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 :-)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
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 :-)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
A MOM'S JOB IS NOT INSIGNIFICANT!
"Moms, never think your job is of insignificance.
You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, training them
up in God’s fear, minding the house and making your household a church for God
as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of
Hosts.”
Charles Spurgeon
Sunday, December 9, 2012
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)
****************
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. Mary faced certain shunning and disgrace, even from her betrothed, Joseph, yet she followed what God asked her to do without question.
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)
Saturday, September 15, 2012
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 :-)
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 :-)
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
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 :-)
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 :-)
Monday, August 6, 2012
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
***********************************************
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 :-)
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 :-)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
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 :-)
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