GOT PEACE?

GOT PEACE?

My Peace I give you, not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 14:27

     A good friend once said to me, "You live such a frantic life.  How do you ever keep up?"  I must have had that wild, crazy frazzled look in my eyes that day.  I do lead a very busy life; we all do in one way or the other.  I am sure that like me you lose your peace and joy along the way too. Feelings of anxiety, insecurity, hopelessness, anger, fear, and exhaustion set in.  For me, I know  when I have hit that low place I have missed the mark somewhere.  That somewhere, I have found through experience, always leads back to time not spent cultivating my relationship with my heavenly Father.  Jesus said in John 14:27 that only He can give you the peace you need.  The world can only give a cheap imitation.  It is so easy to replace my time with God by choosing to do something else that I think will be relaxing.  No spa, shopping day, workout or pumpkin spice latte can give me the peace I need to sustain me through life's ups and downs. Oh, those things are fun and will bring momentary happiness but they will not produce lasting peace that will restore my soul. 

     

     Isaiah tells us in chapter 26 verse 3, "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You,  because he commits himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You."  Right there is the answer to living in peace and joy no matter what the circumstances of my life may be.  I have to saturate myself in His presence to live in perfect and constant peace.  Not only will this change my perspective but it will also affect my relationship with others.  Because I choose to fix my mind on Him, trusting in His ability I can be a giver and not a taker.  My children will not have to duck for cover and my husband will not have to walk on eggshells.  

     

     In Psalms 91:1 it says, "He who dwells (abides) in the secret place of the most high shall remain stable and fixed in the shadow of the almighty."  Yes, yes, yes my friends this is where we will gain the power to overcome any stress, anxiety, or lack of any good thing.  Just ABIDE in Him and you shall remain stable and fixed.  Don't let yourself feel defeated.  Get in the Word and in His presence and He will restore and calm your soul.  It really is just that simple.

Prayer:  Jesus, Thank You for Your unfailing peace which only You can give.  Please forgive me when I have run to other things instead of running to You to find peace.  Help me to seek You daily to keep my heart fixed on You.  Amen. 

Brooke Glass

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Being Grateful in a Thankless World

     Is it just me, or does anyone else out there struggle with procrastinating when it comes to sending out Thank You’s?  I’ve had a stack of ThankYou cards that I walk by every day with every intention of getting them sent out.  The sad thing is some have already been written and just need a stamp and taken out to the mailbox.  I’m not sure how it is in other families, but I didn’t grow up sending thank you cards.  I was taught to be thankful for what I was given and verbally being thankful isn’t an issue, but the act of formerly sending a card in the mail was not established.   

     In this day and age sending Thank You cards is almost a lost art.  When was the last time you hand wrote a letter and sent it in the mail?  We say thank you on FaceBook, in text messages, and in person but is it really the same as going out of your way to send a card?  Does it hold as much value?  This art of card giving is a (shall I say?) tradition that I would like to establish with my boys as they grow up.  

     Now sending something in the mail is important, but ultimately the gratefulness of the heart is what matters!  We are encouraged to “give thanks” forty-four times in the NKJV bible.  Forty-four times!  I would say that thankfulness is important to God.

     1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

     It is the Father’s will that we are thankful! In every circumstance, situation, in all times we are to give thanks.  How many times did an unthankful heart hinder the Israelites from getting to the promise? 

(Numbers 14)  “And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to your word…Because all those men which have seen My glory, and My miracles…have not hearkened to My voice; surely they shall not see the land which I swore unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked Me see it…

They were right there, their promise was right in front of their faces, but because they decided to grumble and complain and were not thankful for everything that God had walk them through and had done for them, they forfeited their promise.  You would think that the next generation of Israelites would have learned from their fathers and grandfathers, but over and over again they took for granted all the Father had done for them and became ungrateful.

Psalm 106:1 

Praise the Lord! 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

     It seems like generations past were a little better at sending ThankYOUs, somewhere along the line to my generation we’ve dropped the ball.  We are to honor the generations before us and build upon what they have learned.  We can’t throw thankfulness out the window!  By doing so we are setting ourselves up for unfulfilled promises.  I want my boys to inherit EVERY promise that the LORD has for them!  A thankful heart is the key!  

And now I will leave you with a song from Veggie Tales: Madame Blueberry:  

I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!

For our home on the ground,
For His love that's all around,
That's why I say thanks every day!

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
Thats an easy way to start!

For the love that He shares,
'Cause He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks every day!

You’re welcome, and I hope this song stays in your head all day! 

And yes, I'm still finishing my baby shower Thank You's!  Now if I can just remember to buy stamps! 

~ Calla Cuff

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Shoes... the currency of heaven!

Shoes.... the currency of heaven!

Before you get too excited, especially if you’re a shoe lover like me, please hear my thoughts.  The same way that one pair of shoes cannot possibly meet all of your needs, is the same way that one friend cannot possibly meet all of your relational needs.  It’s easy to put pressure on that one friend and believe that one friend can meet all of your needs.  Then when our one friend disappoints us we get hurt, mad or sad.  Relationships are at the very heartbeat of heaven.  Jesus came to earth so we can have an authentic relationship with Him, so in turn we can have amazing relationships with each other.  Eccl 4:9-10 says, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!’   Friendships are worth fighting for and worth working out.  Pity the woman who falls and has no one friend to help her up.  We need each other.  We need to be there for one another, cheer each other on and celebrate who God has designed us as individuals to be.

 

There are different styles of friends that will have different functions in your life.  So in this little blog, shoes = friends:) 

 

Platform Shoes – These friends will lift you up to new places.  She will encourage you.  You will go to new heights with her.

 

Boots – These friends will get ‘er done.  She will get on her boots and kick some devil booty.  If there’s work, she’s there.  She’s not afraid to climb, get dirty and doesn’t need the glory.

 

Flip Flops – These are your comfortable friends.  You can go to her; she is an easy, go to friend.  She is a slip on, go anywhere, casual friend. 

 

Running Shoes – These friends are in the race with you.  She is on your team, running the race with you.  You can pass the baton to her; she’s in it to win.

 

We get frustrated when our platform friend won’t get her running shoes on and run right alongside with us.  Or what about our boots friend, she doesn’t want to go to new heights.  The flip flop chick doesn’t understand what all the running is about.  Different friends will meet different needs.  Let’s give each other the grace and space to be our unique self.  One size doesn’t fit all and no one friend can meet all your needs.  Friends are the currency of heaven!

 

Prov 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one woman sharpens another.

 

xoxo.... Amy

 

How can you be a better friend?

How many authentic friendships do you have?

 

 

 

 

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Face to Face

What has been stopping you from spending time, face to face, with God? Face to face, nothing standing in between you.

“We do God more honor in believing what He has said about Himself and coming boldly to His throne or grace than by hiding in a self-conscious humility.” A.W. Tozer

When I was younger I made decisions that took me in the opposite direction from God.  I chose to do things against the leading of the Holy Spirit that in turn left me feeling empty and far from Him.  I felt as if I had turned my back on the Lord.  

These decisions kept me from spending time with God even after I had asked for forgiveness and returned to Him. I was hiding in a self-conscious humility.  I loved the Lord and yet I kept my distance.  Things were not the same.  See, as a child I spend many hours talking to God.  It was as if I could walk right up to Him and sit at His feet.  I found comfort, strength and love there.  Never once did I question if I was allowed to be that close.  Now, I hid in the back corner of His throne room. 

It wasn’t until one day in a time of prayer that I saw something that would change my life forever.  As I took my 

self-appointed position in the back corner of His throne room, I looked up to see a beautiful woman clothed in the most amazing, radiant, jewel encrusted gown. She stood right before the throne of God.   

Then, the Lord motion to me.  Come.  Come up to the throne.  He lovingly continued to call me... come.   As I slowly walked up to His throne and stood beside the woman, He spoke this to me. “Do you not see what I see? When I see you, I do not see your mistakes and your short comings. THIS is how I see you because of my son.” At that moment, I looked over and I saw that the radiant woman was me. 

From that day forward I have realized that regardless of my good deeds or short comings, the Father God does not see me as unworthy. He sees me through Jesus.  I am His very own child and He wants me to come to Him.  He wants me to stand face to face, unhindered, not self-conscious but only looking upon Him.  In His presence we find all we need and one word from Him can change everything. 

What has been keeping you from standing before Him? Maybe sin has kept you bound and afraid or the memory of past sins has caused you to hide in the shadows of unworthiness. Maybe  you’ve positioned yourself in the corner because you are so self-conscious of your weaknesses.

I encourage you today, honor God by taking Him at His Word.

Ephesians 3:12

In him (Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Let me leave you with this thought, because of Jesus you are clothed in righteousness. You have been made right before God.  Do not hid in the shadows.  See yourself the way He sees you. Seek to meet with Him face to face and He will be found by you.

Isaiah 61:10

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Hugs,

Tamera Ford

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The Promise of the Spirit

Is there a shortage of God's Spirit? I think not. Although there are some who act as if there is. At one time, people couldn't fathom such an outpouring such as we have today. Moses once said to Joshua, "Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them" (Numbers 11:29)!

If he only knew...

However, I find it a shame that there are still many who do not know God's Spirit has been poured out on all flesh. In my travels, I meet people from a diversity of backgrounds. There are some religions in which the Bible is never read by their members; it is only translated from the pulpit. Others insist on the letter of the Law, but refuse to believe in the gifts of the Spirit, therefore quenching what God could do among them.

Hearts cry out for God to reveal Himself, yet how can He if there is a lack of faith and understanding? 

Did God not promise? Does He not make good on His promises? "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38). Jesus said this concerning the Holy Spirit, whom His believers would receive. 

Ezekiel prophesied of the Spirit's indwelling when he said, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God" (Ezekiel 36:26-28).

A heart of stone represents something dead. A heart of flesh represents life. What could possibly turn a dead stone into a living stone? This can only be done by the Spirit of the living God poured into the heart of man. 

Paul encouraged us to rely on, and perceive as truth, the ability of Christ's indwelling: "If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:10-11).

Do not underestimate the power of the Spirit within you -- or the mere fact that you, as a believer in Jesus Christ, are filled with His Spirit. Jesus was once dead, but is now alive because of God's indwelling Spirit. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, BEING PUT TO DEATH IN THE FLESH but made alive by the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18). 

Jesus died an actual physical death. You and I have not suffered the consequences of death as of yet. Therefore, Jesus is our example of God's ability to take the dead and raise them to new life by His Spirit. He has promised to give strength and quickening to our mortality. How? By His Spirit which has a fixed position of co-habitation within us.

This news of God's Spirit within us is true and not a lie. We must believe in and walk in this truth. "You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. [This] anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is TRUE, and IS NOT A LIE, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (1 John 2:20, 27-28). 

Jesus gave gifts to mankind in the form of pastors, evangelists, teachers, apostles, and prophets for the purpose of building up His body. Yet, none of us have the privilege of walking 100% of the time with those anointed by God for this task. So God saw the imperitiveness of providing One who would walk with you daily, teaching you all things. This not unlike a mother or father explaining this or that to an inquisitive child, in response to their wonderings of things unknown to them.

Paul was an apostle. His letters to the churches were for the purpose of encouragement and teaching. In one such letter, he said, "Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This 'letter' is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts" (2 Corinthians 3:3, NLT). 

The same is true for you and I today. 

God's law was once carved on stone and put in the hands of His servant. Now His Spirit has been branded on the door of every heart that will believe on Him for salvation. This indwelling of the Spirit of the Living God replaced the tablets of stone which proved to be heavy and burdensome for the carrier.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).  

We have discovered God's Spirit was poured into every believing heart. Therefore, "...where the Spirit of the Lord is..." -- our heart -- "there is freedom!"  Liberty and freedom are the complete opposite of bondage. Before Christ, our hearts could be likened to waste places forsaken and overgrown with briars. After Christ, the terrain changed. "The Spirit poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness became a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. Justice will therefore dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness will remain in the fruitful field. The work of [this] righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever" (Isaiah 32:15-17).

The Spirit's indwelling in our heart became both fact and feeling. Assurance depicts a refuge. Refuge is in fact a place of security, and a sense of trust. "Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them" (Numbers 11:29)! Moses experienced God's assurance through His Spirit and greatly desired others to know Him this way also. He had a desire for God's people to know peace that passes natural understanding. He had the same desire God had.

The prophet Joel spoke on behalf of God's heart when he declared, "It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh" (Acts 2:17). God accomplished His desire. 

Gone are the days of wishing God would put His Spirit within all men. The work has been accomplished. No wonder Jesus said, "It is finished."

Daphne Delay

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Great Back to School Idea

For all you moms who love great first day school pictures here is a link to some great free "back to school signs" for each grade level.

http://www.moneysavingqueen.com/July-2013/Free-First-Day-of-School-Printables/

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Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound carrots, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 quarts chicken broth
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1(9 ounce)package cheese tortellini
6 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
1 (12 ounce package) frozen green peas

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add carrots, onions, celery and garlic and cook for 8 to 10 minutes,stirring frequently.  Add chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.  Increase heat to medium-high and bring broth to a boil.   Add tortellini; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in chicken and peas; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or just until chicken is heated through.

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Friend or Unfriend?

During this summer with all four of my children at home, I did not know that I would have 4 more guests that would come and live in our home on a daily basis.  These four "new friends" were there at the brake of dawn sounding off their alarms until the evening singing lullabies rocking my children to sleep.  Our "four friends"  engaged my children in so many fun games I was even mesmorized by the creativity of our guests.  These friends connected them with old friends, some of whom they had not seen for years.  These friends were so smart they could answer any question and had the dictionary memorized.  I tried to be hospitable and treat them with respect, BUT THEN THEY WORE OUT THEIR WELCOME.  It was as if my children wanted to spend more time with their "new friends" then with their brothers and sisters or their parents.  I began to realize that our new friends didn't have many manners because they rudely interrupted a conversation between me and my children after breakfast by "tweeting."  I also realized that these "new friends" wanted to spend alot of time sitting on the couch, snacking on some chips and refusing to go outside and play.  My children started becoming very angry when I insisted that they go do their chores which meant they would be separated from their "new friend."  Their new friends started to affect their attitudes by making them distracted, irritable, impatient and easily offended.  And that is when I decided it was time for a family POW WOW and we were going to talk to our "four new friends"- the IPhone, the IPad, the IPod and the NintendoDS.

In Psalms 46:10, it says "Be still, and know that I am God."  In the midst of an age of technology we must have our guard up and not let devices become a "device" in our childrens' lives.  We must put
time limits on electronics so that they don't become their "new god."  We have a rule in our home that you can't get on electronics until after 1:00pm so that we can have some control.  We believe that electronics can be a blessing, but we want to make sure that our children are not being so entertained that they forget how to be quiet in his presence.  They must learn to quiet themselves from all distractions so that they know that God is God.  Help us Lord in this daily to control our "new friends" so that our children know God's voice better than Siri's.
Tricia Yanney

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Laughter Matters in Marriage

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.” ― Audrey Hepburn

I love people who make me laugh.  I honestly think it’s the thing that I like most, when my husband makes me laugh.  A happy heart is good medicine in a marriage.  Sometimes, I just take myself too seriously!  God knew just what I needed – my husband to be born with a silly bone and to have a great sense of humor built right into the fabric of who he is. 

Throughout our years of marriage, my husband has always been at the center of humorous, practical jokes in our family, goofing around with the kids, doing something silly and an unforgettable laugh that definitely has been passed on!  Laughter has been one of the contagious elements in our nearly 26 years,  ‘Happy Marriage Formula.’   Matter of fact, as I type this blog, I can hear each one of my children’s unique laugh.  I can hear my daughter Debbie’s laugh now!  Debbie has such an exclusive laugh, it was the only way we could find her in a grocery store ~ follow the laugh (true story!) 

Laughter Matters in Marriage!

Laughter is a strong medicine!  Proverbs 17:22 (Knox) clearly states, a cheerful heart makes a quick recovery.   It’s a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict.  God so fearfully and wonderfully made us that He approached even the smallest details with excellence; knowing laughter would trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.  Did you know that a good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes later?  Plus, here’s a bonus ladies, a good belly laugh decreases stress hormones – now that’s the wonder and awe of our God!  

He knew that humor would lighten the burden, enhance our relationship and keep us focused and alert, a necessary element in a happy marriage!    Take note the next time you laugh; nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into a balance than a good laugh.

Here are a few reflections I’d like to share:

Couples heading for an argument or disagreement, here’s a secret:  Humor and laughter can scatter tension and diffuse anger.

Couples who have been married for many golden years have learned that a special touch, a squeeze of the hand, a smile and a fun, playful laugh can diffuse possible tension.

I have fond memories of experiences of laughter in our family and marriage.  We’ve learned some lessons along the way.  One of them is to not become so obsessed with work and ministry that we forget to laugh in our home and with our family! 

So, lighten up on yourself and your family!  Relax, smile quickly and learn to laugh a lot.  A joy-filled heart is curative balm!       

Mary McIver

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Destined To Be A Diamond!

Having been engaged a number of times, actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was asked whether a lady should give back the ring. Her answer? "Of course, darling, but first, you take out the diamonds." While this is a bit humorous, the message rings true-diamonds are valuable!! Not only are they valuable, they are beautiful. One would be hard pressed to find a naturally occurring substance that is comparable in beauty to a diamond. However, the diamond's beginning is a far cry from the sparkling beauty of a stone we see in the end. Indeed, it is hard to believe that something as ugly as coal can be transformed into something as magnificent as a diamond. Even though this is possible, understand that it is not an easy or quick process. It is believed that coal has to be exposed to a temperature above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure almost 50 times greater than that of the earth's surface, and it has to constantly be exposed to these conditions over a very, very, long period of time. Without these 3 conditions-pressure, heat and time, it would never transform into a diamond.

Every piece of coal does not become a diamond. Only the ones that stand up under pressure and heat over time are formed into this valuable stone. Ladies, we need to be diamonds! We need to reflect the light of the Spirit of God to a dark, dark world!

I like what James 1:2-4 says about the pressures of life: Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. MSG

James says we should consider it a gift when we encounter challenges in life so that we are not lacking anything!

Sometimes we may tend to focus too much on the failures in our lives, finding it difficult to move beyond them. Or we look at our circumstances, how we were raised, or our past. No matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in, God can and does use those to transform us, if we will but let Him. In order to be exactly what God calls us to be, we must stand up under the pressures of life and come out on the other side as a diamond. I believe that God looks at each one of us and sees great potential, just like that ole chunk of coal! He sees what we are and what we are destined to become-a valuable, beautiful diamond!

I am reminded of a woman mentioned in Hebrews 11:31 named Rahab - By faith-because she believed God and his power-Rahab the harlot did not die with all the others in her city when they refused to obey God, for she gave a friendly welcome to the spies.

Rahab was a prostitute. There was probably no other less likely person than Rahab for God to use, yet He chose her to help the children of Israel! Think about all of the negative labels put on Rahab because of her past - prostitute, worthless, broken, and used, just to name a few. Not only did God choose her to help His people, He chose her to be in the lineage of King David on down to Jesus, and she wasn't even an Israelite! Talk about a transformation! She was able to move beyond her past, beyond the labels others put on her to become a heroine and directly in the lineage of royalty! God saw in her the great potential to become that glittering diamond.

What negative labels or past may be holding you back from becoming the beautiful diamond God has called you to be? How about critical person, a doormat, insecure, promiscuous, addict, manipulative, or average? You may be thinking, "Can God still use me, even with my past?" God says a resounding, "YES!" Or maybe your past isn't filled with those things, but you think to yourself, "I am so inadequate. God couldn't use me. I don't have enough education or enough opportunities or enough..." Just fill in the blank, you get the picture.

The story of Rahab should give all of us hope. Think of the major challenges she had to face. Yet she risked her own life to help God's people, stood up under pressure, and believed in God and his power. My, how it paid off big for her! And it will pay off for all of us who, like Rahab, will dare to believe in the God of power and the Master of transformation. Acts 10:34 makes it plain, "...It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!" When it comes to God, He has no favorites. God could care less where we come from or our past, He just wants to know that we believe His word and in His power.

When we are tempted to want a life free from difficulties, let us remember that diamonds are formed under pressure. But how do we stand up under pressure? Simple-we just never, ever give up. I have 5 boys and they all love to play baseball. I have enjoyed watching them play more baseball games than I care to count. If I've learned one thing about baseball, it is this, that when you swing the bat 3 times without hitting the ball, then you are out!  I'm so thankful that life ISN'T like baseball. Keep swinging the bat until you hit that ball, no matter how many swings it takes. God doesn't say, "You're out!" after 3 swings. And He is the only one that really matters! Ephesians 6:13 states, "...and, having done all, to stand." Put on the full armor of God, fight the good fight of faith, just keep standing and never, never give up and you will win! Look at challenges and pressures of life as a priceless gift and as wonderful opportunities to grow you and transform you into the precious and valuable diamond that you are! It's your destiny! This poem by Anne Linington sums it up well:

Diamond in the dark 
Formed by fire
Come to light
Cut and polished
Sparkling brightly
Multifaceted
Viewed against the darkness which gave it birth
Radiates the light supplying worth
And shines for all to see
Shines for all eternity

Because of Him,
Kim

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Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done!

Beck Family - July 2013

My husband and I have an ongoing joke that the best way to motivate me to do something is to tell me that it can't be done. I guess I just consider it my duty as a person of faith to prove to anyone I can that through faith in God and His Word "all things are possible to him that believes" (Mark 9:23).

The five beauties in the picture are our daughters, yes... all of them. :) They range in age from 6 to 13. We get a lot of comments about how we'll make it through the teenage years with that many girls in one house. Believers and non-believers alike often say how rough teenage years can be and imply that we have no idea what's coming.

I'm not blind to the culture around me and I believe we as parents have a decent grasp of the challenges we are facing with the mandate of raising five girls in the "fear and admonition of God" in today's world. Am I frightened or worried about the job ahead of us... no, not in the least! Remember, some of my greatest motivation comes from the naysayers who tell me it can't be done!

No matter what we set out to accomplish, the Bible makes it clear that it must be accomplished by faith. It will take my unwavering trust in God and in His Word, and my willingness to act on that trust in Him that will lead me to victory in any situation. I love to read Hebrews 11 with the revelation that as long as there are people out there willing to believe the Word of God, the story is not over!

So, in the midst of a decaying and deceived culture that is sending all the wrong messages to our young people, what am I holding on to in my faith fight to raise my girls to be godly women who will shake their worlds for Christ? Of course, the most cited verse about raising kids it probably Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I firmly believe that Pat and I are the greatest influence in our girls' lives, and as we take seriously our responsibility to teach them to live the Christ-life, no matter what else they see or hear, what we are putting into them is going to stick! We use every opportunity we can to bring the Word into situations and show them how it applies to our everyday lives.

Along with that is consistent prayer and confession over their lives. Hebrews 11:3 tells us that the world was framed by the Word of God. I believe that God's Word in my mouth has the same power it has in His when I believe! Because of that the Holy Spirit is faithful to lead me to specific Scripture for me to confess over the girls to frame their worlds with. The most awesome one I have come across is a REALLY obscure verse in Acts 21. It's so simple, but when the Holy Spirit showed it to me, it lit up my world and my faith for what I was believing for as my girls grow through the teenage years into the beautiful women of God I know they are going to be. Here it is:

" And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
⁹ And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun. The evil we see in the world now has always been here. Yet in the midst of it, Philip and his wife raised four daughters who were first were known as virgins - they were living lives of holiness and purity in their bodies, but I believe also in their hearts. Secondly, they prophesied - these four girls had a personal relationship with God that was overflowing into the lives of others around them! They went against the "preacher's kids" stereo-type and stood out so much to the writer of Acts that they were mentioned in Scripture... wow!!

So, what do I say when I am walking up and down their hall praying at night? "All five of my girls will be like Philip's daughters - they shall be virgins and they shall prophesy! They will walk in purity and have a deep and intimate relationship with God all the days of their lives. They will be filled with the Spirit at a young age and serve God all the days of their lives!"

I refuse to walk in fear over what I see happening around me or the deafening war cry that the enemy seems to have sounded against this generation. I am not waiting for my children to fail... I expect that every one of them will be the godly example the kids around them are desperately looking for to follow. I know in my heart that they are in the earth for such a time as this. The negativity in the atmosphere telling us that it can't be done, trying to convince us that the days of revival among our young people is over, should only make us more determined to hold on tighter, believe more deeply, and as Brooke put it so eloquently... drive the anchors even deeper. Take up your stand in faith and don't back down. No weapon formed against our children is going to prosper. Period.

Fully persuaded,

Debbie Beck

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DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS

"The reason you survived all hell 

breaking loose in your life is because 

the greatest days are ahead of you."

 – Christine Caine

We all have a story.  Our stories come with hopes and dreams God engraved in our hearts from the time we were little girls.  If we have lived for any length of time on this earth, it is likely that our story has had unexpected twists and turns which have brought us to the chapter we are living in.  Those dreams and desires that we have set our hearts on may not even feel obtainable when we have responsibilities or tragic events that have thickened the plot of our story.   We are desperate to skip the chapters that are uncertain and require faith and trust, to get to the good part when the suspense is over and our dreams are realized.  

     God will often stir our hearts with the dreams He has for our lives.  But like Abraham and Sara, Joseph,  and many who have gone before us, we have to contend for those dreams against all odds and trust God to fulfill the promises he hid in us when He formed us in our mother’s womb.  In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy. “  But Jesus didn't finish there because He knew His destiny and trusted God to finish what He sent His son to do for us…

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

     Satan and his fleece will plot against the dreams God has for our lives, but we have a God who has already written all the days of our life in His book before they ever took form (Psalm 139:15-17). His plans are for good and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11), and He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)!   He is doing a new thing in us, making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:18-19)!

   Don’t give up on your dreams... God has called you to keep pressing forward to finish the work He has started in you (Philippians 3:13-14)!!!

“We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go.  It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all experiences right to the very presence of God where Jesus. Running on ahead of us has taken up His permanent post as High priest for us…  (Hebrews 6:18-20 MSG)”

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me!

I recently sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office with my daughter.  The doctor was running nearly 2 hours behind, so the waiting room was completely full.  The age range of those sitting in the waiting room was from infant to 80-ish.  It was sooo very quiet!  As I looked around the room, I was shocked that nearly everyone was mesmerized by an electronic device they held in their hand.  There were only 3 who did not, that was the infant which was taking a bottle and the 80 year old couple.  I found it sad, no one was conversing or interacting.  Even the mother feeding the baby had arranged herself so that she could hold the baby and bottle with one hand and had her phone in her other hand, with all of her attention on the phone.

Before I jump too far into this topic, let me first say it comes from my own personal conviction by the Holy Spirit.  So, please know that I'm as guilty as anyone in this arena!  

My conviction - I have allowed electronics to supersede my focus when I'm supposed to be interacting with people.  

In this day and age, nearly everyone has an electronic device of some sort - cell phone, i-pad, i-pod, nook, kindle, laptop, etc.  These devices are beautiful for keeping us connected across the miles.  They have flung the doors wide open for sharing the gospel across the globe.

But on the downside, they have also allowed us to send a de-valuing message to people. When we are with someone and receive a text or phone call and we respond to that, we have just sent the message to that individual that they are not as important as the incoming call or text.  Now, I'm not referring to emergency situations, we all have those and need to take them.  But 95% of what we respond to is not an emergency.  

The common response that I hear to this phenomena is, "Go ahead, I'm listening, I can multi-task."  That may be true, but you cannot multi-respect.  

A wise man of God once said, 'Wherever you are, be all there!"  You cannot be ALL there if you are fiddling with some sort of device.  If you are all there, you are listening, not just hearing. Here's the difference between the two:

Hearing - the faculty of perceiving sound
Listening - giving one's attention to a sound

The difference - giving attention to.  Even when we are correcting our toddlers, we often say, "Look at my eyes."  Why? Because there is an element of attentiveness (listening) in eye contact. If another individual is speaking, whether individually or in a group setting, out of respect, we need to have eye contact with them, not our device. 

Remember, I said this message comes from my own conviction.  As I've pondered this conviction, I've wondered how Jesus would handle an electronic device.  I just don't see him sitting at the table during the last supper with his laptop open checking facebook, twitter, email, etc.  Jesus loved(s) people.  He gave them His undivided attention.  As His ambassadors, should we not do the same?  

James 1:19 says this - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..."  This purpose of this scripture is to point out that we should focus more on listening than speaking, but the essence seems to be that we talk less to value the other person more.  How do we value them, by listening - attentively.  

Friends, I'm as guilty as anyone.  Just a few days ago, right in the middle of a group discussion, I read a humorous text message and then shared with the group.  Funny? Yes.  Necessary? No! Reading that text took my focus and attention away from the one speaking. As Christ's Ambassador, wherever I am, I want to be ALL there.  

Blessings!

Dawn 

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Stuffed Strawberries

My daughter and I recently made these for a fun treat on Sunday afternoon. They were easy and everyone loved them.  

Here's what you'll need:

Fresh Strawberries
Fresh Blueberries
8 oz Cream Cheese - softened
5 T. Sugar
1 t. Vanilla
1/2 Carton Cool Whip

Wash the strawberries and blueberries and place on paper towel/hand towel to dry. While those are drying, you can mix the remaining ingredients for the filling, until smooth.

I cut the tops and bottoms (so they would stand up) off the strawberries.  Then take a paring knife and cut out the center of the strawberry. My daughter filled them, using a cake decorating tip for the ruffled look.  However, you could just put the filling in a ziploc bag and snip the bottom corner of the bag and squeeze it out from there. Top with a blueberry! The best part - enjoy!  

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Mastering the Art of Being a Wife

We’ve all heard it said a time or two, the man may be the head but the woman is the neck giving it support.   Well, we’ve probably all heard it said a lot stronger than that, lol!  Let’s break it down a bit to see the balance of God in the situation.

We are after all his helpmate, which you can read about in Genesis 2:18.  It goes on to say, we were taken from his side; this is to stand by it & be a strength through life’s journey.  God is also clear that the man is the leader of the home in Ephesians 5:23.

That being said, it implies that we tenderly master the art of allowing our words to help the head turn in the directions of God.

Not doubt about it, “We have the ability of feminine persuasion on our side.” 

You know it’s true! Therefore, we must use this graceful God-given ability to glorify Heaven, as opposed to our own agenda.  Ouch!  There have been women through time with their own plans that have opposed God’s desires, turning many a man off his path… think about Samson & Delilah!  (Judges 16)

It’s kind of amazing that these incredible muscle bound creatures that God made can be so influenced by us, their much softer & physically weaker counterpart.  I guess that’s the beauty of God’s balance when used for His glory.  It’s perfect harmony!

So, ladies, what’s our job? 

We have to look past our emotions, divide what is soul & spirit, allowing Him to put in our hearts how to encourage our husbands.  Do we really realize how much they rise on our words of praise? It’s true!

Moreover, I’ve learned after being married over 20 years, that it’s usually not about what I say but when I say it that truly matters.  Oh my, oh my, can I get an amen?! Mastering self-control over when we use our words is among our biggest treasures, only followed by knowing when it’s best to say nothing at all!

Want to know what else I’ve learned the hard way?  I wasn’t intent to use my words to nag my husband or get my way, but to inspire him & help him to be the man God ordained him to be.  While I’m still learning how to stay in my sweet spot, I can say that my husband has become my very best friend. 

As put so perfectly in Ecclesiastes 4:9, two are better than one.  It’s God’s beautiful plan & despite what anyone says, we can work to make our marriages Heaven on earth.

~Judi Jo

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