My Psalm 1 in flesh!

"When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should." Psalm 119:7

I LOVE THAT MAN!

"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

SWEET MAN-YOU ARE MY PSALM ONE IN FLESH.

GARRETT-it is an honor to serve Jesus with you. I am so proud of all you have accomplished! God is going to use you to make a HUGE impact for His glory. I am excited to support you in this new God-given role as a leader for Christ. I know through your faithfulness and love for Christ all who comes in contact with you will get to experience and feel the presence of Jesus. 

God has placed you in a role that is not for your glory but for His Glory. He has called you to lead these young men and coaches to a relationship with Him. Today you have the opportunity to do just that. Keep living your life as you should, I know He is so pleased with your faithfulness and commitment to Him. 

Let all you say and do be a reflection of Him.

I am praying for you daily, MERCY I am praying for you daily, I am excited to celebrate each new life that comes to Christ, with you.

Our success comes from the Lord and Him alone. Let's fill up the mirror with athletes who come to know Christ through Jesus in us. That is the GREATEST VICTORY that could ever be received; it is one that goes all the way to ETERNITY with us. 

Today and every day from here on out I am CHOOSING to love you, support you, walk with you, serve with you, and even fuss with you! I am so proud of you, look at how much God has already accomplished through you! 

Let's take a step back and let God lead! 

Jesus there is no greater coach than You. Thank You for this amazing opportunity and position YOU have given Garrett. Speak to Him just as You spoke to Moses when he led the Israelites. Jesus we are thrilled to begin our new mission work in Jasper and can't wait to see all that You have in store. You have called us-USE us. Be with Garrett as he tries to juggle all that he has on his plate, as a man of God, daddy, husband, leader, coach, son, brother, and friend. Shine through Him in such a way people are drawn to YOU, even more than they already are. Amen

It is not the reflection of a Pharisee….ITS THE REFLECTION OF JESUS!

“When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should.” Psalm 119:7

I am sitting on this side of the cross extremely ecstatic!

I would say over the last several years I have endured some pretty tough refining, and today for the first time I have received some MAJOR clarity about why.

God is so good and this one conversation with the Lord this morning has made every bit of the refining process WORTH IT!

Jesus was not liked from the time He was born. I mean the minute Mary delivered Him, people tried to kill Him. Jesus never blended in-not once! He never gave in, nor did He EVER compromise His purpose or obedience.

One of the greatest things I have learned this morning was just how un-liked Jesus was; I have always known that, but today it has a WHOLE new meaning.  As a Christian I have been un-liked. Not because I set out to be, although that is what I have been told, actually I have had people straight up call me names, through emails, letters, texts, in person, and through the comments on my blog , anonymously, and this is what makes me ECSTATIC. Yes, for the first time in my life because of what Christ has just taught me, I am ELATED.

The Pharisees hated Jesus, He made them feel uncomfortable, He made them aware of their sinfulness, He wouldn’t agree with them, join in with them, be like them, or even encourage them. He stood on the opposite side-God’s side.  Just as He calls us to do today!

Now, I am a SINNER, FAR from perfect, who MESSES up quite often, BUT… I AM also a redeemed child of God, covered in the grace and mercy of the BLOOD of Christ. Who was just told by the King of Kings that Christ in me IS BEING seen, YES, with all the ugly name calling, I have questioned if Christ was being seen or if people were seeing a Pharisee. And that is where the clarity has come in! They are seeing JESUS!

When we let Christ go before us, and we stand firm in what His word says, people don’t like  it-They don’t like feeling uncomfortable ( I don’t like feeling uncomfortable) they don’t like it when people don’t agree with the way they are living. The Pharisee’s didn’t like Jesus because of that. They don’t even like the accountability, they get defensive.

They despised Him-people who feel threatened by Jesus in us-NOT US OURSELVES-because we are NOTHING without CHRIST-feel threatened as well.

I am getting it-THIS IS ALL ABOUT JESUS-JESUS IN ME! Because this me, the SINNER, is nothing without Him, but a complete sinner destined for Hell.

The people in Jesus’ day set out to find fault in Him, they tried to set Him up, they called Him names, and they even disliked people who followed Him.  Just thinking of Jesus made those people mad!

So the same disliked Jesus then, is the same Jesus today living in me that people don’t like in me or in any other true follower of Christ.

Thus the very words Christ spoke to me today, “And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public.” Matthew 10:26

AND the greatest thing He spoke to me today that reassured me that His reflection IS being seen.

“When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? A servant is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you.” John 15:18-20

Jesus called me and you to be different than the world, in doing so conflict and name calling will arise, it’s inevitable. But it is possible to love and get through it, because Jesus did…ALL THE WAY TO THE CROSS.

This is one JOYFUL child of God-Yes it is hard to be called names, spoken ugly to, BUT if it is for the sake of Christ being seen in me-PRAISE GOD, because that means HE is being seen!

Brethren I am learning and He is revealing that I am thanking Him by living as I should. So GET BACK SATAN!

Prayer: Jesus You never said it would be easy, but You did promise to walk with us. Thank You for Your amazing encouragement today, You knew how badly I needed it. Jesus You are WORTH IT! You are worth being disliked for, You are worth being called names, You are worth standing alone for. You are WORTH IT, eternity with You is WORTH IT. Keep me from EVER blending in, keep me from EVER compromising my faith so I can enjoy worldly friendships. Jesus thank You for giving me a glimpse of why I have been enduring so much refining, it has been worth it. You being seen, known, looked at, is worth it. Jesus there is no sin that is acceptable to You, and no matter how many different friends we bounce around to, no matter what ugly things we say, or how many different churches we jump around to, it will still not be accepted by YOU. Keep me humble, full of Your word, and full of a hunger for You. Most of all keep going before me, shining through me, and revealing to me when I let sin dim Your light from shining. Amen

Uninterrupted

“When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should.” Psalm 119:7

Note to self: Key word-LEARN

·         When I learn Your righteous law, meaning-      

  

o   when I sit down, remove all distractions, all thoughts of what my day consists of, the noise of two boys demanding “Mommy”, any and all things in between-Open Your word and dive in head first (not feet first) having my ears open, and an expectant heart.

That is when real learning takes place.

Pen in hand, notebook ready, Bible open, distractions aside…Jesus let’s learn.

Awe, the beauty of basking in the Word, the actual God-breathed Word!

That is just one HUGE way I show Him thanks, by living in His word daily.

Jesus may it be a continual offering of thanks that brings great joy and the sweetest most intimate aroma to You every day until You call me home. Then all things will become clear and true and perfect worship begins. Worship uninterrupted, with no distractions, for eternity! Thank You for the God-given ability to learn Your word, may the desire I have never cease. Amen

Throne Room-Flooded Prayers-Heard Outcome-AMAZING

“When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should.” Psalm 119:7

Sigh…

We visited the Neurologist today and we have nothing but…PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!

The cyst on Dax’s brain is known as an arachnoid cyst. In Dax’s case we don’t know if it was something he was born with or if it has developed over time. Either way, it is tiny and okay.

It is something he said will not go away (Human opinion, we know and believe differently) but will either stay the same or enlarge, therefore, we will go back in one year to have it re-evaluated.

For now, we are relieved and praising God for this incredible news, for all of our brothers and sisters who have flooded the throne room for Dax, and to have this behind us.

Brethren, we cannot thank you enough for your love for us, and especially for Dax. We are so humbled and extremely grateful to our amazing Father, who has placed so many wonderful brothers and sisters in our lives. It has been amazing to hear from people all over who are praying.

One of the greatest things we have learned throughout all of this is the importance of being surrounded by men and women who have a true, genuine love for the Lord and will stop and pray with you and for you right at the moment you need it the most.

We are honored to spend eternity with you!

Prayer: Lord Jesus it is even more of an honor to spend eternity with You, the most amazing and mighty God. Thank You for making Your presence so known each and every day in our home, lives, and through our brothers and sisters. Bless them Lord Jesus, use us to be Your hands and feet to those in need. Father I especially pray for all those children who have found their home in a hospital. Lord wave Your hand over each and every one of them and heal them Lord. Remove the pain they are suffering from right now! Relieve the burdens and sadness that consumes their parents and replace it with Your peace, joy, love, and comfort. Do it in such a way Lord that Your name is spread throughout this land. Amen

Humbled

"When I learn your righteous laws I will thank you by living as I should." Psalm 119:7

This is not a place I would like to spend a lot of my time in, which I am sure it is not this mothers sitting across from me who feels like she lives here.

Though our news I believe will be very good news, did not turn out to be good news for her son.

Yet all she has kept saying is we are so blessed!

Humbled!

Showing it...by living it!

"When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should." Psalm 119:7

How fitting this passage is for our family today. As we anticipate Dax's doctors appointment tomorrow we have the perfect opportunity to apply this verse out.

We are doing so as we speak by praising and thanking Jesus for the great news we will be receiving from the Neurologist.

We are believing it and showing our thanks through our faithfulness to our Mighty God who heals and controls all things.

And according to the words of our sweet baby boy, "Mommy Jesus make me all better."

So...(swallowing the lump in my throat) yes sweet boy Jesus make you ALL better!

Prayer: Jesus may our thoughts,attitude, and actions show our faithfulness to You as we live out our faith in You. Thank You for always having Your hand upon us. Amen

What does He see?

“Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.” Psalm 119:6

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Praise God He sees beyond what we see.  I am so glad it is not about my outward appearance. I hate to think that I have put more into my outward appearance than my heart.

I mean look at Society now, we are all about our outward appearance, plastic surgery, expensive clothing, jewelry, tanning, bodybuilding, tattoos, piercings, etc. 

We pride ourselves on how we look on the outside. It is one of the biggest comparisons we make. We even spend hours putting it together. It reminds me of a comment my husband made to me one time. He said, "Do women get all dressed up and ready to impress their spouses or to impress others?"

We could ask the same thing about our hearts. Are we getting our hearts right because we truly love God, or are we pretending to impress others? Maybe we should really ask ourselves what is more important, our outward appearance or having a heart that is pleasing to God. 

Where we spend our time will answer that.

According to our verse God made it very clear to Samuel what mattered to Him the most-the heart. 

So…what does He see when He looks at our hearts? 

Prayer: Lord I pray when You look at my heart You see the reflection of Your Son and His blood which covers me. I am so glad You are a God of the inside and not a God of appearance. Amen

Own Up

"Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands." Psalm 119:6

If we are going to be a follower of Christ than we better be prepared for the persecution that comes with it. It's not for the weak at heart, instead for the hearts that belong to Christ!

There is no disgrace or shame in Christ. There is only mercy, grace and forgiveness.

We bring on our own disgrace and shame when we live more in the flesh and world than in Christ and His word. And, if we are really honest with God and ourselves, it is not that we are being judged by others or surrounded by hypocrites in the church, it is that we are being convicted by the Holy Spirit but fail to realize it.  

So how do we deal with those convictions, by comparing our lives to that of others, or by recognizing our sinfulness before God, confessing them and repenting?

We are ALL at different walks with the Lord. So to compare our life and our place of faith with that of another is pointless. We should compare our faith to the faith of Christ. He will reveal to us how much we are serving and following Him.

So really, if we are going to call ourselves Christians than we better be prepared for the convictions that come with it. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to teach us, correct us, and guide us.  

When we compare we worry, we worry about what others think of us…our past, our lifestyles, etc. We actually even let humans define our value and purpose.

Christ defines our value and purpose. We should be concerned about what Christ thinks of us and we should go to Him.

Prayers: Lord help us realize that when we are living in the flesh that we are bringing on our own disgrace and shame. You tell us in Galatians that we are each responsible for our own conduct. Remind us daily to keep our eyes glued on You.  May we listen to the convictions of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus it’s easy to ignore the conviction and place the blame, keep us from doing so and help us take responsibility for our own actions. Amen

Sound familiar?

“Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.” Psalm 119:6

Do any of these comments sound familiar to you?

I just feel like I am not good enough OR He or she makes me feel like I am not good enough…Christian, friend, wife, mother, father, daughter, son, employee, etc.

He or she acts like they are perfect.

Do any of these feelings sound familiar to you, or maybe I should say “feel” familiar?

Jealousy, Pride, Insecurity, Bitterness, In-competent, Envious, etc.

Do you know where these comments and feelings come from? Satan.

He feeds on making us focus on self, which in return compares self to self-humans to humans. He even takes it up a notch by causing dissension among friends and family, fueling anger and bitterness within us. He even makes it so easy that we believe the other person is the one with the problem, when really we are, but are to prideful to admit it.

He is GREAT at it! Have you ever fallen into his trap?  I have.

I have also learned the secret to getting out of the trap. By taking my eyes off of myself and others and putting them on Christ. Plus claiming this verse over myself “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” Galatians 6:4-5

If I am doing God’s work and obeying His word to the best of my ability I will not be disgraced. Instead I will receive the personal satisfaction that comes from Him, His acceptance, His love, and His mercy.

This verse, if lived out, will remove the pride, jealousy, insecurity, bitterness, the in-competent feeling, the envy, etc. within us because we will remember we are responsible for our own actions. We will even stop blaming others and start being more loving and forgiving.

People will always fail us, but God never will. So we need to cling to Him, compare our lives to Him, focus on Him, work hard for Him, and we need to STOP comparing self to self, human to human.

Prayer: Jesus Your word never tasted so sweet. Thank You for always satisfying my sweet tooth. Keep my eyes focused on You, instill in me the natural instinct to always compare myself to You. Thank You for Your love and for accepting me just as I am. Amen

If you are going to compare, compare to…

“Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.” Psalm 119:6

What causes us to compare ourselves to others? The Author of this Psalm makes a very profound statement here when he says, when I compare my life WITH YOUR commands.

Notice he referred to Christ, not another human being. We so often get caught up in looking at the lives of others and assuming they have it better, or are more successful, prettier, thinner, happier, healthier, smarter, funnier, grounded, more godly, etc. When in reality they are also struggling with the same thing and might even have it way worse than we do.

There is only one place where the grass is truly greener on the other side, and that is on Christ’s side. He is the only one who is perfect, prettier, healthier, smarter, happier, funnier, grounded, and the godliest. He is the one we should be comparing our lives to.

Yet we refuse to do so, why?

Notice your behavior next time you start comparing your life to someone else. What happens to your attitude-for most they become negative, angry, resentful, and even jealous. In doing that we are telling the Lord we are not pleased with how He made us. To those who see our attitude when in this state, see a reflection of a self-focused person instead of a Christ centered person.

God did make or design us to be like others, no, He designed and patterned us to be like Him. “Then God said, ‘Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life-the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals. So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27

God patterned each of us after Himself.  He created each individual to be just that, an individual, not a duplicate, even a twin is not the exact same as his/her twin, whether identical or not. We can desire, wish, try, and even mimic the life of someone else, but we will ALWAYS come up short.

When I started comparing myself with Christ I began to write out all of His qualities.

Jesus is: Perfect, Holy, Joyful, Loving, Beautiful, Peaceful, Gracious, Magnificent, Abounding, Humble, Strong, Everlasting, Merciful, Forgiving, Powerful, Giving, Healing, Savior, Wise, Secure, Confident, Slow to Anger, Gentle, Patient, Self-Controlled, Full of praise, Consistent, etc.

A Human is: ever-changing, temporary, limited, sinful, weak, cannot heal, failing, insecure, etc.

There is just no comparison between us and the Lord-so why do we get so caught up in comparing our lives with the lives of others?  It really is so silly to compare our life to anyone other than Christ Himself. I mean look back up at His qualities compared to the qualities of another human.

When we compare our life with His commands it allows us to see how big our God is and how much more we need His grace and mercy. When we begin to pattern our life after His qualities we begin to realize there is no disgrace, shame, failure, heartache, or frustration because we are striving to be like the Most Holy God.

That is worth comparing our life to. It also brings great satisfaction, peace, and sets our eyes on a whole new perspective.

Next time you begin to compare, ask yourself if they have what Christ has. Do you want their sin, baggage, hurt, sorrows, failures, or do you want Christ’s perfection, holiness, beauty etc.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I was patterned after You-the most Perfect and Holy God. What an absolute honor! May I set my eyes on You and not lower them to the world. You are who I want to compare my life to; I want to be just like YOU! Humans have too many failures, but You Lord have none! Praise You Jesus! Amen

From the rain to the tsunami-we are firm on the "Rock"

"Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands." Psalm 119:6

Your prayers are being heard and ANSWERED and I cannot thank you enough for praying for our sweet baby Dax!

He still has some infection in his face but it is healing! We are going to stay on the antibiotic for 6 more weeks and starting Monday he will take it now twice a day. So pray for that because antibiotics make his tummy hurt!

We took the genetic Cystic Fibrosis test today and will not know anything for TWO months...yeah 2 months. 

We head to Dallas Wednesday to see the Neurologist nervous, anxious, and ready for this one to be over with.

God has been very good to us in the midst of this worldly storm which goes to show why we all must build our house upon the rock!

Awe, another amazing part of God’s word I am getting to experience firsthand…standing upon the rock! Brethren we are STILL standing! The storm has hit again today with a disappointment on our progression to move, but we are still standing. This is one family that will not be washed away, we have cemented our feet into the "Rock" and it is turning out to be one amazing experience. 

God is so good brethren! So build your house upon the rock! 

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on the rock." Matthew 7:24-25

Lovin' me some JESUS-in the rain, hail, tornados, hurricanes, and tsunami!

Prayer: Jesus thank You for being our solid rock in the sunshine, storms, and even cloudiness of life. Amen

One blessed Child

"Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands." Psalm 119:6

I have nothing else to say today other than I need and long for Jesus more than the deer who pants for water.

I want to walk with Him like the disciples did in flesh!

I can't wait for the day when I am surrounded by His holiness, beauty, and presence. When I can look upon His face, touch His face, breathe in His scent, and hear His audible voice speak directly to me.

I can't wait, I can't wait! That thought alone is the one thought that truly fills me with more joy than I could ever express. It is just so good!

I want to live out that thought in a way that it captivates others, making them long for Jesus.

I never want to live a stagnant life that is so caught up in this world that I miss out on the amazing blessings He has for me.

I get to live with the King of Kings for eternity. I get to dwell in the presence of the Most Holy God. I get to walk hand in hand with the Son of God. I get to bask in His beauty. I get to feel the warmth of His arms as they wrap around me and I feel it physically.

I get to sit at the feet of my Savior, touch the scars that He bore for me. I get to be surrounded by You my brothers and sisters and sing praises in harmony and beauty to the Lord of Lords.

I get a new body, a new name, a new vision of all things. No more sickness, no more pain, no more sorrow and no more suffering. Only perfection!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD and that is just the beginning of the things this CHILD will receive.

Now, why in the world would anyone desire anything other than that? CRAZY that's why!

In the season for a reason

Can I tell you something really funny?

Avery was sick all night throwing up from 11:40-5:00 this morning! No, it's not really that funny, but to me the way things have been going, at this point all I can do is laugh. 

Laughter is the best medicine to keep your sanity intact, and a little of venting and griping at your poor husband who already feels helpless. Bad, I know, and unfortunately the way I deal with things I guess. 

Not great for him AT ALL, actually really stinks for him, but he is great about it, at least he leads me to believe so. 

So guess what the Lord has been teaching me all morning?

Three things!

1. "Love is patient and kind. Love is NOT jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does NOT demand its own way. Love is NOT irritable (yeah, totally failing big time on this one), and it keeps NO record of when it has been wronged. It is NEVER glad about injustice but rejoiced whenever the truth wins out. Love NEVER gives up, NEVER loses faith, is always hopeful, and ENDURES through every circumstance. Love will last forever." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

            ** I have some work to do. Okay A LOT of work to do. 

2. "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times (Garrett would not have described me as being gentle in my words at 4 this morning), and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness." James 3:17-18

           ** Goodness, I have a feeling I am going to sit in this state until I get the lesson He is teaching me. I am going to get it, even if I have to be here a year, because the growth and development of strength and character is SO worth it!

And finally

3. " What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure." James 4:1-3

         **Yeah, that one hurt! Really hurt! I might not be literally killing Garrett but I am killing his heart by my words and actions. Even though this season in our life is E-X-T-R-M-E-L-Y stressful, I still must remain loving just as Christ is loving with me. 

-Oh, goodness brethren this season I know is for no other reason than some major purifying within me and it is hard. Right now I am just trying to figure out WHY IN THE WORLD I am clinging to this control and self and not letting go in order to move to the amazing season of life God has waiting for me. 

All I know is that Jesus I am listening! I hear You and I am listening so please DON'T GIVE UP ON ME! You either G! I want so badly to say I am trying but that is a mere word, I know my actions need to kick in and kick in quick!

Driving His point home through…love notes

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

Check out the verse of the day on Bible gateway. “The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:9-10

How cool is that? I love how God always backs up what I am studying with other scripture. Kind of like He is driving His point home, all while leaving little love notes throughout my day.

For me the last part of this verse would sum up what the Pharisee’s missed and what we often miss as well. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Love it is what binds all things together, and it is found in God who is love.

Awe, the beauty of His majesty and word, I am obsessed, completely obsessed!

Prayer: Jesus thank You for always bringing me back to the exact point You are trying to make. I love finding Your love notes throughout the day and how each one of them comes from a different place in Scripture. You are the most marvelous Savior, lover and friend. Praise You Jesus! Amen 

What Not to Do

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

One must be very careful not to get caught up in being a law (commandment) follower that they lose sight of God’s grace, forgiveness and love. Believe me it’s easy to do, follow the law, and think that it is good enough.

 

The Pharisee’s painted the perfect picture of what NOT to do and Jesus points them in out in Matthew 23.

He begins by saying, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Scriptures. So practice and obey whatever they say to you but DON’T follow their example. For they DON’T practice what they teach.  They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden.”

They only obey God’s word to make themselves look good.

Everything they do is a show

They exalt themselves

They thrive on attention and being called “Rabbi”

They love to sit at the head table

They tithe even the tiniest part of their income, yet ignore justice, mercy, and faith.

They only clean up the outside of themselves all while the inside is filthy full of greed, self-indulgence, hypocrisy and lawlessness.

They act spiritual in hopes of covering up their own sin

The Pharisees based their faith on the law instead of on Jesus Christ. They completely missed the mark because they were so full of SELF.

We can very easily become the same way if we are not careful. We can speak all spiritual, yet never put God’s word into practice. We can show up at church only for show and politics, we can cover up our filth on the inside by making sure the outside of us is clean, we can even confess we love Jesus and call ourselves Christians, yet still live like the world.

 It is easy to say those things do not describe us, yet if we really stopped and asked the Lord to evaluate us and to reveal our purpose for worshiping Him we would be surprised at what He reveals to us. 

God calls us to action-He called His Son to action and Jesus set the perfect example for us to follow. He not only obeyed the law, He lived it out and fulfilled it.

We are commanded to keep His law carefully, however we are commanded to live out, apply, put into action, and practice it as well. Our obedience means nothing if it is not put into action and if it is done without love it is pointless.

To me, the reason the Pharisees were such miserable people is because privately they realized every second just how sinful they were and that made them bitter, thus acting in the manner in which they did. They even went so far as to make sure everyone else felt the way they did, thus forcing impossible religious demands that could never be met.

Oh, the sweetness of Christ’s love and the covering of His blood.

Prayer: Jesus thank You for coming down and showing us the right example in which to follow. Most of all thank You for taking the burden and sin upon Yourself and making it possible to be found perfect in the sight of God because of Your blood. Amen

I will not worry, I will not worry, I WILL NOT WORRY!

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

Dax has not eaten since his surgery Monday! Yup that is a total of 6 days our little guy will not eat! I don’t know if it is because of the sores he has on his tongue, or if it is because the antibiotics he is taking makes him sick and curbs his appetite, but whatever the reason HE WILL NOT EAT!

Since I have been studying this verse I couldn’t help but to put into a little practice by telling Dax, “Mommy commands you to eat!” that of course did not go over well with him, nor did anyone else find it humorous but me.

He is drinking tons which is great but is not enough to nourish his little body, and he is little! We have tried pedisure (which even I think is nasty), milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, and any and all other horrible and good food under the sun.

As a result of not eating we have had to take him off of his antibiotics in hopes that once it gets out of his system he will regain the desire to eat.

This to me is the most important right now.  I love this little thing and it devastates me to see him feel so bad to the point of not wanting to eat.

We are making very “little” strides though and if we have to give him pedisure through a syringe every 5 minutes we will.

The crazy thing about all of this is he is still running around non-stop and no one would ever be able to tell he didn’t feel good. I guess it is because he has been sick for so long now he just knows how to deal with it and thinks it is normal.

Jesus “commands” me not to worry and today I will not worry. God loves my little guy more than I ever could and I am resting in that precious thought today.

Prayer: Jesus thank You that I can rest in the thought of Your control and not worry about Dax because I know and believe You are taking care of him. Give us the wisdom and discernment to know exactly what needs to be done and instill the desire within him to eat. Jesus I give You all the control. Amen

Because He tells me to

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

In 1 John 2:3-5 says, “And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments.  If someone says, ‘I belong to God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God’s word really do love him.”

My love for God is shown by my obedience to Him. So if I claim to love God and belong to Him then I must:

Forgive because He tells me to-Matthew 6:14/Ephesians 4:32

Confess my sins because He tells me to- 1 John 1:9

Repent from my sins because He tells me to-Matthew 3:2

Love because He tells me to-1 Corinthians 13/Romans 13:10/Mark 12:29-30/ 1 John 2: 7

Die to self because He tells me to-Luke 9:23

Trust Him because He tells me to-Romans 10:8

Be joyful because He tells me to-Romans 12:12/ 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Control my tongue because He tells me to-James 3

Respect my husband because He tells me to-Ephesians 5:33

Don’t complain or argue because He tells me to-Philippians 2:14

Follow His example because He tells me to-Ephesians 5:1

Take no part in evil instead rebuke it because He tells me to-Ephesians 5:11

Tell the truth because He tells me to-Ephesians 4:26

Don’t be bitter or angry, don’t gossip or speak harsh words because He tells me not to-Ephesians 4:31

Don’t be misled because He says so-Galatians 6:7

Don’t get discouraged and give up because He says so-Galatians 6:9

Stay pure because He tells me to-1 Timothy 2:21

Stand in confidence because He tells me to-1 Thessalonians 5:8

Be devoted to prayer because He tells me to- Colossians 4:2

Don’t worry because He tells me not to- Philippians 4:6

Work hard and cheerfully because He tells me to-Colossians 3:23

Put to death sinfulness and earthly things because He tells me to-Colossians 3:5

Fix my thoughts on His word because He tells me to-Philippians 4:8

Believe I am loved and adored because He tells me to-Psalm 139

Don’t commit adultery because He tells me not to-Matthew 5:27

Don’t get a divorce because He tells me not to-Matthew 5:31

Don’t judge others because He tells me not to-Matthew 7:1

Eat from His word because He tells me to-Matthew 4:4

Don’t cause others to stumble because He tells me not to-Matthew 18:7

Love Him, Praise Him, Honor Him, Believe in Him, Share Him, and obey Him because He tells me to!

Oh my goodness there are SO many more but this is enough for now.

Prayer: Jesus this is just a fraction of what You command of me, and You only command it of me because You love me, created me, adore me, and desire for me to be Holy like You are Holy.  I want to obey all of these, not just because You have charged me to, but because I love You and desire to please You, honor You, glorify You and reflect You. Help me do so every second of every day. Convict me and teach me when I begin to disobey. Amen

ALL, ALL, ALL, ALL, is what is commanded of me.

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

The greatest commandment is the one I fail living out and obeying the most. I guess you could say it is the one I pick and choose which part I want to obey. Not because I deliberately do so, but because I get caught up in self.

AND I HATE IT!

"The most important commandment is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love him with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength." Mark 12:29-30

Jesus tells me very specifically.

Love ME with ALL of you. Put ME before you put yourself, others, or things. I am telling you to do this, not giving you the option. I am not even going to tell you it is okay if you only love ME with part of you, because you are saving the other part for your pleasure. Nope that is not okay with ME! 

You obey ME by loving ME with ALL you have in you. 

O He deserves every bit of my love and obedience. It brings me to my knees to think of how little I have loved and obeyed Him because I have been selfish.

Prayer: Jesus I confess to You today that I have been obeying the greatest commandment with only a part of me. You deserve it ALL, You ask for it ALL, and I want to give You my ALL. Don't help me, MAKE ME! I don't want free will anymore because I am to weak. Amen

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