Adventures

Time flies as they say...some of our family adventures have been our trip to Hawaii!! The girls first time flying in a plane, which they did amazing!! First time swimming in warm ocean waters!! They loved it and we loved watching them. Here is a glimpse of our family fun.

Spending Time In The Word

Before I take off and get on the road toward California to see my friend and her new little addition to her family, I decided to spend some time in the word. There are some family on my mind and I've been praying for them. I hope that they find peace and guidance in the Lord. Well here is what came of it. 
-Proverbs 17:3-
Fire test the purity of silver and gold, but he Lord tests the heart. 
It takes intense heat to purify gold and silver. Similarly, it often takes the heat of trails for the Christian to be purified. Through trails, God shows us what is in us and clears out anything that gets in the way of complete trust in him. Peter says, "These trails will show that your faith is far more precious than mere gold" (1 Peter 1:7). So when tough times come your way, realize that God wants to use them to refine your faith and purify your heart. 
-When I read this it set me back a moment. If going through these trails, that we run into every day in our life, is to purify are heart and refine our faith them keep them coming Lord!! Yeah, you might think I am crazy, but I would give anything to keep my heart, mind and soul near the Lord. I feel that going through the rough patches is better than having no understanding to why these rough patches of life are happening, or them having no purpose. I would rather have a purpose and becoming a better person then what I am now. I would rather know that the Lord loves me and wants me to succeed and prosper...that's why he's allowing certain things to occur. Don't forget that sometimes we make our own mistakes and the Lord saves us from bad decisions that we have or about to make.  
- Proverbs 19:3- 
people ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
Guilty, yes before I really even had a glimpse of who Jesus was in my life, I blamed him for my own foolishness as if he cause my pain and suffering...when in all reality it was my own stubbornness and foolishness that got me into that mess in the first place. But the Lord is so amazing that he not only forgives us, but he rescues us from are mess. 
-Proverbs 18:10-
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 
Don't forget my friends and family that we can run into people in our live's that aren't are friends but are sheep in disguise, it can also be family in sheep clothing. Always know that the Lord reviles all sin. If you are wise, and stay in the Lord's presence he will guide you and give you wisdom when you run into certain circumstance that sometimes seem confusing.
-Proverbs 16:28-
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. 
Don't let someone you know that is a troublemaker come into your life. Stay away and seek refuge in the Lord, he will guide you and give you the right words to express to your friend or family member of the reasons why you have decided not to befriend them or why you choose not to hang around  with that family member but rather you be in prayer for them and when they need godly wisdom that you would be there for them. How do you support that person without letting them plant seeds of destruction in your life...don't go everywhere they go. Instead let them know why you do go there, or why places or activities they are doing would separate yourself from the Lord, and why your relationship with Christ mean more to you then destroying that relationship. And if this person wants to be your friend/family member they will understand and support you, if they don't then all you can do is pray that the Lord opens their mind, eyes and heart like yours is to Jesus. 
-Proverbs 16:30-
With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief. 
I am going to end with this...be on alert, the devil wants to destroy and he will others in your life that you love dearly to bring you there if he can. Always guard your heart and don't let the enemy try to find a cracked door or a door not guarded. Also don't feel that if you have fallen that you can't get back up again and try. This is not less worthy of the Lord. You are precious to him always run to him, he is your father, he loves you! He wouldn't have given his only son, Jesus, for you if this wasn't true. 

Old Times-New Times

Proverbs 13:3

Thous who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. 

      Last night I was reading in Proverbs and thinking about how certain things we may say can ruin everything. We can build people up and we can tare them down. This past weekend I ran into a situation that reminded me of how this is so true. I can remember being a person before I meet the Lord, that would tear and ruin everything. I guess you can say I was a person that was very outspoken, unwise with my words and didn't much care about other peoples feelings, just cared about my own. 

-Proverbs 13:16-

Wise people think before they act; fools don't-and even brag about their foolishness.

         Wow, crazy that was once me!! I'v noticed that now that I know the difference between building others up and what it means to tear someone down...I need to choose to always do the right thing.  Even though I can say that I have caught myself many times doing the wrong thing...I know that I can learn and grow and come back and be better at not being foolish with my words. 

*You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, "The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness' (James 3:6). If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body. 

    How true and well put! Such a small but powerful part and member of our body. 

-Proverbs 14:3-

A fool's proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. 

     How interesting is this, our own proud, foolish talk could return and beat us. How important it is that we are careful what we say and how we say them. It's almost as if the Lord is saying to us not to talk about foolish things because they return to us and beats us down. Better it is to be wise in a situation because it will protect us.  Last weekend the Lord was reminding me how to be an example at something I was myself so very week in and grow in each day. Sometimes, I just wish I had the right words, to help others understand me better. I know that everything comes and happened's at its appointed time. 

-Proverbs 15:28-

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 

and 

-Proverbs 14: 26 & 27-

Those who fear the Lord are secure: he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. 

    I can say I am amazed at the changes that not only I have gone through in my life but also my husbands, I am very proud and thankful and truly believe that the Lord answers prayers. I've always seen a wisdom in my husband but never really saw this in myself. I am happy to know that the Lord has placed this same gift, through many trails, in me as well. I believe by me being  an example for those around me will help them in seeing there own reflection and how should they do things differently. I am praying for certain people that are a part of my life, that the Lord may help them see that changing in the way you speak doesn't necessarily mean you let others walk all over you or that you have lost some kind of respect but that your gaining something much more important...wisdom from the Lord.  I also believe by having fear of the Lord, it is the alltament respect for him and his greatness. Understanding that he is the Alpha and the Omega, he is ancient and everlasting...by grasping this we will also grasp his wisdom and allowing him to work in our hearts, minds and mouths. I think that by allowing God to work in every aspect in your life, you will gain so much more in return...don't let simple, possible never thought of such as what we say with our mouths stumble us or tear us down from the true goal. Cleaning out the house and making more room for God's presence and understanding of everything!

Psalm 142:1-7

At the time I was reading this passage I didn't know who it was for just knew that the Holy Spirit was tugging at my heart to read and share some of my experiences and thoughts. 
A prayer when overwhelmed and desperate. When we feel cornered by our enemies, only God can keep us safe. 
David is the author of this Psalm.

~Psalm 142:1-7~
I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord's mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all about my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, "You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Hear my cry for I am very Low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me. " 


- When I read through this psalm it reminds me of times that I've had, that were very low. David and I have a lot in common when it comes to our emotions. We have caught ourselves in deep depression. As a child of God I know that depression is dangerous in many ways, one I believe your welcoming the wrong type of influence in your life and presence. One reason why we should immediately cry out to the Lord for his mercy and light to surround us! For the enemy sets traps and he is too strong for us alone. Although humbling yourself to the Lord and admitting without him you can not escape the prison your in. God knows where he needs to bring us, so that we completely give EVERYTHING to him. Our lives is in his control and knowing that we should find peace and understanding that God cares, he loves us and he can't stop thinking about us. The struggles we face weather it be mental, or physical just know God has a purpose and if it hasn't already been reviled by him. have faith that he will. Sometimes he's cleaning house for us. Stay in the light and his word, immerse yourself in his word, and you will find that you have peace and you'll start to crave that time with just the Lord! Amen!!

Sister...

Sister,
I wish I could understand you just a little better.
Have a relationship with you just a little deeper. Sister,
I wish I could live in your world for just a moment, so that I could be closer to you.
All we want is you to realize your potential...Sister, I wish you could see how bright you are.
How beautiful you are, without someone beside you.  Sister, I wish we could go back to sharing the same room again, I hold those days close to my heart. I enjoy the thoughts we shared, the ideas we had, the conversations about the bible...speaking about God together. What happened?? Who changed your mind?? Sister, where's the solid rock you once stood on?? Did you forget?? Sister, stop fighting, not listening...Sister, you remind me of someone, me. Take all the clutter out and you will find that you still believe the same as me. Sister, you'll find that we aren't so different that we long for the same things. These things we seek they are not of this world, remember??

Sister...

The Red Cabin

Last weekend of February my husband and his college buddy planned a fun couples weekend only, no kids. It was so good to be away from are little ones but we missed them so much. It started with me forgetting my snow boots, funny thing I thought that my hubby had grabbed them and he thought I had grabbed them. No they grabbed themselves and stayed home. :) I turned back home and by the time I arrived at mount Ashland it was about five in the afternoon, I was so dreading the hike up!! The mountain kicks my butt each time! Although the late night hike up with just my hubby did me some good, not just the exercise but being able to enjoy some quite time with just my husband was good, real good. I get to see aside of him that I don't get to often. It reminds me why I feel in love with the guy! He has just a perfect character that I enjoy so much. I love how real and down to earth he can be, how romantic and loving he can be. I enjoy his wisdom and I love how special and wonderful he can make me feel. I am sure that I do the same for him. It's so easy to forget about each other and being reminded to focus on each other is good to each other and your marriage. Anyhow, playing games in the warm cozy yet very rustic cabin was pretty amazing. I enjoyed getting to know are friends on a deeper level. I enjoyed playing in the snow and watching the boys build there snow caves! The scenery takes your breath away. Here are some of the pictures we took while out to the Red Cabin. 

Looking Back

I was looking back in my journal entrees and noticed one that hit home for me...at the time I wrote it I was struggling with myself. Funny how that might sound, seriously what christian doesn't encounter a fight or two with themselves. Anyhow here it goes...

~Repentance~

Last couple of weeks have been hard on me spiritual. The human stumbles and falls more than I generally like. But I am thankful to know that God will help you/me up when we/I slip...

Repentance- a turning away from sin, disobedience, or rebellion, and a turning back to God.

1 Kings 8:47; Job 42:6; Luke 17:3; 2nd Corinthians 7:10 (where I will be reading and looking at)

1 Kings 8:47
But in that land of exile, they might turn to you in repentance and pray "We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly" if they turn to you with their whole heart and soul in the land of their enemies and pray toward the land you gave to their ancestors-toward this city you have chosen, and toward this temple i have built to honor your name-then hear their prayers and their petition from heaven where you live, and uphold their cause. Forgive your people who have sinned against you. Forgive all the offenses they have committed against you. make their captors merciful to them, for they are your people-your special possession-whom you brought out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt.

-When we aren't in tune with God it almost feels where in exile. We are not listening but listening to our flesh are sinful nature. Even though we have done wrong and might do more wrong in the future God instead of turning away from us, forgives us and saves us from what has captured us.  Even though we know we are sinning and hate the sin that we are committing are mind finds ways to justify the sin...but are soul condemns us and reminds us to turn back to our savior, Jesus.

Luke 17:3
So watch yourselves! "If another believer sins, rebuke that person' then if there is repentance, forgive. even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and ask forgiveness, you must forgive."

-Now if we are called to be forgiving isn't are Father just as forgiving...I would say more. I would say even though I should be forgiving, I know that I fall short. Lord teach me how to be more like you!

2nd Corinthians 7:10
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

Sorrow for our sins can result in changed behavior. many people are sorry for the effects of their sins or for being caught (sorrow which lacks repentance). Compare Peter's remorse and repentance with Juda's bitterness and act of suicide. Both denied Christ. One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.
-I continued to read in my bible and found such a lovely explanation of repentance! I can't explain this better, all I can do is relate it to my own life. Instead of letting sin conquer my life, I think I will let the Lord conquer me. I feel I will have the better end of the deal by allowing his love and control over my life then taking matters into my own hands.