Thursday This~N~That: EXCUSES

Happy Thursday to all of you in Blogville.

First of all, I have a confession. I forgot to blog here last night. I remembered it all week until last night. I have all kinds of excuses: I helped my son mow our yard yesterday afternoon, which is very very rare; I was just in the mood to mow. I knew it would more than likely stir my allergies and sinuses up, but I wanted to just get out there and ride in my yard and think, plus I wanted to help Cale out. He does so much for us each day. Scot came in from work and installed my new dishwasher and worked in the garden until Cale and I finished the yard. I was totally covered in dust and grass particles, so I had to take a shower before I prepared a quick supper of sausage, eggs, and biscuits. Back to the sinus and allergy thing; yep, had to take an allergy pill which lulls me down a bit. I read a while and then went to bed forgetting all about blogging!

EXCUSES! My excuses or REASONS for not blogging are true and legitimate! What about my excuses (Reasons) for not reading God's Word like I should? What about my excuses (Reasons) for not praying like I should? What about my excuses (Reasons) for not witnessing like I should? What about my excuses (Reasons) for not being faithful like I should? What about my excuses (Reasons) for not serving others like I should? Hmmm. We all use excuses or reasons like: I was tired; I overslept; I work alot; That's my only day off; I have enough to do without doing for others, etc. All of those are probably true and legitimate, but I doubt know that doesn't cut it with God.

Yesterday, when I thought about my duty to post on KJV Blog Directory, I should have scheduled in time to go ahead and do it. Instead of reading a book for pleasure last night, I should have taken my Bible to bed with me. Oh, and here is MY main problem...RUNNING LATE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS! We seem to have such busy weekends and by Saturday night, I'm pooped, so sometimes I don't have all of our clothes ironed, etc. We drive 45 minutes to church, and being that my husband is the pastor, we do not need to be late! (NOTE: Even if my husband were not the pastor, we would need to be on time) The solution to that problem is to plan ahead and prepare for Sunday one day during the week. (My husband just amened me right there) Just like my name is on the KJV schedule, my name is on that church roll, which means that is where I am suppose to be every Sunday morning for Sunday school! Just like my name is on the KJV schedule, my name is in the Lamb's Book of Life which means I have some RESPONSIBILITIES. I am responsible to be faithful to God and others, read God's Word, pray, serve, and witness.

I Thessalonians 5:17- Pray without ceasing.

Mark 16:15- (words of Jesus) Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Galatians 5:13-...but by love serve one another.

II Timothy 2:15- Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Hebrews 10:22-25- Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Matthew 22:37- Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Maybe sometimes it is good for us to mess up. It helps us to try harder and to do better. By the way, we are but human, so we WILL mess up from time to time, but let us strive to be the very best we can be for God, knowing that He gave His very Best for us!

God Bless Your Day.

Until next time (on time),
Liesa
 
Note:
Life By George friends,
I invite you to visit  http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/  for some wonderful devotions by some great godly women.

The Solution To The Problem

Seems like everyone is searching for happiness, contentment, and peace these days. Well, I guess that's the way it's always been. Isn't it funny how we know what to do to fix certain problems, but we just don't do it?
For example; one of my children pointed out the fact that all of his life I have been dieting, but yet I haven't lost (or at least I don't lose and keep it off)...in his words, "You are still the same, you aren't smaller, but you are also not bigger." What do I need to do about that? Do you know? I know. And if I didn't know, that same child would be glad to coach me each day to do the right things to solve my problem. My problem is fixable, but I keep listening for a different answer; an answer that has nothing to do with my eating and my exercising! Just ain't gonna happen! The answer is still the same. In my son's words again, "Mom, if you'd just walk for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week, and I mean REALLY walk, you wouldn't have to worry as much about what you eat. If you aren't out of breath, you need to speed up! If you know a food is good for you, eat more of it, if it's not good for you, eat in moderation, and drink alot of water." I KNEW ALL OF THAT!!! So there, I have an answer to my problem. I know that answer, but the answer is not going to help me get smaller if I don't put into action what I know.

Another example: If your house is dirty; what is the solution? Clean it of course. You can know to clean it, but until you get out the vacuum cleaner and a dusting rag and use a little elbow grease, your house will still be dirty.

Proverbs 3 is full of 'DO THIS' and 'THIS HAPPENS'. Let's look! DO THIS:  Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: THIS HAPPENS: Proverbs 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee. DO THIS: Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart; THIS HAPPENS: Proverbs 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. DO THIS: Proverbs 3:5-6a Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, THIS HAPPENS: Proverbs 3:6b and He shall direct thy paths. DO THIS: Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. THIS HAPPENS: Proverbs 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. DO THIS: Proverbs 3:9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: THIS HAPPENS: Proverbs 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. DO THIS: Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction. WHY? Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. HOW CAN WE BE HAPPY? Proverbs 13-14 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain therof than fine gold.

Proverbs 3, verses 1-14 are full of answers. It tells us how to have good health, how to have plenty, how to be happy, how to find direction in our lives, and how to find favour with God. We all want those things, don't we? But, are we willing to do the verses before those answers?

Just something to think on.

Who Plants a Seed (Thursday This N That)

(This is my post for KJV Directory, Thursday This N That, April 15, 2010)

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/

Who Plants a Seed

Who plants a seed plants faith and trust,

For only sun and rain

That comes with passing seasons

Can change the seed to grain.

Who plants a hope plants future days,

For only time can bring

The dream to fullest blossom,

The thrush to try his wing.

Who plants a seed plants faith in God,

For only He could know

How seeds and earth and sun and rain

Can make new gardens grow.

~Ethelyn M. Kincher

I've thought much about planting and sowing lately. I have a condition called Spring-fever! I also have Plant-itus! I have been planting everything I can get my hands on...let me rephrase that...I have been showing Cale and Scot where to dig holes for all the plants I can get my hands on! This is the first Spring in six years that I've been this excited about working in the yard. The people we bought our house from had alot of plants and trees established and truly, had I not planted anything else, the yard would look fine, but Scot and I wanted to add our touch to our new property. My mother-in-law started it all my birthday by giving me two rose bushes; my mother added to my disease a few weeks ago when she gave me two plants that I have yet to find out the names of. I know they are very pretty, they bloom, they get pretty big, and they repel mosquitoes. Scot added more fuel to my fire Saturday morning when he mentioned us going to Lowe's to buy some new things for the yard. We bought several plants, rose bushes, and even a small Colorado Blue Spruce tree. We worked all afternoon in the yard digging and planting, and guess what we expect in a few weeks? We expect our sowing (so to speak) to prosper, grow, spread, and bloom! In years to come, I expect that my little Spruce will be a huge Spruce. We reap WHAT we sow!  Scot and I are also preparing to plant a garden. We discussed the vegetables we'd like to grow. What will be reap if we plant bean seeds? BEANS!  Corn seeds? CORN! I got to thinking about how just a little bitty seed can grow into something that we enjoy so much and quite honestly, we have very little control over it. Yes, we can do all the right things like water, keep weeds out, but it takes FAITH to plant a garden. It takes FAITH to plant flower seeds. I can't make them grow, but I have FAITH that in a few weeks, we'll have fresh corn, peas, and beans from those little seeds that we sow.  NOW...what about the seeds we sow in our everyday life?  Sow a smile-reap a smile. Sow a frown-reap a frown. Sow encouragement, reap hope. Sow the precious Gospel of Christ-reap Christians! I surely can't save anyone, just like I can't make the seeds grow into produce, but I can by FAITH share the good news of the Gospel with others. What are we sowing in our children's lives? Are we sowing wisdom? Character? Holiness?  Remember, we reap what we sow. If we TRULY believe that, why do we not sow more good things than we do? Scot wants to plant some fruit trees. He expects to reap....FRUIT!  Should he plant a pear tree, he will not be checking for apples on the tree, he'll be looking for pears. Let's plant the precious Gospel seeds, let God give the increase, and expect God's Great Salvation.   SOW-SOW-SOW!

He that goesth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. II Corinthians 9:6

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:7-9

Thursday This ~N~ That: No Fooling; HE LIVES!

I can't help but feel victorious when I think of my Risen Saviour! I can't stop the Hope, the Peace, the Excitement that rises within me when I think of that morning that my Lord came out of that tomb! How wonderful, how blessed to serve the one and only true and living God!  Gives this little Baptist gal a spring in her step and a song in her heart! I also can't help but be saddened when I think of the price Jesus paid for my sins. I feel so ashamed and guilty that He suffered and died for me. He didn't do anything wrong, yet He was the one that was sentenced to death, mocked, spat upon, beaten beyond recognition...crucified.  This post may be a bit scattered; many scriptures and many songs come to my mind....so I'll just write while I think out loud, so to speak.  Worship and rejoice with me!

Matthew 17:22-23 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Matthew 20:17-19 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Matthew 27:66  So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Matthew 28:1-6  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said, Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Oh, that old rugged cross,

so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross,

stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see;

For twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me.

Then came the morning

The night turned into day

The stone was rolled away, hope rose with the dawn

Then came the morning

Shadows vanished before the sun

Death had lost and life had won, for morning had come.

He lives! He lives!

Christ Jesus lives today.

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives!

Salvation to impart.

You ask me how I know He lives...

He lives within my heart.

Because He lives

I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives

All fear is gone.

Because I know

He holds the future.

And life is worth the living

Just Because He lives.

Thursday This ~N~ That: Stress-Busters

(click above)
Go to KJV Blog Directory for today's post.  STRESS-BUSTERS

Thursday This -n- That: Do I LIVE Like I Believe?

Please visit KJV Blog Directory for today's post:

"Do I LIVE Like I Believe?"

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2010/03/thursday-this-n-that-do-i-live-like-i.html

Optimist or Pessimist?

I recently took Barbara Johnson's book Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life off my shelf and skimmed through it. Two words kept catching my eye and my attention: Optimist and Pessimist. In other words, Is my glass half full or half empty? I decided to look a bit more at these two words. Let's look at Pessimism first: Webster says that pessimism is the belief that the evil in life outweighs the good, the tendency to expect the worst. Some synonyms of pessimism are doubt, depression, grief, sadness, bleak, gloomy.... Those words are not very pleasant, are they? Webster says that optimism is the belief that good ultimately prevails over evil, the tendency to take the most hopeful view of matters. Synonyms of optimism are cheerfulness, hope, confidence, assurance, encouragement, brightness, trust, certainty... Just reading the synonyms of optimism brought joy to me. I so want to be an optimist and not a pessimist. Have you ever watched the movie or read the book Pollyanna? I love Pollyanna, the glad glad girl! She always looked for something glad (good) in every situation. She looked on the bright side. You know, for instance, if you broke your leg, "look on the bright side, it could have been both arms and both legs!" That's a bit silly and extreme, I know, but seriously, do we look for the good in every day situations or is everything always bleak and gloomy? Let's see what Barbara Johnson says about optimist and pessimist in her book:

AN OPTIMIST LOOKS AT AN OYSTER
AND EXPECTS TO FIND A PEARL.
A PESSIMIST LOOKS AT AN OYSTER
AND EXPECTS PTOMAINE POISONING.

A PESSIMIST IS SOMEONE WHO FEELS BAD
WHEN SHE FEELS GOOD
FOR FEAR SHE WILL FEEL WORSE
WHEN SHE FEELS BETTER.

A PESSIMIST HAS NO STARTER,
AN OPTIMIST HAS NO BRAKES.

IN THE LONG RUN, PESSIMISTS MAY BE PROVEN RIGHT,
BUT THE OPTIMIST HAS A BETTER TIME ON THE TRIP.

AN OPTIMIST LAUGHS TO FORGET
A PESSIMIST FORGETS TO LAUGH.

If we look around us, especially if we listen to the news, there is much gloom and despair around us. I seldom watch the news on TV anymore because it either makes me sad, worries me, or makes me angry. Truth is, I do live in this world and we are surrounded by sickness, death, debt, sin, but no matter what our circumstance, God is still God and He never changes. Every promise He ever made is still as true today as it was when He said it. When you are tempted to look at your glass as half empty, think on this verse: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Words of Jesus found in John 16:33

Be of good cheer dear friends, in Christ there is real peace; and that makes me really GLAD!

Love

The month of love has arrived. I so enjoy Valentine's Day things: the colors red, pink, and purple, hearts, cards with catchy phrases, flowers, can't leave out CHOCOLATE, but most of all Valentine's Day is about LOVE! I love LOVE!

I read this quote and got to thinking about what love is to me: "Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots." ~Author unknown

Love is a strange emotion, that is for sure! Love makes us say and do things we didn't even know we were capable of. Love motivates us to get out of the recliner to go outside and play with our children even after a long day of work. Love is what keeps us going even in the storms of life.
Love is what helps Mothers function on very little sleep, clean house, wash clothes and cook meals over and over again. Love is what gets Dad out of the bed each morning come rain or shine to go to a job to provide for his family. Love is what helps us overlook the faults in others and to be kind to them anyway. Love is what keeps husbands and wives faithful to each other. Love is what keeps born again church members faithful to their church. Love is what keeps friendships alive through thick and thin, from near and far. Love is what helps us to want to forgive...and to say "I'm sorry."

Love affects our lives every day whether we think about it or not. WHAT AND WHO WE LOVE is evident in our lives each day. My children and I used to have this little game we'd play...One of us would ask the other: "Who do you love?" and the other one would begin naming names of people we love all the way down to our pets!

Who do I love? Since I was old enough to remember, I have loved my parents. That didn't make me a perfect child by any stretch of the imagination, but my love for them motivated me to be obedient, respectful, and it also helped me during peer pressure to make right decisions because I didn't want to disappoint them or to ruin their good name. My love for my teachers and classmates in school affected my life from day to day. I loved one of my friends so much that when I was in first grade, I decided to ride the school bus home with her. (not my bus route) I desired to please my teachers and to be a true friend to my school mates, not two faced and fake. Because of those decisions, almost 40 years since starting to school, I still have wonderful friends from school. And what about that MUSHY love I discovered that I felt for a certain Alabama boy? That love made me want to be by his side even if it meant going to the ends of the earth- or in my case New Orleans. That love made me want to make a vow to love, honor, and obey him in front of my family, his family, our friends, and our God...and to REALLY REALLY MEAN IT! Our wedding's theme was Whither Thou Goest, found in the book of Ruth. I tell people now that I had no idea what I was saying! I really didn't, but I've stuck with Whither Scot goest, I have gone, Whither Scot lodgest, I have lodged, his people have been my people and his God has been my God. This will be our 25th Valentine's Day as sweethearts; with 24 of those as Mr. and Mrs. Love is what has kept us together through times of hardship, sickness, HORMONES, and other strains and struggles of life. The love of motherhood: Love for my children is what kept me determined to be consistent in their upbringing. Love for my children is what gave me the strength to abide by the verses in Deuteronomy 6 to the best of my ability. My version: Talk of Him when thou sittest, when you walk by the way. Talk of Him at bedtime and at the break of day. Write His words upon the post of your earthly home. Talk of HIM, pass HIM on. My love for others is what gives me a desire to help them, to show kindness, and to befriend them.

ONLY, and I do mean ONLY by the Grace of God and the love HE put deep within me am I able to love the above people like I do. What is love? GOD IS LOVE. (I John 4:16) Is it always easy to love? Goodness no! Someone was showing a man a picture of their new dog in a restaurant. When this person stopped at the man's table, the person said, "You like dogs, don't you?" And the man said, "Yes, I like dogs more than people!" He was being humorous, but sometimes there is truth in that. People, including myself are not always lovable and easy to love. We can be downright mean and ugly! Have you ever tried to show kindness and love to someone who acted like they didn't want your kindness and love? Well, I have, and immediately my carnal mind said, "Fine-I don't have to be kind and I don't have to love." Oh, BUT I DO! Yep, God tells us over and over to Love One Another, and he fails to say, LOVE THEM IF THEY LOVE ME BACK or LOVE THEM IF THEY ARE NICE AND APPRECIATIVE. Nope, He just said, LOVE. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. I John 3:18

Why do we love? But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Herin is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. I John 4:10-11

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12

So, who do you love?

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22: 36-39

(This post is also at this blog site: http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/)

Stick-Together Families

Visit KJV Blog Directory to read my post for today.

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2010/01/thursday-this-n-that-stick-together.html

Time and Happy New Year!

Wow, the last day of 2009 fell on me to write a post for KJV Directory. The next post will be typed in a brand new year: Twenty-ten. I've thought much about 'time' lately. Seems like yesterday, I was still in school, still under the care of my parents, getting married, giving birth to two sweet babies, rocking and singing to those babies, teaching my children their alphabet and numbers, going to Little League games, attending ballet recitals, and the list goes on. I am now two short months away from celebrating my forty-fifth birthday, six months away from celebrating Scot and my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, and about 17 months from ending our home school journey. TIME. Time moves at the very same pace as it did when I was a little girl, but I do know that it seemed like it took forever and a day for my birthday and Christmas to arrive each year.

To be honest, I struggle with this TIME thing. I am a creature of habit; I like things the same; but TIME has always been like this; it stands still for no one. Webster says that Time is every moment there has ever been or ever will be. That is a very deep definition to think on. Time is a gift, a responsibility. In the Bank of Time, there are 864,000 seconds a day. What have I done with those precious moments of time in my almost forty-five years? Regrets? Oh yes, I do have regrets. But, I can say even with the regrets staring me in the face, time has been on my side. I have been loved all my life, I have loved all my life, I have met some of the most wonderful people in the world, I have played until I could play no more, I have laughed until I hurt, and I also have had moments of what felt like never ending tears to pour from my eyes.

The day of my fortieth birthday, someone asked if turning forty bothered me. I told them that the age really didn't bother me, just the time that had so quickly passed to get me to this milestone. But, I went ahead to say that should my life end for some reason, I had been blessed with a good life and I wouldn't be able to complain.

Am I going to make a New Years Resolution? Resolution- Fixedness of mind, perseverance. A thing determined upon, decision as to future action. Resolute- fixed and firm in purpose, determined. I love that word Fixedness. Fixedness is not in my dictionary, but Fixed is. Fixed- firmly in place, established; settled, unchanging, ... That makes me think of my salvation that was so freely given to me. My salvation is fixed; it's firmly in place, it's established, and it's settled! That makes this Baptist gal wanna shout a great big "Hallelujah!"

I usually do make New Years resolutions, and the resolutions usually involve weight loss and Bible reading. Can you relate? And sad to say, I usually plow through for a few weeks with success and then I get slack. The newness of the New Year wears off.

I'm thinking I will not make a resolution this year; at least nothing specific. I do want to read and study Romans 12 and 13 and try to apply those chapters to my life. Here are just a few of those verses: A quick warning: these two chapters in the Word of God are not very popular anymore, so read at your own risk! Anyone who should attempt to apply these scriptures to their lives could possibly be considered a 'weirdo'. (smile)

I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:9-15

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:10-14

The year 2009 is coming to a fast close. It is a year that will probably always stand out in my memory. This time last year, I would never have thought that 2009 would hold the things it did for me and my family. There was sadness and hurt, unanswered questions, more moves than I liked!, but the good news to all of that is this...Our great big unchanging God never left us or forsook us; He was our comfort, He was our peace, He was our joy, and He was our hope. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I learned that when you don't know what to do; just pray and do nothing. God came through for us in ways that we wouldn't have even known to have ask for. Even in the midst of pain, hurt, fear, and disappointment, God was real and He was faithful and true. I can stand on that dear friends. I don't know what my future holds, but I do know Who holds my future! 2009 also held many good things. We have a new church family, Cale's Spartan Team (Cross Country) did great, Noelle celebrated her 21st birthday, we are all healthy as far as we know, and good memories were made with family and friends.

In closing, I want to share with you three more verses that I hope we will remember all the days of our lives...and the last sentence would be our prayer each day.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:10-12

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

That is my prayer for each of you in 2010.

Check out the KJV Directory here: http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/

Thursday This 'N That: A Christmas Game

Click below to read today's post for KJV Blog Directory. I am sharing a fun Christmas game with you there! Enjoy! :)

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/12/thursday-this-n-that-christmas-game.html

This & That Thursday: This & That

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/11/thursday-this-that-this-that.html

Click above for today's KJV post.

Wednesday In The Word: Continue

Continue:
1. to go on after suspension or interruption
2. to go on or keep on, as in some course or action; extend
3. to last or endure
4. to remain in a particular state or capacity
5. to remain in a place; abide; stay
6. to go on with or persist in: to continue an action.
7. to carry on from the point of suspension or interruption:
8. to extend from one point to another in space; prolong.
9. to say in continuation.
10. to cause to last or endure; maintain or retain, as in a position.
11. to carry over, postpone, or adjourn; keep pending, as a legal proceeding.

I looked up the word "continue" on Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/
The above definitions are what I found for "continue" when used as a verb. I love verbs! Verbs are what we do, they are action words.

Have you ever started something and not followed through? I sure have. I have fizzled out many times in my life. Diet and exercise comes to mind! I start out strong and wimp out after a few days, sometimes after a few hours! Another thing I fizzled out on this year was reading the Bible through. I read it, but I failed to stay on the schedule that would lead me to the end result of reading the entire Bible in 2009.

What does God's Word tell us to CONTINUE in?

John 8:31-32, Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 15:9, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Colossians 4:2, Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Hebrews 13:1, Let brotherly love continue.

Those verses cheer us on! They tell us to:
KEEP ON READING GOD'S WORD!

KEEP ON LOVING GOD AND OTHERS!

KEEP ON PRAYING!

I want to be found continuing to do what's right according to the Bible. I want to be found continuing to stand firm on God's promises; continuing to tell others about the great Gospel of Jesus my Lord, and I want to continue being faithful to God, my family, and my church. This is not the time to let up, shut up, or give up! This is the time to stand up, pray up, and look up!

Carry on dear Christian soldiers; keep marching to the beat of the Gospel and let your light shine brighter than ever before! Continue until the end, abide in Christ, keep a prayer on your heart, keep on keeping on even when the road gets long, even when the road is rocky...continue to walk with Him.

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Reason For The Storm

The following is taken from the notes I took during the message Sunday morning at church.

John 6:16-21

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

No matter what the reason of the storm, even if it's for correction, Jesus is with us.
God is in control of every storm and knows exactly how to get us through the storm or out of the storm.

Some reasons of storms in our lives:
1. Correction
2. Testing
3. Teaching
4. Just life (life happens)

The disciples WILLINGLY received Jesus into the ship.
We have to WILLINGLY receive God's help and provision in our life.

We must WILLINGLY accept...
1. God's salvation
2. God's power
3. God's guidance, (His plan)
4. God as our leader (Our parent)
5. God's discipline (Get better, not bitter)
6. God's forgiveness of ourselves and others
7. Our responsibility (We all have the responsibility to tell others of this Great Salvation)

Jesus and the disciples were in the same boat.
Fellowship = me and God in the same boat. When we are in the same boat with someone,
we are headed in the same direction, we are in unity, going to the same place...

II Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

NOTE: I want Christ to be in my boat at all times because I willingly accept His guidance. I want Him there not just when the storms of life are raging but also when the sun is shining and the sea is calm. Scot also said Sunday that God is not a spare tire. Think on that awhile. So many people only want God when they are having troubles in their life, but He desires for us to fellowship with Him and willingly love Him in the good times as well. All of us will experience some kind of storm before we leave this world. I'd rather face the storm with a Good Friend than alone and scared. I'm thankful for the peace there is with Jesus!

Praying God is in your boat,
Liesa

THIS Is The Day!

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

I hardly know where to start as I sit here and write. This is a deep post for me. Not deep in words; "WELL" is about the deepest word I know. This post is deep in meaning and importance. If only the words would flow as the feelings flow in me; if only I could separate the words that are so jumbled in my mind.

I have come close to writing a post in the past about the subject I'm writing on today...but the time never seemed right. Well, the time is right! I cannot even begin to tell how right the time is!

When my husband pastored Bethany, Bro. Harold the song leader would have us sing a song titled "What Will I Leave Behind?" quite often. I have heard that song most of my life. Just in the past year has it really caught my attention. I've thought of this song quite a bit lately.

Last week, one of my teachers in high school and a fellow Belmontian's thirty-four year old daughter in law had a massive heart attack. She is in the hospital in a very serious condition. She and her husband have two children under the age of five. From all accounts, she was a healthy lady that took care of herself; no previous problems that I've heard of, but that Monday evening, she called her husband and the paramedics to come to her rescue when she realized something was terribly wrong. Very little hope was given to her family that night and next day.

Her husband went back to their home church Sunday morning and gave a very extensive testimony of all the miracles they had seen since that Monday before. His testimony was in 3 parts, and during the first two minutes of Part 1, I had chill bumps all over me and tears were flowing down my cheeks. He was also telling about her last few messages on Face book; they were happy and caring words, and in her notebook were the words from Psalms that I shared with you above. All of his words about her were so positive. We are all praying that this dear lady is healed completely and can go home and be a wife and mommy once again, but even though I've never met her, I only know her husband's family, her life has touched mine just through the words of her husband. People have gone to the hospital to give blood and offer their help to this family by large numbers. Her husband said, "She is loved."

Before you read any further, please know this is not a depressing, gloom filled post. Yes, it involves dying, but mostly, it involves LIVING. THIS IS THE DAY! Not tomorrow, not next week, or next year, THIS! THIS is the day I have to love, THIS is the day I have to give, THIS is the day I have to serve, THIS is the day I have to worship, THIS is the day I have to spread cheer and gladness, THIS may be the only day I have. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 I need to make THIS day count!

Back to the song: "What Will I Leave Behind?"
Verse 1: After I leave for worlds unknown, Over the border line:
Never again on earth to roam. What will I leave behind?

Verse 2: Will I be missed by those I love, Or have I been unkind?
Have I been true to God above, What will I leave behind?

Verse 3: This is my prayer, O Lord, today, Let me be wholly thine;
When I am called from earth away, Let heaven then be mine.

Chorus: Leave behind, yes, leave behind, what will I leave behind?After I leave for worlds unknown, What will I leave behind?

(written by Sherrill Brown)

My son and I were on our way to get the oil changed in my van today. One of our preacher friends preaches on the radio each day, and it was time for his message, so we tuned him in.Would you believe he brought about the thought of What will I leave behind? He told of a great man of God who said that he wanted to live in such a way that he would be missed at the end of his life.

Seems like everywhere I turn lately, this thought has stared me in the face.

Here is the whole point of this post: How will people remember me when I'm gone? What will I leave behind? I'm not talking about leaving behind money, houses, and land! Will I leave behind kindness, love, care, faithfulness, laughter? What will I leave behind? So, I asked myself this question today...How do I want people to remember me when I'm gone? And again, let me remind you, this is not about death, it's about living! These are some verses that came to my mind of how I would like to be remembered. I only dream of some of these; I'm the weakest of all God's children. Any good that has been in my life is all because God put it there. Within myself, I'm nothing. I thought of Titus 2:3-5 and verses 7 & 8. These are touchy verses in this day and age. But, they are still in the Bible! The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things: That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Verses 7 & 8: In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. I also thought of the verses in Matthew and John that tells us over and over again to love our neighbor as ourself, to love one another, and to even love our enemies. I thought of Proverbs 17:17 where it says that a friend loves at all times. When people think of me, will they think of my love for my husband and children? Could they see that I truly and deeply loved and cared about my neighbors and people I came in contact with? What about my enemies, did I love them as well? Was I a teacher and example of 'good' things? Was I a 'pattern of good works'? Could they tell I loved God with all my heart, soul, and mind? I Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Oh how I want to be remembered as a REAL christian...not wishy washy...not lukewarm! I want to be remembered as consistent, faithful, peaceable, loving, caring, joyful! What will I leave behind? We all leave behind something whether we plan to or not. What about my attitude? Is it good or bad? We all have bad days and I don't feel like Miss Merry Sunshine some days, but I desire to be the best I can be for God. I desire to shine brightly and to keep the main thing the main thing! Oh how I love Jesus because He first loved me. I encourage you to make each day count. Love deeper, give generously, laugh louder, pray and study God's Word longer, speak kindly, walk the walk, praise genuinely, witness boldly... I could go on and on. Dear friend, what will you leave behind?

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You'll be blessed by the women who post on that blog each day.

Wisdom

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 8:10-11

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Proverbs 8:33

Do you understand every single verse in the Bible? If you do, that's great, but I must confess that I do not. By faith, I believe every word is true. By faith, I believe that in the beginning was God. By faith, I believe He created everything. By faith, I believe that because man sinned, God gave His only begotten son Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins. By faith, I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died, rose again, and is returning. By faith, I believe I have a home in Heaven because of the salvation so lovingly given to me by Christ when I asked Him to save me. By faith, I believe that God parted the Red Sea and Moses and the children of Israel crossed on dry ground. By faith, I believe the three Hebrew children didn't burn when thrown into the fiery furnace. I cannot explain all of these things, but with all my heart, I believe.

There is so much that I don't understand, but just because I don't understand it doesn't make it any less true. I don't understand how all the organs of my body work, but I believe they do. I don't understand how car motors work, but I'll crank my van without any thought, believing the motor does work.

There are enough verses that I do understand to keep me busy. I understand that I must be saved to go to Heaven, I am to live a holy life, I am to love my neighbor as myself, I am to love the Lord my God with all my heart, I am to study to show myself approved, I am to pray to God believing that he hears me, I am to introduce the lost to my friend Jesus, I am to depart from evil, forgive, and be kind. Just the things I've mentioned that I do understand is enough to keep me on my toes every single day of my life. We need to study to learn more about God's Word, but we should not let the things we don't understand hinder our walk with God. We need to keep studying and praying. If we lack wisdom, we are to ask God for it. (James 1:5) We should also put forth more effort to do the things we know to do and to not do the things we know not to do. Just putting the wisdom we do have into action would make a world of difference in our lives. Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. I know to pray. I know to carry my every need to God. I know the Bible tells me to be anxious for nothing. I know that God says His grace is sufficient for my every need. SO... why do I worry and fret? Doesn't make a lick of sense to worry, does it? I need to put into practice everything I know and I believe I would have a much more productive Christian life, my light would burn brighter, my testimony would be more influential, and my sleep would even be sweeter.

What about the verses in the Bible that we read or perhaps our pastor points out, but yet in order to apply those verses to our lives, we would have to make some changes? If it goes against our grain, does that make the verse less true? No indeed. We are responsible for the things we know and we are responsible to study to try to know more about what God wants to tell us.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

If I get to the point that I do not want to learn more of God's Word, or to the point that I believe I do know it all, I honestly believe I would be a useless vessel for Christ.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:9-10

This is my prayer: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psalm 119:33-35

Be Wise

...and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

A few weeks ago, my husband taught a class at church on "How To Win Someone To The Lord." Our purpose in life should be to introduce others to Christ through our life and through God's Word. Below are the notes I took during class that night.

Pray for opportunity.
Look for opportunity.

Scot read Acts 8:26-39 where Philip witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was obedient to God; he went where God told him, and there he had the opportunity to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch. What did Philip tell this man? To do good? To clean up and go to church? To give of his money? All of those things are good, but no, Philip preached unto him Jesus! (verse 35)

1. Sinner must realize they are a sinner.

Romans 3:10- As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Other verses include: Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 5:12

2. Sinner must believe the Gospel.

Romans 5:6-8, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.I Corinthians 15:3-4, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures:

3. Sinner receives salvation (recognize God, know they are a sinner, believe, ask)

Romans 10:9-13, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Other verses include Acts 16:30-31, John 3:36

The salvation of our souls and the souls of others is the most important thing on earth. Salvation seems to be taken so lightly these days, and without it, we will all perish. Ask God each day to give you an opportunity to share His Word; He will answer. One of the best ways to witness to others is to just simply to tell them about what Christ has done in your life. As the old song says, 'I once was lost, but now I'm found, twas blind, but now I see.' Eternity is so serious, eternity is forever! Be wise, win souls.

I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story,
'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

A Thoughtful Gift, REMINDERS

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http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/05/wednesday-in-word-thoughtful-gift.html

When We Don't Know What To Do

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Life happens! We travel over mountains and in valleys; come up on some major pot holes at times, and there are days on our journey through life that we just have no clue as to what to do. Ever been there? I have. To be honest, I'm there now. My family has been on street "Don't know what to do" for about two months now. My husband and I just decided that since we didn't know 'what' to do, we just wouldn't do anything. First of all, not doing anything goes against both our grains. We are doers, we are fixers! But, may I testify today and tell you that God has been faithful. We've had that peace we read about in Philippians 4:7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This is how I've prayed: "God, if we need money, provide it. God, if there is some place we need to go, open the door. Open doors no man can close. Close doors no man can open. I don't know what to ask for, but You know what I need. I ask you to supply those needs. Give us wisdom, give us peace, and make the path You'd have us travel plain." He has answered over and over again the past two months. He has shut some doors, He has opened some doors, He has supplied our needs, He has provided us with peace and joy, He has been more than enough! Looking through my human eyes at the pot-hole we came upon in life, I would cry and be very discouraged. When I look at God's Word and put it all in His hands, I have that peace that passes all understanding. I didn't understand, I still don't, but God does. Sometimes we know what to do during a situation, sometimes we don't. When we don't, just be still and let God move. When I'm down to nothing; God's up to something! Just as the Shunammite woman answered Elisha's servant; I can most assuredly say, It is well.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Be encouraged!
Liesa

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Wednesday In The Word: Spring Cleaning

For today's post, click below:

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/04/wednesday-in-word-spring-cleaning.html