Clinging

"I have tried my best to find you-don't let me wander from your commands." Psalm 119:10

This has nothing to do with anything, except it is 2:00 a.m. we have been in the ER since 10:00 and for some reason Avery and Garrett are snuggled up in the tiny bed sound asleep. 

I on the other hand, am sitting in the chair watching patients be wheeled up and down the hall wondering how in the world the doctors and nurses do this day in and day out.

It has been enough for me over the last several months to deal with two sick boys, but at the end of the day, whenever that might be; we all manage to make it through the same way-by the grace of God.

How could I ever cling to anything other than Christ-yet at times I do, whether my husband or my parents, I cling to them for the "right now" that my flesh desires.

Kind of like these patients and us, are clinging to the wisdom of the doctors to provide the medical care we need to get ourselves better, or in our case our babies better.

It is crazy how much more we cling to society and people than to Christ, and we don't even realize how bad we do it, but it is because our flesh demands right now!

Lord take my eyes off of the right now my flesh desires and place them upon You, the only who can fulfill the longing in my heart, the needs my soul cries out for, and the desperation my body has for rest, healing, comfort, and protection. Only You Jesus can satisfy, set my eyes and thoughts on You. Turn what I know into belief and action. Amen

When you least expect it!

“I have tried my best to find you-don’t let me wander from your commands.” Psalm 119:10

Since Spring Break I have gotten a little behind on my mommy duties. So doing my best to catch up, I start load after load of laundry, dump it on my bed as it comes out of the dryer and off to the boy’s room to sort through clothes and start packing up their room.

Being that we have had little activity on showing our house I assumed this week would be slow as well. So I put that thought behind me and started doing what I enjoy doing a lot-organizing, packing, and cleaning. All while chasing Dax around!

Now when I tell you I put the thought of my house showing this week behind me I meant it. I have had my house tore up and such a mess for the last several days that I can honestly say in my 31 years of living I have never lived in such a mess.

I do want to remind you in the midst of all these little tasks I had going, Avery came down with Strep throat and has the Flu again, except this is the Flu “A”. Apparently two weeks ago he had the Flu “B”-and I so went there and asked the doctor if there was a Flu C and a Flu D, because if there was he was going to get it! She did not find me to be very funny, but I laughed!

Anyway, it is Wednesday night-I literally have at least ten loads of laundry piled on my King size bed that has been stripped so I could wash the sheets and comforter as well. The boy’s room is in such disarray you could barely see the floor (no exaggeration) and there are boxes, trash bags, and more trash bags lined up from the closet clear out the door into the hall.  I like to get rid of not so needed things!

Then to top it off the boys wanted soup for dinner so there are noodles all over the table, the floor and them. Plus the Lucky Charms Dax had literally scattered from one end of the house to the next. And I didn’t care because I was focused on getting there room exactly how I wanted it!

Avery at this point feels HORRIBLE and is ready for a bath and bed-so I paused from my packing, cleaning and organizing to run them through the shower and get them ready for bed. Oblivious to the time, I glanced at the clock and realized it was almost 8:00 and I had not eaten a thing. So I quickly got them out, dressed and somewhat settled, fixed myself a bowl of cereal and sat down when…

My doorbell rang!

I put my cereal down get up thinking it is one of my girlfriends coming to check on us, so I open the door and there stands this couple apologizing for coming by so late, but were wondering if they could look at the house!

When you least expect it!!!!!

I was in SHOCK thinking oh my goodness how in the world can I let these people in my house looking the way it does.  Because I am pretty crazy about my house always being clean and presentable I almost told them no. So I stood there in silence wrestling in my mind what I should do, this could be a God thing, when I finally come to reality that they are still standing there the young lady says, “If you don’t want us to we totally understand.” My reply, “If you don’t mind clothes, boxes, trash bags, noodles, and cereal everywhere, please come on in.” And that they did.

Oh, wait I am not to the best part yet. For those of you who know Dax know he is VERY active and has a mind of his own. Well out of nowhere this sweet young lady who is standing in the kitchen looking around is almost knocked over by Dax. Dax for some CRAZY reason decides he is going to take off at a dead sprint from the living room and run and push her!

OH YES HE DID! It was not enough that I was already embarrassed by the mess of my house, but for him to do that! Oh, what can I say but…dear Lord help me!

When you least expect it brethren it happens. God has an amazing sense of humor and His timing is just that-HIS timing!

You would think the lesson I would learn was to stay on top of the house and laundry and all times, plus teach my two year old manners, but it was not that at all.

Instead the lesson I learned was to be ready at ALL times for Jesus. Because when we least expect it, when we are the least prepared, Jesus will come.

So we need to make that word “best” in our verse truly be our best in finding Him, and our plea to NOT wander from His commands needs to become our daily plea. Because if we think we will have time to live and do what we want first and then come back to His commands later, we are wrong. In the blink of an eye, He will be here.

When we think we will have forewarning of His coming, we are wrong. In the blink of an eye, He will be here.

“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Know this: A homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would stay alert and not permit the house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Matthew 24:40-44

I am glad to report the couple loves the house and came back to look at it again, and it was nice and clean this go around, which made even better! They are hoping to make an offer Monday!

Jesus Your arrival is inevitable! Hasten the day Lord Jesus. May our best become more than our best, may it become our purpose and passion to search and find You DAILY. Jesus our plea from here on out is that you keep us from wandering away, because we want to be ready at all times, for that least expected moment when You return. Amen

What do you do when?

"I have tried my best to find you-don't let me wander from your commands." Psalm 119:10


What do you do when you lose something? You search for it until you...FIND it.

Search for Jesus!

Jesus may we never stop searching to know You more. Amen

I saw Him three times today

"I have tried my best to find you-don't let me wander from your commands." Psalm 119:10

I saw the Lord and heard the Lord three times today.

Through my sister's sweet prayer, the encouraging call from my best friend, and by the unexpected knock on the door. God showed Himself to me. What an honor!

So all I have to say is... keep seeking Him and keep listening. He is there, He is real, He knows our every need and He knows just the right time to speak and to show us that He is ever so present in our lives.

Jesus thank You for revealing Yourself to me today. You have gone above and beyond what I could ever dare to ask or hope for. Thank You for being that BIG, that awesome, that loving, and for being Holier, Mightier, and more caring than what my mind can even begin to fathom. Amen

To reduce wandering, try this...

"I have tried my best to find you-don't let me wander from your commands." Psalm 119:10


There is one way to keep from wandering-By seeking Jesus EVERY SINGLE DAY!

The more we go without getting in the word, the more susceptible we are to wander.

Have you wandered?

Lord bring us back to You and keep our eyes and our hearts from wandering. May we be wholeheartedly committed to You each and every day. There is nothing more important than You. Change our thinking if we believe anything other than that. Amen

Many people have made the ultimate sacrifice, but only one Man paid the ultimate sacrifice

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

The American Flag

represents

 Our Pride

 Our freedom, our reason for fighting

And our protection

BUT...

The Cross represents something even greater.

It represents where true freedom and protection came from. And the One who hung upon that cross, represents the Ultimate Sacrifice that was paid once and for all for each and every one of us. Because of Christ we have everlasting life, hope, freedom, and the promise of VICTORY. So though the flag stands for America's freedom, Christ and the cross stand for ALL man's freedom. 

Jesus there has nor will there ever be a greater sacrifice than the one You paid. Thank You for dying for each and every one of us. Help us not to forget or overlook that salvation is for ALL man. Amen

Are you up for a challenge?

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

As you head into a new week here is a challenge for you.

Spend more time serving, loving and focusing on the needs of others over yourself.

Instead of spending time praying for you, pray for someone else instead.

Instead of fixating on your to do list, focus on Jesus' to do list. GET IN HIS WORD

Lord Jesus gives us Your heart, Your mind, and the ability to love and serve as You did. May the glasses of self be removed so we can see the needs of others that surround us. Amen

Humbled

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

I have learned many great lessons in my life, but I must say this Spring Break I learned a very valuable one, and it could not have come at a better time than this. 

Humbleness!

Over the past month I have been so caught up in the chaos that has been going on in my life that I have failed to realize the need of others and the sacrifice others are making. I have failed to see the blessings that lie right in front of me every day because I have been too caught up in my own self-pity.

But this week...I am humbled! I am humbled by the amazing mercy and grace that God lavishes upon me and my family daily. I am humbled that I have a husband, though gone for weeks at a time now, still comes home safely to me every weekend. I am humbled at the sacrifice our military men and women make, I am humbled by the strength the wives of military husbands have, and I am humbled by the children who over half of their life only see their daddies every 12 to 18 months.

I am humbled and praying I stay here, because the vision is way clearer, it is way more rewarding, and brings way more joy! 

Jesus thank You! Thank You for showing me this week through these extraordinary families just how blessed I am. I need to be humbled Lord, thank You for doing it so gently. I pray You keep me here, so I my eyes will be more upon You and others and less upon myself. Amen

Their story of faith and obedience will BLOW you away!

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

The last night of our Mission trip we had the opportunity to meet one very amazing family and I want you to meet them as well.

So everybody meet the May family. Chris, Elizabeth, David, Caleb, Abigail and Julia. They are precious!

This family has one amazing testimony and I know I will not do it justice so I am linking her blog so you can read it from sweet Elizabeth herself. http://maymemos.blogspot.com/

I know you will be as blessed as we were! I hope you will remember these sweet faces and pray for them daily as they follow the Lord in obedience. I will be adding their picture on Godly Gossip so we will remember to pray for them.

A specific prayer for the May family: That they will raise the rest of their money. That they will receive traveling mercies, and that God will use them and speak through them in such a way that people will come to know Him and will come to understand the importance of their mission with Soldiers.

Lord Jesus I cannot thank You enough for allowing me to meet this wonderful family who truly loves You, obeys You, and has surrendered their lives to You. Jesus I ask for Your hand to be upon them as they travel, as they speak, and as they continue to seek Your face daily. Place them in the lives of those who need You. I pray that You will do something greater than they could ever imagine! Lord You know their every need, You have provided their every need, continue to do so. Bless them Lord Jesus, they are so precious and their love for Soldiers is infectious. Amen

When reality set in

 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

It just became real when...

"

Our youth interacted with 170 plus military kids who... know nothing different than for mommy or daddy to be gone for long periods of time. Who know nothing different than that mommy or daddy and sometimes both go and fight in a war that might just take their life. Who move constantly, and who get to speak to their mommies or daddies if lucky once or twice a month. 

This is reality for these babies, so as you look at these faces, pray for them! Pray that Jesus will become the one thing that is consistent in their lives. That they will learn to depend upon Him, and that they will know He is ever so present 24/7 and beyond.

 

                                       

Jesus these are precious creations of Yours. I ask You to fill them with Your presence, Your protection, peace, and love as they grow. Lord these are very special boys and girls and it was a privilege to love on them, encourage them, and wrap our arms around them. Bless them Lord Jesus, shine Your light upon them. O' Lord they are so precious. Give them strength and most of all give them a deeper understanding of who You are. Amen 

Jesus' hands and feet in action

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

We have some of the most amazing youth at First Baptist and it was such an honor for Garrett and I to serve alongside of them this week. 

As we took a step back and watched these students serve God and one another we were blown away and filled with such joy knowing the impact these students will have on our future generations. 

They so willingly gave up their Spring Breaks to go and serve and that in itself speaks volumes of them. They chose to work and serve over self. 

Here are a few pictures of them in action. 

The youth spent three days clearing off brush to make a prayer trail for injured Soldiers, and not just physically injured but emotionally injured. They added Bible verses on rocks and placed them all throughout the trail so the Soldiers could fill up on God's word. 

It turned out amazing! 

Lord these are amazing young men and women. Thank You for the love they have for You and for others. Thank You for their parents who allowed them to come on this mission trip and serve You. Bless them, guide them, grow within them more everyday. May they continue to be a light for You Lord. Amen

Men of Honor

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45


God in His complete awesomeness could not have placed a sweeter verse on my heart for the week than this one. How fitting it has been as we come into contact with these amazing men and women who too, did not join the military to be served but to serve.


I want to introduce you to a few men who are truly a reflection of Mark 10:45 and ask that you store their names and faces in your hearts and pray for them OFTEN! They went above and beyond for us this week and made a HUGE impact on each of our lives and vice versa!

Specialists Adams

Sargent Connel and Specialists Miller

Captain Stillings

Specialists Randall and Specialists Barrett

These two men will be deploying in May! Please pray for them by name!

Chaplain Jackson

Lord may Your name be praised here in America and all over the world. Bless each one of these men as they continue to serve You and our country. I pray You shine through them with such brightness that all men and women who see them will be drawn to You. Use them Lord to spread Your name in Iraq and Afghanistan.  May Your mercy and grace be upon each of them Lord. Protect them as they step into battle. Thank You for the blessings we all received because of You. Amen

Bless them Lord Jesus

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to

 give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Our mission: To serve the men and women of Fort Hood.

The Outcome: Being blessed BEYOND words.

God showed up in a huge way this past week and because there is NO WAY I could EVER put into words how amazing this past week was and the impact that was made on our lives and the lives of the men and women at Fort Hood I thought I would post a few pictures of our week. 

Because this one picture is so moving, it will stand alone today.

Photos taken by Baileigh Photography

 These men, though I failed to get each of their names, had just finished practicing for a funeral they would do for one of their own, who had fallen while at war. 

Lord Jesus bless these men who so selflessly give up their time and lives so we can have the freedom that we do. Bless these men Lord, protect them, their families, and their hearts. Thank You Lord this picture speaks a thousand words. Amen

Time to give back

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Garrett and I are so excited to have been asked by our awesome youth minister to help the youth group serve the men and women who so willingly fight for our freedom, in Fort Hood.

It so happens we are both very familiar with this area. Garrett grew up here and I actually taught on Fort Hood so we are excited to be apart of such an amazing mission trip.

Please pray for all the youth and the leaders as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and serve just as He served. We are praying and believing that not only our lives will be impacted by these families but that so will theirs.



Jesus we are asking for You to come down and be the very reflection that these families see. May there be something so different in us that it intrigues them to inquire and hear about You. Use us in a mighty way Lord, we are here to serve You! Amen

I wonder

"I will obey your principals. Please don't give up on me!"

I just have a feeling Jesus is coming back really soon! As I watch the devastation in Japan I can't help but wonder how many of the lives lost had a relationship with Jesus. 

I wonder how many of the 13 who died in the bus wreck had a relationship with Jesus.

I wonder how many lives will come to know Jesus this week on our mission trip? 

I wonder at this very moment how many of us are prepared and ready for Jesus if He came today?

Jesus there is an urgency to come to know You. I pray all those who have survived in Japan will come away with a understanding of who You are. Jesus may they be led to You through this time of mourning,confusion, fear, and devastation. I pray You prepare all the men and women we come in contact with over this next week. Lord make Your name known on Fort Hood, in Japan and all over the world! Amen

This is how I know you love Me!

"I will obey your principals. Please don't give up on me!" Psalm 119:8


How deep I love Him is shown by how obedient I am to Him.

How obedient I am to Him shows how much I love Him.

Hmm...maybe it will be better if you see it through His word.

"All those who LOVE me will DO what I say." John 14:23


"Those who OBEY my commandments are the ones who LOVE me." John 14:21


"When you OBEY me, you remain in my LOVE, just as I obey my father and remain in his love." John 15:10


"But those who OBEY God's word really do LOVE him." 1 John 2:5


"LOVE means DOING what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another just as yo heard from the beginning." 2 John 1:6


"If you LOVE me OBEY my commandments." John 14:15


Do you see the point Christ is trying to make?


My love for Him, is expressed through my obedience to Him! 

Prayer: Jesus would You reveal to me just how deep my love truly is for You? Reveal to me the areas of disobedience and help me change so our love can be strengthened. Amen

Hope for all Man, Time given to all Man

“I will obey your principals. Please don’t give up on me!” Psalm 119:8

There is so much hope and love packed into this one verse.

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9

God does NOT give up on us! We are the ones that give up on God.

 Read that passage again. Do you feel the love bursting out of it and into your heart? If not keep reading it!

Brethren, there is hope for the lost; there is hope for us, all 7 billion of us. Hear Him when He says, “I am being patient for your sake.”  Today, He is giving us the opportunity to come to know Jesus His Son, as our personal Lord and Savior. Today, He is giving us the opportunity to turn from our sins and turn to Him-God. Today He is giving us hope, time, and the chance to share Christ with someone.  He is waiting, He desires us, and He is giving us time!  Let’s not waste it!

Maybe you know someone today, who needs to know Jesus loves them, adores them, desires them, and is waiting for them to come to Him. Maybe it is a spouse, family member, child, friend, co-worker, boss, or someone on the street, or in the grocery store. Share with them this passage from 2 Peter.

Maybe you are here reading this today and you don’t know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Maybe you do but you have fallen into the trap of sin and feel like God has given up on you. Maybe today you are feeling hopeless, un-loved, broken, or ashamed. If so, sweet thing I pray you let 2 Peter fall all over you today. I pray you hear Jesus when He says. “I am waiting for you, I love you, I am being patient for your sake. I don’t want you to perish; I don’t want you to spend eternity in Hell. NO! I want you to spend eternity with Me.”  

Brethren I wish nothing more than to be sitting with you. Reading this passage over you and being the hands and arms of Jesus as I hold your hand, hug you, and reassure you from His word, just how much He really does love and desire you. There is NOTHING you have or will do that will stop Him from loving you and waiting for you to come to Him. But since I am on this side of the screen know,  that as you read this, I am with you in Spirit, praying for you, loving you, and hoping nothing but God’s best for you.

Prayer: Jesus be with every person that reads Your word today. Lavish Your love and hope all over them. Lord I ask today that You send someone in flesh to minister to the hearts of the lost and broken. Send me Lord! O Father how we praise You for being patient with us, giving us time to come to You so we don’t perish. Open our minds Lord to the reality of hell and open our hearts to the reality of Your love and the future that awaits those who call on You by name. Lord I pray that today the narrow gate will become a little more crammed as more people come to know You as their personal Lord and Savior. Jesus if this day be my last, may it be spent sharing Your name. Amen

If I know it than I better show it!

"I will obey your principals. Please don't give up on me!" Psalm 119:8

This verse has brought a lot of humor to my home today. I began REALLY packing today and as I packed, Dax INSISTED on UN-packing, pulling the tape, tangling the tape, on and on and on. So after I warned him, yelled at him, and threatened him, I SPANKED him (yes sir-ee I did!) and right after he received it he looked at me and said, "I don't do it again mommy." 

Guess what? 

HE DID IT AGAIN! As I reached for the ole trusty spoon, he started crying and yelling, "I sorry mommy, I don't do it, no spank me, no spank me." It was right there it that moment the last verse popped in my head. Please don't give up on me! (Yes I spanked him anyway)

I know he is a child learning to obey, so this verse has a whole different meaning to him, and yes I believe even at 2 he can understand the word of God.

As for me I wonder…I wonder how often I have done that very thing to the Lord, begged to be spared from a consequence I SO deserved. Oh, wait ONE G-A-Z-I-L-L-I-O-N times! And yet I am no longer a child learning to obey. 

I can remember some past experiences when I knew full well what I was doing was wrong, yet even through facing the consequence, preceded to do it again! O Lord if my children are a product of me spare them Lord. Let them lean on You, look to You, and follow Your example. I know we are sinful Lord but keep them from choosing sin over obedience.

Today as I grow closer to the Lord and seek to obey Him, my heart and soul cry this verse out in a whole new way. A way that hunger’s to please Jesus not just with my words or actions, but with parts of me that only He can make function.

I desire such obedience that when I stand before the Most Holy God, my Father, I will see His face light up because of the joy His heart feels as He looks upon me, His chosen child.

When my boys reach the point of spankings and they begin pleading with me, which interprets in my language, “I know mommy, I know what I did was wrong, yet I did it anyway.”  is the same interpretation the Lord gets when we fail to obey His principals. It is one thing for us to say “I will obey your principals." and it is a whole other thing to actually obey His principals.

I have a precious girlfriend of mine who always says, “I know, I know.” Actually I have several people in my own family who are always saying I know, I know and for some reason my response is always the same, “Stop telling me you know, if you know than show me you know.“  

Jesus doesn’t want to hear us say we know. We know Lord we need to stop living in this sin. We know Lord we need to start going to church, join a church, and serve in the church. We know we shouldn’t drink and do drugs. We know we shouldn’t speak like that. We know we shouldn’t gossip, lie, cheat, steal, have affairs, murder, be full of anger, bitterness, pride, greed. WE KNOW, we know!

Well for me, if I dare to say I know, than my actions, words, thoughts, and behavior better start showing that I know.

Prayer: Lord pull us out of the rut of the I knows and place us into active obedience of Your word. Amen

How is it going?

" I will obey your principals. Please don't give up on me!" Psalm 119:8


How has your time with the Lord been today?

Did you have a chance to show love to someone?

Were you able to forgive, maybe even ask for forgiveness?

Have you been controlling what you say?

All of these questions require obedience-how is that going?

Don't let this day pass by without spending time with Jesus. You never get those days back, and you never know if this day will be your last day. So don't waste it on self or the world, waste it on JESUS!

Prayer: Jesus before we do another thing, may we stop and spend time with You. There is nothing more important than spending time with You and in Your word. NOTHING and I never want to let a day go by without learning more about You. Amen

Asking BIG, seeking relentlessly, and knocking hard.

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

Awe, the joy of waiting upon the Lord! He truly makes all things worth the wait. Though waiting is EXTREMELY difficult, the reward is GREAT.

There is a reason Jesus tells us to keep seeking Him, to keep praying, and to keep on believing during the wait.

“Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.” Matthew 7:7-8

Because when we do we will be given what we ask for (which will be according to His will and will be given in a way far better than how we ever imagined it.) we will FIND what we are looking for, and the door will be opened, a wonderful, awesome, and amazing door.

One of my dearest friends kept on asking, kept on looking, kept on knocking, and kept on believing and after 10 years of doing so this was how our amazing God answered.

That sweet thing is worth it, don’t you think?  I love her, and I love her mama and her mama’s faith! That sweet girl was ten years in the making and God has HUGE, GIGANTIC plans for her!

Prayer: Jesus I am asking BIG, knocking hard, seeking relentlessly, and believing with all I am that You will work all things out for our family according to Your will. You know it is our desire to be together. You know the need we have and the situation we are in. We love You and are looking forward to what You have in store for us. We are asking BIG things Jesus. Amen

5 ways in 7 days

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

Today I had the most amazing opportunity.

The Lord allowed me to teach my Sunday school class while driving down I-20 to pick up Dax. Technology does have its perks. That was awesome and something I have never done before, nor do I think my college students have either.

The greatest thing that came out of all of this was getting to see just how awesome God is. Not only was He in the car fellowshipping with my family, but He was sitting in our Sunday school room fellowshipping with our sweet babies, who faithfully show up each and every Sunday.

We have been studying Psalm 119, and though they find me absolutely crazy they know I mean business in learning ALL 176 verses!

It can be done and as long as I have breath we will press forward in learning and applying all of them out.

Today we discussed verse 7 and came up with five ways we can live our lives as we should, which in return will show God our thanks.

• By learning His righteous laws-this consists of actually opening up His word every day of which we are going to do over the next 7 days! We understand and realize in order to learn His laws we have to read His laws! (I remind you each one of these babies committed to doing so! And I committed to keeping them accountable-I am big on that!

• Through obedience-when we learn a law each day we are going to follow that law and live out that law. We are not just going to read it and forget it, we are going to meditate on it and memorize it!

• Watching what we say
-holding our tongue is a hard thing, so when they mentioned this one I was very pleased! It is one even I need to pay closer attention to.  This will become easier the more we memorize God’s word. Input God’s word-Output-God’s word. Input trash-output trash!

• Loving the UN-lovable-We all deserve love, want love, and are given love by Christ Himself. Because we want our lives to please Him, we are going to take on that same attitude, remember how we desire love, and do it because we love Jesus.

• Forgiving-We are going to meditate on the fact that Christ forgave us and how thankful we are for that gift. It helps to forgive when we remember how forgiven we are. We want all people to experience Christ and showing forgiveness and love is one of the greatest ways.

We really discussed several more, but 5 is a good place to start and is an easier goal to achieve in 7 days.

If you would like-join us! Who knows maybe it will spread all around the world. How great would that be?

Prayer: Lord we are committed to pleasing You. Help us remain faithful throughout these next 7 days. Give us a hunger for Your word, the desire to be obedient, the help from the Holy Spirit to hold our tongue, love, and forgive. We also ask something really big from You-let this become an addiction to do not just for 7 days or just within our group, but throughout world and from now until You return. We are believing and looking forward to BIG things and BIG changes in the lives of Your  people. Thank You for Your amazing word! Amen

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!