The way to Heaven is ascending;
we must be content to travel uphill,
though it be hard and tiresome,
and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.
Jonathan Edwards
~ 2008 Goals ~
Family Goals
1. Purpose to be home more in 2008.
2. Love one another, prefer one another, be kind and tender-hearted to one another.
(Family Verse for 2008, Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."ESV)
Personal Goals
(Revised from last year)
1. Read my Bible and pray every day possible.
(Growing in grace to do what I know I am called to do, pursue holiness,diligence.)
2. Seek out tangible ways to encourage others as often as possible.
3. Purpose and pray to eat only when I am hungry, stopping when I am full, not stuffed!
Jul. 23, 2008~ What To Do? ~
I realize that I am not alone in this. However these things have been weighing heavily on my mind this week. I can't seem to make ends meet. No matter what I do. We've cut and slashed our budget so many times. I try to use coupons. I follow frugal guidelines. I have not bought a piece of clothing for myself in 8 months and I am in desperate need of some new things after loosing 13 pounds. We spent $130 in gasoline this week and we are supposed to drive north for a birthday gathering in my dd's honor on Sunday. I have the task of calling my grandmother in Arkansas to tell her that we can't come in August because of money. And I don't know how I can drive to see my grandparents an hour away next week as I promised. And to top it off, I have to quit Weight Watchers. I knew when I started that we could not afford for me to go, but I was desperate to do something and so I went ahead hoping the Lord would make a way.
All these things the Lord knows. He tells us not to worry about them. I am casting my cares on You, Jesus. I have enough for today. Tomorrow will have its own troubles.
**Update, I really don't like being all down about things. So I have decided to look at this from what I do have. All our bills are paid. My husband has a job. I am home with my kids. We have books for school. We have food. We have mostly full gas tanks. We have family who loves us and want to see us. We have a lot of blessings!
Today when I was reading my Bible, I was reminded that my time is not my own. What does this mean to me today? How will I spend my day? Will I waste valuable time on the computer? Will I allow my children to watch too much TV? What kind of appetites am I allowing in our house? I am feeling conviction to really stop all the worldly influences. If you want to read a very good post on appetites, go to Camilla's blog. Beware, you'll be convicted! It won't happen overnight, but I am asking the Lord to help me in this area. And praying for my husband who needs to lead this effort. I love my family and want them to be less encumbered by the worldliness that so easily entraps me and them. I want my steps to be ordered by the Spirit. I am praying that God will help me know what the verse below means to my life.
"I know, O Lord, that my life is not my own;
It is not for me to direct my steps.
O Lord, correct me, but with justice -
Not in Your anger, lest You reduce me to nothing."
Jeremiah 10:23-24
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain
I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than
my pain you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain
[1st Chorus]
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing
[2nd Chorus 2x]
everybody singing
Holy holy holy
you are holy
you are holy
[2nd Chorus 2x]
Today I found out that an old acquaintance of mine, a godly 38 year old woman, has stage 4 ovarian cancer. There has been a lot of "rain" in my life, parents divorcing, my only sister dying, top the list. Somehow I have managed to praise Jesus through the rain. But I have not had to face this type of trial personally. To be honest, it frightens me and I think about it too much at times. My hope is that I would be able to sing this song if I got a bad test result or if someone I loved dearly did. I love this song by Mercy Me. I want to be able to sing it and mean it. Oh, but it is so hard.
Have mercy on Charity, Lord. Grant her peace. Your will be done.
Amen.
If you come across this blog and have a moment, I'd appreciate your prayers :
1. Pray that I will love the Lord with all my heart, mind and soul.
2. Pray that I can be the godly wife that my husband deserves. Pray that I'd use my time wisely. That I'd build him up. That I'd spend money carefully and make the most of what he provides.
3. Pray that my 9 year old son's heart will soften towards others, especially his family. I am really getting worn out by his bad attitudes and lack of respect. I don't know what else to do except for to pray. Most likely, I will be praying this same prayer for a long time for this child. He is going to have to learn things the hard way, like the rest of us!
4. Pray that I will grow in self-control. Pray that I would desire to be a woman of moderation.
5. Pray that I will trust the Lord to provide. I fret over things that never come to pass or end up working out in a way that is manageable. Why do I fret?
Thank you and if you have a prayer request, I'd be glad to pray for you. Just let me know.
Jenn
Grow us, Lord, in our trust in You, however painful. Hold us in the palm of Your hands as we go through this storm of life. Be tender and merciful, even though we do not deserve your mercy. Provide for us in ways that only You are able.
In Jesus' Name, I pray.
Leviticus 20:26 says, "You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own." This blog is my place to remember this journey I am on and God's goodness to me. I am glad you are here. Welcome.
