Laurie, from Women Taking a Stand, is posting about me today. She's such a woman after God's own heart, ya'll. Even if you don't read about me, check her blog out. Her ministry is awesome!

Awards Day

The Queen Award

The rule of the award is to:

- List 7 things that make you "awe-summm" and then, pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love.

-Make sure to tag the recepients and let them know they have won.

- Link back to the "Queen" that tagged you.

I received this award from Bren at Seeking Grace on the Narrow Path. What a sweetheart she is! Although I'm new to her blog, I can tell you that she is all about Jesus and her posts are encouraging and uplifting and always teach me.

My 7 Awesome Things

1. My Savior. Where would I be without Him? Oh, the perfect thrill of grace. The comfort and peace of knowing that my eternity is secure in Heaven with Him is what sustains me here on earth. My relationship with God is one that grows and my love for Him continues to increase. I see His hand at work in so many ways in my life and I am humbled. Reduced. The path He has set before me is one He sometimes has to give me a shove to keep going on but I'm going.

2. My husband. We just celebrated 18 years together and we both say we'd do it all again in a heartbeat. He is such a hard worker, so loving and faithful, loyal and giving to his family and friends and is so skilled at aso many things. Steve is definitely the head of the household and submitting to him is not a problem at all. I love how he has my best interests at heart and is never overbearing. In fact, he's very generous and I have a great life because of him. Not monetarily, just life in general. I live a life of comfort in knowing that he has it under control. I help him with things but generally trust him for the big stuff, and that's okay with him. He wants to provide and take care of me. He never complains when I have a flare-up and have to cancel last minute things. He wanted me to wait in the car last night while he went in and bought the things we had on the list so I wouldn't hurt my knee. He's just so kind-hearted.

3. My family. My family is like scotch tape. Even though I don't see them as often as I'd like, I always know they're there. My parents are awesome and my sister is one of my dearest friends. My aunts and uncles and cousins are the best ever!

4. My job. I chose to continue working outside the home after Steve and I married and I am on the other side now, closer to retirement than I was further away so many years ago. It's hard to believe. I love my job. The people I work with and talk with are great and the work I do is something I'm passionate about, helping other people. I won't go into the details of my duties, but they're manageable and I enjoy them as well. God really knew what He was doing when He placed me here almost 10 years ago. Of course He did. He let me rest for a little while and then He opened doors to me that I would have never thought possible.

5. The Word of God. I love it. God convicted me a few years back that as much time as I spent reading that I had never read His Word the way I devoured books. I purposed to read through it and am now on my fourth time through. Each time I read through it God deals with my heart in special ways. The first time was about the words I speak. The second time was on wisdom. The third was discretion. This time it's prayer. It's a journey I am loving. I still read books but make sure I devote as much time, if not more, to reading God's Word as well.

6. My friends. They make me laugh, keep me straight, let me be me and love me as much as I love them.

7. The Grands. I know I mentioned family already but grandchildren deserve their own special number. I have 2. Nolan is 20 months old and Liam is 8 months old. We keep them every other weekend to give Kristyn a break and our time with them is (usually) precious. Nolan is mimicking everything you say and Liam is just so content to be there doing whatever, especially if it involves watching his hands open and close or eating. Nolan is a Paw-Paw's boy, and Liam loves his Nonnie. They are both my special boys. They are true blessings to me. Watching them grow up is a privelege.

Here are the blogs I have chosen to receive this award.

1. Laurie at Women Taking a Stand

2. Jennifer at Through the Storms of Life

3. Denise at Shortybears Place

4. Melanie at The Fruits of the Spirit

5. Alleluliabelle at Humble As I Go

6. Kim at Homesteader's Heart

7. Twinkle Mom at Sunflower Faith

Thankful Thursday - Serving God with a Whole Heart

Lynn, at Spiritually Unequal Marriage, is hosting Thankful Thursday this week. She chose obedience as the theme.

One of the ways we can be obedient to God is to serve Him with our whole heart. I am thankful for the opportunity to put forth my best foot in trying to be obedient to Him this way.

Paul, in his desire to visit the Romans, penned these words…

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.”

~ Romans 1:8-10 (Emphasis, mine)

What does serving God with a whole heart, living our faith out loud, involve? To me, it involves dying to self daily, and making our faith walk and talk.

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” ~ Galatians 5:16

Living in the flesh, or sinful nature, is something I did for years before I began living life by the Spirit. My earthly/fleshly body is about 16 years older than the new creation I became when I became saved. Living in the flesh has far more experience on me than living in the Spirit does.

Life by the Spirit is something I am maturing into. It’s a growing process that I’m learning to live. A number of years after I came to a saving knowledge of Christ, I lived an on-again off-again relationship with Him. It is only in recent years that I have had the true desire, the true calling, to serve my Savior faithfully and wholeheartedly. I finally realized that I was called into this life of having my heart beat to serve my Savior daily.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16

God chooses us and appoints us to live lives worthy of Him, and He calls us to bear fruit. He chooses people who have a will to serve Him, who have a vision to serve Him, and those who are filled with His Holy Spirit - those who will serve Him wholeheartedly.

When we serve Him wholeheartedly, we live the faith He desires us to live out loud in our daily lives.

So what about this business of serving Him wholeheartedly, of living our faith out loud? What does serving God with a whole heart involve? And how do I serve with my whole heart?

For me, it begins with a life of PRAYER.

P - Prayer - do I pray about what I am to do for Him, what He wants me to do rather than following my own will? “But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” - Psalm 88:13

R - Respect - do I have a proper respect for God, admitting His holiness and sovereignty in my life? “O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. - Isaiah 37:16

A - Able - do I believe that He is able to teach me and direct me in the way that I should go? “This is what the LORD says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17

Y - Yes - am I always willing to say, “Yes,” to God and “No,” to self? “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” - Luke 9:25

E - Equip - am I equipped to serve Him? Have I spent time in His Word, learning all I can about servitude? “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” - Psalm 119:105

R - Reliance - do I rely on Him or on others as I serve Him? “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” - Joshua 24:15

What other verses come to mind for you as you think of each of the truths for this acrostic?

Do you serve God wholeheartedly? Are you ready to make that commitment if you’re not?

It is my desire that I serve Him wholeheartedly, and that I begin to do it afresh today.

We can find a great example of obedience in Luke.

He had fished all night and didn't catch a thing. He was a fisherman by trade. He knew the water. But he also knew his Savior. "But because you say so..." Simon listened to the Savior and *together* they caught so many fish the nets began to break. Had to have help to haul them all in.

He was willing. Willing to have obedience, faith, honor and love. May I be as obedient, faithful, honoring and loving as Simon Peter was, and simply respond to Christ with, "But because you say so, I will do it."

One of the markers of obedience to God is serving Him wholeheartedly.

Simon didn't have to re-cast the net. He could have said, "Lord, what about just using a pole? I'm so tired after fishing all night and not getting so much as a nibble."

Because he respected Jesus and knew that there was a lesson to be learned, he moved in obedience to the command of the Lord. He had ever reason to pack up and call it a night, but he obeyed with his whole heart.

We have the opportunity to do that, friends. I am so thankful for the privilege to serve God in obedience, even when I've "fished all night and haven't caught a thing." Are we willing to listen for His voice and do what He tells us?

I pray that we will all be thankful for the privilege to serve the God who saved us when we could not save ourselves.

This was a post that I originally did as a guest post for Laced With Grace a while back and another post I did on obedience last July. I apologize for the re-run (I did edit it to include some new thoughts), but I thought it fit appropriately here. Also, I am crazy busy today and let time get away from me last night on posting for today.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, and to link up and share your own, visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage by clicking on the button below.

This was fun! I got it from Kim over at Homesteader's Heart. Bout drove me crazy! Try it!

83 words

Speed test

WFW - A Life Well Lived

How many of us turn to self-help books to learn how to live a life worthy of our Savior? We read books that teach us about boosting our self-esteem, managing our stress, being happy, loving well...the list goes on. I'm not knocking those books. Many are written by strong men and women of God and are very applicable to our spiritual growth; however, sometimes I think we forget that some of the best rules or principles for living come from the Word of God - the Bible.

On Guard

We are to be on guard in our lives. The Greek word for guard is grēgoreō, a verb which means:

1) to watch
2) metaph. give strict attention to, be cautious, active
a) to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one

If we are alert and at watch, we tend to give more caution to what we allow into our minds through books, television, movies, internet, music, etc. The media bombards us with sensationalism and it can really get us to thinking on the wrong things if we let it.

We also must guard those we are charged with protecting in our lives. From spouses to children, extended family and friends, we must take action and never be idle lest the devil gain a foothold in their lives.

A good way to guard is to read the Bible. Warning signs clearly given of things to stay away from will help us know how to pray to guard ourselves and others we love.

While God is our ultimate guard, we must, through the power of the Holy Spirit, guard our hearts in Christ so that we can guard not only ourselves but those we love.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." ~ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Standing Firm

The Greek word for the phrase stand firm is stēkō. Also a verb, this means:

1) to stand firm
2) to persevere, to persist
3) to keep one's standing

We must take a stand for the things we know are right. While tolerance is preached in cotton candy churches and in the world, we know that we are not of the world. Sin can so easily entangle us if we let it creep into our lives. We must remain steadfast and persevere for God, living a life of purity and holiness, setting an example for the world around us, rather than becoming of the world around us.

The root word of stēkō, or standing firm, is histēmi. This verb means:

1) to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set
a) to bid to stand by, [set up]
1) in the presence of others, in the midst, before judges, before members of the Sanhedrin;
2) to place
b) to make firm, fix establish
1) to cause a person or a thing to keep his or its place
2) to stand, be kept intact (of family, a kingdom), to escape in safety
3) to establish a thing, cause it to stand
a) to uphold or sustain the authority or force of anything
c) to set or place in a balance
1) to weigh: money to one (because in very early times before the introduction of coinage, the metals used to be weighed)
2) to stand
a) to stand by or near
1) to stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm
a) of the foundation of a building
b) to stand
1) continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared
2) to be of a steadfast mind
3) of quality, one who does not hesitate, does not waiver

We have some great guidelines in the meanings above on how to stand fast and what it means to stand firm. I think I'll be following these a little more closely myself. I have found one show on television that I thought was a great show but alas, twas not to be. When a doctor on the show referred to God as a Christian's imaginary friend, I didn't even change the channel! How is that standing firm? I was ashamed. God is not to be mocked, yet I left it on a show that was mocking Him. What did that say about my standing firm? Oh, I fail. But through perseverance, I try again. No more "that show" for me.

"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)

Standing on Faith

We are to stand firm on the faith. We've heard about faith all our lives, that it's the belief in the unseen, that it's a hope that we have in God. Let's look at the Greek word for faith. Pistis means:

1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
a) relating to God
1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
b) relating to Christ
1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
c) the religious beliefs of Christians
d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
2) fidelity, faithfulness
a) the character of one who can be relied on

Faith is a strong thing! It's built on a strong conviction, and is not something to be taken lightly. If we don't have this strong faith in our life, what is the point of being on guard? And if we do have this strong faith in our lives, how can we not be on guard? We must be on guard and stand firm because of faith. Faith in God demands it.

"Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Timothy 3:13 (NIV)

Courage

As men and women of Christ, we are given this command to be of courage. The Greek word for courage is andrizomai. This verb means:

1) to make a man of or make brave
2) to show one's self a man, be brave

Bravery is not for the fainthearted. We must be of courage to tie all these things together. With the way the world is going, indeed it is a necessity. By our courage, we can show others our faith and perseverance, our standing firm and being on guard. Timidity has no place in the Christian faith. (Reverential awe does, but this is not about that right now.) How many stories have you read in the Bible about courage and bravery? Countless, no doubt. One of the bravest men I know is Paul. In chains he still preached the Word. I doubt if he turned on the television today that he would shake in his boots over rumors of swine flu (he was bitten by a snake and lived) or be kept up at night because there is talk of going to a one world currency. No! He would remain content, no doubt, and while praying for the moral depravity in the world, keep preaching the Word. We should be as brave.

Just as the Lord promised Joshua, we, too, can be men and women of courage, being on guard and standing firm on faith, because we know God is with us.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Strength in the Lord

We are also commanded to be strong. The Greek word for strength is the verb krataioō, which means:

1) to strengthen, make strong
2) to be made strong, to increase in strength, to grow strong

This isn't something learned overnight. A child who is baptized at 7 is still afraid of the dark. As he grows he learns that darkness isn't always a bad thing and in fact, comes to need it to sleep. Just as that child grows in strength, so should we.

"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)

Doing Everything with Love

Is that really possible? God seems to think so. We are commanded to do so in Scripture.

The Greek word for everything is pas. It means:

1) individually
a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively
a) some of all types

The Greek word for love is agapē. It means:

1) affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love
2) love feasts

It comes from the root word agapaō. This verb means:

1) of persons
a) to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly
2) of things
a) to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing

Do you struggle with tying all these things - being on guard, standing firm in faith, being men (or women) of courage, being strong - up with love? I do! It's hard to love the process you go through of learning to embrace that Scripture. Who loves pain? Not me. But I love what it makes me when I finally go through it.

Stretching those faith muscles and keeping this Scripture in your heart will be well worth it in the end.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Our love for others should be evident in the way we think, speak, write and serve.

Wrapping it Up

Questions for Reflection: Which part of the Scripture given above do you find the hardest? How can you make it easier? Through prayer, Bible reading, stretching and growing?

Verse of the Day: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

Prayer: Father, as we learn how to be on our guard, standing firm in the faith, becoming men and women of courage and doing everything in love, we ask for Your help. Strengthen our hearts and our love for others and place within us a burning desire for living a life that is worthy of You, a life well lived. Impress upon our hearts the seriousness of Your Word and help us not to fear but to be encouraged because You reign victorious. May we do everything for Your glory, Lord, and not our own. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

A life well lived is an abundant life in Christ.

A - Accepting Christ as our Savior frees us from living life in the pit. "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." ~ Psalm 40:2 (NIV)

B - Believe that God has provided us with goodness, mercy, and everything we need to have love toward others. "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

U - Understand that God has a plan for our lives and the lives of those we love - a good plan! "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." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

N - Never lose sight of the prize set before us - eternal life. "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

D - Deny wrong earthly desires we feel and fix our eyes upon Jesus. "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." ~ Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

A - Admit our sins to God and keep a short account them. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

N - Never forget that God delights in us and in those we love. "the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." ~ Psalm 147:11 (NIV)

T - Trust God to provide His goodness for us. "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." ~ Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

L - Let our attitude be one that exudes confidence in God, during hard times and good times. "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." ~ Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)

I - Identify with God, not the world. "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)

F - Fill our lives with the fruit from the Vine - 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)

E - Eagerly share Christ's love with other believers, spurring them on toward an abundant life in Christ. "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." ~ Mark 16:15 (NIV)

The purpose of WFW is to share the Word of God through photos and a verse. 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. Can you believe we are on week 21? We are a group of women who are reading through the NT, Psalms and Proverbs this year and are sharing a nugget or three about what we've read. I encourage you to join in. You don't have to start at the beginning. Just jump in. The plan is hosted on our hostess DeeDee's blog at I Have No Greater Joy... If you choose not to use that plan but want to join in and share what you are reading, please do so! The more the merrier!

This week our reading was from Psalm 46-49; Philippians 1-4; and Colossians 1. Great stuff!

Redeemed by Him

"No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-
the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough- that he should live on forever and not see decay." ~ Psalms 49:7-9 (NIV)

What truth is in this Scripture. What liberation, too.

The Hebrew word for redeem is padah. This verb means:

1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver
a) (Qal) to ransom
b) (Niphal) to be ransomed
c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed
d) (Hophal) redeemed

Were it not for grace we wouldn't stand a chance. There is not one thing we can give, no matter how expensive or treasured, for the soul of another human being. We have to trust God for His grace for us and for those we love.

This old body of mine started decaying probably the minute I hit 20. I'm an early ager. At 38, I am missing quite a few pieces and parts of my body. Not vital organs, mind you, though I would like to have my gall bladder back minus the gall stones. Some things that are missing were harming me or had the potential to harm me soon, and needed to be removed. Other things just flat out quit working. Yes, I move a little slower than I did 20 years ago, and, like my grandmother, I find myself sometimes running down a list of names before I hit on the right one for Liam, my youngest grandson!

Because of the redemption through the grace of God through His Son Jesus, one day I will have a brand new body. You can read about that in 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 (NIV).

More than a brand new body free of aches and pains and sickness, we will live in Heaven forever with Christ! We will not spend a life of eternal separation from Him. He is the only one who can redeem us and did through His death on the Cross. He rose again! We will be raised in the newness of life as well. No one else could have done this for us, and we can't do it for others.

Is there someone you long to redeem today? Is your burden great for them? Realize that you cannot pay the debt they owe, just as you couldn't pay the debt you owed. No man can. That is exactly why Christ was sent into the world. It wasn't about Silent Nights and shiny gifts under a tree and sharing stories about the sweet baby Jesus over huge family get-togethers.

Jesus was born to die. Born to redeem us into an eternal life that will never see decay.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." ~ John 3:16-17 (NIV)

It's up to them to make the decision, but it's up to you to plant that seed. No payment is ever enough to buy their way into the kingdom of God, but you can invest time, prayer, teaching, friendship and sharing the Word of God to plant that seed.

If you find witnessessing intimidating, find freedom in knowing that although your burden may be great for someone, it's ultimately up to them to accept Christ. Share with them what's on your heart and show them the gift of grace.

I was talking with Laurie and Jennifer about this Friday. The first time I witnessed to someone, she chose not accept Christ. I felt such a sting of rejection (I think it was more of a pride thing, looking back) that for a long time I had a hard time putting myself (there's that self thing again) out there and sharing God's love for others.

No more. This Scripture from Psalms confirms that it's not about me. It's about Christ. Isn't it amazing how God will send you Scripture in a Bible reading to confirm something you just talked about? His love for us is that great. I will never call it a coincidence. I think it's God's timing.

When Good Things Happen to Bad People

"Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him." ~ Psalm 49:16-17 (NIV)

My husband and I were talking the other day about how much good a man we know who is not saved and has no interest in being saved has. This man literally has the midas touch. He prospers in everything he does and nothing bad ever seems to come his way. We know men of God who are ravaged by illness or have been affected by economic downturns and wonder why their lot in life is so hard.

This Scripture answered that question for me. The fruits of the unsaved will not follow them beyond death, so why begrudge them the life they have on earth before death? Certainly, after death there will be no reward and they will spend eternity separated from God. How sad is that? It's awful to think about. Those who are men of God and have awful things happen to them on earth will be given much in Heaven. Health will be restored and they will rule and reign with Christ forever. How awesome is that?

We should never give up hope for those who are seemingly bad. Who are we to judge? We must continue to plant those seeds and pray for their redemption. We must also never give up on those who are seemingly good and are going through hard times. We should continuously pray for them, even as some suffer for Christ, that they might have peace on earth and have health restored to them, that God would supply every one of their needs through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reach Out

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ~ Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

Acknowledging Christ as Lord is something we will all do one day. I rejoice in that and used to wonder if it would be something we would do individually or collectively. I acknowledge Him as Lord each time I pray, but what a privelege it would be to bow with everyone on earth and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, all to the glory of God!

Can you imagine? Not only Christians, but people who have mocked or denied God, finally acknowledging Him as Lord? Oh, the glory that will be brought to God to see His precious Son honored! My heart breaks each time I see Christ mocked or denied. I am not smug when I say that I'm looking forward to the day when I see Christ acknowledged as Lord, but humbled at the thought of what it will be like for those who have scorned Him.

Somehow, someway, we need to reach and reason with people and take every opportunity we can to witness to them before it is too late.

R - Remember to pray for others.
E - Encourage others by your daily walk with the Lord.
A - Accept the opportunities God places before you to share Him.
C - Care deeply and passionately for the lost.
H - Help others in any way you can - even the small ways count!

O - Open your eyes to see those who need the Lord.
U - Utter His Word to them through song, prayer, a card, or a note.
T - Talk with them - converse about *your* relationship with the Lord.

Meeting Up with Friends

Friday was a great day! I have looked forward to it for a long time and it finally arrived. Time for a road trip! We all know I love a good road trip. If you didn't know that, now you do. I love road trips!

I got to meet to of my bloggy sisters for lunch! Laurie, from Women Taking a Stand, and Jennifer, at Through the Storms of Life, and I met halfway. We each drove 2 hours and had lunch at McAlister's in Grenada, MS. It was AWESOME! We had a great time chatting and fellowshipping together for over 2.5 hours, and even had the opportunity to pray together twice, once while blessing the food and once before we left. Prayer meeting at McAlister's with friends, does it get ANY better?! The four hours total on the road were worth it. I got to see alot of God's beautiful creation along the way. The trees were so pretty this time of the year and the smell of fresh cut grass along the way was nice, too. They were mowing in some spots on the interstate.

Here are some shots. Maybe if you click on the first one, it will be bigger. If not, friend me on facebook and you can see...

Laurie, Jennifer and Laurie Ann

Laurie A.

Jennifer and Laurie

Laurie Ann and Jennifer

Laurie Ann and Laurie

These ladies are women after God's own heart, ya'll. If you ever have the opportunity to meet them, don't miss it.

Join me over At the Well this morning for a word about honoring God with the attitudes of our hearts. Click on the link above to head on over.

I'll be out of town today but will be making the rounds tonight or tomorrow. I'm meeting Laurie, from Women Taking a Stand, and Jennifer, from Through the Storms of Life, for the first time ever for lunch today! Can you believe it?! I am sooooo excited! Please pray for traveling mercies for all of us.

Thankful Thursday - How Great Is His Love

I have found such comfort in this Scripture. The Lord continues to pour out His love upon my life and just when I think He can bless me no more, His blessings overflow. His love never runs out.

God With Me

The Hebrew word for with is qereb. It means:

1) midst, among, inner part, middle
a) inward part
1) physical sense
2) as seat of thought and emotion
3) as faculty of thought and emotion
b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)

God is smack dab in the middle of my life. He is in my heart, my mind and in the innermost core of my soul. I feel His Holy Spirit so often, leading and guiding me. Knowing He is here with me and is not in some far off place is a true comfort.

Mighty To Save

He has shown Himself to be mighty in so many areas of my life, and I love to read about His might in His Word. The Hebrew word mighty is transliterated gibbowr. This adjective describing God means:

1) strong, mighty

As a noun, it goes on further to say:

2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

God is so strong and brave, just so mighty! Don't you love knowing He has your back in every situation you face? I do. It's a tremendous comfort to know that the Trinity, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, is such a strong force and can be relied on. Like the Psalmist I can say with assurance, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." ~ Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

I rejoice at how He is so mighty to save. Whatever our concerns are we can safely trust in God's strength.

The Hebrew word for save here is yasha`. It means:

1) to save, be saved, be delivered
a) (Niphal)
1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered
2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious
b) (Hiphil)
1) to save, deliver
2) to save from moral troubles
3) to give victory to

He is mighty enough to provide a way when no way seems possible. He is more than able to wipe out cancer and other illnesses. He is strong enough to protect us from accidents. He is mighty to be our strength when we think we are unable to take one more step or turn one more page in this chapter of our life. He is able to provide deliverance from tempation and keep our feet on level ground when we are walking with Him. He is our victory against our enemies or those who wish to do us harm. He truly is mighty, indeed!

The Delight of the Delighter

Doesn't it just give you God-bumps to know that He, the God of the universe, the very One who created the world and breathed the first breath of life into man, delights in us?

The Hebrew word for delight is suws. This verb means:

1) to exult, rejoice
a) (Qal) to exult, display joy

Think for a moment at the delight you have in seeing your child or your grandchild take that first step by themselves, call you by name (Nonnie is Nah Nah in our house and it delighted me greatly!), swing that first bat levelly, come in holding weeds flowers he's picked for you. I could go on but you get the picture. God exults and rejoices and displays this great joy for us in this way, too. How His heart must pitter-patter when we return thanks to Him, when we bring to Him our weeds troubles concerns. How must it thrill Him when we introduce someone to His precious Son? When we make sing and rejoice in Him?

And He not only delights in us during these endearing times.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." ~ Psalm 103:11-13 (NIV)

While He is certainly disappointed when we sin, He is not shocked. He hears our confession and our pleas for forgiveness. He rejoices in our repentant hearts and removes our sins as far as the east is from the west, which is, as one song states, "from one scarred hand to the other."

Just as we forgive our children or grandchildren when they go crazy and act like kids on crack, it doesn't change our love and delight in them. In the midst of the screaming hissy fits when they don't get to stick their finger in the light socket or have to drink out of the red cup instead of the blue, when they insist on eating only peanut butter sandwiches with only grape jelly and all the crust peeled off every day for a week, we still rejoice in the gift, the blessing, that they are. How much more so for our God?

Be Still My Heart

He is so faithful to quiet us with His precious love. The Hebrew word for quiet is charash. Some of its meanings are:

1) to be silent
2) to be deaf
b) (Hiphil)
1) to be silent, keep quiet
2) to make silent
3) to be deaf, show deafness
c) (Hithpael) to remain silent

There are times in this chaotic world that I just long for silence. I love how the Lord quiets us with His love. Sometimes when we are going at breakneck speed He can actually make us silent. He causes us to become still before Him so we can recharge our batteries and to keep quiet so we can hear His Word. His love.

The Hebrew word for love is 'ahabah and speaks of God's love for His people. He is so loving toward us. His greatest expression of love was in sending His Son to die in our place, bearing the burdens of our sin, so that we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven rather than apart from Him in Hell.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." ~ John 3:16-17 (NIV)

When I pause and consider that, I am certainly quieted. I am reminded of my roots in Christ and His love for me. The peace that follows is true rest.

Rejoice, Rejoice, I'll Say it Again Rejoice

Our God also rejoices over us with singing. How amazing is that? I love how much God loves us and how He expresses it to us.

The Hebrew word for rejoice is giyl and means:

1) to rejoice, exult, be glad
a) (Qal)
1) to rejoice
2) to tremble (from fear)

He places joy before us and gladdens our heart with singing. The Hebrew word for singing is over us is rinnah. It means:

1) ringing cry
a) of entreaty, supplication
b) in proclamation, joy, praise

Can you hear the song He has placed within your heart? His ringing cry is an entreaty to us, a supplication, to come to Him and let Him be the lover of our soul. He proclaims joy and praises us for simply being His children.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." ~ 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

In Closing

After really studying this verse, I realize how much God loves us. I had never delved into the meaning behind the words the prophet in this book and I'm glad I chose to today. I used the concordance on www.blueletterbible.org to find these meanings, as I usually do. I'm so thankful for that website and for www.biblegateway.com.

He truly is with us. He is might to save. He delights in us and quiets us with His love. He rejoices over us with singing! Yes, I would say we are well loved.

Questions for Reflection: Do you feel well loved by God? Do you live that love? What do we do with the love of God?

Verse for the Day: "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." ~ Psalm 63:3 (NIV)

Prayer: Father, thank you for the love that You have lavished upon us in all the ways mentioned in Zephaniah 3:17. May we be as faithful as the Psalmist in glorifying you for the love You have given us. Your love truly is better than life. Help us not to keep Your love to ourselves but to live it out loud every day and introduce others to You, doing everything for Your glory and not our own. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

G - Glorify the name of the Lord. "I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." ~ Psalm 86:12 (NIV)

L - Love the Word of God and be faithful in reading your Bible daily. "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." ~ Psalm 119:16 (NIV)

O - Obey God's commandments. "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." ~ John 15:10 (NIV)

R - Reverently live your life in a way that bears 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)

I - Invite others to come to know Him. - "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" ~ Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

F - Faithfully spend time in prayer with God. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Y - Yield your whole heart to Him. "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)

If this post looks familiar, it's because I did it for Word-Filled Wednesday back in March. I ran across this verse again tonight and am so thankful for the love of the Lord. I wanted to share it here again for Thankful Thursday.

Also, I am a little puny. I'm running a fever for some reason. I took a decongestant and can't sit still enough to come up with an original for today. I think I have a sinus infection as I have a headache and a little sore throat. We're having a bit of a cool snap in Mississipi and the weather change gets me every time!

Please be sure to visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage for more Thankful Thursday posts and be consider linking up and sharing what you are thankful for this week.

WFW - Using Wisdom on the Pathways of Life

Traveling long God's straight path...there's a wonderful vision of hope. Do you envision God's path like I do? I'd like to see it as a straight shot, clean and shiny, no clutter, no pot holes, no speed bumps, no S curves. The fact is that my path is not always like that, and I suspect yours may not be either. The path we travel in life has construction zones everywhere. Obstacles are on that road, slowing us down as we try to press on.

The Path of Wisdom

Using the wisdom God gives us will keep us on a straight path. The Hebrew word for wisdom here is chokmah. It means:

1) wisdom
a) skill (in war)
b) wisdom (in administration)
c) shrewdness, wisdom
d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
e) wisdom (ethical and religious)

God has given us wisdom in every aspect of life we face. Sometimes we lose sight of it or don't even realize it's there. During those times we are told to ask for wisdom.

He Guides Us

Putting our hope in God will make the path more manageable and easier to travel. Warning signs of obstacles ahead will become more visible the more we follow His guidance.

The Hebrew word for guide is darak. This verb means:

1) to tread, bend, lead, march
a) (Qal)
1) to tread, march, march forth
2) to tread on, tread upon
3) to tread (a press)
4) to tread (bend) a bow
5) archer, bow-benders (participle)
b) (Hiphil)
1) to tread, tread down
2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow
3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Because He guides us with wisdom, we can see the speed bumps before we hit them, and with God's leading, more often than not, what we perceive to be hairpin curves straighten out in front of us. In fact, the word guide implies that He bends them down before us.

The Straight Path

The Hebrew word for straight is yosher. It means:

1) straightness, uprightness
a) straightness, evenness (moral implications)
b) rightness, uprightness
c) what is right, what is due

The Hebrew word for path is ma`gal. It means:

1) entrenchment, track
a) circumvallation, entrenchment
b) track

This straight track He leads us on is one of high calling. We must choose to stay on this path, never straying, though temptations may come. Often our paths are entrenchments, and I love to perceive the walls of the trench as protective. An entrenchment offers protection from enemy fire, after all. And circumvallation means (a) The act of surrounding with a wall or rampart. (b) A line of field works made around a besieged place and the besieging army, to protect the camp of the besiegers against the attack of an enemy from without. (source: http://www.dictionary.com/)

God promises to honor us and give us wisdom to make our paths straight. What are some ways we can honor Him in staying on the path He has set before us?

Making Prayer a Priority

Try to let it be the first thing you do in the morning and as often in the day as you can. I'm not talking about spending four hours in prayer with God the minute your feet hit the floor each morning or scheduling prayers for certain times, although if you feel so called you should do that. I think it's important to breathe a prayer and a promise to God frequently throughout the day, letting him know your hope is in Him and to keep you mindful of what He wants you to accomplish.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." ~ Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Spend Time in His Word

As soon as you can, get in some time with His Word. It's refreshing, it's recharging and it will give you the fuel and light you need to travel the path He has for you.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." ~ Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Change Your View

View obstacles in your path as opportunities. Don't let them throw you track. Remember to ask God for guidance. He'll let you know how to tackle it. Assess the opportunity, then use the wisdom God has given you to follow His prompting.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." ~ Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

Praise Him

Praise Him. Thank Him. Honor Him throughout the day and at the end of the day for leading you down the path you traveled today. Thank Him for being your hope and for promising to honor you for staying hopeful in Him. Praise Him for the things you saw and the lives you touched along the path you walked.

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." ~ Psalm 25:1 (NIV)

Wrapping It Up

Questions for Reflection: Do you ever find yourself rushing ahead of God's guidance and find the path not so straight? What is one thing you do to get back on the straight path of wisdom?

Verse of the Day: "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." ~ Proverbs 4:11 (NIV)

Prayer: Father, as we travel along the path You have set before us, may we continuously seek Your wisdom. May we use the wisdom You have given us in the thoughts we think, the words we say and write, and the thing that we do. Thank You for the protection Your path affords us. Open our eyes to see the way You have set before us. Help us to remember to view the obstacles in our paths as opportunities to honor and glorify You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

P - Pray daily to stay on the path God has prepared before you. "I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." ~ Psalm 17:6 (NIV)

A - Abide close to Christ, who will never lead you astray. "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." ~ John 10:4-5 (NIV)

T - Take others onto the path with you. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ~ Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

H - Hide God's Word in your heart daily so that you do not stray from His path. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." ~ Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

The purpose of WFW is to share the Word of God through photo's and a verse. e-Lisa, from Extravagant Grace, 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.