Don't Miss His voice!

John 20:14-16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
¹⁵ He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Mary Magdalene knew Jesus.. She was someone that walked with Him and talked with Him.. She learned from Him, her teacher.  Mary M knew the sound of His voice.  She was also there to watch Him be crucified.

My Point is Mary had a relationship with Jesus she KNEW HIM..

Mary was the first person Jesus came to after his resurrection.  Mary M did not recognize His voice at first.  She was having a conversation with her Teacher and she didnt even know it at first.

What could Mary M have been going through to not recognize His voice?
Mary M had watched Jesus's Crucifixion.  She probably could hear Jesus when He said "it is finished".  She probably thought It was finished.  She probably thought He was dead and and she would never hear His voice again.  She probably felt DEFEATED.

How many times do we as believers feel defeated?  We have sat and learned and worshiped Jesus.  Many of us feel we know His voice.

However when we get bogged down with defeat and whatever is going on in our lives do we really KNOW HIS voice?  If it happened to Mary M then it can happen (and does happen) to me.  (and you if you are honest)

I can get so caught up in the negative things going on around me I may forget the sound of His voice and not even listen to him.

There are many of us that have "promises" from the Lord.  Promises we are waiting for.  Promises maybe we dont fully understand.  Jesus was fulfilling His promise.  He returned!  I never want to miss seeing the fulfilling of His promises because I am so defeated I forget all together what His promise was in the first place.

I want that faith that is in spite of my circumstances!  I want faith that hears the sound of His voice at the first sound I hear.  I NEVER want to miss when He is speaking because I don't know it is Him who speaks.

We need to tune our ears to His voice!  So that even in the mist of our desperation we are not desperate! We do NOT fear!

We have emotions and sometimes they get the best of us.  Do not listen to your emotions or you will miss HIS VOICE.

Lord help me not be lead by my circumstances but by your word and your promises.  Help me always know the sound of my Saviors voice!

Locking Arms

A new command I give you; Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another... John 12:34

A story from my Devotional by Jennifer Landrith:

Once there was a wheat farmer and his wife who had a young son. One day the son went out in the yard and later they couldnt find him.  They searched everywhere but the wheat was much taller then the little boy.  Frantically and as a last resort, they called the neighbors in to help.  They locked arms and walked out across the wheat field.  Eventually they found the little boy but he had died of hypothermia. The mom and dad were heartbroken.  When they were interviewed, they said, "we wish we had joined arm in arm with our neighbors earlier."

What a tragic story!  This is something the church should really hear.  If the Church as a whole locked arms and joined forces we would be unstoppable.! So many people just attend church, but they dont want to be involved in reaching the harvest.  They don't want to work.. Church it is time to RISE UP.
It is time to forgive and forget things that have heart your feelings.  It is time to become the warrior in Christ you were called to be.  If that means walking in a field arm in arm to find someone lost then that is what we do.

As you can see I have not written a blog in almost a month.  It has been a crazy couple of months.  I have to say I would not have been able to get through the last month had it not been for people standing arm in arm in the gap for me. So many wonderful Christians praying and believing for me. (when I couldn't)  People giving me a spiritual pep talk when I needed it.  I have to say the church united is POWERFUL.

So rise up and Unite!

Unity vs. Disunity

Colossians 3:12-14

New International Version (NIV)

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love,which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Today I am going to write a lot from my devotional. I dont really do that.  I mainly get the verse and topic from my devotional, and then write my thoughts in my blog.  However this time I think the devotional is so good I have to share.   However some of the remarks are mine and not hers

BY Jennifer Landrith and Jessica Shonebarger

When someone sits in your place at church, unity says, "who cares? I am glad you are here." Disunity says" Hey that's my seat and asks them to move.

Unity says, I will support and pray for the leadership of my church knowing it is not an easy task .  Disunity says I dont like the pastor or vision of the church I will just gossip about them instead and be disgruntled. 

Unity says I want to see all people come and worship with us.  DIsunity says I want people that look like me to come.

UNity says I will give others the benefit of the doubt.  Disunity says There is no excuse for you to act like that.  I dont give second chances.

Unity says I love to worship no matter the style.  Disunity says I can only worship with my style of music.

Unity says pray for people when you see them going through rough times.  Disunity says Gossip about people when you hear they are going through troubled times.

Unity says forgive. Disunity says dont forgive.

Unity says don't judge  disunity says criticize everything

Unity says we are all on the same team. Disunity says I am doing my own thing no matter what the team is doing.

Unity says I will respect others  Disunity says I respect no one but myself.

Oh Father, let us clothe ourselves in characteristics that bring glory to your name.  Let me love others in practical ways and let me be quick to forgive, knowing that I have been forgiven.  Let my life be one that models unity in my home, my church, and my community.  In Jesus' name Amen.

Prayers of a Child

Every morning as we (maddie and I) take abby to school I pray for protection and the day and thank Him for my girls. Then abby Prays and says thank you jesus for Luke and Brooke and Abby and Maddie. Amen (some days (when she is really feeling thankful) she thanks him for our house and clothes and food and car) Then Maddie always says Jesus Mommy Daddy Amen. You are never to young to call on the name of the Lord. Isnt it awesome He hears EVERY prayer. Raising up prayer warriors...

One Mouth...WOW

Romans 15:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice (mouth) you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are a couple different directions with this verse.  One direction is similar to yesterday's blog.  I think I covered that yesterday, so I will go in a different direction today.  

James 3:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

How many times do we fall to this.. Our mouth is so hard to control.  Some may say what comes out of our mouths doesnt matter.  However that isnt true and it is a lie people choose to believe.

Matthew 12:34  ( King James Bible)

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being euil, speake good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

The things that come out of our mouth is a window to see and view out heart condition..

How can I with "one mouth" praise and give honor to God and then go out and gossip about someone?  It is so common with facebook to post a scripture on one post and then post something off color on another site.  We look like schizophrenics out there.  That is one thing facebook reveals.  It reveals when we are trying to be one way with church people and another way with the world.  It all collides on facebook.  It can not be hidden as easily.  

The things that come out of our mouths can cause soooo much division in the body of the church.  Most people feel so justified for doing so too.  We dont think of the ramification we just want to be heard and to be right.  So many people can be "right" and be sooo "WRONG" in how they handle a situation.

Jennifer Landrith said (in my devotional) If we are in the Word of God and meditating on those words, it will be hard to dwell on Psalm 71:8, "my mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long" and then go out to chad about the neighbor down the street in a degrading manner.  If we fill our thoughts  with God's words then our mouths will promote Unity.  God is glorified when our mouths produce praise and not slander.  You have heard the saying , "if you talk the talk walk the walk."  The reverse is true: if you are walking the walk, then talk the talk.  Make your words consistent with your walk!  

I have to relate everything back to being a wife and mother.  I do not want my children to see hypocrisy in me.  If I am praising the Lord and doing all this work for Him, yet when I am home I talk bad about people, or I speak harshly to my children I am a hypocrite.  If I demonstrate that trait to my children they will mimic it.  It is so important as parents to follow the Lord with all their hearts.  I want to raise children that know there is power in Christ and living the way he commands.  I dont want them to see a mother full of compromise.  

The prayer from my devotional is so awesome today:

Lord, help me to not talk unkindly about anyone, and convict me when I do.  Let me be quick to make things right.  Don't let both praising and cursing come from my mouth. Let ,e be known as a woman whose tongue promotes blessing and unity.  In Jesus' name, amen..

Ps 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

They will know us by our LOVE

1 Corinthians 1:10-13

New International Version (NIV)

A Church Divided Over Leaders

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,^[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. ¹¹ My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ¹² What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas^[b]”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

I have mentioned in previous blogs I am a pastor's daughter, turned youth pastor, turned youth pastor's wife.  I could probably write a book on this subject but I wont.

It is soooo important for us "christians" to be known by our love.  So many people out there go to church and do nothing but talk about about their church and or their pastor.  We should be ashamed of ourselves.   If you are unhappy at the church you are attending, and cant commit or submit to the leadership of a church then you should find another church.  We as Christians should not be the cause for disunity in a church.  The Lord has put a man over a church and he is anointed. So we should be careful with the Lords anointed.

I meet with people all the time and they will tell me stories of how they have been to so many churches, and because of the way they were dressed or looked they didnt feel welcome.  How horrible!  The Lord doesnt look at me or you that way!! How can we look at others that way.. The Lord accepted me and my sin was as filthy stinky rags.  How can we not be the same way.. ??!!

Eric and I recently met with a mom (of a teen in our program) and she said something like how at churches she has been to people said stuff to her and she wasnt welcome.  Eric told her that wont happen here, and if it does you come to me and I will take care of it because they will be in the wrong.

I remember when I came to the church to be the youth director..  I painted the youth hall black..  Most of the people in our church didnt get it.  Some told me Jess I dont like black but if thats what you want ok by me.. Others could care less.  However there was one or two that said oh Black walls that is demonic.  Every time they went into the youth hall (2 times a year) They told me how we needed to paint it and they could feel evil spirits in there.  (this person no longer attends our church.)

My point is PAINT! Really?! We are going to be worried about paint!!  The world shouldn't know us by arguing about paint!! We should LOVE.  We should be Christ's earthly example of LOVE..

We as the CHURCH we cant get hurt feelings easy.  However if your feelings are hurt then you should go to that person and talk about it.  We should not slander their name all over church or our community.  honestly it doesnt matter what they have done if you go around gossiping about them.  Because then you are in the wrong and need to apologize.

We can not reach the world church if we are fighting with ourselves!  John 13:35 says By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  We have to live this!!!

This prayer was in my DEvotional it is so good that I am posting it here.
Lord, let my tongue not cause division.  help me to say only those things that edify! When I disagree with someone, let me speak respectfully and go directly to that person to speak the "truth in love".  Let my life be one that is in harmony with those in my church.  I want to make you attractive!!! In jesus's name AMEN..

I just want to say I am going through a devotional book for topics and verses.  Theses thoughts are mine and mine alone (except for the prayer).  I Know because I posted this some might wonder what's happening at Praise Cathedral.  However my church is doing wonderful and God is blessing and the unity is better then ever.  I am proud of my church and how they support going after the lost and not caring what it looks like or how it comes.  They want to see the lost saved and the young people on fire.. I am to honored be apart of my church and have such an awesome church family...

Follow the Leader

Colossians 3:18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

OK So Abby is in VPK, and at her school they have assignments given to the children.  (line leader, the caboose, lunch helper, Electrician, door holder ext)

There is a designated Line Leader every day... There is also someone designated to be at the end of the line.  These Rolls are not the same but have equal importance.  The Line leader Followers the Teacher and her instructions.  The line leader leads the class as they follow the teacher.  The person designated to be at the end of the line makes sure no one is felt behind.  They make sure everyone is ahead of them going where they should be.

Submission Means to LINE UP UNDER.  The husband is called to be the head of the house.  He is the Line leader.  I am not saying that wives are not as important as their husbands.  I am saying both are equally important, but we both have different roles.  We have to operate in our God Given roles.  I will answer to the Lord one day for How I operated in the role he has given me..

The way the Lord has these roles set up is really safety for us.. Females tend to want to feel safe and secure.. The Role the Lord gave our husbands is to help us feel safe and secure.  In 1peter 3 Sarah is commended for submitting to Abraham.  Even though Abraham put Sarah in harms way to protect himself she submitted and was commended for it.  If you read the story the Lord showed up and moved on Sarah's behalf.  Her husband was putting his needs above hers However even in this she submitted and was commended..  She was also PROTECTED.  Sarah put her trust in her God to protect her.. Perfect love casts out ALL FEAR.  She was not afraid.    Seems to me if we KNOW the Lord loves us we wont FEAR in anything.

I have admitted on more then one occasion how I wrestle with Fear..  When I am fearful I am questioning the Lord's love for me.  What more does he have to do, for me to not question His love!?

I know some ladies out there would say you dont know my husband.  If you knew my husband you would understand why I cant submit (get in line under).
The truth is I dont know everyones situation..  I just know if i dont submit to my husband I am not submitting to the Lord, because that is what he has commanded me to do.  That means i am in rebellion and we saw in a pervious blog what rebellion is..
It is also a sign of fear.  That means I question the Lords love for me..

Lord help me to submit to my husband and to you with a pure heart.  Help me to be the wife and mother you have called me to be.  Help me to show my daughters the correct role of a wife and mother.  Help us to raise our daughters in YOU so the don't ever have FEAR, and never question your love!!
Please help my Husband as he has the enormous responsibility of being the head of our house.  Help him to hear from you and know your voice and fallow you always.

This Devotional topic was by Donna Gaines  Thoughts are mine

Mary of Bethany Part 2

Mark 14:8 She had done what she could; She has anointed my body beforehand for my burial.

In my Previous Blog I talked and Listed verses about Mary of Bethany.  This blog is a continuation of that..

Mary of Bethany's brother Lazarus had died.  Mary stayed at her house and didnt move.  Her sister Martha ran to see Jesus and told Him "you should have come sooner".  Mary didnt go see Jesus until he had sent for her.  She said something similar to what Martha said to Jesus.  However the Bible tells us this time Jesus wept.  I wonder why he wept?  He didn't weep when Martha came to him.   He wept with mary.  I wonder did He weep because Mary had a closer relationship with him.  Did He weep because He loved Lazarus so much.  Did He weep because they seemed to blame Him?  Did He weep because they didn't have faith he could still heal Lazarus?  Did he weep because of Mary's desperation?

I Dont know why.  However He did in fact cry.

A few days Later Mary put very expensive perfume on Jesus's feet.  The disciples were upset about this and Jesus stopped them and said she is preparing Him for his burial.  The disciples didnt believe Him they didnt really get He would die.  They spent so much time with Him and yet didn't really grasp that part.  Mary however who sat at the feet of Jesus and learned from her teacher GOT IT.  She knew He would be leaving.

Lord Help me to be like Mary and really HEAR what you are trying to teach me.. Help me to GET IT. Help me be wise with your teaching.  Help me to thirst more for you.

This Blog discusion was discussed in Donna Gaines Devotional

Trip to Walmart with Daddy,,

Eric has been working so hard and long hours.  Last night Eric wanted to go to walmart to look for something to hang our tv with.  He asked Abby if she wanted to go with him.  Abby jumped at the chance. Abby also asked of she could just pick one toy out.(like she needs anymore) I asked Eric to pick up childrens Motrin and milk while he was there.  I told abby to make sure she stayed with Daddy and kissed her goodbye.

They left and went on their adventure to walmart.  Eveyone knows Walmart is an adventure.

THe rest of the story is what was told to me by Eric.

They walk into Walmart and Abby says I want to walk and not go in the cart is that ok Daddy.  Eric said oh yes you are walking.  (in his mind thinking why does she mommy make her get in a cart)
They went to look for something to hang out TV with.  (the reason for the trip)  Walmart didnt have the one Eric wanted so off they went to the toy isle.  Eric said Abby would walk with him and then stop and look at things and take forever. (he realized why I make her get in the cart)

Next stop toy isle.... Abby picks out a toy she has seen on her Barbie and the Pop star movie (60.00)
Eric told her it was to expensive.  Abby then has to pick out something else.

Off to the line to check out they go.  They get all the way in the line and wait in it till they are next inline, and abby says wait daddy you forgot to get Milk and Medicine for Maddie.  Out of the line they go.  If you know anything about Walmart Milk is in the way back of the store and the medicine is across the store. So off Eric and Abby went (all the while abby stopping at every thing she sees saying oh how cute) (wishing he had a cart now).  He goes and gets the milk and Medicine.

Now they are back in line and get up to the front while Abby says daddy we have to get mommy flowers! Look they are right there! Eric says ok go pick them out and I will watch you from right here.  So Abby runs over and picks flowers on the very top she can not reach.  She says daddy I cant reach and stands on her tip toes reaching as hard as she could.  Eric looks and he is first in line again, but the good news no one is behind him.  Eric goes over and gets the flowers on top for abby to give to me.
They walk back over to the line and now there is about 6 to 8 people in line.  Abby and Eric get back in line for a 3rd time in walmart.

Finally success!  Thank the Lord my 4 1/2 year old was there. lol
Moral of the story.... A trip to Walmart is always longer then you thing

Mary of Bethany

Verses to read
Luke 10:42
Luke 10:38-42
John 11
John 12:1-8

Today in my Devotional I was reading about Mary and Martha.  Jesus came to their house and Martha was busy doing a lot of work while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus to learn from him.  There are other verses listed about where Mary is mentioned in the bible.

Martha complained to Jesus about Mary not helping her do any of the work.  Jesus told her what Mary is doing "can't be taken away from her.

Growing up in church I have heard the story of Mary and Martha so many times I have lost count.  I honestly havent though of this bible story in years.  Today reading about it made me look into my own life a bit more.

Growing up as a pastors daughter I have went back and forth from being mary to martha, martha to mary so many times.  Now I am a pastors wife.  I have been in ministry since I was well before I was born. lol  I know how to WORK for the Lord.  I have done it all my life.  Working for the Lord is very important.  I dont know how to just go to church.  I am a worker.  However, I want so desperately(more then every before) to be Mary.  I am not saying I dont want to work in the church or to stop my commitments there.  However, what I am saying is I can get so busy in the busy work I forget or runout of time, or ignore the side of me that cries out to just sit and learn from Jesus.

I mentioned before I am  a daughter/wife of Pastors, and my mom is very good at preaching herself.  I have heard countless sermons.. I have heard these three people in my life preach awesome life changing sermons.  I am not trying to be little the importance of church and hearing the heart of your pastors.

However, it  is just as important for me to have my own time with the Lord where I sit at his feet and learn.  I have to pick up my bible on my own and read it.  I have to open my heart up to learning from His word and what He reveals to me in my spirit.  I cant get that part out of sermons.  I can't depend on other people for that.  I have to make time and do it for myself.

I am BUSY, but I am seeing why now more then ever I have to make time for just me and the Lord and learn from Him.  I want my girls to know that I their mom worked for the Lord but also had a deep relationship with him. I want to make sure they see that I know I dont know everything there is to know about the Lord.  I have to study so I can know more.  I want them to know I havent fully arrived.   If I dont demonstrate to them that I am the student and I have to learn at His feet.  If I dont who will?  I want to show this to my children so they know they can have a close deep relationship with the Lord.

I want to be about my Father's business all the while staying at his feet and learning everything I can about Him.

Help me Father to always make the time to seek your face first.  You have to fill be up so I can be poured out.  Lord I want to be in constant motion.. Fill and pour  fill and pour..



Help my children to always know you are near and help them to always seek your face and be unstoppable for YOUR glory.

Because I said so

I am reading a Devotional and today it made me thing of parenting.  How many times have my parents said "because I said so"?  How many times have I said that to Abby  (maddie isnt old enough yet.  i am sure I will say it to her as well)  I am sure I will say it countless more times.

It my devotional it made me think how many time does the Lord say that to me?  Oh how I hate it...
I have to look at the reasoning behind why I say it.  Many times I try to explain however my 4 1/2 year old's mind cant comprehend what I am saying.  She doesnt get my reasoning.  I tell my daughter because I said so because I need her to trust me on some things.  It is the same way with the Lord He needs us to trust him, and just do it (or not do it ) because He said so.

The Lord doesnt always give reasons.  Many times I go on my own reasoning.  I dont really do as well under my reasoning, however I keep making that mistake.  All the while I am expecting my daughter to do the same thing.

Lord help me to do things (or not do them) simply because you said so.  Help me to trust and obey you at all times and in all things.

Spiritual Authority

1 Samuel 15:23

King James Version (KJV)

²³ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.

Witchcraft- The practice of Magic esp Black Magic; the use of spells and the invocation of spirits.

Iniquity- Immoral or grossly unfair behavior 

Idolatry- Worship of Idols

Insubordination- defiance of authority 



If someone were to ask me if I am rebellious I would say no.. I was never really rebellious growing up.  I didnt drink, smoke, have sex, or anything like that.  I was always in church and with my youth group.  I was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. However I wouldn't use the word rebellious to describe myself.  

I have to look farther into the word now as an adult.  The word Rebellious isnt just in obeying a set of rules as a teenager growing up.  It can also be an attitude.  It could be something I have not given up to the Lord yet.. It could be me not doing something he has commanded in His word for me to do.  It could be me not trusting Him. It could be me not giving him control of certain situations. It could be so much more then all of these things.  

There are people the Lord has placed over me and I am called to submit to those people.  I married my husband and in our vows there was something in there about submitting to him.  

I want to say my husband is not the kind of man that leads our family heavy handed.  We are a team and he truly does acknowledge that I hear from the Lord too.  He is not threaten by that.  Just yesterday He called me and said he was debating an action he should take or not.  He called me told me about it and asked me to pray also and see what he should do.  

When things come up in our life we both pray and pray for each other and decide together what we should do, or how we should go about things.  However, if I feel we should do it differently then he does and he says no we are going to do this my way. I have to submit to that. It is what I am called to do.  If I decide not to submit then I am in rebellion, and the bible says that is as witchcraft.  

My husband is also my spiritual authority.  So if I go against that the Bible says it is like i am insubordinate and am in Idolatry.  That means I am Immoral and worship Idols.  Holy Moly!  I do not want to be those things. 

I am blessed to be a full time mom.  However, if I had an outside job I would aslo have to submit to my employer.  If I didnt I would be the same as listed above.  This kind of attitude will get you fired.  

I also have a church I choose to attend and have the spiritual leadership of my Pastor. (who also happens to be my father)  There are times I have to submit to my pastor. (dad or not)  If I dont this verse describes me also.

I want to be in submission to the Authority the Lord has placed over me in my life.  I also want to be in submission to my heavenly father.  I never want to be in rebellion of what He has for me.   I want to trust Him in all things and not rebel in that knowledge.  I want to give Him complete control and not rebel in that.  I never want it to be said of me "she followed the law, but was rebellious in her spiritual life or to my spiritual authority".

Lord thank you for giving me your word to help me know you more.  Help me to take your word and know it is for me.  Help me to trust fully in what you say and give you complete control, and to take your correction and walk wisely in you.  Help me to submit to the people you have placed over me and to do it with a good attitude harboring no hard feelings. Thank you for the people you have placed over me spiritually.  Lord, please lead the people over me and guide them.  Help them to hear clearly.  Help me to hear clearly.  Help me to follow you and not need to see what is ahead, but trust you are leading me where you want me, and you will take care of the details. I do not want to be the things in this verse PLease remove any and every part of me that would be rebellious and insubordinate.

Rejoice

Phil 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice Feel or show great joy or delight in the greek definition it also means to thrive

Rejoicing is sometimes easier then others.  We could be rejoicing in the Lord and then all of a sudden there is something that comes along and takes the wind out of our sails.  Maybe we have gotten bad news that someone we love is dying.  It could be anything.  Maybe you are discouraged with how your children are behaving.  It could be a wide variety of reasons you dont want to rejoice.  However this verse tells us REJOICE.  

THis verse says rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS.  That means never stop! Rejoice in Him no matter what! 
Someone may be thinking, but you dont know what I am going through. You are right I dont know, but it doesnt change this verse.  It is saying rejoice in spite of our circumstances.  

Let your gentleness be evident to all
This is really saying do not let your emotions get the best of you.  How many times have I snapped at someone because i am feeling anxious about a situation in my life?  Countless! Lord Help me to be gentle in all things and in all times.  Help me to be this example for my Children.  I want my children to know a gentle mother not a harsh one.  I want my husband to know a loving wife that has faith in Jesus and me mood isnt determined by what is going on around me.  I do not want my emotions to control my attitude and mood...

This verse goes on to tell me WHY to rejoice and be gentle.. Because no matter what I am going through the LORD IS NEAR.  He hasnt forgotten me.  He does care about the little things in my life as well as the big.  He has not given up on me.  I have his promise that HE IS NEAR ME!!  HE IS WITH ME..  How many times do we feel alone in certain situations? How many times do we feel alone with so many people around us?  We are NOT alone... He is with us.. He is with me! ALWAYS!

This next part is always hard for me.  DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING!!! 
Holy Cow .. THis is hard for me..  I have mentioned in previous posts how I can WORRY!  If I am anxious about something I am not trusting the Lord.  That means I am calling Him a liar.  I am saying "Lord I know what your word says, but I am going to worry."  I am not believing He will do what He said He will do.  I am calling him a Liar.. 

My need to worry does NOT come from a past situation where the Lord let me down.  In fact it is the opposite.  He has NEVER let me down.  So why do I worry when HE SAYS DONT WORRY I GOT THIS..

It is probably my need to feel in control.  That goes against everything with the Lord.  I have to give HIM control and resist my sinful nature to control everything..  UGG when will I get this right?!  Well the Lord knew I needed to hear this a lot, because it is in the Bible time and time again.  

If you think about it what does worry really do?  NOTHING just makes you worry more... Instead I am to praying about it to the Lord.  

Sometimes in times past I have felt bad about bring my wants (petition) before the Lord.  I would feel like Lord I am always asking you for things.. I should ask all the time.. Well this verse says I need to pray and bring my petition before the Lord.  He also says in this verse they are requests.  THis means He may not do it the way I want.  Sometimes the answer is NO or WAIT.. Oh I hate that.. 

I am apart of the microwave generation.  I want answers NOW.  Just tell me yes or no please.  However, if I know all the answers when I ask how is that teaching me not to worry?  How is that teaching me to TRUST in the LORD.  It isn't.. So Wait I shall do.. 

Even when the answer is WAIT the LORD is still NEAR us He hasnt LEFT!!  SO I Will REJOICE!!! I HAVE TO.. This is what I was created to do!!!!  THis is where I find my purpose.. THis is where I find answers.. THis is where I find Jesus holding me up to rejoice when I cant stand anymore..  THis is where I find his PEACE!!!  Dont we all need a little more Peace.. I DO!!  ME ME ME! OVER HERE.. 

To get that PEACE I have to Give up somethings!!I have to give up worry.  I have to give up the need to control.  I have to give up the need to know every answer!  I have to learn to lean on HIM more.  I have to recognize I NEED JESUS.  In everything..

I was watching Big Brother 14 last night.. Brittney asked Janell Do you ever cry? She said no  She said if I have a bad emotion I change it.. 

This is what this verse is talking about.. If I have a bad emotion or if I have worry.  I have to change it.. The only way I can change those emotions is to REJOICE.

So that is why I want to REJOICE in the Lord always and again I say REJOICE!!

Hope That Soars

Isaiah 40:29-31

New International Version (NIV)

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Oh how wonderful these words are!  He gives strength to the weary!  No matter what kind of front I want to put on there are times I am WEARY!

Definition of Weary

Feeling or showing tiredness, esp. as a result of excessive exertion

I have so many hats... I get really busy.. I know I know most of us are busy!  

  

At times I also feel SO weak.  I feel like I cant do all this on my own..  How can I be the Daughter, Wife, Mother, Pastors wife, Mentor, and Child of God I am called to be.  

Someone might say why are you admitting all this on a BLOG no less.  I am admitting I get Weary and Weak.  However I dont view this as a bad thing in and of it self.  I am excited that I QUALIFY for this Promise in the Bible.  I am not perfect! I get tired and overwhelmed.  I am so glad I have a loving father that looks at my imperfections and says "here I have promise for you too".  

I also know I can not stay in those weary and weak times.  I have to accept that the Lord wants me strong and powerful.  If I want to be strong in Christ and grow in my maturity then I have to "snap out of it" when I get like that.

I dont want to be an eagle that is scared to soar.  He created me to soar. 

Ben Patterson in "Prayer Devotional Bible" said the power of the eagle is not in the flapping but in the soaring.

Many times i get so caught up in the flapping I forget to soar.  I think many times that is why I get tired.  I flap to much lol.. 

How can I soar?  Well I have always been a worrier.  I worry about crazy things.. However I know that I can not be a Woman of faith and fear all at the same time. I have to be one or the other.  I have to choose to be a woman of FAITH not fear. 

That is how I can soar! I have to give all my fears and failures to the Lord.  I can't worry about them.  I cant hold on to them.. WHen I hold onto them I CAN'T SOAR. 

I have to let go because my HOPE is in Jesus and that HE WILL take care of me and my family.  He will make a way when there is no way.  He will complete what He has started in me.  He will guide me to be the best wife, mother, daughter ext.. I can be..

He will correct me when needed because the bible says he LOVES THOSE HE CORRECTS.  

It seems to me there is probably a correlation from getting weary and weak to stumbling and falling.. Perhaps if I can keep manage on the first half I will be on guard and it will help me not to fall.  I am so thankful He is there to pick me up when I fall and helps me start again!

Thank you Lord for helping me be unstoppable for you!  Thank you Lord for creating me to soar.  My Hope is truly in you so that I can soar like an eagle.  Help me to let go of the things I hold onto keeping me from soaring.  

What are you holding onto that is keeping YOU from soaring?

This topic and verse I got out of A Daily Women's Devotional by Navpress.  This particular  verse and study was discussed by Leighann McCoy.  If you would like to read their views and comments on this verse I encourage you to get the book and read it.  The above are my thoughts on her topic...

Hope Does Not Disappoint

Peace and Joy

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:1-5

Life can be so hard.  
Things happen in life (many times) that are out of our control.  Regardless who you feel should be at the head of this country the turbulent world around us is scary.  Situations in many of our lives seem hopeless and irreparable.  There are many people out there who have raised their children in the way of the Lord and their children despise the Lord and the church.  Marriages fall apart. People die. Life can be an emotional roller coaster.

How can we as Christians not be swayed by the horrible things going on around us and in our lives.. I mean after all the verse I listed says Hope does not disappoint..   Some may ask if hope does not Disappoint then how do all these "bad" things keep happening in our lives and in the lives of people we love..  

I think many times people take that part of the scripture out of context and many people have left the Lord because He didn't do what WE hoped for.  After all if Hope does not Disappoint then why didn't Jesus do what we hoped for?  

We have to look deep into our heart and see where our hope is anchored.  Is our hope anchored in the outcome of our circumstances? or, is our hope anchored in God and his love for us despite our circumstances.  

This scripture talks about How we gain access to grace and faith through Jesus.  Just because we gain access doesnt mean we use it properly.  We have to work on going to our hope and faith in Christ..  These verses seem to refer to having hope in CHrist when things are going well..  Rejoice in him!! That seems to be easier for some in the good times..    

We also have to rejoice in Him in our times of suffering.  Who wants to rejoice in times of suffering?  Not me. not if I am honest.  I want to curl up in a ball and cry.  However We rejoice in times of suffering because that brings about perseverance and perseverance brings Character and Character brings forth Hope.. However this isnt hope in a specific outcome in our current circumstance.  
It is hope that no  matter what the circumstance HE loves me and will fill me with His love so I can go on and do what He has called me to do.

I do not want to be someone the rejoices in just the GOOD TIMES.. I also do not want to be someone that just runs to the Lord in bad times.. Trying to immaturely make deals with the Lord in trying to get the outcome I want.. 

I want to be a person the rejoices in ALL things.  I know bad things happen and can knock the wind out of your sails.  However I want to be someone that dusts myself off and gets up, because that is what He has called me to do.

Many might say why do all this after all I am not called to anything. I say look around and see what is around you.  Are you a mother, father, son, daughter brother, sister, employee, do you have neighbors?  Then you are called and have purpose for something...

My main reasoning for wanting to get this right are my daughters.  After all don't I expect them to not throw temper tantrums when I say no to something they want?  I have to be a good example of a child being let by my Father to do the same.  

I want to raise strong girls in Christ to have their HOPE in CHRIST and not the circumstances, so I have to do my best to demonstrate that for them.  Being a Godly Wife and Mother is my Highest calling.. Sure we have ministry obligations and I do not take that lightly! However, my highest calling and responsibility is to my Husband and daughters.   

I have to have Hope that even when circumstances do not turn out the way I would like that is NOT my HOPE..  My hope is that no matter what happens in life that my Jesus is going to turn it around for my good.. That He will take care of me and my family in this world.  



That Death is a lie to those who love the Lord (taken form one of my husbands sermons)  

I am not Living for this world!  

So I ask you What is Your HOPE really in?

I am reading a daily devotional  by NavPress

Dieting.. I mean changing the way I eat

Well this has been a great/hard week...  I have been wanting to get my pre Abby body back for a while now.. But didnt really want to do the "work" I needed to do for it..  (i am already at my pre maddie weight)..

I have a gym membership.. I started going back with Maddie was 6 months old.  However it became one reason after another why I couldnt go.. Family or friends visiting.  One kid was sick then I was sick then another kid was sick.. then another one sick.. IT was a cycle...  Then I just got out of the Habit..

I am Porshia Gillium's Maid of Honor in July.. I went to get sized and order my dress.   I decided to order the dress a size to small.. I asked the lady how much I needed to shed to fit in the next size.. She said 8 to 10. I figured that would make me get motivated to shed some pounds..  Boy did it.. I have been in the gym non stop and watching what I eat better then I have in Years.  I have to say it feels great most of the time..

My Daily activity has been wake up...
Take Abby to school..
Go to Gym..
20-35 mins on the elliptical
20-35 mins on the tread mill
20-35 mins of weights and sit ups...

sometimes after dinner i walk another 30 mins...

I am also only eating 1200 calories a day..  
TOmorrow is my cheat day so I will have 1600 calories tomorrow..

I have already lost 4.5 lbs...  So almost to that size i need to be for the dress I ordered.. I am hoping to go a little father so I am hoping they have to take the dress in some... thats my goal...


WHy am i sharking all this on my blog?  Hmmm not sure... but I am ...
And before anyone says that isnt enough calories.. I have looked it up and read about it I am in the safe zone...

OUR STORY

Ok so this is a longerish post so sorry ahead of time...


Wow it has been 5 years.  I can't believe it..  Five years since Eric and I said "I do". I thought since it was our anniversary I would post a blog about "our story".  Granted this is just my side of "our story", but my husband doesnt have a blog so my side is all you get..  He has told his version from the pulpit at times.  Now I finally get my side out there haha...

Eric and I kinda met on my 25th birthday.  I met my friend Shauna for dinner at Chilies and she was eating with friends and I joined them.  Eric never talked to me once and I didnt talk to him either.  Fast Fwd a few months later...

I went to Chillies with a bunch of people from a bible study I was attending.. Most of the people I didnt know.  There was probably a table of 20- 30 people.  We were all there for a while.. My back was to the walkway.  I was talking with someone (dont remember who) when I felt a presence come in the room.  I turned around and looked and saw Eric.  I felt like I heard the Lord tell me (in a still small voice) that "there is the man I have for you. He is the one you will marry".  I thought wow I am really losing it..  Then I saw he sat at our table.  So I asked Shauna who he was.. She said oh that is Eric isnt he cute...?? I said yes he is.. and we never really talked about it again.. I remember thinking man Jess you are becoming flaky.

I had heard of people saying they heard the Lord tell them things like that, and I always thought ya right.. I didnt really believed it happened that way.  Then On Sunday after church Shauna and I met people for lunch and we got their last.. There were two sets open. Once was next to Eric.. I sat there and thought ok I know I am wrong about what I heard but I will talk to him and see..  Well I tried to talk to Eric and He basically Ignored me.  Would not look at me when he talked only the TV. Then I started talked about the show 24 and he really liked the show so he started to engage a little in conversation but still kinda rude..    24 was about to have its season opener, and everyone at the table started talking about it.. So I invited everyone to my house to watch it.. Hoping Eric would come of course.  He didnt however about 30 other people came. haha

I left that lunch thinking wow I really missed it... Lord he is rude and a jerk and wont even talk to me.. When I was at Lee I didnt approach a guy..  They always approached me.  and usually they were really nice and talkative..  So I just thought wow he is a jerk haha...   Well I later found out he was kinda in a relationship.  (something I did not know) So in the back of my mind I thought well at least I know he is loyal to who he is seeing..

Well a few months go by and I started seeing someone and didnt really give Eric much of a thought after that.  I thought well I missed it for sure and the Lord didnt tell me anything...

The relationship I was in ended and I was at dinner with a friend.  She had mentioned Eric.  In that conversation it came up that he was no longer in a relationship either..   I remember feeling excited.  I thought to myself again wow Jess stop it.  You didnt hear from the Lord.. He isnt the one for you and you arent going to marry him..

The very next day I was on myspace.  Remember my space?  Well I was on my friends myspace leaving a wall post and saw a top friend.. It was Eric..  I wasnt sure if I should friend request him.. WE had only met 3 times, and he was rude to me every time...

In the end I did friend request him.  We then started talking on IM..  While we were talking he said you know I should have come to watch 24 that one night because I have missed the whole season.. Then I said well my aunt has them all saved if you want to catch up I am sure she will let us use her house.  (thanks aunt pam) I went to my aunts house a few mins early and she was so nice she had drinks on the table and snacks and then Left.  She left and I thought wow this is so nice of her but the spread on the table is a little much.  I was starting to put it all away when the door bell rang.  He was early so I couldnt put it up... Oh well..

We watched some 24 and had Pizza that night and great conversation.  I thought well he isnt a jerk anymore. lol.

We met a few times a week to watch 24 (my poor aunt) and then one night he took out to dinner.  It was the best 1st date I have ever been on..  We had watched all there was to watch of 24 and we had been going on to eat most nights for a break.  All these nights felt like dates however I still felt like oh man 24 is almost over we wont have a "reason" to see each other anymore.. However on the last night of 24 Eric made plans to do something the next night or two..  From there we were inseparable..

We were together a lot. We saw each other for about a month a few times a week. Then we made it official. haha We Dated for 5 months.  We had alot of fun dating.  However we didnt date long..  We decided when you know you know so why wait.  He asked me to marry him in September and I said Yes...as if you didnt know.. When we were engaged We were talking about how we knew we were the ones for each other.. I told the story about how he walked in Chilies blah blah.. However I have to admit I doubted it more then a time or two before we started dating (never after).

He shared a time months before we met.  He was praying and telling the Lord he needed a wife.  He said he felt like the Lord just said a name to him.  He said the Lord just said to him Jessica... He thought that was weird... but then the Lord gave him another name  Thomas..  I said why didnt you tell me this before.. He said in case I was wrong...  I Love how the Lord spoke to us both at different times before we were even together..

How did my parents do with this you ask... Well My mom was very excited.  I had a part at her house one night and she came in and saw eric and I sitting and talking and later told me Jessica I saw you two and I just believe you were made for each other.  
My dad well .. you know that saying you worry about her meeting the wrong guy and then you worry about her meeting the right guy..  It was a little of that.. He was scared of losing his daughter.. He did however confess to me at the time he believed he was the right one.  My parents couldnt love Eric anymore if he was their own son. Eric loves them as well..

We were looking for wedding dates.  We didnt want a long engagement we wanted to get married pretty soon..  I wanted to get married in February.  I wanted to get married on Valentines day weekend.  or at least in that month.. The Reception hall had that date open however the flowers were double the price in the month February because of the holiday..  I also wanted red roses and those were the highest priced for the month.. This lead me to go back to the reception hall and see what dates they had open.
Well they had Jan 20th open and a day in Mid march open... So I went to dinner that night with Eric and  told Eric the options.  I let him know Feb was out and here are the choices what do you want to do.. He didnt hesitate he said well then Jan 20th.. I said really?  He said yes why wait till march lets just do it in Jan.. If that is the date they have then let's do that.. After making sure it was also a good time for his family we decided Jan 20th was our wedding date..

My mom and I planned a wedding in 4 months.  It was a little more then a year after we kinda sorta met for the first time.  It was 8 or 9 months From our first episode of 24 we watched together.

PLanning our wedding was easy ( i saw that because mom did most of it).  I have heard that this can be a stressful time in a couples life.. many arguments can arise.  We didnt have one.. We never argue.. Never really did then and dont really do it now.

Our wedding day came and it was perfect!  I was so excited and so calm at the same time.. Eric said he was the same way.  We couldnt wait to be married.. Yes we had a awesome wedding and rehearsal dinner thanks to our families.  However we didnt concentrate on the wedding.. we focused on the marriage.  We wanted a great marriage on firm foundation.

I loved our wedding.. I have many pictures of it on my facebook page.. You can check them out.  I love to look at our wedding book.. I love to remember the wonderful day it was.  Even more then that I LOVE being married to my best friend.. I Love the relationship we have.. I love the Life we have build thus far.

Every year as our anniversary comes we celebrate and reflect our wedding day but all the years in between as well..

I am so thankful the Lord blessed me with such an awesome husband that loves me so deeply and loves our family.  He loves the Lord with all his heart and leads our family as an awesome example of a godly man/husband/father/pastor.