Intelligent Life Forms

From 6/20/11:

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

- Colossians 1:10

Consider reading:

Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

"Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge."

- Proverbs 18:15

From 6/22/11:

"Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent."

- Proverbs 17:28

(buh ah ah hahaha - Proverbs cracks me up!)

From 6/23/11:

"Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."

- 2 Timothy 2:7

My Thoughts:

Do you think we are like a constant running reel of comedic outtakes for the One Most High? Do you think we are his Steve Martin or Jeff Foxworthy? Do you think he goes, "Oh really?" Or the pop culture overused, "Seriously?"

Do you think He finds us as intelligent as we think we are? I mean, my kids are brilliant but they pull some really dumb stunts. Poor guy. It's not like He can just shake His head and say, "They get that from their mother's side of the family!"

I'm amusing myself today.

So yesterday my Granddaddy May experienced what they are now calling a mini-stroke. He is currently in ICU in Nacogdoches, TX. They think he's going to be okay but he is in the hospital for at least a week and then they'll run another CAT scan. Continued prayers are appreciated. Include my Grandma too please, his wife of over 60 years.

Father, one day at a time. I trust You. I rely on You. Continue to give me Your peace and patience in Your Presence.

Blessings y'all!

Lesa

Direct Line

From 6/16/11:

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

- Proverbs 16:24

Books to look into reading:

Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

The One Year Great Songs of Faith

The One Year Book of Personal Prayer

"God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called."

by Shannon Ethridge, Completely His

From 6/18/11:

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

- Philippians 4:13

** Current Thoughts:

These are some of my favorite words from the Bible and from others. I am so glad I decided to keep a running journal / faithbook of my daily readings and passages. I have since bought all three of the suggested books.

It is kind of funny that I am currently reading the Disciplines of a Godly Woman. The author isn't my favorite. She and I are not like-minded and unfortunately I had read another essay she had written in a different source that I did not appreciate at all. However, I am very much enjoying the discipline concepts she sets before me and even though I tend to skim her dialogue and create my own reasoning, I am finding the book thought provoking and a great aide to me in my attempt at Christian growth.

I've been praying a lot for the following (join me if you wish):

- Encouragement for my sister Keli

- Relief of pain and anxiety for my mom's cousin Reggie (terminal cancer)

- Comfort and strength for Reggie's wife Machele (who also just lost her father)

- My cousin Courtney who is back at TIRR for more therapies

- Vacation Bible School

- Brian and Rachel Peacock (our new youth minister and his wifey - house hunting, smooth transition)

- Delivery from my sin of overeating (yep, it's for real) and my love of food (grrrr)

- Our new family budget

- Mark and the kids' health and safety

Father, I love my direct line to You. Thank You that my days can begin in Your Presence and that I am more and more calling on You to walk beside me all day long.

Blessings Y'all!

Lesa

Remodel Job

From 6/16/11:

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

- Psalm 32:8

"With most remodeling jobs, it's necessary to make a mess before the job looks good enough."

- The Simple Life by Wanda Brunstetter

"Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city."

- Proverbs 16:32

"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

- Proverbs 16:3

"When people's lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them."

- Proverbs 16:7

** I tell you what the Lord has been doing a complete overhaul on my heart over the passed year or so. Daily visits with Him have transformed my thinking, my living, my heart. Talk about a remodel job. Every time my thoughts adjust to see someone as God would or to seek His will or for Him to be glorified in something I do, I feel the difference. I feel His pull ... as if He is the compass magnet pulling my thoughts to where they should be.

There is still much work to be done. Like rotted boards or rusted metal there is still damaged parts that need to be repaired or replaced. But over all I think this remodel job is going well.

Father, continue to patch me back together and keep reminding me to listen to the sound of Your voice.

If you have time and need some honey for your heart, check out the following link I compiled this month:

http://grandjunctionchurch.org/ladies/ladiespage0312.pdf

Blessings y'all!

The Hope of all the World

From 6/15/11:

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

- Proverbs 23:2-3

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

- Matthew 11:28-30

"And His name will be the hope of all the world."

- J - E - S - U - S -

- Matthew 12:21

** I love all of the different names that Jesus is referred to in the Bible. Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, Immanuel (God with us). Hope of all the world ... wow. How great would it be to be called the Hope of all the world? It doesn't say the hope for everyone but your pesky neighbor. It doesn't say the hope for everyone but the gay couple at the mall. It doesn't say the hope for everyone who goes to your church.

The Hope of all the World ...

Just a few times today, I challenge you, to whisper, "Jesus, the hope of all the World." Exalt Him as He deserves. And offer grace to those you don't normally feel gracious toward. I dare you.

Full Throttle Love

From 6/11/11:

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."

- Hebrews 6:10

"Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and they neighbor as thyself."

- Luke 10:27

"We can make our own plans but the Lord gives the right answer."

- Proverbs 16:1

"We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps."

- Proverbs 16:9

From 6/14/11:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

- Matthew 18:20

** Anybody else find it hard to grasp the concept of loving God (or anyone or anything for that matter) with everything you own? All thy heart, all thy mind, all thy soul? Another versions asks for all thy strength too I believe. I mean, that's a whole lotta lovin'.

I guess the closest we can come to gauging that all-out, unconditional love is either our primary partner if life, our spouse, or our children. And even with those strongest of earthly bonds, our love for our Heavenly Father should surpass that.

Can I be honest? I struggle to "get" this concept. I think I've always struggled with it and maybe I'll always have to work on it. I will tell you though that the more time I spend in His Word and reflecting on thoughts about His Word, and in prayer and communication with Him, the more natural it feels and the stronger the bond to Him grows.

I love hearing His voice in an urging or an idea He plants within me. I love feeling His presence when I sing praises to Him or fall on my knees in prayer. I love the peace that's mine for the asking when life's storms rage.

Father, thank You that I can press the RESET or RESTART button each morning or even with the mere whisper of a prayer to You.

Blessings Y'all!

Unbridled Tongue?

From 6/9/11:

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

- Proverbs 15:1

"A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them."

- Proverbs 15:18

"Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"

- Proverbs 15:23

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health."

- Proverbs 15:30

** Many talk of the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman. Well, my friends, I submit to you that this chapter of Proverbs offers some really great advice on our tempers, tongues, and attitudes. How many times have I made a situation worse my running my mouth? Too many. How many times have I held my tongue and diffused a touchy situation? A few. Need a reversal of fortune there.

Father, let my voice always reflect You; Your love and compassion and mercy.

Blessings Y'all!

Construction or Demolition?

From 6/8/11:

"A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."

- Proverbs 14:1

** Do you tear down or build up?

"Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated."

- Proverbs 14:17

"Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren."

- Proverbs 13:22

** No better inheritance could one leave than a life lived in the service of and with a love of the Lord.

From 6/9/11:

"But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

- James 4:6

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."

- Proverbs 27:2

** In the movie, "Straight Talk", one of Dolly Parton's little catch phrases is: "Sometimes you've gotta toot your own horn." I guess that's more of a worldly thought than one from Jesus. (I still loved that movie and all her little quips with her Southern drawl.)

As a stay at home mom I know how easy it is to get bogged down by task after task of caring for our families and our homes. I think it can be a thankless job. My children rarely appreciate a meal I put on the table (and I promise that is more about them than my cooking). My husband is pretty good about thanking me for clean underwear and meals and taking care of the kids.

I think we should encourage each other too. If you've got a friend who stays home and makes her life's work her family and home, let 'em know that you feel them ... you know the value of what they do. Urge them on!

I've come to realize lately that committing these redundant tasks to the Lord seems to make the load lighter and the path a bit easier. When I don't really wanna delve in, I lift up my eyes to Him, offer a breath of prayer, and somehow, He eases what is burdening me.

Father, as I breathe out a prayer, You breathe into me peace. Help me make it all for You.

Blessings Y'all!

P.S. On a totally off topic note, another of Dolly Parton's phrases that I love:

"You gotta tinkle or get off the potty."

I'll leave you to do with that one what you will. LOLOL