God is always calling us toward growth, whether we choose to hear and listen is up to us, but the calling is there. He wants to give us more; an abundant life. Now that may not be financially abundant. Debt-free, for sure! But His riches are beyond pleasurable to the flesh, they satisfy the spirit, they benefit those around us and beyond.
How we respond to Gods discipline will be a big factor in how we grow. Will we grow in Him, or will we grow in the world? Will we choose holiness over sin? Sin- Sometimes those of us who think of this nasty little word think of drugs and lust, but let us be reminded sin is very much alive and destructive in the envious heart and gossiping tongue. Sometimes it's simply having an opinion when God tells us not to because we are to submit to authority and believe that He is in charge.
How will you respond when Gods conviction comes over you? Will you yield to His Spirit and seize the opportunity to grow, or will you subtly shy away and excuse away His calling on your life?
May I encourage you do yield? It truly is for our benefit. And please don't only listen to His voice when it's convenient. When we are faced with the bigger challenges you can bet that there is a breakthrough of some sorts right around the corner. Don't block your blessing. Boy have I learned the hard way! Thankfully He is merciful!!
Glory to God who righteously disciplines.........
Be Blessed.......
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:9-11
Friday, July 8, 2011
Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless--like chasing the wind. - Ecclesiastes 6:9
Are you content?
The Spirit of God alone is more than enough to keep us full and satisfied; then why do we always want more. For some it's more material belongings that we desire. Do you have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear? Do you own a car, but it's too small, too old, wrong color? Did you know that if you own one car you are in the top 3-5% of the richest people in the world! Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
For others it's more spiritual gifts. We want to be holier, sometimes even coveting our neighbors spiritual gifts, but we were each made with our own individual purposes. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts from one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 You have your place! You're unique, special, in Christ! Some of us are city girls, country girls, grew up in wholesome families, while others struggled with one nasty sin after the other. Whatever your past, wherever you are today in Christ, take comfort that the God of the universe, the God of all things has called you His! He loves you and longs to walk with you all the days of your life. You don't have to be perfect, or have "things". All you have to have is an open heart for His love to be poured into. You don't have to acquire any single little thing to be "more" valuable in His sight. You already are a gem!
As we grow in Him, He guides us, and directs all of our beautiful steps toward a holy life. Let us be obedient to His voice and long to please Him. Open up His Word and drink your fill of it day and night. Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:2 All of your earthly desires, hang ups, and discontentment will dissipate. The God of your life will be exalted in and through you and you will never be dissatisfied, chasing after the wind again! I pray that out of His glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in you inner being. - Ephesians 3:16
Let us teach our precious children to be satisfied with what we have in GOD. Not only by voicing instruction to them, but by being conscious what comes out of our hearts through our mouths about what WE have or do not have.
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
In Love and Kindness.....
Be Content.......
The Spirit of God alone is more than enough to keep us full and satisfied; then why do we always want more. For some it's more material belongings that we desire. Do you have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear? Do you own a car, but it's too small, too old, wrong color? Did you know that if you own one car you are in the top 3-5% of the richest people in the world! Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
For others it's more spiritual gifts. We want to be holier, sometimes even coveting our neighbors spiritual gifts, but we were each made with our own individual purposes. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts from one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 You have your place! You're unique, special, in Christ! Some of us are city girls, country girls, grew up in wholesome families, while others struggled with one nasty sin after the other. Whatever your past, wherever you are today in Christ, take comfort that the God of the universe, the God of all things has called you His! He loves you and longs to walk with you all the days of your life. You don't have to be perfect, or have "things". All you have to have is an open heart for His love to be poured into. You don't have to acquire any single little thing to be "more" valuable in His sight. You already are a gem!
As we grow in Him, He guides us, and directs all of our beautiful steps toward a holy life. Let us be obedient to His voice and long to please Him. Open up His Word and drink your fill of it day and night. Like newborn babies, crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:2 All of your earthly desires, hang ups, and discontentment will dissipate. The God of your life will be exalted in and through you and you will never be dissatisfied, chasing after the wind again! I pray that out of His glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in you inner being. - Ephesians 3:16
Let us teach our precious children to be satisfied with what we have in GOD. Not only by voicing instruction to them, but by being conscious what comes out of our hearts through our mouths about what WE have or do not have.
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
In Love and Kindness.....
Be Content.......
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. - Habakkuk 1:3-4
I was deeply challenged today. It lasted for about an excruciating 30 minutes. I cried, I felt extremely nauseous, dizzy, and heavy!
Casey Anthony: Not Guilty.
I will not lie, I was hurt. I think she killed her daughter; I cannot understand the verdict. Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. - Romans 13:1 Immediately I was convicted.
Just last week I wrote an article about judging, and there I was sitting indian style on my living room floor, balling my eyes out because I felt there was no justice for baby Caylee. I judged the verdict was WRONG! Precious two year old Caylee... Having three daughters, ages 6, 3 and 8 months I just could not understand. And if not guilty of murder, then some serious neglect! If one of my daughters go missing for one minute, I am flipping out, ready to call the police! Trust in the LORD your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5 This is the scripture the Lord immediately gave me. Thank you Jesus.
Crazy thing is about ten minutes before the verdict was read, I was praying for Casey. Praying that she would repent and be forgiven by God. Then, my heart turned cold when I learned she would probably walk. Lord forgive me. Gods grace fell upon me and turned my heaviness into praise. I worshipped and praised Him as He revealed to me, that in fact He is a JUST GOD!
At the end of the day, I was not a juror in the case, I am not a judge. I am a lady. I am a wife. I am a mom. I am a daughter of GOD. And I trust Him and thank Him for His peace that surpasses all understanding. I truly need it!
Beautiful baby girl Caylee. A sweet toddler filled with wonder and hope. Love and trust.
If your heart is hurting like mine for her, take comfort that she is on the lap of Jesus. Living and giggling as innocently precious as ever.
Dance with the angels baby Caylee... Dance with the angels.....
Casey Anthony: Not Guilty.
I will not lie, I was hurt. I think she killed her daughter; I cannot understand the verdict. Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. - Romans 13:1 Immediately I was convicted.
Just last week I wrote an article about judging, and there I was sitting indian style on my living room floor, balling my eyes out because I felt there was no justice for baby Caylee. I judged the verdict was WRONG! Precious two year old Caylee... Having three daughters, ages 6, 3 and 8 months I just could not understand. And if not guilty of murder, then some serious neglect! If one of my daughters go missing for one minute, I am flipping out, ready to call the police! Trust in the LORD your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5 This is the scripture the Lord immediately gave me. Thank you Jesus.
Crazy thing is about ten minutes before the verdict was read, I was praying for Casey. Praying that she would repent and be forgiven by God. Then, my heart turned cold when I learned she would probably walk. Lord forgive me. Gods grace fell upon me and turned my heaviness into praise. I worshipped and praised Him as He revealed to me, that in fact He is a JUST GOD!
At the end of the day, I was not a juror in the case, I am not a judge. I am a lady. I am a wife. I am a mom. I am a daughter of GOD. And I trust Him and thank Him for His peace that surpasses all understanding. I truly need it!
Beautiful baby girl Caylee. A sweet toddler filled with wonder and hope. Love and trust.
If your heart is hurting like mine for her, take comfort that she is on the lap of Jesus. Living and giggling as innocently precious as ever.
Dance with the angels baby Caylee... Dance with the angels.....
Friday, July 1, 2011
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. - Proverbs 1:8
So, I've decided to homeschool!
I am so excited about this endeavor, and truly feel the Lord calling me to this. When the idea was first placed on my heart I felt overwhelmed with doubt and insecurity, but as I have prayed, peace and assurance have fallen all over me. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. - Hebrews 2:13
Some of the reasons I've decided to homeschool:
1. I miss her when she's gone! Seven hours a day, thirty five hours a week. Last year when my daughter started kindergarten, homeschooling wasn't an option. I was hospitalized pregnant with our third daughter. You can read that story here . When I finally came home with our precious preemie and I was sending Asia to school, I missed her. I didn't like her being away from home and our family for such a long time. (even though the days flew by)!
2. School education is so standardized, and my children are not. Of course I could always impart my education before and after her school day, but it's all of these reasons combined that I'm going to homeschool.
3. I want my husband and I to be our children's number one influence, building a godly character within them. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. - Isaiah 54:13
4. There's an innocence I'd like to preserve. I'll never forget the day Asia came home and said: Mommy, I can't believe it! The Easter Bunny and Santa are not real! My friend said that her dad is Santa and her mom is the Easter Bunny! I said: Well actually Asia, YOUR dad is Santa! LOL I honestly didn't care about this revelation because those holidays are precious days we celebrate that are rooted in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But what about the day when the disclosure isn't about something childish. I realize that I can't protect my girls form every single thing under the sun, but I have a strong desire to attempt to protect them for as long as I can. Ultimately, I do trust God to protect them and guide them, and I'm honored that He's entrusted them to me! Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6
I am now beginning to choose the curriculum for my six year old. I am praying for guidance and for the Lord to show me what He wants me to focus on. After all, He does know them better than I do! :) Because we are spanish, I will be focusing on spanish as a second language. I will however, most likely choose Greek as a third. I'd like my children to be able to read bible text in it's original form and use that skill for His glory. Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. - Matthew 22:37
In no way whatsoever do I cast any judgement on parents who choose to use any school system. These are just my feelings and what I believe is best for our family.
"Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." - William Butler Yeats
If you are a homeschooler and happen to read this, please share some helpful tips with me; I know I will need them!! =)
In Love and Kindness........
Here's to Homeschooling......... Yay!
I am so excited about this endeavor, and truly feel the Lord calling me to this. When the idea was first placed on my heart I felt overwhelmed with doubt and insecurity, but as I have prayed, peace and assurance have fallen all over me. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. - Hebrews 2:13
Some of the reasons I've decided to homeschool:
1. I miss her when she's gone! Seven hours a day, thirty five hours a week. Last year when my daughter started kindergarten, homeschooling wasn't an option. I was hospitalized pregnant with our third daughter. You can read that story here . When I finally came home with our precious preemie and I was sending Asia to school, I missed her. I didn't like her being away from home and our family for such a long time. (even though the days flew by)!
2. School education is so standardized, and my children are not. Of course I could always impart my education before and after her school day, but it's all of these reasons combined that I'm going to homeschool.
3. I want my husband and I to be our children's number one influence, building a godly character within them. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. - Isaiah 54:13
4. There's an innocence I'd like to preserve. I'll never forget the day Asia came home and said: Mommy, I can't believe it! The Easter Bunny and Santa are not real! My friend said that her dad is Santa and her mom is the Easter Bunny! I said: Well actually Asia, YOUR dad is Santa! LOL I honestly didn't care about this revelation because those holidays are precious days we celebrate that are rooted in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But what about the day when the disclosure isn't about something childish. I realize that I can't protect my girls form every single thing under the sun, but I have a strong desire to attempt to protect them for as long as I can. Ultimately, I do trust God to protect them and guide them, and I'm honored that He's entrusted them to me! Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6
I am now beginning to choose the curriculum for my six year old. I am praying for guidance and for the Lord to show me what He wants me to focus on. After all, He does know them better than I do! :) Because we are spanish, I will be focusing on spanish as a second language. I will however, most likely choose Greek as a third. I'd like my children to be able to read bible text in it's original form and use that skill for His glory. Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. - Matthew 22:37
In no way whatsoever do I cast any judgement on parents who choose to use any school system. These are just my feelings and what I believe is best for our family.
"Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." - William Butler Yeats
If you are a homeschooler and happen to read this, please share some helpful tips with me; I know I will need them!! =)
In Love and Kindness........
Here's to Homeschooling......... Yay!
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