HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day to all of my readers! I absolutely love being a mother and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

I love this picture. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood is when we would have family devotions and prayers at night just before bedtime. I did not realize how hard it was for my Mom to try to keep this going until I had children of my own. I find myself so tired at night after such busy days, that it is so easy to say that we'll skip devotions, just for that night. I must confess that I have done this on more than one occasion. Well, I only have two children and my mom had six. I'm sure there were nights when we didn't have devotion time, but I don't remember it being very often.

Prayer and devotion time is important. This is the time when we can talk on a more personal basis with our children about God and His Word. We can help them to memorize scripture. When we teach them to pray for people, we are teaching them to think about others and not themselves. And what an awsome thing when they actually see prayers being answered! It will help to strengthen their faith.

We also don't need to just pray WITH our children, we need to constantly be praying FOR our children. Lift them up to the Lord. Sometimes things happen that we just don't understand or don't know how to handle. Give it to the Lord. Ask for His direction and leading.

Moms, we have such an awsome responsibility to teach our children and raise them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!
Motherhood is such a high calling from God. It's an experience like no other.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

STANDING IN THE GAP FOR YOUR NATION

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."~ Ezekiel 22:30-31. 

 Can you feel the sadness in this verse? The sadness that not one person could be found in Israel that would pray for them and "stand in the gap" before God that He would spare them of His wrath over the wrong doings of their leaders and priests.
Our nation is sinking fast in it's selfishness and sins. Are you "standing in the gap" before God for our nation? Are you praying for our leaders and those in authority over us? 1 Timothy 2:1-4 tells us that we are to pray for them: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
Did you notice that, along with the supplications (which are humble prayers, entreaties, or petitions), prayers and intercessions (which are prayers on behalf of someone), we are told to give thanks for all men, including kings (or in our country, the president) and ALL that are in authority. This is such a hard thing to do, especially if you don't agree with their actions and behavior. But, we are commanded to do so. When we do so, it is good and acceptable in the sight of God. He is pleased that we are following what He tells us to do.
How are we to pray for our leaders, our bosses, our supervisors, etc? First of all, God wants all people to be brought unto the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, so we are to pray for their salvation. We also need to pray for decisions that they will be making.
Today, let's start praying, as we are commanded, for those in charge over us. Let us be the ones who will make up that hedge and stand in the gap for our nation!
Blessings!
Beth :-)

GOOD BY 2013, HELLO 2014

In just a very short time, we will be once again saying good by to another year. 2014 is just a couple of hours away.
How was your year? Good? Bad? Mine was filled with both. I lost a friend, who died suddenly in her sleep, leaving behind a husband and two young boys. Tragedy struck our country many times through violence and natural causes. And yet, there were also many blessings for our family. My mother-in-law came close to death, but the Lord's will was to keep her here a while longer with us. Our vehicles continue to run and take us where we need to go. My husband and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. God has blessed our church and our missions tremendously. I could go on and on with the list.
Sometimes, through our humanness, all we can see is the sadness and trials that we have gone through during the year, and, yes, I definitely agree that some years are much worse than others. But God has given us this promise: "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."~ Isaiah 43:18-19. If things seem unbearable right now, lean on God. He can make a way through this barren wilderness that you are travelling through. Read and study His Word. Talk to your Heavenly Father and unburden your soul. Let those tears flow. If we are honestly listening, He will give us guidance. Sometimes, though, things get so hard that we can not concentrate on what we are reading. The words seem like nothing. But still read. Your mind will remember. Psalms is a good book to read when you are feeling sad, in despair or depressed. King David, the main author of Psalms, knew all about these feelings. Something that we can learn as we read the Psalms is that God cares for and loves us. We may feel like we are in the deepest pit, but He will never leave us or forsake us. 
It sounds too easy, doesn't it? I have been there with the same thoughts. But when the peace of God truly touches your soul, it really is as Philippians 4:7 describes: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." It does pass all understanding!
So, has this past year been a little rough? Remember that God is there to lean on. Did you mess up any? Don't feel bad! We all have to some degree. But God wants to do a "new thing" in your life! Commit your ways to the Lord and He will guide you. If you fall, He is always there to pick you up again. Determine to do your best for your Lord and Saviour.
I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed New Year! Don't forget to start the year out right with prayer and dedicating it to the Lord!
Beth :-)

ARE YOU WILLING?



I love Christmas time. It's my most favorite time of the year! I always tell my oldest son that God knows how much I love Christmas, and that is why He gave him to me at Christmas time. He was almost born on Christmas day, but came on the next day, December 26th.
As I read about the circumstances that surround the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, several things jump out at me.
One thing that really comes through is the willingness of both Joseph and Mary to do what God called them to do, even though it meant alot of hardship, shunning (on Mary's part) and sacrifice.
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, she was "a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, " (Luke 1:27). During the Jewish "espousal" period, the man and woman were considered married, but had not yet consumated the union. So, when Mary was found to be with child, of course everyone, including Joseph, had thought her to have been unfaithful. This was a great shame in their society (unfortunately and sadly, quite different from ours today!). And yet, Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Luke 1:38. She was willing to sacrifice herself and life to do what God was asking her to do.
The Bible tells us that Joseph was a just man. When he found out that Mary was with child, and knowing that this baby wasn't his, Joseph did not want to make a public example out of her, but decided to "put her away (or divorce her) privily" Matthew 1:19. But an angel visited him in a dream, explaining everything to him, telling him not to be afraid to take her as his wife. Did Joseph question or hesitate? No. He got up and did as God asked him to do.
Is there something that God is calling you to do? Are you willing, no matter what the cost? What is He calling you to do? Why are you hesitating? What is holding you back from following what He wants you to do? Pray and seek His face. Search the Word of God. Have those prayer warriors help you pray that you might find God's will for your life, and that you would have the strength to follow through. Don't forget, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phillipians 4:13. He will not call you to do something that you can not handle. It may not be an easy thing to do, but we must do what God is asking us to do. He will see us through!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 22

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."~ 2 Corinthians 9:15

 

 



We all love receiving gifts. With Christmas right around the corner, my house is buzzing with certain little boys wondering what they will receive. A gift can brighten an otherwise bad day or make someone feel special.

But, what is this "unspeakable" gift that the Bible says we should be so thankful for?  It is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the gift of God allowing His one and only Son to come to earth in the form of man, die and rise again that we may be with Him in Heaven. When something is described as unspeakable, it is meant that it cannot be expressed in words. I could not imagine offering one of my sons!
For those of us who have accepted this great salvation, I don't think that we really understand the wonderfulness of what we have received. We won't know fully until we reach Heaven. We do, however, know the joy and peace that comes with putting our trust in Jesus. I am often overwhelmed when I think about it. I do indeed find it "unspeakable", and I am thankful for such a wonderful gift that I know I didn't deserve!
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
 



30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 6-14

Good morning, everyone. Wow. I missed a lot of days! I apologize. Life got busy for me between our Ladies Retreat and sick children. I am going to catch up today:
DAY 6: "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:"~ Psalms 50:14
DAY 7: "Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness."~ Psalms 30:4
DAY 8: " Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."~ Daniel 6:10
DAY 9: " But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD."~ Jonah 2:9
DAY 10: " But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."~1 Corinthians 15:57
DAY 11: "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."~ 2 Corinthians 9:15
DAY 12: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."~ Phillipians 4:6
DAY 13: "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:"~ 1 Timothy 4:4
DAY 14: "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."~ Luke 17:15-16

Just searching for and writing down these verses gives me a new attititude of thankfulness towards my God! Each has such a powerful message in them. But today, I would like to talk about Luke 17:15-16, which is in the story of Jesus and the ten lepers. Now, this is not a parable, but an actual event that happened. Luke 17:11-12 tells us that Jesus was travelling to Jerusalem. As He passed through Samaria and Galilee, He entered into a village where ten lepers called to Him from afar. The reason that they did not come near to Him was due to the fact that, in those days, once someone was found to have leprosy, they were considered unclean and had to live separately from others.
Jesus heard their cry. Isn't awesome that we have a Saviour Who hears us when we cry unto Him? He told them to show themselves to the priests. They were healed as they were leaving. Such an amazing and wonderful miracle to be healed of leprosy. But guess what? Out of the ten, only one, who was a stranger as well as a Samaritan, came back to thank Him. Only one, and he did it with a loud voice!
We can look at the other nine men and judge them. We wonder how they could not even have turned around to thank Jesus for what He did for them. But wait! How many blessings and wonderous works does He bestow upon us, every day, yet we forget to thank Him? Do we take these for granted? There is always something to be thankful for. How about a special healing? For example, as a pastor's wife, I have seen many who have come home with a diagnosis of cancer. They would have the church pray for them. When they went back to the doctor, the cancer could not be found. Now, sometimes, instead of giving glory to God for the healing, it's easy to fall into the mindset that maybe the doctors "misread" some tests and made a mistake in the diagnosis. We forget to give credit where credit is due.  God healed them!
Today, how about taking time to think about what God has done for us, then thank Him? What blessings are we taking for granted?
I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

30 DAYS OF THANKFUL VERSES-DAY 1

HI, Everyone! Yes, it's November 1, 2013. The holiday season is almost upon us.
Is it just me, or does it seem like the stores skip right over Thanksgiving and jump into Christmas? It's crazy. We should always, always remember to give thanks, especially to God!
Well, today I would like to start my "30 Days of Thankful Verses". Did you know that the Bible is just full of verses about giving thanks, being thankful and thanksgiving? I myself was surprised when I did this last year.
So, here is the first verse:
"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."~Psalm 107:1
We serve an awesome God. He is good, all the time. Aren't you thankful and glad that His mercy does endure forever? Lamentations also tells us that His mercies are new every morning: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."~Lamentations 3:22-32. He is a God of second chances. If we fail, we can approach Him and He will receive us and forgive us.
He will never leave us or forsake us. What a promise. People will fail us, we will fail people, but God will not. AMEN!
I hope you have an awesome and blessed day!
Beth :-)

ENVY, STRIFE AND MOM

Envying and strife are not of the Lord, they are of the devil (James 3:14-17)!The devil absolutely LOVES to attack a Christian home. The Bible says that he, "as a roaring lion,walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." He wants to devour and destroy your home and family. And, ladies,who better to start with than mom? Who sets the mood in the house, really? Mom does. If we are bitter and moody,our house is unhappy. I'm first in line needing a change! How short I fall many times. Lord, please forgive me! Help me to be the wife, mother and woman You want me to be.

Have a blessed day!
Beth :-)

KEEP PRAYING

My sons, Nathan and Samuel both have the nasty cold that's been going around, although not as intense as I have seen others have, so for that I am so very grateful!
This mommy is at the point of exhaustion, however, as nights of broken sleep are catching up with me. Prayers are greatly appreciated!
James 5:16 says that, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Well, last night, when I heard Samuel, my youngest, start coughing, I was too exhausted to even  lift my head from the pillow, let alone fervently pray. So, I prayed, "Lord, you know how tired I am, too tired to even pray like I want to. Please hear and quiet Samuel's cough." You know what?? Yes, you guessed it! Samuel's cough quieted down. We have an awesome God! I give Him all honor and praise!
Don't stop praying for whatever it is you are praying for, even if you are at the point of exhaustion. Have an awesome and blessed day!
Beth :-)

LABOURERS INTO HIS HARVEST

Labourers are needed for the fields-not just in another country, but right here where you live. We all know someone who needs the Lord, who needs an encouraging word, who needs someone just to say that they will pray for them. Will you go? Are you willing? Jesus can use you.
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)

PSALM 73:26

SPIRITUAL DETOX DIET

I got on the scales the other morning and noticed that my weight has slowly crept up. Ten pounds??? NO WAY! How did that happen? But, unfortunately, the scale doesn't lie.
Now, some people will tell me that because I am now officially over the "40 Mark" (I am 43), it will become harder to lose and maintain my weight and that weight gain is just a natural thing in this stage of my life.
I do not accept that! So, I started scouring around for some quick detox diets (you know, the ones that will guide you on what to eat and not to eat to flush impurities from your body). Most call for more water, fruits and vegetables. Not just ANY fruits and vegetables, mind you. There are specific ones that contain more water and nutrients to help your body rid itself of built up impurities. Believe it or not, there are some fruits and vegetables that will sabotage your plans.
How can we apply this spiritually to our lives? How about a "Spiritual Detox Diet"? The Bible tells us about the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law."
How are you feeling spiritually? Tired? Worn down? Bloated? Heavy? When was the last time you looked at this verse? I mean really, REALLY looked at this verse? Can you look at each of these "fruits" and see how each is being applied to your daily life?
Every now and then, our spiritual lives need a good cleansing, one that will get rid of impurities that have built up over time, many of which we are often unaware of. Is it time for a Spiritual Detox Diet? Is it time for a spiritual cleansing? The answer for me is YES!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

WITNESSING AND MY LITTLE MUSTARD SEED



My Little Mustard Seed

Last night was a very long night for me. One of our cats had her very first litter of kittens, three total, under our carport. They are now about a week and a half old.
One of these kittens, though, did not seem to be thriving. While his siblings were going strong, he just didn't seem to have the strength to fight his way to sustenance. My husband kept finding this kitten a ways from where the others were. He didn't know if it was moving itself, or the momma. So, he would place the kitten back with the mother. My husband would come out an hour later, and this poor little thing was once again away from his family.
Finally, the momma cat moved the other two, but didn't move him. She would come back, sit with it and lick it some, but refused to move it with the others. We could not find where she had moved her litter (we finally did later that night. She had moved them to the bed of my husband's pickup truck under the toolbox!).
We couldn't stand to let him just die. His cries were pitiful. So, we brought him in, made him a warm place to lay, and I proceeded to feed him with a dropper of milk. I actually thought he was going to make it, because every two hours, on the dot, he would wake up squalling. I even named him. I called him Mustard Seed, referring to Jesus' parable about faith and the size of the mustard seed. Around 1:30 a.m., though, things started looking worse. He didn't eat as much, and fell right back to sleep. I woke up around 4:30 a.m., and panicked. I thought that I had missed his waking. But truthfully, anyone who has ever been in this situation knows that you just can't miss a kitten's cry for food, especially when it is in the room next to you! When I got up and checked him, he had already passed away. Yes, I cried.
You know, I got to thinking about this experience and comparing it to the unsaved people that we know or come in contact with. It really did open my eyes.
We will put so much effort to save a dying animal, but how much effort do we put into the dying world around us? Do we do all that we can to tell people about the Lord and His saving grace? When was the last time we witnessed to someone, anyone?
I really need to start doing better. I have asked the Lord's forgiveness for being so slack. How about you? Will you put forth that effort to tell someone about Jesus? That is what we are called to do as Christians. Let's start working harder. There's a lost and dying world all around us that needs a Saviour!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

SATURDAY MORNING SAYINGS

               "The Two Prayers"

                         "Last night my little boy confessed to me,
                         Some childish wrong;
                         And kneeling at my knee.
                         He prayed with tears,
                         "Dear God, make me a man
                         Like Daddy-- wise and strong,
                         I know you can."

                         Then while he slept,
                         I knelt beside his bed,
                        Confessed my sins;
                        And prayed with low bowed head.
                        "Oh God, make me a child
                        Like my child here--
                        Pure, guileless,
                        Trusting Thee with faith sincere."

                                     ~Andrew Gillies~

 

SATURDAY MORNING SAYINGS

Little Birdie Blessings

“HE PAID A DEBT HE DID NOT OWE”

HE PAID A DEBT HE DID NOT OWE;

I OWED A DEBT I COULD NOT PAY;

I NEEDED SOMEONE TO WASH MY SINS AWAY.

AND, NOW, I SING A BRAND NEW SONG,

“AMAZING GRACE”.

CHRIST JESUS PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.

HE PAID THAT DEBT AT CALVARY.

HE CLEANSED MY SOUL AND SET ME FREE.

I’M GLAD THAT JESUS DID ALL MY SINS ERASE.

I, NOW, CAN SING A BRAND NEW SONG, “AMAZING GRACE”.

CHRIST JESUS PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.

ONE DAY HE’S COMING BACK FOR ME

TO LIVE WITH HIM ETERNALLY.

WON’T IT BE GLORY TO SEE HIM ON THAT DAY!

I, THEN, WILL SING A BRAND NEW SONG, “AMAZING GRACE”.

CHRIST JESUS PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.

YES, JESUS PAID A DEBT THAT I COULD NEVER PAY.

-Ellis J Crum

MOVING MOUNTAINS

Palm Sunday is quickly approaching. Soon, children will be making "palm leaves" in Sunday School and we will be talking about the "Triumphal Entry" of Jesus into Jerusalem and the events which led to His crucifixion and Resurrection.
The day after He came to Jerusalem, the gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree and went to it, hoping to find fruit on it. The tree had nothing but leaves. Jesus was upset and the disciples heard Him say unto it, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever." Mark 11:14. The next morning, when they went by the tree, it was dead (Mark 11:20). Peter, remembering what Jesus had said the day before, remarked about this.
Jesus said, "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:22-24.
Did you know that real mountains CAN actually move? Yes, they can. This is usually due to the movement of the plates in the earth below the mountains. Scientists have found that they can move from a few feet to a few miles. Amazing! These mountains will move at different rates of time, some quickly, some slowly.
Often, we have "mountains" in our lives. We pray, wanting God to answer our prayers immediately, removing these situations so that we can continue on. But God moves in His time, not ours. These "mountains" in our lives move somewhat like actual mountains, depending on how He answers and what He is trying to teach us at that time. We need to pray in faith and believe that God will move that mountain. All prayers are not answered in the same way or in the same time frame. Make sure that you are praying that HIS will be done, and not your own. We should always want to be in God's will for our lives, although it is often hard to do. We will not be happy if we are not, I can tell you from personal experience!
Do you have a "mountain" in your life? What is it? Financial? Your children? Your marriage? Whatever it is, keep bringing it to the throne of God! Do not doubt, but BELIEVE! Yes, it is often hard, so VERY hard,  to keep trusting when your world seems to be falling in around you, but you can do it. Have faith in God. He is there for you, to put His loving arms around you, to comfort you and to uphold you through your difficult times.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

PETER AND POPCORN

One of my favorite object lessons that I like to teach the children is about the Apostle Peter and a bag of popcorn. What do they even have in common, you ask? The answer-they both "popped under pressure".

For popcorn to pop, it needs to be exposed to extreme heat. When I was growing up, we would make popcorn every Saturday night. My dad would take a bag of popcorn kernels, some cooking oil and a very hot pan and pop the corn on the stove top. I can still remember the sound of the kernels swishing back and forth in the pan and the delicious smell that would fill the house. Today, all we have to do is take a bag and throw it in the microwave.

Shortly before the Crucifixion, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He told them that they would all desert Him that very night (Matthew 26:31). But Peter, who loved His Lord very much, said, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended." Matthew 26:33. Jesus looked at him (I wonder if sadly), and told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. Peter insisted that even if he had to die with Jesus, he still would not deny Him. He meant it. But, the "heat" was closer than Peter knew.

Shortly after this, the guards came to arrest Jesus. There was quite alot of activity. Peter even drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant (John 18:10), who, by the way, Jesus healed before He was led away. All of the disciples, including Peter, forsook Jesus at this time and fled (Mark 14:50), although Peter did follow from afar off all the way to the palace of the high priest, where he sat by the fire with the servants (Mark 14:54). He was asked three times as to whether or not he was a follower of Jesus. Each time he denied, each time more vehemently than before. He even started cursing and swearing! Alas, when he heard the cock crow the second time, he remembered the words of Jesus with great sorrow and wept. He had "popped" under pressure when the heat became too much.

When things are going great for the Christian, we are often, like Peter, on fire for the Lord, praising Him, promising Him that we will always serve Him, thanking Him for such wonderful blessings on our life. But when trials come our way, how do we react? It's easy to follow Him when things are good. But what about the hard times? The tragedies in our lives? We are all human, this is true. We all will deal with emotions and feelings. But, when something happens, and we're "down in the valley", do we still keep our eyes on Jesus?

There is a song called, "God on the Mountain".  One of the verses says, "You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain. Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best. But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation that's when faith is really put to the test."

When things in life are going good for a Christian, it's easy for us to serve the Lord. But, as we all know, life isn't always easy. Trials and tragedies will come into our lives. But when they do, remember to keep looking up and looking to Jesus, your Lord and Saviour. Don't "pop under pressure" as Peter did. If you do, that's alright. Jesus knows us. He knows that we are sometimes weak. That is why we need Him-ALWAYS. He will never leave you or forsake you.

If you have wandered away from the Lord because of circumstances that have happened in your life, don't you think it's time to come back? He is waiting for you with open arms. Pray, ask His forgiveness, then give your situation over to Him. Trust Him! Start reading His precious Word again. Ask Him for guidance. Then, if you have stopped attending church, go back. Begin fellowshipping with other believers again.

Now, whenever you have some popcorn, maybe you will think of Peter. :-)!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

GOODBYE, 2011, HELLO, 2012!

Ah, so we've come to the end of yet another year! What has your year been like? Did you accomplish anything that you set out to do? Did things happen to change you or your life's path? Can you look back and count all of the blessings that God has bestowed on you this past year?
My year was pretty eventful and full of changes. It started with my surgery in January-a hysterectomy for health reasons. The Lord brought me through wonderfully, although I still struggle now and then with the emotional sadness of the finality of such a surgery.
There have been struggles and trials through the church, but the Lord has seen us through, and I have grown spiritually because of these. I have learned to lean more on the Lord, and not my own understanding.
Hurrican Irene hit us in September with quite a punch. How blessed we were that God took care of us and kept us safe!
The original "First Lady" of our church, our previous pastor's wife, passed away this month. I know that she is now at peace and is in heaven.
When we look back at the past year, we can see how God has blessed us in so many ways. We see all that He has done for us.
 Now, look back again.What have you and I done for HIM? Did we do all that we could? Were we the best witnesses that we could be, telling others about Christ and His saving grace? How about that ministry in the church that you know He is calling you to do, but you keep putting it off with excuses (fingers pointing back at me, too!)? Hmmm.....
Just about everybody makes "New Year's Resolutions". I actually call them goals. This year, I want to definitely work on being more consistent with my personal and our family devotional times and witness more for the Lord. I also want to be more "natural" this year-I am going to try my hand at making my own soaps and lotions (in my "spare" time, ha!) and make more of our snacks that I put into the boys' lunch boxes and for our family snack times. The Lord has been dealing with me for sometime about starting a group for the young girls in our church. Even among the children of our church members, modesty, home skills, etc are quite lacking.
If we are serious, let's start praying that God will use us in a tremendous way to reach others for Him. Pray, then go ahead and get into that ministry that He has been calling you to do. Put some Bible tracts in your purse, and when you go out in public, leave one on the bathroom counter, or leave it on the table with your tip money. When you visit someone in the hospital, place one on the table in the waiting area. Plant that seed! Make this the most fruitful year that you have ever had for the Lord!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

MAKING TRACKS

The weather Saturday was just SO beautiful that my family and I (our cats came along, too!) took a walk in the fields behind our house.
Nathan and Samuel love to look for animal tracks. The ground is still kind of soft, so the tracks show up pretty well. Among the tracks that we found were tractor tire tracks, deer tracks and, of course, people tracks (ours :-)!).
Some of the deer tracks were old, but my husband said that you could tell from the track how heavy the deer was, along with whether or not it was a buck or doe, as well as if it was running or walking. Boy! I learned alot that day. See pictures below:

BUCK TRACKS
MY HUSBAND SAYS THAT YOU CAN TELL THE BUCK WAS RUNNING BY THE WAY THE FRONT OF HIS HOOF IS SPREAD.

DOE TRACKS
MY HUSBAND SAID THAT THIS DEER WAS JUST WALKING.

PEOPLE TRACKS

TRACTOR TIRE TRACKS

CAT TRACKS
OUR LITTLE "TAG-ALONGS"

When we got back to the house, I started thinking about my life's path and what kind of "tracks" I was leaving behind me.

I have a poem on my refrigerator that reads, "The future lies before you like a field of driven snow; Be careful how you tread it for every track will show." Author unknown.

You know, everything we do, every decision we make, how we talk to and treat people (our families included), all leave "tracks" both in our lives and the people around us.

Our children are like sponges. Whether we are aware of it or not, they watch us VERY closely. Sometimes too closely. Often times, I will see an attitude or action in my child that I know they have seen in me. It's often hard and most humbling to see yourself reflecting back in your child, especially when it's a not-so-pretty attitude.

We as Christians have to be so very careful how we walk down this path of life. We should be a light, a beacon, shining out and showing people the way to Christ, starting with our own families.

Saturday's walk opened my eyes to a few life lessons. I am so very human. I need to rely on the Lord an awful lot. But, you know what? He is there for us. Keep praying, stay in your Bible, attend church REGULARLY.  We will fall, that's the truth. But He is there to catch us and put us to right again.

What kind of tracks are you leaving?

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 15



"Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13

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I am so very thankful for the healing that my friend received from cancer. We were praying for what ever the Lord's will was for her life, because, since she is a born-again Christian, she said that she is a winner either way. Praise the Lord!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)