Hello my sweet girls! I thought it was about time to send a little hello and update along your way:) We just passed our 6 month mark here in Georgetown, in a way it seems like yesterday that we were at Grace and in another it seems like so long ago. Hard to explain. Please know that I miss each of you terribly and think of you often. Well, on with the update.....As I'm sure you already know we were very busy to say the least when we 1st moved. The day we moved was just crazy to put it mildly. It was also the day that Sydney seemed to completely lose the use of her right leg. God's timing is just impeccable! He put us here just when we needed it the most. So with getting things into place here and scheduling appts. for Sydney the 1st month seemed to go fast. The day of Sydney's 2nd surgery was a miracle in itself. The presence of God in the waiting room was undeniable. Sydney and I spent 22 days in Cincinnati. We also spent a little over a week at the Ronald McDonald House as a family, what a blessing. Being away for that long was so hard but what a blessing to have JC and Irene here at home with the kids. I am so thankful to have them! After we came home from the hospital things seemed even busier with appts to rehab a couple of times a week. In December Sydney was discharged from therapy until her halo is removed, what a blessing. We felt like we could breath a little!
In the middle of all of this we'd been attending Boone's Creek and just really loved the people there. They prayed so much for Sydney and we felt blessed to know them but still sensed a check in our spirits that we should be at Ashland Avenue after all, we were listening to the sermons on our way to Boone's Creek every Sunday :) So we've been attending there since the 1st of the year and it is truly an amazing place. The Gospel is proclaimed in every sermon and Sunday school class. Ashland is made up of a lot of large and adoptive families. We are blessed. No one has ever asked me "are they all yours?"
Chad is busy with work and seminary, he started Greek this semester and let's just say, "it's Greek to me".
He LOVES being so close to work, it's been a blessing.
Neil turned 15 in October, he's still as sweet as ever, I don't know what I'd do without his help! He's misses his chickens but otherwise loves it here!
Cole turned 11 in January, he's all about drawing and cartooning, he really is talented!
Haley turned 10 in January, she loves to read and anything American Girl! We've also started AWANA and she can't get enough!
Sydney is 8 today! She's doing amazingly well, walking and really doing everything on her own. She's in 1st grade and things have just started to click for her. She's learning to read and "getting" math! Praise God for all that He has done for her!
Lainey Beth turned 4 in October, she's still "boss" of the house. Especially where Neil is concerned. She's doing preschool and loves to cut things and shapes. She's always busy at something!
Noah is Noah!!! He's so different that everyone else....he has a temper, I wonder if it's from me or Chad? I'll let you decide ;) He loves hats and wears one all the time even to bed. And yes, he still has his blue "dada" washcloth. He's starting to talk a lot and says the sweetest things.
Let's see, for me....well, I turned 40 in October......I should just leave it at that;) I'm so thankful for each one of you. I've learned so much by knowing you and have been blessed by each of you. What a blessing to be counted as a sister in Christ! I decided in December that I was going to stop plucking all the grey hairs as it was leaving my scalp sore and tender...really. That lasted about 5 weeks, maybe. I broke over and colored it, those greys are stubborn they're already showing through but I have an extra box of color waiting in the bathroom;) I still have 2 chins, sometimes more sometimes less....let's see what else about me? Well, we're the proud parents of 2 wonderful adult children! Austin and Kayla, they're just a Godsend to us. Just can't imagine not having them, God is indeed good. They're expecting their 1st baby in May!
Well, I suppose that's more than you wanted to know.....love you all more than you know.
Your sister in Christ,
Sandy
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Who we are...
I am such a lover of music! Did you girls know that? Well, now you do! smile. If I hear one song that touches my heart then I will listen to it at least a hundred times. I love those songs that use Scripture and how that it will have such an impact on my life during whatever season it is I am going through. I recently have taken an interest in Kari Jobe, are any of you familiar with her? She seems fairly new and I know that Priscilla Shirer did an interview with her back in 2010 so I am thinking she may have a few years in music ministry. Anyway..moving along. My point is.. she has a new CD coming out on the 17th, I preordered it through ITUNES and cannot wait to get it!
Lately, I have lost my joy for walking. I have been in prayer about that. God has been showing me that He does care about the little things ladies. So, I have been downloading lots of praise and worship music to my IPOD and it has had such a tremendous impact on keeping me motivated. Do any of you have issues staying motivated to keep on keeping on? What is it that kicks your motivation into a new gear?
Okay, so the new tune that motivates me at this time is Kari Jobe's "We Are"
"We Are"
Every secret, every shame, every fear, every pain- live inside the dark, that's not who we are. We are children of the day.
This opening line to this song just settles my soul. To be perfectly honest with my prayer group, the last week has been...for a lack of better words...UNSETTLING.
Have you ever encountered, all the right answers still being all the wrong ones? I have, I have all week long. I see one of my children having trouble in her life. I don't see her physically because she is so far away. It is so hard. I want to fly in on my white goose (minivan. hehe) and save the day. But, you know for once in her time with me, I am not able to do that. I could bring her home and give her the confidence in knowing that I can make this more comfortable for her. OR, I can let her fix it. God has shown me that He will not fix those things that we can. We have to do somethings on our own. So in this situation, he has stopped me in my Mama tracks and said, "Stand Still". Do you all know how hard that is? I know you do.
So, knowing that every secret, every shame, every fear, every pain, as long as it lives in the dark it is not of God. Bringing those things out of the darkness into the light, can mean many things. It may be telling someone about something in your past, admitting you aren't living the way you perceive to be, or maybe we just aren't being the people of integrity that God has called us to be. Whatever that may be, we have a Savior that still saves us. He doesn't just save the lost, but also those that have lost their way. I praise Him for that.
"We Are"
So wake up sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left
We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
I know that we all have those things we call "ugly" within us, I can be performing the most normal of tasks such as shopping in IGA and someone will go out of their way to be rude and that "ugliness" will rear it's head up in me and it is at that moment I find myself having to make a choice. For me, it is reactions that are so hard to combat. Through this ordinary song, that I thought was just meant for me getting through a little 2 mile walk has shown me who I am in Christ. Sometimes, it's the little things. I am thankful for that. SO, how are you lady bugs? I miss our Bible Studies together, our one hour talks that turn into two and three. Let's pray...
Lord Jesus, I praise You today for the methods You use to speak to us. Help us to be watchful for a word from You. Help us to look for You in the little things and not just the big things. Be with all of my sisters and help them in their times of happiness as well as their times of sorrow. Let us never fail to praise You every day and in everything. In Jesus Name we pray! AMEN
I love you girlies so very much! ((HUGS))
In Him We Remain,
Shana
P.S. If you haven't heard this song, you can go to http://www.grooveshark.com/ and type in Kari Jobe, there will be a list of songs and you can listen to any of them you want. No membership required as long as you are just listening. Enjoy! :)
Lately, I have lost my joy for walking. I have been in prayer about that. God has been showing me that He does care about the little things ladies. So, I have been downloading lots of praise and worship music to my IPOD and it has had such a tremendous impact on keeping me motivated. Do any of you have issues staying motivated to keep on keeping on? What is it that kicks your motivation into a new gear?
Okay, so the new tune that motivates me at this time is Kari Jobe's "We Are"
"We Are"
Every secret, every shame, every fear, every pain- live inside the dark, that's not who we are. We are children of the day.
This opening line to this song just settles my soul. To be perfectly honest with my prayer group, the last week has been...for a lack of better words...UNSETTLING.
Have you ever encountered, all the right answers still being all the wrong ones? I have, I have all week long. I see one of my children having trouble in her life. I don't see her physically because she is so far away. It is so hard. I want to fly in on my white goose (minivan. hehe) and save the day. But, you know for once in her time with me, I am not able to do that. I could bring her home and give her the confidence in knowing that I can make this more comfortable for her. OR, I can let her fix it. God has shown me that He will not fix those things that we can. We have to do somethings on our own. So in this situation, he has stopped me in my Mama tracks and said, "Stand Still". Do you all know how hard that is? I know you do.
So, knowing that every secret, every shame, every fear, every pain, as long as it lives in the dark it is not of God. Bringing those things out of the darkness into the light, can mean many things. It may be telling someone about something in your past, admitting you aren't living the way you perceive to be, or maybe we just aren't being the people of integrity that God has called us to be. Whatever that may be, we have a Savior that still saves us. He doesn't just save the lost, but also those that have lost their way. I praise Him for that.
"We Are"
So wake up sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left
We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
I know that we all have those things we call "ugly" within us, I can be performing the most normal of tasks such as shopping in IGA and someone will go out of their way to be rude and that "ugliness" will rear it's head up in me and it is at that moment I find myself having to make a choice. For me, it is reactions that are so hard to combat. Through this ordinary song, that I thought was just meant for me getting through a little 2 mile walk has shown me who I am in Christ. Sometimes, it's the little things. I am thankful for that. SO, how are you lady bugs? I miss our Bible Studies together, our one hour talks that turn into two and three. Let's pray...
Lord Jesus, I praise You today for the methods You use to speak to us. Help us to be watchful for a word from You. Help us to look for You in the little things and not just the big things. Be with all of my sisters and help them in their times of happiness as well as their times of sorrow. Let us never fail to praise You every day and in everything. In Jesus Name we pray! AMEN
I love you girlies so very much! ((HUGS))
In Him We Remain,
Shana
P.S. If you haven't heard this song, you can go to http://www.grooveshark.com/ and type in Kari Jobe, there will be a list of songs and you can listen to any of them you want. No membership required as long as you are just listening. Enjoy! :)
Friday, January 6, 2012
THE BEST SISTERS EVER!!!!!
You are the best friends in the world( Deb and Wendy too). Thanks for all the prayers. Lets pray God does great work in TJ. Pray for Tigers health and most of all his spiritual well being!!!!!
Love you ladybugs!!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST,
TARA
Love you ladybugs!!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST,
TARA
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
PRAY FOR T.J!!!!!!
T.J has a court day tom. Pleas say a special prayer for him at 1:00. He also needs prayer for his salvation and a physical healing too. You ladies mean solo much to me. Lets keep this blot going I know for one have not been up to powr on it but now I can do it from home and have more time to read and comment. I love you Shana keep up the good work!!!!!!
YOUR SISTER IN PRAYER,
TARA
YOUR SISTER IN PRAYER,
TARA
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year Ladybugs!! I am so thankful for you girls! I pray that 2012 will be overflowing with the blessings that only God can give us. Let's do a lil devo real quick...
God delights in women who are...
Seeking Him
O God, You are my God;
Early I will seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
This is my prayer for us in 2012, that we will seek Him always. Early..whether that be by early mornings, or to seek Him in the early times of our troubles but to seek Him first in all situations under all circumstances. I pray that our souls and our fleshly beings will long for Him like we would thirst for water in dry land. What more can we do? What else should we do? How often I will seek what I can do first and then when I find that it is out of my control, I will then seek Him. Why do I do that? I do understand however, that God will not do what I can, but even still I should always seek Him first in all things, regardless of whether it is a God sized task or a Shana sized task. Do any of you relate?
Have any of you made any New Year's Resolutions? Not those 30 day ones that resolve to be without sugar, carbs and/or chocolate (oh no not those) but the ones that resolve to have a better relationship with Jesus. To be in His Word every single day searching for Him. To be in prayer with Him throughout our day, seeking and searching for Him earnestly. Can we abandon our minute 2011 study and prayer time and radically begin 2012 living and breathing to have more and more time to spend with Him? What is your resolution ladyfriends? Share..
I love you all so very much! My heart bursts with love for you girls!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
God delights in women who are...
Seeking Him
O God, You are my God;
Early I will seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
This is my prayer for us in 2012, that we will seek Him always. Early..whether that be by early mornings, or to seek Him in the early times of our troubles but to seek Him first in all situations under all circumstances. I pray that our souls and our fleshly beings will long for Him like we would thirst for water in dry land. What more can we do? What else should we do? How often I will seek what I can do first and then when I find that it is out of my control, I will then seek Him. Why do I do that? I do understand however, that God will not do what I can, but even still I should always seek Him first in all things, regardless of whether it is a God sized task or a Shana sized task. Do any of you relate?
Have any of you made any New Year's Resolutions? Not those 30 day ones that resolve to be without sugar, carbs and/or chocolate (oh no not those) but the ones that resolve to have a better relationship with Jesus. To be in His Word every single day searching for Him. To be in prayer with Him throughout our day, seeking and searching for Him earnestly. Can we abandon our minute 2011 study and prayer time and radically begin 2012 living and breathing to have more and more time to spend with Him? What is your resolution ladyfriends? Share..
I love you all so very much! My heart bursts with love for you girls!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, November 21, 2011
Spiritual Ear Plugs?
Happy Monday Ladybugs!!! I have missed you gals soo much!! Lately God has us doing lots in the ministry and doing weekly posts isn't always possible but please know that I haven't forgotten you all and I am still very much in prayer for each of you daily.
Last night at church I was talking to a very special gal in my life and she told me the funniest story about earplugs. Apparently, her spouse is quite the snorer..(my hubby can saw some serious logs as well, so I could really relate) smile. So, she told me that she normally just wears one earplug in her ear at night so she can get some restful zzzz's. But, on this particular night she decided that in case she should turn over and expose the unplugged ear, she would just go ahead and put in both. WELL.. this is where it gets hilariously funny, she wakes up that morning and her hubby is speaking to her, she sees the lips moving but hears NOTHING!! As you can imagine the alarms began going off in her head screaming...I AM DEAF!!!! Thankfully, she quickly realized that she still had her earplugs on! hehehe... As I was standing there trying to not be so loud laughing at her funny tale, (our Pastor was in the middle of a hymn) I thought to myself, there is a blog in that!
So many times, God has been telling me 'specifically' that I need to do something, it may be witness to someone or change something in my life etc. but I will put in my spiritual earplugs and just decide to not listen. I have been reading a book by one of my favorite ladies in ministry and she has been taking me on a spiritual journey with Jonah. So, I would like to remind you gals of someone in the scripture that decided to put in his spiritual earplugs and not listen to what the Lord was telling him to do.
Jonah 1:1-3
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,"Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
Oh my! It is embarrassing at how often I have high tailed it in the opposite direction of what God was telling me to do! I just don't have time for ONE more thing on my plate! I just need some time to clear my schedule and then I will teach that class or do that Bible Study! I need to clean my house and write that grocery list, I don't have time to go to _____'s house and witness to her! Do any of you all ever go through this? Anybody out there understand what I am sayin?
We busy ourselves by taking the blessings God has given us and we put them above our God. That ladies is called idols, and I have caught myself doing that very thing and though I immediately repent, the damage has already been done and what God meant for my good I disrespectfully said, "No thanks, not today Lord, maybe tomorrow." We like Jonah..run. What is your Tarshish? I know what mine is. My Tarshish is an island that I escape to just like Jonah that is a town filled with I don't want to's and I don't have time's. But I am asking you gals today to let pull out your spiritual earplugs, whether it be one or both ears you have plugged right now and listen to what our God is telling you, not asking, you to do. He always gives us the strength we need to do what He is telling us to do. I want to pray for you today my girls:
Lord Jesus, we just adore you Father, we are asking for you to help us to not be discouraged and to be women of spiritual maturity. Help us to pursue you through Your Word and seek your face every moment of everyday. We all lead busy lives Lord and You know our schedules Father. I thank You Lord for clearing my plate for me over the last few weeks Lord and I pray that if any gal reading this is struggling in this area You do the same for them as well. Thank You for Jonah Lord. I learned so much from him over the last few days and I praise You for knowing before the foundations of the earth that it would. You are the same today as You were when the creation began. No circumstances, decade or way of life can change You. I praise You for loving us so much. In the name above all names it is in Jesus name we pray. AMEN!!!
Last night at church I was talking to a very special gal in my life and she told me the funniest story about earplugs. Apparently, her spouse is quite the snorer..(my hubby can saw some serious logs as well, so I could really relate) smile. So, she told me that she normally just wears one earplug in her ear at night so she can get some restful zzzz's. But, on this particular night she decided that in case she should turn over and expose the unplugged ear, she would just go ahead and put in both. WELL.. this is where it gets hilariously funny, she wakes up that morning and her hubby is speaking to her, she sees the lips moving but hears NOTHING!! As you can imagine the alarms began going off in her head screaming...I AM DEAF!!!! Thankfully, she quickly realized that she still had her earplugs on! hehehe... As I was standing there trying to not be so loud laughing at her funny tale, (our Pastor was in the middle of a hymn) I thought to myself, there is a blog in that!
So many times, God has been telling me 'specifically' that I need to do something, it may be witness to someone or change something in my life etc. but I will put in my spiritual earplugs and just decide to not listen. I have been reading a book by one of my favorite ladies in ministry and she has been taking me on a spiritual journey with Jonah. So, I would like to remind you gals of someone in the scripture that decided to put in his spiritual earplugs and not listen to what the Lord was telling him to do.
Jonah 1:1-3
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,"Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
Oh my! It is embarrassing at how often I have high tailed it in the opposite direction of what God was telling me to do! I just don't have time for ONE more thing on my plate! I just need some time to clear my schedule and then I will teach that class or do that Bible Study! I need to clean my house and write that grocery list, I don't have time to go to _____'s house and witness to her! Do any of you all ever go through this? Anybody out there understand what I am sayin?
We busy ourselves by taking the blessings God has given us and we put them above our God. That ladies is called idols, and I have caught myself doing that very thing and though I immediately repent, the damage has already been done and what God meant for my good I disrespectfully said, "No thanks, not today Lord, maybe tomorrow." We like Jonah..run. What is your Tarshish? I know what mine is. My Tarshish is an island that I escape to just like Jonah that is a town filled with I don't want to's and I don't have time's. But I am asking you gals today to let pull out your spiritual earplugs, whether it be one or both ears you have plugged right now and listen to what our God is telling you, not asking, you to do. He always gives us the strength we need to do what He is telling us to do. I want to pray for you today my girls:
Lord Jesus, we just adore you Father, we are asking for you to help us to not be discouraged and to be women of spiritual maturity. Help us to pursue you through Your Word and seek your face every moment of everyday. We all lead busy lives Lord and You know our schedules Father. I thank You Lord for clearing my plate for me over the last few weeks Lord and I pray that if any gal reading this is struggling in this area You do the same for them as well. Thank You for Jonah Lord. I learned so much from him over the last few days and I praise You for knowing before the foundations of the earth that it would. You are the same today as You were when the creation began. No circumstances, decade or way of life can change You. I praise You for loving us so much. In the name above all names it is in Jesus name we pray. AMEN!!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Happy Fall!
I love the changing of the seasons! It is such a pretty time of year and I always enjoy the cool breeze after having such a hot summer. I was thinking about that today among other things. The fall is a shedding of the old so the new can come along and it reminds me of how the Lord brings us into new seasons in our lives. Some of us don't 'like' change and some of us welcome it. I am a person that loves change. I get bored with the same ole same ole all the time. But, for others the change in something can be devastating. I am in a season of busyness, it is affecting all areas of my life and my situation isn't one that I can change myself. It is a God sized project. My needing a change is bigger than my want for change. Thankfully, we know that God won't ever change. Who He was before the foundation of the world is who He will be tomorrow and the next day; even when the world is no more. I think that we sometimes lose sight of that.
Exodus 3:6-8
Moreover he said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey..
Some of us are living in circumstances that are less than what we want for our lives. We have schedules that we are supposed to be in control of but find that most times those schedules are controling us. Our lives are full of appointments and deadlines. We are slaves to the clock and crying out to God to interrupt our schedules...How did we get this way? Are we prepared for this change?
I cried out to God this morning..I have asked Him to interrupt my life...He has surely seen my affliction and He has surely heard my cry. He knows my sorrows and is coming to deliver me out of the hand of my disaster. (Self-made ones too ladies) It won't be long, and I will be brought out of this land into a good and broad land, a land that flows with milk and honey...amen...amen
What are you ladies struggling with today? How transparent are you to others about the problems we are facing today as Christians? Are you too, carrying on as if all is well in your land? I want to know..I miss you my ladybugs....it's been far too long!
Praying for you all today!
I love you so very much!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Exodus 3:6-8
Moreover he said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey..
Some of us are living in circumstances that are less than what we want for our lives. We have schedules that we are supposed to be in control of but find that most times those schedules are controling us. Our lives are full of appointments and deadlines. We are slaves to the clock and crying out to God to interrupt our schedules...How did we get this way? Are we prepared for this change?
I cried out to God this morning..I have asked Him to interrupt my life...He has surely seen my affliction and He has surely heard my cry. He knows my sorrows and is coming to deliver me out of the hand of my disaster. (Self-made ones too ladies) It won't be long, and I will be brought out of this land into a good and broad land, a land that flows with milk and honey...amen...amen
What are you ladies struggling with today? How transparent are you to others about the problems we are facing today as Christians? Are you too, carrying on as if all is well in your land? I want to know..I miss you my ladybugs....it's been far too long!
Praying for you all today!
I love you so very much!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day of Prayer for Sydney
Today we are having a Day of Prayer for Miss Sydney. I am asking all of you ladies to be in prayer today! I am sending out prayer emails to each of you and we will use them as a tool to be able to pray together. Let's go ahead and start now...
Heavenly Father, we praise you Lord for all you have been doing for Miss Sydney, we ask you Lord to be with her and comfort her today. We know that you have a blessed plan for this little girls life and we are so excited to be able to be a part of that. We pray Father that you will bless her Doctor's and give them the wisdom and everything they need to be able to work toward her healing, we know God that we cannot do what needs to be done to fix our Sydney and we ask that you guide us in what we can do and we pray that you will take care of the rest. Be with her family and help them to always rely on you. We ask that you keep her comfortable and help her to not be in pain. In your Son's Holy Name we pray...AMEN!!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Happy Monday!!
I have been in prayer today about what to post on our blog...for the last few weeks little Sydney and her family has been on my mind. I have spoken with Mine Sandy to see what I can do and she always tells me the same thing, "Just pray", so my family and I have decided to do a Day of Prayer for Sydney. On Thursday August 25th, my family is dedicating so much time throughout our day to pray for Sydney and her family. We will be praying specifically for successful testing and surgery. We are praying that the Lord will continue to give her doctor's the knowledge in medicine to work toward her healing. We will also be praying for her pain to be minimal and for Chad, Sandy and the children to be able to continue to have a peace about the road ahead. We love them so much and we know that God has that sweet girl Sydney in His hands. I just think that we all need to support them in every way that we can and what better way to do that than to be in prayer for them. I knew you Ladybugs would participate! I love you girlies so very much!
Sandy~ We all love you and adore your family! Even though we aren't just minutes apart anymore, you are still very important to our prayer group! Love you Sister!!
I will be emailing most of you in the prayer group and we will exchange prayers back and forth on the 25th!
Tara~ I know you don't have internet access that morning so I will be calling you and we will pray together by phone!
Memaw~ I know you are at work that day so I will call you too!
In Him We Remain,
Shana
Sandy~ We all love you and adore your family! Even though we aren't just minutes apart anymore, you are still very important to our prayer group! Love you Sister!!
I will be emailing most of you in the prayer group and we will exchange prayers back and forth on the 25th!
Tara~ I know you don't have internet access that morning so I will be calling you and we will pray together by phone!
Memaw~ I know you are at work that day so I will call you too!
In Him We Remain,
Shana
Monday, August 8, 2011
Happy Monday!
Good Morning Ladybugs!! I have to keep my post short and sweet today! This is our 1st day of Homeschool!!! Yay!! I am so excited to pour God's Word into my girls and watch them transform into God following gals of God! This was a BIG step of faith for Roy and I. Please say a prayer for us today as you girlies go about your busy work days! Let's get started on a little devotional shall we?
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us... (NASB)
Jesus just fills me up! Overflowing!!!! I love that about my Jesus!! He does more than we could ever ask or think! Really read that girls. Jesus is able to do above and beyond what our human "fleshly" minds could ever think of. But there is something important that we need to see here. This is according to the power that works within us. How much of you does Jesus have? Are you in His Word every day, reading and praying and really getting to know Him? What goes into us is what comes out. I always think in terms of food. If I sit and eat Birthday Cake all day long...we all know what is coming out right? So, I was thinking this morning…I want to consume the Word of God to the point that I get plumb fat on it!! Let’s go on the Word of God diet! Three to six servings a day Ladybugs!! Get your daily servings!! Hehehehe!! I know your gettin’ a kick outta this Debbie..shew…anyway..
I was watching Beth the other day and she said something that has stuck with me. She said that she has a new technique for conversing with God. I just adore her! She takes her daily devotional verse from one of her Bible software’s, or you could just use any verse that you want... (GOOGLE daily devotions for women. Be careful though some sites are not very safe) then take that or those verses of scripture and copy and paste to a Word Document. While you are reading your verse, talk to God about that verse, example, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly, Lord, I love that you are big enough to do more than I can Father, beyond all that we can ask or think, My mind cannot comprehend the power than you have Jesus..Do you see what I am doing here? I just thought this was an awesome way to talk to God and actually be able to journal what we are talking about together! Oh! And make sure that you change your color your typing in so that you can look back and see what Jesus said and what you said! Love you girls so very much!!!
Praying for you gals today!!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, July 25, 2011
Happy Monday!
Good morning Ladies!! How are you all today? I never thought I would say this but it is wonderful to have a cool rainy morning!! The heat has been unbearable! I was doing some reading this morning in 'The Purpose Driven Life' and I thought that I would share with you gals what I found.
Ephesians 1:11
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ...He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living,part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. (Msg)
R.Warren goes on to say that before we were born, God planned this very moment, He planned the very moment that you girls would be reading this. I love that! I love knowing that He knows everything going on in our lives and He is not surprised or shocked with our prayers! He doesn't say, "Oh No Shana!!! I was worried that would happen!" He already knew it before the very foundations of the earth. I used to live life fearfully! I can remember being afraid of everything. It is so good to be set free from that. Are any of you girlies living in fear? I know what that is like and how crippling that can be.
Ephesians 2:10
It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives helping others. (LB)
We are not here to just simply remain. We are to make a contribution and we are designed to make a difference with our lives. We are created to add to life on earth, not just to take from it. This is called 'ministry' or 'service'.
Think about your purpose today ladies..what are we doing for Him today? Jobs, appointments, grocery shopping, schedules, and even changing diapers or pouring that second bowl of cereal..we should have Jesus on the front of our minds. We are created to serve not be served, what are we doing today for Him? My Pastor said something very important yesterday..He said, "If you can spend three hours (watching tv, playing golf..)then you spend three hours in God's Word!" Well said.
Love you Ladybugs! Show off our Lord and Savior today! Tell someone about Him...What else is so important that we don't have time to do that?
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Ephesians 1:11
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ...He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living,part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. (Msg)
R.Warren goes on to say that before we were born, God planned this very moment, He planned the very moment that you girls would be reading this. I love that! I love knowing that He knows everything going on in our lives and He is not surprised or shocked with our prayers! He doesn't say, "Oh No Shana!!! I was worried that would happen!" He already knew it before the very foundations of the earth. I used to live life fearfully! I can remember being afraid of everything. It is so good to be set free from that. Are any of you girlies living in fear? I know what that is like and how crippling that can be.
Ephesians 2:10
It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives helping others. (LB)
We are not here to just simply remain. We are to make a contribution and we are designed to make a difference with our lives. We are created to add to life on earth, not just to take from it. This is called 'ministry' or 'service'.
Think about your purpose today ladies..what are we doing for Him today? Jobs, appointments, grocery shopping, schedules, and even changing diapers or pouring that second bowl of cereal..we should have Jesus on the front of our minds. We are created to serve not be served, what are we doing today for Him? My Pastor said something very important yesterday..He said, "If you can spend three hours (watching tv, playing golf..)then you spend three hours in God's Word!" Well said.
Love you Ladybugs! Show off our Lord and Savior today! Tell someone about Him...What else is so important that we don't have time to do that?
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, July 18, 2011
Happy Monday Ladybugs!!
Happy Happy Monday to you gals!!! I have been on vacation for the last couple of weeks and haven't been posting...Before we get started I do have a few prayer requests, please continue to pray for my aunt and also my brother in law and his wife. I do have a praise! My other brother in law will be getting baptized on this coming Sunday morning! Praise God!! God is so faithful to His children! Also..I will be homeschooling my girls this fall and need lots of prayers! This morning I was on the phone with Memaw and just looked over my shoulder at the books lined up there on the book shelf and I had a mix of joy and nervousness that we are really doing this! Ok..so let's get started!
Philippians 1:16
They preach because they love Me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the good news.
Every parent dreams of the day when their child obeys without hesitation. If only children found pleasure in timing themselves on how quickly they could respond to a directive from their parents. One thing is uncertain-if suddenly our children woke up and began to obey us immediately with a happy heart, the emergency rooms would be filled with parents suffering concussions from falling backwards in disbelief! What is truly gratifying is when a child matures to the point of realizing the value behind obeying your directive. You see, when children finally comprehend that a parent's directive is for their protection,peace, or even their pleasure, they begin to obey without argument. But as the child continues to grow up, he begins to condition himself to obey because he trusts the one from whom the directive comes. Why the change in attitude? As the child matures, he sees the parents heart and knows they directive was given out of a heart of love.
WHY ASK WHY?
The same is true of every Child of God who receives a directive from God-the Child of God should see beyond the benefits of protection,peace,and pleasure that obeying God would provide and focus on the heart of the Giver. Therefore, the Child of God does not have to focus on the who/what/when/where/why/how of the directive, but simply trust the loving heart of God that is unconditionally committed to our spiritual growth.
GOD'S APPOINTMENT IS GOOD!
Look at the life of Paul when he was "appointed" by God to sit in a prison cell for two years. At the time, Paul was being used of God to spread the Gospel to unreached groups of people, so it seemed like a counterproductive appointment to all concerned. But Paul conditioned his heart to obey God because he had become convinced of God's great care and love for him. In hindsight we know that Paul wrote a large part of the New Testament from prison cells. We are still reaping the benefits from Paul's obedience to God's divine appointment!
BE ENCOURAGED TODAY!
We can trust the directives of God in our lives. Has He appointed us to witness to a family member? To a child? Has God asked us to minister to someone today? It may seem impossible or you may not believe that you are the right one for the job, but remember if God directs you, all you have to do is obey!
I love you girlie's so very much! It is good to be "bloggin" again! I am praying for you all each and every day! MAUH!!!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Philippians 1:16
They preach because they love Me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the good news.
Every parent dreams of the day when their child obeys without hesitation. If only children found pleasure in timing themselves on how quickly they could respond to a directive from their parents. One thing is uncertain-if suddenly our children woke up and began to obey us immediately with a happy heart, the emergency rooms would be filled with parents suffering concussions from falling backwards in disbelief! What is truly gratifying is when a child matures to the point of realizing the value behind obeying your directive. You see, when children finally comprehend that a parent's directive is for their protection,peace, or even their pleasure, they begin to obey without argument. But as the child continues to grow up, he begins to condition himself to obey because he trusts the one from whom the directive comes. Why the change in attitude? As the child matures, he sees the parents heart and knows they directive was given out of a heart of love.
WHY ASK WHY?
The same is true of every Child of God who receives a directive from God-the Child of God should see beyond the benefits of protection,peace,and pleasure that obeying God would provide and focus on the heart of the Giver. Therefore, the Child of God does not have to focus on the who/what/when/where/why/how of the directive, but simply trust the loving heart of God that is unconditionally committed to our spiritual growth.
GOD'S APPOINTMENT IS GOOD!
Look at the life of Paul when he was "appointed" by God to sit in a prison cell for two years. At the time, Paul was being used of God to spread the Gospel to unreached groups of people, so it seemed like a counterproductive appointment to all concerned. But Paul conditioned his heart to obey God because he had become convinced of God's great care and love for him. In hindsight we know that Paul wrote a large part of the New Testament from prison cells. We are still reaping the benefits from Paul's obedience to God's divine appointment!
BE ENCOURAGED TODAY!
We can trust the directives of God in our lives. Has He appointed us to witness to a family member? To a child? Has God asked us to minister to someone today? It may seem impossible or you may not believe that you are the right one for the job, but remember if God directs you, all you have to do is obey!
I love you girlie's so very much! It is good to be "bloggin" again! I am praying for you all each and every day! MAUH!!!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, June 27, 2011
Happy Monday!
I am a great Aunt!! At 3 am this morning my sister called me and said "It is HAPPENING!" I rush down to Mt Sterling and sure enough it had "Happened" and again I was able to see one of God's little miracles. He is just beautiful of course and nursing like a champ. There is nothing any sweeter than a newborn! My baby fever started to kick in and I had to tamp it down. I kept telling myself, let it go, let it go. I don't know if I will ever be content not being able to have anymore children. I miss being pregnant and nursing so badly! But,I am not getting any younger. (Neither is Roy..LOL) So, moving on! I just really needed to share that with my ladybugs!
Philippians 2:4
Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.
Encourage Someone by Caring
When we experience a time of hardship, we often receive comments like, "I've been praying for you. Let me know if you need anything." This is thoughtful and we truly appreciate those prayers and offers to help, but what really ministers to those in the midst of trial is when the generic offers become specific actions.
More often than not, those with hurting hearts can't even verbalize what they need. When they hear, "Let me know if you need anything" they can't come up with an idea. But when someone says they have been praying, and they follow up with, "Now, I have been thinking about what you might need, and I would like to offer to take care of [x,y,z] for you this week." Why does this offer dramatically lift the spirits of someone in a hard season of life? Because this caring person took the time to concentrate and deliberate over how they could practically meet some specific needs. This speaks volumes to those with hurting hearts. It makes them feel like you sincerely care for them.
Praying for you Ladybugs today!!
Love you all!
IN Him I Remain,
Shana
Philippians 2:4
Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.
Encourage Someone by Caring
When we experience a time of hardship, we often receive comments like, "I've been praying for you. Let me know if you need anything." This is thoughtful and we truly appreciate those prayers and offers to help, but what really ministers to those in the midst of trial is when the generic offers become specific actions.
More often than not, those with hurting hearts can't even verbalize what they need. When they hear, "Let me know if you need anything" they can't come up with an idea. But when someone says they have been praying, and they follow up with, "Now, I have been thinking about what you might need, and I would like to offer to take care of [x,y,z] for you this week." Why does this offer dramatically lift the spirits of someone in a hard season of life? Because this caring person took the time to concentrate and deliberate over how they could practically meet some specific needs. This speaks volumes to those with hurting hearts. It makes them feel like you sincerely care for them.
Praying for you Ladybugs today!!
Love you all!
IN Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, June 20, 2011
Happy Monday Evening!
Happy Monday Ladybugs! I hope you all had a blessed weekend!
Let's get started:
Philippians 1:9-11
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
How many of you ladies have an encourager? Someone you go to when you need a fill-up...I would bet that this person is kind and spirit-controlled. I would say that they pray for you daily and tell you often that even though nothing was going wrong in your life at that time, they simply felt that God wanted them to specifically pray for you.
Roy and I have people come to us often and tell us that they have been praying for us. It just feels so good to know that there are people out there whispering our names in their prayers. They don't have to. They have people in their own families that are lost and sick, but yet they still chose to include us in their prayers. That is such an encouragement to us. It means so much to know who we have standing on the front lines of this battle and they are willing to draw their swords on our behalf. Praise God!
I believe that the Lord has us praying for others that benefit from our specific and spirit-led prayers. I want to encourage you gals to think of the name of one person who you would really like to see encouraged by knowing that you have lifted them up in prayer. Then begin a seven day commitment to offer up a prayer for them each day. On the seventh day, let that person know how the Lord has laid them on your heart, and what you have been praying for them about. Then hold onto your seat my ladies! The Lord is gonna show you just how timely and effective that your prayers were in their life during that week.
Know that I am praying for you girlies daily!
I Love You all very much!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Let's get started:
Philippians 1:9-11
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
How many of you ladies have an encourager? Someone you go to when you need a fill-up...I would bet that this person is kind and spirit-controlled. I would say that they pray for you daily and tell you often that even though nothing was going wrong in your life at that time, they simply felt that God wanted them to specifically pray for you.
Roy and I have people come to us often and tell us that they have been praying for us. It just feels so good to know that there are people out there whispering our names in their prayers. They don't have to. They have people in their own families that are lost and sick, but yet they still chose to include us in their prayers. That is such an encouragement to us. It means so much to know who we have standing on the front lines of this battle and they are willing to draw their swords on our behalf. Praise God!
I believe that the Lord has us praying for others that benefit from our specific and spirit-led prayers. I want to encourage you gals to think of the name of one person who you would really like to see encouraged by knowing that you have lifted them up in prayer. Then begin a seven day commitment to offer up a prayer for them each day. On the seventh day, let that person know how the Lord has laid them on your heart, and what you have been praying for them about. Then hold onto your seat my ladies! The Lord is gonna show you just how timely and effective that your prayers were in their life during that week.
Know that I am praying for you girlies daily!
I Love You all very much!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, June 13, 2011
Happy Monday!
WHAT A WEEKEND!!! Oh my goodness! I am still reeling from all the excitement! I went with some of the girls from Grace to the Deeper Still Conference and the Lord just absolutely knocked the polish off the toes of my flip flopped feet! Beth Moore has always been and is still my favorite Bible Teacher, but I now have a new favorite running right along with my sweet Beth, Miss Priscilla Shirer has just stolen my heart. She is just a sassy sweet girl and the love of the Lord just radiates from her. I am impressed as well by how she is juggling the ministry and raisin' all them babies! Anyway, for those that didn't get to go I just wanted to kinda summarize the conference and though I could never give it the justice it would require I will surely try!
Miss Kay Arthur taught on the love of God. We are daughters of the King. He loves the ungodly and the ugly...She talked about the benefits of using the Inductive Study Bible and gave us a little "lesson" on how to use this approach. I went the next day and got myself one and just adore it already!
Miss Priscilla Shirer taught on my addiction to chaos! This girl knew my name! Let me tell ya! I realized just how enslaved that I was to work....but after hearing this ladies, I literally heard the chains of bondage break off of me...I learned that it's okay and absolutely Biblical to take a "sabbath day" and if I take the gifts that God has given me and step over into my "sabbath day" I will be just like the Israelites and take more than my share of manna for the day and in turn it will begin to stink and become distasteful. I was right there. All of the gifts that God has given me to enjoy was becoming putrid to me because I was overworked and stressed. He never wanted me to be addicted to work, school or the ministry.
Miss Beth Moore...you ladybugs know how I love me some Beth! Well, she was all that and a double fudge chocolate chip cookie! I learned to think in generations! I learned that some of us were in the Lois group, the Eunice group and the Timothy group...It was such a blessing to have all those ladies praying for us and each generation. I learned three things:
1. God has a unique regard for generations.
2. We are each in our generation on purpose.
3. Each generation is linked to the other two.
I had so many questions going into this conference this weekend. I had gotten discouraged and went to this conference with a list asking "What about this Lord?" Just to tell you the truth, it was a total revival for me. I needed that. He is so faithful to His children. I can't wait to throw my arms around my Savior and show Him how much I love and appreciate what He has done for me. I got so much more than I expected and deserved this weekend.(Not to mention, I got to see Beth Moore in the flesh!)
The call that we have on our lives, may not be fully manifested in us. It may manifest itself through our children or our grandchildren. Every generation has a responsibility . Let's be part of a generation that seeks Him. Let's always support and encourage our christian brothers and sisters. We are all running the same race and fighting for the same cause...CHRIST!
I love you girls more than you will ever know. Whether we are minutes apart or hours. Mine Sandy, I know that our time with you is coming to a close and though I am sad because I will miss looking over and seeing you sitting on that front pew, I know that you are doing exactly what you are called to do and I am so proud to have had you for a "season" and if we don't get to see you much between now and glory, I know that I will get to spend my eternity with you at the feet of our precious Lord, Jesus Christ. However, I am praising Him right now for just sending you a couple hours away! LOL! I am praying for you all and cannot wait to see what you blog about as you set out on this journey!
I love you so much my Ladybugs!
Happy Monday!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Miss Kay Arthur taught on the love of God. We are daughters of the King. He loves the ungodly and the ugly...She talked about the benefits of using the Inductive Study Bible and gave us a little "lesson" on how to use this approach. I went the next day and got myself one and just adore it already!
Miss Priscilla Shirer taught on my addiction to chaos! This girl knew my name! Let me tell ya! I realized just how enslaved that I was to work....but after hearing this ladies, I literally heard the chains of bondage break off of me...I learned that it's okay and absolutely Biblical to take a "sabbath day" and if I take the gifts that God has given me and step over into my "sabbath day" I will be just like the Israelites and take more than my share of manna for the day and in turn it will begin to stink and become distasteful. I was right there. All of the gifts that God has given me to enjoy was becoming putrid to me because I was overworked and stressed. He never wanted me to be addicted to work, school or the ministry.
Miss Beth Moore...you ladybugs know how I love me some Beth! Well, she was all that and a double fudge chocolate chip cookie! I learned to think in generations! I learned that some of us were in the Lois group, the Eunice group and the Timothy group...It was such a blessing to have all those ladies praying for us and each generation. I learned three things:
1. God has a unique regard for generations.
2. We are each in our generation on purpose.
3. Each generation is linked to the other two.
I had so many questions going into this conference this weekend. I had gotten discouraged and went to this conference with a list asking "What about this Lord?" Just to tell you the truth, it was a total revival for me. I needed that. He is so faithful to His children. I can't wait to throw my arms around my Savior and show Him how much I love and appreciate what He has done for me. I got so much more than I expected and deserved this weekend.(Not to mention, I got to see Beth Moore in the flesh!)
The call that we have on our lives, may not be fully manifested in us. It may manifest itself through our children or our grandchildren. Every generation has a responsibility . Let's be part of a generation that seeks Him. Let's always support and encourage our christian brothers and sisters. We are all running the same race and fighting for the same cause...CHRIST!
I love you girls more than you will ever know. Whether we are minutes apart or hours. Mine Sandy, I know that our time with you is coming to a close and though I am sad because I will miss looking over and seeing you sitting on that front pew, I know that you are doing exactly what you are called to do and I am so proud to have had you for a "season" and if we don't get to see you much between now and glory, I know that I will get to spend my eternity with you at the feet of our precious Lord, Jesus Christ. However, I am praising Him right now for just sending you a couple hours away! LOL! I am praying for you all and cannot wait to see what you blog about as you set out on this journey!
I love you so much my Ladybugs!
Happy Monday!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Show and Tell
I have to say that I am back and in the mood to blog!! This is 3 in 2 days! Anyway...Obviously by the picture above you can see what I have been doing today! That's right! It's my freezer day...the pool is being filled so I cannot get outdoors with water trucks coming and going so what is a Sister to do? BAKE!! I love me some cookies...as you all can tell...(I did eat them with skim milk of course..uh duh..) So, because I have a new love in my life, I felt that it was only fair to "Show and Tell"
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups of butter softened
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (yep..that's right death by chocolate...GLORY!)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-9 minutes (10 for me) Cookies will be soft. Cool slightly on sheet and then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Let me tell ya, mmmmm...my new love!
Get the ingredients and try as soon as possible my Ladybugs! You will not regret it! I promise! Let me just put it this way, if I could ever bake something for my sweet Jesus, this would be the cookie.
Love you as usual!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Beauty can be in found in the driest of places...
As I saw this picture today, I am reminded of how powerful our God is. He can take the most hardened, dry land and grow something so beautiful there. I love how our Lord will send us the comfort we need. I have a family member that is lost, she is not anymore lost than the next but for me I feel the need to say she is so very lost. I have been in prayer for her over the last couple of months and haven't seen even the slightest change on the outside. But, I know that God is working on her, and I know that ultimately the decision is hers. I do have faith in God and what He can do. I know that He can take the driest of places and put something beautiful there...He did it with me
Monday, May 30, 2011
!
Let's speak with our mouths full!
Psalm 51:12-15
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then i will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
Happy Memorial Day Ladybugs! I hope that you all have had a day off to enjoy with your family! I sure did! I believe this was the most fun packed day we have had together in a long time. Glory!!!!
Have you ladies ever been in a conversation about a topic that you were so passionate about that you couldn't get your thoughts out quick enough? You might have felt like you had so much to say with so little time? What happens next is quite unpredictable because there is such a limited amount of time, and you are desperate to find the most potent words to make your case. I understand. I have been there. And what usually ends up coming out of our mouths is a jumbled, disconnected collection of words and emotions.
But there is one positive thing the listener takes away from your conversation. There is no doubt that you are sincerely passionate about what you know and believe regarding that particular topic.
You'll have too much to say!
What is so amazing about our God is that He relishes the idea of seeing His people so passionate about spiritual things. He is delighted that at times we can hardly contain ourselves. In fact, I believe God must have a spiritual switch that triggers this reaction in our lives. And when He flips the switch, it immediately opens our mouths with passionate praises. The spiritual mechanism that produces praise is forgiveness!
Allow forgiveness to spark passionate praise!
Have you noticed the correlation between the forgiveness that David received from God and his instant response to sing praises and teach others about the goodness of God? Don't miss this beautiful picture of how God forgives. You'll quickly see how forgiveness of sins opens David's mouth to teach,sing, and praise God. David said:
vs.12 "Restore me...then I will teach your ways!"
vs.14 "Forgive me...then I will joyfully sing!"
vs.15 "Unseal my lips...my mouth will praise You!"
Be Encouraged today!
You have been forgiven in order to once again teach others of the perfect and protective ways of God. You have been forgiven in order to unlock your lips to freely praise again! Today, let's take a moment to confess our sins and to thank God for His goodness. Then start SINGING!!
I love you Ladies! Know that everyday you are in my prayers.
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Psalm 51:12-15
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then i will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
Happy Memorial Day Ladybugs! I hope that you all have had a day off to enjoy with your family! I sure did! I believe this was the most fun packed day we have had together in a long time. Glory!!!!
Have you ladies ever been in a conversation about a topic that you were so passionate about that you couldn't get your thoughts out quick enough? You might have felt like you had so much to say with so little time? What happens next is quite unpredictable because there is such a limited amount of time, and you are desperate to find the most potent words to make your case. I understand. I have been there. And what usually ends up coming out of our mouths is a jumbled, disconnected collection of words and emotions.
But there is one positive thing the listener takes away from your conversation. There is no doubt that you are sincerely passionate about what you know and believe regarding that particular topic.
You'll have too much to say!
What is so amazing about our God is that He relishes the idea of seeing His people so passionate about spiritual things. He is delighted that at times we can hardly contain ourselves. In fact, I believe God must have a spiritual switch that triggers this reaction in our lives. And when He flips the switch, it immediately opens our mouths with passionate praises. The spiritual mechanism that produces praise is forgiveness!
Allow forgiveness to spark passionate praise!
Have you noticed the correlation between the forgiveness that David received from God and his instant response to sing praises and teach others about the goodness of God? Don't miss this beautiful picture of how God forgives. You'll quickly see how forgiveness of sins opens David's mouth to teach,sing, and praise God. David said:
vs.12 "Restore me...then I will teach your ways!"
vs.14 "Forgive me...then I will joyfully sing!"
vs.15 "Unseal my lips...my mouth will praise You!"
Be Encouraged today!
You have been forgiven in order to once again teach others of the perfect and protective ways of God. You have been forgiven in order to unlock your lips to freely praise again! Today, let's take a moment to confess our sins and to thank God for His goodness. Then start SINGING!!
I love you Ladies! Know that everyday you are in my prayers.
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, May 23, 2011
Happy Monday!
Happy Monday Ladybugs! I pray that you all are enjoying the Revival as much as I am! I know that the opposition has been fierce at my house! How about you gals? It seems like it is just one thing after another...anyway, it is what it is! That's all I'm gonna say about that! I did love how that Brother Chuck pointed out us needing to encourage one another and to love one another. (Lightbuld moment for me)
Let's get started:
Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not to only your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Let's encourage someone by caring.
When we are experiencing hardships, we often recieve comments like,"I've been praying for you. Let me know if you need anything." This is thoughtful and we truly apprecieate those prayers and offers to help, but what really ministers to those in the midst of trials is when the offers become specific actions. More often than not, those with hurting hearts can't even verbalize what they need. When they hear,"Let me know if you need anything," they can't come up with an idea. But when someones says that they have been praying, and they follow up with,"Now, I have been thinking about what you might need and I would like to offer to take care of...for you this week." Why does this offer dramatically lift the spirits of someone in a hard season of life? Because this caring peron took the time to concentrate and deliberate over how they could practically meet some specific needs.This speaks volumes to those with hurting hearts.
When Paul was instructing some believers to encourage others through their actions, he used a very interesting word that caused them to ponder exactly the type of encouragement Paul had in mind. The words "look" and "take an interest" are very good translations of Paul's unique word. His word was the original word from which we get our word "telescope!" Just as a telescope focuses in on an object in order to see the miniscule intricacies and details, we too are to concentrate and "zoom in" on the needs of others.
The same word also implies that this action of honing in on the needs of others is to be continual, constant, ongoing actions. It implies that we should "be on the lookout" for the specific needs of others.
Let's be that person today, that is remembered for thinking through what another person could possibly need druing their challenging season of life. Think about their daily routine, if they have childcare needs, how their meal plans have been interrupted, etc. Then offer specific support to meake them and make yourself available at a moments notice. Be on the lookout for folks in need and be intentional about offering your concentrated and continual support. And watch God infuse their heart with an unforgettable example of how they too can encourage others through their actions in the future.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, we love and adore you our sweet Savior. Help us Lord to learn to be encouragers and not discouragers. Help us Father to always be on the lookout for the needs of the people around us. Help us to let You shine through us daily. Thank You for all the blessings and the confirmations that You give us. We are not worthy Lord but we take it as a gift and hold it in our hearts. Thank You Jesus! All these things we ask in Your Name! Amen!!!
Love you Ladybugs!!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Let's get started:
Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not to only your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Let's encourage someone by caring.
When we are experiencing hardships, we often recieve comments like,"I've been praying for you. Let me know if you need anything." This is thoughtful and we truly apprecieate those prayers and offers to help, but what really ministers to those in the midst of trials is when the offers become specific actions. More often than not, those with hurting hearts can't even verbalize what they need. When they hear,"Let me know if you need anything," they can't come up with an idea. But when someones says that they have been praying, and they follow up with,"Now, I have been thinking about what you might need and I would like to offer to take care of...for you this week." Why does this offer dramatically lift the spirits of someone in a hard season of life? Because this caring peron took the time to concentrate and deliberate over how they could practically meet some specific needs.This speaks volumes to those with hurting hearts.
When Paul was instructing some believers to encourage others through their actions, he used a very interesting word that caused them to ponder exactly the type of encouragement Paul had in mind. The words "look" and "take an interest" are very good translations of Paul's unique word. His word was the original word from which we get our word "telescope!" Just as a telescope focuses in on an object in order to see the miniscule intricacies and details, we too are to concentrate and "zoom in" on the needs of others.
The same word also implies that this action of honing in on the needs of others is to be continual, constant, ongoing actions. It implies that we should "be on the lookout" for the specific needs of others.
Let's be that person today, that is remembered for thinking through what another person could possibly need druing their challenging season of life. Think about their daily routine, if they have childcare needs, how their meal plans have been interrupted, etc. Then offer specific support to meake them and make yourself available at a moments notice. Be on the lookout for folks in need and be intentional about offering your concentrated and continual support. And watch God infuse their heart with an unforgettable example of how they too can encourage others through their actions in the future.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, we love and adore you our sweet Savior. Help us Lord to learn to be encouragers and not discouragers. Help us Father to always be on the lookout for the needs of the people around us. Help us to let You shine through us daily. Thank You for all the blessings and the confirmations that You give us. We are not worthy Lord but we take it as a gift and hold it in our hearts. Thank You Jesus! All these things we ask in Your Name! Amen!!!
Love you Ladybugs!!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, May 16, 2011
Happy Monday!
Good rainy Monday to you Ladies! I think that I have kinda lost you all in my Happy Mondays...SO, I will do some different kinds of devotionals with you girls and try to "reel" you all back in. This is actually the second time I am doing this blog this morning...I hit publish post and nothing...it took me right back to my sign in!! Argghhhh! I did scream...just like that...and then I took the kids to the bus stop..here I am again though, I will just start over. Maybe the Lord thought I needed to read it again, maybe I didn't get it the first time around. Oh well, it is what it is, let's get started, again...
Colossians 1:17
He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.
God never called us to control the world. He never has and He never will! To ask you to do so would be to call on you to perform a task that is reserved for only God Himself. In the same way, He also never intended for us to balance everything in our lives and in the lives of our friends and family all by ourselves. There is only one person who is able to manage all of these things-God alone. Our shoulders are not broad enough, nor strong enough to balance the weight of the world-and God knows that. But we can be encouraged, His shoulders are more than able to carry all of it!
So, let's take a load off. Let's take off the load that is unnecessarily burdening us. As Christians, we have never been called by God to bear any burden, perform any task, lead any group of believers, manipulate any situation to produce a certain outcome, or make any decision that God Himself has not purposed and equipped us to do. And once we remove these unnecessary burdens off of our shoulders, the faster we will grow in wisdom.
It has taken me a long time to realize that when I say "no", that doesn't mean that I am "shrugging off" my responsibilities. I thought that when you are in the ministry, you had to always say "YES!" I just read that by saying no, we are showing a level of spiritual wisdom. When we extract the unnecessary burdens from our lives and discipline ourselves to focus only on what God expects from us, we will become more efficient in our time-management. We will also experience a greater sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, those around us will not feel the spill-over of our emotional frustrations like they do when we are striving to perform the impossible.
Today ladybugs--- let's make a list of everything weighing heavy on us, be specific. The more detailed the better. After it is complete, scratch out every single item that is out of our control, the ones that only God can take care of. Mark them out completely- so completely that you cannot even read what you have written! Then read the items that remain on your list. I believe that the remaining items will be things that are just between us and God.
Let's be encouraged today:
Live to the fullest, within the parameters God has set up for us. Live within His expectations. Focus on what He has called you to do, and do not burden yourself with things that He has reserved only for Himself.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, we love You Lord and we praise You for this devotional today. Help us Father to give You what only You can take care of. Help us to give You the unnecessary burdens Lord, and do what You have called us to do. Not what we have called ourselves to do.Help us to get back to where we started with You Lord! In Your Son Jesus' name... AMEN!!!
Love you gals! Know that I am in prayer for you all today!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Colossians 1:17
He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.
God never called us to control the world. He never has and He never will! To ask you to do so would be to call on you to perform a task that is reserved for only God Himself. In the same way, He also never intended for us to balance everything in our lives and in the lives of our friends and family all by ourselves. There is only one person who is able to manage all of these things-God alone. Our shoulders are not broad enough, nor strong enough to balance the weight of the world-and God knows that. But we can be encouraged, His shoulders are more than able to carry all of it!
So, let's take a load off. Let's take off the load that is unnecessarily burdening us. As Christians, we have never been called by God to bear any burden, perform any task, lead any group of believers, manipulate any situation to produce a certain outcome, or make any decision that God Himself has not purposed and equipped us to do. And once we remove these unnecessary burdens off of our shoulders, the faster we will grow in wisdom.
It has taken me a long time to realize that when I say "no", that doesn't mean that I am "shrugging off" my responsibilities. I thought that when you are in the ministry, you had to always say "YES!" I just read that by saying no, we are showing a level of spiritual wisdom. When we extract the unnecessary burdens from our lives and discipline ourselves to focus only on what God expects from us, we will become more efficient in our time-management. We will also experience a greater sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, those around us will not feel the spill-over of our emotional frustrations like they do when we are striving to perform the impossible.
Today ladybugs--- let's make a list of everything weighing heavy on us, be specific. The more detailed the better. After it is complete, scratch out every single item that is out of our control, the ones that only God can take care of. Mark them out completely- so completely that you cannot even read what you have written! Then read the items that remain on your list. I believe that the remaining items will be things that are just between us and God.
Let's be encouraged today:
Live to the fullest, within the parameters God has set up for us. Live within His expectations. Focus on what He has called you to do, and do not burden yourself with things that He has reserved only for Himself.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, we love You Lord and we praise You for this devotional today. Help us Father to give You what only You can take care of. Help us to give You the unnecessary burdens Lord, and do what You have called us to do. Not what we have called ourselves to do.Help us to get back to where we started with You Lord! In Your Son Jesus' name... AMEN!!!
Love you gals! Know that I am in prayer for you all today!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
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