Okay Babe (Jeremy), you told me that while I went out to dinner tonight with a friend that you were going to read my blogs. I didn't even ask you to! Thank you so much for giving me a night out, just girls! I need it! I wanted to surprise you with this blog. While other readers may not enjoy, you will. So here it goes!
I am so proud of you. You are such a hard worker and such an incredible provider for our family. You have a reputation that is gold, everyone loves Jeremy. You are so kind and such a servant! I am watching God do so many things in your life right now, it's amazing. God is going to bless you for discipling this friend from work. God is using you so much! Not only is God using you in the life of others but He is using you in mine. Please forgive me for my mood lately, I want to blame the pregnancy hormones but I can't blame everything on being pregnant. You have put up with me lately, thank you. I haven't felt good, food has sounded disgusting, and I have wanted to throw up many times but you haven't rolled your eyes yet! You have taken me to eat wherever I wish! Thank you for the run to the store for HOT pork skins and seltzer Water! :)
You help me with the house way more than any husband I have ever seen. You do the laundry more than I do. You change A LOT of diapers and unload the dishwasher more than me. None of it goes unnoticed. Thank you for organizing me and giving me such stable ground. I have needed that my whole life! Thank you for serving me Jeremy. You have done it from day one and I am so blessed to be the girl you found! It's not just me that thinks your awesome, the kids think you are pretty special too! My friends and my family always comment on what an incredible, involved Dad you are. I know that I could leave for a week and everything would be fine!
You have made my dreams come true. Because of you, I get to stay home and be a Mommy to two beautiful children and soon THREE! Wow! We are good at having babies, aren't we?! I get to take the kids to the park, to the zoo, swimming, etc. Whenever I want. Thank you for giving me this career! It says in Proverbs that her husband is respected at the city gates. There is no greater honor than to have a husband that everyone respects. People speak so highly of you and know that you can be trusted. Your life speaks so well for our family. I am learning that I need to be more like you. Quiet, gentle, disciplined, those are just a few qualities I need to take from you!
You are my hero. And when things are tough or when our relationship needs tweaking, please remember this blog. Remember how special it was when we met and what a supernatural thing happened. Our story is a testimony that we have always been "meant to be".
I love you Babe.
(Thank you for the flowers you brought home today. WOW!)
Friday, June 02, 2006
Galatians 6
1Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian[a] is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
I have to be honest. Today I am finding that I have unresolved sin in my life. It's called unforgiveness. I woke up with it today. It came on quite suddenly by a dream I had last night. We all have had those experiences where we have been wronged for no good reason. Remember, I am a fighter so this is hard for me. I want to fight for my rights, fight for my beliefs, fight for what I know to be truth. But there are times when you have to quit and just forgive. The Holy Spirit pointed this out to me today, loud and clear! "You haven't truly forgiven." The voice of the Holy Spirit was obvious so now I must heed His voice and get right. A friend pointed this sin out to me as well, just like the scripture says to do. She did it in love, that's what I needed. So for those of you that pray for me, pray that I can truly forgive once and for all.
10Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Someday we will all be in Heaven together. Have you ever really thought about that? What about a fellow Christian friend, business partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, that is no longer a part of your life because of a falling out? This happens a lot. We are all a bunch of sinners trying to live on this earth together so it's bound to happen. But someday we will all be together. When I really think about that it helps me to forgive and forget. It makes me want to do good to everyone! This should be our motto in life. If we could all remember this, a lot less churches would split. A lot less marriages would end and a lot more people would be saved. Instead of the world seeing Christians tear each other down, they would see us building each other up. That would save lives!
14As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross,[b] my interest in this world died long ago, and the world's interest in me is also long dead. 15It doesn't make any difference now whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. 16May God's mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God.[c]
All that denominational mess doesn't matter! Jesus is the only thing that matters! He's coming back and it's not for the Baptists, the Methodists, the Catholics or the Pentecostals, it for the Christ followers, the Jesus lovers, the Saints!
I have to be honest. Today I am finding that I have unresolved sin in my life. It's called unforgiveness. I woke up with it today. It came on quite suddenly by a dream I had last night. We all have had those experiences where we have been wronged for no good reason. Remember, I am a fighter so this is hard for me. I want to fight for my rights, fight for my beliefs, fight for what I know to be truth. But there are times when you have to quit and just forgive. The Holy Spirit pointed this out to me today, loud and clear! "You haven't truly forgiven." The voice of the Holy Spirit was obvious so now I must heed His voice and get right. A friend pointed this sin out to me as well, just like the scripture says to do. She did it in love, that's what I needed. So for those of you that pray for me, pray that I can truly forgive once and for all.
10Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Someday we will all be in Heaven together. Have you ever really thought about that? What about a fellow Christian friend, business partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, that is no longer a part of your life because of a falling out? This happens a lot. We are all a bunch of sinners trying to live on this earth together so it's bound to happen. But someday we will all be together. When I really think about that it helps me to forgive and forget. It makes me want to do good to everyone! This should be our motto in life. If we could all remember this, a lot less churches would split. A lot less marriages would end and a lot more people would be saved. Instead of the world seeing Christians tear each other down, they would see us building each other up. That would save lives!
14As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross,[b] my interest in this world died long ago, and the world's interest in me is also long dead. 15It doesn't make any difference now whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. 16May God's mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God.[c]
All that denominational mess doesn't matter! Jesus is the only thing that matters! He's coming back and it's not for the Baptists, the Methodists, the Catholics or the Pentecostals, it for the Christ followers, the Jesus lovers, the Saints!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Galatians 5 This is some good stuff!
13For you have been called to live in freedom--not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.
When I read the scripture above, I thought of someone in my life that models this verse daily. My friend Kelly Ann is a beautiful treasure in my life. We have known each other since we were fourteen years old. During our teenage years we definitely had our share of fights! But now that we are all grown up with kids, our relationship has evolved. I talk to her just about every day and we hang out at least once a week. Well, we try to! Kelly takes care of me. She is the best listener I know and has the sweetest spirit of anyone I know. She is one of a kind. But the thing that I have come to realize about her the most is her ability to serve. When she comes to my house, she picks up toys and just recently organized all the DVD's in our playroom. And she may not realize it but just having her attentive ears in my life serves me like I can't explain. I need her. She is a wonderful Mommy, wife, friend and godly woman. Lord, I pray that you will give me opportunities to serve my friends. Thank you Kelly Ann for always serving me.
16So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.
When someone is ugly to me, my instant desire is to get in their face. Not a good quality at all but it's my flesh. It seems that even when I am walking in the spirit, my flesh will tempt me. If we are in a restaurant and we have a rude waiter or waitress, I really have to bite my tongue. What do I prove anyway? Nothing. There are those times when someone has truly been ugly and they need to be put in place but I have learned that the Holy Spirit can put someone in their place a lot better than I can. Pray that God will show someone their intentions, He will. He's done it in my life when I have been wrong so I know He will do the same for someone else. The flesh battles the spirit often in my life with many other things but this one is the worst for me. I have to learn to keep my mouth shut EVEN when someone else is up to no good!
22But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
When I was twenty years old I had a beautiful young lady in my life that was about six years older than me. She taught me so much about cooking, decorating, gardening and how to truly be the heart of my home. She was a true Southern girl from Macon, Georgia. Jeremy says that I have the best sweet tea ever, yes better than CHicken Express! Well, I pride myself on that sweet tea because my I learned how to make it from Casey, my friend from Georgia. She would tell me, "Make sure you always have a pitcher of tea made and stuff in your pantry and refrigerator for homemade chocolate chip cookies! That way a surprise visit from a guest will never throw you off!" She taught me that having those things was part of having rudimentary ingredients for any kitchen. So still to this day, I make sure I always have everything I need for homemade chocolate chip cookies. That way I am not running to the store for all of the ingredients! If I find I am running low on sugar, I make sure to get it during my next grocery outing. Much like the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies are staple items, so are the fruits of the spirit for believers. There are nine ingredients for homemade chocolate chip cookies. If you have flour, baking soda, salt, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, chocolate chips, then you have a batch of cookies waiting to be made! If you have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, you have a spirit filled child of God!
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
When I read this verse I think a lot about women. If we could all learn to be honest with each other, if we could all destroy that pride inside that wants everyone to think our life is perfect, I think we would all get along much better. When we are conceited, we are really insecure. When we are trying to irritate someone else, we are usually irritated with ourselves. When we are jealous, we are usually jealous of a non existent perfect life/Marriage and jealousy also means we don't like ourselves. I hate how Satan uses his tactics to throw women off course. Women, we have emotions that will destroy us. We must walk in the Spirit if we truly wish to be a good friend to others.
When I read the scripture above, I thought of someone in my life that models this verse daily. My friend Kelly Ann is a beautiful treasure in my life. We have known each other since we were fourteen years old. During our teenage years we definitely had our share of fights! But now that we are all grown up with kids, our relationship has evolved. I talk to her just about every day and we hang out at least once a week. Well, we try to! Kelly takes care of me. She is the best listener I know and has the sweetest spirit of anyone I know. She is one of a kind. But the thing that I have come to realize about her the most is her ability to serve. When she comes to my house, she picks up toys and just recently organized all the DVD's in our playroom. And she may not realize it but just having her attentive ears in my life serves me like I can't explain. I need her. She is a wonderful Mommy, wife, friend and godly woman. Lord, I pray that you will give me opportunities to serve my friends. Thank you Kelly Ann for always serving me.
16So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.
When someone is ugly to me, my instant desire is to get in their face. Not a good quality at all but it's my flesh. It seems that even when I am walking in the spirit, my flesh will tempt me. If we are in a restaurant and we have a rude waiter or waitress, I really have to bite my tongue. What do I prove anyway? Nothing. There are those times when someone has truly been ugly and they need to be put in place but I have learned that the Holy Spirit can put someone in their place a lot better than I can. Pray that God will show someone their intentions, He will. He's done it in my life when I have been wrong so I know He will do the same for someone else. The flesh battles the spirit often in my life with many other things but this one is the worst for me. I have to learn to keep my mouth shut EVEN when someone else is up to no good!
22But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
When I was twenty years old I had a beautiful young lady in my life that was about six years older than me. She taught me so much about cooking, decorating, gardening and how to truly be the heart of my home. She was a true Southern girl from Macon, Georgia. Jeremy says that I have the best sweet tea ever, yes better than CHicken Express! Well, I pride myself on that sweet tea because my I learned how to make it from Casey, my friend from Georgia. She would tell me, "Make sure you always have a pitcher of tea made and stuff in your pantry and refrigerator for homemade chocolate chip cookies! That way a surprise visit from a guest will never throw you off!" She taught me that having those things was part of having rudimentary ingredients for any kitchen. So still to this day, I make sure I always have everything I need for homemade chocolate chip cookies. That way I am not running to the store for all of the ingredients! If I find I am running low on sugar, I make sure to get it during my next grocery outing. Much like the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies are staple items, so are the fruits of the spirit for believers. There are nine ingredients for homemade chocolate chip cookies. If you have flour, baking soda, salt, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, chocolate chips, then you have a batch of cookies waiting to be made! If you have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, you have a spirit filled child of God!
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
When I read this verse I think a lot about women. If we could all learn to be honest with each other, if we could all destroy that pride inside that wants everyone to think our life is perfect, I think we would all get along much better. When we are conceited, we are really insecure. When we are trying to irritate someone else, we are usually irritated with ourselves. When we are jealous, we are usually jealous of a non existent perfect life/Marriage and jealousy also means we don't like ourselves. I hate how Satan uses his tactics to throw women off course. Women, we have emotions that will destroy us. We must walk in the Spirit if we truly wish to be a good friend to others.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Galatians 4
(I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. I believe He died and rose from the dead. I believe that He is coming back!)
My Mom was raised in a church that believed women should not cut their hair, wear makeup, wear jewelry, pants and especially not shorts. I am not here to put down her roots. She is no longer a part of that denomination but in less than two weeks I will be attending a Family Reunion where half of the family members that will attend still live their life in the way I have just described, including my own grandparents. They do believe in Jesus and I believe in Jesus so we have some common ground. It doesn't bother me at all and it never has been an issue in my family for me. They love the Lord and that's all that matters to me! My Mother was saved in this type of church. Now she has short hair, highlights, wears makeup, shorts and a whole lot of jewelry! And she is still saved! When she cut her hair, she didn't loose her salvation. All of the beliefs that came with that denomination was a practice but it wasn't what saved her. There are other denominations that don't believe in using musical instruments. Some don't believe you should have a TV or some are even against birth control. Some believe in speaking in tongues, others don't. And what about drinking and dancing? All of these different beliefs will often divide God's children. I believe it will be a huge shocker to us someday when we are in Heaven and realize that all of the so called religious things we did or believed while here on Earth really did us no good! The church we choose to go to often gives us something to hold on to. When we claim a certain denomination to be ours, it makes us feel a part of something. Whether you are Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Assemblies of God or Pentecostal, we like to check off a box stating what we are. There is nothing wrong with that either. But, those churches don't save us and many of us choose a denomination instead of freedom in Christ.
This is not to say that we should eat, drink and be merry without limits. But, instead of splitting hairs over nonsense or debating the word of God so much, we should all concentrate on believing. Christ is coming back, He will return. That is what we should prepare for. This is what we should focus on.
10You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don't do on certain days or months or seasons or years. 11I fear for you. I am afraid that all my hard work for you was worth nothing. 12Dear brothers and sisters,[d] I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles were--free from the law.
(Please no comments that would put down other religions or denominations.)
My Mom was raised in a church that believed women should not cut their hair, wear makeup, wear jewelry, pants and especially not shorts. I am not here to put down her roots. She is no longer a part of that denomination but in less than two weeks I will be attending a Family Reunion where half of the family members that will attend still live their life in the way I have just described, including my own grandparents. They do believe in Jesus and I believe in Jesus so we have some common ground. It doesn't bother me at all and it never has been an issue in my family for me. They love the Lord and that's all that matters to me! My Mother was saved in this type of church. Now she has short hair, highlights, wears makeup, shorts and a whole lot of jewelry! And she is still saved! When she cut her hair, she didn't loose her salvation. All of the beliefs that came with that denomination was a practice but it wasn't what saved her. There are other denominations that don't believe in using musical instruments. Some don't believe you should have a TV or some are even against birth control. Some believe in speaking in tongues, others don't. And what about drinking and dancing? All of these different beliefs will often divide God's children. I believe it will be a huge shocker to us someday when we are in Heaven and realize that all of the so called religious things we did or believed while here on Earth really did us no good! The church we choose to go to often gives us something to hold on to. When we claim a certain denomination to be ours, it makes us feel a part of something. Whether you are Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Assemblies of God or Pentecostal, we like to check off a box stating what we are. There is nothing wrong with that either. But, those churches don't save us and many of us choose a denomination instead of freedom in Christ.
This is not to say that we should eat, drink and be merry without limits. But, instead of splitting hairs over nonsense or debating the word of God so much, we should all concentrate on believing. Christ is coming back, He will return. That is what we should prepare for. This is what we should focus on.
10You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don't do on certain days or months or seasons or years. 11I fear for you. I am afraid that all my hard work for you was worth nothing. 12Dear brothers and sisters,[d] I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles were--free from the law.
(Please no comments that would put down other religions or denominations.)
Monday, May 29, 2006
Galatians 3 for Tuesday, May 30th
(This is the post for Galatians 3. I have extra kids tomorrow including my niece so I am not sure how my morning will go. So here is the post a little early!)
My son, Josiah, is almost three and a half years old. While this age is a lot of fun, it is also quite challenging! In our home there was no such thing as terrible twos. Although I have been in other homes where that was definitely the case. We seemed to have skipped that trying stage during the second year and hit it with a bang during the third! For the most part, I am truly, truly, truly blessed. Josiah is very well behaved, and does a good job at using his manners. I grew up having to say yes mam, no mam, yes sir, no sir and so on. So my kids are taught to do the same! He's got that down as well as saying please, thank you, and your welcome. He even blesses you when you sneeze and says excuse me when he burps! What about when he does the opposite of burping? Well, he just laughs! I guess that's a boy thing! But while it sounds like I have the perfect kid, I don't! He's three years old! He has issues with sharing, issues with getting along with his sister, issues with eating and he has now hit a new stage where he gets out of bed at least ten times before finally going to sleep! And let's not forget the full blown melt downs! Oh the joy of living with a three year old! Our children were born to make us laugh, make us cry and most of all they were born to break rules!
No matter how many lines have been crossed or how many rules have been defied, there is absolutely nothing that could possibly separate my son from my love. My rules are not made for him to obey just so I will love him. There is nothing that either one of them have to do in order to win my approval. Josiah and Ava Beth are my children, so my love for them is endless. What a relief to know that we serve a God that feels the exact same way about us! His love for us is endless and our faith in Him has made us sons and daughters of a King.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus
Lord, there is nothing I can do without you. Help me to walk in your spirit, to walk by faith and not by sight. Father please show me when I am relying on myself or relying on someone else to show me the way. I want to live under the power of the Holy Spirit daily!
My son, Josiah, is almost three and a half years old. While this age is a lot of fun, it is also quite challenging! In our home there was no such thing as terrible twos. Although I have been in other homes where that was definitely the case. We seemed to have skipped that trying stage during the second year and hit it with a bang during the third! For the most part, I am truly, truly, truly blessed. Josiah is very well behaved, and does a good job at using his manners. I grew up having to say yes mam, no mam, yes sir, no sir and so on. So my kids are taught to do the same! He's got that down as well as saying please, thank you, and your welcome. He even blesses you when you sneeze and says excuse me when he burps! What about when he does the opposite of burping? Well, he just laughs! I guess that's a boy thing! But while it sounds like I have the perfect kid, I don't! He's three years old! He has issues with sharing, issues with getting along with his sister, issues with eating and he has now hit a new stage where he gets out of bed at least ten times before finally going to sleep! And let's not forget the full blown melt downs! Oh the joy of living with a three year old! Our children were born to make us laugh, make us cry and most of all they were born to break rules!
No matter how many lines have been crossed or how many rules have been defied, there is absolutely nothing that could possibly separate my son from my love. My rules are not made for him to obey just so I will love him. There is nothing that either one of them have to do in order to win my approval. Josiah and Ava Beth are my children, so my love for them is endless. What a relief to know that we serve a God that feels the exact same way about us! His love for us is endless and our faith in Him has made us sons and daughters of a King.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus
Lord, there is nothing I can do without you. Help me to walk in your spirit, to walk by faith and not by sight. Father please show me when I am relying on myself or relying on someone else to show me the way. I want to live under the power of the Holy Spirit daily!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Just some stuff I wanted to share!
(Many of you know that I have had a tough week. I decided after writing this to come back and post this picture. I really love my husband. I am so blessed to have Him. Things are not always perfect. We struggle with our relationship but this week you ladies showed me that I am not alone. Thank you! Marriage is a journey. Thank you Lord Jesus for the wonderful, Godly man you chose for me!)
For those of you that are reading "Go Eat Popcorn" with me, I will not post Galatians 3 on Monday since it is a Holiday. This will give us an extra day to read it again! Some of you post from work so I wanted to give you an extra day due to the holiday. So have a BBQ, go to the pool, enjoy the weather! I know some of you are in states that are still kind of cool, I already envy you. But you get the point, relax. Isn't that what long weekends are for?
It's hot! The Texas heat has arrived and it's not leaving us for at least four months! I have waited for this season for a while now. I couldn't wait to take the kids swimming. I couldn't wait to go out to the lake. We have already been swimming so much lately that Josiah now has his adorable Ken Barbie suntan! You know the kind where his butt is totally white and the rest of his body isn't? Josiah has his Dad's olive skin and I am so thankful for that. Ava Beth is getting a little tan too in her bikini! My kids are living proof that your body can be saturated from head to toe with sunblock and still somehow get tan!! So wear sunblock, even if you want a tan!
God is good, that's all I can say. He is so good. After I received the incredible Doctor's report that the Precancerous cells on my cervix were gone, we decided to wait on having another baby. Ava Beth's birthday is in December, Josiah's in January. So why not wait until the end of the Summer and try for a Spring baby. Apparently, the Lord saw differently! I am pregnant. I must say that I am in shock. I used to always make fun of those pregnant women that said, "We weren't trying. It was a total shock!" If you are not on birth control or not taking precautions, HOW can it be a shock? Well, I am now eating my words! So be praying for us and this little one growing inside. I think this pregnancy is so exiting to me for many reasons that I will share on another day. But on thing that is so cool is it was a surprise! We planned Josiah and Ava Beth, this time we did not. I think I am about five weeks. The doctor will see me at eight! I am thrilled but I do need your prayers! Remember I am helping a fellow mom this summer with two of her four kids. So on Tuesdays and Thursdays I will be babysitting two children plus my own! In both of my pregnancies I have been sick the first trimester. Throwing up galore! So I need good health, energy, and peace. Really I just need prayer for those HORMONES!
Jeremy found out this week that he has Degenerative Disc Disease. We are waiting the insurance company to approve but he will soon have a test run of a steroid shot. Please be praying for him. He is in a lot of pain right now. One of his legs is shorter than the other slightly. We did not know this until the MRI. It has happened because of the damage to the disc. Weird, I know. He is in good spirits and we had a great date last night. The Lord is really working in both of our lives. We can feel Him.
To all of you that read my blog and write the sweet comments that you do, thank you. Thank you for ministering to me. I never imagined this blog would change my life the way it has. You bless me!
Love,
Amanda
Friday, May 26, 2006
Galatians 2 and so much more
The phone rang a little while ago and it was a friend that asked what I was doing. I explained that I was sitting at the computer trying to post my blog on Galatians 2. "Oh, so you are in the Jesus mode right now?" I guess I had never thought of it that way until she asked. I answered her question with, "Well, I am trying to be in the Jesus mode." The Jesus mode? How often am I truly in the Jesus mode?
Unfortunately, this week has been a difficult one for me. I really struggle with pushing through those moods when they do come. For some reason it's easier to stay in my funk than get out! I know it will pass. I know it will get better! I know that this cloud over my mind will be lifted. It's during these times that I have to continue trusting HIM. Do you ever wonder if God approves of you? Well, I do. But I have to remind my self that Jesus reigns in my life and I have HIS favor!! So it does me no good to sit around and ponder that thought!
I happen to read someone's blog this morning that listed thirteen things that they love about their husband. It sounded magical. It sounded like they had the perfect marriage. I know they don't because it's not possible. But I could sense in her writing that there was true peace in their home and in their relationship. But this is the relationship I struggle with the most. Even now my pride wants me to delete this and allow you to think that I am madly, deeply, in love with my husband. But, that's not truth. I love him. I really love him. I can't imagine my life without him. But I long for that "in love" feeling. I want to crave him emotionally and especially physically, but right now I don't. Both of us have no idea how to have a healthy marriage but we need to learn. I don't want my children to grow up in the same kind of environment that both of us did. They won't! Right? Isn't that what we tell ourselves!? My kids will never live in what I lived in! But when I get mad and slam my bedroom door as hard as I possibly can, I have already broken my word.
So much on my heart today. So much I want to change. I long to truly be friends with my husband. I know he adores me, I know that he loves me. I trust him, I believe him. But right now, I don't like him.
This has nothing to do with Galatians chapter two. But our five year Wedding anniversary is coming up and I am not content with how we are doing things now. We need healing from both of our pasts! We need a touch from God, a big one! I read the chapter this morning but I really have nothing to give you except what's in my heart. So, there you go!
Unfortunately, this week has been a difficult one for me. I really struggle with pushing through those moods when they do come. For some reason it's easier to stay in my funk than get out! I know it will pass. I know it will get better! I know that this cloud over my mind will be lifted. It's during these times that I have to continue trusting HIM. Do you ever wonder if God approves of you? Well, I do. But I have to remind my self that Jesus reigns in my life and I have HIS favor!! So it does me no good to sit around and ponder that thought!
I happen to read someone's blog this morning that listed thirteen things that they love about their husband. It sounded magical. It sounded like they had the perfect marriage. I know they don't because it's not possible. But I could sense in her writing that there was true peace in their home and in their relationship. But this is the relationship I struggle with the most. Even now my pride wants me to delete this and allow you to think that I am madly, deeply, in love with my husband. But, that's not truth. I love him. I really love him. I can't imagine my life without him. But I long for that "in love" feeling. I want to crave him emotionally and especially physically, but right now I don't. Both of us have no idea how to have a healthy marriage but we need to learn. I don't want my children to grow up in the same kind of environment that both of us did. They won't! Right? Isn't that what we tell ourselves!? My kids will never live in what I lived in! But when I get mad and slam my bedroom door as hard as I possibly can, I have already broken my word.
So much on my heart today. So much I want to change. I long to truly be friends with my husband. I know he adores me, I know that he loves me. I trust him, I believe him. But right now, I don't like him.
This has nothing to do with Galatians chapter two. But our five year Wedding anniversary is coming up and I am not content with how we are doing things now. We need healing from both of our pasts! We need a touch from God, a big one! I read the chapter this morning but I really have nothing to give you except what's in my heart. So, there you go!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Galatians 1
It's time! Time to get back into our Bible reading groove! I am really excited about these three books we will be reading. Please be praying that the Holy Spirit will open up your mind to receive all that He wants to show you through His word. Today I am praying for you ladies. The past two days I have been going through some tough stuff and I appreciate how all of you have wrapped me up in your prayers. Ladies, you inspire me and I am learning so much from all of you.
In this day and age, it is important for us as Christians to stand on solid ground. We have to know the truth. We have to know what is theologically correct. The book of John will help us in the days to come. It's the foundation of our faith. I am so glad we started with that book. With so much hype currently centered on "The DaVinci Code", it is a must for all of us to know where we stand. The book is fiction, the movie is fiction. However, many will believe it's message. Paul warns us in Galatians. 1:6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way 7that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ. 8Let God's curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about. Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed. 9I will say it again: If anyone preaches any other gospel than the one you welcomed, let God's curse fall upon that person.
I have sat under preaching that I knew was not theologically correct. Many teachers, Pastors and Evangelists teach and preach things that are false. We can never completely trust Man's thoughts. It's like this with my blog. You can not take my commentary as the gospel. I always pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in my typing. May I never distort God's Word. But again I am human being. We must pray for those in leadership or those that we receive teaching from. I have had Pastors before that I knew were not spending time with Jesus on a daily basis. I don't want a Pastor that is not chasing after my Lord. How about you? We must pray about teaching that we receive. Is it truth?
Our world is full of false prophets, teachers, radio and tv preachers and more! They are in our churches. There are more out there than you think. We must be careful. Listen for the Holy Spirit, He will always guide you in the truth.
Father, I pray that you will expose those that are teaching and preaching their own agenda. I pray that you will put a burning desire in our Pastors to spend time with you so they will be able to teach us the TRUTH. Remind us to pray for them. They need our prayers. Lord please give us ears to hear truth. Give us eyes to see it! Please protect us from false teaching. May we dig deep in your word so we will know the truth. Protect us from being fooled! Thank you Lord for your Word. I pray that you will help all of us women reading Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians to stay committed to this study. Please protect our minds, our bodies, our families. Lord, we need you. I need you! I can't do anything without you! I love you Lord, Jesus.
In this day and age, it is important for us as Christians to stand on solid ground. We have to know the truth. We have to know what is theologically correct. The book of John will help us in the days to come. It's the foundation of our faith. I am so glad we started with that book. With so much hype currently centered on "The DaVinci Code", it is a must for all of us to know where we stand. The book is fiction, the movie is fiction. However, many will believe it's message. Paul warns us in Galatians. 1:6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way 7that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ. 8Let God's curse fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other message than the one we told you about. Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed. 9I will say it again: If anyone preaches any other gospel than the one you welcomed, let God's curse fall upon that person.
I have sat under preaching that I knew was not theologically correct. Many teachers, Pastors and Evangelists teach and preach things that are false. We can never completely trust Man's thoughts. It's like this with my blog. You can not take my commentary as the gospel. I always pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in my typing. May I never distort God's Word. But again I am human being. We must pray for those in leadership or those that we receive teaching from. I have had Pastors before that I knew were not spending time with Jesus on a daily basis. I don't want a Pastor that is not chasing after my Lord. How about you? We must pray about teaching that we receive. Is it truth?
Our world is full of false prophets, teachers, radio and tv preachers and more! They are in our churches. There are more out there than you think. We must be careful. Listen for the Holy Spirit, He will always guide you in the truth.
Father, I pray that you will expose those that are teaching and preaching their own agenda. I pray that you will put a burning desire in our Pastors to spend time with you so they will be able to teach us the TRUTH. Remind us to pray for them. They need our prayers. Lord please give us ears to hear truth. Give us eyes to see it! Please protect us from false teaching. May we dig deep in your word so we will know the truth. Protect us from being fooled! Thank you Lord for your Word. I pray that you will help all of us women reading Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians to stay committed to this study. Please protect our minds, our bodies, our families. Lord, we need you. I need you! I can't do anything without you! I love you Lord, Jesus.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
John 21
It's the last day of John. I had big plans for this post but things around the house have been crazy. Too many details to explain but a lot has been going on. Really I think I over committed myself for this week. Keep me in your prayers. I have not blogged about this but my husband has recently suffered a pretty bad back injury. He has physical therapy three days a week and had an MRI yesterday morning. We are still waiting for the report. For twelve years he has worked for UPS and I think it has finally taken a toll on his body. Our home has been under a lot of stress lately in so many ways. Please keep us in your prayers. Also I am always trying to do something to make some extra money. It's nice to be able to go out to eat on the weekends and of course it's nice to shop! So I have taken on two kids for the Summer. Twice a week, sometimes three times a week, I will be keeping two kids. They are great kids and I love the family. Also, it's a huge financial blessing. I don't want to do it but we need some extra money right now so I am trying to take every opportunity the Lord brings me.
Today, I have had a hard day. In many ways I am discouraged and disappointed. It's not really over anything particular, it's just been a tough day. I don't feel like being a friend, a wife or even a Mom today. Maybe I am just tired. My tough day can't be blamed on anything female so I am not sure what my problem is. I need some appreciation, some doting on, some love. I need to just sit in the lap of Jesus and cry.
Tonight is American Idol, so dinner is already cooking! My best friend from High School is coming over tonight for dinner as we watch the final two on American Iol. So I have got to find some energy.
I read John, but I have nothing to say. I'm pooped. Instead of starting the "Go Eat Popcorn" reading tomorrow, I would like to start on Thursday. So just a day later than originally planned.
I am really looking forward to the next three and a half weeks of reading. These chapters are much needed in my life right now. Not really sure how to tell you to pray for me, I am sure the Holy Spirit can guide you.
Today, I have had a hard day. In many ways I am discouraged and disappointed. It's not really over anything particular, it's just been a tough day. I don't feel like being a friend, a wife or even a Mom today. Maybe I am just tired. My tough day can't be blamed on anything female so I am not sure what my problem is. I need some appreciation, some doting on, some love. I need to just sit in the lap of Jesus and cry.
Tonight is American Idol, so dinner is already cooking! My best friend from High School is coming over tonight for dinner as we watch the final two on American Iol. So I have got to find some energy.
I read John, but I have nothing to say. I'm pooped. Instead of starting the "Go Eat Popcorn" reading tomorrow, I would like to start on Thursday. So just a day later than originally planned.
I am really looking forward to the next three and a half weeks of reading. These chapters are much needed in my life right now. Not really sure how to tell you to pray for me, I am sure the Holy Spirit can guide you.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Dallas Mavericks
It's been a journey, that's for sure but the Dallas Mavericks have won another series and BEAT the San Antonio Spurs! YES! I have actually been nervous all day long about this game, it has consumed me!My blog has always been used for things of the Lord, at least I hope and pray it has! The Mavericks have definitely been a part of my prayer list lately so this is an appropriate blog for me, in my opinion! So what if I have been praying for the Mavericks!? So what if I have been praying for their health!? So what if I have been praying for victory!? And now I will do that again for a whole new round against the Clippers or the Suns!
I'm a Dallas girl, born and raised! There is no place I would rather be! San Antonio and Tim Duncan are finally behind us, tonight I will sleep well.
John 20
We don't always expect miracles, do we? We pray for them, we believe they can happen, but do we expect them?
Mary Magdalene did not expect the resurrection. Simon Peter and John did not expect the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene thought His body had been stolen. Simon Peter and John had to have thought Mary had lost her mind or went to the wrong tomb. How could He not be there? Even though Jesus told them many times that He would rise from the dead, they still didn't get it. Then when Mary sees Jesus, she does not recognize Him. Her unbelief distorted her vision. His body was a glorified body but I don't think she didn't recognize Him because of that. Instead, she didn't believe so there was no way she could recognize Him.
Do we live our lives like He is coming back? Do we believe it? As Bible believing people, of course we believe it. But, do we live every single day like He could come at any time?
Doubting Thomas represents so many of us. Many of us must see the proof before we will believe it. I remember when I first found out that I was pregnant with Josiah. I took a pregnancy test and it was positive but I didn't believe it. We had gotten pregnant on the first try! How could this happen so easily, so quickly? When I called the Doctor to make an appointment the nurse said something I will never forget, "If the test shows positive, you are pregnant. Believe it!" Well, I would not have my first appointment and sonogram until I was eight weeks so I had to wait about three weeks to see the Doctor. In my worry, fear and disbelief, I began to pray for morning sickness. Yes, I prayed for it! But I was so worried and so afraid that I would miscarry or that the test was lying that I prayed for symptoms. Well, let me tell you I was sick as a dog! The entire first trimester I would throw up probably eight to ten times a day. Thank the Lord I never got dehydrated! But even when I was throwing up in those weeks before the Doctor's appointment I was doubting. Why is it so hard to believe the good reports, the good results, the miracles in life? But Jesus says, Blessed are those that believe without seeing!
Lord, I pray that I will expect miracles in my life and in the life of others. Help me to believe when there are no flowers blooming! Help me to believe when it looks like no rain is in sight! And may I live my life like you are coming back TODAY!
Mary Magdalene did not expect the resurrection. Simon Peter and John did not expect the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene thought His body had been stolen. Simon Peter and John had to have thought Mary had lost her mind or went to the wrong tomb. How could He not be there? Even though Jesus told them many times that He would rise from the dead, they still didn't get it. Then when Mary sees Jesus, she does not recognize Him. Her unbelief distorted her vision. His body was a glorified body but I don't think she didn't recognize Him because of that. Instead, she didn't believe so there was no way she could recognize Him.
Do we live our lives like He is coming back? Do we believe it? As Bible believing people, of course we believe it. But, do we live every single day like He could come at any time?
Doubting Thomas represents so many of us. Many of us must see the proof before we will believe it. I remember when I first found out that I was pregnant with Josiah. I took a pregnancy test and it was positive but I didn't believe it. We had gotten pregnant on the first try! How could this happen so easily, so quickly? When I called the Doctor to make an appointment the nurse said something I will never forget, "If the test shows positive, you are pregnant. Believe it!" Well, I would not have my first appointment and sonogram until I was eight weeks so I had to wait about three weeks to see the Doctor. In my worry, fear and disbelief, I began to pray for morning sickness. Yes, I prayed for it! But I was so worried and so afraid that I would miscarry or that the test was lying that I prayed for symptoms. Well, let me tell you I was sick as a dog! The entire first trimester I would throw up probably eight to ten times a day. Thank the Lord I never got dehydrated! But even when I was throwing up in those weeks before the Doctor's appointment I was doubting. Why is it so hard to believe the good reports, the good results, the miracles in life? But Jesus says, Blessed are those that believe without seeing!
Lord, I pray that I will expect miracles in my life and in the life of others. Help me to believe when there are no flowers blooming! Help me to believe when it looks like no rain is in sight! And may I live my life like you are coming back TODAY!
Friday, May 19, 2006
John 19
Good afternoon or should I say Good evening?
It's 6:40pm and my day has been really crazy. The kids just left with The G-Force (aka Grandparents) and I have a date with my husband. So I am looking forward to that! I think we all have those days when our Bible reading gets put on the back burner. Not a good thing, but it happens. So today that's how it has been for me! I have been away from home all day long. This gets my schedule so out of whack, especially for the kids!
I have read but I haven't really sat down and meditated on the scriptures themselves. I need to do this. What about you? How did your reading go today?
Please be in prayer for me. I have a ministry opportunity this coming Monday night. This weekend I need to really prepare so please pray for me.
Let me know your thoughts on John 19.
It's 6:40pm and my day has been really crazy. The kids just left with The G-Force (aka Grandparents) and I have a date with my husband. So I am looking forward to that! I think we all have those days when our Bible reading gets put on the back burner. Not a good thing, but it happens. So today that's how it has been for me! I have been away from home all day long. This gets my schedule so out of whack, especially for the kids!
I have read but I haven't really sat down and meditated on the scriptures themselves. I need to do this. What about you? How did your reading go today?
Please be in prayer for me. I have a ministry opportunity this coming Monday night. This weekend I need to really prepare so please pray for me.
Let me know your thoughts on John 19.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
John 18
On September 11th, 2001, I woke up to a normal day in my life. I was a newlywed, excited about my new life and future as a wife. Jeremy kissed me goodbye and went to work, I did the same. At the time I was working at Cendant Mobility for USAA Movers Advantage. Many of you from the military are familiar with USAA. My job was to help relocate those in the military. That particular morning I was busy. I spoke with many military wives that were in Germany, France and on that day I spoke with a wife whose husband was being transferred to the Pentagon. My day started very early in the morning so before the attacks happened, I had been at work for almost two hours. Again, it was a normal day. My Supervisor's boss, was a retired Colonel from the Army. Suddenly I saw the colonel rush to the break room where a TV was. Then a co-worker of mine walked up and said, "Did you hear what happened to the world trade center? A plane crashed into it!" Instantly I thought of the Dallas World Trade Center, I had NO idea what was happening. And then it all began. Remember my job was to help in the process of re-locating Military families? Those were the only people I dealt with. The phones quit ringing, the emails stopped coming, the office was completely dead. At one point there was a plane that was rumored to be coming for Dallas. As a new Bride I instantly thought of my husband who worked in Dallas. It was a day of panic, a day of grief, a day of shock. Although I was not directly effected by the 911 attacks, it is a day I will never forget. Anytime there is a show on TV about that day, any movie that is made, any kind of documentary, I watch it. I feel it is my duty as an American to never forget. We have all gone on with our lives, but some are still in deep pain. When I do watch something on television regarding the day on 911, everything in me wishes we could have stopped those planes. After the first one, we had no idea what was to come. But watching it all over again, gives me such a helpless feeling deep inside. Watching it then, we never knew what was to come. We had no idea how many more planes would crash. We did not know how it would end. Every single time I watch it, I keep wanting the story to change. But, I know how it ends. 
When I saw the Passion of the Christ, I went with a large group of people. We bought our tickets in advance so we could see it the day it opened. I remember standing in line as I waited for the doors to open. No one had popcorn, candy or pickles. Only a few had drinks. As Christians we were prepared for a serious movie. We had been warned that the movie would be graphic. Walking into the Theatre, many showed reverence by remaining quiet. The lights went out, the movie began and no one talked. The media had prepared me for the graphic nature but nothing could prepare me for what I felt. In the movie, we see Jesus as a little boy. We see him fall down and His mother Mary run to His side. I was a new mother so it was then I looked at Mary as a real "Mommy". Then I remember the moment that Peter denied Him when asked if he was one of Jesus disciples. "No, I am not." I have read at least a hundred times about Peter denying Jesus but when I saw it, that's when the tears began. Then the second time he denied him and before the third time I was wanting to scream out at Peter, "DON'T DO IT PETER. HE LOVES YOU." But, I knew. I knew it would happen. I knew how it would end.
When I saw the Passion of the Christ, I went with a large group of people. We bought our tickets in advance so we could see it the day it opened. I remember standing in line as I waited for the doors to open. No one had popcorn, candy or pickles. Only a few had drinks. As Christians we were prepared for a serious movie. We had been warned that the movie would be graphic. Walking into the Theatre, many showed reverence by remaining quiet. The lights went out, the movie began and no one talked. The media had prepared me for the graphic nature but nothing could prepare me for what I felt. In the movie, we see Jesus as a little boy. We see him fall down and His mother Mary run to His side. I was a new mother so it was then I looked at Mary as a real "Mommy". Then I remember the moment that Peter denied Him when asked if he was one of Jesus disciples. "No, I am not." I have read at least a hundred times about Peter denying Jesus but when I saw it, that's when the tears began. Then the second time he denied him and before the third time I was wanting to scream out at Peter, "DON'T DO IT PETER. HE LOVES YOU." But, I knew. I knew it would happen. I knew how it would end.
In just a few days this study on John will end. But, may we never forget how Jesus was denied, rejected, accused and sentenced to death. Once a year, I think it is important to watch The Passion of the Christ. As you watch, you will wish the story could change. You will find yourself not wanting Jesus to be nailed to the cross. But without the CROSS, we would be bound to live the rest of our lives in Hell. May we never forget.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Go Eat Popcorn
I can remember this like it was yesterday. In Junior High and High School, my Youth pastor would tell us to turn to a certain book in the Bible. Most of the time we were all flipping hundreds of pages in search of the particular book He was reading from. One Wednesday night during our Youth Bible Study, he said "Turn to the book of Ephesians. If you don't know where it is then GO EAT POPCORN. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians." Time and time again he used this phrase to teach us how to to get there quick! He had plenty of cute ways to teach us how to find books in the Bible quickly, but this was my favorite.
As our study in John finishes up, I am excited about starting a new study. I wasn't sure if I was going to do another but the Lord has showed me clearly that I must continue to use my blog for a powerful purpose. What is that purpose? I want women all over the world to be empowered by the Word of God. For the past year I have really experienced God in a whole new way. The only reason it happened was because I got in His Word. I read my Bible before but I mainly read devotions, Bible Study books or Christian books. All of it contained scripture but I wasn't really focusing on it. Then there was all the time I spent reading magazines that did nothing to bring me closer to Him. Instead I was taken in by the stories of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson! Finally one day while I was hurting pretty bad over some things happening in the church I attended, God got a hold of me. The Holy Spirit spoke to me clearly! "Put down the magazines, the self help books, the Christians books, the Bible Studies. Read my WORD." And, I did.
Just as my Youth Pastor's GO EAT POPCORN trick has been something that has stuck with me through the years, so have these three books of the Bible. These books are the bookends in my life and have taught me so much about my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Galatians gives us the Fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians teaches about the purpose of our spiritual gifts, the importance of the body of Christ and how the marriage relationship is supposed to be. Philippians contains the world famous scripture used by Christians daily, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." And what about joy in suffering? It's all there! All of these things we can read about in these short books.
I am excited for those of you that have never read any of these books in the Bible. These are some of my favorites and God speaks to me every single time I read them. There is power in the Word ladies, power! So next Wednesday if you are still needing some accountability and you are not sure what to read next, join me for three weeks as I read Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians. I am praying that the Lord will bring more women to this blog that need a push into God's Word. If you have studied John with me and decide to do something on your own, it will not hurt my feelings. As long as you are in the Word daily, my mission is accomplished. This is not about ME. This is not about ME knowing more than you. For I am learning just like everyone else. As far as referring to this as a Bible Study, I no longer wish to do. I want the Lord to get all the credit! This is about being Women of the Word! So if you wish to be one of these Women reading along with me, give it all you got. Read, read, read! It's one chapter a day. Don't let yourself think "I don't have time to read." You do! You have to make it a priority, you have to make it a part of your day. Ladies, you can always read your Bible while sitting on the toilet or taking a bath. You can do this!
The Guidelines are the same as they were for the John Study. I want to hear about what the Lord reveals to you in the chapters so post it in the comments. Or if you wish to read but don't feel comfortable posting comments, just post "I read." This allows all of those that have committed to the reading, to remain accountable. If you wish to discuss theology or debate scriptures, please use your own blog site to do so. This is not about denomination, religion or what spiritual gifts you do or don't believe in. Please know that I don't mean that ugly either. I just never want this blog to turn into a forum for debate. Oh and if you wish to know my theological beliefs or thoughts on spiritual gifts, email me. I'm am open book! I think you know that by now!
So next Wednesday, May 24th, let's GO EAT POPCORN!
Love to my ladies! Wow, you bless me!
Amanda
farmorethanrubies@sbcglobal.net
Larry, I am so glad I got to talk to you today. You and Cindy invested in me and made a difference in my life. When I am down and out I can still hear you say, "Amanda you are a minister! God's plan for your life is so big, you just can't even imagine. He's gonna use you!" I was only fifteen years old and wondered how on Earth God could use me. You taught me to trust Jesus and go to Him with everything. You have such a legacy and someday in Heaven, there will be a LINE of people waiting to talk to you about how you changed their life. All the times I called you and Cindy while sitting in my closet crying about my life. You always gave me hope, you still do. I love you Larry and Cindy. I know you are proud of me! Thanks for the Go Eat Popcorn phrase, it worked!
As our study in John finishes up, I am excited about starting a new study. I wasn't sure if I was going to do another but the Lord has showed me clearly that I must continue to use my blog for a powerful purpose. What is that purpose? I want women all over the world to be empowered by the Word of God. For the past year I have really experienced God in a whole new way. The only reason it happened was because I got in His Word. I read my Bible before but I mainly read devotions, Bible Study books or Christian books. All of it contained scripture but I wasn't really focusing on it. Then there was all the time I spent reading magazines that did nothing to bring me closer to Him. Instead I was taken in by the stories of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson! Finally one day while I was hurting pretty bad over some things happening in the church I attended, God got a hold of me. The Holy Spirit spoke to me clearly! "Put down the magazines, the self help books, the Christians books, the Bible Studies. Read my WORD." And, I did.
Just as my Youth Pastor's GO EAT POPCORN trick has been something that has stuck with me through the years, so have these three books of the Bible. These books are the bookends in my life and have taught me so much about my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Galatians gives us the Fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians teaches about the purpose of our spiritual gifts, the importance of the body of Christ and how the marriage relationship is supposed to be. Philippians contains the world famous scripture used by Christians daily, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." And what about joy in suffering? It's all there! All of these things we can read about in these short books.
I am excited for those of you that have never read any of these books in the Bible. These are some of my favorites and God speaks to me every single time I read them. There is power in the Word ladies, power! So next Wednesday if you are still needing some accountability and you are not sure what to read next, join me for three weeks as I read Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians. I am praying that the Lord will bring more women to this blog that need a push into God's Word. If you have studied John with me and decide to do something on your own, it will not hurt my feelings. As long as you are in the Word daily, my mission is accomplished. This is not about ME. This is not about ME knowing more than you. For I am learning just like everyone else. As far as referring to this as a Bible Study, I no longer wish to do. I want the Lord to get all the credit! This is about being Women of the Word! So if you wish to be one of these Women reading along with me, give it all you got. Read, read, read! It's one chapter a day. Don't let yourself think "I don't have time to read." You do! You have to make it a priority, you have to make it a part of your day. Ladies, you can always read your Bible while sitting on the toilet or taking a bath. You can do this!
The Guidelines are the same as they were for the John Study. I want to hear about what the Lord reveals to you in the chapters so post it in the comments. Or if you wish to read but don't feel comfortable posting comments, just post "I read." This allows all of those that have committed to the reading, to remain accountable. If you wish to discuss theology or debate scriptures, please use your own blog site to do so. This is not about denomination, religion or what spiritual gifts you do or don't believe in. Please know that I don't mean that ugly either. I just never want this blog to turn into a forum for debate. Oh and if you wish to know my theological beliefs or thoughts on spiritual gifts, email me. I'm am open book! I think you know that by now!
So next Wednesday, May 24th, let's GO EAT POPCORN!
Love to my ladies! Wow, you bless me!
Amanda
farmorethanrubies@sbcglobal.net
Larry, I am so glad I got to talk to you today. You and Cindy invested in me and made a difference in my life. When I am down and out I can still hear you say, "Amanda you are a minister! God's plan for your life is so big, you just can't even imagine. He's gonna use you!" I was only fifteen years old and wondered how on Earth God could use me. You taught me to trust Jesus and go to Him with everything. You have such a legacy and someday in Heaven, there will be a LINE of people waiting to talk to you about how you changed their life. All the times I called you and Cindy while sitting in my closet crying about my life. You always gave me hope, you still do. I love you Larry and Cindy. I know you are proud of me! Thanks for the Go Eat Popcorn phrase, it worked!
"John Girls"
To all of my "John Girls", I just want to tell you what a blessing you are to me. You encourage me every single day with your comments. Our study has gotten smaller, but that's okay. The Lord has exactly the right people involved in this study right now. We finish the book of John next Tuesday. I am really praying right now about whether or not to start a study again when we are finished. I can't wait to hear from all of you at the end of this study about how the Lord has worked in your life. When we make the Lord Jesus Christ number one in our lives, we see mighty things happen. As I have read the book of John, I know that I have experienced power from the Holy Spirit. How about you? Are you living a powerful life? Reading John has reminded me that there is POWER IN THE WORD!
You are mighty women of God and I am blessed to call you my friends! Let's keep running towards the hem of His garment together!
Please send me an email letting me know your prayer requests, I need some specific updates on all of you. farmorethanrubies@sbcglobal.net
You are mighty women of God and I am blessed to call you my friends! Let's keep running towards the hem of His garment together!
Please send me an email letting me know your prayer requests, I need some specific updates on all of you. farmorethanrubies@sbcglobal.net
John 17
How many times do we tell people that we will pray for them and we don't do it? There have been times when someone has told me, "I will pray for you." But really I know that they won't. We forget, we get busy, we get distracted. But, God doesn't. We may forget but He won't. When a friend calls me on the phone and asks me to pray, I pray. I pray right then at that moment over the phone. Keeping my word when it comes to prayer is something I take seriously. If I tell you I am going to pray for you, I am going to pray. At times I may forget only to be awoken in the middle of the night with someone on my heart that needs prayer. When I commit to praying, I ask the Holy Spirit to not let it leave my mind. We have to take prayer seriously, Jesus did. Chapter 17 shows us just how serious Jesus was about praying.
As I have been reading the book of John, I have also been reading a book about the book of John. In regards to this particular chapter, Martin Luther is quoted in this book saying, "This is truly beyond measure a warm and hearty prayer. He opens the depths of His heart, both in reference to us and to His Father, and He pours them all out. It sounds so honest, so simple. It is so deep, so rich, so wide. No one can fathom it." Wow. Martin Luther's words say it all for me. I don't even know what I can possibly say about this chapter. It overwhelms me. Jesus is conversing with God on our behalf. He is always there to speak to the Father on our behalf. He is truly our intercessor.
Several months ago a friend of mine called needing to get her hair done. She called me because she knew my Mom was a hair stylist/colorist. She also knew that my Mom was very busy and booked up weeks at a time. Any accomplished hair stylist is not going to be able to get you in right away unless there is a cancellation and even then there is usually a cancellation list already in place. But when my friend called explaining how bad she needed her hair done, I said "Let me call my Mom and see what I can do." I called my Mom, begged, pleaded and she created a spot for my friend. She was already booked just as I suspected but since I called on my friend's behalf, she squeezed her in. Needless to say, my friend was ecstatic and has become a client of my Mom's. You see my Mom didn't really take that appointment for my friend, she did it for me. I am her daughter and she loves me so she blessed my friend because I asked her to.
In chapter 17, I like to imagine Jesus as He is talking to the Father. I like to picture His face and imagine what His voice must have sounded like as He prayed to the Father about you and me. Today He does the same thing. He intercedes for you and me both. Maybe something like this. "Bless them Father. For they have been faithful and have served you. Please send a buyer for their home soon. They really need this Lord." Our Father can't deny His own son. He loves Him so much that He blesses us on the son's behalf. He loves Jesus so He expresses that by blessing you and me.
Have you heard people say that they have a hard time praying for themselves? I have heard others say that they feel selfish praying for their own needs. But in this chapter, Jesus shows us that it is okay to pray ourselves. He did. He starts off by praying for himself. So why shouldn't we start our prayers off by praying for our own lives? He knows us so well. He knows what we are going to speak before we even speak it. Why not let Him hear what's in our hearts?
Thank you Jesus for this prayer. It seems so generic saying this sometimes but Jesus, thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for interceding for me. I pray that my love for you will be planted into the lives of others. Increase my territory Lord. Use this blog to brings women to JESUS. Thank you Jesus for the passion you have given me for your word.
As I have been reading the book of John, I have also been reading a book about the book of John. In regards to this particular chapter, Martin Luther is quoted in this book saying, "This is truly beyond measure a warm and hearty prayer. He opens the depths of His heart, both in reference to us and to His Father, and He pours them all out. It sounds so honest, so simple. It is so deep, so rich, so wide. No one can fathom it." Wow. Martin Luther's words say it all for me. I don't even know what I can possibly say about this chapter. It overwhelms me. Jesus is conversing with God on our behalf. He is always there to speak to the Father on our behalf. He is truly our intercessor.
Several months ago a friend of mine called needing to get her hair done. She called me because she knew my Mom was a hair stylist/colorist. She also knew that my Mom was very busy and booked up weeks at a time. Any accomplished hair stylist is not going to be able to get you in right away unless there is a cancellation and even then there is usually a cancellation list already in place. But when my friend called explaining how bad she needed her hair done, I said "Let me call my Mom and see what I can do." I called my Mom, begged, pleaded and she created a spot for my friend. She was already booked just as I suspected but since I called on my friend's behalf, she squeezed her in. Needless to say, my friend was ecstatic and has become a client of my Mom's. You see my Mom didn't really take that appointment for my friend, she did it for me. I am her daughter and she loves me so she blessed my friend because I asked her to.
In chapter 17, I like to imagine Jesus as He is talking to the Father. I like to picture His face and imagine what His voice must have sounded like as He prayed to the Father about you and me. Today He does the same thing. He intercedes for you and me both. Maybe something like this. "Bless them Father. For they have been faithful and have served you. Please send a buyer for their home soon. They really need this Lord." Our Father can't deny His own son. He loves Him so much that He blesses us on the son's behalf. He loves Jesus so He expresses that by blessing you and me.
Have you heard people say that they have a hard time praying for themselves? I have heard others say that they feel selfish praying for their own needs. But in this chapter, Jesus shows us that it is okay to pray ourselves. He did. He starts off by praying for himself. So why shouldn't we start our prayers off by praying for our own lives? He knows us so well. He knows what we are going to speak before we even speak it. Why not let Him hear what's in our hearts?
Thank you Jesus for this prayer. It seems so generic saying this sometimes but Jesus, thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for interceding for me. I pray that my love for you will be planted into the lives of others. Increase my territory Lord. Use this blog to brings women to JESUS. Thank you Jesus for the passion you have given me for your word.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
John 16
As I read the book of John, I am reminded that Heaven is a real place that is being prepared for us. In this chapter Jesus leaves us with these words. "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." This chapter has so much in it but this verse sticks with me, it really hits me deep down in my gut. We know that life is hard and tragic things happen daily but our Lord and Savior has overcome all of it! I read this verse over and over again and one thing kept coming to me in my spirit. The word, WORLD, says it all in this verse. Compared to Heaven what is the WORLD? The world is full of pain, heartache, deep sorrows and tragedy. But Jesus has overcome all of it!
I live in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex where I am surrounded by churches, tons of churches! I am not referring to YOUR church. I am referring to church as a whole. I have been a part of many, many churches that are concerned with getting today's generation in church. So they use secular music, secular movie clips, and try to make Jesus seem more like the world. I do believe that we have to be creative these days in our approach and method of reaching people. But, there is too much compromise going on. We can't come down to the level of the World and when we do, I think we cloud the message of Jesus Christ. If we STAND for Christ, people will not like us. The Bible says so in this chapter. Are we really taking a stand for Jesus when we glitz it up?
He has overcome the world and so it is up to us to take a stand for Him.
Lord, I am not always sure how I can take a stand. What in my life keeps me from doing that? Help me to truly be a Jesus Freak as some people say. I need to look and act differently from the World that you have overcome. Heaven is a real place and the things here are temporary, yet I get so consumed at times by my troubles. Lord, remind me of this when my flesh becomes consumed with things of this world. I want to be more like you and if people think I am weird, then I am doing something right! I want to take a stand for your son, Jesus. Father give me the strength to be BOLD!
I live in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex where I am surrounded by churches, tons of churches! I am not referring to YOUR church. I am referring to church as a whole. I have been a part of many, many churches that are concerned with getting today's generation in church. So they use secular music, secular movie clips, and try to make Jesus seem more like the world. I do believe that we have to be creative these days in our approach and method of reaching people. But, there is too much compromise going on. We can't come down to the level of the World and when we do, I think we cloud the message of Jesus Christ. If we STAND for Christ, people will not like us. The Bible says so in this chapter. Are we really taking a stand for Jesus when we glitz it up?
He has overcome the world and so it is up to us to take a stand for Him.
Lord, I am not always sure how I can take a stand. What in my life keeps me from doing that? Help me to truly be a Jesus Freak as some people say. I need to look and act differently from the World that you have overcome. Heaven is a real place and the things here are temporary, yet I get so consumed at times by my troubles. Lord, remind me of this when my flesh becomes consumed with things of this world. I want to be more like you and if people think I am weird, then I am doing something right! I want to take a stand for your son, Jesus. Father give me the strength to be BOLD!
Monday, May 15, 2006
John 15
(I have linked BibleGateway on the title. I chose "The Message" translation because it really helped me apply these scriptures to my life . I encourage you to read it.)
What area in my life is not producing fruit? What branch needs to be cut? This is what I ask myself and ask the Lord as I read this chapter. Is there any part of me that I have severed from the vine? I long to obey my Father and stay in His love. The church is not the vine, a denomination is not the vine, our Christian friends cannot be the vine. HE IS THE VINE. So what fruit is Christ referring to? Love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Gal. 5:22-23) And if we bear this fruit then of course He will use us to save souls!
In John 12, Jesus gives us a command to love one another. He didn't suggest it, He commanded it! So this morning I am asking God to show me who I can love. Are the people in my life that I am not loving? Am I looking over people? There was a woman I used to go to church with several years ago that everyone loved and spoke highly of. I didn't really know her but one day I heard someone talking about her. "She is beautiful woman. She loves people!" After I heard that I thought how awesome it would be to be spoken of that way. I want others to see that I love people. That's what Christ called us to do so why can't we do it?! Do others see you loving people? What reputation do you have when it comes to PEOPLE?
Father, I pray today that you will reveal to me the areas in my life that I am not bearing fruit. Where am I not showing that I have peace and patient? What needs to be pruned? Even as I type, I know what you are revealing to me. Lord Jesus, help me. I need you. I can't do anything without you.
What area in my life is not producing fruit? What branch needs to be cut? This is what I ask myself and ask the Lord as I read this chapter. Is there any part of me that I have severed from the vine? I long to obey my Father and stay in His love. The church is not the vine, a denomination is not the vine, our Christian friends cannot be the vine. HE IS THE VINE. So what fruit is Christ referring to? Love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Gal. 5:22-23) And if we bear this fruit then of course He will use us to save souls!
In John 12, Jesus gives us a command to love one another. He didn't suggest it, He commanded it! So this morning I am asking God to show me who I can love. Are the people in my life that I am not loving? Am I looking over people? There was a woman I used to go to church with several years ago that everyone loved and spoke highly of. I didn't really know her but one day I heard someone talking about her. "She is beautiful woman. She loves people!" After I heard that I thought how awesome it would be to be spoken of that way. I want others to see that I love people. That's what Christ called us to do so why can't we do it?! Do others see you loving people? What reputation do you have when it comes to PEOPLE?
Father, I pray today that you will reveal to me the areas in my life that I am not bearing fruit. Where am I not showing that I have peace and patient? What needs to be pruned? Even as I type, I know what you are revealing to me. Lord Jesus, help me. I need you. I can't do anything without you.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day & Thank You!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful mommies out there! I forgot to take my camera to church this morning so this is the only decent picture I got for our Mother's Day Celebration. The kids went with my parents today right after church to go visit my grandmother. So I got to spend the day at the lake with my husband and that's exactly what I wanted to do. Yep, I got a day off on Mother's Day, just Mommy and Daddy ALONE on the boat at Lake Grapevine! But last night was great! I really cleaned up on Starbucks stuff and that was fine with me! Jeremy is always so creative with gifts on this day. Since I became a Mom, He has learned that this is the perfect day to be sentimental! I plan on writing something about my gift that I received this year so until then I will keep you in suspense!I pray that each of you felt special today, that's what it's all about! This morning Josiah said, "Happy Mother's Day Mommy! Happy Mother's Day to me too. Okay Mommy? Say it to me too, Mommy." So I did! Happy Mother's Day Josiah and Ava Beth. You are the greatest gifts in the whole world and my life is better because of you and of course your Daddy too!
Oh and I want to say thank you to my best friends in the whole world. You women have helped me in my journey of being a Mommy. Thank you for always being there for me. Each of you teach me so much and I love you more than you know. So, in no particular order, here it goes!
Courtney, you encourage me in ways that no one else can. You met me when I was a new Mom and expecting another one. Instantly, I knew we would be friends. You are the BEST cook I know and I just pray that I can cook almost as good. I wish you still lived in Texas so we could meet at Grapevine Mills to eat at Corner Bakery and then shop till we drop! But now even though you are in Indiana, I still get to talk to you almost everyday. I love nationwide long distance! I miss you so much and I love you.
Kelly Ann, my friend since eighth grade. You balance me out so well. Thank you for taking care of me. That's what you do, you take care of me. I am so glad that we are getting to raise our boys together. We have more babies to have and that is gonna be so fun too! What a precious woman of God you are and one of the most amazing listeners I have ever known. I love you Kelly Ann!
Rebecca, I miss having you across the street. I miss calling and asking to borrow the ketchup AND OTHER THINGS! I am soooooo thankful for you and you have taught me everything I know about taking care of a newborn! When Josiah was colic, you would hold him for me so I could take a bath. I can say anything to you, anything!!! Also, I love how you laugh at my jokes. You know that I love to be funny and you laughing at me really makes me feel great! Okay Betty Sue??! I DON'T miss Little Elm but I do miss YOU!! I love you Aunt Rae Rae!
Lo, (Laura) you are one beautiful chica and a great friend too! You talked me into Karaoke on the cruise, you went down the water slide with me and you yelled, "Jim, hey over here!" while we were watching that Las Vegas type show on the cruise! That was funny! And you make me laugh more than anyone because you are so dang funny! I love you Lo!
Kathy, you say all the right things at all the right times! You make me feel like an awesome Mom, wife, friend, daughter, everything. You are my fairy God Mother and I love you so much. I am so blessed to have you in my life. My kids adore you!
Mom, Mom, Mom, you did things right. Look at me! I turned out pretty darn good! You are a wonderful Mom and wonderful MiMi. I call you a million times a day and each time we have something new to talk about. You do my hair for free, you always buy my lunch, you give me stuff all the time and you make me feel beautiful. If it weren't for you Mom, I would not be the woman I am today. Thank you for your constant Godly example. I love you. YOU ARE MY HERO!
Diana, I was twenty years old and you made me try out for the praise team at FC. You even went with me and I made it! You have always been my big sister and loved on me even when I was an annoying twenty year old. In Salt Lake City I lost my ski poles and cried and you told me "Buck up Mandi, it's not the end of the world." I got mad and said "Don't act like my Mom." You said, "Well, I'm a lot older than you so get over it! God put me in your life for a reason!" You are my spiritual rock Diana! I love you!
Charlene, thank you for being my gracious, kind, forgiving Mother-in-law. I have not always been easy to love but you refused to do anything but LOVE me. I know I sometimes struggle with believing it, but I really know that you love me like your own. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandmother to my babies. And thank you for my husband, you are a great Mom. Oh and THANK YOU SO MUCH for our date nights. You are always willing to take the kids for a while when I need a break. You are a hard working, amazing, Godly woman and I love you.
Friday, May 12, 2006
John 14
Today you may be surrounded by some who are confused, afraid, lonely, depressed or grief stricken. No matter what the feeling is, it's real. Our world is constantly searching for peace. Some choose to go out for the night and have a few drinks. Others choose to become involved in drugs. Hurting people search for something to come in and bring them peace, even if the peace is temporary. It may sound silly but I know that when I have had a hard day or I am depressed about something, buying a new pair of shoes or a new outfit always brings me peace. But, the peace only lasts for a little while. The peace that the world offers us is only for a moment, it will never last. The Peace that our Lord Jesus Christ gives is forever. It's a peace that come from within and it's deep, very deep. It's that peace that you find when you think you can take no more in life. It's that peace that comes when everything in your life seems hopeless. It's a peace that can't be shaken. That's the peace that Jesus gives. John 14:27"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." Ahh, peace of mind. Peace of heart! What can be better? Christ said it himself that the peace He gives us, is NOT what the world gives.
Many years ago when I worked in the professional world, I worked for a man that did not believe in God. Since I was single, this man's wife hired me a lot to baby-sit or house sit for them when they went out of town. They even took me along for a family vacation. One day I was passing by this man's office and he called out asking me to come to his office. For several months I had been witnessing to him and his wife. And I was bold too! It's kind of cool to think about now because I had some guts! When I stepped into his office, he said "What's the point in believing in God? I'm a happy guy." He had many questions and wanted to know why God would want to have a relationship with him. He even took a piece of paper and drew a scale. At one end of the scale was him and the other end was Jeffrey Dahmer. "So you are saying, BOTH of us can go to Heaven?" Of course my answer was yes as I explained that ALL can be forgiven. But something I told Him over and over again was the gift of peace that comes with salvation. "You think you are happy and maybe you are. But when your world is turned upside down, will you have peace?" After that day, we talked a lot more. I still spent time with his family and they even let me take their kids to church with me. Every time I had the change I would tell the kids about Jesus. One afternoon while driving to Saturday night church, the kids began to ask me about Jesus. All the things I had been sharing with them, all the Bible Stories I had read, was now tugging at their hearts. And that afternoon, those two precious kids asked Jesus to come into their life. As I drove I prayed a prayer with them I will never forget and Lord, I pray that they don't either.
I have lost contact with the family. The kids are now teenagers. But I pray that those two kids and their parents have experienced the peace that I have.
Peace, it's one of the best benefits!
Many years ago when I worked in the professional world, I worked for a man that did not believe in God. Since I was single, this man's wife hired me a lot to baby-sit or house sit for them when they went out of town. They even took me along for a family vacation. One day I was passing by this man's office and he called out asking me to come to his office. For several months I had been witnessing to him and his wife. And I was bold too! It's kind of cool to think about now because I had some guts! When I stepped into his office, he said "What's the point in believing in God? I'm a happy guy." He had many questions and wanted to know why God would want to have a relationship with him. He even took a piece of paper and drew a scale. At one end of the scale was him and the other end was Jeffrey Dahmer. "So you are saying, BOTH of us can go to Heaven?" Of course my answer was yes as I explained that ALL can be forgiven. But something I told Him over and over again was the gift of peace that comes with salvation. "You think you are happy and maybe you are. But when your world is turned upside down, will you have peace?" After that day, we talked a lot more. I still spent time with his family and they even let me take their kids to church with me. Every time I had the change I would tell the kids about Jesus. One afternoon while driving to Saturday night church, the kids began to ask me about Jesus. All the things I had been sharing with them, all the Bible Stories I had read, was now tugging at their hearts. And that afternoon, those two precious kids asked Jesus to come into their life. As I drove I prayed a prayer with them I will never forget and Lord, I pray that they don't either.
I have lost contact with the family. The kids are now teenagers. But I pray that those two kids and their parents have experienced the peace that I have.
Peace, it's one of the best benefits!
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