Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Trials are a GOOD thing??

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:3-9

These trials have come so that you may have genuine faith... So what You are saying God, is that I need these trials? That I have to have them so I won't be a cheap imitation, but rather the real deal? Ok God. If that is what it takes to reveal Your glory in my life - so be it.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Death By Phase 10


Oh Ryan - how we will miss thee...


Monday, June 15, 2009

I'm Gonna Take A Trip!

We are hooked. Officially. Our second cruise is booked! And within 5 months of the first one - how awesome is that? :) We sail for Cozumel in a couple (ok - 3) months and we are STOKED!



Sigh - how I've missed thee!
Today? Applying for passports!! Wheeee!!!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Be, For I Am

How often do we get so busy doing for God and we cease to become? I've been going through a bit of a 'becoming' process over the last couple of days. It started a couple of weeks ago when we got to meet up with a cousin of mine and his family. As I talked to his wife she quoted the scripture "Be ye holy for [HE] is holy" and it grabbed me. Couple of days later, when I just could NOT get it out of my head, I looked it up to see what the context was and now I REALLY can't get it out of my head.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."" I Peter 1:13-16

In the beginning of the chapter Peter is talking about salvation and trials. He instructs that we should rejoice in our trials. Why? "These [trials] have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." It's for HIS glory!

Now - to the scripture above. Jennifer posted the song "Stand Out" on her blog and it reminded me once again the truth of "We're in a war!" There is a war going on in the spirit. The enemy is attacking and trying to defeat the saints of God. The word says to "prepare our minds for action" - my interpretation - be on your toes! Be ready at a moments time! Don't allow yourself to go to sleep! We are to be "self-controlled" - not giving ourselves to every whim of the world. Our hope should be on Jesus Christ.

"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." We have been called to stand apart. When we became children of God we gained a certain responsibility to stand up against the evil desires of this world. Peter instructs to "be holy in ALL you do"! Every aspect of life. On our own there is NO way we can do this. But with Him?? We can! Our goal is to be holy - as HE is holy. He walked this life without blemish. He gave up His rights in order to save us. I don't know about you, but that makes me want to strive to be more like Him than ever before! What an AWESOME, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS God we serve!!!

I apologize if this blog seems a bit scattered and random - it's just what is on my heart! The word of God is alive if we choose to hear. And right now my ears long to hear, my eyes long to see, and my heart yearns to feel His love like never before.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Congratulations!!

Today Jesse Gandee will wed Brittany Winkle and I get a new sister-in-law and niece!! WOO-HOO!!

CONGRATS JESSE & BRITTANY!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Good Behavior Makes You Invisible?

Non Sequitor is one of my favorite comic strips mostly due to that while being extremely funny it will make you think. Below is yesterday and then today's strip..






Is it true? Are you 'invisible' if you are a good person? If you follow all the rules, and don't rock the boat - are you invisible? And if so, is that a good thing or a bad? What are your thoughts?

Monday, March 30, 2009

Can't Live Without

On All That Is Good today is Friend Making Monday! Check it out.

Today's topic - 10 things you can't live without and why. And no, they aren't listed in any specific order. :)

1. My phone! It keeps me connected at all times... wait, maybe that's a bad thing! HA!



2. My family! They are incredible and I love each and every one of them.



3. My husband! He is the best thing (besides Jesus) that has happened to me. He is my best friend.



4. Friends! I have got an awesome group of friends. They are truly the greatest friends anyone could ask for.



NOTE: Not all friends are pictured - low selection of pics on this comp! :)

5. Kitchen-aid! How I love thee, let me count the ways. Sigh... Isn't she beautiful?



6. Jesus Christ! Without Him I would be a worthless mess. With Him I can stand today and say "I am HIS!!" Yes, I am putting a picture of my church. It is one of the places I meet Jesus on a weekly basis. :)



7. Lip Gloss! Have you ever TRIED this stuff?? It's amazing. And addicting.



8.Peanut butter! You think I'm crazy. I think I'm in love. With peanut butter. Jif peanut butter. Creamy Jif peanut butter. Excuse me - I need a pbj now...



9. Lady! Yes - I am one of those people. ;) I love my dog. It's hard to describe and unless you are a "dog person" you just won't understand. And yes, I still love her after she makes me fall down the stairs!



10.Music! It's been a part of my life since I was small. It's how I express myself!