James 1:2-3

James 1:2-3 ~ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

"Count it all joy" somehow even that seems like a trial at times. Oh, how bad my heart wants to be.

As I look at my heart and life this particular verse convicts me to the core. Over the past few years I have been though more in my personal life then I care to remember. While I am so thankful in the ways that I have been able to see the Lord work in my life and the life of those around me, I still deep down think that if I knew what it would cost to get to where the Lord has stretched (hopefully read as "grown") me too..... There is NO way I would have volunteered to go though that pain of being stretched.

Good thing that God knows that, that He is willing to be the faithful one to us, even and especially when we "don't want to". As you continue to read though James 1 you can just see how much God blesses us when we turn to Him and consider it joy to be with Him in those trials. There is that saying that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Its true, especially with a christian that depends on the Lord. When you go to the Lord and are able to depend on Him for strength in your trials, there is joy in strength of the Lord in how He works in your life. Its less about you fixing it and all about Him being in control.

Which comes to the patience part.... I did a post about this not to many posts ago... God doesn't all always fix things in the way we want them to or as quickly... this gives us room to grow in the patience area.. something that I need SO badly... I am not good at waiting on anything, so this is defiantly an area that I see God working on in me. Praise God for any growth in that area!! Since there is no way that I have had any part in it.

Anyway its getting late and I probably have rambled, I am hoping to be able to get back to doing my devotionals online. Now that the pregnancy is no longer making me completely out of it... And praise God for antibiotics as well!!! As the last 4 weeks I have been suffering with a infection that had no other signs other than a headache. I feel like a new person now :D See... I have joy that that trial is over.. have to admit it was harder when my head was pounding to find anything joyful about that... though I was so blessed by the faithful care of my husband!

God is SO good always!
night night

Can I just say.....

I totally love my husband.

He brings me food :) ok sometimes its not always food ... like when hes tucked into bed for the night and I realize that I have no water... He will so selflessly get out of bed and brave the freezing temperatures downstairs (no joke the bananas in my kitchen freeze) not to mention the long trek between our bedroom the kitchen. And bring me back bottles of water!

I suppose water is food... but he will get other things for me too :)

Today in my pregnant/sick/migraine/CRAVING food state.... He is getting off work and going to burger king to buy me a Coke Icee ( the only place in town that sells them) ... then hes going the burrito place to get me the tacos and chips I cant live without. He even remembers to order it with light lettuce and extra cheese! Isn't he wonderful ...... this being said.... he has brought me my cravings at least 10 times in the past 2 weeks.

Oh and he packed up our whole family last night... when it was snowing... and took us (well more for the kids) to see the new veggie tales movie, because it was the last night it was playing in town. ..... anyone whose wondering... it was cute.. not really biblical like we normally expect from veggies but still cute... Eden and Levi were rocking out during the "rock monster" music video at the end.

Anyway thats all I had to say for this post. I love Marc.. not only for the amazing ways that he totally blesses me... but because hes the one that God gave me and I am so thankful for him!

Merry Chistmas!

You shall name Him Jesus. He will be great, and called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne. Luke 1:31-32

Sushi - My first experience (and Marcs)

OK~ Well pregnancy has been reeking havoc on my body over the last few weeks, so my normal devotions are not being typed up as much as I would like.

Note: went to the Dr yesterday and had an ultrasound.. Baby has a heartbeat! Yea!

Anyway.. while its making me completely nauseated and tired (also read as grumpy) I started craving SUSHI. Now I have never ever ever had sushi before... So I am slightly confused by my need for something I have never tasted. But I am.

Well Marc has never had it either... and I know I am limited to what I can eat... as most everyone will tell you pregnant women should not eat much fish... let alone raw fish. But my craving was still driving me nuts.. I decided to go for it.

I ventured down to the sushi place and ordered what I though sounded good.. and what Marc might like. Heres what we got... both included seaweed, rice, crab and cucumber, & avocado

The one on the left is mine with shrimp on top and the other is Marc's with tuna.

Now it was nice that we both had it for the first time together.. Its was our little adventure for the year. (yes we live thrilling lives)

I normally LOVE crab.. But I think I like it hot and on the crab then dipped in butter.. not cold and mixed with mayo.. cause this was not a good thing. But the rest of it I loved. especially the fresh ginger and soy sauce. Marc said he liked the rice........ and after a bit of prying said that he would be open to trying other kinds. I am looking forward to filling my next roll with deep fried shrimp ;D

OK I know people are reading this my counter keeps going up.. so give me some help... what is your favorite sushi? What should I try next?

Ok I am ready to tell ;)

We are expecting a new baby( as in #6)... I know GASP.. it was a surprise!
Due in the middle of July.. but if this one is like the rest.. it will be here early,
more like the end of June.

God's Plan & Timing & Perfection

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Deuteronomy 13:4 ~ “It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

Psalm 27:14 ~ Wait on the LORD;Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 130:5 ~I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,And in His word I do hope.

This is kind of a follow up on my previous post Strength, Faith, Obedience & Gods "enoughness"

I guess its another thing that most people struggle with. I know that I do ... most everyday.... I forget that God is PERFECT not only in His plan but also His follow though. There are so many things that we go though every day that cause us to lose focus on the fact that we are NOT in control.

Psalm 18:30 ~ As for God, His way is perfect;The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Now I am pretty sure that everyone can say that they have "burnt the toast" meaning your timing is NOT perfect. For something to be perfect it has to be without a flaw. Since all of us have failed at sometime (for me I know its all the time and quite regularly) we don't have a perfect record.

BUT GOD DOES. This means that whatever happens and when it happens ... that its all in God's perfect timing. That's something the bible repeats many times.

Having been a christian for just about as long as I can remember, these are some things that I have learned..... God usually doesn't work in the way that you expect.... not normally in the time frame that you want and every time the results are even better than you could have hoped for. (even if you don't know it yet)

Main point of all of this is to say that God is in control of ALL THE THINGS in our lives, and when our world is spinning around us and feels totally out of our control and we are tempted to panic or be anxious. Remember that God is with you, is taking care of you, has a plan for what is happening, and wants you to REST in Him! The way that we do this is by prayer as well as the reading of the Bible and the living out of His words. Note Deuteronomy 13:4

(I would also like to note that just because God has the ability to make everything work for His glory and perfect will... This is not a licence to sin (a whole other issue)...what I am talking about today is more of things that we are not in control of)

So I will end with

Deuteronomy 31:5-6 ~ The LORD will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Lord praise you for the wondrous things that you do in my life, God please grant me the strength to remember these things as I go though trying times. God please use me be a witness and encouragement to others, for Your glory, as they see You working in me!~

About my life...

Lots of not all that much happening.

Started schooling the kids today, so that was fun.

Took this video of Levi hes leaning how to preform.

Hope to get another study online here in a few more days!

Strength, Faith, Obedience & Gods "enoughness"

Today's post is going to be somewhat different from "the norm"

There are a half a dozens worth of people in my life going though the same thing. Weirdly enough they are not really or not at all involved with each other. They are experiencing the same issues for different reasons. (well same reason but different situations)

Issue #1 ~ Burn out, they are tired of being tired of waiting for God to fix it for them.
Issue #2 ~ God is not doing what is expected despite there "efforts"
Issue #3 ~ Obedience is stalling(not happening) due to their need to see God do "His part" before they are willing to "put out" more.

Which sums up issue #4 That they are looking at the wrong thing to give them joy. Instead of Gods words and direction and there obedience being enough, they feel as though they need more.

So here are some bible verses that God has used in my life lately to minister to my own desire to give in to the same issues.

James 4:2-3 Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

So are we really asking/praying specifically for what it is that we would like God to do. If so are we asking for the correct reasons. Correct reasons being God's glory and the changing of heart (yours, someones) to be better equip to glorify God in life.

1 Cor. 3:7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

Nothing we can do in our own strength or wisdom is going to "fix" anything. Its only in Gods power to change things.

Ok at this point just read the book of James.. at least chapter one. But here are some highlights.

James 1:2-7 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

See what God is saying here. By doubting or thinking that God is doing it wrong(or slowly) you are SINNING. Ouch huh.. I know that one. But look at the promise. He will give us the wisdom if we ask for it.

James 1:12-18 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

In these verses there is so much.. but the few things that stand out the most...
1. God DOES NOT tempt anyone to sin. So Gods lack of action (or what you perceive it to be) is not an excuse for you to not obey. One step further on that same thought. Others lack of action, is not excuse for YOU to not obey.

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

2. It talks about desire turning into sin. Alot of time the "issues" that are in our life are desires that have become sin. Our desires, no matter how good it may start off being becomes our main focus. (theres a great book on this called "the peacemaker - by ken sande" the progression of an idol starts on page 100) We know that its become our main focus(idol) when we start to question (or get mad at) God, for not doing it our way or at our speed. It should never be about what we want.

Psalm 115:1 ~ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.

So practically how do we receive joy and strength from God? We OBEY the things that he tells us to do in life. We turn away from our desires and do what we are told. We apply that wisdom that he gives us, wisdom=biblical instruction. We have a perfect instruction manual, and there is joy from knowing that you are "doing it" right. With that, joy in knowing that you are obedient becomes that strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 ~Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

So what are the things that we can do in daily life that will help? What do you do when it doesn't feel like obeying God is enough?

2 Corinthians 13:11 ~ Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bond servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

God is enough and doing what he says will give you peace and wholeness. He is a faithful God and WILL ALWAYS do what Hes says He will.

So obey God and you will have peace, strength and your faith will increase.

But to get there to that point. You must make an effort (deny self)

~Pray.
Pray to God to change you heart. Ask for forgiveness for the hard hearted attitude that is causing you to "doubt" God.
When you are tempted to dwell on your "issue" instead,
Pray for those that you are having issues with. Pray for their heart.. don't just pray that God will do what you want. Pray that He will work it out in His perfect way. (or yourself if its not about others)

Now be aware that you may feel like you don't mean it. But do it anyway and see that God will give you a change of heart and you will start desiring His will instead of your own.

~Read His word, the Bible. God will bless the efforts that you make to communicate with Him in this way. He will give you peace and guidance and wisdom from His words

Then put the words into practice and go from there. You will find that obeying God becomes enough and it stops being about the issues!


Praise you Lord for your faithful loving kindness! God please keep me accountable to you only and please speak to the hearts of those that I love as well as those that read this.

Second Commandment

Posting Date: Oct.29 2007 8:30 pm

Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 5:8-10 ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

What can I say.. I have been studying this particular commandment for a little over a month now. As I have gotten into it, cross referenced it, found other verses in the bible to back it up.

I think the place to start is to look at the fact (again) that God set up a few(10) particular commandments... then he used the first half to tell us how to live our lives for Him.(glorify God)

1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

Our main purpose in life is to glorify God.

That's what we were made for. TO WORSHIP and clearly that's what everyone has a longing to do. Be it a christian or a workaholic ect... We all have the need, the drive to let something be the focal point in our lives. Be it greed, lust, drugs, a good time, it can be all kinds of things. And our desire for those things keep us from doing what it is that God calls us to. Which is to worship Him.

So back to the commandments, God uses the first 4 to tell us not only that we are to worship Him, but HOW he wants us to do that. Note that God mentions that He is a "jealous God". So why cant we just worship God the way we want? Because that's selfish, then it becomes about what we want it to be and not about giving glory to God. He commands us to stay away from anything that could take our attention away from Him. Exodus 20:23 You shall not make anything to be with Me,

Deut. 12:29-32 “When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

Clearly God does not want anything made that will cause people to turn away from him. Its not that God doesn't want us to be creative. He doesn't want any images/likeness/idols that are here on earth to be mistaken for Him. So Hes saying DONT MAKE THEM. He is also saying DONT BOW DOWN TO THEM. (what hes forbidding) HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM!

Note: in the other verses above, God is saying that He knows that they(idols) are being made anyway, but keep them as far away from you as possible, don't learn about them and in no way use them in your worship of Him. He is warning us to stay away from them, more than that he is commanding us to stay away from them.

1 John 5:18-21 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

So to wrap up, what is it that God is requiring?

Matt. 28:20 to observe all things that I have commanded you.

In the 2nd commandment we are required to not associate with idols as well as not worship/bow down to them and we are to obey Gods commandments.

OK this has taken me almost 2 weeks to write and more than a month to study, I feel I am truly not being able to be as clear as it had become to me. But I hope and pray that it will bless those of you that come and read it. As always I am glad for the comments/questions that are left and those that would rather email in private.. thats just fine too!

More to come on the 3rd commandment, I hope its sooner than 2 weeks. I am truly being blessed by getting in Gods word on a daily basis. I wish I had the time to be able to share daily what I am blessed with, but I have 5 kids a husband ( not to mention a daily pile of life to sort though) so I encourage everyone.. even if its one verse a day.. open your bible and read it. i have links to verse a day RSS feeds or emails that you can receive. Just ask!!

God will bless the time that you give to Him!


Praise you Lord for the blessings of love, faithfulness and forgiveness. God give me the grace to share you with others!

Romans 12:2 ~ Buying into "the lie"

Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

A follow up to what I said in my last blog (Heart intents vs. Gods will)

There are some things happening in the life of those that I have loved (still love just not as close as I once was with them) where they have taken what God has forbid and repackaged it in a "christian" way. By that, I mean that they take the world put a "God" twist on it and justify the use of it for a "witnessing" tool.

I have seen it taken as far as something that's blatantly anti-god and seen it acknowledged as that. Then ... promoted as the world being foolish and we can use there foolishness for Gods glory, and even as a worshiping tool. My heart is so grieved by this.

Proverbs 9:6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.

The Lord in his word is so very clear about what we are to do with the world and yet why are some so willing to "conform" to what God tells us to flee from?
Its because living for God requires us to do as the bible says instead of what we would desire. Of course sin looks fun and we want it....more than that, we desire it. If sin looked ugly and harmful to begin with, denying our flesh would not be a daily, moment by moment struggle.

If we repackage the world "aka sin" by sticking a "WWJD sticker" on it, then we can tell ourselves that makes us OK.

But its a lie. Satan.... (the father of all lies) can lure us best into believing its OK when there's "christian" bent to it. He hopes that we don't know Gods word well enough to say "wait a minute, I think the bible says otherwise". Its easy to be blinded by the "WWJD sticker" and ignore the sin its stuck too.

Lets remember that its better to error on the side of fleeing, than the side of accepting, whenever there is even a small chance there could be a lie involved. This doesn't mean we can't enjoy life. But give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and grace. Enjoy the things that God gave us as He means them to be used. But don't mistake the happiness that some things bring as a licence to sin when when they cease to glorify God.

Lord, thank you for the truth and your forgiveness when I stop looking to it. Please fill my heart and mind with Your word and show me and others the lies. Don't let me become lenient in my service to You, or my desire to follow after you. Lord please soften and convict the heart of those who are doing grievous things. God only you can. Praise you for that!

The 2nd commandment is based on a lot of what I have said today and I hope to do that tomorrow.

Oct 25: EDIT: Clearly tomorrow has come and gone, but I would like to get all the info and study that I have done on it on here but thats taking longer than expected :D

Heart intents vs. Gods will

Proverbs 19:20-21 - “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”

I recently had a "conversation" with someone who's "perspective" was that despite what Gods word said (like literally) that God would overlook the specific dismissal of His word/law and instead look at the purpose within their heart.

Their argument went something like this.....

"When you read the bible... you have to figure out what Gods purpose was in saying that...... I "think" He didn't mean that literally (AS IN ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS that we were discussing) But I think "Gods heart" in saying that was.... we are to use it as a kind of guideline... and since I know that my reason (for ignoring direct commandment) is that God knows I want to glorify Him, it doesn't apply."

Which is prime reason for me starting ten commandment study for myself.
#1 what the heck is "Gods heart" I don't remember reading that phrase in the bible...I have read about is HOLY WILL AND PERFECT PURPOSE
#2 when you completely discard the specific and "no beating around the bush" language of something as simple and straight forward as the ten commandments, just so that you can reinterpret them to justify your sin... whats next?
#3 Specific commandment being discussed is repeated many other times within the bible AND having the same context and guidelines... so are you going to reinterpret the entire bible?

I can understand that there are some things that God spoke in parables... such as plucking out eyes and cutting off limbs... but I am not sure there was any fogginess with the basics of what God requires of you.

The idea that you can twist Gods word into what you think He might mean by it and then use that version based on you trying to get to "gods heart" and then modeling your heart off it.... well its scary to me... in fact that's where today's verse comes in...

NOTE.... THE BIG FAT "but" in the middle of that 2nd verse. Yes, man has purpose in his heart..... BUT, as in "completely disregard mans purpose" and know that doesn't change Gods will or purpose.

So how do we know what Gods will and purpose is for our lives? We find it.... IN THE BIBLE ALONE... so when there is a direct commandment on how to do a specific thing... THATS GODS PURPOSE.

OK I know I have been venting a bit today... but this person knows better and yet they will not listen to the first part of the verse because they are wise in there own eyes and "knowledge of God's heart"

Let this story be a warning/example/encouragement-to-do-better to those that read it. Don't let your purposes be erased by a "BUT". Strive to obey God the way that He requires and not the way you want.

God thank you for the clear directions that you do give us and Lord let that be in my heart to do, Lord please speak to the heart of the one that I write about. Thank you for your loving forgiveness that abounds in my life.

Fun flickr

Oh boy I found flickr and got an account... to much fun!!! I am going to add pics to the side of this soon! Feel free to explore and comment on any of them!

Ten commandments ~ #1

Exodus 20:3 -“You shall have no other gods before Me.

Deuteronomy 5:7 ~ ‘You shall have no other gods before Me.

So with that what is the first commandment forbidding ?

OK clearly the first commandment is that you shall have no other Gods. But that seems like too simple of an answer.

The "before Me" was kind of intriguing to me...It seems to mean that we are to have no other "gods" in our life because everything we say/do is done before (in front of) Him. Which means anything that gets in the way of our main duty which is to glorify God according to His holy will and commandments then becomes a "god".

Now what is it requiring? That's the answer that I wanted to get into and why I have put this off about 2 weeks.

(OK I could retype this but I am liking the wording and way it is put in the larger catechism)

Q. 104. What are the duties required in the first commandment?

A. The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God tobe the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly,by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him; being zealous for him; calling upon him, giving
all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the
whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in
anything he is offended; and walking humbly with him.

Now I think that most people that have not experienced the grace of God would consider that list to be overwhelming and more than they are capable of. But its a wonderfully extensive list! I love knowing that with Gods help, strength, and grace, that I can do those things but receive the blessings that come with modeling my life that way.

(Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.)

Thank you God that you are so wonderfully graceful to me and that there is so much joy in obeying you!

Still Alive

~ Well I haven't blogged in about a week now I think. Being at my parents house without Marc and being a single parent of 5 kids for 12 days was tiring more than I expected.
We made it home (yesterday) safe after yet another 12 hour drive...
Going to bed now... post more tomorrow ( at least I plan to at this moment) :D

Day 5 in CA

Day five... feels like we have been here along time and it feels like its flying by.

Today verse is:

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Today was just great and I am rejoicing in God for it!

Took the most pics today. But am way to worn out to put them all on here now.

Went to costco and oldnavy with Grandma and fiance Vince.... Then went back to there house to visit.

Confession... I ate my 3rd polish dog of the trip... and to make it worse... I had some pizza too...bye bye diet :) Note hot dog signage behind mom and my head :D LOVE POLISH DOGS FROM COSTCO!!!!!

God thank you for another wonderful day, Please bless Marc in this time of peace and be his company!

Trip day 4

Proverbs 3:5-6 ~Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Today was a day of rest :) We stayed "home" at grandmas house. Lots of legos and tinker toys. Which was a really nice break from the go-go-go of the last few days.

Cana made a sweet little caterpillar out of hers.

Todays verse was especially helpful to me. I would like to get into doing my ten commandments study, but I want to give it more time that I have been able to get each day, while I am here. Trusting the Lord, is a wonderful blessing. But there is always that part of me that forgets to do that.. Everyday I have to give it all back to Him. Most days its more than once. Being here in CA reminds me just how much I long to be here. Yet I know that God will bring us back when its in His timing and not only do I have to remember this but I need to model it for the kids as well.

Aunt Lezley (my other little sister) came over to visit this evening, the older kids had already been put to bed, but Levi who has been rather stranger weary the last few weeks loved her within seconds. It was really cute!

Well that wraps up my day, I am thankful for the time that the kids and I get to spend with our family. But I miss my Marc and the kids do too.

God thank you for the nice day and for the protection of my family, please bless Marc in this time of free time that he has. And please give us peace about when you decide to sell our house and move us back here. Please help me be an example to the kids of You guiding my life. ~amen

Sunday Sept 30th

Philippians 1:9-10 -And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ

Sunday day 3 of our trip:

We went to my parents church Calvary SLO... Was fun to see a bunch of old friends. Eden was there with us... he leaned back when the picture was taken. The kids had a good time and afterward Grandma took them to play on the playground. So they can't wait to go back next week. (Mom would also want me to mention that she doesn like those glasses :) she just had her eye lens replaced)

Then afterward we went to Tom and Irma's (in-laws) So they got to see the other set of grandparents and aunts. They helped grandpa pick up acorns and got to see and play with Grandmas new kitty. It was a long and fun day... :) I even got to take a nap! They especially had a good time watching the rescuers down under with there aunt rainey. As well as playing with Aunt Jeanine and "her guy" JC. They were completely worn out.

~Thank you God for a great day and for the ability to spend all the wonderful time with our loved ones!

Quick overview

Nehemiah 9:5 - “Stand up and bless the LORD your God Forever and ever! “ Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise!

Today was SO busy and here it is already tomorrow.. Started my study of the 1st commandment.. want to get into it more than I have had time for.. so hope to do that tomorrow. :D

Quick overview of today... Took the kids to the park with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Chris. The kids rolled in the sand and ate wild blackberries... had a blast. My dad got some really great pics.. which I will have to get from him at a later time to post.. but here's one of mine.

Went to costco for gas and a polish dog... not in that order but I thought it sounded better (haha) Followed with a trip to the pet shop... the kids loved that too. Came home and got to see Lauren and John and have macky chesse for dinner.. So it was a great day for them.

Marc called and said our parakeet had passed away... Darcy was at least 8 years old.. So I think the kids will be sad to find that out.. But didn't want to bum out there great day.

Then to wrap the day up Titus lost his first tooth! It was fun for him to be able to show it off to everyone! He feels really big now.

Thank you God for the great day! Please keep Marc safe and content while we are here having so much fun! Thank you again for this blessed time!

Yea ~ We made it!

Numbers 6:24 “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’

What a day~ OK it started off with pouring rain. So I packed the car and all the kids and got soaked.... but managed to start by 8:15... 2 hours and 15 minutes has to be some kind of record for getting up and getting all of us out of the house. (had the help of Marc)

So 40 minutes into the trip.... with pouring rain... and my wiper blade goes flying off the car.... and now the metal is scracthing the window...yikes!

God provided Grants Pass just 20 minutes from there (with a car parts place with a parking spot in front of a large glass window) and a really nice guy to replace them for me. Which means that I didn't have to get all 5 kids out of the car to go into the store (like a walmart) and then stand in the rain and try to figure it out. That was a blessing :D It was only a 10 minute detour.

Got some snow around the border so that was kinda fun to see... didn't stick but it was pretty. At Shasta we were under this odd cloud... "doom-ish" like you would see on a movie. It was not like I have ever seen before... dark and heavy.. but you can see the light blue sky beyond it with the white fluffy clouds.

Well things are going OK after that... until 20 minutes on the Oregon side of Sacramento..... Esther, to quote her "I woke up and puke was coming out of my mouth" Lovely.... yet another blessing from God we were 1 mile from a rest stop. I am not sure I will be able to eat fruit loops for awhile, but got her changed and did a potty break ... so that was a 30 minute sidetrack... but good for stretching the legs!

Things were going OK after that until... about 50 minutes from getting here... and Esther sounded the warning that she was about to blow again... Anyone who has driven this area.. between Avanal and the 46... its windy and narrow and under construction and there is NO where to pull off... so the conversation went something like...

me: Puke on your blanky and we will wash it when we get to grandmas...
her: but I love my blanky
me: in know... don't get in on the floor... just on your blanky... shooooooooot... Don't move I will pull over soon.

Well we got here (30 minutes short of 12 hours).. and all is well (and now washed)

note to self: need to get car sickness stuff for Esther.

God thank you for the safe trip and provisions along the way!

And we are off.....

Didn't have as much time as I needed to do a study online today... we are heading to Ca tomorrow... 700 miles, 12 hours, 5 kids and me... I am really that insane..... Don't expect to say much tomorrow.. but plan to get in to the commandments in 2 days :D Night, night!

Ten commandments ~ To start with

This is the way that God starts the ten commandments:

Exodus 20:1-2 And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

I was going to start on the first commandment today but I think there are a few things I should go into to prepare.

OK, well as far as I can see God set the commandments up to be either something he commands or forbids. That it means it should mean more then just "thou shall not". So what is it that He is saying or implying that we should be doing.

Thing to note: God thought these to be so important that He made an appointment to say them and then spoke them out loud to Moses.

I see the page hits on this going up so I know that there are those out there reading it.. please feel free to comment if there is something I missed or that spoke specifically to you.

Also I wanted to add that are those out there that would say that we are no longer under "Gods law" since Jesus came and died for us, and to those I ask which one of these commandments do they think that God no longer holds valid?

Last note: God is reminding us in this that HE is the one that freed us from "the bondage"(aka sin)

God thank you! Please open your word to me and let me understand your will even better than before!

Matthew 22:37-40 -- Commandments

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Today I have had the luxury of spending most the day in my bible.. while this doesn't happen often its always nice when I get a large amount of time to do that!

Which should mean that I have some super great wonderful devotional today... well I wish that were the case. I have spent most of the day going over and over my bible cross referencing it ect... And some how I feel like I know even less... LOL.. though I am told this is a common thing.

I have been going over the ten commandments... actually for quite a few days. I was even pleasantly surprised when they showed up in the worship service on Sunday... isn't God good at that :D

But the fact that God had the ability to put 10 "rules" out there and spent almost half of those rules on how to worship Him.... well its intriguing to me. I know that if made up 10 rules from my house... I am not sure that they would be about me ?

So maybe I will take the next few days going over those.... But for todays verse I used the verses that Jesus said about the ten commandments. He summed them up rather well. Even though there are "10" they could be expanded in several areas... as well as summed up like Jesus said.
Rule one... LOVE GOD.... rule two.... LOVE OTHERS

Thank you Father for your word and the vastness of it. God please speak to me and other though it and let my actions and thoughts glorify you!

Hebrews 4:12-13

Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Ok I have recently been going over the way that God loves and the way that we are called to love others. In that I came across the above verse. Now growing up I can remember from sunday school that whole little armoured man picture based from,

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

It says that Gods word is sharper than a sword. Which made me think about how carefully we are to use it. Should the bible be used to encourage or to stab? I know that we need to use the bible to point out sin when the occasion occurs.. But how we use the bible should matter. Do we use it in a way where there is love and encouragement or is it used in a "your a sinner and I am going to stab you with it" kinda way? Which of those ways glorifies God?

I know there is a verse that talks about it.. But I cant seem to find it this evening... so I will update this later when I do.

God let me be armoured with You!

2 Timothy 4:2

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (ESV)

Ok this is yet another verse that has come up a few times lately.
But I think its a good one to keep in mind.

I think its a good thing to remember that we are called to know what the bible says, and we need to be ready with an answer from it for what ever the situation.
While I could go into it deeper... its late so I wont.

God give me the wisdom and answers I need as well as the patience, kindness and love for others that you have. Thank you Lord for your grace and strength.

Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 -The bible

Romans 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

OK today's verses are a reminder that God has given us His word(Bible).
He has given it to us to instruct us on how we should live our lives.
Sometimes I think that we (Christians in general) forget that its the final authority in our lives and conduct.

I know there are times when I want to justify my own actions based on well.... whatever I can think of. But if the bible has specific instructions on that particular matter.. then I am to do what is Godly. But what about when the bible doesn't say for sure ? then what ?

Then there is
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I think if there is even a question you might have that you have to ask harder then these verses... then maybe its not a good idea.

Thank you God for being good to me, for instructing me, and most of all for giving me grace and hope!

Conversation with my 2 year old

OK hes barely 2 and didn't say more than a dozen things until the last week or so.

But the weather here has seemed to turn to fall already and so I pulled out all the winter jammies.

Eden was so very excited for his new (already used by his brother) PJ's. He starts yanking on his new shirt, while smiling and dancing around singing... Sheep, sheep, sheep. Which was really cute.... and really funny because the things on his shirt are not sheep... not even close.. they are Rhinos.

Now I taught him to say rhino... but several times throughout the day, he still was calling them sheep. Side note: to those that don't know our family as well as some. Ducks & rhinos have long been something that we have collected for the kids, so our house is full of them.


So it made me think... why sheep. Why not rhinos? What is it that makes sheep more appealing than rhinos?

Well there are the obvious things like sheep being soft, cute and cuddly... and they are certainly not aggressive like rough, hard, & sharp horned Rhinos.



It made me think... in all his wisdom of being two. He already knows what God has called us to be :D Sheep, sheep, sheep! and not rhinos :D


~ Lynn

2 Corinthians 13:5-14

2 Corinthians 13:5-14
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.


OK I made the text smaller today than normal. Mostly because instead of a verse of the day.. its practically the whole chapter. Some how I have ended up in Corinthians a lot the last few weeks. I should not say "some how" I know that God gives us His word for answers, for comfort and for encouragement. So there must be something in these 2 books that I need to be sure that I get.


I have found that people tend to act like people.... yes I know... that's an earth shattering observation... (note sarcasm) but its true and all of us people seem to forget that fact regularly.

For instance my rants of last night, when I am reminded of the fact that we all have feelings and we all have doubts and we all feel totally inadequate most of the time. It seem to make it easier to love others where they are at.... why... well because we are normally sitting there right next to them. With that said and in mind, I will get back to my bible verses...


OK in the first couple of verses he seems to be stating that they are feeling the way that most of us do. God has given us ways to walk in faith, and YES we all fail (regularly and quite publicly) but that doesn't mean that we are without the faith. In fact it reminds of us of our need for God, the calling for us to do what He asks of us. The fact that in our weakness, others can see His strength shining though.

I love how he goes on to say that he is not pointing these things (failings) out to tear them down.... but actually to encourage them. note: he is encouraging them to be more faithful... not to fail.

Which is SUCH a loving thing to do. How many times have we heard our own faults listed, without being given any hope or help (good news). It tends to leave us feeling even worse then we started.
I think this is a great example of a way to love others, to comfort, and to show mercy. Even when there are items to be discussed that are not so pleasant.
He follows up to say.....try harder. That we need to live in love and peace with one another. Because our minds are being focused on what God has done for us, as well as what He has called us to do.

Now I am quite sure that there are a lot more "deeper" meanings to the text then that. But I am thankful for what is there. The fact that people act like people ... no matter the time period that we live in, no matter the people involved. That we are called to act like people but people that God wants us to be. Then when we need help, that's what God is there for.

I think that James 1:2-5 sums it up.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Praise God for how good he is to us!

Wide awake

Well I can't fall asleep which is not all that unusual for me. I am tired and likely to confuse you..... so consider yourself warned if you decide to read further.
The verse that I closed with earlier has still been on my mind. Well that and a few verses before it... like verse 1 cor.12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
God has a purpose for us within the body of Christ. (the church) He has given the gifts that we have and put us where we are to be useful to it. I cant help but feel as though this specific chapter was written for situations that I have seen before. Where one can be made to feel useless, to feel unneeded, disregarded like an unwanted body part. Do we feel this way because we are not being the part that we need to be or is it because others are unwilling to admit that they are not the whole body within themselves. Can it be both? Can it be neither?
I find it amusing that following the verses about being part of the body and gifts, that it talks about love, that unless we love it is all useless.
I am not sure that amusing is the correct word.... I find it appealing that we are told that we all have a part to play and then told that we need to do it in love.

Love, what a simply complicated thing. ;) I think the answer will be both. Not only do we need to love.... but others need to love as well. This is the way that God set it up. Like I was going over earlier today (well yesterday now) we need to love each other with mercy and comfort. That's what allows us to be able to serve others where they are at.

Thank you God for that! Let me be willing to do that. Help me to depend on You to do that. God thank you for the struggles that keep reminding me how much I need you. ~ Amen

and goodnight :D

2 Corinthians 1:3,4,7

2 Corinthians 1:3,4,7 ~ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

There has been a favorite song of mine for the last few weeks and its been stuck in my head.
I was looking for bible references that might have been used in the writing of it. Since I would rather have bible verses stuck in my head than lyrics.... and I found these. Well I found the first 2 and threw the 3rd one in because there was a conversation I had recently and they were trying to remember that verse, at least it sounds like the one they were trying to quote. (you know who you are :) was this it?

He is God the Father. He gives us mercy and comfort. That's His example to us, and its also a calling to us, to do for others. That we will let Him use us and the experiences that he has given us to give mercy and comfort to others. Sometimes that's easy, we have been there and done that and have the experience to help. But what about when we don't, then what?
First I want to define

tribulation. Noun:
1. Great affliction, trial, or distress; suffering
2. An experience that tests one's endurance, patience, or faith.

but.... it doesn't just say to comfort others in tribulation... it says "in any trouble".... So that means not only tribulations that come from outside sources but from those that come from self inflicted sins. Note then: My focus for today is more on the tribulations caused by sins.

I want to define mercy and comfort as well:

Mercy - Noun: as in "thing" you do
1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's
power; clemency.
2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving: a heart full of
mercy.
3. Something for which to be thankful; a
blessing.
4. Alleviation of distress; relief: Taking in the refugees was
an act of mercy.

Comfort- Verb: as in "action" you take.
1. To soothe in time of affliction or distress.
2. To ease physically; relieve

Now I think we need to be careful when the situation that caused "the trouble" involves sin. I see a few fine lines here that we don't want to cross over on both sides of it.
We don't want to comfort the sinner to the point that they are willing/able to ignore the cause of "the trouble"... which is the sin. As well as the other side of it being, not showing mercy and causing "the trouble" to be even more aggravated then it was to start with.

As a mom of 5 little kids, I know that my life feels as though I run from fire to fire trying to put out issues and troubles all day long. I know that my kids feel more loved and see that God is in control of me when I make sure that I am calm in the situations that I am taking care of. As apposed to when I am trying to do it in my own sleep-deprived, over-worked, just-want-a-minute-to-myself mode. I mention that because that's what makes the difference.

Comfort and mercy come from God, and its only when we are focused on Him that we have the ability to show that to others. Its also when we are focused on Him that in our own times of tribulation that we can see Him making those available to us.
So that's where that last verse comes in. When we show mercy and comfort to others it allows us to be able to "partake" of their situation in a way that allows us to show them how to focus on God. As well as the ability to "partake" of the joy that comes with that.

There is this verse that has been on my mind the entire time I have been writing this and I though it was a good note to end on. I need to keep it in mind as I serve my husband, kids and others.

1 Corinthians 12:20-26
But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

OK this got way longer than I planned. But I think that we need to remember that we are here because of Gods mercy and grace and make sure that is the way that we treat others.

Thank you Lord for being so good to us and allowing us to be used for your Glory!

John 8:31-32 - To: Jess pt.2

John 8:31-32 ~ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

OK Jessica, here's a follow up to your follow up question a few days ago.

You are worried that you are too skeptical for faith. You say

"Is it possible to be too skeptical for faith?More than anything I believe
in the tangible. This is where I run into trouble with religion, and
faith."

Well to answer your question to the best of my ability.... is I don't know, that's up to you... But what I do know is that God gave us something tangible... His word.. the bible. As the verse above states... If you abide in His word the truth will set you free... Free from the bondage of sin. He also gave us His son... as well as the Holy Spirit, but that's another topic.

There are many things that you don't consider "wrong" that the bible specifically states otherwise. (side note: I do happen to agree with you on that one thing, I think that God is all for capital punishment as there are many times in the bible that its stated "was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him")
You don't have the same "moral code" as you put it.. as most Christians. In my posts a few days ago I talked about God being the boss. I personally know that letting God set the rules... instead of me setting the rules for my life is a better idea. When you decide your own moral compass you are doing it based only on the limited knowledge that you have. The thought of that seems rather scary to me.

You mention one of your "flaws" to be tolerance..... While your other "flaws or lack thereof" I consider to be sin ... sins I myself am in daily need of grace for. Tolerance is not something that Christians are called to... at least not the way that it is defined today. Yes we are to be kind to others.. but that does not mean that we are to let every evil thing flourish and parade itself around without saying something.

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

See that verse seems to say the opposite of what "tolerance" seems to mean. God wants us to be transformed by doing His perfect will and not what the "world" seems to thing is OK.

You mentioned that you felt "deceitful/fake" attending church... and once you stopped you felt better.... I think what you felt was your heart being convicted... and of course you felt better after you were not being convicted of your sin anymore. I think the issue that you are having trouble with is your heart. The bible says

Romans 10:9,10,13 ~ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

While you state that you tried confessing with your mouth.... it felt false. Its because words are not enough. The bible states these things about your heart....

Ezekiel 11:19-20 - Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh,that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.

Deuteronomy 30:6 - And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

You said "so now what"... Now its up to you, Do you want to believe with your heart? To let God circumcise your heart, to cut away all the things that HE deems to be sins. To trust in the fact that not only does He exist but that Hes all knowing too. To let Him, the bible & the Holy spirit guide your heart and therefore your life. Are you willing to give up the control? I saw this quote today and thought it to be a rather helpful picture for this.

There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will
be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.'~ C. S.
Lewis (1898 - 1963)

Well ....there is more to think about, I am happy to talk to you more if you like, or if you have more questions please ask them. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"....
Everyone is a sinner, me especially, but God has forgiven me because I have acknowledged it, repented, asked forgiveness and desire in my heart to do His will. Daily I press on with His help. Daily I am reminded of and rewarded with His grace.

~Lynn