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My Freshly Brewed Life: February 2010

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Blog Parade - Come Join the Fun!



I am so excited to join in this Blog Parade.  I have been looking forward to this for a while.  I love meeting new people!  This is going to be so much fun!

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?  I am a night owl.  After working all day, and coming home to care for 4 children and my husband, I enjoy my "alone" time, usually between the hours of 10:00-Midnight.  I love to spend that time listening to worship music, checking my email, catching up on blogs, oh and doing an occasional load of laundry.
2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?  Popcorn.  I am seriously addicted.  I eat an entire bag every night, without fail, before I go to bed.  Luckily, I choose to eat the Healthy Pop, low butter kind, so hopefully my arteries aren't being clogged too much.  Seriously, if I run out I grieve and get really moody.
3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?  I wish I could afford to be a SAHM.  There is so much benefit from spending so much time with your kids, and even homeschooling.  I feel like I've missed out on a lot.  But I do love the job the Lord has given to me!
4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?  I have been known to have quite the slip of the tongue.  I have said some pretty funny and often embarrassing things that have kept people laughing for years, none of which I care to repeat here!
5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?




Hard question.  It's hard to single out just one.  I would love to have been Elizabeth Bennett in Pride & Prejudice.  I find that era very romantic.
6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?  I would love to be able to play the piano.  I love to worship the Lord and I can picture myself sitting at the piano and just worshipping my little heart out (and maybe writing a song or two)!
7. If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?  I have always wanted to take a cruise.  I would love to go to Alaska or Canada.
8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?  Christian/Worship.  I can't think of doing anything else since it's pretty much all I listen to!
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?
I would buy all kinds of stuff for myself, my family, and all of my closest friends!  Okay, on the more practical side, I would have to say:
10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?  The time period of Pride & Prejudice and such novels.  Things seemed so simple then, although I wouldn't want to be without money.  I wouldn't want to have to choose a mate based on a need and not out of love.
11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?
NEED I SAY MORE!
12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
(Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey)
I hate to admit it, but it's true. I am still learning to relax and "take a chill pill" as my kids would tell me.
13. What's the last album you listened to?
Fling Wide, by Misty Edwards.
14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?
I have unfinished laundry in both the washer and dryer, and a couple of baskets yet to fold.  I can't really think of anything else.


To join the 32nd Street Party, visit Abigail and The Rear Window.

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - Fling Wide!



This is my first time participating in this Meme and I am so excited to do so.  This song from Misty Edwards at the International House of Prayer is my heart's cry.  I want God to come and fling wide the door of my heart and soul and have His way in me.  I want to face the winds of change and not fear.  I want to walk through the fire...I know He won't leave me!  I hope you are ministered to as you listen to this song.  Long, but so worth it!



(Lyrics)
Awake, awake, O north wind
Awake, awake, O south wind; blow over me
Come, O winds of testing
Come, winds of refreshing; blow over me

Pre-chorus:
Let the winds blow, let the winds blow (7x)
Let the winds blow

Chorus:
Fling wide the door to my soul
Open up the door to my heart
Have your way, have your way
Have your way, yeah

Post-chorus:
I won’t be afraid; I will face the wind
I won’t be afraid; I’ll embrace the flame

Bridge:
Take me through the fire, take me through the rain
Take me through the testing, I’ll do anything
Test me, try me, prove me, refine me like the gold, like the gold


For more great songs, link up with Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Random Dozen - Bye Bye February


Today we are linking up with Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for our last Random Dozen for the month of February. I can't wait until Spring and warmer weather!

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow? Yes. I took Archery in High School. I was not very good and never hit the Bulls Eye.
2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
I just saw one of them over the 4th of July weekend. Found out she's not too far from me. We don't have anything in common though these days.
3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
I am the early arriver. I drive my family crazy because most of them push it way too close for me.
4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
I've never been to New York. I would love to visit some day, but I absolutely love living in California and have all of my life.
5. Do you have a special ring tone?
Nope. But maybe someone has one for me when I call them.
6. What is your favorite type of chip?
I love Sour Cream & Onion and I LOVE Sun Chips.
7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
the only one I can think of is the one I love right now....THE OFFICE!
8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
I can't say that I have.
9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
That is a hard one. Although I would love one for myself, I would have to say my house, because I don't thave the time, money or creativeness to do it myself.
10. Are you allergic to anything?
Bee stings (at least I was when I was little), and a few antibiotics.
11. Why is it so hard to change?
Because change is walking into unfamiliar territory and sometimes that can be fearful.
12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
In order to love, and allow others to love you, you have to be willing to take risks and let others into your heart. You can no longer keep parts of yourself locked up. You must expose yourself, being vulnerable and trusting others with your heart.

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Daybook Entry - February 23, 2010


Outside my window...cloudy and cool
I am thinking...I would like to stay home on the couch today because I don't feel well
I am thankful for... friends and family
I am wearing...Gray sweat pants and a purple shirt
I am remembering...to reflect on what God has already done in my life. It keeps me going
I am going... to go to work late today and hopefully feel better
I am currently reading...Bridal Intercession by Gary Wiens

I am hoping...that we will get the hang of virtual schooling soon
On my mind... the constant state of disarray in my home. Hopefully I will get on top of it soon
Noticing that...I have less energy these days
Pondering these words... "God sees you"

From the kitchen... nothing at the moment
Around the house... Quiet and peaceful at the moment
One of my favorite things~ Freshly washed sheets from the dryer

For more Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

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Saturday, February 20, 2010

How Do You See Yourself?


I have been in a little bit of a rut the last few days. For whatever reason, I have not been able to see myself as Christ sees me. I have found myself in some serious need of validation. It's not that I am running around yelling, "Do you see me", "Tell me I am worthy", "Tell me what I do matters", but I find that my heart is longing for it, craving it. I have had to do some serious soul searching and ask the Lord why it matters? Why does it hurt so much? When I first became a Christian, I craved value from others. I was so wounded that I could not see myself through the eyes of Christ, nor could I believe what His Word said about me. In my early days of ministry, I walked in a performance-based mentality in everything that I did. I never felt like I mattered much, and that no one "saw" what I did as important or valued. I am mature enough now to understand that those are lies that come at times to prevent me from going deeper into the knowledge of the love of God for me. And even though I know this, at unexpected moments in my life, that need to be valued as both a person and for what I do rears it's ugly head and sometimes it can take me days, if not weeks, to get through it. Early in my walk with the Lord, my sense of worth was anchored more in what I did, and how others perceived what I did, than where it should have been. And now I find myself unsettled and asking the Lord if what I am doing is enough. Does it matter? Does anyone care? Yep, major pity party, I know.

I have come a long way in this area. But the fact that I still struggle sometimes means that I have not yet gained total victory in this area. I no longer find myself crying from feeling unloved, unworthy or not valued (the key word here is "FEELING"), nor do I find myself in a deep state of depression over it, as I once did. But it's the little whisperings in my ear that come at unexpected times that tell me "you are not good enough", "you don't matter", "no one sees what you are doing" that still cause me deep pain and anguish. And that is the very thing that throws me....the fact that it is still there, somewhere hidden, deep in my heart...that deep longing to FEEL valued from others. Why should I care? I know that what I do, I do for the Lord and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. But the enemy is crafty and a liar. He comes at the most unexpected times and those are the times when I must rely on the Word of God. I am validated not by what I do, nor what people think about me, but by what the Word of God says about me.
  • I am a child of God. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)
  • I have been justified and redeemed. ...being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)
  • I will not be condemned by God. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
  • I have been accepted by Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)
  • I have been set free in Christ. It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
  • I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. ...just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. (Ephesians 1:4)
  • I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7)
  • I am God’s workmanship created to produce good works. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
  • I have been made complete in Christ. In Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority. (Colossians 2:10)
  • God loves me and has chosen me. ...knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
I choose to believe that God sees me and all that I do. It matters to Him! He thinks I am pretty remarkable. At those times when the enemy comes in, not so much as a flood, but as a constant whisper, I choose to anchor myself in the Word of God and receive my self worth and validation from Him. God sees you, dear one. How are you seeing yourself today? When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself as small and insignificant, or do you see yourself as the strong, confident, loving, remarkable woman that you are?

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Talkin About Thursdays - Valentines Day!




My friend Genny at My Cup 2 Yours has chosen the topic of "Valentines Day" for our Talkin About Thursdays today. This Valentines was all about family. On Saturday, we celebrated my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary! We told them we were taking them out to dinner to a fancy restaurant. Instead, we invited about 30 people, hired a Taco Truck and a Mariachi Band and surprised them. Here are a few pictures:

Dad, all decked out in his purple dress shirt and shades!


My parents being serenaded by the Mariachi Band. Even though I didn't
understand a word of it, it was good!


My precious parents! They have been through much in their lives.
So thankful for them modeling true commitment and love!

On Sunday morning, I visited my nephew's church to watch him get water baptized. What a glorious site!

My Nephew, Nicholas. Doesn't he look happy?

After church on Sunday, the family gathered at my sisters for a family reunion with my uncle (who has now moved to California to be closer to us) and my aunt from Arizona, who I haven't seen in 10 years and who my mother hasn't seen in about 4 years. My mother was so happy to see her! My dad made Chili Colorado. One of my favorite dishes!


Mom, Aunt Mary, Uncle Jim

Late Sunday night my husband presented me with a gift card to Outback Steakhouse, so we could go have dinner together, just the two of us. I love dinner dates so hopefully we will be doing that soon. My children presented me with more love notes! Gotta love them.

It was a fabulous weekend filled with family, food and fun!

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Random Dozen - Olympic Style


1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be? Ice dancing definately! I use to do competitive roller skating so I could totally picture myself doing this.
2. Do you remember a specific Olympic moment from the past? I will never forget the 1996 Summer Olympics (Atlanta) when Kerri Strug, a gymnast, landed her final vault, despite a twisted ankle, clinching the Gold medal for the US team.
3.
Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics? Nope
4.
If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in? Menu planning. My family always has good food to eat, even if I am not home.
5.
Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage? My father was born and raised in Mexico, and is part Cherokee Indian.
6.
Do you enjoy sleeping late? Do people really do this?
7.
Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.) I never have. I have taken CPR training, but that was years ago. I hope I never have to do it.
8.
Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why. Israel. I want to walk where Jesus walked and see the Holy Land.
9.
Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically? No, but my husband and I were set up.
10.
What is the last book you read? The Silent Gift by Michael Landon, Jr.
11.
Do you enjoy sleeping late? Was this asked already? What is sleeping in anyways? Okay, here's my question: Do you eat a nightly snack before bed? If so, what? Every night, without fail, I eat Healthy Pop popcorn and drink a small glass of OJ.
12.
What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant? I have a lot of favs, but I love to eat Honey Pecan Prawns at China Chilis.

For more Random Dozen posts, visit my friend Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

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Psalm 139 - God's Got Your Back


I continue to study and allow God to speak to me regarding Psalm 139. There are so many rich, amazing promises there for us to hold on to. Today's focus is Psalm 139:5-6:
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot contain it. (NIV)

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! (NLT)

Definition of Hem: ( hem someone/something in) (usu. be hemmed in) surround and restrict the space or movement of : he was hemmed in by the tables.
God goes before us. He follows behind us. He is at our right side, and our left side. We are protected on every front. He is our shield and no harm shall come upon us. He is our fortress!
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
What a promise! Just in case you were wondering who's looking out for you today, God's got your back!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Going for the Gold



My daughter and I have been glued to the TV each night watching the Winter Olympics. Thank goodness for DVRs! For two women who are not all that much into sports, we cannot seem to get away from watching the thrill of victory accomplished, and grieving over the agony of defeat with others. These amazing athletes have trained not just the last four years, but for many of them, their entire lives, for their one moment of glory. They have come to win. They have set their eyes on the ulimate prize - a Gold medal.
As I have observed these athletes all week, I notice they all possess similar critical qualities: intense discipline; focus; world-class training; the will/determination to succeed; and a passion about their future. As I run the race that God has set out for me, I find myself asking these questions:
  1. What has God gifted me to do?
  2. What am I passionate about?
  3. Am I disciplined and focused enough to see it through to completion?
  4. What training have I received/do I need?
  5. Do I have the will and passion to complete the race?
  6. Have I set my eyes on the ultimate prize?
Although I do not have my eyes set on a Gold medal, I choose to focus on the heavenly prize that God, through Christ Jesus has promised. My ultimate goal is to know God and be known by Him. Beyond that, I want to do everything I do with excellence and for the glory of God. God calls us to run this race with excellence. Some days I feel like I am barely muddling through, but still, I press on, knowing that when I cross the finish line I will receive my Great Reward!

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:14)
What goals are you running toward?

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Friday, February 12, 2010

The Key to My Heart


February has been the month to celebrate love ever since the Middle Ages. Valentines Day has become one of the most popular holidays among lovers and florists! The common symbols of Valentine’s Day include cupids, hearts, roses, candy, teddy bears, and words of adoration. Children exchange valentine cards decorated with current comic and cartoon icons. Adults have continued this tradition of card giving which makes this day, behind Christmas, the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. Cupids with bows and arrows represent Roman mythology. Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. The shot of the arrow would strike the unsuspecting desired person or god, making him fall in love.
As women, we all desire to be loved and accepted. God came, through the form of a man, Jesus, to met this need through the most intense act of love ever displayed. On this Valentines Day, as I reflect on my relationship with the One who matters most, I find myself asking the following questions:
  • "Does Jesus hold the key to my heart?"
  • "Are my affections turned towards Him and Him alone?"
  • "Do I yearn for my Beloved Bridegroom, or do I long for wordly pleasures?"
  • "I am fulfilling the Greatest Commandment, to love the Lord with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength?"
  • "Am I learning to love like Jesus loves?"
For me, this Valentines Day, it's all about this kind of love. The kind of love that only God can give me. And when I truly love Him, and allow Him to love me in return, then and only then can I give that same kind of love away to others. Don't get me wrong. A girl loves a nice card, dinner date, box of chocolates or spa day. But I do not want to long for these things in such a way that they take the place of the One who truly matters. He alone is the one who fills my love tank -- 24/7, 365 days a year!
*The photo in this post was used with permission. It was taken by a very dear friend of mine Laura.

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Pursing Love - Love is Kind


Pursuing Love

We are in the second week of Pursing Love and this week's topic is Love is Kind. Well, it's taken me all week to write this post. I thought I was going to miss this one. When I reflect on what it means to be kind - to be friendly, generous and caring, I immediately think about the loving kindness the Lord has shown to me, and how I am instructed to model that kindness in every aspect of my life to those around me. For the most part, I am a kind person. I think that others would say that I am. But as I draw closer to the Lord, He is quick to reveal those areas in my life where my attitudes or actions do not align themselves with His. It is for my benefit that these areas are brought to the light so that I could fix them and look more and more like Jesus, which is my one goal in life. Lately, I've been asking the Lord to show me how to love well. Love starts by being kind. I fell in love with my husband because he was first kind to me. He was/is friendly, generous and caring. If it were not for his kindness in the early days of our relationship, I would not have fallen in love with him.

There are many areas of my life where I feel I need to work on showing kindness to others. Here are a few:
  • Do I say thank you to the person at the grocery store who rings my groceries or helps me out to my car? You would think I would do this automatically, but honestly, sometimes my mind is racing and I just forget.
  • When the line for coffee in the morning is out the door, am I kind towards those working hard to meet my need, or do I moan and complain about why it's taking so long? I've been known to have a bad attitude towards those trying their best to provide me a service. Although I've never voiced my displeasure, just the fact that it was in my heart make me cringe.
  • Do I purposefully look for ways in which to assist others (at work, at home, in the marketplace)? I do pretty good with this at work; but at home and in the marketplace is a different story. I am working on it.
  • Do I model kindness to my children, so that they in turn will be kind to each other? I have had my share of "bad" days and unfortunately, have leaked my unkindness out into the atmosphere of my home. I am working hard to maintain an atmosphere of love, honor, kindness and respect in my home.
  • Do I treat myself with the same kindness that the Lord has shown me? Not there yet. I have been working on this one my entire life. I have come a long way, but have so far to go.
I want to be Kind (friendly, generous and caring) all of the time. I don't want to allow my circumstances, or the fact that the day got the best of me, to dictate how I treat myself or others. My prayer is that the Lord would give me a heart of compassion for others, so that I would begin to see them through His eyes, and show them the same loving kindness that He has freely given to me.

For more posts on Love is Kind, visit Marsha at Marsha's Musings.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Blog Comments


What a boring title, huh? I have been notified by a couple of my followers (there might be more of you out there) that they could not leave a comment on my blog. A few weeks ago I installed Intense Debate for blogger, as well as Comment Luv. Although I love the idea of comment threading, and building discussion based on comments, I cannot have a blog where my amazing readers cannot leave comments. So, I have uninstalled Intense Debate and reverted back to the normal Blogger commenting system. I have lost comments to about 12 of my most recent posts, but YOU are all worth it!

If you have tried to comment on a recent post and couldn't, please try again. Your comments are important to me. Hopefully this will work. Thanks for your patience! Now, I am off to think about something deeper to write about.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Talkin About Thursdays - Goals




We're talkin it up with Genny over at My Cup 2 Yours! Today's topic is "goals".
Goal: -the object of a person's ambition or effort;
-an aim or desired result;
-the destination of a journey

I am not sure I relate to the first definition, that of a goal being the object of my ambition. I do have several goals that I am working toward fulfilling, but some of them have barely gotten out of the starting gate. They are more concepts or things I dream of doing so they aren't yet things I am feeling "ambitious" towards. The second definition, that of a goal being an "aim" or "desired result" suits me much better. There are many things I desire to do, but don't yet feel I have the drive or ambition to fulfill them. For me, pursuing a goal is a journey. Sometimes the journey can be long, other times short. I strive to stay focused as I walk along my journey of fulfilling these things in my life. Here are some things I am working toward:
  1. Daily Bible Reading. I strive to get into the Word of God every day. Some days I miss it, but I am doing much better at the beginning of 2010 than I was at the end of last year. My Pastor has started a daily accountability blog with our church staff and leadership. It's been an amazing way to stay focused and I love reading about what God is speaking to everyone else through His Word.
  2. Loving Well. I am a very loving person, at least, my heart and head love well, but my actions or words don't always show it, neither does my attitude. I want to learn to truly love like Jesus does, to see others through His eyes, and have the patience that He does with me.
  3. Getting My Home Organized. I have to admit I haven't been very organized in any aspect of my life over the last several months. I wear many hats, but I know that God has given me enough hours in the day to accomplish all that He's called me to do. One area where the disorganization and clutter has gotten the best of me is in my home. As a full-time working mom of 4 (one of which I home school at night) who is actively involved in ministry, it's hard to find the time or strength to clean and organize. I am starting with decluttering all of my rooms and going from there.
Well, that's it for now. Off to read what others are working on.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Another Random Dozen


1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient? I have to admit, I do get impatient when I am ill. It's only because as a mom, I still have to keep going, and when I am sick I just want to stay in bed all day.
2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction? I only wish we had inclement weather in California.
3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve? Laundry. I tend to not follow through (as I sit here looking at the basket of clothes that still needs to be folded from a few days ago).
4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day? No.
5. What song is on your mind today? Fling Wide by Misty Edwards.
6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic? I have an equal love for both.
7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room. I am really good at this! So good that sometimes I forget to go back and deal with the first issue.
8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.) His love for the Lord!
9. When was the last time your heart raced? A couple of days ago, while driving with my kiddos in the car, someone was about to run a red (turning right) and we were going straight. I nearly missed hitting them. Was very frigtening.
10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school? We always had a party. In those days were were allowed to bake our owen goodies. And I loved opening all of the cards and I kept them for what seemed like forever.
11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer? A 2lb. box of Sees Candy!
12. Red or pink? Pink!

Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for more Random Dozen posts!

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Monday, February 8, 2010

Love Notes


Sunday was a wonderful but long day. I went to church, excited that I would get to be in service (as I am often not due to serving in Sunday School), got asked to cover for someone in the 1st grade class, worked the bookstore following the service, had lunch with friends, ran a few errands afterwards, went to the Prayer Room and spent some time with Daddy God, then prayer walked a few areas of our city with some awesome intercessors...oh and grabbed some coffee afterwards! Needless to say, I was tired and ready for the day to be over. I have to admit, I was hoping my hubby had put my little ones to bed, because I simply wanted to plop myself on the couch and not have to do any thing else. As I walked in the door, all I could see were the beaming, smiling faces of my 6 year old son and 9 year old daughter. "Mommy, you're home!". "Mommy, come see!" They took me by the hand and led me around the kitchen and living room where they had put up "love notes" for me in their own handwriting. Okay, I was undone. My heart melted as I once again sensed the overwhelming love of my Daddy God through acts of love displayed by my children. The notes were adorable, I just have to share:



I have the best kids in the world!

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Sunshine Award!



Thank you Angie at Angie's Ad Lib for awarding me the Sunshine on a Cloudy Day blog award!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world.
I am so honored to have received this award. Being still fairly new to the world of blogging, I am humbled and amazed when others are blessed by what I have to share.

Below are the rules for accepting these awards:
  • Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
  • Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.
  • Link the nominees within your post.
  • Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.
  • Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.
I am blessed by so many blogs. Here are some in particular who bring sunshine to my cloudy days:
Loren at The Magoos News. Loren was one of my first treasured finds in the world of blogging. She is always so uplifting, encouraging and inspiring. We have become great blogging friends, and I hope I have the honor to meet her face to face one day!
Lynnette at Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground. I stumbled upon Lynnette's blog while doing a search for blogs to follow. I was inspired through her testimony of God's love and faithfulness through her losses. Although I cannot relate to Lynnette in this way, she encourages me daily.
Courtney over at The Kirkland Family. I do not know Courtney very well (and I am not sure she knows who I am), but I absolutely love her blog. Her design immediately drew me in and she always has uplifting and encouraging things to say. Her blog is just plain fun!
Sarah at Sarah Markley. This is another blog I stumbled upon, most likely a link from another blog. I read Sarah's story and was overwhelmed with joy at God's faithfulness and restoration in her life. Her blog is honest and she is who she is and I love that about her.
Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. I love Linda. She is a true giver of sunshine on a cloudy day. I can't tell you how many times I have visited her blog and had a really good laugh just in the knick of time.
Esther at For Such a Time as This. I just recently found Esther and I am so glad I did. Her posts are inspiring. I am looking forward to getting to know her better.
Jill at Forever and Ever and Always. There is no one who inspires me such as Jill. Her insight into the heart of God changes me. Her dedication and commitment to adoption overwhelms me. She is a true giver. Plus, she is the awesome woman who designed my fabulous blog!
Debbie at Heart Choices. Debbie writes from her heart. Her posts cause me to think and go deeper in the Lord.
Beth at I'm Heading Towards My Destiny. Her blog title drew me in. And I was pleased to find out she was a worshipper and intercessor, as I am. We have so much in common and she really connects me with the heart of the Father.
Kristi at Kiki's Corner. She was another one of the blogs I first followed. Though she has weathered some storms in life, her perspective and commitment to see the promises of the Lord fulfilled in her life are astounding.
Marsha at Marsha's Musings. I newly found treasure! I know I am going to love hanging around with her!
Genny at My Cup 2 Yours. It was her blog title and design that drew me in. I'm all about coffee. I have been a faithful follower of hers since the day I found her. I love her writing style and she always has such good things to share.
Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate. I bet you can't tell what drew me to Lisa's blog? CHOCOLATE! Need I say more? She is another newly found treasure and I can't wait to get to know her better!
Joyeful at The Joyeful Journey. This blog is filled with grace and the love of God. Very inspiring and written from the heart.
Chrissy at Fire Flies and Hummingbirds. It was her blog profile that drew me in. We have so much in common. I love reading this blog. It brings encouragement and sunshine to my day.
Oops, well I have listed more than 12 bloggers here. Can you tell there are many who inspire me? I hope you will pop over and visit these blogs! Be encouraged!

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Sunday, February 7, 2010

Worship and the Power of Your Song


I was going through my journal today and found my notes from when Dan McCollam visited Convergence Supernatural School of Ministry back in March, 2009. I thought I would share some awesome insight he gave about the power of the song.
  1. A song delights the heart of the Father. God is looking for worshippers. Worship is for the delight of the Father.
  2. A song displaces the enemy and overturns atmospheres. (1 Samual 16:23) The battle is for air space, establishing air supremecy through worship.
  3. A song carries a breaker anointing that shatters chains and yokes of bondage.
  4. A song opens up atmospheres of supernatural encounters. (1 Samuel 10: 6; 19)
  5. A song refreshes, encourages and instructs the saints. (Eph. 5:17-19; Col. 3:16) Your experience will always rise to the level of your declaration. Songs have the power to shape mindsets. It's not those who write the laws who shape a generation, but those who write songs.
  6. A song releases personal transformation. (2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Peter 1) Whatever you see in Him you can have in you. Whatever you behold, you become.
  7. A song activates the Kingdom of Heaven. If you want Heaven on earth, you must establish the same atmosphere as Heaven = Worship!
There is a song inside of you that only you can sing. It doesn't matter how good you sing. God loves to hear your voice praising Him. Worship is a powerful tool. It brings us into the presence of the Lord and it sends the enemy to flight. On those days when I am finding it hard to pray, I simply put on worship music and I find myself with renewed strength and clarity to pray. On nights I cannot sleep I put on soaking music in my iPod that draws me into the presence of the Lord. I can't wait to get to Heaven. I am going to fit right in with the Angels around the throne who get to worship the Lord 24/7! But I can start now. You can too!

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. (Psalm 96:1)

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Patient Love


Pursuing Love


I am so excited to be able to participate in the Pursuing Love Meme sponsored by Marsha over at Marsha's Musings.

I have been a Christian for over 25 years, and I would have to say that just over the last 3 years or so have I begun to comprehend how very much God loves me. I have come a long way, but I still have a ways to go. I am one of those people who have a lot of head knowledge, read the Word, believes what it says; yet, for whatever reason it doesn't always sink into those deep places of my heart. Yet I trust, I choose to believe!

I would have to say that I am one of those who have built walls around my heart. I didn't really know that they were there, until about a year ago when I, along with my husband, went through some very deep and intense emotional healing. Choosing to leave what is past in the past, I won't post about it here; but just to say that I did allow my heart to become closed and hard in some areas, due to issues from my past. Slowly, and every so lovingly and patiently, my Daddy God has been able to break those barriers down, so that I can begin to allow Him to fill me up with his overwhelming love.

Today's topic is Love is Patient. For me, part of learning to love well is being patient with myself, and allowing God to take His time to heal the hurts in my heart. Sometimes I want to rush things. But God knows that if He were to reveal every hurt that lies deep in the crevice of my heart to me all at once, I probably wouldn't survive. So I am learning to allow Him to take my hand and slowly reveal these things to me.

Love is a journey. One that we walk a little farther in each day, as long as we are being transparent with God and those He's placed around us. I have not yet arrived at the depth of love, or loving others, that I need to be. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, my patient teacher, I am learning to walk in love.

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