God's Word: His Message to You

March 24, 2014 · God's Word; His Message to You It's 3:20 (my time) but there's still time for you to see what message God has for you, today. Run your fingers over your Bible and open it and see what you might find! :). I did that today, because I've been busy with Spring cleaning. I turned to Romans chapter 4, and in there I have this section underlined: Without becoming weak in faith he (Abraham) contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:19-22 NASB) Do you know that the only way you will be strengthened in your faith is to see God work? Do you know that the only way you will see God work is to ask him in prayer, to do the impossible things, the big changes in you and others, and the little things? These things add up, into a life of faithfulness TO God and faith IN God. In 2007, as I struggled with wanting to have more children but not being able to, I asked God to take away the desire for children since it was impossible for us to have more. When you pray, you also have to sit quietly to hear God's answers. I sat quietly and God told me that he would not take away that desire because we would have another child. This was impossible at the time. We thought the army didn't do reversals. We had obligations to pay debt, not save money for a reversal. I didn't really believe God, but I stepped out in faith and do you know what I did? I cultivated further, my love for my own children. I asked God everyday to reveal to me what the next step was, and often it was to wait and to keep having faith. I wrote in my journal everyday; never giving up on God. I cried. We paid off debt. God gave me promises in his word, including the one in Romans above, and Luke 1:45, and Isaiah 30:18, which I meditated on. As the years went by, having a baby became an idol. God corrected me and I learned to love God more than anything else, even a baby. Once this happened, the doors opened for a reversal and then more waiting happened. It was a sweet time for James and I. We became a little closer as we waited for God, we started to communicate and forgive a little better. I learned to keep loving God with all my heart and soul and mind. And then God answered my prayer, after 4 1/2 years, and we were going to have another baby, only to lose it through miscarriage. We did not know if it would take a long time to get pregnant again, or if we even would. I wondered if that was the baby God had promised me. I learned very quickly that God wanted me to see that He is the promise keeper but his promises are on his terms, not mine. I am to have faith, and be faithful to Him. He showed me that He definitely has the power to fulfill his promises, but he also has the power to give and take away, and he wanted to see if I would still praise him in the hard times....if I would still believe that he is good. And then the next month we were pregnant with Quintin and finally, after five years, we got to hold a new baby! :) God is good and he gives us his word, as his message to us. Please don't take it casually. He speaks through his word and through the quiet moments you spend with him. He hears you. He answers you. He longs for you to place your life, your dreams, and your desires in his hands. If you haven't read his word today, there's still time. ;). There's still time to pray and ask him for the things you need and want. The only way you will have a story to write like the example I've given when I saw Romans 4, is to ask and see God work. Let God write your story! <3 http://youtu.be/ecV1NHmELuA

The Gospel in LOST

The Gospel in LOST?. May 13, 2014 at 11:52am We recently watched all six seasons of Lost. If you haven't watched this tv show, in our opinion, you are really missing out; it's one of our favorites. There are several scenes that are not appropriate for children, but all in all, there is much spiritual application, which I think about often. This was our second time watching all six seasons, and when you watch it the second time, it's very easy to understand. Since you aren't wasting mental energy trying to understand it, the second time, you are able to see more symbolism and meaning, that you didn't see the first time. My favorite character is Jack, the doctor, who exudes manliness, bravery, and a gentle, caring, spirit, which gets him into trouble quite often, because he either overthinks things, or he underthinks things. His character is much like a lot of our lives, where we are seeking a balance. He is sacrificial, though, which makes him irresistable. He also doesn't show his feelings very much, so he gets passed over a lot. When he does give you a glimpse into his heart, mind, or feelings, it is a special treat, because you go through the whole show just wishing you could understand him. I think a lot of men are this way, and that's why he is my favorite. When I think of Jack I always think of this verse in the Bible : "A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man (or woman) of understanding draws it out. (Proverbs 20:5 NASB). Fortunately, for Jack, a woman named Kate, slowly and patiently seeks to draw him out. He's frustrating and easy to misunderstand, but her forbearance and "don't quit" attitude eventually pays off! When I think of Jack and Kate, I am reminded to never give up. There were times when Kate wanted to give up, thought Jack was crazy, acted in jealousy, or was just flustered, but she never gave up. Jack easily gets frustrated, depressed, and remorseful, and you can see him inwardly almost quit, many times. However, he just takes the next step, does the next good thing, and accepts what God puts in front of him. This "frustrated-leader-trying-to-be-tender" is so endearing, that you can't help but love him, and neither could Kate. I love Miles, who is sarcastic, practical, hilarious, and takes one thing at a time, doing what seems best at the moment. You just never know what he's going to do next, which side he will be on, or who he will agree with, but his care-free attitude is a lesson for us all. He never worries, or seems to care about his circumstances. He's happy enjoying the moment, not caring about "getting off the island", but finding joy in the little things. If he was a Christian, his life verse would be 1 Peter 5:8 "Cast all your anxiety on God, because he cares for you." Despite his apparent disregard for his "so called (by other people), plight", nothing bad ever really happens to him. He's also humble about his supernatural power, and learns to use his power for the good of others, and not just his selfish gain. I actually came to love Benjamin Linus. Through the whole show he is a liar, manipulator, deceiver, and power-seeker, but you can't help but feel sorry for him. In the end, it's hard for him to forgive himself, and accept forgiveness, have some grace for himself and accept grace from others. And if you were to only watch the last episode in season 6, you'd be left to believe that that's how he ended his life, but it's not. He follows through with "his new life" if you watch the five minute clip titled "New Man in Charge", available on the DVDs. He finally accepts his past, forgiveness from others and the grace freely extended to him. If he were a real person his life verses would be: "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."(Romans 8:1 NASB) and "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB). I was most hit by the character of Hugo Reyes. From episode one, to the end of season six, he is generally the one seen as "worthless", "just there", "always in trouble", or "always teased". He is overweight, hardly athletic, incredibly insecure, and usually fearful. He is what I like to call "the least of them". He is weak, a little passive, and very unsure of himself. His mental state is hardly stable. But within these character traits, I believe lies the secret and wonder, of Lost. If you want to know what Lost is all about, it is through the character of Hugo. His love and care for others, is a huge lesson for us all. He may not be mentally stable, but he understands everyone, even Jack. He has empathy for even Ben. He finds the good in everyone....the good in every circumstance. For these reasons, and for what Hugo eventually becomes, lies my love for Lost. Ultimately, we ARE ALL ON THIS EARTH, for the very reason that Hugo was on that island. Hugo was the least of those on the island...least likely to succeed, lead, make something of himself, etc. Hugo was the weakest physically, mentally, and emotionally. Hugo went from the least to the greatest, the weakest to the strongest, and from the last to the first. Jack is basically the FIRST person you see on Lost, but he becomes the LAST sacrifice. Jack is the LAST one to understand the sideways flashes (his "meant to be" life)! The one who was always the leader (Jack), becomes the one who gives his life as a sacrifice for others. HE BECAME THE LOWEST BY HIS OWN CHOICE. Hugo is one of the FIRST to understand the sideways flashes, he becomes the most important person on the island and he chooses Ben to be at his right hand. Ben. Of all people. Hugo's love, care, weakness, and "last ness" made him the greatest, the first, the best character of the entire show. I don't know if the writers meant to apply biblical truth, but they did. They could have written the entire show off of these verses: "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." (Matthew 19:30 NASB) "I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28 NASB) "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4 NASB) "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 NASB) This is proof that God uses even things of this world, to show His Glory. Lost will always be my favorite tv show. We are all Lost at one point in life, but not all of us will be found, or will find our way. For God's word is always true. His Word says: "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10 NASB) All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:6 NASB) For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:14 NASB) The gospel can be found in many places; even in the most unlikely of places. One of those unlikely places, is in this tv show. You must have the eyes of your heart, open. You must be willing to see things from a different perspective. You must be willing to dig deep. God puts the gospel where you can find it, but you must be willing to look....willing to see. God even uses the ungodly to spread his Word, and his glory, even when they have no idea that they are doing it. This is because, whether you like it or not, God is sovereign. God is in control. God's purposes and desires stand. One of his desires, is that you come to him with your heart and with your burdens, and give him your life. God desires to save you, so that you can finally have joy, and find what you're looking for. Your sin has brought you pain, regret, and unfulfilled desires that only God can meet. You must trust Christ with your life, giving him your sin, and turning away from it. You need to ask him for forgiveness, confess your sins, and turn to Him. Accept the sacrifice of his life, for yours. Believe on The Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Once you are saved, you can begin living a life of obedience, as Christ helps you and strengthens you. You can't do anything in your own power. You are just like Hugo Reyes, in one way or another...weak, insecure, passive, and unstable. You can be like Miles, who had joy in all circumstances. You can be strengthened by the joy of your salvation, if you will just choose Christ. Christ will use your sin, your failures, yours fears, and your weaknesses, to make you great in His Kingdom....and not the greatness, you always see as great...but greatness like that of Hugo's. Hugo was great because he could forgive. Hugo was great because he loved unconditionally. Hugo was great because he focused on the good in people. Hugo was great because he was empowered by something he couldn't generate himself. Hugo was great because he relied on other people, made friends, was loyal, and committed. Yes, any of us can do these things on our own, but can we do them well? Can we do them as well as we could if we were empowered by the Holy Spirit? No. Hugo was ultimately great because he was humble. When we admit our sins, confess them to God and to people, we become humble and we submit to the authority of God in our life. The book of Proverbs always rings true and it says in Proverbs 22:4 that the rewards of humility and the fear of The Lord, is riches and honor and life. Choose humility. Choose to fear God and put yourself under his authority. Choose life!

Day 4 of Thanksgiving ~ Thankful for 'Maids'

Thankful for 'Maids' Proverbs 31: 13-15 I'm probably not the first woman to read Proverbs 31 and say, "Well, she had servants and that's how she got all that work done". It's true that many biblical women had maid-servants and the woman portrayed in Proverbs 31 was of high social position, but what many people might not realize, is that Proverbs 31 may be describing more than one woman. The Life Application Bible states "that she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood". None of us can do everything listed in Proverbs 31. For instance, I enjoy writing and organizing (two things not directly stated in Proverbs 31), but I am not a good seamstress, nor can I knit. I think a good premise to stand on, is the belief that we become Proverbs 31 women, when we do the best we can with our time, talents, and the gifts that God gives us. The verses I want to take a look at seem very ordinary, but if you stop to put a modern spin on them, you will see that you work just as hard as she does and you have a lot to be thankful for. Here is a very small portion of Proverbs 31 to look at: "She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens." (Proverbs 31:13-15 NASB) Have you ever been clothes shopping with your children? It's insane. Just as this woman looked for wool and flax to make yarn with, we get everyone ready to go (just this in itself can be crazy), get through traffic, change a diaper, nurse an infant, head into the store, try to find stuff on sale (that's never on sale, on the day that you're there), find the correct sizes, deal with boys hiding in clothes racks and groaning in the bra section, take the potty-training toddler to the bathroom where he is afraid of the toilet and won't pee, wish your oldest child was old enough to babysit as you look longingly at the shoe and handbag racks but pass them as quickly as possible to avoid temptation, checkout and usually spend more than you wanted to (but your heart was good and in the right place; it just didn't work out), head home completely exhausted, and realize that what used to be fun is seriously A LOT of work, now! But if you think about it, we have modern-day servants (called vehicles, shopping carts, and conveyor belts) that make shopping much easier than in biblical times when they went to the market on a daily basis. This woman worked with her hands in delight. I love that phrase. It's one of my favorites in Proverbs 31. Do you do your laundry, dishes, and chores with delight? Because just like those women had maidservants in biblical times, so do we. They are called the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, vacuum, etc. They make our lives easier. So while we may not have household servants making the workload easier, these modern day appliances are essentially, "extra hands", that we need to be thankful for. I don't always take delight in my household chores. I'm usually worried about the next thing that needs done. I'm writing this for myself, as much as anyone else. I want to work with my hands in delight, just like she did. This lady was compared to a ship who brought her food from afar. I definitely feel like I'm in a ship when I go grocery shopping. It is an all day affair for us, and then we usually have to do schoolwork along the way, and when we get home. It's another day that makes me exhausted but I'm thankful again that I have a vehicle that's big enough to enable me to only have to shop every two weeks. We have a refrigerator, as well, that enables us to go longer between shopping, than the Proverbs 31 lady, could. She rises while it is still night and prepares food for her household. If Proverbs 31 is about one woman, I doubt she had an infant that kept her up during the night, and if she did, most biblical women of high social status had nursemaids, which actually breastfed the babies. When I don't have a nursing baby I do get up while it's still night, and make breakfast, and pack lunches. Not all of us can do that, but I think in the heart of every woman is the desire to do so. Our motive and heart's desire is what God sees; not if we sleep while the toddler (who is normally up at 6am) and the infant sleep a little later than usual. The point of that statement in verse 15, I think, is that we not be lazy, but instead work diligently to provide for our household. We can thank God for the seasons when we are up a lot during the night, with babies. We can thank him for ANY sleep we do get, during these seasons. We can thank God and bless his name when we don't have any babies, we sleep more during the night, and we are able to get up earlier. How my heart longs for the days when I can return to my early mornings, again. I miss that time with my husband and with the Lord. The last sentence in verse 15 states that the Proverbs 31 woman gives portions to her maidens. We don't have any maidservants. Some of us have daughters but I would hate for you to view any of your children in this light. Children should help around the house; they are a vital part of any household that functions well, but never should they be seen as your servant. How can we view this last portion of the verse, in a modern yet biblical way, then? I'll tell you how I view it. You remember that our vehicle, our appliances, and our modern inventions are essentially 'extra hands'? They are almost like maids, for us. Thus, I think that providing care and stewardship for them, should be a part of any modern-day Proverbs 31 woman. We are called to steward all gifts from God wisely. We need to treat these gifts as if we are thankful for them. We can keep them clean, sparkling, and in good working order. We can budget for oil changes, car washes, filters, etc. We can teach our children to care about things and not destroy them. This, if anything, grows gratitude in children, for property of their own and others. I need some help in this area. I see going to the car wash as "driving in the rain"! If something has wheels or a motor, or both, I will find a way to ruin it. Thankfully, (and I am seriously thankful) I met and married an engine mechanic who can fix literally anything! :) At least God knows I am thankful for my husband, and that my motives are pure when it comes to things with motors. He knows I just lack sense. In conclusion, can you begin to see modern inventions comparable to biblical servants? Can you begin to be thankful for these "extra hands"? Nothing fosters this more, than doing without for awhile, which we have done a time or two. If you have never done without, try to imagine what it would be like. Today, let's be grateful for the modern things we take for granted! God bless!

Day 3 of Thanksgiving ~ Thanksgiving during the Night Watches

Thanksgiving during the Night Watches Psalm 119: 62,148 If you are a mom (especially a young mom), or you have trouble sleeping, then you know how it feels to be awakened several times during the night. It's easy to become bitter about losing sleep, compare yourself to others who *appear* to have gotten more sleep than you did, and to become accustomed to dreading the night time. With our first three babies, I hated being woken up. I did everything I could to ensure that that baby would sleep through the night, as early as possible. If the baby woke up, I got him or her back to sleep as quickly as possible, and with an aggravated sigh of relief, I went back to bed. This was especially true with the first two. I had started to loosen up with the third baby, but I still did not see being woken up, as a good thing. I'm sure a lot of moms can relate to this. It wasn't until I couldn't have any more babies, that I looked back and regretted my attitude toward night wakings. During the five year period, when we couldn't have any more babies, I came across Psalm 119:148: ("My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word."). I was grieved that I had missed out on the blessings that God may have had for me when our first three babies were little. The word 'anticipate' really stood out to me. I realized my attitude was completely wrong and selfish and that I had never anticipated the time I could have spent with God and my baby, during the night. I could have snuggled my baby, rocked him or her with joy, prayed, read my bible, meditated on scripture, or just enjoyed the smell of my newborn. I felt God speak to me over and over about this verse, until I longed for another chance for a re-do. When we got that chance and little Quintin was born, everything was different. My whole outlook and attitude was different, and so was the baby. If God had not prepared me with that verse, and changed my attitude, I would not have been able to survive the challenges that Quintin brought. The child would not nurse. The child didn't want any bodily contact aside from bare minimum care. I finally found a tiny bottle with a tiny nipple (my friend recommended I look for one). I pumped for weeks, used that tiny bottle, and slowly got Quintin used to being near me by using skin to skin contact a little at a time, at night. He finally started nursing full time at 5-6 weeks (and somehow I never had to give him formula) and he nursed happily for 16 months. No mom wants the added stress of pumping at night (for the next feeding), plus all of the normal sleep deprivation of a newborn, but I did it, and I look back and can honestly say, I handled it with grace and joy. Yes, I complained a little, and yes it was difficult, but I hung in there. I asked people a lot of questions and I learned from the experience. I'm sure someday I will be able to help someone else. When Quintin finally switched to full-time nursing, I was even more grateful than I was before, because I could nurse him at night and not have to get up to pump. I snuggled him, and rocked him, and I loved being up with him. It was the sweetest time of my life. When Isaiah was born, little did I know, I was in for an opposite challenge. He nursed from the time he came out of the womb :), but he wanted to be as close to anyone as he possible could. I can hardly stand co-sleeping, and I've never really supported it. We don't let our kids in our bed. I've always seen our bed as a sanctuary of rest and relaxation, communion and connection. No kids allowed! But Isaiah challenged me on this for the first 12 weeks and now I'm not so judgmental of couples who allow kids in their beds! I slowly transitioned Isaiah into sleeping in his own bed and he loves his bed, now, but he'd happily sleep with me all night if I let him. Those first 12 weeks were so hard, and I did complain, but I also look back and I know I had a different attitude about it. I remember saying, "He just needs time". Last week, I was up with him 5 times one night, due to teething. In the morning he had his new tooth, and I was tired but there was no bitterness towards being woken up. I've come so far! I would like to blame coffee as the culprit of my changed attitude, as I didn't drink coffee with our first three babies, and maybe it has a little to do with it, but I can honestly say that God changed my perspective. Let this verse soak into your spirit, too: "At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You Because of Your righteous ordinances."(Psalms 119:62 NASB) God is Lord of the day, and we clearly and purposefully allow him to be. What I'm suggesting to you, is that you allow him to be Lord of your night, too. When you are up at night, learn to make it a productive time, of prayer and thanksgiving. Let it be a joyful time, where you soak in that all-too-fleeting time with your baby. None of us can do this perfectly and I'm not suggesting that I do. I can say, however, that by taking small steps in the right direction and surrendering this to God, he can slowly change your bad attitudes, into thanksgiving! God bless, and by all means, THANK God for the sleep you do get and COFFEE! <3

Day 2 of Thanksgiving ~ Thanksgiving in Absence

Thanksgiving in Absence 1 Thessalonians 3 Have you ever led someone to the Lord, or heard or seen someone profess Christ, and then within a few months, something happens and they stop going to church, or they are no longer interested in being involved. Worse yet, they go back to their old way of life, or they do something that makes everyone question if they really became a new creation in Christ? I'm not writing this to question their salvation or make a statement like, "Well, that just proves they weren't truly saved in the first place". Read 'When Godly People do Ungodly Things' by Beth Moore, if you are the type of person who has ever made this type of statement. Instead, the question I want to focus on is, "Wasn't it disheartening?" Because truly, what hurts in our hearts the most, is our concern for the person. It's heartbreaking to see people go back to their old ways and to wonder if they didn't receive the proper discipleship, enough prayer, enough encouragement, enough training in spiritual warfare...the list goes on. We can beat ourselves up all day about this issue. There is only so much the church can do for these people; only so much you can do for these people. In fact, it's inevitable that this happens because we are human, and there is only so much of one person to go around. In First Thessalonians, Paul worried that the new believers in Thessalonica, had done exactly what I'm talking about. Back then, the only means of communication was through letter-writing. Paul had no idea how the new believers were doing. They had heard the gospel from Paul and then Paul was chased out of the city. The Thessalonians received no discipleship; only the prayers of Paul, Timothy, and Silas. In verse one, of Chapter 3, Paul couldn't stand the suspense any longer. Paul had to know how they were doing, so he sent young Timothy to check on them. They were doing fine. Have you ever led someone to Christ, or seen or heard of someone professing Christ, and then maybe they move, or you move? You wonder how they are doing. Maybe you worry yourself sick. I know I have. I worry that Satan will come and destroy, or take, anything he can. But then, you hear word of this person, or you see on social media, that the person is blooming and growing, and living each day for Christ. It is the single most wonderful feeling of relief you will ever feel, to know that someone you know and love, is persevering in the faith. I know exactly how Paul felt. Maybe you do, too. In fact, both situations (the good and the bad) have happened to me. In verses 7-9, Paul refers to this feeling of relief over others and knowing that they are standing firm in the faith, as "REALLY LIVING"! Even while Paul had a difficult life (he wrote Thessalonians while in Corinth trying to reason with the Jews - Acts 18: 5-6), he still found so much to be thankful for. The life that others were living became what Paul rejoiced and thanked God for, even while enduring hardship in his own life (Second Corinthians 11). Maybe your own life isn't going so well, either. Is there even one person you know, who is persevering? Is there even one who is walking with God? Is this enough for you? It was enough for Paul. Today, thank God for people you know who are standing firm, especially if you are absent from them. Pray for those ones who aren't doing so well, knowing that your prayers can bear fruit in their life. God bless you!

Day 1 of Thankfulness ~ Thanksgiving in the Muck

Thanksgiving in the Muck Thanksgiving Day 1 Jonah 1-4 One of my favorite books of the Bible is Jonah. This probably seems very odd, but I have tons of journaled notes in my Bible, in the book of Jonah. When I am angry I read it. When I am sad I read it. It's a short book of the Bible and it's simple and entertaining to read. It's easy to understand, too. The reason I love it so much is because I identify with Jonah. I identify with Jonah a little too much, unfortunately. I encourage you to read it; it will only take ten minutes. You might find yourself in Jonah, just like I do. You'll see your own disobedience, your bitterness, your anger, your unforgiving spirit, your rebelliousness, and other negative personality traits, in the person of Jonah. However, I hope that you will also see in Jonah, his teachable spirit, his humility, his repentance, and his thanksgiving. I hope you will be able to see yourself in this light, as well. If you'd like, please read Jonah 1-4, and then join me here, when you're done. Throughout the years, I've learned more than I care to admit from Jonah, but today I want to focus on the thankfulness (or lack thereof) of Jonah. Rather than being thankful for the job God had given Jonah, he rebelled and disobeyed God, and even ran in the opposite direction. Jonah had no heart for the Ninevites and no thankfulness for the privilege of doing God's work in Nineveh. Once he came to his senses, Jonah proclaimed the Word of the Lord to the Ninevites but in reality, his heart really wasn't in it. He was not thankful that God had relented from sending the calamity, once Nineveh repented. Jonah sat outside the city, angry and perturbed, and hot. He was thankful when God provided shade for him to ease his physical discomfort, but God will not relieve spiritual discomfort, when the purpose is discipline. Jonah became angry when the shade was destroyed, not realizing that the shade was an object lesson, meant to teach him something about himself, and others. I encourage you to dig deep into Jonah chapter 4. Discover for yourself the meaning that God may have in it, for YOU. Draw some of your own conclusions, about the ending. I promise you, God will show you something. There are so many points to the book of Jonah that I can't choose just one to emphasize. But, what I do want to emphasize today, is true thankfulness, even in the murky, mucky, messy areas of life. We get to peek into Jonah's life when he is at his lowest point (no pun intended) in Chapter 2. The whole chapter shows his repentance, sorrow, and his thanksgiving (in verse 9). He is so grateful to God that he realizes he must keep his vows. We don't know what they were, but I believe they were vows to serve the Lord. How quickly Jonah went back to his despondency, though, and how like him we are. It's so easy to call upon God in times of trouble, stating all manner of things which we seriously mean, only to forget about them when times are good. Let's be honest and admit that when times are hard and life is messy it's hard to be thankful. It took being swallowed by a fish for Jonah to be thankful. Let's also be honest and admit that when life is good, we get busy, and we forget to be thankful. In order to reconcile these two extremes, we must come to the point where we 'look' for things to be thankful for if times aren't going so well, and we remember the Lord's grace and goodness when times are good, and we don't forget to be thankful then, either. So look around today, no matter where you find yourself, and find one thing to be thankful for! Even Jonah found many things to be thankful for when he found himself in the belly of a fish, surrounded by muck. I think we can, too! <3

Day 30 of Thankfulness ~ My Testimony

Day 30: My Testimony Today is the last day of my Thankful posts. I've had so much fun writing them everyday and sharing my life with you all. I saved a lot of the best things for last, like marriage, my husband, my life. Today, I want to share my testimony, for those who haven't heard it--lots have, but maybe you haven't. It's a simple testimony, nothing flashy, except that it's mine! ;). I was raised in a Christian home, where, until 2000 (when my dad started trucking) my family was altogether, every night, except when my dad was TDY. We went to church every Sunday, and small group on Wednesdays. My mom homeschooled us, and we were quite sheltered, which I am so VERY thankful for. They imparted values into my life, taught me what God's Word says and what it means, and they taught me to apply it to my life. But, growing up that way has some spiritual disadvantages. You think you are a Christian (by this I mean, saved), because "you grew up that way". You tend to become self-righteous, too. You don't mean to do it. It just happens because you learn to "not be of this world in actions, and words, and deeds". You are taught morality, grace, consequences of sin, etc. So, being raised this way, generally, you don't go along with the crowd, sinning, partying, and getting into trouble. You're not perfect, but you're not doing what the other kids are doing either; at least to the level that they are. And so, you grow up being self-righteous. You don't really see your personal sin as "that bad". So while I'm thankful for my upbringing and the instruction I received, I'm also sad to say that I was not saved! God didn't show me this until January of 2002. I had been progressively dealing with a lot of doubts concerning God's Word. Satan planted little seeds in my heart, such as, "Do you really believe that Jonah is a true story?...maybe it's just an allegory". Or, "Do you really believe God created the world?" Satan used my biblical knowledge and my parents' instruction against me. Slowly, I started to doubt small things, until I doubted the big things, too. This went on for years, until 2002. By January of 2002, I'd had enough of the yo-yo Satan had me on. Tired of the uncertainty, I started to give up, and give in, to the inner voice inside me and the voices of my parents, pastors, and friends. One night I decided to look in my concordance for scriptures on doubt. The first one that caught my eye was a strange verse in Romans....so far from the salvation verses used and taught, as "The Romans Road", and John 3:16. There tucked in Romans 14, is the inconspicuous verse 23, "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 ESV)! In that moment, even though Paul wasn't even talking about salvation, but something totally different, I realized I was a sinner, because I lived a life of doubt. I repented, turned to Christ for forgiveness, and never doubted God's Word or truth, again. Today, my spiritual gifting is the gift of Faith. THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT SATAN WANTED! Isn't that amazing, how God does divine reversals? Today, when I'm under what seems like impossible circumstances, impossible people, or my own "impossible-ness", that gift of faith bubbles up. It's always there. Now there may be times that I don't understand God's way, his timing, or his will, and my trust in him may waiver, a volcano of Faith usually takes it's place, and I usually don't stay in that hopelessness, for very long. ;) So, today, I am thankful that even the strangest parts of God's Word, are all used: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)" "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)" So for God's Word, His Grace and His Forgiveness, and for my little testimony, I am SO THANKFUL!!! I leave you with these words from Jesus: John 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth, your Word is Truth"