So what are yours?

 “You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.” Psalm 119:4

What are some of the commandments you keep carefully?

This is a very interesting question to me, but the answers are even more interesting than the question.

We are choosers to the max. We choose, choose, and choose…all that benefits self.

So I am curious, what commandments do you keep carefully?

We are to keep them ALL carefully. God did not give us options and we should not live as though we have options.

Prayer: Jesus my faithfulness to You reveals my love for You and if I am picking and choosing what commandments I keep carefully, my love is only half of what You have asked. You want ALL of it. You deserve ALL of it and You made it possible to do so. Thank You Jesus, fill my heart to the fullness You so desire. Amen

Update

"You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully." Psalm 119:4 

God has been good brethren! Dax did get to have surgery, fever and all, Praise God!

It has been a rough couple of days for our little guy, but I know God's hand is upon him.

We did have to go back today for a quicker follow-up due to some issues he had, and we found out the bacteria that was flushed out has already grown back and is sitting on the right side of his face.

So...

Well it is just so for now.

I love each of you who are praying and cannot tell you how amazing it is to know you love our baby and us that much.

It has been a true blessing to have friends and a church family that love you so much they stop everything they are doing to be there for you.

Thank you for being Jesus in the flesh Sharron!

Stephanie S. thank you for taking on the role of mommy to a third child for me and tending to Avery as though he is your own.

Dusti thank you for being Jesus' servant and meeting our needs with the groceries. Awesome!

JuJu thank you for loving my baby as much as I do!

Mom and dad well I have no words-just beyond precious and amazing!

We are blessed! God is so good to us!

To each of you praying and calling and texting. Thank you for thinking of us throughout your busy day!

O' God is good and we are just basking in His beauty and waiting for Him to give us clarity!

Jesus I love You and praise You for being the greatest comforter. You are our deepest need and we long for more of You! Thank You for being in control and for guiding us thus far. You are truly the best thing in my life. 

The Surgery really needs to happen…pray it will be possible

“They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” Psalm 119:3

It is 4:00 a.m. and we are headed to the hospital. Dax is sleeping and has no clue what he is about to go through. Part of me is relieved by that and the other part of me finds it kind of cruel.

Right now I am full of emotion because I know how important this surgery is, and how BADLY it needs to happen today! All I know is that right now I am praying like crazy that the surgery does NOT get postponed because of how sick Dax is.  Please pray that as well! He really needs this to happen!

I am tired, Garrett is tired, and Avery, Praise God, is still sleeping at our precious friend’s house. That is a relief but I do hate being away from Him.

I am thankful that my precious daddy drove 9 hours last night to be here with us and help me since Garrett has to leave to go back to Jasper and work. Pray for him it is hard for him to leave us, especially with all of this going on.

Oh, praise God for my parents who have always dropped everything to be there when we needed them. I am so thankful, I am so thankful, because honestly I am so worn out, I need help, and who better than your mommy and daddy.

God is in control, plus it is Valentine’s Day today and to know that I am going to get to spend it with the five most precious men in my life (Jesus, G, Avery, Dax, and my Daddy) makes me so happy.

Jesus as we head down the road to the hospital I ask for Your hand of protection to be upon us as we travel. I ask that You prepare the hands, hearts, and minds of the doctors, nurses, and everyone else who will be involved in Dax's surgery. Lord I ask above that, come down and be them. May Your hands literally and visibly be upon Dax. I ask for there to be answers, I ask for a quick surgery, and I ask for quick healing. Jesus You know the importance and need for this surgery, so please let it be possible. Jesus I love You, I trust You, and I ask that You walk before us. Jesus be among us every step, every minute, and in every decision. Jesus I just want You to receive all the honor and glory through every stage of this. Amen

It’s TEMPORARY

“They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” Psalm 119:3

Today I am talking it one step at a time, making sure to walk in His path and not get distracted or overwhelmed by the series of trials coming my way.

My baby is due for surgery tomorrow morning and since midnight he has been running a high fever, has thrown up, can’t breathe, and has nasty gook coming out of his eyes, all while still running around non-stop as though this is a “normal” way of living for him.  

And that makes me SICK, but I also know it is NOTHING compared to what others who are terminally ill face day to day, so for that I am ever so grateful!

I do not know why the song Shout to the Lord keeps playing over and over in my head, but it does. There is something about every single word in that song that brings a sense of peace, comfort, and calmness to my soul. I just can’t explain, but I wish I could somehow allow you to feel it so you would know. Maybe these words will help.

My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am

Never cease to worship You

I know right now that God is so good and no matter what, my love and trust in Him is not going to falter. You see I have such a greater love for Jesus than I do my own heartbeat, breath, or self. 

I have so much faith and trust in Him to take care of my baby no matter the outcome. Because His will, His works, His plan is far greater than what I could ever come up with. It is far greater than even the doctor’s plans. So I am going to sit here and trust that all of this stuff that is going on, the fever, the nasty eyes, the fever, the vomiting, the fever is…well, one because we live in a fallen sinful world, and two because all of this is going to lead to something God is working out. Because He is in control and He knows all things.

AND

Because my son is so important to Him and if He doesn’t even let a sparrow fall without His permission, He is not going to let His own child live in a permanent state of sickness.

I also am praising God that this is temporary and I keep telling myself and Dax that. This is temporary!

This suffering is temporary

The fever is temporary

The frustration is temporary

The guessing game is temporary

The trials are temporary

It is all TEMPORARY and I am clinging to that promise, but more so I am going to live it out through my obedience and trust in the one True God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus You are my comfort and my shelter. You are my tower of refuge and strength. May my every breath and all that I am never cease to worship You. Amen

.

His hands at work

"They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths." Psalm 119:3


Have you heard the song Shout to the Lord? It is one of my favorite songs, especially the part that says,

I sing for joy at the work of His hands
Forever I'll love Him forever I'll stand.
Nothing compares to the promise 
I have in You.


Well tonight I got to see just how amazing the work of His hands are through the lives of some very special people.

O, brethren God is good, He is good at ALL times, and I mean ALL times... good, bad, and ugly. His works are amazing, His love is amazing, He alone is amazing.

Prayer: Jesus I sing for JOY at the work of YOUR hands. Forever I'll love YOU forever I will stand. Nothing in, I mean nothing compares to YOU. Amen

The Hail Storm

“They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” Psalm 119:3

My friend sent me a text saying, “When it rains it pours.” My response, “Honey it’s not pouring its hailing.”

Well what am I going to do during this hail storm? I am going to run and seek protection from the Lord. Instead of try and create my own protection, which only consists of compromise. I am going to walk in His path where His umbrella is held above me 24/7 all the way to eternity.

Are you being hailed on today? If so seek the protection of Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus in the midst of this hail storm I ask that You keep me safe and protect me from compromising with my flesh to create my own protection. There is not a safer place to be than under Your protection. Thank You that this storm is temporary. Amen

The virtues He has set for me

“They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” Psalm 119:3

So yesterday morning I woke up in a puddle of pee, NO not my own, Dax’s. Yes my boys are sleeping with me, because daddy is gone and I feel better that way.

So we get up after a long night of taking temps and giving medicine, get a bath and attempt to eat breakfast. Avery thought he could handle a bowl of spaghetti, yes for breakfast, but it was not until the first bite came right back up that he realized maybe spaghetti was not the best thing to eat. We both did, I was just thrilled he even wanted to eat.

So we get all cleaned up AGAIN, I got him cozied on the couch, and head back to the room to strip the bed and get the nasty sheets washed when I heard Avery screaming. I run into the living room to see him throwing up again all over the blanket, couch and himself.

I did grab the puke bowl, gross I know, but life, and he finished up. So AGAIN we get all cleaned up settled again and back to a calm state, whatever that is.

I resume back to mommy cleaning mode and by the grace of God I got this house we call a home put back to order after weeks off. I got my fix of Lysol spraying, bleach, and floors mopped and scrubbed in every crevasse they exist in.

As I was enjoying cleaning, ye s I really do enjoy it, I began thinking about how crazy these last couple of months have been when I was reminded that this is a part of my role as a woman, to tend to my home and my family. It is the path the Lord has set for me and when I refuse, gripe, or complain about that role, I am compromising with evil and telling the Lord I don’t like this role which He has given me.

The Lord brought to my attention the woman of Proverbs 31. She was “happy” because she loved the Lord, was obedient, and fulfilled her role with grace and dignity and therefore God blessed her.

I might not fit all the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman, but I can fit and fulfill with happiness, grace and dignity the virtues the Lord has set for me. Even in the middle of trials, frustration, transition, and purification. The Lord never said life would be easy, but He promised to always be there!

I do not want to compromise with evil and demand my wants to be met, when my needs are met every day by the Creator Himself.  For me brethren that is enough to relish in and cling to, it is even enough for me to find happiness in and motivation to keep moving forward in His path.

Because He is perfecting James 1:2-4 within me, “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”  And all this will be a result because of your obedience.

Prayer: Lord I am beginning to see that some of the greatest lessons I have learned have been through the toughest of trials. I can truly see today how You are fulfilling James 1:2-4 within me. Thank You Jesus. Amen

Stick with the theme

“They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” Psalm 119:3

Every verse in Psalm 119 describes and refers back to one word, obedience. You could say it is the theme the Lord has set for us, and He reminds us of the theme throughout all 176 verses. It also states the emotion and character of the one who remains obedient, happy. And I desire real happiness which is JOY. 

“Happy” are the ones full of integrity who follow the law of the Lord. “Happy” are those who obey His decrees and search for him with all their hearts. And “happy” are those who do NOT compromise with evil but walk ONLY in His paths. (Paraphrased)

I cannot expect to walk in the path of the Lord if I am not reading His word to know what path is His. Nor can I expect to remain obedient if I am not reading His word. And that brethren is an oxymoron anyway because if we are not even reading His word than we are already NOT being obedient!

His path is far more than just being good or mentioning His name here and there. His path is far more than just going to church. It is an intimate and personal relationship with Him. It is sticking to the theme He has set, obedience! And we do so by READING HIS WORD!

You either choose that path daily or you choose to compromise with evil which leads to your own path.

Prayer: Jesus You said if we want to truly follow You, we must put aside our selfish ambition, shoulder our cross daily and follow You. We must be willing to lose and give up everything and follow You. And we must not compromise with evil but stand firm in Your word. Help us do just that today all while staying with Your theme. Amen

Weary and Worn

Today I am tired-extremely tired, emotionally, physically, and mentally.  As I was headed home from the Dr today half asleep I could honestly hear the Lord whisper, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28


Our God is good! He knew I needed to hear those words and can I tell you how sweet they sounded. They have played over and over in my head all evening.


Maybe you are tired too, tired from battling sickness, or a broken marriage. Maybe you are tired from your job, or a draining relationship. Maybe you are just tired for no other reason than just being tired.

Whatever the reason may be, let's just run to Jesus and receive the rest our weary souls need.

Prayer: Jesus I come falling into Your arms weary and worn asking for rest and praising You for the rest I am about to receive. I pray for all those who are weary and worn as well, may they come to You for rest. Amen

Thank You...Please keep praying!

"Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2


I wanted to thank everyone for your prayers and words of encouragement through this crazy time. You have no idea how much it means to us to know you are praying. Thank you, thank you!

The Lord is working everything out and is setting everything up as He sees fit, and for that, we are so grateful. Honestly I am glad because as scattered brained as I am I don't think I would do any of us any good.

If you would please just keep praying. Pray for Garrett and I and our marriage, pray for Avery who is sick as I type with 103 fever and pray for Dax. Dax will be beginning surgery Monday February 14th followed by another procedure February 24th to test for Cystic Fibrosis. Then off to the Neurosurgeon March 2nd.

I just keep remembering our passage this week and claiming that "happy" part over our family as we seek the Lord and obey His decrees.

It's tough and Satan is doing all he can to attack us, but all I have to say is, "Bring it on Satan! I serve a Mighty Mighty God who is greater and more powerful than you will ever be."

Prayer: Jesus thank You, thank You for my brothers and sisters who are praying for us. Bless them Lord, bless them in an awe-inspiring way today. O, and Jesus, thank You for knowing that one of our greatest needs would be to have brothers in sisters in Christ help us through the ups and downs of life. Amen

Make Jesus the most watched

"Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2

The Superbowl is probably one of the most watched events in the world. As I am sitting here looking at all the people that are there, I can’t help but to think, what if we searched and followed Jesus like we do our favorite football team.

What if each week our churches were filled with that many people? Jesus is worth way more than the entertainment of football and this is coming from a wife to a football coach.

He is even more entertaining and interesting.  People just don’t think so because they don’t see Him, but if we would get into His word more, we would realize it.

Now don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with watching it or even loving it, but if it is more of a priority than Jesus than that is a problem.

Prayer: Lord the entertainment Your word offers is wonderful and I pray that more and more people would see and realize that when they open Your word and read it. Amen

Evaluating what we are searching for

"Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2

We search for a cure, we search for answers, we search for the perfect job, we search for our spouse, we search for the right house, we search for ways to make more money, we search for the best doctors, and we search for the best counselors, church, and even friendships.

Not only do we search for all those things, but we search for ways to meet our needs and our wants and we go to any extent to do so, thus putting our whole heart into it.

The problem with putting our whole heart into those things is that they will never fulfill us and their temporary satisfaction is just that, temporary.

Through this phase in my life I have begun to realize some very valuable lessons when searching for the Lord and obeying His laws.

1.  I can read and study God’s word 24/7, but if I don’t listen it defeats the purpose.
2. I can search for the Lord, but if I am only putting half my heart into it than I am not giving Him or myself the very best we both deserve.
3. I can search and study God’s word, but if I don’t apply it I am not going to make a difference in my life or in others.
4. I can say I am a believer,  I can go to church, I can even be a good person morally, but if I am picking and choosing parts of His word to obey, or doing any of it for my own glory, than I am placing myself above Him.

My goal of doing the S.S.A.L.S (Study, Store, Apply, Learn, and Share) was and is to learn more about our amazing Creator and walk away after one year having stored more of His word in my heart. And through these last 36 weeks today I have learned that I must search and put all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength into. For then I can expect great change in my life, my family’s life, and all those around me. Plus walk away happy!

Prayer: Jesus I need You more than I need the ability to breathe. Amen

S-E-A-R-C-H

"Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2

Do you know what is so great about searching for Jesus? He can always be found, even when we are not looking. He is just that great! And He tells us to search for Him at all times and with all our hearts.

So search…

Search even when you don’t feel like it.

Search when you are tired

Search when you are sad

Search when you are hurting

Search when you are afraid

Search when you are worried

Search when you are sick

Search when you feel like life is falling apart

Search when your marriage is falling apart

Search when you are angry

Search when you are bitter

Search when you are happy

Search when you are joyful

Search when you feel good

Search when you are in the middle of trials

Search when you are tempted

Search even when you feel like giving up-especially when you feel like giving up

Just keep SEARCHING!

Prayer: Lord teach me how to search for You with all my heart, at all times, in my ups, downs, my good times and my bad. Thank You for always being found. Amen

Unexpected News

  

"Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts." Psalm 119:2

(Monday Jan 31, 2011)

Dax and I headed in for his second round of allergy testing and a CT scan to follow later that day. The first round of testing was quick and simple and went better than I thought, which was only because he did not have an allergic reaction to anything in the environment or to animals.

I was kind of expecting the same thing with this second round which consisted of food, but I was hoping he would have some reaction because then we would be able to fix by removing it and make him feel better, but again just like round one, nothing.

As the frustration set in with the doctor and myself we both agreed we had to keep ruling out things until we found out why our little busy thing never felt good, so off for some lunch and then over to the hospital for the CT scan.

Dax and I loaded up and headed off to some very needed Chick-fil-a ! We finished up our lunch, grabbed a quick ride on one of the dollar rides, and headed for the car and straight to the hospital.

Dax of course fell right to sleep on the way, which was great because it gave me some time to visit with the Lord. We discussed the procedure and I asked Him to help Dax be very calm and still and to give us a really sweet CT tech that would be quick and comforting, which He did, she was great.

So we get in there, lay him down on the table and she wraps him up and places a vest over the top of him to help cut down on the amount of radiation. During that time Dax started to get scared and uncomfortable,so I leaned down to tell him how cool it is going to be and if he stays really still he might be able to see Buzz Light-year fly by.

 That went over great and he got really still, which allowed her to run back and start the test. She did her thing and then got up to come in and I was thinking sweet that was quick,  but she walked in readjusted Dax and said she needed to do it one more time because it didn’t come out as clear as she wanted it to. Dax still looking for Buzz began to get a little upset but stayed still. I was so PROUD of him-my baby is getting big!

So we finished up and headed home to pick up Avery from school. I love driving because it allows for a lot of great discussions with the Lord. This discussion; Lord let everything be okay and help us figure out why he has been sick.

            -Fast Forward to 8:45-

The boys are fed, bathed, and in bed, G is in Jasper and I am sitting in my chair unwinding, when my phone rings.

“Kristi this is Dr. Sharky, I am looking over Dax’s CT scan and he is full of fluid. He is completely blocked behind his cheeks, his eyes, and partially blocked between his eyes. He also has fluid in both ears, plus the CT scan shows that Dax has a cyst on his brain.”

My exact response, “Ok”

Dr. Sharky, “Kristi I am an Allergy and Immunologist so I know nothing about this, but I will be happy to refer you to a neurologist. And as far as the fluid goes we need to get him into an ENT so they can take a culture of the bacteria that is sitting and has been sitting in your son’s face- In other words surgery.”

Me, “Ok”

We finish up our conversation I hang up and sit there a minute absorbing all this new information that I WAS SO NOT PREPARED FOR.

I call my husband share the news and here we are today, wading through all of this and believing in God’s power and healing ability.

We have made good and bad decisions, we have bickered to no end due to stress of a new job, a move, and now this, but we know that right now we need to put our frustrations, worries, and fears aside and stand firm in the Lord.

So if you would, PRAY-pray for Dax, our family, and the doctors! It would mean more to us than you will ever know.

Prayer: Lord we know You are in control and we know You are right here with us giving us the peace and comfort we have today. We pray for Your will to be done and we thank You for what You are going to do. Amen

Don’t expect happiness

 “Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalm 119:2

Today the perfect opportunity arose for me to seek out the Lord with all my heart and allow Him to make the best decision for my family. And do you know what I did with that opportunity? The complete opposite of what I should have.

Because I chose to act off of my emotions and seek audible advice first, God once again intervened and got my attention, and I must say, when we choose the opposite of His word you can be sure that “happy” is NOT what you are or feel. How could I expect to be happy when I did the opposite of what makes me happy? I can’t and I shouldn’t expect it either.

Learning to seek God is learning to trust Him to answer and when He does peace and happiness will always be sure to follow!

So as of now the decision has been made and I am praying and BELIEVING that this amazing God of whom I serve is in control and is working all things out for the health of our baby.

If I could give any advice to whomever even takes time to read this blog (thank you by the way) it would be to SEEK God first! Don’t act off of your emotions but off of the leading of the Holy Spirit and trust in His power and leading.

Then no matter what, it will all be great because it was His leading and His decision, which is far greater and more important anyway!

Prayer: Lord thank You for teaching me a very valuable lesson today. Thank You for making this verse come alive and for showing me the importance of seeking You first. Thank You for the audible advice I did receive because it came from those who love us the most, but who also love You more! Amen

It’s not in the idea, it’s in the name!

 “Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalm 119:2

Whether it is peace, happiness, joy, love, money, success, or friendship, we search for it. We search for it in hopes to fill or even satisfy the longing that resides within us.

Some of us spend our lives searching for these things and we miss out on the one thing that is the most important and satisfying.

JESUS

The Author of this Psalm experienced happiness because he searched for God the author, creator, inventor and giver of the very things he longed for and that we long for today. It was not the idea of what he thought would make him happy, joyful, successful, loved, or have lots of friends. It was filling his whole heart with the one who owns them and lavishes him with them.

Through our obedience and our whole hearted search to know Jesus our thoughts and feelings will begin to reflect not the idea but the name.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I want the happiness that comes from my desire to obey and search for You with all of my heart. Not the idea of what I think will make me happy. From my own experience the joy I feel when I am with You is greater than any joy I could ever try and create myself.  Thank You for the joy Your name alone brings to me. Amen

Joy…ful of integrity

“Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1

It is moments like tonight when you receive unexpected news that test your integrity, and not really so much your integrity but your faith. Which to me go hand in hand.

I have come to realize tonight the reason the Author starts out this Psalm with the word “Happy or Joyful.” It is because those who exhibit Christ-like integrity are also those who have received that eternal joy.

For me that eternal joy is capable of starring stress, sorrow, pain, frustration, sickness, and even unexpected not-so-good news, in the face and still be joyful because of the fact that those things don’t even compare and are not even capable of robbing eternal God-given joy.

AMAZING joy!

Prayer: Lord fix our thoughts on that eternal joy. May we never allow our thoughts to fixate on stress, sorrow, pain, or sickness. We know that You who is in us is greater. Amen

Integrity is developed in the privacy of our quiet time with the Lord

“Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1

Integrity to me is something you can’t put on when you walk out in public, just like you can’t pretend to know the law of the Lord and use it when it is necessary.

Integrity is something God clothes us in when we study His law and make it a part of our everyday life. It is done in the privacy of our quiet time with Him.  

Jesus is seen through those who are clothed in the integrity of His word! Their lives display honesty, and they do not compromise with evil, the world, or sin. They are full of Jesus and not the corruption of lies, gossip, deceit, anger, jealousy, pride, greed, or self.

Prayer: Lord silence our lips and let our real integrity show.  Amen

Tiny men of integrity!

"Happy are people of Integrity, who follow the law of the Lord." Psalm 119:1

Right now I am sitting on the floor in our bathroom watching my two precious boys play in the tub. From where I am sitting all I can see are there sweet little heads peeking at me from over the top of the tub and it makes my heart leap with joy-truly leap in a way that only Jesus could make it leap. Thank You Jesus!

You know what else makes my heart leap? Knowing that one day these two babies now 4 and 2 will one day grow up to be men of integrity who follow the law of the Lord. I know that because I believe it! I believe they are His right now! 

I hear the passion they have for Jesus through their prayers and at night when they listen as we read the Bible together! I see it in their actions and it reassures me Jesus is alive within them.

I believe it because I pray it over them and I know that if G and I are living our lives with integrity and following His laws-so will they! 

I also believe when we make Jesus and His word seem like a food, drug, or drink we can't live without, so will they!

I just believe God is going to use these two boys to do some really, really amazing things for His glory!

I told you my view was great!

Prayer: Lord control every area of their lives. Fill them with a type of hunger for You that goes way beyond the occasional feeding of Your word. Let it be a hunger that lasts forever, never growing old, or getting full. Amen

Until then

“Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord. “ Psalm 119:1

We are sitting in the motel tonight and our two year old so far has done everything he has been told NOT to do. Finally after the millionth time (yes should have stopped at one) Garrett grabbed him and got his attention and then made the following comment.

“He is the perfect example of living in the flesh. He does everything he is not supposed to.”

That comment was so true, not because he was being bad but because as of right now our two boys are living in the flesh and will continue until they ask Jesus to come live in their hearts and be their personal Lord and Savior.

I must say I do believe our 4 year old has sincerely done that and when the time is right the Lord will impress upon his heart to follow him in baptism. And I know “bubba” will follow!

It is a hard realization but one that is very real. I know this fleshly living will not last long because I already see their love and need for Jesus developing and I also believe that a child is never too young to grasp and understand the importance of Jesus.

Until then we will continue to teach them the word of God, we will continue to teach them the importance of pleasing Jesus and living for Him and in His timing it will all be perfect and they will sense Him calling!

Prayer: Lord Jesus hasten the day! Amen

The Oxygen in my blood

"Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord." Psalm 119:1

How do you live out this verse? How do you actually apply it to your life and make it become an action?

How do you apply any of God’s word to your life? By obeying it, right, well that is easier said than done, and for the life of me I don’t get it, especially when you love Jesus so much. Just maybe it is because we are in a constant spiritual warfare, or maybe because we try to be in control and do it ourselves, of which I am also realizing is another big struggle of mine.

I know right now, at this very moment that if I want to apply Psalm 119:1 to my life then I need every word to penetrate to the core of my bones and all throughout my mind. In order to get God’s word to those places I have to say it over and over and over and over. One time will not suffice.

God’s word needs to become the oxygen in my blood.

I want to be full of Him and His word so much, yet I, at times pick and choose the things I want from His word to be full of.  Does that even make sense?

Do you know what else needs to be done? I need to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit take control-which is SO HARD at times!

Prayer: Jesus teach me to put mySELF aside so the great Counselor can take control. Keep Your word constantly on the forefront of my mind. Thank You that Your word never comes back void. Amen

Clean Slate

“Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD.” Psalm 119:1

The Press: “You must have a lot of money Garrett.”

Garrett: chuckling, “Why is that?”

The Press: “Because we called tons of people and dug around to try and find something on you, but we never found anything, nor did we ever hear one negative thing about you. You must have had to pay a lot of people.”  The press laughing

Garrett: speechless

That was a recent conversation my husband had at the School Board meeting upon waiting to be hired as the new Athletic Director/Head Football Coach in Jasper TX.

It was a conversation that has lingered in my mind and one that has made our passage come alive in a way that could be seen and heard. It is always wonderful to hear people say good things about your husband, but this good thing surpassed them all.

My husband whom I have always thought of as a man of great integrity was literally clothed in it. He is a man of honesty who does not compromise with evil or corruption. He is that “person” who is happy because he follows the law of the Lord. And all people who meet him and know him see that within him and that my brethren is something I admire and hope to be clothed in as well. Not for the sake of praise from man, but because of the happiness that comes from it, and because of the pleasure it brings to our Heavenly Father.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus thank You for clothing my husband in integrity and for the happiness that falls off of him because of it. May we all strive to live lives that are full of integrity because we follow Your law. Lord we love You and we want to show You our love by living out Your word. Help us to do so. Amen

The longest book…bring it on!

      

"Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord." Psalm 119:1

Awhile back the Lord impressed upon me to study Psalm 119 and to store it. So I have been doing just that and have challenged my precious college babies to join me. 

Just today I was texting them to see how they were coming along when it dawned on me to challenge all my brothers and sisters to study and memorize Psalm 119.

I know so many of us already have verses out of this book memorized which will make it even more special, fun, and exciting when you come to it. Also we will do one verse a week, that way we have enough time to really study it, store it, and live it out.

So join us, the more the merry and the better the accountability. If you are up for it shoot us a comment. We would love to hear from you and also it will help us all keep one another accountable.

If you want we would also love to hear what God teaches you from each verse. You can email me and I will copy and paste it, or place it in the comments section. 

I am super excited, there is nothing I love more than basking in the word of God with others.  

Prayer: Lord we are so excited to store Your word. But we are even more excited to see how quickly it spreads from one end of the earth to the other. Make this become contagious for Your glory! Amen

Midlife Crisis…not really

"Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Exodus 33:11

Okay I feel like I have hit my midlife crisis at 30! I know that sounds ridiculous, it sounds ridiculous to me as well. To be honest I am not even sure what a midlife crisis is nor am I sure if I even believe there is such a thing. But today I love the saying because I have no other way to express the confusion I feel.

Do this or do that, will I be happy doing this, will I hate doing that? Will this be best for my family or would this be better? These are just a few of the thoughts running through my mind. I am sure it makes no sense whatsoever and I am sure it would help if I was a lot more specific but at the moment I just am not ready to be specific. I am laughing because I don’t think those thoughts would even be considered a midlife crisis, and like I said I don’t even know what a midlife crisis is. I just like it because it makes me laugh.

I can tell you that I love the conversations God and I are having about all of this. Today this was one of them.

Kristi: Lord You made it so clear to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Paul what You wanted them to do. I mean seriously You stopped Paul in his tracks and then You spent almost three years with him teaching him one on one. You made it specific to Abraham exactly what he needed to do in order to be the Father of many nations, You even gave him the exact instruction on who to sacrifice and where. Then Noah, wow, Father You were so specific with Noah. You laid out for him exactly what material to use and exactly how to build, design and fill the Ark. And Moses, You came and met with him, talked directly to him, Your presence was so real with Moses he would walk off the mountain and be glowing from Your presence. Can You be that specific with me, I mean You even made it clear to Mary exactly how the conception of Christ would happen and the reason for doing so. There are just so many stories throughout Your word where You have made it so clear to those whom You wanted to use in a specific way. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John knew exactly what to write because You spoke with power through them. I am not asking to be more than what Your will is for me, I am just asking that You show me what You want me to do and what is best for my family. You know my desire Lord, You created that desire within me, and because of that I know I need to continue to be patient and wait for You to act. Please just help me see the path You are laying out before me and keep me from taking a path I am trying to create on my own.

God: Kristi be still and know that I AM GOD.

So brethren I am going to be still-the best that I can!

Prayer: Lord thank You for meeting with me today. Help me to be still and wait patiently for You to act. Amen

A better kind of rich

“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” Exodus 33:11

I came across this passage today and it struck something within me that made me realize the importance of investing in my relationship with the Lord more and investing less in my relationship with the world, and when I say that I mean materialistic things that are of no value.

In Luke 12:21 it says, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

God is telling me something here and I don’t want to miss it. In order to better my relationship with Him and become rich, I have to put more into Him. His word needs to become my savings account. I need to deposit into my spiritual bank account and stop depositing into my earthly bank account that is benefiting only me.

I need to be writing checks to those who are need of Christ’s love. I need to become more concerned with how wealthy I am in Christ and not here on earth.

I want to be so rich in my relationship with God that my bank account overflows with His love, joy, peace, mercy, kindness, hope, and complete contentment in what we have together.

Prayer: Lord thank You for Your word and for filling me with the hunger to become rich in my relationship with You. Forgive me for the times I have wanted earthly richness. Amen

Just stay awhile

“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” Exodus 33:11

Every time I reflect on this passage, I can’t help but to wonder what these times were like for Moses. I just envision him being so peaceful, so relaxed, happy, but also full of questions, and the urge to look at God and say, “Please let me just stay here with You a little longer.”

I have those moments with the Lord when I never want to leave His presence. In those times I just wish I could  stay forever.

Do you have moments like that with Lord?

Prayer: Jesus thank You for making the time I spend with You so amazing that I never want to leave. Amen

Catching up

“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” Exodus 33:11

I am sitting in the lobby of our hotel surrounded by men and women laughing and talking. I am assuming it is a big family reunion. I am tucked away over in a little corner and I can’t help but to watch them as they mingle with family they haven’t seen in a while.

Isn’t it fun to visit family you haven’t seen in a while and catch up on what’s going on? I enjoy it so much; the only bad part about my last couple get together’s has been because of death. But even so, it is still nice to catch up and invest a little more into your relationship.

Just like when we slow down enough to catch up with Jesus and invest some time into our relationship with Him. There is never a time we don’t walk away loving every minute that we spend with Him.

We should really do that more, you know, invest quality time with Jesus like Moses did.  He met with God a lot. We should meet with Jesus a lot.

There is so much joy and laughter in this room, it just feels good, and sounds inviting. That is how I want my relationship with Jesus to be. When we meet I want there to be joy, laughter, and feel and sound so wonderful that I leave wanting to invite others to join us next time.

God is good brethren and I know He is in this room tonight, mingling!

Prayer: Jesus thank You for this huge family. Thank You for bringing them together to catch up and spend quality time with one another in joy and love. I pray that You are the center of each life and that every day they will invest their time in You. Amen

Friendship

 “Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” Exodus 33:11

Moses’ relationship with God is one I desire to have with Jesus. Listen to this conversation Moses and God had.

“Moses said to the Lord, You have been telling me. Take these people up to the Promised Land. But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you. Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don’t forget that this nation is your very own people.

And the Lord replied, ‘I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest-everything will be fine for you.’

Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place. If you don’t go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on earth?’

And the Lord replied to Moses, ‘I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend.’ Exodus 33:12-17

Did you notice what God called Moses, His friend! I want Jesus to call me His friend. I want to carry on a full blown conversation with Jesus just like Moses did with God.

In order for that to happen I have to become a better friend. One that gets to know Jesus more, one that talks less and listens more, one that spends time each day checking on my friend.

I also need to become the friend that wants Jesus to be more glorified than me. I need to give more and expect less! I need to serve Him more, devote the time we spend together getting to know Him instead of always making it about me.

Not only do I need to be a better friend to Jesus but I need to be a better friend to my husband. I need to listen more and talk less, I need to give more and expect less. I need to be a better friend so I can become a better wife.

Studying the relationship between Moses and God has taught me a lot about how my relationship with Christ and my husband should be. They both need time, nurturing, trust, intimacy and a lot less of “me, me, me.”

Prayer: Jesus develop within me the type of friend You desire me to be. First and foremost with You and secondly with my husband whom You have blessed me to be with here on earth. I am so thankful to have him as my best friend. Amen

Visit with Jesus first

"Inside the Tent of Meeting,the Lord would speak to Moses face to face,as a man speaks to his friend." Exodus 33:11

When was the last time you met with Jesus face to face and spoke with Him as you would your best friend?

We find it so much easier to speak with a friend than we do with the very one who created us.

How can we get to the point where we would die if we didn't get to talk to Jesus at some point in our day, just to tell Him all that is going on and what all has happened.

I mean isn't that how we feel when we don't get to talk to someone we are really close to? So why not God?

Let's make a point to visit with Jesus first-face to face!

Prayer: Lord strengthen our relationship with You. Amen

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy

Two of our favorite people! Today is our precious "adopted" sons birthday-Weldon.

Prayer: Lord God thank You so much for this amazing young man. He has been such a wonderful godly example to so many, including us and his two baby brothers. Lord thank You for the love he has for all of Your creation. I pray you bless him beyond what he could ever imagine. Fill him with wisdom beyond his years. Guide him and direct him in the way You want him to go. May he always walk in Your footsteps and stick to the path You have set before him. 

Lord He is so special to us and we love him more than he will ever know. Thank You for blessing us with such a sweet young man. We are truly a better family because You brought him into our lives. Amen

Weldon, we love you more than we could ever express in words. You have been such a blessing to our family and we could  not have asked for a better "adopted" son! Thank you for loving our boys and us. We pray God's richest blessings to fall upon you sweet boy. 

Claiming the truth...we are precious to God

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2

Does your condemnation on others come from the sins that have taken root in you?

Does your condemnation on yourself come from the lack of faith you have in Christ?

Do you listen more to the lies of Satan than you do the promises of God?

Do you spend more time pondering on the negative than you do the positive?

Are you always comparing yourself to others and then pointing out the negative in them because of your own insecurity?

If so, the next time we begin to condemn ourselves or someone else; we need to stop and claim this following verse over ourselves and over them.

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!” Psalm 139:17

Claim the truth that God’s thoughts about you and me, His very own children, are not that of condemnation, but are precious, loving, forgiving, merciful, and full of joy.

Prayer: Lord thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Thank You that I am made in Your image, loved by You, adored by You, of value to You, and of worth to You. Amen

Switch out the ammo

  “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2

The law condemns us and reveals our sinfulness. Let me say that one more time more for my sake than anything else. The law condemns us and reveals our sinfulness.

When you look at the life of the Pharisees they were law followers to the max, especially one in specific, Paul. Maybe that is why I relate to Paul so much, because I often find myself being a hard core law follower, even perfectionist.

In doing so, I have carried around a large gun loaded with condemnation as my ammo. I have pointed this gun at myself and at others. It is really a crazy analogy I know but if you think about it, condemnation can be very wounding. Believe me I know from experience, I have pointed it at myself and felt the impact, plus I have pointed it at others pulled the trigger and watched as the condemnation hit and pierced their hearts.

All because I have strived to follow the law and do it perfectly, when I should be walking in faith and love and doing so because my amazing Savior has drenched me with grace and love to do so.

Oh, the amazing realization’s God brings us to. I always love it when God switches out my ammo and loads it with humbleness, insight, and love. More than anything, I love that when Christ’s ammo hits me, it is less painful, more helpful, encouraging, and it brings healing and hope instead of death, disappointment, failure, sadness, and pain.

Prayer: Lord switch out my ammo of condemnation and replace it with the ammo of Your love, faith, and grace. Amen

False Advertisement

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2

If we are following the ways of the Lord, then let’s cling tightly to this verse.

“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” John 3:17

God did not send us into this world to condemn it, ourselves or others, but to glorify Him, worship Him, and to bring others to know Him.

God is full of more love than any of us could ever wrap our minds around. And when His Son is living in us, we too are filled with more love than we ourselves can contain. So let’s start letting that love pour out of us like a river flooding the lives of those around us.

We want all people to see how wonderful our God is and Savior is, and if we are always condemning others, or condemning ourselves in the presence of others, than we are putting off the wrong image of who our Merciful and loving God is.

Just look at it as false advertisement. 

Prayer: Lord forgive me for the times I have advertised You in a false manner, whether through my words, actions, and even thoughts. I want all people to see how amazing, holy, merciful, and loving You are. Amen

Through One Man

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2

Through one man came death and condemnation, but through another man came life, life that allows us to live over sin and death and to be found right in the sight of God.  This man, Jesus Christ!

Because of His obedience, His action, and His love, you and I can walk in the kindness of God. We can also walk with confidence knowing that no matter what we are loved, adored, beautiful, accepted, forgiven, wanted, of value, purpose, meaning, and saved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Brethren God does not condemn His children. Nor should we condemn our brothers and sisters or ourselves. We should esteem one another the way Christ esteems us, His very own children. Let’s start being more like our Father and less like the man who brought death and condemnation because of his sin.

Prayer: Jesus thank You for obeying God and going all the way to the cross. Help us to focus more on Your goodness. Amen

Let's flood the Throne Room for our sister-Joanne

Brothers and Sisters I want you to meet one of our sisters in Christ, Joanne. Joanne is an amazing woman of God who is in MAJOR need of our prayers. Joanne has just recently suffered a stroke that has become life-threatening.

She is a mother to, two beautiful children and a wife to her husband Toben. I do not know Joanne personally, only through her amazing blog thesimplewife.typepad.com/. Which makes me feel as though I have known her forever and that we have a lot in common.

I ask of you today to pray for her and her family as she fights for her life. I also encourage you to check out her blog. Toben, her husband is keeping us all up to date on her condition and is encouraged daily by the floods of comments, emails, and tweets by his brothers and sisters around the world who are praying for his precious wife.

Please, I am asking each of you to stop and take a minute (or however long you feel lead) out of your day, bow your head, and lift this sister and her family up in prayer. Brethren let's flood the throne room today with prayers for Joanne.

Prayer: Jesus You know the very need Joanne, Toben and their two precious babies need for today. I ask that You go way beyond just meeting that need and that You bring healing in such a way that shocks the hospital, the staff, and people around the world. Lord I also ask that in these critical moments You fill Toben with the strength, comfort, and guidance he needs to make decisions. Lord we know You work all things out for the good of those who love You. So with that I ask boldly in Your name that You work healing into Joanne today. Jesus we believe in Your powerful healing, name and love. Be her personal Physician and perform a miracle within her today. I ask this in Your name that brings healing Jesus. Amen

I no longer live under it…I live over it!

 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2

Have you ever lived under condemnation? So have I for way too long. Do you know what happens to us when we allow condemnation to consume our thoughts, whether from ourselves, or from others? It robs us from Christ’s joy?

Do you know how hard it is to have joy and live under condemnation at the same time? It is EXTREMELEY hard and impossible.

Do you know what else condemnation does to us? It takes control of our actions because it convinces us we are not worthy, loved, or adored. It convinces us that we are wrong, too sinful, and way to unworthy to ever be accepted by Christ. It also leads us to believe we can and will never do anything right. Therefore our actions and our attitude begin to reflect that condemnation that is controlling us.

Do you ever feel like you will live under condemnation the rest of your life? Well don’t feel that way anymore because that is from Satan himself and he wants you to believe that. He even wants to rob you from ever having the joy of Christ. He will use anyone and anything especially yourself to convince you.

BUT…

There is hope, there is victory, and there is that unimaginable amount of joy awaiting you that comes from Christ Jesus within you.

Because we belong to Christ Jesus, we no longer have to live under condemnation ever again. “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

Through Christ we have been set free from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:2)

Because of Christ WE are worthy, we are loved, we are adored, and when we serve Him and search for Him with all our hearts we are able to do the right things.

 If you, like me have lived under the condemnation of yourself and others than let Romans 8:1-5 consume your every being.  Let Christ show you and lavish you with His love for you. Let this passage reassure you every time condemnation creeps up. And remember that you are free from the power of sin that leads to death because of Christ Jesus!

Prayer: Jesus freedom never felt so good. Thank You for overcoming death and sin so I no longer have to live captive to it or under the condemnation of it. Amen

The Jesus in him

"Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principals." Psalm 119:5

This is our future generation brothers and sisters, and I am a proud sister in Christ upon hearing of the passion that our God fills within this brother of ours. 

Because of Your absence

“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principals.” Psalm 119:5

My heart has been troubled the last two days upon hearing of the devastation that occurred in Arizona. I have no word to describe how sick it makes me.

As I was discussing this with the Lord last night I couldn’t help but to say the same thing over and over. 

“Lord this young man was created in Your image. He is instinctively designed with apart of You in him, and yet he ignored You and became a member of Satan’s army. Is that even fair to say Father? It just seems so harsh to say or to even think he is a part of his army. Oh, Lord send out Your army to recruit him to You. Not because he deserves it but because of Your love, Your mercy and Your grace.

However Father You know the anger I hold in my heart towards this young man that could walk up and rob these people of their lives. The brokenness and fear is creeping in all over this land and Lord we need You now more than ever before.

The last days are here and it is beginning to become more and more apparent. The lack of fear, the lack of You, the lack of Your word, it is diminishing. But You O’ God will never diminish!

Lord comfort the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Comfort the family who is mourning the loss of their 9 yr old little girl. It’s sick Father just really sick.

Lord help us, Your children, strap on the entire armor of Christ because the battle is heating up.

Father I don’t even have to ask why, I already know the answer. Your absence. Breathe healing and life back into Ms. Giffords and not just her but all those suffering today.

More than anything Lord, bring attention to Yourself through all of this. May Your name be called upon today, may hearts be changed, eyes opened, and souls saved. Lord bring people to You through this tragedy.

Open up the heart of this young man Mr. Jared Loughner and pour Yourself within Him. May he be brought to his knees in repentance, brokenness and devastation as he stands before You in that jail cell. Then Lord may He call on You to save Him for You are his only hope. Reveal to him what awaits him if he does not make You Lord and Savior of His life. Reveal to all of us what awaits us if we do not call on You to be Lord and Savior of our lives.

We don’t have to be murders we can be just as guilty, lost, and hopeless as a deliberate sinner who feeds on self and not You. We are just as guilty as he is if we ignore You and put other God’s before You. We are just as guilty if we harden our hearts towards You because we refuse to listen to the convictions. Lord we are just as guilty when we lie, gossip, drink, cuss, steal, harbor anger, have sex outside of marriage, are fake, and lukewarm. We are guilty when we allow our addictions of drugs, pornography, TV, internet, and all other things take precedence over You. We just can’t reflect Your principals when those consume us more than Your word.

“But God show his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” Romans 1:18-20

Lord You are a loving God who desires all people to come to know You. We praise You, honor You, and will stand for You! People might be able to hurt us, inflict pain on us and even damage our bodies but NO ONE can inflict anything on our souls when given to You, but You alone. Amen

Is Christ the keeper of your soul?

"Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principals. Psalm 119:5

Brethren today we need to join together and put Christ's word into action.

In order to do so, we have to read His word, store His word and apply His word.

For then over time our actions will begin to reflect His word because we will have been instilling His principals within us.

Having any other actions than the ones that reflect Christ should leave us feeling out of whack, and not normal.

It's time to stop putting off God and start putting God on!

Prayer: Lord make my actions ONLY reflect You and Your word and nothing else. Amen

Walk it then Talk it

"Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principals." Psalm 119:5


If we didn't say one word, would people be able to see Jesus in us through our actions? If not, then our words are just as useless!

Prayer: Jesus Your actions from the time you were arrested until the time You rose again made the biggest impact and defined the importance of why we should walk the walk if we are going to talk the talk. Help me follow Your example and walk it before I talk it! Amen

Unspoken Prayer

This is not something I have done on Godly Gossip for many reasons, but because I know how powerful prayer is and because I know each of you will, I am going to ask you my sweet brethren if you would take a moment and pray for my family today. And if I may ask if you would continue to pray not just today but every day.  We will forever be grateful!

I so wish I could be more specific and I hope to be able to soon, but as of right now it is not the Lord’s timing, so please just pray for us because God already knows what do with your prayers and that is one of the great things about having and serving such an Awesome God.

Prayer: Lord You know the situation that surrounds us right now and You know the thoughts of our hearts. Lord thank You for all my brothers and sisters right now that are lifting us up in prayer. Bless them Father! Thank You that You are already in control and that You know all things. We love You Lord and we trust in You alone. You are our provider, comforter, and protector and we praise You Lord. Amen