MARY'S SONG

"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever." Luke 1:46-55 (Mary's Song)

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 Mary faced certain shunning and disgrace, even from her betrothed, Joseph, yet she followed what God asked her to do without question.

 OH, that we should be so willing to do as the Lord asks US to do, no matter the cost! What is He asking you to do? Follow His calling. You will not be sorry. He would not ask you to do something that you are not able to do. He will give you the strength.
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE?

Good morning, my dear readers! Yes, it's been a while since I've posted. You see, I have decided to go back to school to pursue my Bachelors in Elementary Education. It's a big step to fit into my busy, busy life along with my family, church and employment, but, with lots of prayer, I took it. My family still comes first and foremost, so if it looks like my schooling is starting to take too much time from my first priority, my boys, then I will once again step back.
The class that I chose to start out with is Environmental Biology. It seemed the logical choice since it is a completely online class, and I really, REALLY didn't want to jump into Algebra after not having looked at an equation in almost twenty years! I didn't get along very well with them, even back then.
What do you think we talked about in the first chapter? That's right. Evolution! OH, I'm ready for this, I thought. I do not believe Darwin's theory. Well, "I do not believe" was not a good enough answer. Since this is an online class, there is a Discussion Board on which we have to interact with our other virtual classmates. WHY do I not believe? This chapter really opened up my eyes. Why do I not believe? It's easy to say that you don't, but WHY not? What do you base it on? As I researched my answers (by the way, two very good Christian websites to visit on this subject are ANSWERS IN GENESIS and INSTITUTE FOR CREATION), my faith and beliefs were strengthened.
This begs the question, "Why do you believe what you believe?". You have convictions-WHY? Do you live and do things a certain way because that is what you have been taught growing up, or just told that you should do?
If someone tells me this or that when it concerns my Christian walk, I want back up from the scriptures (KJV!).
For instance, over the past several years, I have been convicted on how I dress. I used to be a "jeans and t-shirt" type of girl. I usually only wore dresses to church and sometimes to work. One lady that worked with me (she also attended my church) always wore dresses, no matter what. I always thought that was a little overboard and, yes, strange. Also, growing up, one of my best friends in high school always wore a dress. I never thought to ask her why. The lady at work, on the other hand, would tell me that she wore dresses because that was her conviction. WHY?
My husband, although he wanted very much for me to stop wearing my tight jeans and small tops, was very wise. He did not "demand" that I stop. If he had, I am ashamed to say that I would have "bucked up" and rebelled. He would just say things like, "Those jeans really bring out your curves" or "Should you be wearing something that will tempt other men?", etc.
Although the Lord had started tugging at my heart on this issue some time before, I came to a turning point when my husband became the pastor of our church. Our church holds to dress standards, and women are expected to dress like women (dresses and skirts) and men like men (no shorts) at all church activities and functions. We are ambassadors for Christ, after all! At this time, I still wore jeans around the house or to the grocery store near my house. I wore dresses or skirts everywhere else.
But then, the Lord really started convicting me. Why am I one way in the general public (church or when we go to town), but another in the privacy of my home? Isn't that being a hypocrite? Shouldn't I be the same no matter what? Hmmm.....
So, I started to really study this subject of Modest Dress. I came across a really good book, "What in the World Should I Wear?" by Cathy Corle (you can purchase a copy here-Baptistink or use the search engine). Another article that helped me was "What About Women Wearing Pants?" by Brother Potter (Priceless Woman Ministries). In these two places, I found the scripture that I was looking for. I could not deny it! From that point on, I have only worn dresses and skirts. Now, when someone asks me why do I dress the way I do, I have an answer. I also would not have changed if I had not been clearly shown in the scriptures.
That is just one apect in my life. How about you? Do you have an answer when someone asks you "WHY?" when you say you do or do not belief something? Always, always study your Bible. Be ready with an answer. Also, always, if someone says you should or should not, ask for scripture to back it up.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
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 :-)

I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES UNTO THE HILLS

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm121:1-2

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A couple of weeks ago, this pastor's family finally got to go away for a WHOLE week! It was wonderful. We haven't been able to do that for a couple of years. Trying to coordinate between my work schedule and things that are happening in the church (deaths, sicknesses, etc) is very difficult.

We chose to go all the way to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this time. It is about a nine to ten hour drive (depending on how many times the boys had to stop!) for us.

We absolutely love the mountains. But I noticed something right about the second to the last day of our stay.

We had been so involved in all of the activities that these two towns had to offer, that we hadn't once looked up at the mountains that surrounded them (see picture below).

Isn't that the way we are with life sometimes? We get so involved in or overwhelmed with looking around at what is going on in our life that we forget to "look up unto the hills" as the Psalmist said, look up to God. We don't exactly forget that, "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth", per say, we just kind of put it to the back of our minds.
Some Christians aren't on their knees as much when things are going well for them. They don't really get serious about praying until something drastic happens. Oh, they still pray, just not as fervently or maybe as frequently.
We need to always remember our God, in the good and bad times. We need to remember to lift up our eyes and hearts to God, thanking Him for His constant blessings and help in our lives. He is there with us through the good and the bad-ALWAYS. He will never leave us or forsake us. But we need to always keep those lines of communication open.
What an eye opening life experience this was for me!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)



VBS TODAY!

Our 2012 VBS is today. I am SO very excited! Please help me pray for the workers and the children.
I did something different this year and did not go with any particular curriculum. You see, by the time we have our VBS program, which is usually the last Saturday in July or the first Saturday in August, the children have already been to several in the area, and "know" the different programs, so they are more easily bored because they've already "been there and done it".
Well, today, they are going to learn about the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, along with life in Biblical times (food, clothing, shelter). They will also learn about the order of the encampments of the Israelites. For instance, did you know that they always camped the same way around the Tabernacle according to their tribes? There were four camps, in which were three tribes.
Everything that we have studied in preparation for this VBS regarding how the Tabernacle was set up, how the services were performed and how the Israelites set up their camps has confirmed that God wants everything done decently and in order. We can also see the symbolism of His plan of salvation for us.
There is so very much more to tell, but I have to get ready to go. A report and LOTS of pictures to follow!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth

GOD'S PATTERN FOR OUR LIVES

I love to sew. When I was about twelve years old, my mom bought me an older, used portable Singer sewing machine. I think that it was close to being antique then, possibly dating back to the 1950's, but I absolutely LOVED it! It even had an "old timey" type key on a string and key hole on the cover. It only has one stitch-a straight stitch, but I sewed many a "creation" for my dolls on it. I still have this machine.
I got out of sewing in my 20's as I was working full-time and going to school full-time. After I got married, my mom and sister got together and bought me a new portable sewing machine for my 30th birthday (sorry, Singer! It's a Brother!). I let it sit for a couple of years until the "sewing bug" bit me again. I thought that I would like to make tote bags, so I scoured the internet for simple, free patterns that I could use. That started the sewing journey that I am now on, and I have gone on to create my own small business.
My thought for today is about the patterns that I use. Now, really, I am not a patient person when it comes to patterns. I like to go ahead and get started on my project. I have learned through experience, though, that it is for my benefit when the pattern maker says, "Read all instructions before beginning".
Sometimes, I'll look and just start to sew, thinking that I understand what I am looking at. After the project begins not coming along quite right, or not fitting together properly, I will go back and actually READ the instructions. Then I see where I went wrong. If only I had read that to begin with, things would have worked out much better and smoother. I wouldn't have to rip apart and start all over again!
God has given the Christian a "pattern" for their life. It is His Holy Word, the Bible. Often times, though, we want to go ahead without reading the instructions. We jump into situations without consulting Him or His Word first. We think that we know better, or "know" what the Lord would have us do. Then we don't understand when our life or things in our life start to unravel or don't seem to be going as planned.
When this happens, we need to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN.
STOP-Stop right now, before things get any crazier or worse. I have found with my sewing that if things don't seem to be going right, I need to stop right then, before I mess things up more, and once again consult the pattern's instructions.
LOOK- What is going on? Did we pray and seek the Lord in this? Is it about something that we know He is convicting us of, and we just didn't want to study the scriptures, because, really, deep down, we knew that we would see what needs changing in our life?
LISTEN-Now, talk to your Heavenly Father and get into His Word. Listen to what He has to say. He will guide you in the direction that you need to go in. Sometimes, we will have to do some "ripping apart" and start all over again. That's alright! He will forgive you and you will have a clean slate to start over with.
If we continue to follow, and are WILLING to follow, the instructions in God's "pattern" for our lives, the Bible, we will always be where He wants us to be, and our lives will be "sewn" together beautifully.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

EXAMINE ME, O LORD....

“Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”

                                               Psalms 26:2

Last Sunday night, my husband was preaching out of Psalms 26. He came to verse 2, then he threw out a "challenge".
"I wonder" he said, "If anyone here would ask the Lord to seriously examine their heart and lives, then be willing to change whatever He says needed changing?". This statement really spoke to my heart, so I prayed right then that the Lord would examine me and show me what in my life needed changing. I prayed the same thing that night before I went to bed and again the next morning. I was not really prepared for the quick response that I received!
When we go to an earthly physician for an examination, we want them to be honest and tell us if there is something wrong, even if it is something that we don't want to hear. We then want them to tell us how to treat and correct the problem, right? When we approach the throne of the Great Physician, we should have the same attitude, no matter what the cost. It is often hard to do, though.
Well, the Lord spoke to me that very next morning. He brought to light several things that needed changing in my life. Really? That many? Some I was not even aware of, and a couple I already knew, but had been reluctant to really look at before.
I meant business when I prayed those prayers, so, hard as some of the changes have been, I went ahead and did as the Lord asked me to do. Guess what? He has blessed me in SO many ways since I have been obedient to Him! I feel that I have drawn closer to Him as well.
How about you? Are you willing to pray and ask Him to examine your heart and life, then make those changes? I grant you that it won't be easy, but you will be so very blessed when you do.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

GOD'S PROTECTION



I just have to share a wonderful praise about God's protection!
Yesterday, I had taken down one of my hummingbird feeders to clean it and refill it. I was in my bathroom, washing out the feeder when I felt something on my left arm, close to where the short sleeve of my blouse ended. I looked down in time to see a black widow climbing on my arm! Yes!
Well, I screamed, my six year old ran from the room, and I flung that spider into the sink. I killed it dead, yes, I did!
After my stomach stopped feeling so sick, I thought about how good my God is to protect me! My husband said that he didn't know why the spider didn't bite me. A black widow bite is a terrible thing.
We often don't realize what God has protected us from through out our day, be it a spider bite, a car accident, whatever. We need to thank Him daily for His blessings! How often I take them for granted.
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 :-)