What's On Your Mind '09 - The Psalms

This month, "What's On Your Mind, '09" is focusing on the Psalms.

I love the Psalms! I once spent a whole year using my devotional time to read the Psalms over and over. God has used the Psalms to comfort, instruct and encourage me.

I'm glad we're discussing the Psalms the whole month of November because I couldn't say all I'd want to say in one post!

Today, I wanted to share a few things about Psalm 37, one of my favorites. Psalm 37 is so rich! There is just so much gold to be mined out of those timeless words that David wrote.

Is there something that you desire above all else that has not happened for you yet? Then read verse 4 of Psalm 37 and meditate on it:

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

This scripture means a lot to me. I claimed it for my own and prayed that God would show me how to delight myself in Him, because the desire in my heart was to be a mother. I did struggle with infertility for 10 years, but today, I am a mother after having giving birth three times to healthy beautiful baby girls.

Delighting ourselves in Him speaks of relationship. If my relationship with God brings me delight, I must be in a good place with my Christian walk. If it's a delight to spend time with God, and to talk with Him, discussing the "stuff of life," then I know Him better. I'm better able to determine what His will is for me. I can then line up my desires with His will.

It's like earthly relationships. I can ask more of someone closer to me. I'm not afraid to ask my husband or my best friend for something. I know they love me and understand me and are willing to help me if they can. I don't ask a favor of someone that I barely know.

If there is a desire, a dream in your heart that you haven't seen come to pass yet, just start spending more time with God. The more time you spend together, you'll see that He wants to bless you. You may even find that the dream of your heart is something He placed there in the first place!

There is so much to say about Psalm 37 that I'm going to make it a series of posts. I hope you'll join me as we study more of this amazing Psalm.

If you'd like to hear what's on the mind of others, visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Pathway to Someday

On the last Tuesday of the month, Shane, our What's On Your Mind, '09, hostess asks us to take a picture and write about it. I've probably written about this picture before but I love it and it speaks to my imagination so well!

I took this photo a couple years ago when we were at Pine Hills in the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. I've always liked it because to me it looks like a road going through a tunnel of trees. If you follow the road through the tunnel, it curves just outside and opens up into two meadows, one on either side of the road. It's dark with patches of sun shining throught the leaves going through the tunnel, but once you hit the meadowlands, it's bright and open.

To me, this is an illustration of the pathway I'm traveling to eternal life. I'm in the tunnel now. I can't really see what is up ahead. It's dark where I am, but I do have those patches of sunlight. Those patches, spiritually speaking, represent illumination when God reveals something to me. I need to pray for more and more illumination so the way doesn't seem so dark, or so puzzling to me. Jesus said that He was light for my path. He is traveling with me. As long as I keep my eyes on Him, I can follow Him out of that tunnel. When I look back at where I've been, I lose sight of Him and stumble.

Someday, I'll break through that tunnel. When I do, it will be so unimaginable! God's word says that what He has prepared for us is beyond what we can dream. I've always been a big dreamer, so this excites me very much. I know one thing, Heaven will be filled with light, because He is the light. Wherever He dwells will be pure radiance.

Someday, I'll look back at that time in the tunnel as nothing, because my time toiling on the pathway to heaven is like a blip in the radar screen of eternity. It's going to be worth the journey, no matter how long it takes to get there.

Someday, I'll experience these words:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Would you like to share a picture and tell its story? Join us at Heart Reflections!

What's On Your Mind '09 - Prayer - Just Like A Clock

Today's challenge from Shane at Heart Reflections:

Daniel 6:10: “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

Do you take God seriously? Do you cry out to God for everything? Read through Daniel’s story. What moved you? How can it change your own prayer life?

I have always loved the story of Daniel. What a guy! What a testimony!

If you read the whole chapter, you'll see that the administration searched and searched but could find nothing to accuse Daniel. Nothing except he prayed too much!

If people searched my life today, could the only thing they'd take exception with be my prayer life?

I personally think that Daniel prayed all the time, just as I do. I keep a running conversation with the Lord all day long. However, Daniel also made a point of praying intentionally. He prayed formally three times a day with the windows open toward Jerusalem. I wonder if he did it in that manner so as to be a testimony for those around him?

Another thing I noticed, the bible said he prayed giving thanks. Three times a day, every day, just like a clock, Daniel made a point to find something to be thankful and gave God praise.

Well, you know the story. Daniel went through the trial of being put in a lion's den with very hungry lions. Yet, God, stopped the mouths of the lions and kept Daniel safe.

Would the story have turned out differently if Daniel had not been a man of prayer? A man of thanksgiving?

The bible says that satan is like a hungry lion seeking whom he may devour. We need to take seriously being in close communication with God. It should be an utmost priority.

Let me be intentional about giving my Lord praise, intentional about asking him for help just like Daniel did. Daniel 6:11 says that Daniel was found praying and asking God for help.

I'd like to be found praying and asking God for help the next time a trial comes my way!

What's On Your Mind '09 - Photo of the Month

The cross you see in the picture above is built on top of a hill called Bald Knob. This cross can be seen from miles around. While driving the hilly winding roads below the cross, you can catch glimpses of it periodically. It shines brightly amongst the green trees. A silent witness.

When I snapped this picture, some of the tiles were taken off the cross to be replaced with new gleaming tiles. I do like this picture though, because even though there is damage to the cross, it still stands. It still proclaims the message. It makes all who pass nearby acknowledge the cross. If ever a person had heard the gospel message, a Bald Knob Cross sighting reminds them of the story.

If a person saw that cross, and didn't know of Christ's sacrifice, he might wonder what was so special about a cross that someone would go to all the trouble and expense of erecting such a structure. Maybe he would ask someone ... I pray there would be a person prepared to share what that cross means to God's children.

How special the image of a cross is to us because it makes us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us. The perfect sinless Son took all the wrong-doing that wretched man could dish out and put it on His account. He paid the price so that we could go free. Talk about the deal of the century -- this was the bargain for all time! You could never get a sweeter offer than that!

All He asks is that you believe He did it and that He is who He says He is. Ask Him to add your name to the list of those who have admitted their wrong-doing and asked Him to be the Lord of their lives. Then follow Him.

Be a witness for Him. Sometimes like the Bald Knob Cross, just looking at you and where you stand can be a witness. Unlike the Cross, you may have opportunity to be a vocal witness.

Either way, be ready.

This post is submitted to Shane's What's On Your Mind '09 meme at Heart Reflections. You can read about other photos of the month here.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Why Do I Blog?

I'm excited that the meme, "What's On Your Mind, '09" has resumed after a summer hiatus. The topic today is, "Why do I Blog?"

When I first started blogging I was excited about doing so because I felt it was a platform to share some of my devotionals that I had written. I also thought it was a great exercise to be intentional about writing more often. I dream of being a writer but often lack discipline to just sit down and type. I write a lot of things in my head as I drive to work everyday but neglect to actually get it down on paper.

As time has went on and I learned more about the blogosphere, I found so many things I was interested in. I discovered the world of memes and how each meme had a community of its own. I wanted to be a part of nearly every one I found!

I have read articles on how to successfully blog and been told, "give your blog a voice. Write on that topic because that is what your readers want to hear."

The truth is my blog is eclectic because that is how I am! I can't just talk about one thing because I am a sum of all the things I'm interested in.

Lately, I've been thinking about the "Total Woman." I know that is a name of a book a lady wrote a long time ago. (I think the author was Marabel Morgan.) I read it, but can't really remember but a couple of irrelevant things about it. However, I love the concept. We are not just spiritual beings, but physical and emotional, too.

I want my blog to address the total, or complete, woman. Today's women are complicated, driven beings. Most of us are wives, mothers, homemakers, career women, servants of God, involved in our church, hobby enthusiasts -- the list goes on and on. I want to speak to those issues.

I'm also in agreement with Shane who said she blogs for community. I have met some awesome people in the blogging world. I love to read their thoughts. Some of them have even sent me snail mail! And when they visit my blog, and I get feedback on something I posted, it makes my day.

Commmunity is a great thing. God didn't make us to be lone rangers. We need each other's input.

To sum up the question: the reason I blog is to give AND to receive. Seems like a pretty good deal!

To read what others had to say about this subject, visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's On Your Mind '09

This week's assignment from Shane at Heart Reflections:

Collect your favorite words throughout the previous week and put together in a story, a poem or a random post. Read this post for more ideas.

Lately, I have been having trouble with reading comprehension. (Something I never had a problem with before ... I think it might have something to do with having too many things I want to do in a short period of time.)

So, I thought the assignment was to observe what words I heard people say most over the last week. Here, in my neck of the woods, we are enduring a stretch of mid-90° weather that is lasting and lasting ... So the words I observed this week all had to do with heat: hot, sizzling, sweaty, blazing. I was all set to write about "hot" and how in today's world that word is used in two different ways.

I didn't read the post for more ideas ... until today!

The idea for our challenge was to increase our "word pool," or become a collector of words. L.L. Barkat said that words "are distinct, arresting, memorable, except when we use the same ones over and over." She also said that having a collection of words at the ready would be helpful for the writer.

I'm all about that!

If you are like me, a voracious reader, then you already know a lot of unique words. You can't help it! I've learned so many many words over the years from the myriad of books, magazines, articles and labels that I've read. You just subconsciously pick up knowledge of words.

I also have to say that all these words come out when you least expect it. Here's a classic example: Once when our family was eating out, my husband wiped his stubbly chin with a napkin. I piped up, "Hon, you've got napkin residue on your chin!" Boy, did I ever take a ribbing about saying "napkin residue."

I'm always being teased about being the "human dictionary." That's okay, I want be a person who uses unique words.

I worry about our youth today, it seems that not only do they just use common words, they add to it filthy language for emphasis! I always tell my girls that I think people cuss because they are too ignorant to know a better word to describe their emotion.

So ... yeah, I'm a word collector and I'm going to keep doing it. Words are one collection I don't have to worry about having enough space to store - my Creator has given me room in my brain!

If you'd like to see what other's have on their mind about this topic, visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Why Worry?

This week's topic is the subject of worry over at Shane's Heart Reflections.

When I was a very little girl, my grandpa's nickname for me was "Worrywart." I was very inquisitive and asked millions of questions, so I think really the reason he called me Worrywart was because I kept worrying him! However, he did have a worrywart to deal with, and that was my granny.

She worried about all kinds of things and about everybody. She had a large extended family and also knew everyone in her little village and all the surrounding communities; therefore, there was plenty of things to worry about! Now to give her credit, the reason she worried about all these people is that she really and truly cared about each one. She loved everyone and everyone loved her!

How many times I heard her say, "oh, I couldn't sleep a wink last night for worrying about ___________. I prayed all night long for (whoever it was)." I guess all that worrying did help her become a prayer warrior.

I don't think, though, that God intends us to be worriers. I base that belief on two scriptures:

... "I came that they may have and enjoy life,
and have it in abundance (to the full, till it
overflows)." John 10:10 AMP

How can you enjoy life if you're consumed with worry?

And,

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties,

all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him,

for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you

watchfully"

1Peter 5:7 AMP

If you dwell on this scripture and meditate on it, pretty soon I have a feeling that worry will be less of a problem for you.

Why worry? The God of the universe cares about you!

Ooh, that reminds me of another scripture:

"And we know that all things work together for good

to those who love God, to those who are the called

according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

If you truly believe that everything will work out for good, why worry?

What's On Your Mind '09

Today at "What's On Your Mind, '09" we are talking about busting the myth that Christianity is all about being a good person.

The first thought that came to my mind when I was considering this topic was this scripture:

"...for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles,

that they are all under sin;
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: "

Romans 3:9-10 KJV

and,

"But we are all as an unclean thing,

and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags ..."

Isaiah 64:6 KJV

We've all sinned, none of us are good. Even on our best day, when we've done everything right, we're still not holy and pure enough to meet God's exacting standard. Our actions might be right but the intent of our heart is often wrong.

"The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

Well then, what's a girl to do?

God knew we couldn't earn our way into heaven, so He provided a way - Jesus!

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 14:6 KJV

In this day of political correctness, we want to believe that there are many ways to get to Heaven, but it's just not true. There is one way and His name is Jesus.

My Sunday School class has been studying Galatians. The Galatian church wanted to believe that a person must keep the Mosaic law and believe in Jesus to go to Heaven. There is something inside of man (pride) that wants to be in control of his own destiny and earn his way into heaven. Here is what Saint Paul had to say:

"... if keeping the law could make us right with God,

then there was no need for Christ to die."

Galatians 2:21 NLT

Christianity is not about being a good person. It's about needing a Savior, repenting and asking Him to live in our hearts. Then when God looks at us, He doesn't see our sin, He sees Jesus!

To find out what others had to say on this topic, visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Stones of Remembrance

What are your Stones of Remembrance? The idea is taken from Joshua 3-4 and simply explained in this post

Actually, the idea of Stones of Remembrance is not a new idea to me. This topic was introduced when I was participating in the "Experiencing God" bible study written by Henry Blackaby. We discussed the story of the children of Israel crossing the Jordan and God instructing them to build a memorial, one stone for each tribe, serving as a reminder for future generations of what God had done for their ancestors.

You see, God knows how we are, and how quickly we forget what He has done for us.

As a class, we talked about what we could do to leave stones of remembrance for our families. The general consensus seemed to be leaving journals and scrapbooks. A lot of us already do that to preserve family heritages. But what about spiritual heritage? What can we do to tell future generations about God's goodness?

One method is storytelling. In fact, that's biblical. We are to discuss scripture and God's ways over and over to our children.

Deuteronomy 6:7 "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

That's storytelling. And what better way than to make it personal? Tell them the story of when you realized you were a sinner and needed to go to the altar.

When my dad was dying, he was concerned because he didn't want his grandchildren to forget him. I told him not to worry because I would tell them all about him. And I did. In fact, I did told them so much over the years, they began to roll their eyes when I mentioned something he did. I guess I did too good a job!

This works best when your children are little. What about if they are older?

If you are reading this blog, you probably have a blog of your own. Why not set up a category on your blog called "Stones of Remembrance." Write about all the spiritual experiences you have had, and those you can remember of your parents and grandparents. Or you could even have a separate blog for remembrances. Make it a closed blog and only invite relatives if your stories are too personal. At some point in life, your children will be curious about their family and then they can read all about how God has shown Himself strong on behalf of His children.

I understand there are companies that will even publish your blog in a book form, and then those that do not care to use computers can read your "stones," too.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss has written a great article on this subject and has several ideas for memorials. You might want to read some of her ideas here.

I really regret that I did not think about how important learning about family heritage and spiritual heritage is until most of my family had passed away. I want to make sure that doesn't happen for my grandchildren.

After all, what's more important than telling what God has done for me?

Visit Shane at Heart Reflections and see what others have to say on this topic.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Easy Yoke

Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”


The question this week's challenge is how do you put Matthew 11:28-30 in practice in your own life?


I think learning to come to the Lord and give Him our burdens is a process. It's natural when things come our way to think that we can solve things on our own. In our human pride, we want to think we are smart enough to come up with a solution. After all, why bother God with it, it's a small thing that we should be able to handle.

So, after trying to handle things on our own and messing up, we then go to God and ask for help. A few times of this and hopefully the light goes off in our brain -- why not ask Him for help at the beginning?

What is a yoke anyway? I looked it up and yoke has several meanings, but the one that refers to a person is the one I think relevant here: "a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions " (Merriam Webster). God never meant for you to carry too heavy a load alone. Bring it to Him and He will take it in exchange for a lighter one.

For me, I think the biggest challenge of putting this passage into practice in my own life is to hand my burden to God and then step back and keep my hands off it. Give it to God and then not worry ... That's hard to do! When satan reminds me the problem is still there, the best thing to do would be to say, "I've given it to God, in His timing He will work it out." I may have to say that a hundred times a day, but eventually that old snake will leave me alone.

Another point that I think worth mentioning about this passage: When I insist on doing things my way, often it becomes a heavy burden. An example of this is when someone asks me to be in charge of something, and because of pride, I just agree to it without asking Him first. Then when I feel overworked or overwhelmed and complain about it, He could say, "I never told you to do that in the first place!" However, if the Lord impresses me that He wants me to be doing God's work, something He has called me to do, I'll have rest (peace about it) and a light burden because He equips me to do the work.

It all comes down to am I spending enough time with God? If I'm drawing near to Him, He draws near to me: therefore, I'll be better able to hear His voice, guiding me as to which burden He wants me to carry. He'll only give me a light burden - what I'm capable of carrying. I'll be the first to say that I need to work on this. It is indeed a process!

What about you? How do you apply this passage of scripture to your own life? Join in at Shane's Heart Reflections and share.

What's On Your Mind '09 - The Yoke of Christ

Today's assignment is to read this excerpt from Oswald Chambers on Matthew 11:28-30 and express our thoughts based on this scripture:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

When I look at these scriptures, I have always thought it meant to give Him our problems and He will lighten our load. Certainly that is what the first part of this scripture means. But I notice that Mr. Chambers says, "Jesus is asking us to take one end of the yoke - "My yoke is easy, get alongside Me and we will pull together." Are you identified with the Lord Jesus like that? If so, you will thank God for the pressure of His hand. "

Instead of doing things our own way, doing the work that WE want to do, Jesus wants us to join with Him in HIS work! It makes sense that if we are working WITH Him, things will go well. You're working in the will of God which guarantees success.

"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11

I also wanted to comment on what Oswald said, "If we did not know some saints, we would say - "Oh, he, or she, has nothing to bear." Lift the veil. The fact that the peace and the light and the joy of God are there is proof that the burden is there too."

I have been guilty of thinking that because some people's lives seem worry-free, they had no burden. I've learned that isn't true, and in fact, often the ones who seem so successful and everything falls into place for them are the very ones struggling with a cross far heavier than mine. Their struggle might be on-going, in the past or at some future date. It may just be the season they are in.

The truth is, every believer has struggles in life. It's a given. The question is, will you trust Christ to help you with it?

What's on YOUR mind? Would you like to express your ideas? Link up at Shane's Heart Reflections and share?

What's On Your Mind '09 - Sabbath Keeping

The topic for this week's What's On Your Mind, '09 is "Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy." How do you follow this commandment in today’s non-Sabbath world?

This is an interesting dilemma for me. I have been feeling for awhile now that Sunday's are the busiest day of the week for me. Here is my usual Sunday schedule:

1. 6 a.m. - Get up, shower and do my hair.

2. Study my lesson. (Even if I have spent hours preparing through the week, I still have to go over it on Sunday morning.)

3. Make breakfast for the family and get everyone up and to the table.

4. Finish dressing.

5. Depending on the day's menu, there is always kitchen prep work to be done before leaving for church.

6. 9:00 a.m. - Leave for church so as to be on time to greet students. We live approximately 35 minutes away from our church.

7. Teach

8. After morning worship, meet with the other board members to count the offering.

9. If I have no errands to run, then I rush home to make dinner. (Sunday is always a big family meal.)

10. Put up leftovers and prod children along to clean up kitchen.

11. 3:00 p.m. - Call my mom. (We always talk to each other every Sunday afternoon for 40-60 minutes.)

12. 4:00 p.m. - Take my Sunday afternoon nap. (This is the highlight of my "day of rest"!)

13. 5:00 p.m. - Get up and dressed again to leave for church.

14. 8:00 p.m. - Back home again, change clothes and see about getting a snack for everyone.

How do I make Sundays more restful? It seems like the best way to make it easier would be to cut out the big Sunday dinner. I've toyed with the idea of cooking Sunday dinner on Saturday and then just warming it up. But Saturdays are very busy for me, too.

I've tried going out for dinner or buying takeout to bring home every week, but dinner for 5 can be expensive.

One friend suggested that I just have grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. But I've spoiled my hubby and kids for over 20 years now making a big dinner.

To my credit, I don't do any other housework on Sundays other than cleaning the kitchen. I don't do laundry, or buy groceries. (Running into Wal-Mart to get something I forgot doesn't count, does it?) I don't believe in deliberately planning chores for Sunday. I don't want to mow grass or wash the car on Sunday. I certainly don't want to clean out the refrigerator on Sundays, even though that's the day you can really tell it needs it!

I think it comes down to whether you feel that the Lord expects you to obey a set of rules - what is and what is not allowed on Sundays.

Rather than rules, I think He wants us to focus on Him. Of course, He wants that everyday but especially on the Lord's Day.

If I'm all occupied with what I'm making for dinner, I'm not being focused on Him.

I think keeping the Sabbath holy means keeping Sunday "set apart" from your regular activity. Keeping my mind praising and worshiping Him. Having conversations with Him. Meditating on His Word.

It's a challenge -- one that calls for creativity in getting my list of Sunday activities whittled down to make room for worship. If you have any ideas for me, I'd love to hear them!

If you'd like to hear how others keep the Sabbath, visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Faith Journey

This Tuesday's What's On Your Mind, '09 challenges you to share your faith journey.



I was raised to always attend church. One of my earliest memories was being at children's church down in the basement of the church. We were singing the song, "Behold, Behold. I stand at the door and knock, knock, knock..." and we all turned around and pounded our fists on the metal chairs as we sang "knock, knock, knock."



So, from early on, I knew the Lord wanted to come into my heart. I just wasn't ready to let Him in.



It's funny, when you have been raised in church, people assume you are a Christian. But as Joyce Meyer says, "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in my garage all day makes me a car."



When I was fourteen, my GA (Girls' Auxiliary) leader, Mrs. Bates, just came out point-blank and asked me if I have ever asked Jesus into my heart and made a public profession of faith. (You can read about Mrs. Bates here.) I told her no, I wasn't ready to do that yet. She told me that she hoped I wouldn't wait until it was too late.



The next week, I went with my parents on vacation. We traveled by car up north to visit relatives. While near Chicago, my dad had the brilliant idea to buy a used car he saw up there and bring it back home with him and sell it to make a profit. He said in Chicago you could buy cheap, but sell it high in Florida. Then he had another flash of brilliance; why not pull his car behind the used car back to Florida, thereby putting all the wear and tear on the car he was going to sell anyway?



What he didn't know was that the used car did not have a good exhaust system...



As we traveled down the highway, dangerous carbon monoxide gas was backing up into the back seat where I was sleeping. Deciding to stop for lunch in Nashville, he pulled into a parking lot and everyone tumbled out of the car -- everyone but me. When he was unable to wake me, he pulled me out onto the ground and frantically tried to get me awake. My eyes rolled back into my head and I moaned a few times but would not wake up. A kind stranger offered to take me and dad to the hospital.



The next thing I know a large nurse was trying to hold me down after she had waved something (smelling salts, maybe?) under my nose. After examining me, the doctor on call told dad it was a blessing he stopped when he did. If I had breathed much more of the carbon monoxide, I'd be dead!



I had one goal after that, just let me get home and back to my church. I was definitely going to go to the altar. I had almost waited until it was too late!



The next Sunday I made a beeline to the front when the invitation to accept Christ was given. I'm so thankful I didn't have to earn my salvation. I just admitted that I was a sinner (that was not hard to do!), I told the Lord that I believed that Jesus went to the cross for our sins and that I believed He arose after three days in the grave. I wanted to make a new start and turn from my old ways and become a new creation in Christ.



And that is how my faith journey began. I would like to say that I have served Him perfectly ever since, but that wouldn't be true. I have made mistakes, messed up, and even had times when I felt cold to the Lord and didn't respond to His Holy Spirit like I should have done. The great thing is whenever I would confess my failures, He forgave me!

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

If you would like to read other testimonies, visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Radiant? or Dull?

This week's What's On Your Mind '09 assignment: Discuss the following question: Is your devotional life radiant or dull? Read Exodus chapters 33 - 34, paying particular attention to Moses’ relationship with God and his radiant face (as described in Exodus 34:29-35)

Radiant? or Dull? I would contend that there are times in any believer's life when it can be both. Unfortunately, in my experience, it seems that there are times when I'm very fervent with passion for the Lord, but it doesn't last forever. Life gets in the way. Trials and disappointment may temporarily dull my times with the Lord. However, the embers of my zeal for the Lord are always there. They just need to be "stirred up!"

The question is, how do I make my devotional life radiant? Using Moses as an example, I paid attention to what he did in Exodus chapters 33-34.

The first thing I noticed was that Moses made spending time with the Lord intentional. He set aside a time to meet with the Lord. He also designated a special place, the Tent of Meeting, to fellowship with Him. This Tent was far from the camp.

Do I set aside time for the Lord? What about a special place to meet with Him? Notice that Moses met far from the camp. Our time should be removed from the distractions of life.

I also noticed that when Moses talked to God, it was as friend to friend, and God responded in kind!

"So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face,
as a man speaks to his friend."

Exodus 33:11 NKJV

Moses also told the Lord that he didn't want to go if the Lord's presence didn't go with him. I was struck by the thought that friends talk that way. "I'll go if you'll go" is something I just said to one of my friends last week.

Moses also wanted to see God's glory. Shouldn't that be our aim, too? What would happen if during our devotions, we asked to see God's glory?

The thing that struck me most while reading this passage, though, was that Moses became most radiant when he was with the Lord for 40 days. He was so radiant that the people couldn't stand to look at him and he had to wear a veil! (See Exodus 34:28-29.)

I also want to point out that Moses paid a price for his radiance. The bible says he didn't eat or drink during that time. He was supernaturally sustained.

Going back to my question, "How do I make my devotional life radiant?" I think the answer is prolonged exposure to the Lord's presence.

When I'm feeling that the zeal of the Lord is dulling in my life, I should make certain that I spend even more time in His presence. I want people to see the radiance of Christ on my face!

Check out Shane's blog, Heart Reflections, and see what others had to say about this topic.

What's On Your Mind '09 - Write Your Own Psalm

Our challenge this week at "What's On Your Mind, '09" is to write our own Psalm based on Psalm 31. Below is my humble attempt. One thing I've found is that I find it hard to be as wordy as David!

My Psalm 31

Section 1 - My Safe Place:

Protect me, Lord!

I know I can count on You because You always do the right thing.

Quick! Let me hide in You where my enemies can't touch me.

I trust You, Lord, I know You're faithful. I know You won't let me down because I have trusted in Your Name.

Satan has tried to trap me but You are my Protector.

I despise those who trust in other gods: I rely on You!

You make me joyful even though I'm hedged about with troubles and despair, I know You love me with a love that doesn't give up. Though Satan wants to hurt me, You have kept me safe.

Section Two - Lament:

Have mercy! I need help.

My heart is heavy. Sadness clings to me.

A weight of fear is crushing me -- it's paralyzing me and I feel as if I'll never get free.

I feel looked down on -- a failure. Failure as a person. Failure as a mother. Failure materially. I feel whispers behind my back: "she'll never amount to anything" "what will she ever have to show for her life?"

Section Three - The Big "But":

But I trust You!

I put my future in Your hands.

Give me favor ...

I know You won't let me down.

Let the evil ones know shame. Hush their mouths!

Section Four - Praise His Faithfulness:

You are Awesome!

You bless and protect those who honor You.

You do it with everyone watching!

You keep me safe from those who plan to bring me down.

Your Holy presence catches me up -- far from those who want to talk about me.

I praise You for keeping me safe when I was being attacked.

I felt fear and yelled,

"I can't feel you" and

"Have mercy on me."

And You did!

So, all my brothers and sisters in Christ, remember God will protect His loyal ones.

If you're prideful, you'll be brought down, but don't be fearful if you hope in Him.

Be strong!

Thanks to Karen at Surviving Motherhood who taught me about writing my own psalm. Visit Shane at Heart Reflections to see who else met the challenge!

What's on Your Mind '09 - The Bucket List

This week's "What's on Your Mind, '09" is about what is on your bucket list. What do you hope to accomplish before your life ends? We've been asked to leave out the obvious such as wanting to see our kids married.


When I think about what I want to do before I die, I think in three areas. The first area is kind of superficial. For example, I'd like to visit every state in America. (I'm not even half there yet.) I'd like to go on a cruise. Those things are great, but if I don't get it done before I pass on, it's no tragedy. I'm sure the scenery in heaven will more than make up for what I missed here on earth.


The second area is victory in discipline. What I mean by that is that I don't want to die knowing that I never was able to be disciplined in my body or in my habits. When I go, I want to be at my goal weight. I want to leave this world with no unfinished business - no clutter in my house that needs to go, no work that should have been done.

Finally, in the most important area of all, spiritually I want to complete my calling. I've always felt that I have been called to be an encourager. I want to continue this until the day I go. More than that, I want to have the assurance that not only am I going to be with Jesus, but others whose lives I touched along the way will be there, too!

I realize I can't just float along through life and all these things will be magically done by the end of my life. I'm going to have to intentionally work at getting these things crossed off my list. It's a scary thought, but my time is already more than half over, even assuming I live to be really old. I'll have to have the Lord's help -- which brings to mind another question -- what is the Lord's bucket list for me? That's a whole 'nother post!

I'm going to indulge my love of listing, and actually write out a bulleted bucket list:

• Visit every state in the United States.
• Go on a cruise.
• Reach my goal weight.
• Be a published author.
• Know that I've made a positive spiritual influence for Christ on people. (I haven't figured out exactly how this can be measured, I may have to wait until I get there to find out!)

I also realize that the older I get, the less on that list will seem as important. And 5 years from now, that list could have different things on it. I know that the last item on my list is the really the most vital and will always be my main goal.

Visit Shane at Heart Reflections and see what others had to say about their bucket list.

Cry of the Heart - John 4:4

This week's challenge for "What's OnYour Mind, '09" is to write a devotional. Visit Shane at Heart Reflections to read the other blog devos.

John 4:4 “And he must needs go through Samaria.”

It is so interesting to me that the Word tells us that Jesus needed to go to Samaria. It even said that He must! One of the dictionary meanings for the word must is “to be required by immediate or future need”.

Why did He need to go to Samaria? Could it be that the cry of someone’s heart summoned Him?

In Jesus’ day, taking a detour was not a simple thing. After all, He and His disciples walked everywhere they went. Today, we don’t take the time to call someone that is on our heart; however, He spent the better part of the day walking just to talk to someone.

That someone was the woman at the well. The Bible doesn’t tell us her name. Maybe that was a kindness. Perhaps if people knew her name, they would look down on her for having five husbands.

Five husbands. Five rejections. How bruised the heart of this woman must have been! Could it be that each time her marriage ended, she cried out to God, “Help me! What’s wrong with me? Why does this keep happening?” Or perhaps, she was the one that ended those unions. Perhaps guilt wracked her conscience.

Whatever the reason, Jesus heard her heart cry. At just the right time, He showed up. He offered her the Living Water, the only thing that would heal that broken heart.

Father, I thank You that You hear the cry of our hearts that no one else hears. It’s so wonderful to know that if need be, You will go out of Your way to show up and meet our need. There is no other God like You! You are full of loving-kindness! I love you! Amen.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

It's time for Tuesday's "What's On Your Mind? '09" The question to ponder this week is:

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Of course, I don't know why bad things happen to good people, but I do know the Lord is Sovereign. He has a plan and purpose for everything that happens to us. When something bad happens I find it helpful to remember these things:

• He has a plan. "But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken." Psalm 33:11 (NLT)
• His plan is for my ultimate good. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 (NLT) It may not feel good at the time, but later I will be able to look back and see that it worked out for the best.
• The bad time will not last forever. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:19 KJV Did you see that word "all" there? You will be delivered out of EVERY affliction that you experienced - in God's timing. In my life, I've experienced a lot of bad things, some major: an alcoholic father, a time of infertility, a spouse who became disabled with bi-polar disorder. I've had to pray and seek God for years for deliverance. It took 17 years for my father to be delivered from alcohol and ten years for the curse of infertility to be broken. I'm still seeking the Lord for healing for my husband. I remember the times when God delivered. His promise is sure. He will deliver again. I will keep pressing on. Deliverance is sweet, no matter how long it takes!

Would you like to share your thoughts on this subject? If so, please visit Shane at Heart Reflections.

What's on Your Mind? '09- To Be or NOT To Be

What’s On Your Mind ‘09 strikes again! Today, the challenge looms… write a post without using any BE verbs (am, are, was, were, is, be, been, being). Like Shane, at Heart Reflections, my post does contain a couple occurences of a form of the word be – simply because I’m using a quote to begin my post. Please read my humble attempt below:

My Life, A Precious Gift to Me

Today, I read a quote from an online friend’s email: “My point is that all those sounds together, or others like them, are the sound of our lives: What each of them might be thought to mean separately is less important than what they all mean together. At the very least they mean this: listen. Listen. Your life is happening." Frederick Buechner

His quote captured my thoughts. God gave me my life as a very special gift. I don’t want to waste it. Too often, dreaming of the future robs me of the now.

So, focus; listen to those everyday sounds and think of what it means. Laughter, the first sound that comes to mind. I love to laugh! With three daughters and an extraordinary hubby, laughter happens a lot! Laughter means joy.

The next sound: the sound of typing. As a secretary with two jobs, a constant clicking of my keyboard fills my days. My new hobby of blogging fills the evenings with typing also. My family types daily also -- teenagers on facebook, husband who loves to play southern gospel music on an internet chatroom – we keep our three computers busy. Typing means employment, social and personal fulfillment.

Another sound found often around the home: the sound of appliances. Dishwasher washing, heater blowing warm air, or in the summertime the a/c blowing cold air, microwave beeping, washing machine agitating all add up to a busy household. Appliances working mean convenience to me!

The television blaring frequently makes an unwelcome sound. Often, I think the TV needs turning off to encourage thinking! Yet, I admit sometimes I enjoy watching certain programs. Each show has its own theme song. The sound of a certain program can signal a certain time of day. For instance, I know when I hear “Wheel of Fortune” that 6:30 p.m. has rolled around again. TV can mean the sound of entertainment.

I also love the sound of music, in particular, praise and worship music. The word says:

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:19

I feel that our “self-talk” should sound like praising and worshipping the Lord, and speaking words of kindness to ourselves.

However, nothing can compare to the sound of my loved ones voices. Oh, certainly they do not always say what I want them to say, but hearing their voices sounds like love to me.

What does your life sound like?


Would you like to read other replies to the challenge? Go visit Shane here.

What's on Your Mind '09 Is it Ever Wrong to do Right?

It's time for "What's on Your Mind, '09!" If you'd like to participate, visit Shane at Heart Reflections. This week's question:

Is it ever wrong to do right?

This question was very puzzling to me. How can it ever be wrong to do the right thing? After mulling it over, I thought perhaps we can do the right thing with the wrong attitude.

It is possible to do the right thing with an attitude of self-pride. Remember, the Pharisees kept the law meticulously all the while feeling as if they were better than everyone else. What did Jesus call them? A bunch of snakes! (vipers)

It's also possible to say the right thing with a tone of condemnation. I'm reminded of the scripture:

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. " Ephesians 4:15

I think those two little words in that verse "in love" is key. Yes, we are to do the right thing but always do it in love. In love, seek the Lord on how to say what needs to be said. In love, seek the Lord on how we could do what is right and needful.

If you go on to read the rest of the passage in Ephesians, you see that Paul tells us (the body of Christ) to join together as "supporting ligaments" and build each other up in love.

I believe we must always do what's right, but do it with a loving Christlike spirit, and that's what's on my mind!