Thank you Charles:
God Acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
We are so impatient! God is a God of action! He operates with a sense of purpose. He has a plan for your life. He is personally involved in our lives.
How?
*He reveals His will.
*He gives us clear direction when we need it.
*He guides us to make wise choices.
*He encourages us.
*He protects us.
*He shields us from circumstances we're not even aware of.
*He heals us.
*He comforts us.
*He teaches us.
*He answers our prayers.
*He empowers us.
*He rejoices our hearts (ex.music)
He is looking for what's best in your life. We don't always understand that. He is working in our lives. He has the power to say, "not now". He has the best in mind if we just wait. We must learn to wait for his timing and direction.
(Reminds me of being a parent when our children want things right now. What they want right now, may not be what's best for them at the time.)
People move on when they don't get an answer from God. We can't handle nearly as much as we think we can.
What does waiting on the Lord mean?
It means being patient.
Patience is the will to wait. It also means to pause for further instruction.
Will he always tell me why I'm waiting? No. Waiting is not doing nothing. It's waiting for God to do something and have a calm exceptance. Trust Him and wait for Him to intervene. He hasn't forgotten our requests.
Waiting is important.
We need to learn to let go of what we think is an immediate need. That "need it right now" mentality can be devastating! Having patience means to be willing to wait upon God and remove all deadlines. Waiting on the Lord is one of God's most valuable principles.
Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord."
What does having strength and courage mean? It means knowing that you can face the temptation that God has for you later. There is character is a person willing to wait for God's best in their life.
When you're waiting for God's timing, you're waiting for His very best.
Psalm 37:34- Living Bible-
"Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season He will honor you with every blessing."
If I'm wise, I will wait for His timing and His direction.
Why do I have to wait? Why doesn't he give it to me right now?
1. He's getting the circumstances ready. Sometimes we think we're ready, but we're not. I wonder how many times God would give you what you're asking for if you would just wait for His timing.
2. He's purifying our motives. Do we want this thing out of lust, greed or retaliation?
3. He's teaching us to trust Him. If we got everything we wanted right now, we wouldn't need to trust Him. Not waiting says, "I don't trust God".
4. He's protecting us. He sees every aspect of our lives.
5. We send an awesome testimony.
We all have choices:
1. We can manipulate the circumstances. (we lose God's best)
2. We can quit and walk away from God.
3. We can wait and watch Him work and gain the reward.
What are the requirements?
1. Faith- trust Him
2. Be patient- willing to wait.
3. Have humility (waiting no matter how long it takes. He won't ignore that dedication)
4. Courage to stand still and wait for God to work even when we don't see Him working.
We must resist the temptation not to do it our way.
Resist the pressure of other people.
Resist fear of failure.
The consequences of not waiting:
Disappointment. There is always disappointment if we step ahead of the will of God. When you step out of His will, you lose his very best and get second best. You bring upon yourself..pressure, hurt, and suffering and other people get hurt.
He is in it with us and acts on behalf of those who wait.
Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on the object we're waiting for.
Does this mean we will get everthing we want? No. He will change our desires and move us to what He desires FOR me. So it will now be what I really want versus what I thought I wanted.
Some people might say, well I've really messed up. Can I start over? I've spent my whole life stepping ahead of God's will for my life.
There's God's ultimate will and God's circumstantial will for our lives. If we're living God's circumstantial will for our lives, He will forgive us and set us in a new direction, where He wants us to go NOW.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hope #10- To be closer to my Comfort, Healer..my Redeemer
Thank you Nichole Nordeman.
Pencil marks on the wall
I wasn't always this tall,
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed,
You watched my team win,
You watched my team lose,
You watched when my bicycle went down again,
And when I was weak, unable to speak,
still I could call You by name
and I said, "Elbow healer, Superhero,
come if you can," and you said, "I am"
Only 16, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at 10 PM
You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
When I was weak, unable to speak,
still I could call You by name
and I said, "Heart-ache Healer, Secret-Keeper,
be my Best Friend," and You said, "I am."
You saw me wear white, by pale candlelight,
I said forever to what lies ahead
two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
too much it might seem with its two AM
When I'm weak, unable to speak
still I will call You by name
"Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-Maker,
hold on to my hand," and you say, "I am"
The winds of change,
and circumstance blow in and all around
us so we find a foothold that's familiar,
and bless the moments that we feel nearer
Life has begun, I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when
But they'll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home.
I will be weak, unable to speak,
Still I will call You by name
"Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,
Comfortor, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King,
Beginning and the end,
"I am, yes, I am."
Pencil marks on the wall
I wasn't always this tall,
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed,
You watched my team win,
You watched my team lose,
You watched when my bicycle went down again,
And when I was weak, unable to speak,
still I could call You by name
and I said, "Elbow healer, Superhero,
come if you can," and you said, "I am"
Only 16, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at 10 PM
You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
When I was weak, unable to speak,
still I could call You by name
and I said, "Heart-ache Healer, Secret-Keeper,
be my Best Friend," and You said, "I am."
You saw me wear white, by pale candlelight,
I said forever to what lies ahead
two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
too much it might seem with its two AM
When I'm weak, unable to speak
still I will call You by name
"Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-Maker,
hold on to my hand," and you say, "I am"
The winds of change,
and circumstance blow in and all around
us so we find a foothold that's familiar,
and bless the moments that we feel nearer
Life has begun, I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when
But they'll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home.
I will be weak, unable to speak,
Still I will call You by name
"Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,
Comfortor, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King,
Beginning and the end,
"I am, yes, I am."
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hope #9- Peaceful easy feeling
Check out my living room right when we moved in:
Can you feel that calm, tranquil, inviting feeling reaching out to grab you? Yeah..me neither. That's why I painted it this (ignore my camera's foggy view syndrome):
The collage of photos is a project I took on yesterday.
I have plans to purchase or build a console table to go under the photos.
Isn't the color so much more fresh?! It makes me want to lay on the floor and make a snow angel without the snow.
Here are a couple other members of the living room:
My recently purchased etsy pillow:
This painting is one my husband's grandmother painted. She is quite the artist, but hasn't done any in a long time. I want to buy her some new paints and put in a request. :) This one has some blues and greens that I am trying to bring into the living room.
The dining room is right next to the living room. It has chair rail and I've painted the space above the chair rail the same color as the living room. Below the chair rail will be white. I'm saving one wall, for something special. Here's my inspiration.
Yes, I can hear my walls screaming at me, "Beadboard...beadboard....shelllvvveeess." So, as soon as I can get some help bringing some home, I will be installing beadboard on the back wall in my dining room.
We're slowly making progress.
Can you feel that calm, tranquil, inviting feeling reaching out to grab you? Yeah..me neither. That's why I painted it this (ignore my camera's foggy view syndrome):
The collage of photos is a project I took on yesterday.
I have plans to purchase or build a console table to go under the photos.
Isn't the color so much more fresh?! It makes me want to lay on the floor and make a snow angel without the snow.
Here are a couple other members of the living room:
My recently purchased etsy pillow:
This painting is one my husband's grandmother painted. She is quite the artist, but hasn't done any in a long time. I want to buy her some new paints and put in a request. :) This one has some blues and greens that I am trying to bring into the living room.
The dining room is right next to the living room. It has chair rail and I've painted the space above the chair rail the same color as the living room. Below the chair rail will be white. I'm saving one wall, for something special. Here's my inspiration.
Yes, I can hear my walls screaming at me, "Beadboard...beadboard....shelllvvveeess." So, as soon as I can get some help bringing some home, I will be installing beadboard on the back wall in my dining room.
We're slowly making progress.
Hope #7- Revisited
Hope #7 - 100 push-ups! Week 1-2
I have continued with my push-up plan. I've also added a sit-up plan as well. Might as well take another extra 10 minutes and do some sit-ups too. This blog really has helped keep me accountable. Last night, I was tired and I forgot about my push-ups until I was brushing my teeth. I ALMOST told myself I would just do them the next day, but instead...I marched my exhausted little booty downstairs and pumped them out. I'm up to 15 push-ups (doesn't sound like a lot, but these are 15 non-struggling push-ups. I'm proud)
Let me post the rest of week 1 and week 2 for you, in case you want to join me. You can also visit the website I'm following..hundredpushups.com.
Week 1- Day 3
Give yourself a 120 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 8 push-ups
Set 2- 10 push-ups
Set 3- 7 push-ups
Set 4- 7 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 10)
Week 2- Day 1
Give yourself a 60 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 9 push-ups
Set 2- 11 push-ups
Set 3- 8 push-ups
Set 4- 8 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 11)
Week 2- Day 2
Give yourself a 90 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 10 push-ups
Set 2- 12 push-ups
Set 3- 9 push-ups
Set 4- 9 push-ups
Set 5- 13 push-ups
Week 2- Day 3
Give yourself a 120 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 12 push-ups
Set 2- 13 push-ups
Set 3- 10 push-ups
Set 4- 10 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 15)
I'll be starting week 3 in a couple days, so I'll go ahead and post that as well.
Week 3- Day 1
Give yourself a 60 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 12 push-ups
Set 2- 17 push-ups (!)
Set 3- 13 push-ups
Set 4- 13 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 17)
Week 3- Day 2
Give yourself a 90 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 14 push-ups
Set 2- 19 push-ups
Set 3- 14 push-ups
Set 4- 14 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 19)
Week 3- Day 3
Give yourself a 120 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 16 push-ups
Set 2- 21 push-ups
Set 3- 15 push-ups
Set 4- 15 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 21)
For sit-ups, you can visit twohundredsitups.com.
Lets go get buff!
I have continued with my push-up plan. I've also added a sit-up plan as well. Might as well take another extra 10 minutes and do some sit-ups too. This blog really has helped keep me accountable. Last night, I was tired and I forgot about my push-ups until I was brushing my teeth. I ALMOST told myself I would just do them the next day, but instead...I marched my exhausted little booty downstairs and pumped them out. I'm up to 15 push-ups (doesn't sound like a lot, but these are 15 non-struggling push-ups. I'm proud)
Let me post the rest of week 1 and week 2 for you, in case you want to join me. You can also visit the website I'm following..hundredpushups.com.
Week 1- Day 3
Give yourself a 120 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 8 push-ups
Set 2- 10 push-ups
Set 3- 7 push-ups
Set 4- 7 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 10)
Week 2- Day 1
Give yourself a 60 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 9 push-ups
Set 2- 11 push-ups
Set 3- 8 push-ups
Set 4- 8 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 11)
Week 2- Day 2
Give yourself a 90 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 10 push-ups
Set 2- 12 push-ups
Set 3- 9 push-ups
Set 4- 9 push-ups
Set 5- 13 push-ups
Week 2- Day 3
Give yourself a 120 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 12 push-ups
Set 2- 13 push-ups
Set 3- 10 push-ups
Set 4- 10 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 15)
I'll be starting week 3 in a couple days, so I'll go ahead and post that as well.
Week 3- Day 1
Give yourself a 60 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 12 push-ups
Set 2- 17 push-ups (!)
Set 3- 13 push-ups
Set 4- 13 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 17)
Week 3- Day 2
Give yourself a 90 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 14 push-ups
Set 2- 19 push-ups
Set 3- 14 push-ups
Set 4- 14 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 19)
Week 3- Day 3
Give yourself a 120 second break in between sets.
Set 1- 16 push-ups
Set 2- 21 push-ups
Set 3- 15 push-ups
Set 4- 15 push-ups
Set 5- max (at least 21)
For sit-ups, you can visit twohundredsitups.com.
Lets go get buff!
Hope #8- Peace for the Knoblocks
I have a friend whom I've known for about 7 years who was a nurse at the Air Force base I was stationed at when I first joined. Her daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia at the end of last year and is still fighting it. With all that time being in the hospital, she's become attached to a couple of the other little patients. One of them being Morgan. Morgan has been fighting a battle of her own until Tuesday when she received her angel wings. I've never met Morgan, but I know she was precious. I know she had family and friends that loved her unconditionally. I just can't imagine the thought of planning my childs funeral. I know God had a plan for that little girl and that's what we should focus on, but it doesn't change the sadness and hurt that it brings to a family.
When God calls little children
When God calls little children
to dwell with him above
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of his love
For no heartache compares with
the death of one small child
who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to his fold
so he picks a rosebud
before it can grow old
God knows how much we need them
and so he takes but few
to make the land of Heaven
more beautiful to view
Believing this is difficult
still somehow we must try
the saddest word mankind know
will always be "goodbye"
so when a child departs
we who are left behind
must realize God loves children
Angels are hard to find
~Author Unknown~
But Jesus called them to him saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16
Welcome home Morgan.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hope #7 Continued...push-ups!
Today marks WEEK ONE, DAY TWO of my push-up challenge...and I honestly don't feel like doing it. I biked about 4 or 5 miles today with a five year old. She actually did an awesome job, and I know I would be MORE tired if I had biked by myself because I would have kept pushing on. Those twelve stops really gave me an opportunity to rest. :)
Set 1: 6 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 2: 8 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 3: 6 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 4: 6 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 5: max (at least 7)
I'm not sure why they already think I can add on to what I already can't do, but here goes nothing!
Set 1: 6 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 2: 8 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 3: 6 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 4: 6 push-ups
Rest 90 seconds
Set 5: max (at least 7)
I'm not sure why they already think I can add on to what I already can't do, but here goes nothing!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Hope #8- A Happy Easter
Man, I hope your Easter was as good as mine! We started off the day at church. Why do I always seem to cry at church? Every week...and its usually the music or the sermon that gets me going. I keep forgetting to put that tissue in my purse. I hate when that nose really gets going and you have nothing to wipe it with. Eww..
Back to our regularly scheduled program....
This is my little monkey all dressed up for Easter Sunday.
and...I gotta throw a silly one in there. :)
After that, we hit up the local Chili's and had an awesome waitress who was expecting a little girl in less than a month. It was a spectacular meal. After that, we came home and changed and went out in the backyard to do some yardwork. Sounds silly to do yardwork on a holiday, but my yard and I have recently become lovers. He has this way of relieving stress and helping me forget about all that little stuff that seems to build up. Gotta love that.
Here's a picture of the current yard. It is a work in progress. We were burning leaves. There must have been years of leaves piled up. I've spent at least 12 hours raking and its still not done!
Even though there is still grass to plant, its still fun.
After yard work, I went inside to make my momma's most famous "Green Stuff". Recipe coming soon! It was sooo easy and deliciously amazing. Even my husband, who doesn't like whipped cream, gobbles this stuff up.
After dessert, I prepared the ham for our Easter dinner. While the ham was cooking, we broke out the egg dye and bowls and blew our yokes out of our eggs. We all had a blast decorating our eggs. We ate another delicous meal, dessert and then hung out and relaxed in our PJ's for the evening. I think it was one of the best Easter's I've ever had except for the absense of some other family.
Well Spring is definitely in the air, and it spikes my moodometer in the most positive direction. I've had much more energy and felt a lot happier lately.
Like my beautiful wise momma said to me...Spring is a reminder of new life, just like our Lord rose again. Lord, you are ALIVE and I thank you for an Easter that filled my heart with happiness.
Back to our regularly scheduled program....
This is my little monkey all dressed up for Easter Sunday.
and...I gotta throw a silly one in there. :)
After that, we hit up the local Chili's and had an awesome waitress who was expecting a little girl in less than a month. It was a spectacular meal. After that, we came home and changed and went out in the backyard to do some yardwork. Sounds silly to do yardwork on a holiday, but my yard and I have recently become lovers. He has this way of relieving stress and helping me forget about all that little stuff that seems to build up. Gotta love that.
Here's a picture of the current yard. It is a work in progress. We were burning leaves. There must have been years of leaves piled up. I've spent at least 12 hours raking and its still not done!
Even though there is still grass to plant, its still fun.
After yard work, I went inside to make my momma's most famous "Green Stuff". Recipe coming soon! It was sooo easy and deliciously amazing. Even my husband, who doesn't like whipped cream, gobbles this stuff up.
After dessert, I prepared the ham for our Easter dinner. While the ham was cooking, we broke out the egg dye and bowls and blew our yokes out of our eggs. We all had a blast decorating our eggs. We ate another delicous meal, dessert and then hung out and relaxed in our PJ's for the evening. I think it was one of the best Easter's I've ever had except for the absense of some other family.
Well Spring is definitely in the air, and it spikes my moodometer in the most positive direction. I've had much more energy and felt a lot happier lately.
Like my beautiful wise momma said to me...Spring is a reminder of new life, just like our Lord rose again. Lord, you are ALIVE and I thank you for an Easter that filled my heart with happiness.
Hope #7- pumpin out push-ups
I have a new goal to add to my list. Push-ups! I need to get in gear for my upcoming fitness test and I've always wanted to be able to do a lot of push-ups. So it starts tonight...at 11:02 p.m. :). This will be a six week goal and will continue after that to maintain. Can I stay motivated? I'm not a great self-motivator...but here goes nothing!
Day 1: Today will consist of 5 sets of push-ups.
Set 1: I will do 6.
Rest 60 seconds.
Set 2: 6
Rest 60 seconds
Set 3: 4
Rest 60 seconds
Set 4: 4
Rest 60 seconds
Set 5: (max) at least 5
Wish me luck!
Day 1: Today will consist of 5 sets of push-ups.
Set 1: I will do 6.
Rest 60 seconds.
Set 2: 6
Rest 60 seconds
Set 3: 4
Rest 60 seconds
Set 4: 4
Rest 60 seconds
Set 5: (max) at least 5
Wish me luck!
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