Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

So, how are you doing on the challenge? Are you rejoicing in the Lord always? Are you thinking on things of TRUTH? Are you thinking on noble things?

I don't know about you, but I feel pretty confident in my determining right from wrong. But, as I was studying on this passage again this week and pondered whether I actually THINK on these things that are "right" I had to wonder. I actually think I probably tend to think about the WRONG more than the right! Ouch! I don't think I ever would have even thought that of myself until I began thinking about what I was supposed to be thinking about for this 4:8 challenge. I think about what I have done wrong, what my kids are doing wrong, how can I fix what is wrong, what is wrong with that person over there, alllll of the wrong things with our world today...and the list goes on!

So, how can we learn to dwell on what is right? How do we stop focusing on the things going wrong around us and place our focus back on the true, noble, right...thus allowing us to dwell on rejoicing in the Lord?

I love this verse, actually a lot of this psalm goes along with the "thinking on these things...right" theme. Wow, these words are just perfect for the 4:8 challenge! The following verses that I have quoted have confirmed something in my heart...God's WORD is what is perfectly RIGHT. When we dwell and meditate on the very words of our Father, He brings us that peace and joy we are lacking. Now, don't get me wrong...I already told you that I have struggled with depression. I am NOT saying that by doing one thing, God will do something good for you. I am not saying that there is a formula to happiness. I am saying that when we dwell on God's word, I believe He enables us to focus on Him and rejoice in Him even though our circumstances may not be worthy of rejoicing over. We may be going through the valley, but when we choose to pick up His word and put our thoughts and focus there, He reminds us that He IS our joy. He IS our strength. He IS our peace. Not all of those other things that steal our joy...yes, they are there and will continue to happen this side of heaven. But, we know that our circumstances are not our true source of joy. Sometimes I need that reminder.

"The precepts of the Lord are RIGHT, giving JOY to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb...may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:8-10, 14

Another favorite passage of mine that has become a prayer in my life (over and over again!) is Psalm 25:4-5, "show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long." Well, this Psalm goes on to say, "He guides the humble in what is RIGHT, and teaches them His way." Ps. 25:9

"For the word of the Lord is RIGHT and TRUE; he is faithful in all he does." Psalm 33:4

"Your statutes are forever RIGHT..." Psalm 119:144

"There is a way that seems RIGHT to man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12 -- if this is not a verse encouraging you to trust in the LORD and not to lean on your own understanding, I don't know what is!

"But even if you should suffer for doing what is RIGHT, you are blessed." 1 Peter 3:14

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

Noble...not a word that is used alot these days. Would you use the word "noble" to describe yourself? to describe your thoughts? Here is what the dictionary says about noble:

1. highborn 2. honorable 3. lofty principles and lofty of mind and spirit 4. a loftiness of character that scorns the petty, mean, base and dishonorable 5. greatness of mind or soul 6. grand, lordly, splendid

So, would you use noble to describe your thoughts now? I'm not so sure! But, that definition gives me plenty to think about in regards to thinking on noble thoughts. Are the things I'm dwelling on honorable?  Grand? Splendid? Not petty...or mean.

Here is some TRUTH on being noble.

"The Lord bless you, my daughter, he replied. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of NOBLE character." Ruth 3:10-11.

"My heart is stirred by a NOBLE theme as I recite my verses for the king..." Psalm 45:1

"A wife of NOBLE character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones."  Proverbs 12:4

"A wife of NOBLE character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies...Her husband has full confidence in her...she brings him good...works with eager hands...like the merchant ships...provides food for her family...sets about her work vigorously...opens her arms to the poor...extends her hands to the needy...she is clothed with strength and dignity...she speaks with wisdom...is not idle...many women do NOBLE things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:10-30.

"But the NOBLE man makes NOBLE plans, and by NOBLE deeds he stands." Isaiah 32:8

"...the seed on good soil stands for those with a NOBLE and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15 from the parable of the sower

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for NOBLE purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for NOBLE purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21

I think these scriptures are very telling! Look at the descriptions and words surrounding the word "noble."

*kindness

* worth more than rubies

*bringing her husband good

*working with eager hands

*providing for her family

*working vigorously

*strength, dignity, wisdom

*fears the Lord

*good heart

*hear the Word

*retain the Word

*persevere

*produce a crop

*made holy

*useful to the Master

*prepared for any good work

Wow. My prayer is that the Lord would be molding me into these noble qualities. Lord, help me to think on these things. Things true, things noble.

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

If we are to be thinking on all things true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy...what are those things? In a world filled with so many untruths...where lies abound, let us focus on TRUTH as much as we are able! I want to fill my mind with the word of God. I want His truth to penetrate the deepest places in my heart that are prone to believe the lies of the enemy. I want His truth to reign in my life.

"Send forth your light and your TRUTH, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." Psalm 43:3

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts, you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." Psalm 51:6

"I have hidden your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart FREE." Psalm 119:30-31

"I tell you the truth..." (look in the gospels and see how many times these words come out of Jesus mouth.)

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We hae seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and TRUTH." John 1:14

"For the law was given through Moses; grace and TRUTH came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17

"Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the TRUTH." 1 Cor. 13:6

"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the TRUTH. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in TRUTH." 1 John

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

The 4:8 challenge that I posted about last night is quite a challenge, don't you think?  For 8 days...no complaining, no gossip, no DIScouraging words, forgive more readily. The book of Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. And chapter 4 is a highlight as well! This morning, with the girls, we started working on memorizing Phil. 4:4-8. I'm excited to have this portion of scripture committed to memory...I want to dwell on these words. As hard as it is, to rejoice in the Lord...always. I talked with the girls about rejoicing; how we can have joy - because of the Lord's great love for us - even when bad things happen.  We can rejoice because He is sovereign and even in the "bad" things He has a plan. I know that is such a big truth for their little hearts to comprehend. Let's face it, it's a big truth for my mommy's heart to comprehend! But, maybe when we have these words of TRUTH etched upon our hearts, we can more readily and truly REJOICE.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

How do we rejoice always? I will admit, I struggle with this! I struggle with depression that I think is a lot of the time hormonal. It drives me crazy. I do not always rejoice. But, if you keep reading, there is help there in God's word for HOW to rejoice. By thinking on "these" things. When I let my heart dwell on my struggles, my failures, my circumstance...I am prone to feel down! Well, that only makes sense! So, if I can train my heart to dwell on things lovely, pure, praiseworthy, true...THOSE things will help bring me out of the pit. Those lovely and admirable things will bring a smile to my face. Those excellent and noble things will remind me of where my true joy comes from.

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

I have always thought it was such a horrible day to be called good. I suppose the final outcome is more than good...but the actual Friday and death of our Lord...good?

I want to take some time today thinking on this day that has become so meaningful to so many. Won't you join me? I had wanted to attend our church's Good Friday service...but, in the end I chose the best option for my family at this moment. I knew that taking all 3 of my little ones to a solemn service was going to be highly frustrating for both me and for the children.

But, in the quiet of our own homes, in the quiet of our hearts...we can reflect. We can meditate. We can pray. We can join Him. We can be emptied. We can be filled.

Christ suffered such a horrible death. He knows pain. Take your burdens to the cross. Share your sufferings, though meager in comparison, with Him. He knows. He understands. He not only understands...but He went through that suffering for you. For me. So, go on...walk up the hill to the cross. Carry your own cross. And then leave it there.

Alas and did my Savior bleed and did my Sovereign did?

Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?

Was it for sins that I had done He groaned  upon the tree.

Amazing pity, grace unknown and love beyond degree!

My God, why would You shed Your blood, so pure and undefiled

to make a sinful one like me Your chosen precious child.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut His glories in

When Christ, the mighty Maker died for man the creature's sin

Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness and melt my eyes to tears.

My God, why would You shed Your blood so pure and undefiled

to make a sinful one like me Your chosen precious child.

~~Isaac Watts and Bob Kauflin

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

Each morning when we have our devotions and read a Bible story, I try and pray with the kids as well. It has not always been an easy task. I am not a "talkative" person...and sometimes having that simple conversation with God is not easy. Sometimes one of the girls would want to pray, too, but not most of the time. Sometimes Caleb would be fussing and crying during this time. So, as you can see, not always easy to focus!

But, about a week and a half ago, I read an idea on Preschoolers and Peace that we have been trying! And it has been WONDERFUL! I have used this idea in my own prayer life in the past, but never would have thought to try it with the kids! The ACTS method, which also utilizes the "popcorn prayer."

A - Adoration

C - Confession

T - Thanksgiving

S - Supplication

Well, I saw rather quickly which areas of prayer the kids were used to and comfortable with - the T and the S. That is probably all I had done when praying with them! We talk a lot about what to be thankful for and who we should be praying for. But, I had been neglecting praising God for who He is and confession. We have talked about confession and asking for forgiveness, but never prayed that way together outloud.

The other wonderful thing about praying this way is that it can be a short sentence prayer. The kids don't feel like they have to come up with some long, wordy prayer! (popcorn prayer)

The first few times, I would do the adoration and wait. Nothing. I would move on to confession and wait. Nothing. Then, when I would tell God thank you for something, the kids would chime in. And they always have someone they want to pray for!

Now that we have been doing it this way for over a week, they are praying all 4 parts with me! It kinda goes like this:

Me: God, you are holy!

Hannah: God, you are mighty!

Emily: God, you are strong!

Caleb: I want a turn!

Me: God, I confess I have been impatient this morning, please forgive me.

Hannah: God, please forgive me for hitting.

Emily: God, please forgive me for hitting and pushing Caleb. (this is what she has confessed EVERY time so far!) LOL!

Caleb: thank you for presents. (he's always on the wrong part.) LOL!

Me: God, thank you so much for the beautiful weather we have had.

Hannah: God, thank you for ballet.

Emily: God, thank you for our kitty.

Caleb: thank you for presents.

Me: God, we pray for daddy at work today.

Hannah: I pray for Deborah in Africa. (the girl we sponser)

Emily: I pray for the missionary, Sara.

Caleb: thank you for the presents.

I thought that might be good for a little chuckle. You can immediately see which sin Emily struggles with. Y ou can immediately see what is on Caleb's mind. (presents.) But, I am sooooo thankful for this time I have had with my children! It has been a little glimpse into their hearts...and I believe is going to grow each of our prayer journeys as we do this together.

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

Sometimes when I read the words to a hymn (as opposed to singing it) it takes on a new meaning for me. When I focus on the words and not what I sound like or how the notes are too high, the words penetrate my heart and give me hope. The blood of Jesus will never lose its power. Sometimes I need that reminder...it will never lose the power to cleanse. It will never lose the power to forgive. It will never lose the power to redeem. It will never lose the power to die for me...and you. It will never lose its power. Never.

The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary;

The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power.

It reaches to the highest mountain. It flows to the lowest valley.

The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power.

It soothes my doubts and calms my fears, and it dries all my tears;

The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power.

It reaches to the highest mountain. It flows to the lowest valley.

The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power.

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

I'm going to do a Thursday 13 and Thankful Thursday all in one. Here's what I'm thankful for this week. What about you?

1. God providing the birds in our backyard for our enjoyment and learning!

2. the kids interest in learning about the birds

3. my husband working so hard this week to re-do Caleb's bedroom -- thank you, honey!

4. our home

5. great classes for my children at church

6. a wonderful choir to worship with each week -- I love choir practice each Wed. night!

7. 3 sweet children who get so excited about the simple things! (you should have seen Emily's excitement over Caleb's new light fixture with balls on it!)

8. wonderful parents who are so helpful to me by keeping my kids just about whenever!

9. the blessing of being able to homeschool

10. reading a great, new book

11. His Word -- how He uses it to encourage me when I need it, to remind me when I need reminding, to lift me up and carry me on His promises

12. spring is just around the corner (I hope!)

13. finding a great, new (new to us) picture book to share with the children

Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

Our choir is singing the worship musical that was written from the book by Max Lucado, 3:16. (I have not read the book yet...our church library is getting quite a few copies in soon, I am anxious to read it. Have you read it?) The music is simply  wonderful. It is arranged by Travis Cottrell if that tells you anything! Each week in choir practice all my worries, fears, doubts and overwhelmed feelings just melt away as I praise the Lord. It makes me wonder why I don't leave praise music on more often at my house! There is something about just praising the Lord! I am offering a sacrifice of praise to my Lord...but oh how He blesses me!

If you have an opportunity to hear this choir production anywhere in your area, I would strongly recommend it. There is one song in particular that has left me in tears each of the times we have practiced it. It is called What a Friend. It is a medley of several hymns, and the choruses just build and build...and I cannot help but want to jump up and shout --- Thank you, JESUS, that I do have a friend in You. A perfect friend...a friend that will never leave me...a friend that will never talk badly of me...a friend that will never think badly of me...a friend that is there all the time. The perfect friend. Hallelujah!

If you click HERE you can listen to samples. Click on What a Friend...or any of the songs...and be blessed as you remember all Jesus did for you...And that He calls you friend!

Here are the words:

Jesus! what a friend for sinners!

Jesus! lover of my soul!

Friends may fail me, foes assail me,

He, my Savior makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Hallelujah! what a friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.

~~~~

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,

and wonder how He could love me,

a sinner, condemned unclean.

How marvelous! how wonderful!

and my song shall ever be;

how marvelous! how wonderful

is my Savior's love for me!

~~~

Man of sorrows! what a name

for the Son of God who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim!

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die,

it is finished, was His cry;

Now in heav'n exalted high,

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Hallelujah, what a friend!

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Hallelujah, what a Friend!

~~~

When He comes our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,   

then anew this song we'll sing:

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Oh what a Savior!