Thankful Thursday - Courage

Laurie, from Women Taking a Stand, is hosting Thankful Thursday this week. The topic is courage.

The Power of Courage

Courageous is one of the last things I would consider myself to be; however, looking back over my life I can see how courage was modeled to me and how it took its form in my life throughout the years.

I have overcome so much, not by my own strength but by Christ's. Just when I thought fear would override any courage I could possibly muster up, God gave me sufficient courage for the need to be faced.

David implored us to take courage in one of the Psalms that he wrote.

Look at the Hebrew word for the phrase be of good courage. Chazaq means:

1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore
a) (Qal)
1) to be strong, grow strong
a) to prevail, prevail upon
b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure
c) to press, be urgent
d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense)
e) to be severe, be grievous
2) to strengthen
b) (Piel)
1) to make strong
2) to restore to strength, give strength
3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage
4) to make strong, make bold, encourage
5) to make firm
6) to make rigid, make hard
c) (Hiphil)
1) to make strong, strengthen
2) to make firm
3) to display strength
4) to make severe
5) to support
6) to repair
7) to prevail, prevail upon
8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support
9) to hold, contain
d) (Hithpael)
1) to strengthen oneself
2) to put forth strength, use one's strength
3) to withstand
4) to hold strongly with

I went through each of these definitions and added in Christ to them. Oh, what power is there!

I'm so thankful that because of the courage God has given me that I can count on God to strengthen my heart. The Hebrew word for strengthen is 'amats. It means:

1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard
a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold
b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure
c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to
d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong

How courageous God can make our hearts. He can cause us to be all of these things through Himself! He is our strength and courage.

Courage From God

Courage comes from the inside out.

Lebab, the Hebrew word for heart, means:

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
a) inner part, midst
1) midst (of things)
2) heart (of man)
3) soul, heart (of man)
4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
6) conscience
7) heart (of moral character)
8) as seat of appetites
9) as seat of emotions and passions
10) as seat of courage

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." ~ Philippians 4:19-20 (ESV)

Are we willing to take courage in the Lord? Are we willing to let Him restore us to strength if our courage has failed? Are we willing to be alert, displaying the strength from our heart of hearts?

Courage begins with faith in God. It's rooted in Him just as surely as the sun rises in the east. I have met many brave people in my life, but the most courageous I have found are those who are courageous in Christ.

True Courage

Let me tell you about a man and woman who are great examples of courage to me.

Jimmy & Susan Riley, my uncle and aunt, are in a fight for their lives. Jimmy is battling malignant melanoma. Jimmy was diagnosed with it in 1984 and after treatment was told there was a 90% chance it would never come back. In the spring of 2007, 23 years later, it did. Jimmy has fought harder than anyone I have ever known in my life. He underwent a grueling treatment and it was arrested, but came back twice in 2008. Now it has come back again and he's at M. D. Anderson right now, undergoing tests, procedures, surgery, and ultimately chemo. Jimmy & Susan are the parents of 8 year old James and John, two precious twin boys. They are fighting for more time here on earth, using the God given resources that are available to treat this dreadful disease.

Jimmy will undergo surgery to remove the lymph node that is positive for melanoma. They are going to harvest the tumor at M. D. Anderson in their lab and grown and trained to fight his own cancer should it be needed in the future. After surgery, he will begin biochemo to eradicate other potential melanoma cells that might be lurking around. This means that a combination of three chemo drugs, plus two biological agents will be given for five days. He'll stay in the hospital for two additional days and will come home for a two week break. Then the cycle will be repeated. Three cycles in all.

I have never heard Jimmy complain. In fact, he shares Scripture, prayer, and gives glory to God for early detection and everything. Susan is right by his side. That is courage to me.

Wrap Up

So this week I'm very thankful for courage. To learn more or follow Jimmy's very narrow road, head on over here. He will be encouraged that you are praying for him.

The verse I am praying for him and Susan is this:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.~ Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection: What would you consider to be the most courageous time in your life? How can you regain courage if you have lost it?

Verse for the Day: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing us with courage. Courage to do what needs to be done, to take the high road, to battle what we need to battle and stand up for what we believe in. Thank You for courage to go the extra mile with the illnesses we have in life, to remain faithful and true to You. Courage is something we may need a refill on from time to time, so I ask You for an extra dose now, for me, for Jimmy & Susan, for the boys and all our family, and for everyone reading this post. Help us remember to ask others to help us bear the burdens we have so that we can strengthen and encourage each other in You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

C - Call out to Jesus for an extra dose of courage when you feel it waning in your life. "...The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." ~ James 5:16 (ESV)

O - Object to the lies of the Enemy and proclaim the promises of Christ. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." ~ James 4:7 (ESV)

U - Understand that God has a purpose for every trial you face and that His good will ultimately triumph. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)

R - Remember that you are never alone. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.~ Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

A - Anchor yourself in the shelter of the Most High God. "Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you." ~ Psalm 25:20 (ESV)

G - Glorify God with a courageous heart. "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." ~ 1 Peter 4:16 (ESV)

E - Equip yourself with the armor of God. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication...." ~ Ephesians 4:10-18 (ESV)

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WFW - Humbling Ourselves In Christ

I love to think of humility in terms relating to an anchor. An anchor, is by definition, something that keeps something held or permanently fixed. Anchors are lowered to ground things and raised to move things.

Our humility level is something we have to keep in check, lowering it when it seems to be floating high.

Lowering the Anchor

The Greek word for the phrase humble yourselves is tapeinoō. This verb means:

1) to make low, bring low

a) to level, reduce to a plain

b) metaph. to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances

1) to assign a lower rank or place to

2) to abase

3) to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded

4) to humble or abase myself by humble living

c) to lower, depress

1) of one's soul bring down one's pride

2) to have a modest opinion of one's self

3) to behave in an unassuming manner

4) devoid of all haughtiness

Humility truly is the absence of pride. With God as our God, we should always be humble, just as Christ is humble.

Charles Swindoll writes, "Humility is an attitude of the heart. An attitude of the mind. It is knowing your proper place....It is knowing your role and fulfilling it for God's glory and praise."

We can truly please God with this attitude and bring Him much glory by living out true humility and not even calling attention to it. We don't go around declaring, "I'm humble!"

Any time that we find ourselves becoming prideful, perhaps in receiving praise that is due God, we need to make sure we have our humility in check. We need to point people to the Creator who endowed us with the ability or patience or talent to do whatever we are praised for.

" I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. " ~ Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

In humbling ourselves under God's hand, we realize that we are not deserving of anything more than the gift of grace He offers through Jesus Christ our Lord, and we don't even deserve that. We get it because He loves us.

The Greek word that describes the mighty hand of God in 1 Peter 5:6 is cheir. It means:

1) by the help or agency of any one, by means of any one

2) fig. applied to God symbolising his might, activity, power

a) in creating the universe

b) in upholding and preserving (God is present protecting and aiding one)

c) in punishing

d) in determining and controlling the destinies of men

I love how the Lord displays his might, activity and power in upholding and preserving us and in determining and controlling our destinies.

The Anchor is Raised

God exalts the humble in His time. The Hebrew word for lift up is hypsoō, which means:

1) to lift up on high, to exalt

2) metaph.

a) to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity

b) to exalt, to raise to dignity, honour and happiness

That's the gravy - the bonus above mercy and grace. Our God is so precious to raise us to dignity, honor and happiness in life. We must be careful to give Him the glory for it. We must let the anchor of humility remain grounded, not in the depths of sinking sand, but in Christ our Lord.

In Due Time

Do you ever wonder when God will exalt you? It will be at a time of His choosing, what is called due time. The Greek word for this phrase is kairos, which means:

1) due measure
2) a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence:
a) a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for
b) opportune or seasonable time
c) the right time
d) a limited period of time
e) to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time

At just the right time, and perhaps for a limited period of time, God will let you shine. We should be take to remain humble during this time. God's lifting us up does not cancel out humility; rather, it enhances it. We will be brought forth to shine for God in His time.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Wrapping it Up

Our best example of true humility comes from Christ Himself.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" ~ Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV)

God uses the humble to further His will. Look at the lives of Abraham, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Esther, David, Jonah, and eventually Paul. Look at Christ, our perfect example. Oh, may we be like Him, willing to be nothing and totally obedient, exalting our Father!

The anchor of humility begs us to ask the question, "Am I willing to lower myself to nothing so that I may be raised up under the mighty hand of God for His glory and for His will, not my own?"

Questions for Reflection: Where is your anchor of humility set? Have you give control of the anchor to God or are you managing it yourself? Can you think of a time that God has exalted you to a position because of your willingness to be humble?

Verse for the Day: "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ~ James 4:6 (NIV)

Prayer: Our dear and most gracious Heavenly Father, we pray that the anchor of our humility would lay at rest until You raise it for Your own glory. Help us to do away with any pride we may have and give You all the glory and honor and majesty due Your name when people praise us. Help us remember that You give the gifts and help we need when we need it. May we never rush Your timing or Your will for our lives. Thank You for anchoring our humility in You and help us keep it there. In the precious name of Jesus Your Son, Amen.

A - Always remember that everything good gift you have comes from God. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." ~ James 1:17 (NIV)

N - Never seek praise for yourself. Let it come by God's doing. "How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God ?" ~ John 5:44 (NIV)

C - Consider others better than yourself. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." ~ Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

H - Honor God above all others. "You shall have no other gods before me." ~ Exodus 20:3 (NIV)

O - Outfit yourself with humility each day. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." ~ Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)

R - Regard praise for your ability, skill and talents as special, and give God the glory for them. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. " ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

The purpose of Word Filled Wednesday is to share the Word of God through photo's and Scripture. Amydeanne, over at The 160 Acre Woods, is our hostess. Be sure to link up and share your own, and drop her a thank you for hosting this wonderful meme each week. It always blesses my heart to read all the posts and see the photos and verses. This is a wonderful way to minister to others and to be ministered to by reading others posts. Please visit by clicking on the button below.

Welcome to Tuesday's Together in the Word. We are a group of women reading God's Word based on a reading plan posted on DeeDee's website. We share a nugget or three about what we've read. I would encourage you to jump in - no need to start at the beginning, just jump right in and read with us. Be sure to link up over at DeeDee's and share your gleanings with us, too. This week we read:

• I Peter 2-5
• Psalm 38
• 2 Peter 1

What great words to put into practice in our lives. Can you imagine if we lived like this, how truly united we would be as God's children? How well-pleased He would be with us, what glory would be brought to His name?

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." ~ 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)

IOW - From Thinking to Doing

Today's In "Other" Words Tuesdays is hosted by Debbie from Heart Choices. She has given us a great quote by Rick Warren to think and write about.

“The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act.” Rick Warren

From Thought to Action

Do you think that negative thoughts, or positive ones, for that matter, really determine the way you act? The Bible says that it does.

"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man" ~ Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)

The Hebrew word for heart is leb. It means:

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
a) inner part, midst
1) midst (of things)
2) heart (of man)
3) soul, heart (of man)
4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
6) conscience
7) heart (of moral character)
8) as seat of appetites
9) as seat of emotions and passions
10) as seat of courage

The word heart refers to much more than just the heart. It refers to many things such as our mind, our thinking, our seat of emotions, passions and appetites.

When the thinking is bad, the actions are bound to be bad. When the thinking is good, the actions are bound to be good.

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." ~ Luke 6:45 (NIV)

Producing the Good Things

It feels horrible to be vile and grand to be good. Let's purpose to let our thoughts produce good things, things that bear the fruit of the Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

But How?

I think it requires prayer and action. We need to pray that God will prepare our hearts and minds to think on the good things.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." ~ Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

When the negative things come our way we need to pray about them and give them to God. We don't need to nurture those thoughts. We need to replace them with the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy thoughts.

When something is rolling around in my mind, trying to take root, I don't let it. I stop imagining that Steve was in a wreck and that's why he's 30 minutes late. I stop thinking about how someone hurt me with words they spoke. How do I stop? I usually replace the thinking with prayer. I pray for the person or situation. Many times I'll put on some music or get interested in television.

While I don't think that positive thinking will get me a close parking place at Squall Mart, I do think that it honors God and brings good fruit into being. I don't believe that just because I had a negative thought about my self-image that I will be denied my size blouse when I go shopping. Sometimes Catherines is just sold out of things.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." ~ Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Wrapping it Up

I think in the grand scheme of things our thoughts do matter and can make us feel good or bad, then they manifest themselves through our reactions and responses in life.

Many people think that the power of positive thinking has much to do with our health. I'd like to submit that the power of positive thinking leads us to pray, which has God and doctor's and medicine to do much with our health. I don't believe we can say, "I'm going to be IBS-free by 2010." I do believe we can say, "If God wills it and helps me find the right doctors, the right combination of medicines and gives me the ability to eat the right kind of foods, then I can be IBS-free by the time that God allows it, not when Laurie Ann wants it." We can think positively all we want, but we must remember that God is God and is in control of everything. It's ultimately up to Him. We cannot force His will by our thinking. Sure, we can be in a better position (mindset) to pray to Him Him and discern what He is telling us, but we cannot make something disappear or appear for us just because we think it, feel it or say/do it. We cannot change someone's heart with good "vibes." Only God can do that. And I trust Him to do it.

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." ~ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)

Are you ready to trust Him to help you take every thought captive for Him? Are you ready to think on the things He wants you to think on rather than the things that the world encourages? Are you ready to trust Him and not your thoughts and feelings to be the answer to everything you need in your life? If not, email me at sisterchick1@yahoo.com and let's chat.

Father, help us to remember that what we think ultimately determines how we react and respond to situations. Forgive us for times where we have failed You and help us to rely on You to lead us to produce the fruit You want us to with our thoughts, fruits that honor You. Help us to remember that while it's good to think good thoughts that You are the One who brings to pass the things You desire in our lives. Help us never to set our thoughts up as idols that are our gods. Remove from us our negative thinking and help us to take every thought captive to You, dear Lord. In the matchless name of Christ our Lord I pray, Amen.

For more In "Other" Words Tuesdays, click on the button above.

Miscellaneous

Thanks for everyone's participation At the Well today! Our topic was on mentoring and I truly enjoyed the posts and comments given. This must be a topic near and dear to many hearts.

Steve and I had a great overnight trip this weekend. We got back this afternoon and have been resting some. Steve has a cold. I feel so sorry for him!

My aunt sent me an email. My uncle has a website up at M. D. Anderson's care site to keep us posted on updates. Here's what she wrote.

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let everyone know that Jimmy and Susan have set up a website to update about Jimmy's upcoming treatment at M.D. Anderson. All you have to do is go to carepages.com and then register (it's free), then do a search on jimmyriley. It will also email you when they update the page. Let's keep Jimmy, Susan, and the twins in our prayers as they go through this ordeal, and pray that the treatment will rid Jimmy of this "beast" for good. Love to all, Melanie

I thought it would be wonderful if you had a moment to sign up for updates so you could keep him in your prayers and maybe even let him know where you are praying from. He'll have surgery on the 30th and be in for a week of chemo. I think the plans are to come home for 2 weeks and go back for another. At any rate, this site will keep us updated! I'll be sure to keep you updated here, too. When you do the search, you have to do it just like she mentioned, all together, one word - jimmyriley. I already signed up - it's not that hard to do, and I'm praying the encouragement he receives from knowing he's being prayed for will help. May God be glorified through this whole process.

Back to work tomorrow! I have enjoyed my 3 day weekend. Steve and I went to see the movie Knowing Friday night. Wow. Major biblical connotations but then again way off base. It's a movie that is very interesting and makes you think...it's kind of spooky so it's not one for kids, even though a child stars in it - go figure. There's no cussing or sex, it's just very deep and there are some violent scenes and tense moments. I probably won't bring it home as one to own but I bet Steve does! He loved it. Great action and if you're rock solid in your faith the biblical foreshadowing won't shake you, although it will disturb you, if that makes sense. I was really battling with how it ended. Steve, not so much.

Not sure if I'll be posting much tomorrow or not - if so, probably short posts. My hands are aching pretty badly tonight. I drove back. Steve was sleeping off nyquil this morning.

Be blessed and excuse any typos. Much love!

Join me today, by clickin on the button above, for a message about mentoring over At the Well.

Steve and I are on the road today, returning from an overnight get-a-way. I may be late in making the rounds, but I cannot wait to read your on thoughts on this post. Please join in! It's a topic that I really have a passion about.

Say It Forward (scroll down or click here for Friday Funnies)

Peggy, from Amazing Grace, Mazes, Messes, Miracles, featured me as a loyal commenter on her blog. How sweet is that?! She is always so kind to encourage me through her comments on my blog, and I truly appreciate that. She is faithful to the Lord and so full of worship and praise, just brings so much glory to Him.

So now I'd like to honor a loyal commenter. All of your comments mean so much to me and encourage me more than you know. I've stretched and grown in Christ because of them, I've laughed and felt a kinship with you because of them, and I've felt truly felt befriended by you. Thank you so much for stopping by and being so sweet.

Sometimes I can't visit everyone who comments and that makes me sad. I try. I do good most days but some days it just seems impossible. From meetings at work to injured Daddy's, projects needing attention to actually having an appointment for a haircut, sometimes I just can't get around to it. I am trying, though.

I wanted to mention everyone who comments frequently on my blog, but I couldn't. Then I wheedled it down to 10. Even going down to three is hard to choose. So I am just going to feature one.

Denise - Shortybears Place - If I post it, she comments on it. She is always there and so sweet with a kind word for me. Whatever word she offers is so sweet and straight from her heart. I love you, Denise! Visit her blog and you'll see her unabandoned love for her Savior and her Lovebug.

Here's how Say it Forward works:

On Fridays, choose a commenter, (or two, or three) to feature in a Say It Forward post.

Come back to http://www.5minutesformom.com/category/feature-columns/say-it-forward/ to add your permalink to the Mr. Linky.

Visit other Say It Forward posts and discover FABULOUS bloggers who are fun, friendly and loyal commenters.

And don’t forget to let your readers know that you are participating in Say It Forward so they can go find all these wonderful commenters and read their blogs.

Friday Funnies is hosted by Kim at Homesteader's Heart each week. Click on the button above for more funnies and be sure to link up and share your own!

Things Only Mississippians Get (I have posted some of my observations beside some of them.)

1. A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road. (I have seen 2 live possums in my 38.5 years of living. Once 17 years ago and once last summer scooting along the fence while we were in the pool. Yikes! I didn't know they grew up! I thought they were born to become roadkill, LOL! Possums, as a rule, are mean. They hiss at you when you shoo them away from catfood, so I hear.)

2. There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in Mississippi.

3. There are 10,000 types of spiders All 10,000 of them live in Mississippi.

4. If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.

5. 'Onced' and 'Twiced' are words. (Especially with the older generation.)

6. It is not a shopping cart, it's a buggy. (Sing it! There are no shopping carts in the state of Mississippi. We only have buggies.)

7. 'Jaw-P?' means, 'Did y'all go to the bathroom? (This is a good question to ask before any sort of car travel, especially to the kids.)

8. People actually grow and eat okra. (We do! When we don't fry it we actually freeze it to use in vegetable soup or gumbo during the winter.)

9. 'Fixinto' is one word. (Busted!)

10. There is no such thing as 'lunch.' There is only dinner and then there is supper. (As a child I never heard of lunch. It was only after I started working that I heard the mid-day meal referred to as something other than dinner.)

11. Iced tea is appropriate for all meals, and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar. (And you make it by the gallons! I love it. It's my favorite beverage.)

12 Backwards and forwards means, 'I know everything about you.'

13. The word 'jeet' is actually a phrase meaning, 'Did you eat?' (We respond with, "Nawdjew?")

14. You don't have to wear a watch, because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see. (Again, more with the older generation. Our generation tends to quit at 5, go home and eat supper and watch NCIS or hang out as a family.)

15. You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH EM. ("Honey, did you mash the DVD button or the VCR one? This isn't working!")

16. You measure distance in minutes. (My grandmother's house is not 46 miles away, it is 45-50 minutes away.)

17. You switch from heat to A/C in the same day. (Oh, we are so there right now!)

18. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal. (Mize, home of the Watermelon Festival. There are also Tomato Festivals and Strawberry Festivals, as well as many others. You get whatever fruit or veggie the festival is named after free and there are crafts and music and politicians at all these festivals.)

19. You know what a 'DAWG' is. (http://www.msstate.edu/)

20. You carry jumper cables in your car --- for your OWN car. (In the trunk! Not on the back seat. My word!)

21. You only own five spices: salt, pepper, Tony's, Tabasco and Ketchup. (I own more but these will do.)

22. The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and high school football.

23. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday. (Bring me the backstrap and I'll fry it fresh - take the rest to the processor and forget the taxidermist, you might hit something bigger next weekend.)

24. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit 'a bit warm.' (And we delight over knowing what the heat index is going to be for the day.)

25. You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, Still summer, and Christmas. (We don't have much of a fall or spring. This year we actually had seasons and it confused us. We see it as a sign of the times or something. Not quite sure but it was talked about.)

26. Going to Wal-Mart is a favorite past time known as'goin' Wal-Martin' or 'off to Wally World.' (Or Squall Mart because you would not believe the number of fits pitched on the floor when it's truly someone's naptime but Daddy's gone huntin' and you can't leave 'em at home by themselves...)

27. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good stew weather. (Or Fair weather, meaning that it's time for the State Fair.)

28. Fried catfish is the other white meat. (Yup. Bwahahaha!)

29. We don't need no dang driver's Ed. If our mama says we can drive, we can drive, dag-nabbit. (Actually, it's our Daddy's who give the permission, but let's not squabble over words.)

30. You understand these jokes and forward them to Your Mississippi friends and those who just wish they were from Mississippi. (I get this email at least twice a year and nod and laugh each time I read it.)

Thankful Thursday - Provision

Laurie, from Women Taking a Stand, is hosting this week. She has chosen a great theme for Thankful Thursday. Provision.

Provision of Grace

I am so thankful for God's provision of grace through Jesus, His Son.

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." ~ Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

His provision was purity for our sins. Purity so that we could dare come before God when we leave this body and begin our lives in Heaven. How sweet He was to purge Himself of sins He did not commit, sins we placed upon Him, to provide for us eternal life with Him. Thank you, Jesus!

Provision Here on Earth

God is still providing while we are here on the other side of Heaven. There are times when we have certain needs to be met. I have learned that the Lord will not leave us forsaken of anything outside His will for us.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Personal Provision

I experienced some personal provision yesterday. Daddy had an accident yesterday while working in his shop at home. He was nailing shelves and pierced his arm with a nail. The nail actually went all the way in, up to the head. He had to remove his arm from it because the 2x4 he was nailing nails in for shelves was nailed to the wall. He's a retired fireman so he knows about first aid. He applied pressure, calmly walked up to the house, doused it with peroxide and wrapped it. Then he called me. I told him I would meet him at the ER and a friend from work took me. I'd love to say I was calm but I wasn't. Daddy is 75 years old and on blood thinner. I had no idea what we'd be facing. I texted friends to pray and pray they did. Oh, the wound looked awful and immediately started swelling because of the trauma to the muscle. Daddy never winced when they gave him a tetnus shot or when they numbed his wound for stitching. 6 stitches. That's when it hit me. I love my Daddy.

God provided abundant love that persevered over all the baggage and memories of life growing up.

He was a trooper. He had us in stitches! He never complained, apologized for making me leave work (he didn't make me, I chose to), and just made light of the whole situation.

God provided for Daddy yesterday. No artery was hit, no main vessel was hit, no blood had to be given, and it didn't hit the bone. 6 stitches, 3 x-rays, one tetnus shot, and one antibiotic prescription later, we were out of there! 2 hours. Almost unheard of in an ER.

God provided for me, too. He gave me my first day of flare-up of 2 illnesses I have Tuesday rather than Wednesday. Day one is always the hardest for me. He provided me with a job that I could just run around the corner and say, "Gotta meet Daddy at the ER, I'll call you later, Pam, I need a ride please." He provided me with friends who prayed for him. He provided me with a good visit with Daddy, despite it being in an ER.

Provision to Lay Down Baggage

The Lord provided me with what I call a love burst for Daddy. Sometimes my heart just gets so full of love that it feels like I'm experiencing David's words in Psalm 23.

"...my cup overflows." ~ Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

When I got back and read some Word-Filled Wednesday posts, I read one about love always persevering.

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 (NIV)

I thought of how love persevered and when I walked out of the hospital with Daddy, I left my emotional baggage in the ER. I left the emotional and verbal abuse, the anger of his former alcoholism, the hurt of how he treated Mother in Room 12.

God provided for me in a BIG way yesterday. Several times. I'm so thankful for His provision.

Wrap Up

Questions for Reflection: How has God provided for you lately? Have you stopped to thank Him and lay down hurts to pick up healing?

Verse of the Day: "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." ~ 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for providing us with the gift of grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Your mercy is what's leading us home to Heaven and eternity with You and I praise You for it. Thank You for the ways You provide for us here on earth, too. You provided so much more for me than I could ever explain, and just when I think You've done enough or that I have gotten my quota Your abundance pours forth. Thank You for making me feel like a woman of worth in Your eyes. I know that it is only through Christ that I deserve the things I get, for without Him I would receive the unimaginable. Thank You for exceedingly and abundantly providing for me more than I even know I need at the time. Let us rely on You for your provisions in our time of need, and let us never hesitate to ask, for You make our cups overflow. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

P - Prepare your hearts to receive God's provision. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." ~ Colossians 3:1 (NIV)

R - Respond with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise. "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." ~ 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV)

O - Openly share His provision with others. "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." ~ Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

V - Value the provisions God's gives you. "Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." ~ John 4:13-14 (NIV)

I - Incorporate time in your life for provision of the Word of God. "I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." ~ Psalm 119:15-16 (NIV)

S - Seek time to pray about the provisions you need. "For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." ~ Matthew 7:8 (NIV)

I - Intrust that God's provisions will come. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. " ~ Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

O - Object to things that are not provisions of the Lord. "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." ~ Romans 12:2 (NIV)

N - Nuture your branch to bear fruits of provision. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing....This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." ~ John 15:5, 8 (NIV)

Please click on the button below for more Thankful Thursday posts. Be sure to link up and share your own!

WFW - Running Ahead

The Beginning

Do you ever find yourself running ahead of God's best for you and winding up sitting on a bench like this? I do! I am a people-pleaser by nature and want to just say yes to everything! Often, though, that's not God's plan for me. I sometimes don't stop to talk it over with God or my husband and end up juggling a gazillion plates in the air and ending up all crabby that I have too much going on. What's up with that?

Hurry Up and Wait

I am learning, though, to be still before God and just hurry up and wait. The Hebrew word for wait is the verb qavah, which means:

1) to wait, look for, hope, expect
a) (Qal) waiting (participle)
b) (Piel)
1) to wait or look eagerly for
2) to lie in wait for
3) to wait for, linger for
2) to collect, bind together
a) (Niphal) to be collected

I have found that when I linger, yet listen and look eagerly for God's direction, I'm on a more level path than if I just jump up and run with whatever I have on my agenda. I must wait and collect myself, though, to hear His voice. He will never misdirect me.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." ~ Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

While I Am Waiting

The Psalmist said that while we wait, we can be strong and take heart. This is something I'm learning to do. (See my Be Still post for lessons learned on not being still.)

The word for strong is translated "be of good courage" in the KJV. Chazaq, the Hebrew verb that means:

1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore
a) (Qal)
1) to be strong, grow strong
a) to prevail, prevail upon
b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure
c) to press, be urgent
d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense)
e) to be severe, be grievous
2) to strengthen
b) (Piel)
1) to make strong
2) to restore to strength, give strength
3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage
4) to make strong, make bold, encourage
5) to make firm
6) to make rigid, make hard
c) (Hiphil)
1) to make strong, strengthen
2) to make firm
3) to display strength
4) to make severe
5) to support
6) to repair
7) to prevail, prevail upon
8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support
9) to hold, contain
d) (Hithpael)
1) to strengthen oneself
2) to put forth strength, use one's strength
3) to withstand
4) to hold strongly with

That's a whole lot of ways we can be strong while we're waiting. Have you ever noticed that the longer some things set out, the stronger or firmer they become? That's us! The time we are spending in waiting is strengthening us because we are trusting in God to work His will and purpose in our lives for His glory.

The Hebrew word for God strengthening is 'amats. It means:

1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard
a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold
b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure
c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to
d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong

Note: I may have those Hebrew words mixed up because the KJV and NIV translation is a little different. Check for yourself to be sure, okay? (Always check the Word against what others tell you!)

Either way, I love these definitions of strength. They speak to me as God working in me while I am waiting to make sure my heart is at His best while I'm on the bench or walking down the road of life.

The Hebrew word for heart is leb, a noun that means:

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
a) inner part, midst
1) midst (of things)
2) heart (of man)
3) soul, heart (of man)
4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
6) conscience
7) heart (of moral character)
8) as seat of appetites
9) as seat of emotions and passions
10) as seat of courage

Everything God is working through our hearts and mind while we are waiting will make sure we are on the path He chooses for us and not the paths we choose for ourselves. They may be one in the same and often are if we're walking closely with Him. We just never need to assume they are before tackling projects on our own initiative without praying about them first.

Weary of Waiting

Though we may grow weary of waiting, we need to trust God for the outcome and just sit still before Him.

Hold on to this assurance from Isaiah while you are waiting. I have and it's brought me great peace.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." ~ Isaiah 55:8-11 (NIV)

The End

Through the wait, trust Him. Think of the verses above and know that while you are waiting, He is moving. Let it be enough.

Questions for Reflection: What are you waiting on today? Are you trusting Him while you're waiting? Are you satisfied with knowing God is growing you in the meantime?

Verse for the Day: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Prayer: Father, God, we find it so hard to wait sometimes. I pray as we grow and mature in You that we will find the strength and the courage to face these times of waiting that You have for us. Let us never run ahead but always listen for Your voice guiding us. Help us to pray about things wtih You and to talk things over with our husbands and maybe a trusted friend for perspective. Most of all, keep us trusting. In the Matchless Name of Jesus, the Christ, I pray. Amen.

T - Trust God to hear your prayer. "O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come." ~ Psalm 65:2 (NIV)

R - Remember His love for you. "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;" ~ Psalm 103:11 (NIV)

U - Understand that His timing may be different than yours. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

S - Seek to know the God you trust. "My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek." ~ Psalm 27:8 (NIV)

T - Take everything, no matter how large or small, to God in prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~ Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

The purpose of Word Filled Wednesday is to share the Word of God through photo's and Scripture. Amydeanne, over at The 160 Acre Woods, is our hostess. Be sure to link up and share your own, and drop her a thank you for hosting this wonderful meme each week. It always blesses my heart to read all the posts and see the photos and verses. This is a wonderful way to minister to others and to be ministered to by reading others posts. Please visit by clicking on the button below.