Challenging words...

I know that I am supposed to be doing the Friday Top 10 List today, but last night I came across a quote that has me really thinking. I am reading an amazing book entitled "Through the Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot. Many of you know the story of the 5 missionaries that were speared to death in Ecuador many years ago and may have even seen the movies "End of the Spear." This book is the story from Elisabeth Elliot, one of the widows of the men killed. Though her husband is Jim and we hear from their perspective a lot...the man who was in charge of writing their journals and story was the pilot Nate Saint.

I am to the place in the story when the 5 men are about to go into the deep jungle to put up a home among the Auca tribe who are known for their violence and brutality of white men. But, they feel so very called to share Jesus with these people who have never before heard.

This is Nate's final journal entry before they left the next day for the Auca territory, leaving their wives and children behind...knowing that this may be the last time they see their families since the Aucas had attacked other white men before with their lances (spears). This was his prayer and thoughts leading up to this moment...

"If God would grant us the vision, the word sacrifice would disappear from our lips and thoughts; we would hate the things that seem now so dear to us; our lives would suddenly be too short, we would despise time-robbing distractions and charge the enemy with all our energies in the name of Christ." Nate Saint

That has stopped me in my tracks. It has made me think and ponder. I can't get it out of my head! I am not camping out simply on man's words...but because I know that is the heart of Paul when he wrote this in Philippians 3:7-14:

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Pressing on Toward the Goal Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. "

Oh, may I grow every day to hate time-robbing distractions in my life. I pray that I will see my life as too short! That I won't ever get to happy or satisfied here on this earth...because it is NOT my home. But, more than that...there are people perishing every minute and entering eternal damnation called hell. It's real, it's forever, and people are dying every moment and going there. Lord, please help me to focus on eternity each day...and not get distracted my time-robbing ploys of the enemy.

In "What Jesus Demands from the World" by John Piper another quote stood out to me that I read last night...

"The entire life and work of Jesus is one great argument why we should listen to his word. Page after page of the New Testament Gospels pile up reasons to turn off the television and listen to Jesus!"

Think about this during your day today. Let eternity get into your head and change the way you enter every day. It is changing me today. I so desire to be one who is constantly investing in the work of God...like the servant with the 5 talents...may I not squander any minute of any day. I confess that I do squander my time. Lord, may I repent of this and begin to live each day focused on what God is focused on...His glory reaching every person!

If you are looking for a book to read that will change the way you view your life, missions, sacrifice, and death read "Through the Gates of Splendor". It has challenged me in so many ways...I know it will yours!

What do we do about Halloween...

If you are looking for the answer to what Christians should or shouldn't do about Halloween...you won't find it here! My husband is NOT a fan of Halloween and so we have never celebrated the traditional way. We don't dress up, trick or treat, or eat lots of candy. But, we have always had a BLAST! You see we live in this world...and it celebrates October 31st as something else. We know that day is actually Reformation Day and we teach our children about what that means for us as Christians. But, there is one day a year that people in our communities open their doors freely...and we want to be there to make sure they receive the Word of God!

Now, we could just stay in our homes and refuse to acknowledge that the rest of the world exists, but we want to be a part of redeeming this day! What others have meant for evil...we want to see God change to good!

Our church is having a Fall Festival on that night and we will be excited to play that games and enjoy the fellowship of believers in our community. But, we don't just want to hang out with other believers of Christ on that day...we want to get out there and reach those who don't believe in Christ!

So, this year we ordered some candy from Oriental Trading Company with evangelistic scripture on it. We are planning to go door to door in our apartment complex with this candy. We don't want to take any candy...we want to GIVE the Word of God. Now I realize that a little wrapper with a scripture may not seem like much...but God promises that His Word ALWAYS accomplishes what He intends for it accomplish. We just want to plant a little seed! We know that parents will look over all the candy that their family gets...and they may read over this verse. We just want to plant a seed of God's Word in the lives of those around us.

So, how are you spending your Halloween? Pray and ask God how you can be a part of what He has in mind on October 31st. He will lead you in the way that He wants you to be a part! We do live in a lost world...let's not pretend like we don't. Let's take this day and perhaps make it the first day someone ever read God's Word! How exciting!

Fall Fun!

This Saturday we went with friends to our local pumpkin farm for the day! We had such a blast petting the animals, riding the hayride, playing in the pumpkin field and then picking the perfect pumpkin to take home. We then went out to dinner and back to our house to do some decorating! It was messy...but very FUN! Everyone got in on the painting and most of us had paint ON us too. It was a great day and a very fun weekend! We were busy with birthday parties, dinners, and more. We were tired by Sunday night, but it was great to enjoy this wonderful fall weather with friends!

Sabbath Reflections...

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2

Yesterday, we began a study on heaven at Noonday. It will be an interesting and exciting journey...but one verse that we looked at yesterday really stuck in my heart. It is the verse above from Colossians 3.

For the past week God has been showing how meaningless this life is without Him. I was meditating on chapter 20 of 1 Chronicles about how the Philistine giants were killed...though they were great in size. As I was praying over that chapter, God really began to show me how very meaningless our lives are without God.

Think about it with me...we are piles of dust! We can't control ANYTHING! We can't control when we're born, where we are born, who our parents are, when we die, if we will go to the doctor and find out we have cancer, if someone breaks into our home and steals everything, if a hurricane blows away our city, if a tornado lands on our house, if our children are kidnapped, if we are in a car wreck, if our country is bombed...and I could go on and on!

We take pieces of wood or bricks and stack them up to make a house...yet we think that gives us status. We hang pieces of fabric up and nail things to our walls...and we think this gives us prestige. We change the shape of our bodies...and think that makes us beautiful. Some can blow air out of their lungs and make it sound nicer than others...and that makes them famous. Some can take a page of writing and act it out...and we give them awards. We use little green pieces of paper or plastic cards to store up lots of things...and that makes us rich.

Do you see how meaningless all this is? Just take a few minutes to boil down everything we put stock into in our daily lives...what we give meaning to...and think about it. It is meaningless without God...who is in complete control of everything!

God takes that stack of wood and makes is a home where children are loved and mentored in His love. God takes those bodies of dust that we live in...and breathes life into us! God takes that breathe of song and turns into a way to bless and declare His glory! God takes those pieces of money and combines them to feed the hungry, clothe the poor and bless those who need blessing in His name. God is what turns stuff into vehicles of blessing...for us and for Himself.

"He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Colossians 1:17-20

Take a look at your life today. Are you living a life of meaning or running after the things of this earth? Are you placing your identity on what you can gather here while you are alive, or are you investing in what is eternal? I pray that I will be setting my mind on the things above...those things that are seated with Christ! That I would not seek to find my joy in stuff, but in Christ and sharing that with those who don't know Him. Commit to seek a life of meaning!

SMILE!!!

This week Virginia had to go to the orthodontist to get her spacers. For those of you, like Jay, who have never had braces these are little blue rubber bands that go in between your teeth to spread them a part for the bands. Those bands will hold the expander in place. But, this part of the process hurts really bad...I remember! It's really just sore from the teeth shifting a part, but she hasn't really been able to bite down on her food so it's been mushing stuff this weekend.

She also had her impressions done...which is a tray full of nasty gooey stuff that molds quickly to the shape of your mouth and teeth. So, it was an interesting trip and she did amazing. She did exactly as they said and was out of there in 30 minutes. We have 2 more visits before they put the expander in. Here are a few photos...

Friday's Top 10 List...

Though I feel a little like David Letterman (doesn't he do those top 10 lists?) doing a Friday's Top 10 List, I'm loving the opportunity to focus on having JOY even in those areas that seem to be burdensome or difficult.

You see, that's where JOY far exceeds mere happiness! JOY is a fruit of the Spirit...happiness is simply an emotional feeling that is based on the moment or the circumstances. JOY is available to every person who has accepted Christ and has the Holy Spirit living in them...isn't that awesome! So in honor of JOY...

Top 10 reasons I have joy in homeschooling my children:
10.Seeing Anli progress at her own pace without pressure
9. Having time to focus on not just academics...but real life experience learning
8. The dress code is a bit more relaxed...PJ's are sometimes accepted (but not often).
7. Parent/Teacher conferences are a breeze!
6. Morningstar Academy...to the rescue!!!
7. Seeing them both learn is amazing.
6. School hours are 9-1...very nice!
5. Spending time with the two grooviest girls on the planet!
4. It made me get over my own prejudice about homeschooling families.
3. Our home is such a peaceful place.
2. Enjoying time with friends...without the stress of going home to do homework!
1. It's what God has called me to do...and He give the JOY and happiness in the middle of it!

Well, think about something in your life today that is sometimes a struggle...or something that others might think is a huge burden. Take a few minutes to make your very own Top 10 List...of the blessing it has been in your life. Remember, for those that are in the family of God...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Cagle's Dairy Fun!!

This past week we had a blast visiting Cagle's Dairy. The girls were learning about milk and the food groups...so we knew this would be a great field trip (get it...field trip...OK that was bad!). We had a beautiful weekend day and it was nice with cool breezes. The perfect fall outing filled with pony rides, corn mazes, hayrides, hot dogs, snow cones, petting cows, and fresh milk. Here are a few of the highlights of our trip! Enjoy...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sabbath Reflections...

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26

This Sunday we were challenged about how we use our words. It was very challenging and Pastor Billy used several scriptures that were extremely convicting to me. I don't know about you, but watching what comes out of my mouth is hard to do on a daily basis.

But, this verse isn't just saying that she controls her words and doesn't gossip with her friends. This verse says that the godly woman is one who speaks wisdom and faithful instruction. It goes beyond simply keeping a reign on our mouths (which James encourages us to do!) it takes it a step further to tell us what SHOULD be coming from our mouths!


Take a look at these verses:
Psalm 35:28
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.

Psalm 37:31-32

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

Psalm 71:24
My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, or those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion

Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them".

These verses show me that just muzzling my mouth is not what God has in mind when He created the tongue! His desire is for us to use our words to praise Him and let others know what He has done for us. Yes, we are to flee from gossip, lying, slander, boasting, and idle talk. But, just keeping silent all day long is a waste of what God created your tongue to do...proclaim the glory of God!


The last verse above tells us that when our mouths are filled with laughter and joy in God...then it will be said among the NATIONS that God has done great things for us! WOW! I want my words to be the kind that reach the nations with the joy of God...and that those words will turn them to faith in Jesus Christ! Doesn't that sound awesome?

Think about your words today. What do you spend most of your words doing? Are you spending them on complaining, bragging, gossipping, lying, flattering, debating, criticizing and idle talk? Commit with me today to begin to allow God to redeem our tongues! He created them and we know that He has a unique purpose for them. Let's use our words to bless and not curse!

Just hangin' out...

I just wanted to post this cute picture that we took over at the Carter's house this week. We had a blast getting together with friends and seeing the progress on their new addition to their house. They are expanding their kitchen and doing some awesome stuff to their backyard. It looks amazing!

We've had a busy fun weekend with not much time to post...but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share this cute photo with you all. It's one of my favorites. I look forward to sharing my Sabbath Reflections with you tomorrow...it was a great Sabbath!

New Family Photos!

Well, when you are the photographer who takes everyone else's family photos...you usually don't ever think about your OWN family photos! The last time we had any photos of our family taken it was for a church directory...and you know how those always look!!!

So, tonight we braved The Picture People simply because they send me "free portraits and no sitting fee" coupons to my email. We had a BLAST and they were absolutely amazing...go Emily (our photographer)! We also had a great time just hanging out at the mall together while we waited for them to be finished.

So, enjoy just a few of our favorites (we ordered 12 sheets for Christmas presents and for ourselves) they even gave us 3 free sheets...it was a steal!

Praising with my girls!

The girls and I came up with a fun thing for us to do while we are winding down for bed. After they take some quiet time to listen to their audio Bible and journal, we have a blast singing together. Since we live in such a small apartment...when I was practicing my guitar each night the whole house would hear.

So, I decided we could combine my practice time with praise time! We have loved this time of the night and enjoying singing some of our very favorite songs together. Tonight, I was wanting to document this on our family videos. But, it was so sweet I thought I would share it with you too! They did know that it was being taped...so there are few glances and extra big smiles. But, it was still from the heart and a joyful sound to the Lord and to their mama!

Our favorite song is one calle Tiny by Enter the Worship Circle. I wanted to share the words with you because they are so precious:

Tiny
With these tiny hands
With these tiny fingers
I will reach out hard to You
In this tiny room
With these tiny people
I will tell the truth to You
You are faithful,
You are strong You are goodness,
I am wrong You are larger, more than anything
You're everything to me
With my tiny words, in this tiny song
I will sing my heart to You
On my tiny knees,
with my tiny dreams I will give my life to You

I so want to be tiny! I want to decrease so that Christ will increase! Enjoy some precious time with the Lord in praise today!

What I have to do to memorize scripture...

Well, I don't know about you, but becoming a parent has somehow erased 95% of my memory...never to return again. I have so much going on each day that it is a challenge for me to carve out some time to memorize the Word. But, that's not an excuse and I know that what I put in my brain will be the thing that comes out of my mouth and that will make their way to my heart. So, I had to find time to focus on a specific scripture so that I could get it through my foggy brain!

That's right...I memorize scripture while I am washing my hair! Well, that is about the only time in my day that I am uninterupted and it's pretty quiet. I decided that during that time I could focus on memorizing and meditating on that scripture and it would focus my mind on it for the rest of the day.

It is simply an index card in a zip top baggie...duct taped to the wall. I found that on that wall it didn't get very wet and the tape has been sticking for several days...which is how long I keep it up before move onto another verse.

My scripture for this week is found in Ephesians 4:

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient , bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Now, you don't have to memorize scripture in between shapoo and conditioner applications like I do, but you do need to take some time to do it! I share this little funny thing in my life to encourage you to be creative in your spiritual life. You'll find that there are moments in your day that can be changed from idle time to amazing times with God. I want each moment that I live here on earth to be lived to the glory of God. Now, I can say I am washing my hair to the glory of God (smile)!

Really, take some time today to devote yourself to writing God's Word on your mind and heart. Look at what the Bible says about what we put in our hearts and minds...

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. 1 Peter 4:11

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates" Deuteronomy 11:18-20

There are so many more that I could name...but you get the point. So, start today! Take one verse and place it somewhere you will come into contact with it throughout your day and begin memorizing God's Word. Our pastor at Noonday puts verses on sticky notes and puts them in the pocket of his slacks so that every time he puts his hands into his pockets he is reminded of his verse. Be creative...do what works for you...but do it! You'll be amazed that you DO have time and you CAN memorize God's Word and it WILL make a life difference!

Girls in the Word!

We have found a wonderful resource for our children! We are excited about this audio Bible that is word for word scripture with songs for memorizing strategically placed throughout the CD. I have a child who has dyslexia and attention challenges. She has amazing audio recall...but visually things are very cluttered for her. So, I was at my local Christian bookstore and found this resource.

Each morning we have a devotion time where we read the Bible verses together along with a daily verse to memorize or think on throughout the day. But, I want for my children to find way to read or listen to the Bible on their own each day. I love our time together in the Word, but I also want for them to be in the Word each day on their own...to develop a personal interaction time with God.

So, the girls have been listening to one chapter each evening in their beds (Anli is in Matthew and Virginia is in Mark) with headphones. Then, they have a journal where they either write or draw a response to what they have heard. This gives them exposure to responding to God's Word...not just listening or reading. We want them to be interacting with the Word.

We aren't really thrilled that it is only offered in the CEV Bible, but they use our favorite ESV version in the mornings to do our memorization and reading from...this listening Bible is a time for them to hear the counsel of God's Word instead of just a verse here and there. There are many other audio Bibles in lots of different versions, but this one was made with kids in mind with music and songs and pacing that is fit for kids 6-12.

I just wanted to share that even if you have children with learning challenges or attention struggles there are resources and ways to get them engaged at a young age in God's Word. But, don't let anything take the place of working WITH your child through God's Word. God commands us to TALK with them about it! And we can't be doing that if WE are not in His Word each day ourselves! So, take time to get alone with God and interact with Him yourself...you won't be able to contain it! Before long...your kids will want to be in it too! So, get creative with it and enjoy God and His Word!

As He Really Is...

We had a sick child this weekend, so we didn't go to church on Sunday. Though we weren't able to worship with the Noonday Family, God gave beautiful worship through His Word. Here are some verses that God challenged me with:

"And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, "How can I bring the ark of God home to me?" So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite." 1 Chronicles 13:11-13


In this story, the Ark was being brought by David back from Kiraith-jearim. Yet on the way, because they had not obeyed the commands how the ark should be carried and transported, it almost fell from the cart. A man named Uzzah reached out to keep it from falling and he was killed. David was angry at God for this...and then became too afraid to allow the ark to come with him. He sent it away to the home of Obed-edom.

What happened here? Why was David angry with God when he was the one who didn't follow the guidelines for transporting the ark? Why was he afraid of God so much that he didn't even want the ark with him?

Well, I believe the answer lies in the fact that God acted in a way that was unexpected by David...and he got angry! It says earlier in verse 8 that "David and all Israel were rejoicing before God with all their might" but a few moments later David is burning with anger at God. He changed his tune pretty quick, don't you think?

But, David is not alone in his reaction to God. You see, we are a lot like David in our own lives. We are completely content to worship and rejoice in God as long as He plays by our rules and doesn't try to get out of the box that we have made for Him. We like a god who is safe, predictable, understandable, and does what we think is right. But, that is not God at all...it's a god we have made in our own image!

David then became afraid and sent the very symbol of God's presence away to another place to stay. He didn't want anything to do with God anymore. But, look at what happens to Obed-edom (the man whose home the ark came to rest)...

"And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had" verse 14.

WOW! Look at the contrast here! David is left with anger and fear...while the household of Obed-edom is filled with the blessing of God. Seeking a god of our own making will only lead to anger and fear and disappointment. But, embracing the mystery of a HUGE, unexplainable, irresistible, powerful, just, sovereign, righteous God will always be blessed.

Look at your life today...are you seeking the God of the Bible or are you making a god that fits your lifestyle? Are you allowing God to be who He is...no matter what that may look like? Are you trying to put God in a box that you can wrap you mind around and tame? Embrace the mystery of God...get really comfortable with the words "I don't know!" Allow Him to be who He is and enjoy the God of the Bible!

David was a man after God's own heart, because eventually he found out that God is who He is and if we are going to live a life that is blessed we must be willing to give up those views of Him that are wrong! David didn't like what He saw of God...it didn't make sense to him...and he got angry departing from the presence of God. Is that how you are living today? If so, give up your own ideas and plunge deep into God's Word without reserve and embrace who He is. Let God be God today and hang on for the ride of a lifetime!

Happy 4th Birthday Julian...and YEAH TIGERS!

We are wishing Julian a wonderful "real" birthday today! We love you and can't wait to see you again really soon. Have a awesome day today!

We also are so thrilled with our Tigers last night! It was an awesome game...right down to the last second, literally! We hope all of you are having a great weekend and have a blessed Sabbath.

Ravings Of A Proud Aunt and Uncle!

We recently highlighted my nephew Julian in honor of his fourth birthday a few days ago. We are so excited to be an uncle, aunt, and cousins to 3 of the most adorable kids in the world! So, it would be a huge shame if we didn't give you all a glimpse at our other niece and nephew.

We are known to Emma and Parker as Uncle Bug and Aunt Franny...though their dad, Chris, likes to call me Old Aunt Franny! Here are some of the most recent photos that we received of our precious little niece Emma who just started preschool this year and her baby brother Parker. Aren't they just the cutest? We are a little biased, but who cares!

Friday Top Ten!

It has been inferred that I have somewhat of a "Pollyanna" syndrome (and that hasn't always been said as a good thing!) in my life. But, even in the harshest deserts...and trust me over the past few months I have been through some...God always shows me glimpses of what He is doing through and with those deserts.

That is called JOY! It's not anything that I can muster up and nothing that comes from Frances. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit given as a free gift of Jesus Christ. So, in honor of JOY...I wanted to begin my Friday Top Ten lists to show that no matter what we go through or where we are in our lives, God is at work and that's something to smile about...even though it annoys some people!

Top Ten Reasons I Love Living In An Apartment:

10. We don't have to mow our lawn or worry about yard work!

9. We don't have to do much of anything to the place...they won't even let us change our own light bulbs!

8. We have a sand volleyball court that doubles as the biggest sandbox we've ever had!

7. We have our own tennis courts that comes with free tennis lessons from a resident pro...and we need it too!

6. We now have an inside dog that wakes me at 6:15am each morning for my run.

5. We have a great open floor plan that we've never had before.

4. We have a pool that the girls love to swim in as much as they can before it gets too cold!

3. We have a jogging trail that the girls love to ride their bikes on every afternoon...while Jay and I walk and enjoy time to talk and exercise...Pacey loves the walk too!

2. It takes me about 30 minutes to clean this 1200 square foot place...so nice!

1. God has placed us with over 1,000 people within walking distance to share Jesus Christ's love with for the next year of our lives!!!!!

So, while many people would say that it is quite sad that we had to sell our wonderful house and move into a small apartment...we say NO WAY! We just love it...it is a transition, but a good one.

I hope that today you will begin your own list of the blessings in your life. Take something that might seem like a hard thing to others...or even yourself right now...and think of at least 10 ways God is blessing you through that situation. I bet you'll find out you are a little like Pollyanna too. I pray that it just means the Holy Spirit is growing some JOY in my life!!!

A verse I am chewing on this week...

"...the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night." 1 Chronicles 9:33

I read this verse earlier this week and have been chewing on it all week long. I have been studying its meaning in the Hebrew as well to get a full idea of what was going on here in this verse. In this portion of 1 Chronicles 9, we are seeing a glimpse of the responsibilities of some of the different tribes.

But, the wording to me is so thought provoking here in this verse. Do you see the beauty in the wording? It says that they are free from other services...for they were on duty day and night! It does NOT say that they were free of service...to hang out, go fishing, read a magazine, shop, or talk on their cell phones! It says that they were free of the other services (that were ordained by God for others to perform)but they were on duty day and night.

What does that mean? Well, what I have been applying to my life today and all week is the fact that I must be willing to say "no" to some services so that I am free to do the work God has called me to do. Easier said than done in my life! But, it is my goal...to be in step with the Holy Spirit every day so that I am joining the vision God has for my life. I don't want to be constantly busying myself with "service" all the while ignoring the duty God has called me to day and night! I know that if I am breathing today that God has a plan for how He intends for me to use that time.

I don't know about you, but there are all kinds of service that I have either taken because I couldn't say no or I thought that if I didn't do it then no one would. This verse has rebuked, challenged, and encouraged me to stay in step with the Holy Spirit and only do those things that He has assigned me.

How will you know? Well, God's Word and the precious gift of the Holy Spirit are crucial in knowing and joining God. The more I find myself in His Word...the more I sense the leadership of the Holy Spirit in my daily activities. He gets into my business every single day...and though it's convicting and challenging...I love it!

How about you? Are there places of "service" that you are doing that you know aren't where God has you to be? Are you so busy with the other "services" that you are neglecting the duties that God desires you to be on task with day and night? If so, dig deep into His Word and release those things that are simply works of the flesh. We can do those things all day long...but if they are not unto the Lord...they are completely selfish.

This isn't a cop out to get around serving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. It says in that verse that they were on duty day and night...they just knew what their duty was to the Lord. May that be the goal and pursuit of my life...to be serving my Lord day and night...not myself!

Expanders!

Yesterday we went to the orthodontist for Virginia (yes, I know it seems like she is seeing a lot of doctors this week!) because our dentist said that she had a class 3 under bite and cross bite. So, we went to see Dr. Jordan who came highly recommended by our friends. We found out that she has to have an expander to try to open up her bite and hopefully shift her jaw forward in the process.

She will have this for 6 months...and I have to learn to turn the expander 2 times a day for two weeks...yuck! But, hopefully this will fix the problem and we won't have to do anything else. If it doesn't she'll have to get a headgear to wear every night. Those of you who have had headgears know it's not the most fun thing to put on at night!

He also noticed that she has a speech issue due to her mouth problems. So, once that is fixed he believes she will need to go to speech classes to teach her how to make the sounds correctly again.

Keep us in prayer as Virginia does NOT want this in her mouth...she is really unsure and a little scared. Dr. Jordan was wonderful, but she's nervous. We have been praying with her about it and she knows that God is there for her to talk to about it. I can't imagine parenting without an amazing God!

We are attending Noonday...and loving it! One Sunday we were talking about parenting in our Life Change class. As I sat there and listened...I couldn't even imagine what parents do if they don't have a relationship with the ultimate Father. Each day I think about the fact that I am in charge of two HUMANS...not rabbits, not gerbils, not pet rocks...HUMANS! That blows my mind! God has placed two amazingly precious people in my home for me to care for each day. If I think about it too long...I would run far, far away convinced that God made a huge mistake.

But, I have a perfect Father that gently tells me what to do and how to parent these lovely girls. Without Him and His wisdom...I would be sunk...and so would they! I don't know how people take on the amazing task of parenting without God. It is beyond comprehension! I am so grateful today as we are making decisions about dental work, skin cancer, school work, dinner, what to watch on TV, etc. that God is guiding our family...not Jay and I. If you are a parent today...surrender your own agenda and get on board with God's. He knows just how to mold and direct those precious creatures called children in your home...He created them!! Enjoy the leadership of God in your home today...I know I am!

Update on Virginia Grace

Yesterday we were scheduled for an appointment with a pediatric surgeon to take off the mole on her back. We had gotten up and started school early so that we would have most of our work finished by the time we needed to leave. So, we got in the car and were about to turn onto I-575 when my car died! I mean we were turning at the light to get on the interstate and it shut off! The check engine light had come on the day before...but I didn't expect that!

So, I quickly turned around at the light and headed to our Ford dealership to get it fixed. So, we will have to reschedule the consultation until next Monday. But, I know that God has this in His plan...though we don't know why yesterday was not the day she should see her new doctor...we know that God has a purpose. Please continue to pray with us that she will feel comfort with this doctor and that they will be able to get all the cells.

Thanks to those of you who have emailed and called to follow up on her. We know that you are praying and that she is covered! We are so grateful to those who join with us in this journey of faith. Speaking of faith...here is a verse that I came across in my time with God this morning.

"So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the LORD." 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

WOW! That really hit me hard...Saul died for his breach of faith. And we know that he broke faith with the Lord by not following His commands and for not seeking guidance from the Lord instead of other ways and people. I took some time today to see what my faith looks like. I know that each day I rebel against the commands of the Lord...and I seek guidance all the time from lots of other places other than God. I started to ask God how those two things reflected my faith walk.

By faith we believe that God's ways are better and more wonderful than the ways of this world. So, if we truly believe that God is more precious than anything on this earth...then why wouldn't we desire, above all else, to follow His every word? Not that we ever fully accomplish the task of keeping every command...but that our full desire in this life is to do all that He commands. But, our heart will only desire Him above the things of the world if we have faith that He is who He says He is.

By faith we seek the guidance of God before and above all other. If we truly believe that God is all knowing and all wise...and that He is the author and finisher of our faith...then we would run day and night to Him (through His Word and prayer) to seek His guidance.

So, today I am looking very critically at my faith walk. What do I really believe? Of course I would say that I believe that God is better than life! Of course I would say that I believe God's ways are the best ways! Of course I would say that God is all wise! But, what does my faith walk say about what I believe?

Do I run after the things of this world...like money, things, popularity, position, etc? Do I follow God's commands because I truly believe that He is the most precious thing in life or do I go through the motions just because I should? Do I run to God day and night with those things that worry, bother, anger, frustrate, irritate, or confuse me or do I pick up the phone and call a friend and ask their advice? What I really believe and what my faith is found in is what I will live out every day.

Take some time today to examine your faith walk. What do you really believe? That is what guides your daily activities. Saul died because he had a breach of faith in God. God is concerned about who we are inside and where our faith lies.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Have a blessed day!

Happy 4th Birthday Julian!

Yesterday we traveled to my family's home in Alabama to celebrate my nephew's 4th birthday! We had so much fun getting ready for the party and making the cake. The girls and I wanted to make the cake instead of simply buying a cake for him. Julian loves trains...so we got online and started researching the cake that we wanted to make for him.

It was a bit interesting at times...but overall it was pretty easy and LOTS of fun! Anli was in charge of the "coal" car that was made from Whoppers glued together with icing. Virginia did the M&M car...just because who doesn't like a train car filled with M&Ms coming to your house? And Jay was in charge of the "wood" car made from Twix bars. I was in charge of the engine and caboose. I must say that the engine was...interesting to make. It was the most challenging part...mainly because it involved cooking part of the cake in a soup can...I know!

We packed up and headed to see the family with dog, presents, and large cake in tow. We had to blast the air conditioner in the back so the icing didn't melt...poor Pacey was back there smelling this wonderful cake and getting blasted with cold air! Fun was had by all and we had to come home that night so that we could visit Noonday again this morning.

Anli made a Thomas and Friends pillow for Julian all by herself! She puts me to shame! She used a real needle and thread to make a wonderfully soft pillow that went along with our train theme. He loved it! She is so crafty and creative...always wanting to make something personal for people...what a gift!

We listened to the awesome Auburn game on the way home! Go Tigers! We were so proud of them and excited to hear them put points on the board early and follow through until the end.

We had quite a day yesterday and it was so much fun that we were tired and ready for bed when we got home. I took this precious photo of my tired Anli this morning. She is getting so big, but she is still my beautiful little girl! I had to share this photo!

We hope your game day was great and that you were able to enjoy the wonderful weather! I can't wait to share my Sabbath Reflections with you tomorrow. I was challenged by the Word this morning and I pray you were too! Rest in the Lord and His goodness today...

My Favorite Place!

Well, since we have moved into this 1200 square foot apartment from our 3,000 square foot house...it's been hard for me to find a place to call my own where I can be with the Lord! Now, with everyone sharing every room together all the time...and with a dog that follows me around all day...I was wandering around each day trying to find a quiet spot. Even though I get up early to run and be with God, there are still precious few places to be alone!

But, then as I was organizing our large master bedroom closet...an old phrase ran through my mind! I had found my spot... a good old fashioned "prayer closet"! It has an outlet in it so that I can have a little lamp and it has just the coziest spot for me to hide away for a few moments to study and pray...with a cup of hot tea, of course! It's truly my "prayer closet"!

I thought that I was so clever until the other day when I was right in the middle of a rich prayer time...when a little black nose sniffed in the door I had not closed tightly enough...oh well! It's simply a little place to retreat for time with my father.

I love to sing, dance, read, and talk about the Lord with my kids all day long (since we are together ALL the time), but like I love a good date night with my man...I love a quiet place just to focus only on God and His goodness.

What about you? Do you have a favorite place to be with God? Have you found that time where you get alone and just bask in His presence? Do you make special time for your relationship with your Beloved? I pray today that though you may not be snuggled in a closet...that you will find that place and time with the Lord that will fill you to overflowing! If you don't...what are you waiting for...you've got a closet don't you!

Wonderful Week of Friends!

This week we have had a wonderful time hanging out with friends! We are now attending a different church from many of our friends, but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying lots of play dates since we have been here. They have come to visit, see the apartment, and enjoy spending some time at the park.

One thing we were discussing tonight with friends we had over for dinner, was how nice it is to really spend time together now. Before we were so spoiled that we saw each other every Sunday and Wednesday night...but we didn't really get to spend quality time together. We might live in the same neighborhood, but we didn't make a point to really just spend time together talking. It's not convenient anymore, but we are spending some very rich time with those we love the most!

Here are a few photos of the fun we've been having with friends this week...and next week looks to be just as fun! What a great God...who not only fills to overflowing with Himself and His love...but goes beyond that to bless us with folks that we can hug, touch, play, and talk to! He just amazes me!

Our Crazy Apartment Dog!

Many of you have asked about how Pacey, our beagle, is adjusting to apartment life. We were a little nervous about bringing Pacey to the new place because for the past 2 years he has had free roam in our acre lot chasing rabbits, squirrels, and playing with other dogs in our neighborhood. But, he has loved being an inside dog and having so much attention all day long. He is like a different dog...quite mellow and loves to sleep!

We did have to do a pretty big makeover on him before he could be an inside dog! He was really dirty, scruffy, and shed a lot! So we took him one afternoon to a fun little shop called "That Dirty Dog". We were able to have a great time washing him in the HUGE spa tubs that they have and we also gave him a special treatment called the "furminator"! Sounds a little scary, but it is like a huge vacuum that sucks his hair...ending shedding problems for up to 2 months. Sign us up!

But, over all he has had a great time and so have we. And for those of you who know my husband...the answer is yes, Jay loves having Pacey here and they are now big buddies. He even takes him on his last walk of the evening! Amazing, I know!

He and I run every morning about 1 1/2 miles and we really enjoy getting out and starting our day with some good exercise...otherwise this will happen. We caught some footage of our crazy apartment dog...