He Restores My Soul

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was saved at the age of 17. I walked down some rocky paths in my life as a teenager and although I knew my Savior, I did not truly know Him as Lord until He began a restoration process in me. He pulled me off the beaten path and began leading me down the paths of His righteousness in my late 20's and early 30's. As I've grown closer to Him, I've tried to pull more people along this path with me. I want them to want what I have. I want them to be restored.

When David used the word restored, He spoke from experience. He had gone down some pretty rocky paths himself. I love to know David as the man after God's own heart, but David was imperfect, just like the rest of us. The difference is, he chose not to wallow in his sin and remain on the wrong path.

"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)

The Hebrew word for restore is shuwb, and means, in part, to return, turn back, to return unto, go back, come back of dying, of human relations, or of spiritual relations; turning back to God in repentance, turning back from evil, to restore, refresh, repair, to cause to return, bring back, to bring back, refresh, restore, to bring back to mind, to show a turning away, to reverse, revoke, to be returned, be restored, be brought back.

Just as He did with David, God is willing to restore us from any sin or wrong path we've walked down and lead us down His paths of righteousness.

The Hebrew word for righteousness is tsedeq. Some of the definitions of righteousness are justice, rightness, righteousness, what is right or just or normal, rightness, righteousness, justice (in case or cause), rightness (in speech), righteousness (as ethically right), righteousness (as vindicated), justification (in controversy), deliverance, victory, prosperity, of God as covenant-keeping in redemption, in name of Messianic king, of people enjoying salvation.

I said the wrong things, thought the wrong way, and acted in sheer rebellion as a teenager, living a life of defeat rather than victory through His Son Jesus Christ. God restored my soul from many wrongdoings.

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." ~ Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)

He longs for us to enjoy our salvation! The way He restores us are numerous, but my favorite way of restoration is the sacrifice He made on the Cross for me.

Rather than being lost in my sin and spend a life of doom and gloom, He helped me recognize my need, not only for a Savior who took my place in death, but as my Lord, One with whom I could have a relationship with.

What I love most is that He didn't do it for me. He did it for His Name's sake, so that He might be glorified! Oh, the humility I feel at being a vessel through which He has worked for His own glory!

Has God restored you from a life of sin? Do you feel Him leading you down the paths of righteousness, not for your sake but for His?

R - Remember that everything God does for us is for His glory and not our own. "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." ~ Isaiah 43:7 (NIV)

E - Establish daily Bible reading habits to enhance your walk with Him. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." ~ Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

S - Seek God in prayer daily to remain on His path of righteousness. "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)

T - Take time to develop the fruit of the Spirit. They will keep you in Christ. "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)

O - Order your steps according to His Word so you will not go back down the wrong path. "Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." ~ Psalm 119:133 (NIV)

R - Remain in Christ once you are restored. "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." ~ John 15:5 (NIV)

E - Endeavor to grow in maturity with Christ. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

D - Devote time to encouraging others to pursue restoration with Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

To view my other posts on Psalm 23, please visit my first post here and my second post here.

The purpose of WFW is to share the Word of God through photo's and a verse. Amydeanne, over at The 160 Acre Woods, is our hostess. Be sure to link up and share your own. 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.

Bring The Rain

Today's In "Other" Words Tuesdays hostess is Michelle at Because I Love You...A Life Lived Out Before the Lord. I encourage you to visit her site to see what she and the other ladies had to say on the quote she chose, which is:

“And I don’t regret the rain,

And the nights I felt the pain,

And the tears I had to cry some

of those times along the way.

Every road I had to take,

Every time my heart would break -

It was just something that I had to get through

To get me to you…”

As sung by Lila McCann,“To Get Me To You” [Hope Floats Soundtrack]

The title did come from Bring the Rain, a popular Christian song by MercyMe, whose video I'll share at the end of my post.

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)

Paul knew all about praising God when the going got tough. He drew near to God in prayer over a matter of something he chose not to disclose that caused him great pain, and God opted not to remove it. I have a feeling that when Paul asked God three times to remove his thorn in the flesh, that it wasn't just a quick prayer. In fact, he wrote that he "pleaded". He sought God earnestly and begged Him.

But God did choose to provide something else. His grace and His power. Paul accepted that. I truly admire that about him and it's one of my favorite things about him that makes him one of my favorite men in the Bible.

God's grace was called charis in the Greek language. It means:

1) grace
a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour
a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
3) what is due to grace
a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
b) the token or proof of grace, benefit
1) a gift of grace
2) benefit, bounty
4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

God's power was called dynamis in the Greek language. It means:

1) strength power, ability
a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
b) power for performing miracles
c) moral power and excellence of soul
d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
e) power and resources arising from numbers
f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

I love seeing these qualities at work in my life and in the life of Paul. In fact, Paul's example here has given me encouragement so many times in the past. I have faced rain, pain, tears and going down the narrow road in my life, and like the lyrics above, I can honestly say that I have no regrets.

I spent extensive time with God in prayer, a period of eight years, in fact, over a matter close to my heart. My prayer was to have a child. I drew close to God and received in return His grace and His power. It was there all along, but I was slow to grasp the hand God extended to me. Morning by morning, I began a journey of time spent with Him that led me to experience His grace and power. He saw me through some tough times.

I underwent physical torture trying to have a baby. The medication I took was so hard on my body that it literally wore me down. I was so tired and my body went physically crazy. The emotional aspect of it was hard, too. I tinkled on so many pregnancy test sticks that I should have owned stock in the company! Every time the - sign would appear, the tears would flow and I would snuggle back up to God the next morning. I'd go deeper into His Word, deeper into prayer, and though sometimes I felt like I was walking down that narrow path of devotion to Him alone, I knew I wasn't.

Then one day, when I least expected it, my hopes and dreams were realized and dashed within the same breath. The sign was positive, but the baby was born into Heaven. I went numb. While I was at the hospital, the radiologist asked me if I was okay to be alone for a minute while she ran and conferred with the doctor about another case while he was downstairs. "Sure!", I said, in a voice that betrayed the hurt I was feeling. About fifteen minutes later, the thoughts began racing and I never felt so alone in all my life. I called out to no one, "I'm not okay alone anymore!"

"You're not alone. I'm here." I didn't hear the voice so much as I felt it. It sounded gentle, yet powerful. It felt comforting. It was the Holy Spirit.

The radiologist came back, almost an hour later, and I was asleep. She said it was the pain medicine, but I knew it was God's rest. Where my tears had soaked my gown and pillow, they were now dry as a bone. God had found me in that maze of a hospital and collected my tears for me. He let me feel His grace and power once more and I got the best sleep I had in eight years in the span of less than half an hour. I got comfort. My token of His grace was my dry tears, and the power He gave me was that of strength enough to rest securely in Him through the most horrible crisis I had ever endured.

Throughout this 8 year period and especially after the miscarriage, His grace and His power held me up. Grace under one arm, Power under the other. They were literally carrying me through those years. I cried, I begged, I pleaded, I had 3 surgeries, a miscarriage and finally, a hysterectomy.

I'm not superwoman. I am not a super-Christian who has it all together. I am not anything on my own. God has given me the grace and power not to regret a single thing in my life, because each and every time I have suffered, it's all been with Him by my side and brought me closer to Him.

And because of that grace and power through God, I have learned, as the apostle Paul has, to be content.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." ~ Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

So I say...

What it Means to Stand for Your Marriage

Welcome to At the Well, where we gather each Monday to talk about our role as wives, mothers, etc., as we are in pursuit of living a life pleasing to the Lord as women. Chelsey is hosting this week at Joyfully Living for His Glory.

The topic she's chosen this week is a good one.

What does it mean to you to take a stand for your marriage?

Taking a stand for my marriage means to always support my husband, to never bad-mouth him to others, and to always be willing to remain committed to our marriage. Divorce is a word that is no longer in our vocabulary. As I said in an earlier post, there was a time in our marriage where we hit a rocky spot. More than one, to be exact. I bailed twice on him. Both times both sets of our parents told us we were better off apart. Neither set encouraged us to fight for our marriage. Fortunately, God restored our marriage. We had issues, yes, but not worth divorcing over. We learned how to communicate properly, how to love each other, what our roles were as husband and wife and daughter, and we remarried. I also learned not to say a bad word about my husband to others, especially those who loved me. After all, they only heard one side of the story, and in their own protective and loving way, it caused problems. Fortunately, God restored that, too.

I say we have been married for 17 years. Our first wedding was in May of 1991. We legally divorced in late 2002 and remarried May of 2003. We don't count that second marriage. We don't count the divorce. We only count the first time we married. Committment was obviously not part of taking a stand for our marriage in the early years. I could blame it on lack of example, but I won't. We were divided, we were spiritually immature (not that we have "arrived", but we are growing closer to Christ each day), and our parents, both sets, are happy that we've worked things out. "But God!" He seeks to unite, not divide.

When Steve and I were married in May of 1991, we recited a passage that Ruth said to Naomi in the Book of Ruth.

"Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." ~ Ruth 1:16-17 (NKJV)

When I remembered that, I was reminded that the unity expressed to Naomi from Ruth was what I had expressed to Steve.

I believe that unity is a vital key in taking a stand for your marriage. Fight tooth and nail for it, my friend. Don't give up easily. Seek counseling if you must. But first of all, seek God. We didn't. Learn from my mistakes.

Discussion Questions

What does commitment in marriage mean?

"To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NIV)

This verse sums it up pretty well for me. The Greek word for separate in verse 10 is chōrizō, which means:

1) to separate, divide, part, put asunder, to separate one's self from, to depart
a) to leave a husband or wife
1) of divorce
b) to depart, go away

While there are a few valid reasons we may chooose to separate from or divorce our husbands; adultery, abuse, danger, to name a few, in a good marriage, we are commanded by God to stay in it. We don't bail out on the small issues. Some issues might not seem so small at the time. Please understand that I do not judge people who are on second, third or fifth marriages. If you've been a product of divorce and are remarried, I do encourage you to make a committment to stay in the marriage God has placed you in now. Love your husband with all your heart and purpose not to let divorce be a part of your vocabulary. If you feel you must divorce your husband, talk to your pastor or a counselor first. Obviously, we can learn from the mistakes of our past and commit to take a stand for the marriage we are in now. Sometimes we do need outside help for circumstances that arise in our marriage. Based on my experience, I believe that outside help probably needs to come from a pastor or a counselor, not a loved one.

What kind of wife are we called to be to our husbands?

I'm going to share a few verses with you that I think are indicative of what we are called to be as wives. I'm going to bold some of my favorite qualities.

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." ~ Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)

"In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." ~ 1 Timothy 3:11 (NIV)

"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." ~ Colossians 3:18 (NIV)

For those of us unequally yoked, whether we are married to a non-believer or to a believing spouse who has drifted in his walk with Christ, I'd like to add this verse.

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives," ~ 1 Peter 3:1 (NIV)

Here are some hopes and dreams that perhaps Bathsheba had for her son Solomon's future wife...

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." ~ Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

What are ways that we can Biblically stand for our marriage?

S -Seek God's best by praying for our marriages faithfully, during good times as well as the bad. "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)

T - Talk positively about our husbands and our marriage to others. Never slander him. "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." ~ 1 Timothy 3:11 (NIV)

A - Admit when we are wrong and confess it to our husbands and to God. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." ~ James 5:16 (NIV)

N - Never neglect our husbands, um, intimately. /blush/ "The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." 1 Corinthians 7:4-5 (NIV)

D - Decide that divorce is not an option when hard times come. Seek God, seek counsel, but don't give up at the first sign of trouble. "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NIV)

Thanks for visiting with me At the Well this morning. I have a big day ahead of me, including visiting with a friend for her sister's funeral visitation and some meetings throughout the day, so I may be late in visiting with you, but I'll be around later.

In the meantime, step over to Chelsey's at Joyfully Living for His Glory and visit with some of the other ladies. I have a feeling there are going to be some great things shared this morning! Would you like to share your thoughts, too? Do a blog post and link up! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 Bible Study Part 7 - Proverbs 31 on Management

Amy writes,

1. God set things up to operate effectively and efficiently and we can learn from His example.

There are many examples given on managing our homes in the Bible. Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 give us some, and many others are found in the Old and New Testaments.

I loved that Amy wrote, "A couple with no children would have different tasks from a a family of 6. This is why it is so important that you do not compare yourself to others."

While I did have a bonus daughter that I raised from age 6 to 20, she flew the nest and married a few years back. I have to work not to compare myself to others regarding what I should be doing in managing my home and let my standards be set by Christ.

"To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

The word for Hebrew word for season is zĕman, which means:

1) a set time, appointed time, time

I knew I kept a schedule for a reason! I'm very detail-oriented, a planner, and part of managing my home is keeping a schedule. I don't plan for Thanksgiving during April, and I don't plan for our anniversary in May during Christmas. Neither do I spring clean in November, or put up Christmas decorations in August. I wait until the appointed time and begin my planning and managing the affairs of my home.

Amy writes,

2. Plan but don't let it rule your life. Use it as a tool.

While my planner comes in handy, it is not my driving force. God and my Bible are. I can adapt to change, admittedly sometimes not very easily, as I'm not known for being spontaneous, but there are times when things just have to be done differently than what I have planned. Just as Paul's plans were changed by God, I am open to change, too.

As Amy instructed, I read Romans 1. Here are some notes that stand out to me.

And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." (Paul loved the Romans and had evidently been delayed by the Holy Spirit in visiting them. He was excited that God's will provided a way for him to visit them.)

If Paul had not planned to visit the Romans and been deterred by God, I wonder if his message for them would have been as powerful? I doubt it. When we are living in the center of God's will, our plans and God's are in synch. When they are not, we adapt to them and can be.....spontaneous. Oh my. Seems I have some work to do.

Amy writes,

3. A good manager delegates responsibilities accordingly.

Amy used this verse:

Here is a list of some of the members that God has placed in the body of Christ: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who can get others to work together, those who speak in unknown languages. 1 Corinthians 12:28

Clearly, God is a God of delegation. He knows that as members of one body, we all have different gifts. If we need to use one of the gifts He has not developed strongly within us, we need to delegate it.

I had to delegate to Steve helping Kristyn with science and math. Those were not my strongsuits. I was able to help her with all but those two. If I had tried to cling to helping her with all of it, her homework and studying would have not gone well, to say the least. I also delegated chores at home. Since I work outside the home, I couldn't do it all. Based on the talents each excelled in, I divied up the responsibilities. Kristyn was very detail-oriented, so she got the things that required extra attention. Since I ran low on time, I got the broader things, vaccuuming, mopping, dishwashing, etc. Steve, bless his heart, got the outside duties and trash detail. All of us did laundry. We were a team!

Amy writes, "Your job is manager is simply to make sure the household functions and sustains life - to the best of your ability."

Because of some chronic illnesses I have, Steve does more housework than I do. He's happy to help. If I hadn't delegated these responsiblities to him, our house would be in complete and utter chaos. I had to determine what was within my ability to do. What I cannot do, I let him do and ask for assistance, rather than just hoping the assistance will fall in my lap. More often than not, it does. Yesterday, during a flare-up of one of these illnesses, I reappeared to find a sparkly kitchen. He had even cleaned the crock-pot, which I couldn't have picked up if I had tried. I could hardly lift a 20 oz. bottle of Diet Green Tea yesterday! But he shined brightly for me. Oh, how I love my husband! My goal one day is to be able to save up and have a housekeeper come in once a week so that he won't *have* to do these things. Until then, I am encouraged that he does.

Focused Thoughts:

1. God set things up to operate effectively and efficiently and we can learn from His example.
2. Plan but don't let it rule your life. Use it as a tool.
3. A good manager delegates responsibilities accordingly.

Scripture for Memory:

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.2 Corinthians 7:1

Write It Down (or post it):

Be sure to record your revelation and thoughts in your bible, notebook, or let us all share in what you are learning and write a post about it and link it here! Share with us what God has revealed to you when were seeking Him. Again, I'll post my own thoughts and notes later in the week.

See above.

For Study Purposes:

Right now, write down the "to do" list in your head. Tonight you are to get a good night's sleep! :)

I always have a to do list written down! That's me!

Devise a plan of attack for your home. It should contain seasonal chores or tasks as well as daily tasks.

Ask God to show you ways to run your home more efficiently. Seek to solve at least one problem area this week.

Praying for accepting more easily the clean-up detail that Steve does. He is so sweet to do it for me, but I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that it's okay for him to do this. I know we both work outside the home and that he is accepting of the illnesses that keep me from being able to do a lot. I will ask him to tackle one area that I have been holding back on asking for help in, though. I think we'll both sleep much better if I do!

Questions to ponder: Has housework become a source of validation for you? A source of pride? If so, how do you intend to change that?

It used to be, but I have learned to do everything unto the Lord in the matter of the home. I do still struggle with the validation part.

Sunny, from A Damsel No Longer In Distress, is hosting a giveaway! Click the button up top or the one on my sidebar for more information.

She asks some good questions. Her questions are in blue, my responses in red.

At what age did you recognize you were in need of a Savior?

I was 8 when I realized I needed a Savior.

Who shared the Gospel with you (you don't have to share names unless you just want to)?

I grew up in a home where the love of God was taught to me at an early age. I grew up in church, so my answer is Sunday School teachers, youth group ministers, the Preacher, retreat leaders...I was blessed with going to a church that was Bible-believing and preached the Good News!

What was your first reaction when you heard the Gospel for the first time?

I really can't remember a time when I had not heard the Gospel message, but when I really "listened", I felt broken, then light as a feather as I accepted Christ.

How long did it take you to understand Jesus is the only Savior, repent and trust Him with your life?

I didn't make a true committment to Him until I was in my teens, though. He has been my Savior since I was 17, and I came to know Him as my Lord in my 20s. Sound confusing? What I mean to say is that although I was saved early on, I didn't walk with Him and talk with Him until a few years later. Now we are steady!

How often do you share the Gospel with others?

Not often enough. I am intimidated, afraid I will say the wrong thing. It's easy for me to email or blog about it, but face-to-face? Help! Am I alone in this? It's not that I want to keep Him all to myself. I don't. Once, when we were hosting a crusade, I was a counselor. I was a senior in high school. The girl I counseled heard the message and came down, and even though I talked with her at length about Christ and what He did for us, she chose not to make a profession of faith. I was heartbroken. Crushed. I felt as though she had rejected me, I think, looking back, though I didn't realize it at the time. I pray for her when she comes to mind. My sweet grandmother told me that at least a seed was planted and we prayed that would be watered and grow. I do leave tracts in places when I have them - restaurants, restrooms, desks, etc.

What plans do you have to become more committed to sharing salvation in Christ with others?

I pray daily that God would place people in my life that I could share His love with. Then I freeze up when the opportunity arises. For example, the other day, a vagrant walked into our parking garage begging for money, and I should have told him about Christ, but didn't. Part of me was scared of him (eyes glazed over, holding a big box, scraping cigarette butts from ashtray) scary! I'm going to do some research this weekend to see how I can overcome the freeze-up.

What scares you the most about sharing the Gospel and what Scriptures have helped you overcome those fears?

Rejection. Not being clear about the Message, wondering if I should seize an opportunity, timing. Some Scriptures that have helped:

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." ~ Mark 16:15 (NIV) - This is a commandment. Must do!

"From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." ~ Matthew 4:17 (NIV) - I realize we are living in the last days and I want to lead as many to the Lord as I can.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) - I'm not ashamed of the Gospel and need to just get over myself. I want to handle His truth correctly.

See how short I fall in sharing? I need to learn more. I'll do some researching on this topic this weekend and see how I can be more bold in sharing the Gospel.

To view my testimony, click here.

Welcome to Friday Funnies, hosted by Kim at Homesteaders Heart.

Here's my Friday Funny....

How to Give a Cat a Pill

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered Doulton figures from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check the label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap.

13. Tie cats front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed, pry cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour a pint of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call at furniture shop on way home to order new table. Arrange for SPCA to collect cat and ring local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.

How to Give a Dog a Pill

1. Wrap it in bacon or cheese.

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Need more humor? Click on the button below to visit Kim and see the Friday Funnies everyone has shared. Link up and share your own, okay? Happy Friday, ya'll!

Thankful Thursday - Life

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” ~ John 3:16-17 (ESV - emphasis Iris')

This week's theme is life. Like Iris, our hostess of Thankful Thursday, I have been thinking about life as well this week.

As my parents age (my father is 75, and his brother and sister, all that are left out of 9 children who have died within the last 17 years), I'm just reminded that life on earth is fleeting. Whether our parents live forever or we lose a friend in the prime of life, or, even a child, I'm just reminded that life is short.

Compared to eternity, our physical lives, length-wise, are like a speck of dust.

I ask myself if what I'm doing counts for eternity. Am I faithful in the small things? Am I faithful in the large things? Am I faithful, period?

I tend to over-analyze myself, thinking I should have done better at this and I could have done more here...but that's not the kind of life God wants us to lead. When He sent Christ into the world, He sent Him to love us, not condemn us. He's not like some tall task-master, ready to use the rod each time we fail. He draws us back lovingly and gives us a second, third, tenth chance. He does want us to be mindful of the lives we lead, but He came into this world to save us, not condemn us. He wants us all to come to Him.

When I think of how Christ willingly gave His life for me, I want to fall flat on my face and ask, "Why? Why me? What about me is worth the death of Your Son, precious Father?" And I am reminded...

"For God so loved the world..."

I'm humbled.

I love my life here on earth. Yes, I have my "issues", but overall, I love my life. I'm so happy and feel so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends. I am comfortable. I'm a wife, bonus mom, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, etc. I am really happy with my life!

As happy as I am with my life here on earth, I can hardly imagine how blissful eternal life wil be.

Look at the definitions of eternal life with me.

Eternal - the Greek word is aiōnios, and means:

1) without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be
2) without beginning
3) without end, never to cease, everlasting

Life - the Greek word is zōē, and means:

1) life
a) the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate
b) every living soul
2) life
a) of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature
b) life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

Can you imagine?!?

Never-ending total fullness of a happy life!

Kind of makes the things on earth grow dim, doesn't it?

I think about the comforts I have here on earth, and I am reminded that this world is not my home.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." ~ Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)

As much as I love my home, I look so forward to the home Christ is making for me now. I am not afraid to leave my physical life on earth to go to Heaven and spend eternity with Christ. Yes, I am concerned about the actual dying part, I hope it isn't painful, but the "after" is covered!

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." ~ John 14:1-3 (NIV)

Thinking about life, both physical and spiritual, leaves me thankful, humbled, hopeful and excited!

So this week, I'm thankful for life. The life I have and the life I am promised by God through His Son Christ Jesus my Lord.

L - Live your life on earth as you intend to live it in Heaven. "The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life." ~ Proverbs 16:17 (NIV)

I - Instruct others regarding the Good News. "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." ~ Mark 16:15 (NIV)

F - Feast on the Word of God. "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." ~ Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

E - Eagerly anticipate eternal life. "But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope." ~ Galatians 5:5 (NIV)

For more Thankful Thursday's, please visit Iris at Grace Alone... by clicking on the button below.

My Blog Shop

Welcome to my blog shop! It's all about books.

Please visit this link and email me privately at sisterchick1@yahoo.com if you see something you'd like.

Most of the books are $7.00 and include shipping and handling. If you think $7.00 is too much, I will consider running a sale! Admittedly, some of these are older books and may not cost that much, so the pricing is negotiable.

I bill by sending you a paypal invoice. I work outside the home, so I only ship on Saturday's, but I'll work with you if you're looking for something quickly.

The books are in great - good condition. This means that I have read them. If I find one that is in less than stellar condition, you get a discount!

Note: If you don't want to use paypal, we can work something out - you can send me a check in the mail or something. We'll talk. I'm new to this, can you tell?

All proceeds will go for Christmas presents and paying down debt.

Thanks, Amy, for this idea!

Awards Day, Part II

Lea at The Shabby Olde Potting Shed, has blessed me with the following award.

How cool (er, hot), is that?! You read this post, the award is yours, my friend! Just leave me a comment, letting me know you picked it up.

Heather, from A Day in My Life, has given me this award today.

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day.

The rules are:

1. Accept the award and post it on your blog along with a link to the person who has awarded you.

2. Pass the award on to 15 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Again, you read this post, the award is yours, my friend! Just leave me a comment, letting me know you picked it up.

I love my blogging friends! I feel so blessed by ya'll, and wanted to share the love.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters," ~ Psalm 23:2 (NIV)

When my grandson, Nolan, gets loud, I know he's getting tired. He runs all over the house, letting his 14 month old voice resonate in the loudest possible way he can. He goes almost at fever pitch, fighting sleep until I make a grab for him, settle down in the rocker, and off to sleep he goes.

I see God doing this in my own life sometimes. When life gets hectic and things get crazy busy, I feel His encouragement to just lie down. And not just in any warm and cozy bed. In His abode. Spending time with Him in prayer and reading His Word. During those times of rest, I feel Him gathering me in His arms and lying me down in green pastures and leading me beside quiet waters.

The Hebrew word for lead is nahal. It means:

1) to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh
a) (Piel)
1) to lead to a watering-place or station and cause to rest there
2) to lead or bring to a station or goal
3) to lead, guide
4) to give rest to
5) to refresh (with food)
b) (Hithpael)
1) to lead on
2) to journey by stations or stages

The Hebrew word for pastures is na'ah. It means:

1) pasture, abode, abode of shepherd, habitation, meadow
a) pasture, meadow
b) abode

The Hebrew word for still is mĕnuwchah. It means:

1) resting place, rest
a) resting place
b) rest, quietness

I find myself in awe of a God, a Shepherd, who cares enough to lead me to the green pastures and beside the still waters. Out of the billions on earth, He is mindful of me and the direction He needs to lead me in. And He loves you just as much!

Has your life been crazy busy lately? Whether your green pastures and still waters are a weekend away from home or a cozy comfy recliner with several good books and your Bible, trust Him and let Him lead you there. It's better to be led there than jerked up and put there. Resisting makes the rest harder to enjoy. Oh, how precious that sweet rest is when we let ourselves be led by God to the place He has for us.

To view the first post in my WFW series on the 23rd Psalm, click here.

For more Word Filled Wednesday Scripture and pictures, be sure to visit our hostess, Amydeanne, by clicking on the button below.

Awards Day

I have been blessed so much that my heart feels like it's going to burst! I want to share the love, so I have a few awards to pass on.

Sunny, from A Damsel No Longer in Distress, passed this precious blog award along to me. Am I blessed or what?

Uber is a German word that is similar to our English word which means "super".



The rules of this award are:

An Uber Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:

inspires you
make you smile and laugh
or maybe gives amazing information
a great read
has an amazing design
and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are:

Put the logo on your blog or post.

Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!

Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

My five (and there are many more than that) that express each attribute of this award are:

Cheryl, at Hope for Each Day

Denise, at Shortybear's Place

Melanie, at The Fruits of the Spirit

Tracy at My Cup Runneth Over

LauraLee at Laura Lee's Lifesong

+ + + + +

Debra, from Clothed With Scarlet, has passed the following award on to me.

The rules are the same for the above award, so I am passing this award on to those listed above as well.

Your writing blesses me, ladies!

+ + +

Cheryl, at Hope for Each Day, has blessed me with the Marie Antoinette ~ A Real Person Award.

The rules for this award want you to reflect who awarded it to you, display the icon, and pass it along to seven (7) other bloggers.

I want to pass this one on to the 5 I listed above and add the following, who I thank for being real to me:

Amy at In Pursuit of Proverbs 31

Sunny at A Damsel No Longer in Distress

Tracy at Thirsty for Him

+ + + +

Kim, from Homesteaders Heart, has gifted me with this award:

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day.

Each and every person above does this, and for this, I applaud you!

+ + +

Please share the love on your blog with other blogs that have blessed your heart.