Missing the web

This is my first time online in two days!  I have been feverishly working on two projects.  One is getting my house back together from Thanksgiving.  I had been following a routine on housework, thanks to Flylady, and seem to have fallen off the truck.  I’ve also been trying to become an organized person, so that has suffered as well.  My second project has been trying to complete a digital scrapbook, or Storybook, for Zach and Brian.  I want to give it to them for Christmas, and have an ordering deadline.  Since Zach won championship this year,(x 2),  I’m trying to document this past year of racing.  But of course, I want it to be perfect…

What else is going on?  Caught the last part of dancing with the stars last night, and felt bad for Mel.  I thought she did very well at all different types of dance.  Helio was great too, and I didn’t vote, so I can’t complain.  Plus, being an Indy person, the mirror ball trophy will look nice next to his 500 trophies.  I also caught up, thanks to Tivo, on Grey’s Anatomy.  I really liked last week’s episode, it was a gripping, edge of your seat episode.  I can’t think of anything that was offensive either!  Other than that, it is status quo around here. 

“Moore” Monday

I believe Beth Moore can teach a lot about prayer.  I’ve read her “Power of a Praying Wife, Mom, and Woman” books, and adapted some of the prayers into my everyday prayer life. So sorry, that would be Stormie O’Martian!  The stress of Thanksgiving has me confused still!  If you haven’t read any of Stormie’s books, I highly recommend them to anyone.  Now, back to Beth Moore, whom I have read a few books, and done some of her bible studies, including Believing God.  Please visit her website at Living Proof to see what she has to offer.  I  have 2 devotionals from her.  Praying God’s Word Day by Day, A year of Devotional Prayer, is so powerful, and speaks to me so often in times of need.  No matter what day it is, the daily devo is awesome.  I know that I’ve shared some in the past, and I have another one today. 

NONE OF US CONSISTENTLY GLORIFY GOD IN EVERYTHING WE SAY AND DO,

 BUT WE CAN STILL EXPERIENCE GENUINE LIBERATION IN CHRIST

You, the Lord my God, are my sun and shield;  You, Lord, bestow favor and honor; no good thing do You withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Ps. 84:11).

Lord, I can’t claim a blameless walk, but I ask You to please empower me to walk with You faithfully and to never cease pursuing it.  Help me, Lord, to hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for You who promised are faithful (Heb. 10:23).

If I do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if I spend myself in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then light will rise in the darkness, and my night will become like noonday (Isa. 58:9-10).

That just put me in my place.  Empower me Lord, to do Your will, and profess Your name.  To stand by You, as You faithfully stand for all of us.  May my words honor and edify You, may my actions bring You glory.  Thank You Lord, that You faithfully love me and guide me, even when I fall short.  Thank You, for the gift of Your Son, and the salvation He brought.  Thank You for your grace, that I can be saved by faith through Your grace.  Thank You for carrying me when I succumb to the pressures, doubts and fears.  I have been blessed! 

Stranded

Today I felt so small and inadequate.  It was the worst feeling.  As Brooke, Matthew and I were leaving for church this morning, the car was  slow to start.  I thought at that time that I needed to get a new battery, so we wouldn’t be stranded.  Helpless.  And then it happened.  We came out of church, and were talking to Matthew about his class, and as I turned the key we heard nothing but a click. In that instant, it is amazing how many thoughts can run through your mind.  Matthew was telling me I needed to look under the hood, and Brooke was starving and concerned about getting Arby’s for lunch.  Brian and Zach were gone, so I knew I couldn’t call them.  Luckily, we were at church, and lots of people wanted to help.  Two guys went into the church barn and looked for some jumper cables, with no success.  One of them said he would run and buy some, and his wife offered that they would drive us home.  I ended up callng my father in law, he came, and within minutes we were running.  (Straight to the auto parts store!)  I don’t ever want to be in that position ever again.  Not only did I buy a new battery, but also a battery charger.  I guess it’s like jumper cables but you don’t have to hook up to another battery.  Self sufficient!  That’s what I like. 

Sunday Scripture 4

1 Corinthians 1;5 – 9

For in him you have been enriched in evry way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.  Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.   He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

 

Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, and basically calling on them to be holy, and put their spiritual gifts to good use.  He called for them to change their attitude.  I find that I need Paul to remind me of this as well.  Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in the mud, and spin your wheels, than to change your attitude and put your faith in God.  I encourage you to write this down, or make it your memory verse for the week.  Our God is faithful, and he saved us through his sacrifice of his only son. 

For more Sunday Scripture, please visit Amy at www.sabennett.com/wp/. 

Give Thanks To The Lord

Psalm 105:1 -45 

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;  tell of all his wonderful acts.

Glory in his holy name’  let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he pronounced.

O descendants of Abraham his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the Lord our God;  his judgements are in all the earth.

He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations,

the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.

He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant. 

“To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.”

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation

to nation, from one kingdom to another.

He allowed no one to oppress them;  for their sake he rebuked kings. 

Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.

He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food;

and he sent a man before them- Joseph sold as a slave. 

They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons,

till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true.

The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free.

He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his

princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.

Then Israel entered Egypt;  Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham.

The Lord made his people very fruitful;  he made them too numerous for their foes,

whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants. 

He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.

They performed his miraculous signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham.

he sent darkness and made the land dark- for had they not rebelled against his words?

He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. 

Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. 

He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country.

He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land;

he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country.

He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number,

they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil.

Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood.

He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered.

Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. 

He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night.

They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 

He opened the rock, and water gushed out;  like a river it flowed in the desert.

For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.

He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy,

he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for-

that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws.

Praise the Lord.

We must seek Him daily, with earnest, and with all our hearts.  Otherwise we will experience spiritual weakness, and that leaves an opening for satan to slither in.  Ask and expect great things from God, and He will show you his grace and power as you see His presence daily. 

 

Black Friday

We awoke, we froze, we ran, we watched them hand out the last right in front of our eyes, we were sad, we moved on, found some small things, drove somewhere else, stood in line for an hour and 40 minutes, (this time in the warmth of a store,) and we concquered!  I’ve been toast the rest of the day!  That pretty much sums it up….

This is one of the craziest things I have ever started, but I continue to do it.  Early in the week, I was excited, and looking forward to shopping.  Last night, after cooking all day, it was not top on my list.  I was looking at the ads and making my plan around 1 am.  Luckily, I had only one big ticket item for all 3 kids, and two stores had them on sale that were close in proximity to each other.  One opened at 6, the other at 7.  I thought it would work.  I believed.  And it did! 

I shared this honored tradition this year with my daughter.  Her first time to do Black Friday, I woke her up at 4:30 am.  She popped right up!  Why won’t she do that for school when she gets 2 more hours of sleep?!  Anyway, we stood in line outside of Target for 1 hour and 12 minutes.  Did I say that it was 28 degrees?  Yeah, a bit cold.  Actually, I swear my feet were frostbitten, because they hurt so badly.  When they finally opened the door and we had to run, I wasn’t sure I could.  But Brooke drug me!  She was great!  The fave part of that store is the warm Venti Chai Latte from Starbucks.  Yes, Venti.  It was so good!  We only made it to 3 stores, but it was very productive.  I want to say kudos to my friend Tiffany, because she was the ultimate power shopper.  She was out yesterday morning, and today as well.  Go Tiff! 

We came home and I took a nap.  Then Brian and Zach left for the woods again, and I had a funny thought.  I always make fun of them for getting up at 5 am to go and sit out in the woods…………..but I got up at 4 am to stand in line outside of Target to get a bargain………when they go, they wear wool socks, thermal underwear, and insulated clothing and coveralls…………I had jeans, T shirt, tennis shoes, and a coat………mental note to self-Don’t make fun of them again! 

Plans for tomorrow- My mom and dad are going to Red Lobster to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  They asked us to come, but I’m so tired, and have some dishes to finish up, and Brooke is really wanting to get the Christmas stuff our.  I don’t know yet what we’ll do, because I want to see them.  I guess tomorrow is today now, so I should sum it up.  I had fun with my baby girl today, and she is growing up so quickly.  She amazes me!  It’s something we don’t get to share a lot because she’s so busy with dance.  I’m trying so much to instill a strong faith in my children, and pray they seek the Lord with all their might.  They are all such a blessing to me, and I feel the weight to teach them these things.  It seems that Thanksgiving and Christmas are difficult times for my husband, and I just pray fervently that his heart will be open to receiving Christ.  That we can share the power of the Holy Spirit in our family, and praise God for everything.  Blessings to you all!

I did it!

Now that I’ve eaten, I can tell you all about my Thanksgiving.  We chose to start our own family tradition, and stay home.  My parents were both great about it, and very understanding.  My dh didn’t tell his parents until the last minute, so there were some hard feelings, I think.  I really hate that! 

I’m sort of a holiday perfectionist.  I want everything to BE perfect.  Of course, that only sets me up for disappointment.  I should know that by now.  But the day started off good.  I slept in, and then was able to watch about half of the parade before I started cooking.  I had helpers in the kitchen, and that was fun.  I had to let go of the control, and let them do their own thing.  Brooke made a wonderful pumpkin, chocolate cheesecake, and a different tasting banana salad.  Zach made a yummy pumpkin pie dip, and we ate that with shortbread cookies.  I had made deviled eggs the night before, so I started the green beans with ham, and the potatoes.  I put the mashed potatoes in the crock pot on warm for the rest of the day, and that was so easy.  I put together my grandma’s dressing, so it was ready to go in when the turkey came out.  Zach and I tackled the turkey into a roasting pan, and removed the “contents of the bag”.  I’ve never cooked a whole turkey before, so I had several different recipes that I was following, and sort of made a combination all on my own.  I patted it dry, stuck my hand between the skin of the breast, and then put butter in that space.  I then rubbed it down with olive oil, and added rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.  I put stalks of turkey under the turkey, several around it, and a few stalks inside it.  I also cut up two large onions in chunks, carrots, and whole heads of garlic.  I place those around the turkey as well.  I stuck a few inside the cavity, with more rosemary and thyme.  I began the roasting at 425 degrees for 35 minutes, until the skin was a golden brown.  Then I lowered the temp to 350, and loosely placed foil over the the turkey.  I cooked it for about 3 more hours, and when the temp was perfect, removed it to rest.  I then started the dressing, and sweet potato casserole.  The noodles and gravy were started then as well.  Everything was done about an hour after it was supposed to be, so we were all very hungry.  And it was all very good.  I’m pretty sure that my grandma does something very secretive with her dressing though, because I have made it twice now, and it doesn’t even compare. 

For my tablescape, I went outside and collected some pretty red, yellow, and brown leaves.  We put the gold tablecloth on the table, and a pretty autumn cloth napkin in the center of the table.  I placed the leaves on that, and put a votive on each corner.  The turkey platter went over the leaves, and at each end of the platter was a small clementine.  (To look like a pumpkin…)  Yeah, so I’m crazy. 

We ate off of the china, and drank our iced tea from crystal goblets.  It was a very formal affair!  Oh, and I almost forgot the bags.  On each plate there was a small bag tied with a gold ribbon.  Inside were 5 kernels of corn, and beside the plate was the Legend of the Five Kernels, typed on cardstock.  I found that idea on the web, and the kids really liked it.  I’ll do it again next year. 

Everyone helped clear the table, and I had to HANDWASH the china (really didn’t think that one through!).  Along with the homemade desserts, we had a pumpkin pie and pecan pie.  Boy were we stuffed!  Aside from Zach and I both having a meltdown simultaneously, and sitting in the middle of the floor crying, I think it all went well.  Did I mention that Matthew spilled his iced tea two different times?  Once it went on the tablecloth and Zach’s legs, and the other time just the tablecloth again.  But it’s just a tablecloth, and it can be washed.  I didn’t freak out about it, and he was so cute wanting to clink glasses with Zach. 
By the grace of God, we started a new family tradition, and it was good.  Many thanks were given.  And then we went to bed.  Because that’s a lot of work!

Turkey

 I have spent some time reading the FAQ and the forums, and see that I am not the only one encountering problems uploading my pictures.  I found a few tips , and will now try them out.  I so want you to see my turkey! 

)  Wow…lots of work, blood, sweat and tears later.  I can see them, and sure hope you can too.  Just looking at the pictures has made me very hungry.  Please excuse me while I go eat some left overs! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been trying for a few hours now to upload some food photos, and I have come to the conclusion that I am computer illiterate.  The only thing that I can accomplish is uploading the full photo.  It seems everyone who wants to do that on purpose, has trouble with only a thumbnail coming up.  I’ve tried, but now I need sleep.  In less than 4 hours I’ll be out in the cold for Black Friday.  Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I’ll try to figure out the uploading stuff later today, and let you know how my first turkey was! 

Inspiration

I just wanted to share a quick devotion from Beth Moore’s Praying God’s Word Day by Day.  This one is from last week, on the 14th of November. 

BELIEVE EVEN WHEN YOU DO NOT FEEL.  KNOW EVEN WHEN YOU DO NOT SEE. 

HE GAVE THE LIFE OF HIS SON TO DEMONSTRATE HIS LOVE.

BELIEVE!

Lord God, Your Word says that You love the just and will not forsake Your faithful ones.  They will be protected forever (Psalm 37:28). My justification is found in Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:30).  He is faithful even when I am not (2 Tim 2:13).  Thank you, Father, that I can be absolutely sure You will never leave me or forsake me, because I am in Jesus (Heb. 13:5).  O God, how I THANK YOU that a lack of faith will never nullify Your faithfulness (Rom. 3:3).  You will remain faithful, for You cannot disown Yourself (2Tim 2:13).  Lord, help me to know that I belong to the truth, and set my heart at rest in Your presence (1 John 3:19). 

He is faithful, I am free and my heart is at rest, because of Him!  Thank You Lord! 

 

Sunday Scripture 3

Today I chose Psalm 126:3
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
It’s very simple, and a great reminder. We do have so much to be thankful for, and it all starts with God. I just pray that in this week of Thanksgiving, you remember why you have what you do. Try not to focus on the things, and put your focus instead on God. Without Him, we have nothing!

Jesus Painting

My little Matthew is fighting a cold, so we have been snuggling and surfing Godtube.  We came across this one, and I was moved to tears, and still have chills.  The artist is amazing, and the video with the music and art combined is so powerful!  I had to share it with you.  A few years ago my church had a Christmas tea, and we saw a young girl drawing in pastels to a song.  When she finished, she turned the picture upside down, and it was Jesus wearing a crown of thorns.  It was great!   I think it’s hanging in our youth center. 

So sit back and relax for the next 10 minutes and watch this beautiful video. 

<embed src=”http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf” FlashVars=”viewkey=ff56e049d61da730b3e1″ wmode=”transparent” quality=”high” width=”330″ height=”270″ name=”godtube” align=”middle” allowScriptAccess=”sameDomain” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer” /></embed>

OK, I don’t know what I’m doing.  It keeps embedding the last video that we watched, which is also very good and powerful.  Watch it, then head over to godtube and look for Jesus Painting.  You will be moved. 

Sunday Scripture 2

This is my second Sunday Scripture post, following after Amy.   Please check out her scripture as well!

I started this post a couple of hours ago, and a lot has changed since then.  Sometimes it seems like the walls are falling down around me, but God brought me back to this.  It is found in Philippians, and the lead in to these verses is Imitating Christ’s Humility.  Verfses 2 and 3 are my favorite, but I’ll lead you in with verse 1.  So Philippians 2:1-3 says this. 

1.  If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  3.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 

To be humble means that we are conscious of our weaknesses and are quick to give credit to God and others for what we accomplish.  We are dependent on God, we NEED God, because we are sinful by nature, and we can do nothing without the help of God.  And sometimes other people can help us when they are humble.  The bible has a God-centered view, and we need to have that view also. 

Ok, I have to go on and finish this.  Philippians 2:4-11Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.  6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!  9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

So let’s dissect that a little, because it is so good.  Jesus is our example, and we should put others first.  That’s what He did for us, isn’t it?  Our attitude should be the same.  Jesus was so humble that He left glory in heaven and made himself nothing, a servant, and was obedient to death for the sake of others.  For the sake of us, you and me.  He was made fully human, and had all the humanly temptations that we have, yet remained sinless.  He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!  For you and me.  He came to serve us, and He came to sacrifice for us.  I know I need to be more Christ like, and adjust my attitude to put others first, and be humble to the point of a servant.  I pray that God will lead me in this journey, and show me the way. 

Prayer Request

I have been remiss.  My dad called me Wednesday morning to ask me to get all my friends to pray for 2 couples.  I did talk to them, and we have been praying.  What I forgot was all of you.  So now I am bringing you in on it.  The first couple is Kent and Kayla.  They are a beautiful christian couple who are unable to have children.  They decided to adopt, because they just want to bring a child up in christian love.  The first time fell through, for the reason I can’t remember right now.  They were matched with another birth mom, and she chose them to love her child.  It has all been going smoothly.   With the due date approaching quickly, they had decorated the room, and some people had given them clothing.  Kayla had not wanted the church to have a baby shower for them, just in case something happened and it didn’t go through.  On Sunday at church they were both so excited, stating only 1 week and 2 days left before the baby was here.  Two days later the birth mom called them to say that she had changed her mind.  Kent told my dad that they had a lot of crying, but also a lot of praying.  They felt like God knew more than they did, and He was stopping something that just wasn’t right for them.  I am in awe of them and their faith.  They know who is going to carry them through this.  I have no doubt about that.  I just ask that you would pray that God will continue to bless them with strength, especially as it gets closer to the delivery date that they have been so looking forward to.  I ask that God will fill them with peace and joy, and provide for their needs.  That they will feel Him working in their lives, and seek Him even more.  Please pray for this couple as it touches your heart. 

The next loving christian couple are Lance and Jenny.  Lance was in a business situation that was not good for him, so he got out of it.  Now he is looking for a job.  They were a smart young couple, and have put back some money in savings, so he can take a short while to find something.  That is not the concern.  They are both under a great deal of stress, and I just pray that they let God take control and pull that stress away.  They have started praying together, and are finding that is helping tremendously.  I pray that their marriage and faith will continue to grow stronger, as they allow God to work in their lives. 

These couples are members of my parents’ church, and have a great network of people there to pray, but prayer is so powerful!  It is such a simple thing for us to do, and can bring such great blessings.  I have felt the peace that prayer can bring to you in the midst of a struggle.  He wants to help us.  Christ died for us, to save us.  Talk to Him continually. 

As I said, the power of prayer is beautiful.  I believe in His favor, mercy, love, grace, and healing.  I will pray for you if you need it, so just ask.  I am now a prayer team member of Christian Women Online because of this.   Visit their prayer room sometime, or join the team too.  God Bless You! 

Thursday Thanks

Sometimes it’s hard to get up and out of the mire of daily life and hassles, but when you focus on being thankful, your whole outlook changes.  I learned this valuable lesson from Pam over at Without Fear. So Pam, I love your blog because it inspires me! 

Here’s what I am thankful for right now…

1.  Praise be to God, and his grace, mercy and love for me.  I don’t always feel worthy, but He says I am! 

2.  My warm and cozy home that protects me from the elements.  I pray for those people who are out on the streets without a place to call home. 

3.  My family is healthy.  That is a big one, because we have all kinds of bad things going around in the school system right now. 

4.  The chance to touch others’ lives with prayer, because it is such a simple thing for me to do, but it has a tremendous impact.

5.  My friends and family, because I know they are praying for me. 

6.  My husband, because I know in my heart that God placed us in the same location for a reason.  We are meant to be together, and in his own way, he makes me strive to be a better person.  I love him.

7.  Fall is my favorite season.  The spring and summer were so dry here, and I wondered what that would do to the fall colors.  Well, God has taken out his paint and brushes, and the canvas before me is a glorious display of red, yellow, golden, and orange.  I love it because everywhere I look I can see God!

8.  The whole daylight savings time is something that this Indiana girl is just not used to, and frankly I struggle with it for about 3 months.  So I really thought about this one.  I am thankful for the time change because I can see the sunrise on my way home from dropping my dd off at school.  We started the school year off by sharing the sunrise together, and then had a few weeks where it was dark when we left our house.  Now we can share the splendor of the sky together again. 

9.  My recent motivation to take control of the clutter and get organized is still here.  I am sticking with it, and seeing results.  My kitchen sink is shining Flylady! 

10.  Last, but not least, I am thankful for the wonderful women who minister to me from their blogs.  We may never meet one another in person, but I consider you all my friends. 

If you’re inspired to follow suit with a Thursday Thanks Tank, grab the button and go see Pam to let her know. 

Praying God’s Word 2

Another great devotional from Beth Moore from last week that is still lingering in my heart.  I just thought I’d share it. 

WE WERE CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF GIVING CHRIST’S INVISIBLE CHARACTER A GLIMPSE OF VISIBILITY.

Lord, many have run this difficult race faithfully.  I want to be among them. 

Therefore, since I am surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

help me throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and help me run with perseverance the race marked out for me.

Help me to fix my eyes on You, Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith,

who for the joy set before You endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1-2).

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will you, My God, rejoice over me at Your appearing (Isa. 62:5).

FYI on FBI

I have a late night confession for you.  I have seen people wearing shirts with FBI emblazoned on the back and wondered what it meant.  I knew it was not the Federal Bureau of Investigations, but couldn’t quite figure it out until this weekend.  I was shopping at our local christian book store and spotted a card with FBI on the front.  It stands for Firm Believer In Christ.  I’ll share with you what the card says, because I love it so much.  This is on the off chance that one of you out there is as slow as I am in picking up on some of these things! 

The decision has been made, the die has been cast, and I have stepped over the line.  As a disciple of Christ, I will no longer look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.  My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.  I’m finished with low living, sight walking, worldly talking, cheap giving, and tamed visions.  I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, power or popularity.  I don’t have to be right, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.  I now live by faith, walk in VICTORY, and labor in love.  The road before me is narrow and rough, but His commission is undeniable, thus my mission is clear.  I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.  I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have prayed up, praised up, paid up, and spoke up for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am a Christian, an Unashamed Firm Believer In Christ! 

Wow!  Let’s all go out with that attitude tomorrow! 

Sunday Scripture

I am participating in Amy’s Sunday Scripture.

I have a journal beside my bed that contains pages of my favorite verses of scripture.  This is one of them. 

Be joyful in hope, patient in suffering, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12

It just reminds me to always, always cling to God, through the good and bad, because He is always there for me.