Autumn Blessings

The Lord has been so good to us this season--answering some prayer requests and giving us some unexpected blessings. So I thought I'd share these with all of you.

1. God took care of me while I dealt with a health issue. It was not as serious as I thought it would be.

2. I made it into the Longmont Chorale Singers group, which has allowed me to meet more people and be a witness and testimony.

3. We've been finding awesome deals at thrift stores and with coupons at other stores. The Lord has been providing for our needs and then some!

4. We received some dear meat from our friend, Tony. Do you remember reading about that story?;)

5. Q was given a couple of opportunities to preach in high school chapels. Ministering to the students was a blessing to us.

6. One of the boys in our Bible club got saved recently! :)

7. Two friends gave me a HUGE stash of craft/sewing supplies that I'm already putting to good use.

8. God answered a personal request I've had for a long time. A big burden was lifted.

9. Our background checks and references came back a couple of days ago for our adoption. It happened very quickly and we're so thankful for that. Next week, we have our first home study.

10. Conversations with friends and family regarding our adoption has been a blessing. They have offered clothing and other necessities for our future child(ren) once we know what the gender/age will be.

What has God been doing in your life? I write blessings and answers to prayer a few days a week in my journal. It's good to reflect on how God takes care of us and loves us...even to the last detail.

Our God is good all the time. Always remember that!

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

When Q came home from a pastor's conference not long ago, he handed me this book. He said he had read it on his trip back home and thought I would enjoy it.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus by Robert P. Lightner (published by Kregal Publications), is a book about how God provides a home in Heaven for those who cannot believe. It talks about the death of the unborn, infants and those with disabilities who cannot understand sin and their need for a Savior. I have believed this way for a long time, but it was good for me to read someone else's view point along with knowing what passages in the Bible back this belief.

The author weaves in the Gospel throughout the book and lovingly encourages parents who have gone through miscarriages or the death of an infant. It is a great book to have to give to parents who are going through this hard time. I wish I would have had this both times I lost my babies. However, as I read through it, it still encouraged my heart greatly. I know that I can pass this book along to be a help to someone God sends my way.

I really like this paragraph the author included by J. Vernon McGee. It is in response to the question of what our children in Heaven will look like when we see them some day.

Will our children be as we last saw them? I do not know nor can I prove it from Scripture (for Scripture is silent at this point), but I believe with all my heart that God will raise the little ones as such, and the mother's arms that have ached for them will have the opportunity of holding them. The father's hand that never held the little hand will be given that privilege. I believe that the little ones will grow up in heaven in the care of their earthly parents--if they (the parents) are saved.

Are you going through a loss right now...or do you know someone who is? I highly recommend this wonderful book of truth and comfort from God's Word.

You can still wear cute shoes

I was so encouraged to hear about a book for ministry wives from another pastor's wife, Rachel, over at A Steady Rain. I ordered the book and began reading it as soon as it arrived on my doorstep. It was a great easy read filled with loads of encouragement.

Lisa McKay's book, You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, contains lots of Biblical principles, personal stories, and practical advice. From learning how to be yourself, have best friends in the pews, and ministering along side your husband, this book is a gem. She even addresses hard issues and how to raise your kids to love the Lord.

I especially like how she defines what a preacher's wife's role is...it's basically the same for what God requires any Christian wife and mother to be. There are sometimes pressures from others on what that lady should be--like play the piano, host the perfect luncheon, and keep her home spotless at all times--yikes! The truth is...we're like any other person. We've got talents and abilities as well as weaknesses and a sin nature.

What I appreciated most in this book is that she includes thoughts and questions at the end of each chapter that apply to any church member. She encourages any woman to read this book so that she can know how to encourage and minister to her pastor's family. There's even a short chapter specifically written for the pastor, as well as thoughts at the end of each chapter from other pastor's wives and lay people that pertain to that topic. This book covers everything you ever thought about ministry.

I love this book, and you will, too! I pray that it will be an encouragement to you in your area of ministry. By the way, Lisa has a great blog called A Preacher's Wife. Head on over there and check it out!

Total Forgiveness

I recently finished reading a very encouraging, but challenging book. In fact, after I got it in the mail, I was a bit nervous to read it. 

Forgiveness is something we all struggle doing from time to time. So, even though I knew I needed to read the book, Total Forgiveness, I was afraid of how my heart would feel...and yes, it convicted me in every way. 

I first heard about the book on the radio from Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson and the author, R. T. Kendall, were talking about the topic of forgiveness and it caught my attention. At the time, I was dealing with forgiving others in my heart. When things happen that don't seem right or fair, it's hard to get past it. So many times I think of Joseph and how he was mistreated by his own brothers. He didn't hold onto it and God allowed him to be successful and to eventually help his family many years later. 

In his book, the author explains how we should forgive others totally. It's hard to let go, isn't it? It's easy to point a finger and blame someone else for the way your life is going. It's easy to remember the pain day in and day out. But God doesn't want us to stay there! Just as He continually forgives and loves us, so we must forgive and love others. We can't worry about what others are doing (or aren't doing), but should obey God in this area ourselves. We shouldn't dwell on the past, or even continue to talk about it. If we need to forgive daily, then that's what we must do. 

I've learned so much from this book, which gives so much Scripture and Biblical examples throughout its entirety. You see, sometimes those thoughts from the past have continued to cross my mind and stir up anger in my heart. I'm learning that forgiveness starts in the heart and must be acted upon daily. When we sin this way, it affects those around us. Besides wanting to obey God's command to simply forgive, the thought of my unforgiveness affecting my marriage, ministry and other relationships causes me to not want to stay there. It slows me down in what I should be doing as I dwell on the past. It's not a good place to be!

Even though the restoration of a relationship may not always happen, I'm constantly reminded of the verse in the Bible that says..."as much as lieth in you to be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18b). It's up to me--not them--to be at peace, to forgive, to love. I'm accountable to God for my actions. 

I believe if we took this topic of forgiveness more seriously, families and friendships would be better and the world would see that Christians truly love one another. It's amazing to me how petty and mean we can get because we choose not to forgive. Sickening, huh? But yet we act this way. Some day it will be too late--either you or them will pass into eternity without making things right. Let's choose to forgive totally today and honor God in the process.

I know I got a bit transparent in this post, but that's okay. We all struggle with things, and I wanted to share a great book that's been a huge help in my Christian walk. You can find the book on Amazon or any Christian bookstore. You've just got to read it!

The Quest for Character

The book, The Quest for Character, by Charles Swindoll, is a great book of encouragement. Even though I've read the book before, it still made an impact in my heart. In today's society, there is so much out there to look just right, to own what everyone else has, and to be in the know about entertainment. But that's not what God sees as important. We must know God's Word and make wise decisions based upon what is right. Building godly character in our lives is far more important than any movie or pop star. 

The author divides the book into two sections: "guard your heart" and "give your heart." Each chapter focuses on a different character quality and gives a passage of Scripture to read. Great story examples are woven throughout, giving the reader better understanding of the topic for that chapter.

This book is a good one to add for your daily quiet time. I highly recommend it, as it is one of my favorite devotional books. 

Godly character is so important in our Christian lives. Let's live it today.

What book have you read recently that was an encouragement to your heart? I'd love to hear about it!:)

Friends, Fun and Relaxation...

A month ago, my friend, Allison called me and asked if I'd like to go on the ladies retreat sponsored by our last church. She said the she and another friend, Shannon insisted that I go, and that if Q said "no" than they were going to take me any way!;) Of course Q said yes--and my two pals were going to take care of most of the cost.

On Friday afternoon, Allison and Shannon picked me up from my house since it was on the way. The Renaissance Hotel is in Boulder, just a few minutes away. When we arrived, we settled into our room. Before dinner, we hung out in the lobby talking to the other ladies as they came in. It was so fun catching up with friends that I hadn't seen for several months.

After dinner, the first session began. Our speaker for the weekend was Debbie Goddard. She and her husband serve the Lord at West Coast Baptist Bible College in Lancaster, CA. The theme for the sessions was "FILLED" based upon Ephesians 3:19 which says, "And to know the love of Christ...that ye might be filled with the fulness of God."

There were three sessions in all. The first one was called "Be filled and grow in grace through life's transitions." This one probably touched my heart more than anything as I'm in transitions in my life right now. God has a perfect plan for me in the change of ministry, heartache in another miscarriage, and the desire to find my place in our new community. I was encouraged to have a grateful heart, have the right thinking and to care about others during this time in my life. Another session was about hospitality. She gave us lots of ideas on ways to be hospitable to neighbors and people in our church.

Julie, the pastor's wife at Front Range, also gave a devotional on being "filled" with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. She gave us each a water bottle as a way to understand some of her points on being filled...what it takes to be filled, what should we be filled with, etc...

Besides the sessions, we enjoyed a couple fun skits and a time where we could enjoy dessert, give ourselves a pedicure, play games, make jewelry or just sit around and laugh. 

By Saturday afternoon, I was so energized spiritually and enjoyed the time with some of my friends. Here I am with Shannon and Allison. They have been such good friends to me these last few years. I'm very thankful for the invitation to go with them to the retreat. When I went to give them the last of the retreat payment, they said that everything had been covered--WOW! What a blessing this was to me.

Have you had an event in your life recently that encouraged you in your walk with the Lord? I'd love to hear about it.:)

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Have you ever felt like life is so busy that you can't get everything done...including spending time reading God's Word? I think we've all been there at one time or another. We live in a fast-paced world that tells us that we need to have things and do things in order to survive.

I'm so thankful that I read the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver. It shares what Christian women need to know about having true intimacy with God amidst the society pressures to be everywhere and do everything.

The book begins by sharing the story of sisters, Mary and Martha, who responded differently when Jesus came to visit. Martha busily moved around the house making sure things were ready while Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening and taking in every word. I think that most of us are more often like Martha; we are too busy moving about, that we don't stop and spend time with our Saviour. We forget to be like Mary, whom Jesus said had "chosen the better part." 

Having a deep relationship with the Lord is more important than being busy simply because the pressure is on us to be so. The author gives encouragement and insight on how to begin having intimacy with God so that it flows into loving service for Him and the people He places in our life. 

I highly recommend this book if you haven't read it yet. I'm sure you can find it at your local library and check it out like I did. Your heart will be encouraged and challenged. 

My Biography of God: an update

When I first wrote about my devotional called, My Biography of God, someone asked if I could give an update after I had been going through it for a while. So, here are some things I've been learning and what I've enjoyed so much about this book.

I just finished my 15th week today. Throughout these weeks I've learned some great attributes of God--His love, sovereignty, faithfulness, power, mercy, righteousness, and truth. Week 12 was a challenge as I had to write down what I need to change in my life according to what I already learned in the previous weeks. Then, I had to write down a plan to make that change....very thought provoking! This past week allowed me to fill in more blanks in my "Names of God" section.

When I first started this book, I thought that some aspects were very simple, but now that I've been at it for about four months now, it's been challenging and encouraging in several ways:

I love the fact that I read and focus on the same passage for a week. It's never the same each day with what God shows me and with what the book asks me to write down.

I love the fact that I'm memorizing Scripture each week and reviewing the previous ones constantly.

I love writing down praises more consistently now. It's great to look at them every few days because it reminds me that God is working in my life, as well in the lives of others around me.

I love writing down prayer requests, praying for them and seeing God work. I had once kept a prayer request/praise journal, but haven't done it in a long time until now. When someone shares a burden with me, I write it down right away and let them know that I'm praying for them. There's a place to write the date and a place to put a check mark when it's answered.

If you are still interested in purchasing My Biography of God, you can go here, then click on "store" to find it. I hope that what I shared was encouraging to you. It's so important to spend time in God's Word. It's also nice to have a guide to help you with a specific study. One of the verses I've memorized summarizes my goal as I learn about God--

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10

Such an encouraging verse, eh? This is what our purpose as Christians should be--to glorify God in all we do and to learn more about Him.

I can't wait to tell you more about how God is working in my life through this devotional. Perhaps I'll share more in a few months. I pray that you all are spending time with the Lord and enjoying every minute of it!

Lies Women Believe

I've recently finished the book, Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I heard about it this past summer from a camp speaker. The author has also written one for teen ladies, so it perked my interest. So when I saw the original version at the library, I checked it out and began reading through it a little at a time. 

I can honestly say that it has been one of the most convicting books I've ever read. It is amazing to me that in our normal, every day lives how much we give into Satan's lies. We have let them in through the gates of our eyes and ears and have let them seep into our minds. 

Each chapter is devoted into looking at the lies we believe in different areas of our lives. We believe lies about God, ourselves, sin, priorities, marriage, children, emotions and circumstances. To combat lies, we need to ingrain our hearts and minds with the Truth--God's Word. The author gives Scripture and great wisdom to help us overcome these in our lives. These lies truly hold us back in having a victorious life. In some of these areas, I've asked the Lord to help me stop believing these lies so that I can obey and serve Him better. 

Have you ever believed some of these lies? (These are just a few of many that are covered in the book.)

God doesn't love me.

I can't help the way I am.

I have my rights.

My sin isn't really that bad.

If I submit to my husband, I'll be miserable.

All children will go through a rebellious stage.

I can't control my emotions.

If my circumstances were different, I would be different.

Get a hold of this book today. You'll be encouraged and perhaps convicted (but that's okay--we all need that once in a while). Let me know how you enjoy it and what you've learned from it. 

Remember--the Truth will set us free! 

My Biography of God

There's a devotional book that I've wanted for over a year, and Q recently surprised me with it. He bought us both one so that we could record things about God in the days ahead in our new ministry.

It's called My Biography of God, by Sam Brock and it published by Iron Sharpeneth Iron Publications (a ministry of Ironwood Christian Camp). It is a year-long study designed to help us each draw closer to God by getting to know Him. We have been doing this for a few weeks already and we're enjoying it immensely. Each week has a different topic and portion of Scripture; questions to answer; a few sections on attributes of God to fill out; prayer requests and praises to record; and a passage to memorize. You can go here to read more about this great book and to purchase it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a creative and challenging way to get to know God better. I am already thinking about the neat things I will have recorded a year from now. Each day, I'm excited to read and record thoughts about my wonderful Lord.

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made comformable unto his death;"  Philippians 3:10

Created to be his helpmeet

The book, Created to be his helpmeet by Debi Pearl is one that I begin reading again around our anniversary date. It was given to me as a wedding present from my friend and bridesmaid, Tracie. I took it with us on our honeymoon and began reading it then. I finished it and thought, "Wow! This is good, but all these things don't apply to me now." Each year as I've read it, it's become more of a help to me. 

The world is confused about what Biblical submission is, and this book clearly defines it. The first half of the book focuses on being the right help meet in our spirit and actions. The second half is devoted to Titus 2:3-5 which says,

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

I love how she incorporates so much Scripture throughout the book and explains it so that it is clearly understood. At the end of each chapter is a section with questions to answer. Now that I'm reading it for the fourth time, God is showing me yet more ways for me to be a better helpmeet to Quentin.

This book is available through No Greater Joy Ministries. They've also made a journal to accompany the book to jot down thoughts and prayers. No matter how long you've been married, or are thinking about getting married, this book will encourage your heart and stir you on to be the helpmeet God made you to be.

Beautiful in God's Eyes

I love this book. It's one of my favorites! Elizabeth George is the author of Beautiful in God's Eyes. She is encouraging as she shares the historical and Biblical perspective on the Proverbs 31 woman.

I've been using this book in the teen girls Sunday School class. I don't teach every week, so it seems like it's taking so long to finish it. We're getting close, but won't be able to finish it this spring. The teens have a different set up for Sunday School in the summertime. 

Each chapter focuses on a verse, or a portion of a verse. The author talks about the customs and historical significance of the time; but she also gives helps on how we can emulate this beautiful woman. I've added some of my own ideas to make it more practical for teens. After all, this is great for them, too, as they're becoming women and should now be working on character qualities and home skills. I've really learned a lot studying the life of this woman, too. God's been working in my own life about some of these things. Taking care of my husband, children (future), as well as learning how to be frugal and wise with money is something I want to exemplify.

"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."  Proverbs 31:30

The Psalms of David

I'm enjoying the book, The Psalms of David, for the second time--and it's such a delight! I received it as a gift a few years ago from one of my students. The book of Psalms is a book in the Bible, but this book is one man's work on making the words come alive. The illuminations were all done by James S. Freemantle.

This is what the inside cover has to say about the story behind the book:

"Born in India, James Freemantle traveled through the Middle East during his years in the British Army. Shortly after his second marriage, he began this hand-lettered, illustrated volume for his beloved bride, Clara. For the next thirty years, he periodically worked to transfer the psalms into a book that would physically match the lyrical beauty of the poetry."

Each page is filled with artistic lettering and pictures and I love every one of them. The Bible is already such a treasure, but this book allows the reader to have better imaginations about this portion from God's Word.

The book was published many years after Freemantle died, by his son, Stephen. He went home to be with the Lord in 1934, the same year he finished the book. Harper Collins Publishers has printed this book, but I'm sure you could also find it at a Bible bookstore. 

Wonderful read--enjoy! 

Bible study bookmark

While I was doing my spring cleaning in the spare bedroom, I found this bookmark that a friend at church gave me. At the time, she was my Sunday School teacher. One day in class, she gave us all this unique Bible study tool. It is made out of a few strands of ribbon and is designed to help you mark several passages of Scripture at a time. You just take one strand and place it where you want it; then, if you're looking to find parallel passages, you can take the other strands and mark those.

There are six strands, all different colors, that are tied in a knot at the top. Underneath the knot is a bead, and under that, another knot. The ribbons used were 1/4" or 1/8" wide. From top to bottom, this bookmark measures at about 20 inches long.

At the bottom of each strand is a knot. Now, wouldn't this be a simple craft that you can make for yourself or for others who need a tool for Bible study?

Finding this bookmark has inspired me to use it as I study God's Word. I occasionally teach the teen girls' Sunday School class, and this would be a good way to look up several verses at once without losing my place. If you have a pocket on the front of your Bible like I do, you can store the ribbon bookmark there when you're not using it.

Psalm 119 is full of verses that speak about God's Word. I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorites. I hope they are an encouragement to your heart as they are to mine. Let's meditate on these today:

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." (v. 9-11)

"I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." (v. 16)

"Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight." (v. 77)

"Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." (v. 89)

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (v.105)

"Great peace have thy which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." (v. 165)

What to do in the wilderness

A couple weeks ago, my pastor gave an excellent message that brought tears to my eyes.  I ordered a copy of the message because I wanted to listen to it again and take notes so that I would remember the important truths that he shared.

The message was called, What to do in the wilderness.  I thought I'd share his points and tell you how it has encouraged my heart.  He spoke from Luke 4, where it speaks about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.  Sometimes we don't understand why we're in the "wilderness", but God is in control and it's all part of His plan.  With my physical condition and upcoming surgery, I've sometimes wondered why, but when I try to look at it from an eternal perspective, I know it's all for good.

Here's what my pastor shared....

1.  Recognize that you are there by His design. (Mark 1:11-12)

Don't question God.  He's preparing you for other things.  Many individuals in Bible times were taken alone in the wilderness, but it was all for good.  (ex: Moses) 

2.  Rest in Who is there with you. (John 14:16)

In the middle of the desert, we must remember who's with us.  Jesus says, "I am with you alway."  Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord is with us and that He comforts us.

3.  Realize there are times in the wilderness that only you and the Spirit can understand. (ex: Christ's 40 days of temptation)

Don't be frustrated when others don't understand.  Don't depend on even that good friend to always be there--trust in the One who loves and care about you more.

4.  Rejoice that usefulness follows wilderness. (Luke 4:13-14)

Have availability...say, "Here am I."  Don't jump out of the wilderness until God leads you.  He will bring you out in His good time.  I Peter 5:10 says, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

I love that final verse shared, because it speaks right to what I'm going through.  Even though I'm not going through temptation, I have struggled at times with the physical difficulties I've been having.  I know that through this, God is working in my life in so many areas and I hope to be an encouragement to women in the future who may find themselves in the same circumstances.  I want God to be glorified, even while I'm waiting in the wilderness.  God has been with me through the tears and doctor's visits.  I know that He will continue to see me through.

By the way, I'll be having surgery in about a month.  It will be soon after I take my choirs to state competition.  I'll have time to rest and recover before going back to finish the school year. I covet your prayers, even now as I wait, having some discomfort and pain. (I have written past posts under health, if you'd like to know more.)

Just another quick note...if you go to my church or are a part of our school, please keep my surgery information quiet until we share it right before the surgery.  Since some of the info. regarding my surgery is of a private nature, Q and I would like to be the ones to share it in an appropriate manner.  Thanks.:)

What I listen to while I work....

Whether I'm cleaning the house or working on a sewing project, I love to either listen to music or to radio podcasts on the internet.  My favorite place to go is Focus on the Family. You can listen to these radio shows on a variety of topics including, marriage, kids, national news, and reviews on entertainment--all from a Christian perspective.

One thing I recently signed up for on the website is "My family."  It's designed to fit the stage of life you're currently in.  So, when I open up to the Focus on the Family website, it immediately goes to my page and there I can find articles to read and podcasts to listen to, all geared to my young married status. If you are single, have young kids or teens, or retired, they can make a unique "My family" page just for you.

A favorite selection of shows that I have enjoyed for years is Adventures in Odyssey.  You can click right on Whitsend.org to listen to the show for the day.  You can even backtrack and listen to past shows.  I'm a huge kid at heart and love the humor and simplicity of these shows.  At the end of each one, a Scripture verse is shared that goes along with the story.

A couple summers ago, Q and I were able to go to Colorado Springs, CO and see the headquarters at Focus on the Family.  We took a tour, visited Whit's End (a fun place for kids of all ages), and went home with a sample of their popular magazines. This is such a great ministry and they can use our prayers as they minister to families around the nation. Listen to their encouraging podcasts; read their Bible-based articles; and even visit their headquarters when you get the opportunity.  Your heart will be blessed as you grow in the Lord through the ministry of Focus on the Family.

A Provoking Thought...

Last night at church, one of our missionaries came to give a testimony and preach in the service. The Rudolph's minister in Cape Town, South Africa.  They do an amazing work and have such a great testimony for our Lord!

Mr. Rudolph preached from 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapter 2, verses 15-17:

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:  To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.  And who is sufficient for these things?  For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God:  but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

His main emphasis was that of building relationships with those we want to see come to Christ. He shared several stories of how he and his family do this in South Africa.  Being a "sweet savour" to those around us means sharing the love of Christ in every day life.  He gave ideas such as having people over for dinner, engaging in simple conversations about hobbies and work, and merely just being their friend.

One provoking thought that he repeated a few times was this:  How often do we pray for and seek diligently those who we want to come to Christ?  It was such a convicting thought to me because I can think of neighbors that I know that I haven't been praying for and haven't been reaching out to.  It is time for me to start praying and take action.  Perhaps I can make a baked good or hand-made gift...or I can invite them over for some hot chocolate or dinner.  I'm sure that as I seek the Lord on this, He'll help me reach out to the lost in my neighborhood.

Will you do the same?

What God's been teaching me....

It's been two weeks since I saw the specialist to discuss what needs to be done concerning a health issue I've been having.  It looks like the only thing that can be done is surgery.  Last year I had an appendectomy and had to return to the hospital because of an infection.  Over time, scar tissue has built inside of me, causing pain, discomfort and (temporary) infertility.  I'll most likely have the surgery done within the next few months.  Over time, the pain can worsen and we want it to be taken care of as soon as possible.

It was right before Thanksgiving when my husband and I went to see the doctor, and all I could think was, "What can I be grateful for during this time?"  Here are some things that God's been showing me lately, that I hope is an encouragement to you as well:

1.  God has a perfect plan for my life.  (Romans 8:28)  Whether or not this includes motherhood, I need to keep giving glory to God with my life.

2.  God loves me and takes care of me daily.

3.  I am learning that God needs to be my complete satisfaction and joy.

4.  Our trials "worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Corinthians 4:17)  

5.  Finally, I am so thankful for the people God has put in my path as I go through this.  I've appreciated the many prayers and kind words of family and friends.

If I can be of help to any of you who may be going through a trial right now, let me know.  I'd love to pray with you and encourage you any way I can.

Filling our minds with the right things

It's always encouraging to be reminded of good things every day, isn't it?  Not too long ago, I found some window clings at the dollar store.  There were several in the package, and each one had lines on it so that you could write your own message on it with a dry erase marker.  My husband was on a retreat that weekend, so I thought I would surprise him by putting these up on our bathroom mirror.  I wrote encouraging and sweet notes to him and he loved it!  It's been fun, too, because he's surprised me back by writing things to me on them.  I've lately written Bible verses or phrases to hymns on them.  It's been an awesome thing to look at them while we're getting ready in the morning.  I love Philippians 4:8 which says,

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;  if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 

God wants us to think on right and pure things.  The Bible also says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."  So, if we're planting Scripture in our hearts and minds, it's going to come out in our actions and words.  But, if we're planting things that are not right, those things will eventually come out, too.

What other ways can we encourage others and be encouraged in the Lord? I thought of a few other things that will get you excited:

1.  Place Scripture verses anywhere and everywhere in your house.  You can buy some in frames already, or you can print some out and frame them yourself.

2.  Write encouraging notes to your spouse and children on their mirrors in their bedrooms/bathrooms, on a little piece of paper for their lunch, or even a special card and treat hidden under their pillow.

3.  Use the time while you're getting ready in the morning and cooking to memorize and meditate on Scripture.  Write down verses on 3 x 5 cards so that they can be easily posted.

4.  Use audio cd's and Christian radio programs to listen to godly music, Scripture and sermons.  Your entire family can take part of this during a quiet time of the day.

My Praise Book

When I was in college, I began a journal called "the praise book."  It was just a little fat notebook that I jotted down answers to prayer.  It was so encouraging to see how God was working in every little detail of my life. These last few years, I've not kept up with the journal, but I have gone through it from time to time.  Seeing all that He has done in the past encourages me that He will continue to help in the future.  With this Thanksgiving season I've been realizing that I need to keep writing down those praises, no matter how little or big they are to me.  We are to praise God continually with our mouths, and the Bible also tells us to be thankful in all things.  When we share the praises with others, it will also encourages them to make God a part of their every day life.  It helps us all to see that without Christ, we can't do anything.  So, what are we waiting for? Let's get out that little notebook and begin writing down prayers of thanksgiving to our wonderful Creator.