
Being the serious one that he is, he chose to play the Viola. It has helped greatly with his attention. SO thankful for the opportunities we have to learn music.
I thank the Lord everyday for the sweet Middle Man and all his kind loving ways.
I am thankful for my "middle man", as we affectionately call him. Raymond has always been my more laid back serious one. He has his funny side too! He reminds me of my Grandpa Raymond Walker (one person he gets his name from), says funny things in a serious way.
I am enjoying watching him grow spiritually as well. He accepted Christ as his Saviour when he was 4. He loves to go to church and learn about the Lord. I truly believe he is going to be my little missionary. If you ask him what he is going to be when he grows up, he says "A missionary to New Zealand". He loves people - at church he is the one that goes and gives hugs to everyone. I am excited to see what God has in store for him.
Being the serious one that he is, he chose to play the Viola. It has helped greatly with his attention. SO thankful for the opportunities we have to learn music.
I thank the Lord everyday for the sweet Middle Man and all his kind loving ways.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Pics of Spencer
 |
| Here are some pictures of my Spencer!! |
 |
| He is making cookies for a friend that helps him with his trumpet. |
 |
| My beginning trumpet player!! |
DAY 7
DAY 7
I am thankful on this 7th day of November for my firstborn!
Spencer Jarrytt Bidlack was born March 15, 2004
5 years before his birth we were told by an "Expert" Fertility Doctor that there was little to no chance we would ever have a baby. Even a month before he was conceived, we were told that even with some things we did to help our chances that it will probably not happen with out medical intervention. THEN!!!! We found out we were expecting! What excitement!!! We had longed for a baby for so long and prayed SO hard. My father in law is a red head and I prayed for a red-headed baby for a the whole year we thought we were going to adopt. So I continued to pray that God will allow our little one to have red hair! I really loved being pregnant!!
The day finally came for our little man to make his appearance! I was SO excited to see that God had given us a red head!
Our young man is now 8, and he is growing into a Godly young man. We are thankful that at age 4 he accepted Christ as his Saviour. He was baptized at 5 and has now surrendered to do "whatever God wants me to do", as he says it. We pray for him daily that God would us him and keep his heart tender to the Lord. I have enjoyed watching him make decisions for the Lord. He is burdened for souls! He cries over the souls of his neighbor friends! We pray he would keep this burden in years to come.
Spencer is such a blessing!!! I thank the Lord for giving me such a sweet son!!
Spencer is in 3rd grade and also in Beginning Band in our area Homeschool Music Association. He is doing a good job learning how to play trumpet.
I am thankful on this 7th day of November for my firstborn!
Spencer Jarrytt Bidlack was born March 15, 2004
5 years before his birth we were told by an "Expert" Fertility Doctor that there was little to no chance we would ever have a baby. Even a month before he was conceived, we were told that even with some things we did to help our chances that it will probably not happen with out medical intervention. THEN!!!! We found out we were expecting! What excitement!!! We had longed for a baby for so long and prayed SO hard. My father in law is a red head and I prayed for a red-headed baby for a the whole year we thought we were going to adopt. So I continued to pray that God will allow our little one to have red hair! I really loved being pregnant!!
The day finally came for our little man to make his appearance! I was SO excited to see that God had given us a red head!
Our young man is now 8, and he is growing into a Godly young man. We are thankful that at age 4 he accepted Christ as his Saviour. He was baptized at 5 and has now surrendered to do "whatever God wants me to do", as he says it. We pray for him daily that God would us him and keep his heart tender to the Lord. I have enjoyed watching him make decisions for the Lord. He is burdened for souls! He cries over the souls of his neighbor friends! We pray he would keep this burden in years to come.
Spencer is such a blessing!!! I thank the Lord for giving me such a sweet son!!
Spencer is in 3rd grade and also in Beginning Band in our area Homeschool Music Association. He is doing a good job learning how to play trumpet.
DAY 6
DAY 6
I am thankful for the freedom to vote.
I pray that many Christians today will do their part to remove the wickedness from our presidency.
*As you can tell, I wrote this on Tues, Nov. 6 but never posted it.
I am thankful for the freedom to vote.
I pray that many Christians today will do their part to remove the wickedness from our presidency.
*As you can tell, I wrote this on Tues, Nov. 6 but never posted it.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Day 4
DAY 4 - Trials
Each family and life has trials and struggles that come along. Many times we see these struggles as just problems, but as Christians we should see them as opportunities to grow. God uses them to help us grow spiritually, but He also uses them to move us to new opportunities. It is comforting and encouraging to know that God promises to guide our footsteps when follow Him.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
When we truly seek Him, he will guide us. Even when others don't agree with our choices, we must move forward knowing that God is guiding. It is so exciting to see God bless when we make the hard choices. I truly believe we as Christians limit the blessings of God, because we don't follow Him all the time with complete faith and trust.
I have to say, I am far from there with this concept. I still struggle with trusting! When it seems that we are living paycheck to paycheck, and wonder how we will do it. I doubt and get discouraged. Then my loving Lord, reminds me that He is in control and will never be late in providing.
THANK YOU, Lord, for your promises and fulfillment of them.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Hebrew 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Ok, I am not sure why, but I have never really seen the whole verse until today. I mean I have read it but the Lord truly opened my eyes to it.
The promise of never leaving is connected with being content. He knew we would look around at what others have and he promises us to never leave and to take care of us.
Each family and life has trials and struggles that come along. Many times we see these struggles as just problems, but as Christians we should see them as opportunities to grow. God uses them to help us grow spiritually, but He also uses them to move us to new opportunities. It is comforting and encouraging to know that God promises to guide our footsteps when follow Him.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
When we truly seek Him, he will guide us. Even when others don't agree with our choices, we must move forward knowing that God is guiding. It is so exciting to see God bless when we make the hard choices. I truly believe we as Christians limit the blessings of God, because we don't follow Him all the time with complete faith and trust.
I have to say, I am far from there with this concept. I still struggle with trusting! When it seems that we are living paycheck to paycheck, and wonder how we will do it. I doubt and get discouraged. Then my loving Lord, reminds me that He is in control and will never be late in providing.
THANK YOU, Lord, for your promises and fulfillment of them.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Hebrew 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Ok, I am not sure why, but I have never really seen the whole verse until today. I mean I have read it but the Lord truly opened my eyes to it.
The promise of never leaving is connected with being content. He knew we would look around at what others have and he promises us to never leave and to take care of us.
DAY 3
DAY 3
I am thankful for my husband!! Doug is the perfect man for me and God knew it, I just had to be patient to wait for him. I was 26 when I got married, and a few times I almost blew it and became too impatient and tried my way. SO thankful that when it really mattered, I listened to the Lord and yielded to His guiding.
I am SO thankful for the wonderful man God has given me!! It has been exciting to watch God work in his life over the past 14 years. Doug has yielded to the Holy Spirit to give himself to ministry in whatever area God has for us. This past year has had some very trying/difficult times that may discourage some men or cause them to turn from God, but I am thankful that has not happened to Doug. He has come through each struggle with his integrity and has grown stronger. The Lord has given us many opportunities to serve Him and it has been the guidance of my husband that has brought me to each place God has for us.
While serving the Lord in our church, Doug works a full time job. He drives school bus for Special Needs. It takes a special person to do this, and Doug is just that guy! Some weeks he works 45+ hours and he remains faithful to Bible study and prayer. He also studies for his Sunday School class and to teach our Lighthouse Kids Klub.
On top of being my husband he is an awesome Dad to our 3 boys. He has such a calm special way with our boys to guide and correct them. He takes time to teach them how to work so they can grow into hard working young men.
He guides our family in the most important way- spiritually! I am SO thankful for the godly man God has given me!!!!!
I am thankful for my husband!! Doug is the perfect man for me and God knew it, I just had to be patient to wait for him. I was 26 when I got married, and a few times I almost blew it and became too impatient and tried my way. SO thankful that when it really mattered, I listened to the Lord and yielded to His guiding.
I am SO thankful for the wonderful man God has given me!! It has been exciting to watch God work in his life over the past 14 years. Doug has yielded to the Holy Spirit to give himself to ministry in whatever area God has for us. This past year has had some very trying/difficult times that may discourage some men or cause them to turn from God, but I am thankful that has not happened to Doug. He has come through each struggle with his integrity and has grown stronger. The Lord has given us many opportunities to serve Him and it has been the guidance of my husband that has brought me to each place God has for us.
While serving the Lord in our church, Doug works a full time job. He drives school bus for Special Needs. It takes a special person to do this, and Doug is just that guy! Some weeks he works 45+ hours and he remains faithful to Bible study and prayer. He also studies for his Sunday School class and to teach our Lighthouse Kids Klub.
On top of being my husband he is an awesome Dad to our 3 boys. He has such a calm special way with our boys to guide and correct them. He takes time to teach them how to work so they can grow into hard working young men.
He guides our family in the most important way- spiritually! I am SO thankful for the godly man God has given me!!!!!
Friday, November 2, 2012
DAY 2
I am so thankful for my parents!! I always new my parents were special, but as I have grown and my children are older I am realizing how special they are. I would like to share a few things about them and the sacrifices they have made for us.
My Dad grew up in Bethany, NY - western NY near Buffalo. Mom grew up in Coudersport, PA - northern PA. They met in Bible College in Castille, NY. We lived in PA until I was 9, then we moved to FL. I have had so many people ask me why they moved. This is one of the things I am most impressed and thankful for them doing for us. My parents saw a need for something different for myself and 3 brothers and 1 sister. Therefore, they started praying and looking for a job for Dad that would give us some new opportunities. Dad found a job as a janitor of a Christian School in Jacksonville, FL. So, they packed us up and moved us a 1,000 miles away to follow the Lord's leading. I knew at the time it was hard for Mom to leave her family, but not till I moved to MI from FL did I realize how hard it really was. They sacrificed SO much to give us what they felt God wanted for us. That move in their lives totally changed our futures forever -for the better. I have asked Mom is she ever regretted the move and she gives a good hearty NO. We would not be who we are today had we not moved. They are retired now and enjoying their grand kids and some traveling. I pray the Lord will allow us many more years with them.
This heritage and memory makes me really think as a parent. Do I really sacrifice for my kids? I am a stay at home/homeschooling Mom, but do I really do all I can for them. It is my responsibility as a parent to seek God for direction/wisdom. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Do I seek God daily for what I should do that is best for my children - school, play, correction, and quality time. May I challenge you and myself today- seek God for what is best as a parent. Make the hard choices and tough decisions to do the best for your children. You will NEVER regret following God!!
My Dad grew up in Bethany, NY - western NY near Buffalo. Mom grew up in Coudersport, PA - northern PA. They met in Bible College in Castille, NY. We lived in PA until I was 9, then we moved to FL. I have had so many people ask me why they moved. This is one of the things I am most impressed and thankful for them doing for us. My parents saw a need for something different for myself and 3 brothers and 1 sister. Therefore, they started praying and looking for a job for Dad that would give us some new opportunities. Dad found a job as a janitor of a Christian School in Jacksonville, FL. So, they packed us up and moved us a 1,000 miles away to follow the Lord's leading. I knew at the time it was hard for Mom to leave her family, but not till I moved to MI from FL did I realize how hard it really was. They sacrificed SO much to give us what they felt God wanted for us. That move in their lives totally changed our futures forever -for the better. I have asked Mom is she ever regretted the move and she gives a good hearty NO. We would not be who we are today had we not moved. They are retired now and enjoying their grand kids and some traveling. I pray the Lord will allow us many more years with them.
This heritage and memory makes me really think as a parent. Do I really sacrifice for my kids? I am a stay at home/homeschooling Mom, but do I really do all I can for them. It is my responsibility as a parent to seek God for direction/wisdom. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Do I seek God daily for what I should do that is best for my children - school, play, correction, and quality time. May I challenge you and myself today- seek God for what is best as a parent. Make the hard choices and tough decisions to do the best for your children. You will NEVER regret following God!!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
30 days of Thanksgiving!!
Last year I did 30 days of Thanksgiving and I had some people say that we shouldn't do that but be thankful year round. I agree we should be thankful year, YET it makes us really be thankful and think about it if we post it. SO, that said
DAY 1: I am thankful to God for loving me so much He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross so that I can be a sinner saved by grace!!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
DAY 1: I am thankful to God for loving me so much He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross so that I can be a sinner saved by grace!!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Christians and Halloween?
I will warn you this may be controversial to some! I will be honest the action he recommends is not something I ever thought of, but we will being doing it this year. Our Pastor printed this out for anyone that wanted to pick one up and I like how it is addressed. So if you are interested in why we as Christians should take a second look at getting involved in Halloween keep reading. I do welcome comments, but please be kind. Also remember this is Bible based, I know often when we argue with things we don't realize we are trying to argue with God and we don't win.
So here is the article:
An old proverb says, "When you sup with the devil, use a long spoon." Presumably, NO genuine Christian would want to sup with the devil at all and yet many may be doing so in ignorance.
As a former witch high priest now saved by Jesus, I was astonished by how many Christians let their kids celebrate Halloween. Some churches even sponsor "haunted houses" and similar events on what is the Number One satanic "helliday" of the year. Halloween used to be called Samhain, and is still celebrated as an ancient pagan festival of the dead by witches all over the world. Unfortunately, just giving the date a "holy" name like All Hallows' Eve or All Saints' Eve cannot change its grisly character. Halloween is an occasion when the ancient gods (actually demons) are worshiped with human sacrifice. The apostle Paul warns us: "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils" (1 Cor. 10:20).
If you are a Christian parent, God has given you a precious responsibility in your children. Remember, their ability to resist spiritual wickedness is much less than yours. If you allow your children to participate in Halloween (Trick or Treating, costume parties, etc.) you are allowing them to play on "the devil's turf," and Satan will definitely press his home court advantage. You are opening up doorways into their young lives for evil by bringing them into a kind of "fellowship" with these ancient "gods."
We are commanded not to become involved with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). Both from my experience as a witch, and since getting saved, as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have seen far too many examples of how breaking this command works out in lives. Remember, while we have God's promise of protection for ourselves and our children, that promise may not hold if we allow our children to celebrate this dark holiday. Case after case has come to us of children in rebellion. In many of these families, the problem can be traced back to the children being exposed to Halloween at a young age. It is hard enough to raise children these days in a Godly way without exposing them to Satan's realm.
SO, the question is, "What SHOULD Christian parents do?" The first tendency is to take a defensive action, and have some sort of party to occupy our Christian kids during that night, hoping that they will be satisfied "missing" what their friends are doing. But that's only going half way. Remember, when Jesus talked to Peter about His church, he promised that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mt 16:18) That indicates we are supposed to be taking "offensive" action, seizing the initiative and attacking Satan's kingdom.
How about teaching our children that Halloween is special all right. It's that one time of the year that we can put the Gospel right into the hands of all the children (and their parents) in our neighborhood that we never got to witness to. It's a night we can DO something to please the Lord while helping our neighbors, too! We can let our kids help hand out the candy and tracts. They'll look forward to it.
So here is the article:
Should Christians celebrate Halloween?
By William J. SchnoebelenAn old proverb says, "When you sup with the devil, use a long spoon." Presumably, NO genuine Christian would want to sup with the devil at all and yet many may be doing so in ignorance.
As a former witch high priest now saved by Jesus, I was astonished by how many Christians let their kids celebrate Halloween. Some churches even sponsor "haunted houses" and similar events on what is the Number One satanic "helliday" of the year. Halloween used to be called Samhain, and is still celebrated as an ancient pagan festival of the dead by witches all over the world. Unfortunately, just giving the date a "holy" name like All Hallows' Eve or All Saints' Eve cannot change its grisly character. Halloween is an occasion when the ancient gods (actually demons) are worshiped with human sacrifice. The apostle Paul warns us: "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils" (1 Cor. 10:20).
If you are a Christian parent, God has given you a precious responsibility in your children. Remember, their ability to resist spiritual wickedness is much less than yours. If you allow your children to participate in Halloween (Trick or Treating, costume parties, etc.) you are allowing them to play on "the devil's turf," and Satan will definitely press his home court advantage. You are opening up doorways into their young lives for evil by bringing them into a kind of "fellowship" with these ancient "gods."
We are commanded not to become involved with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). Both from my experience as a witch, and since getting saved, as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have seen far too many examples of how breaking this command works out in lives. Remember, while we have God's promise of protection for ourselves and our children, that promise may not hold if we allow our children to celebrate this dark holiday. Case after case has come to us of children in rebellion. In many of these families, the problem can be traced back to the children being exposed to Halloween at a young age. It is hard enough to raise children these days in a Godly way without exposing them to Satan's realm.
SO, the question is, "What SHOULD Christian parents do?" The first tendency is to take a defensive action, and have some sort of party to occupy our Christian kids during that night, hoping that they will be satisfied "missing" what their friends are doing. But that's only going half way. Remember, when Jesus talked to Peter about His church, he promised that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mt 16:18) That indicates we are supposed to be taking "offensive" action, seizing the initiative and attacking Satan's kingdom.
How about teaching our children that Halloween is special all right. It's that one time of the year that we can put the Gospel right into the hands of all the children (and their parents) in our neighborhood that we never got to witness to. It's a night we can DO something to please the Lord while helping our neighbors, too! We can let our kids help hand out the candy and tracts. They'll look forward to it.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Ladies Bible Study
I have always wanted the opportunity to be involved in a ladies Bible Study, but up to now it was never possible. The new church we are going to has one on Tuesday afternoons. I didn't think I was going to be able to go due to being a 1 vehicle family. BUT!!!! God worked wonderfully in our lives recently and we were able to get another van and to top it off we were able to pay cash and stay debt free. It is SO exciting that even through the struggles he has blessed SO mightily.
Ok, I said all that to get to the main point. We are going through a book for Bible Study. We are using "The Choice is Yours; Life Happens. Walking with God is a decision" by Terrie Chappell. I have read another book she wrote and loved it so I was excited to get into this and I have not been disappointed. I came in half way, but am catching up to the others. Today we covered "choose to be joyful". As I studied this chapter this week, it has been a true challenge. Through life's struggles it is not always easy to be joyful. The main theme she kept bringing out was that if we base happiness on circumstances it is not REAL joy. Our real joy comes only through the Lord. Some quotes "Most of us will agree that when things are going "our way" we feel a lot happier, and we are much easier to live with. But our happiness quickly fades when things go wrong. If our joy depends upon circumstances, and if we can do little or nothing to control those circumstances, we will be miserable most of the time! We must learn to capture this thief by choosing joy." How true this is and how I have seen this SO real in my life recently. I have to constantly be on guard that I am not looking around me but UP for fulfillment and joy. Another quote: "You see, happiness is based on what happens to you, and it depends on external circumstances that are often beyond your control. Joy, on the other hand, is based on what is in your heart, and Jesus promised us that our joy can remain constant regardless of surrounding circumstances." By keeping our focus on God and not on circumstances we are obeying him she used a quote by D.L. Moody "The Lord gives his people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him." WOW!!!!! Trials, struggles, and disappointments are going to come that is life, but it is how we handle it that we are held accountable. I would love to say that through the recent struggles I have always been joyful, but that would be a lie. It is some times a daily or hourly struggle to keep "Christ-centered". I have been in church my whole life and have witnessed many Christians, Pastors, Pastor's wives, and people in full-time ministry go through struggles. It would be great if I could say that all or even most have let God work through the struggles to bring joy, but sadly that is not true. There are examples in my life of Pastor's wives that have been hurt in ministry. Some have come through praising God and growing from it and ministering to others through it. Then there are others that have allowed the hurts to make them bitter. I mentioned in my last post that sometimes I feel like I have the "right" to be bitter and angry but I do NOT! I am in no way saying I have learned this lesson, but I am praying that the Lord will make me better through the hurts and struggles. A portion that really covers this: "We so often allow troublesome circumstances to keep us from advancing in our Christian life, especially in spreading the Gospel. But sometimes God arranges circumstances to allow us to pioneer new areas of ministry."
I truly want to some day be able to help others, right now I am still healing and growing (and yes there are growing pains). I am thankful for the ones who have encouraged me by sharing how their hurts in life have made them stronger- Better not Bitter.
So we have a daily choice - Are you going to choose to be joyful?
Remember it can not be done in our own strength we must do it through Christ.
Ok, I said all that to get to the main point. We are going through a book for Bible Study. We are using "The Choice is Yours; Life Happens. Walking with God is a decision" by Terrie Chappell. I have read another book she wrote and loved it so I was excited to get into this and I have not been disappointed. I came in half way, but am catching up to the others. Today we covered "choose to be joyful". As I studied this chapter this week, it has been a true challenge. Through life's struggles it is not always easy to be joyful. The main theme she kept bringing out was that if we base happiness on circumstances it is not REAL joy. Our real joy comes only through the Lord. Some quotes "Most of us will agree that when things are going "our way" we feel a lot happier, and we are much easier to live with. But our happiness quickly fades when things go wrong. If our joy depends upon circumstances, and if we can do little or nothing to control those circumstances, we will be miserable most of the time! We must learn to capture this thief by choosing joy." How true this is and how I have seen this SO real in my life recently. I have to constantly be on guard that I am not looking around me but UP for fulfillment and joy. Another quote: "You see, happiness is based on what happens to you, and it depends on external circumstances that are often beyond your control. Joy, on the other hand, is based on what is in your heart, and Jesus promised us that our joy can remain constant regardless of surrounding circumstances." By keeping our focus on God and not on circumstances we are obeying him she used a quote by D.L. Moody "The Lord gives his people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him." WOW!!!!! Trials, struggles, and disappointments are going to come that is life, but it is how we handle it that we are held accountable. I would love to say that through the recent struggles I have always been joyful, but that would be a lie. It is some times a daily or hourly struggle to keep "Christ-centered". I have been in church my whole life and have witnessed many Christians, Pastors, Pastor's wives, and people in full-time ministry go through struggles. It would be great if I could say that all or even most have let God work through the struggles to bring joy, but sadly that is not true. There are examples in my life of Pastor's wives that have been hurt in ministry. Some have come through praising God and growing from it and ministering to others through it. Then there are others that have allowed the hurts to make them bitter. I mentioned in my last post that sometimes I feel like I have the "right" to be bitter and angry but I do NOT! I am in no way saying I have learned this lesson, but I am praying that the Lord will make me better through the hurts and struggles. A portion that really covers this: "We so often allow troublesome circumstances to keep us from advancing in our Christian life, especially in spreading the Gospel. But sometimes God arranges circumstances to allow us to pioneer new areas of ministry."
I truly want to some day be able to help others, right now I am still healing and growing (and yes there are growing pains). I am thankful for the ones who have encouraged me by sharing how their hurts in life have made them stronger- Better not Bitter.
So we have a daily choice - Are you going to choose to be joyful?
Remember it can not be done in our own strength we must do it through Christ.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Forgiving- a part of being faithful
In the past few months the struggles have been many, yet the blessings that have come out of them have been SO rewarding. Through any struggle there is a lot of growing God wants us to do.
As the weeks and months start to go by, I have felt like I am growing and healing in many areas. THEN, as God does many times he shows me that I really am not doing as well as I thought. There have been a lot of hurts recently, some that have been going on for a few years. So, during all this one area I have had to work hard on is - forgiveness. I have a devotional book I am using this year and I opened it one day and saw the title "A Forgiving Heart". I thought "Oh, this will be a good reminder, but I have forgiven those that have hurt me." Then as it often happens, my heart was quickly pricked that I was not doing as well as I thought.
(I am going to reference this devotional several times so I want to give credit to the author, Mrs. Dora Hill a Pastor's wife from AZ.)
A statement that quickly caught my eye was "forgive - means to pass over an offense and to free the offender from the consequences of it; to grant pardon without harboring "resentment". On a spiritual level, forgiveness is our God-given ability to show grace and mercy to someone who has offended us."
This has been so difficult for me. I some how felt like I had the "right" to be resentful or want people to pay for hurting me. Especially those that have done it continually over the past few years. They "deserve" to have punishment or consequences for what they did to me. I was so wrong! That is our human/fleshly response. Our Spirit-filled response should be one of love no negative response or even thought. Yet, as we look at Stephen in Acts 6 we see what our response should truly be - "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Our Saviour on the cross said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Even though we may think that people hurt us intentionally (some may), most of them do not do it purposefully. They are blinded by their sin or self-centeredness they don't really know they have hurt us. I do that myself, even though that is hard to admit. Mrs. Hill made another statement that opened my eyes. "Stephen was being stoned by a crowd of"religious" men; men who, even though they had the very words of God in their hands, were self-righteous, proud, murderous, sinful men". It is usually Christians or even Pastors and Pastor's wives that hurt us, because that is who we associate with. As I have had to face my own unforgiving heart, I have had to come to realize that it is on me not them as to whether I forgive or not. I am the only one that is going to be hurt if I chose to not forgive. The summarizing paragraph from Mrs. Hill was very good. "Forgiveness is a God-given choice we make, and a mark of obedience to our God. When we humble ourselves in obedience to God, and choose to forgive another person, whether they deserve it or not, we grow in our image of Christ, thus becoming more like Him."
Now I don't want anyone to think I am tooting my own horn or saying I have this all together. I have a LONG ways to go to be where God truly wants me. I had a wise friend tell me, that I will need to keep reminding myself of this and keep forgiving. She was SO right, some days it is daily as I hear of actions of these same people. It is an ongoing process in my life right now. But, as I have studied "Being Faithful", this hit me as being part of it. How can I truly be faithful to God if I am harboring bitterness and resentment to those that have hurt me?
I hope in my ramblings above that I have been a help to someone. Any comments would be encouraging. I want to be real in my blog. I am NOT perfect and never claim to be or even close. I want to share what God is doing in my life as well as our family.
God does work daily as long as I let him!!
As the weeks and months start to go by, I have felt like I am growing and healing in many areas. THEN, as God does many times he shows me that I really am not doing as well as I thought. There have been a lot of hurts recently, some that have been going on for a few years. So, during all this one area I have had to work hard on is - forgiveness. I have a devotional book I am using this year and I opened it one day and saw the title "A Forgiving Heart". I thought "Oh, this will be a good reminder, but I have forgiven those that have hurt me." Then as it often happens, my heart was quickly pricked that I was not doing as well as I thought.
(I am going to reference this devotional several times so I want to give credit to the author, Mrs. Dora Hill a Pastor's wife from AZ.)
A statement that quickly caught my eye was "forgive - means to pass over an offense and to free the offender from the consequences of it; to grant pardon without harboring "resentment". On a spiritual level, forgiveness is our God-given ability to show grace and mercy to someone who has offended us."
This has been so difficult for me. I some how felt like I had the "right" to be resentful or want people to pay for hurting me. Especially those that have done it continually over the past few years. They "deserve" to have punishment or consequences for what they did to me. I was so wrong! That is our human/fleshly response. Our Spirit-filled response should be one of love no negative response or even thought. Yet, as we look at Stephen in Acts 6 we see what our response should truly be - "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Our Saviour on the cross said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Even though we may think that people hurt us intentionally (some may), most of them do not do it purposefully. They are blinded by their sin or self-centeredness they don't really know they have hurt us. I do that myself, even though that is hard to admit. Mrs. Hill made another statement that opened my eyes. "Stephen was being stoned by a crowd of"religious" men; men who, even though they had the very words of God in their hands, were self-righteous, proud, murderous, sinful men". It is usually Christians or even Pastors and Pastor's wives that hurt us, because that is who we associate with. As I have had to face my own unforgiving heart, I have had to come to realize that it is on me not them as to whether I forgive or not. I am the only one that is going to be hurt if I chose to not forgive. The summarizing paragraph from Mrs. Hill was very good. "Forgiveness is a God-given choice we make, and a mark of obedience to our God. When we humble ourselves in obedience to God, and choose to forgive another person, whether they deserve it or not, we grow in our image of Christ, thus becoming more like Him."
Now I don't want anyone to think I am tooting my own horn or saying I have this all together. I have a LONG ways to go to be where God truly wants me. I had a wise friend tell me, that I will need to keep reminding myself of this and keep forgiving. She was SO right, some days it is daily as I hear of actions of these same people. It is an ongoing process in my life right now. But, as I have studied "Being Faithful", this hit me as being part of it. How can I truly be faithful to God if I am harboring bitterness and resentment to those that have hurt me?
I hope in my ramblings above that I have been a help to someone. Any comments would be encouraging. I want to be real in my blog. I am NOT perfect and never claim to be or even close. I want to share what God is doing in my life as well as our family.
God does work daily as long as I let him!!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Faithful?
I know it has been a long time. A lot has happened in our lives the past few months, and I will address that and blog about it soon. I have not done it to this point, because I didn't want to come across as angry or bitter, when honestly at times I have been. So, as I feel God leading me, I will share what he has been doing and is still doing in our lives.
BUT now I have I thought I would like to share. Something I have been pondering and thought I would see what others thought about it.
BUT now I have I thought I would like to share. Something I have been pondering and thought I would see what others thought about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)