Scrubbing Day

Do I have to?

Cleaning out the sin in our lives is not fun, but it's necessary and good. Just like my sweet dog, I sometimes put up resistance. Confronting my sin and acknowledging it isn't easy; it's a downright filthy job! I love David's psalm after he's confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his adultery with Bathsheba:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:1-3

However, our Father is faithful to forgive us when we turn from our sin. Be encouraged!

God's provision to HeartCry Missionary Society

God's Extraordinary Provision for HeartCry - Paul Washer from HeartCry Missionary Society on Vimeo.


What an encouraging testimony of God's provision for His saints. His love and faithfulness are everlasting. To Him be glory, honor and praise! My faith is strengthened and I hope yours is too.

If you have a minute, please explore HeartCry Missionary Society. Paul is an excellent preacher and God has used him to renew my mind and correct, guide, and encourage me in my walk. His sermons are great for listening to while folding laundry, washing dishes, painting, or any other household chore.

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4: 19-20

2011 Family Theme

2011

The Year of the DO

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror, for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-24, Holy Bible

Inspired by Ann Voskamp at Holy Experience to choose a theme for our family for 2011, Mountain Man and I agreed on "The Year of the Do." We talk so much about goals, but we're tired of talking. We just want to do it - to live it, to act it, to become it. Isn't that what true belief is? Beth Moore says, belief is a present active participle, and she's right. It's time to put our beliefs into action; we've been glancing in the mirror for far too long!

This application is two-fold for us. We want to do everything for His glory- not for our boasting. This includes goals in several areas of our lives including Scripture memorization, fellowship, hospitality, giving to others, physical fitness, education, and adoption/foster care. We're excited to see what God has in store for us in 2011.

A Living Sacrifice

My expectations of my own performance in all things are high. Expectations vary because we're all different, but I've realized that my expectations in my pursuit of a higher education may not be realistic for me at this point in my life. Since I transferred into the University of Washington as a Junior at the beginning of January, I've had difficulty balancing my duties at home and my duty to school. I want to be the best I can be, and I want that to reflect in my grades. I'm enjoying studying because I'm finally interested in these topics! I love managerial economics! At the same time, my home life is suffering. My house is a disaster - dishes are piled up in the kitchen, a mountain of clothes lies in our bedroom, the toilet is disgusting, homemade meals are sporadic, Bexar needs exercise and Mountain Man needs some attention! Slowly, I'm figuring out a system that works for me, but none of those is the real problem.

The problem is my heart. I'm so focused on me and achieving good grades that I've shut everyone else out. I don't have time for anyone - not Bex, not Mountain Man, and not even God. Wow. That's difficult to type. The absence of my communication with God - reading, praying, clinging to His words, thanking Him - is evident in my selfish actions.

What woke me up? God, of course! Oh, His grace is truly amazing! How can He be so faithful when I am not? I don't deserve His love, His grace, His mercy, His redemption.

Sanctification.
It's Him in me.

It's a slow, continual, necessary death. Mine. Dying to myself so that Christ may live in me. Death begets life. There are no words, Father, for my thankfulness.

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

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen-even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

The way

I'm broken.
I've been touched by His grace.
I have been on a journey. A heart journey. With Ann and Jesus.
Conviction.
It's painful yet necessary.
I am not the same.
I hope to remember this moment.
My heart is broken.
The dam has flooded.
Now for action.
Sacrifice and service.
Walking in the way.

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

The Burning Bush

So, this isn't actually on fire, but doesn't it look like it? I absolutely love this time of year. This is my favorite tree in our yard. The sun snuck out a couple of days ago and I couldn't resist taking another shot of this tree. (This time, I shot it in RAW, but had to convert to jpeg for the blog.)

I can't help but think of God talking to Moses through the burning bush (in Exodus 3). God instructed Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. What a humbling experience. And I believe Moses was humbled, because he hid his face from God (or tried to); he was afraid to look at God.

May my burning bush be a reminder to me of God's holiness. Lord, make me holy, for you are holy.

Backboard Verse Revisited

So...in my last post, I went on somewhat of a rant about Jeremiah 29:11. I have taken a few days to read the surrounding text, specifically, Jeremiah 28-29 in the NIV, The Message, and The Reformation Study Bible, as well as Matthew Henry's commentary on Jeremiah 29:10-11.

In context, Jeremiah 29 is a letter from Jeremiah to the captives taken from Jerusalem to Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who would reign for 70 years. In this letter, God tells the captives (through Jeremiah) to go ahead and build houses, marry, and plant gardens, and basically live as you would normally live, but don't be deceived by false prophets. At the end of 70 years, God will return to perform his good deeds, because...vs. 11. He knows how he feels toward the captives (and only He knows His own thoughts), and He has thoughts of peace and not of evil, plans to give them a future and a hope.

I can see how they may be tempted to lose hope after years and years in captivity. They may grow weary and forget the faithfulness of God. I sometimes feel that way and I have no reason for it!

Anyway, I'm over my rant. I'm done and done. What can I say? I think that sometimes a particular verse speaks to someone when they're in a particular place and they can't help but speak it. I'm sure I've done it. This is a good verse. It is good to place our hope in a faithful God, one that will deliver on His promises. He goes on to tell the captives in the following verses,

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity..." Yes! He is a faithful God and we can place our hope in Him and not be disappointed. He can be trusted to fulfill what He says.

Thank you, Lord for Your word, that applies to us today just as much as it did then, to the captives in Babylon. Help us to put our hope in you.

Backboard Verse

I (tried to) play tennis in high school, and there was a guy, Keith Walker, who was what I called the "human backboard." It didn't matter where I hit the ball, he returned it. It was as if I was hitting the ball against a backboard, as it continuously came back to me.

Well, there's this Bible verse that I've heard so many times that it's as if my brain shuts off when it sees it. I don't even think about it anymore. I have heard it so many times, that I'm actually beginning to dislike it. It's like Keith Walker; it just keeps coming back to me. (Although I didn't dislike him. He was a very nice guy.)

I began thinking about how terrible it was that I was beginning to not like a Bible verse just because of its popularity. It's not a bad verse. If any of you read Karen Kingsbury (who is one of my favorites), you KNOW this verse!

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)

¹¹For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

^10-11This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremías 29:11 (La Biblia de las Américas)

¹¹"Porque yo sé los planes que tengo para vosotros"--declara el SEÑOR--"planes de bienestar y no de calamidad, para daros un futuro y una esperanza.

Feeling like a backboard yet?

I found Kelligirl's blog just yesterday through Holy Experience and was reading some of her older posts, when I ran across this one with none other than backboard verse (BBV)! Later, I scooted on over to Biblegateway, where the verse of the day was...you guessed it, BBV! I had just read it last night in a Biblical parenting book that I'm reading. I just feel bombarded by this verse. I don't know what the Lord wants me to know from it. SO...I'm going to read through a couple of chapters around it, do some research, and try to be back with some more insight. Maybe He wants me to stop ignoring it. I know He doesn't want me to dislike any of His word, because His word is truth!

Lord, give me Your eyes as I study. Give me a new perspective, a new attitude, and a receptive heart.

What do I want to be known for when I die?

I just returned home from a fabulous workshop, "Discovering Your Life Purpose." They mentioned our universal life purpose (as Christians), but this entire workshop focused on discovering our unique life purposes as invidividuals. What do I want to be known for by God and others when I die? Wow. Ummmmm.

I had actually forgotten about the invitation to this workshop until a friend called an hour before it started to tell me about something else, and I remembered that she had invited me and I never RSVPed with a final answer. I quickly decided to shirk my sanding and painting responsibilities and go. And I’m SO glad did! I met some sweet, wise women and was so encouraged!

I guess I have pondered this in the past as “I wonder what I’m supposed to be doing,” as if there’s a specific job that I’m supposed to do. I don’t believe that there’s a specific job (i.e. nursing, teaching, etc.) that I’m supposed to do, but now that the word “purpose” is inserted, it makes more sense. I could be doing a number of different activities or jobs and still accomplish the same purpose.

Lately, I’ve struggled with being productive around the house. Oh shoot, who am I kidding?! I’ve always struggled with laziness at home. I have never enjoyed keeping the house clean. I like the house clean, I just don’t enjoy the act of doing it! I guess that just lately I’ve felt more guilty when I’m not productive. I’ve realized that I spend way too much time on the computer (am I really typing this?) and not enough time taking care of business around here! I want to be a good wife, a Proverbs 31 woman, glorifying God in all things, but I don’t think that means sitting at the computer for 80% of the day (since I’m a homemaker).

The workshop today really reinforced the fact that I’m wasting too much of my day on meaningless tasks. It made me want to dive into Scriptures, searching for a life verse, something to keep me going day after day, pressing on and fighting the good fight. It made me want to learn how I can most effectively live for Jesus.

So now begins the journey...

“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him; that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly; and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death.” Philippians 3:10 (Amplified version)

Weekend of Renewal

Asparagus mini quiches for breakfast – check. Sandwiches made – check. Food into cooler – check. Bedding and pillows packed – check. Bexar’s necessities boxed – check. Four hours later, Mountain Man, the Engineer and Mountain Dog are finally loaded up in the truck and off for the weekend to their great camping and hiking adventure. A weekend of renewal they say. I like that; I want that; I NEED that! The idea quickly dissipates, as I have a long list of stuff I want to do while they’re gone and not much time to check them off!

Shortly after they have hit the road, I’m up at the computer, facebooking, blog surfing, and e-mailing. It’s overcast and raining and I just want to relax. Production comes to a stand-still as I plop onto the sofa and fire up the X-Box. Uh-oh. This is trouble…hours of trouble! Sure enough, 5pm rolls around and I’m still slouched on the sofa, my sweatshirt littered with white-cheddar popcorn kernels and an empty bowl of what was Bryer’s chocolate ice cream leaning beside my leg. It’s a hard day’s work to eat junk food and slouch around on the couch all day! I finally get up, not because I know I should clean or prepare the walls to receive some much-needed paint, but because I’m hungry! The desire to eat is so strong that it replaces the desire to slouch, so I throw some clothes on and hop in the car. A couple of hours later, after a nice long chat with Tatas, some Ben Franklin browsing, and a run through the oh-so-healthy McFatty’s, I arrive home, satiated and ready for some more chillaxin’. I resume the slouched position on the sofa and the X-Box addiction continues until I realize that I’m really cold. A nice hot tubby should do the trick, with a fragrant candle and a good book! Ahh, yes. Amy Carmichael certainly has a way with words. This book, I Come Quietly to Meet You, sounds relaxing. An old bookmark catches my attention and I turn to it, resisting the temptation to flip to page 1 because it’s been so long since I’ve read it. After turning just two pages, I realize that this certainly was no accident that I picked this book up. Now, I’m the type of person to believe there are no accidents, so this was no surprise, but sometimes I’m shocked that God cares about me and loves me on a personal, individual level. I know I should be, but I am.

“Come Forth as Gold” was the title of that tiny three-page chapter. And you can probably guess what Amy was discussing – yep, purification! She asked the Eastern goldsmith of their village how he knows when the metal is purified and he replied, “When I can see my face in it.”

Job 23:10 “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

I’m so thankful that God, my Refiner, is faithful to sit by my side and purify me until He sees His face in me. What a humbling thought! It seems that this shall also be my time of renewal. For these next few days, I will focus on repentance and purification, renewing my mind in Him and His Word. It doesn’t matter what the outside looks like if the inside is in disrepair. The house painting, hair coloring, and cooking and cleaning can wait. This, too, shall be my weekend of renewal.

Good Friday

Seeing as it's Good Friday, I thought these words were so perfect from our Pastor, Dave Hatcher from some of his thoughts on Good Friday:

"Easter is the answer. On Good Friday, we celebrate the death of Jesus Christ who by His blood, turned away the wrath of God from us and took upon Himself our curse. But death and the grave could not hold Him and on the First Day of the Week, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, declaring that He was the Son of God and justifying us in Him.

Every Sunday is a Resurrection Sunday. But this is only because there is both death and resurrection in our union with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He died that we might die in Him. He lives that we might live in Him."

So, in celebration of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, I created this card. To me, it symbolizes Jesus bursting forth from the grave, victorious over death. Hallelujah!

The full account of Judas' betrayal, Jesus' trial, death, burial, and resurrection can be found in the Holy Bible from Matthew 26-28. An online Bible can be found on Lifeway's website.

And finally, I must declare my hope:
I Peter 1:3-5
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

John 11:25-26
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Card deets: I used the same sketch (SC168) as my last card, but changed up the stamps.
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms Modern Cross, So Many Sayings (SU Hostess), Inkadinkado Brenda Walton clear frame set (from Michael's)
Paper: Vanilla pre-made base, textured (big scrap) brown, Vanilla misc., Making Memories Willow Simple Sponge & coordinating brown with blue-green polka dots, K&Company (on far left)

Consider the lilies

I just realized that my last post was also about worry/anxiety. Am I feeling anxious? Possibly...that's why I'm so thankful for the Word! I have so many things to do, but not enough time to include the stuff I want to do; hence, choices must be made. Perhaps I know I need more self-discipline but just don't want to do it...UGH! Tough truths! This was made for SCS LSC159 (limited supplies challenge) to make a card without using any tools. I just got back to the simple basics today and it was quick and fun! A friend emailed this card to me today, made by Charmaine and I knew just the stamp to use, since I had seen Keri Lee's card just a couple of days ago. So, this card is totally unoriginal and totally CASEd, but why change things when they're beautiful?! I love the simple, classic look of this. I thought the Scripture (computer-generated) was fitting, considering the stamp.

Stamp: CHF Modern Lily (from Aimee Nugent's Easter release)
Paper: SU WW, Office depot blue cardstock (very different color that's difficult to match)
Ink: SU White Craft
Accessories: Making Memories Black/White ribbon

Happy Stamping!

Praying the Word

I'm in my second week of Beth Moore's Believing God study, and God has already begun to break down my belief system and change me. This is so good! I really needed this study, and He knew it before I did. :)

Week 1 was all about believing God for my promised land, not only referring to heaven, but a promised land here on earth, just like the Israelites. This place is where my theology merges with reality; a place of God's unapologetic blessing to the obedient; a place where I abide in Christ's love; a place where God brings forth a great harvest; a place of great victory over the enemy; a place where God is willing to work untold wonders, which requires my faith and sanctification.

This week, Week 2, is about believing that God is who he says he is. In my study today, I was really blown away by Jeremiah 33:3 which reads, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." WOW! All I have to do is call to him. That's just amazingly beautiful. Another scripture that really impacted me was Acts 4:23-31, when Peter's & John's friends lifted their voices together, praying Psalm 2:1-2 and asking for Peter and John to continue to speak boldly and perform miracles in the name of Jesus. After their prayer, Acts 4:31 says, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." This just stressed upon me the importance of recalling the Word of God in all situations, especially when I'm filled with fear or anxiety. He immediately answered their prayer; what a wonderful application for my life today.

I hope you're encouraged by what I'm learning; I'm just so excited about it and want to share the good news! My prayer is that God will use this blog for his glory, to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters, and lead others to Him.

Expelled

I just watched this fascinating trailer for a movie called "Expelled" coming out on April 18th. It looks very interesting. We don't have to go to foreign countries to be persecuted; it's right here in the good old US of A. Let's focus on what Dad said about it:

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:35-39

Do we really believe that we are more than conquerors in Christ?! Imagine the impact we can have on our neighborhoods when we present-active-participle-believe that we are more than conquerors! Doesn't that get you excited? This is a good time for me to study the Scriptures, preparing to answer questions and defend the Word of God, for everyday life, but especially when friends, coworkers, and even strangers see this and have questions.

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. - 1 Peter 3:13-17

I'll conclude with a section from Ephesians. I'm so glad that someone in Hollywood is taking a stand. I will be praying for God to be glorified in the movie and that He would be pleased to bring many to Him. I encourage you to put on the full armor of God today, believing that we are more conquerors in Christ.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. - Ephesians 6:10-18

Believing God

Last night, some ladies at our church began Beth Moore's "Believing God" study. The first session was absolutely wonderful! I'm looking forward to digging in God's Word, which has been lacking in my life lately. I love Beth's excitement about God's Word and the way she gets me excited. I want that all the time - the excitement about hearing from Him, the deep hunger and thirst for righteousness. One thing that really impressed me last night was that often times my theology doesn't merge with my reality. I've fallen asleep spiritually, settling for mediocrity and whining about my life instead of actively looking for my promised land, believing and receiving the Word of God. That's some good stuff! The Holy Spirit really impressed Joshua 3:5 upon me last night. "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.' " I need to consecrate myself, be holy, and set apart so he can do a wonderous work in me! I can't wait to share more of what the Lord lays upon my heart.
Hugs,
Mel

Dad answers

He always does...but often times it's not immediate, which is usually when I want an answer. This week, however, he chose to answer immediately. I've just got to share my joy! You see, I've had a virtual administrative business for a while now but haven't really done much with it. I've made the occasional post to Craig's List, and even researched local companies that I want to contact, but I haven't actually done anything yet. Well, in order to keep the peace at home, I made myself contact at least 2 people on Monday. Yep, this is just cold calling, as I don't have any business contacts here. I get anxious just thinking about it. LOL Anyway, I was so anxious, I had to pray about it because I needed some peace. Dad answered my prayer almost immediately. The first call I made didn't work out, but the second call, I was able to talk with the HR contact and make an appointment for tomorrow morning. They providentially have extra work that needs to be done; she sounded shocked that I had called. {smile} I'm super excited that I have this opportunity to present my services in person, but I'm once again filled with anxiety, which I must ask Dad to bear for me again. :) If you think about it, I'm meeting with the HR contact and company president tomorrow morning at 9 and I could certainly use your prayers!

Thanks,
Mel