His Strength is Made Perfect in My Weakness

Sometimes it is so hard to understand why we are faced with the battles that come our way. One of our favorite things to say is that God will not put more on us than what we can handle. It would be great if that is what the scripture actually says. Lets take a look at that scripture. In order to understand the true meaning, we have to look at the verses before and after the one in question. It is very important to keep the scripture in context or the true meaning will be lost.

For I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the fact that all of our ancestors were under the cloud, and they all went through the sea, and they all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and they all ate the same spiritual food, and they all drank the same spiritual drink, for they continually drank from the spiritual Rock that went with them, and that Rock was Christ. But God wasn't pleased with most of them, and so they were struck down in the wilderness. Now these things became examples for us so that we won't set our hearts on evil as they did. Let us stop being idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play." Let us stop sinning sexually, as some of them were doing, and on a single day 23,000 fell dead. Let us stop putting the Lord to the test, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by snakes. You must stop complaining, as some of them were doing, and were destroyed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down as a warning for us in whom the climax of the ages has been realized. Therefore, the person who thinks he is standing securely should watch out that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it. And so, my dear friends, keep on running away from idolatry. (1Co 10:1-14 ISV)

This scripture is clearly talking about temptation. One of the biggest problems going on in that time was idolatry. This scripture is warning against being caught up in sin. The truth is that we are all tempted to sin. But with that temptation always comes a way out. God always gives us a choice. sometimes in our own strength we are not strong enough to choose that way out but one of the tools the Holy Spirit gives us is self control. We do not use self control in our own strength but the strength given us by God.
As far as our everyday struggles go, sometimes we do have too much on us. Sometimes it is more than we can bear in our imperfect human state. But the word of God says that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. when the burden is too hard to bear, step aside. Give it to God. Let Him take care of it. Have faith that He can and He will if we trust Him to do so.
When the burdens of this life become too hard for me to bear on my own, I am encouraged to know that He can lift that burden. And He gives me His strength to make it trough anything this world can throw at me. I can do all things TROUGH CHRIST who gives me strength...and so can you.
Think about that. And be encouraged with me today!
In Christ,
Shirley

I know what you are like!

I ran across a passage today that was very encouraging to me.
I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the LORD, will heal you and give you peace. (Isa 57:18-19)
Did you get that? He says, "I know what you are like!"
That could be a scary statement were it not followed by the word "but". That small word is really a very big deal! Sometimes it makes all the difference. God says, "I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you and give you comfort..." He knows I am a sinner. He knows I mess up all the time. He knows I am a failure. He knows about that one thing that I know I shouldn't do but keep doing anyway. He knows just what I'm like. And you know what? He loves me anyway! He knows what I am like and He still promises to heal me and lead me and comfort me...and not just a little either! He promises to do those things for me until my mourning turns into an uncontrollable urge to sing His praises!
Verse 19 promises this, "No matter where you are, I, The LORD, will heal you and give you peace"
It doesn't matter where you are with God right now. There is a way to get where you need to be. Believe His words. Know they are meant for you. Wait for them to happen in your life. I promise it will happen.
Be encouraged with me today!
Trusting in HIM,
Shirley

I've been reading about Achan and the accursed thing. Not a very "happy" story to read... unless you back up a bit to Joshua chapter 6. Then we get to read about the crumbling wall of Jericho. What a victory! What an amazing work of God that was!! It wasn't the sound of the horns or the strength of the people's shouts that dropped that wall. It was the power of God, put in motion by the obedience of His people. Had they not done things exactly like He instructed, the power would have been withheld and that wall might still be standing today. Obedience. It may not have any power on it's own...but it unleashes the power if the Almighty God every time.
Just like obedience, disobedience may not have any power of it's own, but it holds back the power of God. It can also unleash his wrath. For proof of this, we need only read of the last days of Achan in Chapter 7 of Joshua.
Just after God dropped the wall of Jericho and gave the Israelites one more example of His awesome power and His ability to take care of them, Achan did a very unwise thing. He disobeyed the Almighty God. But that isn't all. He also stole from Him.
To properly understand this, we have to go over His instructions to the Israelites concerning the entire city of Jericho and EVERYTHING in it.

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. (Joshua 6:17-19)



In Hebrew, this word (strongs #H2763) accurse(d), means to dedicate to religious purposes or to completely destroy.

This word, (Strongs # H6944) consecrate(d), means sacred, holy or dedicated.

They were supposed to destroy everything in the city except the things that were to be consecrated for his temple.

So long story short, Achan took for himself some fancy Babylonian clothes, some silver and a big chunk of gold and buried it in his tent and thought no one would ever know. The trouble is, someone did know. God knew. And our sins never only effect us. So the next time the Israelites went out to battle, they did so without the power of the Lord. They lost and they were so confused. So God explained the situation and told them to get ready to find out who did what.

Achan's sins were revealed. His treasures were taken. He and his family were killed.

After reading this, the thing I am left to ponder is this; After trecking through the wilderness with the rest of the Isrealites and experiencing the MANY miracles and provisions of God, why did he need such a small treasure. Why did he still trust in what he could aquire for himself instead of trusting in the Lord to provide the very best for him...He had always provided the very best for them all. But Achan still felt the overwhelming urge to provide for himself instead of depending on God.

We all do that don't we. If we didn't we wouldn't spend more time and energy in pursuit of money and things than we spent in pursuit of God. If we really trusted Him to provide all we need....like He already promised He would....we wouldn't run ourselves ragged and stress ourselves out. We would simply pray, trust and relax.

In this. I am just as guilty as Achan. But I am encouraged to know that it doesn't HAVE to be this way. God allows do overs! I can stop stressing right now and trust Him to come through for me like He promised He would! I am encouraged to know that where there is repentance, there is forgiveness. I can repent of my mistrust. I can be forgiven and renewed...and so can you.

I am encouraged to know of (and receive) His love and grace. It is sufficient for me. It is sufficient for you. I am encouraged. Won't you be encouraged with me today?

Everyday Miracles

Have you ever looked back on your life and completely understood what God was doing years after He had done it? I had a moment like that today.
About 4 years ago my husband and I were looking for a piece of land to make our home on. We thought we had finally found the perfect place. We were approved for the loan and gave our down payment to the bank. We were on our way to a better place to live...one that was all ours!
Suddenly the seller backed out, for conscience sake. They said that there was something wrong with the property and they refused to sell it to us. Once the property was off the table...so was the loan.
Needless to say, we were utterly confused and so very disappointed We remained in the same place for another painful year.
We have been in our new home for the last 2 years. God brought a fantastic blessing from a bad situation. Had we bought that property we would spend the next 40 years paying for second best.
God new 4 years ago. I realized it today.
God had the miracles of the past recorded for the present so that we would know about them today and be encouraged. Think back on some of the ways that God has worked miracles in your life and be encouraged with me today!

Above all, brothers, do not swear oaths by heaven, by earth, or by any other object. Instead, let your "Yes" mean yes and your "No" mean no, lest you fall under condemnation.
(James 5:12)
So why don't we all just say what we really mean; and really mean what we say?
So many people could avoid so much pain if we all lived by that motto!
This post wasn't brought on by the actions of anyone I know. Actually I was watching one of those movies where 2 people refused to admit that they loved each other for fear of exposing their vulnerable hearts one to the other.
So, it is my conclusion that we all are afraid to be honest, completely honest with each other because we don't want to become vulnerable. We have to stay guarded to stay safe. After all, what would people think if they knew what we really think, how we really feel, who we really are? It is exhausting to wade through all of the facial expressions and body language and cues, codes and just plain lies. We are all so afraid to be found out.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
(Hebrews 4:13)
There is One to whom all things are laid bare. There is One who knows every single thing about us. No matter how deep or dark or scary or secret, no matter how well we think it is hidden or how deep we think it is buried, there is One who sees and knows all.
His name is Jesus. And He loves you anyway. He wants you anyway. He died in your place anyway. He knew what you would become and He still chose to create you. You are wonderful and valuable to Him. Don't hide from Him. Don't try to pretend or put on an act. You can't fool Him.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14-16)
The great thing is that He has been where you are. He understands your weaknesses and because of that, He is there to give you strength to overcome them.
Knowing this, I am encouraged to be open and honest with Him so that I can accept His strength in my weakness.
I hope you are encouraged with me today.

I have a question. DO we really believe what we say we do? Do we really believe that the lost will go to an eternal hell if they are not told the truth of the gospel? Do we really believe that there is an eternal home in heaven for those who believe and give their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus? DO we really believe that He is coming soon?
If we really believe all that we say we do then why aren't we out there preaching the gospel with urgency? Why are we not spreading the good news to the lost and telling them about the choice they MUST make if they want to spend eternity with Jesus instead of an eternal hell.
That is just something to think about .
I encourage you today to go out and spread the good news before it is too late for the lost.
I know I am encouraged to do so. So wont you be encouraged with me today?

I'm sure you've heard the term, "the grass is greener on the other side". I think we all have that mentality to some extent. We tend to want more than we have and sometimes we even want things we shouldn't have. There are two subjects in the scriptures that deal with this very thing. One is envy/covetousness and the other is contentment. Those words clash like plaid and polka-dots. We can't be content and covet at the same time.

Have you ever watched a child open a gift they didn't like? They are disappointed and sometimes even throw tantrums. I have always thought that this behavior was so disrespectful and I would never have acted in such a way when I was a child.

The truth is that, even as adults, we are sometimes no different than that ungrateful child. We must break the heart of our Father as we try to "keep up with the Jones'". We are ever after the bigger house, the newer car, the latest fashions, the next best thing. What a slap in the face to the one that the scripture says is the giver of all good and perfect things. James 1:17 says this, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning."

Did you catch that? Every good and perfect gift is from Him. HE knows what we need and what we want. He knows the deepest desires of our hearts and His gifts are always perfect for us...whether we know it or not.

We all know not to covet and we know that envy is a no no as well. But what do we know about contentment?

Webster defines content in this way;

CONTENT, n.

1. Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implying a moderate degree of happiness.

What does the Bible say about contentment?

Actually, God has plenty to say about contentment and it is mostly packed in to a few powerful verses. In Luke we are told that Soldiers were coming to John to be baptized and they were asking him, " What shall we do?". He said," Do not forcibly extort anyone, nor accuse any falsely. And be content with your wages."

Paul tells us that he has learned to be content no matter what happens to him. "...for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)

For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. (1 Timothy 6:7-11)

Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" (Hebrews 13:4-5)

Most of these verses speak of being content with what money and possessions we have. We don't always have to want more and more. If we need it God will give it to us. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. NEVER. He knows what we need before we need it and He always provides, doesn't He?

Another thing to look at is the marriage. I don't think it is mere coincidence that this verse is included here. So many marriages end because people have grown bored and discontent so they go out looking for the next best thing and this breaks hearts and destroys marriages.

When were are not content with the gifts and blessings that God has given us in our lives, we are acting like that spoiled child. We are being ungrateful and disrespectful to our Heavenly Father. We are telling Him that His gifts and blessings are just not good enough, even though He is the giver of perfect gifts. How that must break His heart.

I won't say that I haven't struggled with these issues. I struggle with all of them. But I know that He has given me the perfect gift of His Holy Spirit to give me strength to run the race and to help me make the right decisions along the way. And that tells me that no matter the struggles that I have, I can make it. I can be pleasing to Him. That is encouraging to me. And I hope that you will be encouraged with me today.

In Christ,

Shirley

It seems that my biggest trials come when I'm not doing very well anyway. Just when I am spiritually struggling a brand new trial...a big one...smacks me right square in the face.
Our oldest has been diagnosed as bi-polar. Just like me. My fear is that he will turn out, just like me. They also say that he has been diagnosed with several other things that I really don't need to go into. The point is that right now isn't the best time for me.I found myself asking why? Why would God...the God who loves him enough to die for him......allow him to have such disorder. What's HE thinking up there?
After some prayer and tears and then more tears and prayer...I have come to the conclusion that He's thinking that He's making my boys into exactly what He created them to be. No matter what any Doctor has to say, they WILL fulfill HIS purpose for them. There is no such thing as a disorder. We are all different from everybody else. Life is what we make it. And He gives us what we need to make it a great one!
NO more tears. I am encouraged that He is in control.
I pray that you will be encouraged with me today!
Trusting in Him...even when it's hard,
Shirley

School is out and I'm not quite sure that I am ready for the summer. You know, I have always been told that God will not put any more on us than we can bear. And that sounds great but the actual scripture is quite different than I have always heard.

The verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13 and what it says is this;

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
So, here is how I see it. This verse is all about temptation and how to beat it. In other scriptures we are assured that we are not tempted by God. (Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man. But every man is tempted , when he is drawn away if his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hast conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James1:13-15)
So here He is telling us that we are all temped by the same kinds of things. And we are all given and escaped route. The difference is that some choose to take that way out and some do not.

If you find yourself greatly tempted to sin He will give you a way out. I think that the most common way out is calling on Him for strength to resist. He is ever present with you and will always answer your cry. And He will always give you strength when you ask. But sometimes your way out may be as simple as calling on Him to bring you through this temptation as your daddy would. He may just pick you up and carry you away from it.

Either way, He is always your way out and He will always be there.

You may be going through a hard time. You may be feeling overwhelmed in your situation right now. But He is there with you. You are not in it alone. He offers Himself as your way out.

I don't know about you, but that is encouraging to me. If it hasn't encouraged you yet...read it again and be encouraged with me today!

Trusting in Him

Shirley

Have you ever had a very well meaning person take you on as their personal project?
Unfortunately, I have. As a matter of fact, I have that very thing going on in my life right now. It seems that no matter what I do, she knows a way to improve on it. I mean it is everything I do; cleaning, laundry, parenting, marriage, finances... the list goes on. While she may be right about a lot of it and she may have some good points and good advice, I am not a project and I REALLY don't like being treated like one!
This makes me think about (and appreciate) our Heavenly Father. While we may not yet be all that He wants us to be, He doesn't force us to change. He isn't pushy. He is quiet and gentle with us. He patiently guides us along and slows down when we need to slow down and He speeds up as we are able. He doesn't make us feel bad about ourselves or make us feel guilty for not being all we could be for Hem. He doesn't condemn us. He encourages us to grow in Him and He gives us His Spirit to help us to accomplish anything!
I am proud to be the project of the LORD! I am encouraged that He would take the time and make the effort to help me to be all He wants me to be!
If you have someone in your life who has made it their goal to "fix" you, try to remember that the only opinion that matters is His and He is the only one who is able to truly "fix" the things that need fixing in us. Be proud to be His project. And be encouraged with me today.

This Time

down cast face
and broken heart.
But this time
instead of falling apart;
I'm gonna close my eyes
and let You guide my feet.
I'm gonna cast my care
because You care for me.
I'm gonna run this race
with all I've got,
knowing you can bring me through
without one tiny spot.
This time I'm gonna walk on the waves
because you bid me, "come"
out if all the raging storms
I'll be afraid of none.
This time I won't hide my face
because my shame is gone
I don't have to be afraid
because this time, I know I'm not alone.

You Haven't Moved

Here I am stepping right back in
To that place I said I’d never go again
I can’t seem to shake it
I can’t seem to make it past this need
I don’t know how far I’ll go
Before I turn back from this road I’m headed down
And come running back where I belong
I just hope it won’t take that long for me to see
That you’re still here with me

You said, you said, you’d never leave
And I said that I would always believe
That your love is true
And it can pull me through
But here I am in a moment of doubt
And I can’t see my way out of this place
I can’t see your face
I need to come back
run back home to you
Cause you haven’t moved

I know your grace is there
When this burden’s too hard to bear
But how long can this go on
I don’t think that I’m that strong anymore
I can’t help but question
What’s this about?
And why can’t I find my way out?

You said, you said, you’d never leave
And I said that I would always believe
That your love is true
And it can pull me through
But here I am in a moment of doubt
And I can’t see my way out of this place
I can’t see your face
I need to come back
run back home to you
Cause you haven’t moved
No you haven’t moved.
So why can’t I find you?"

Yesterday I was on my way to a photo shoot and I was in an area that is somewhat unfamiliar to me. I knew where I was going but I had driven farther than I thought I should have. So I was worried that maybe I had passed it up without realizing it. I decided that at the next stop light I was going to roll down my window and ask the person next to me if I was still going in the right direction. I knew that they were local to that area because I had checked their license plate.
So we pull up to the light, side by side. Our cars were almost close enough that I could reach out and touch theirs. I rolled my window down. I smiled my can-you-help-me-smile and waved my hand to get the attention of the woman in the passenger seat.
I was able to get her attention. Unfortunately, as she was looking at me she had this confused and almost panicked look on her face. It was as if she was thinking, "Oh my gosh! She's looking at me! She's flagging at me! What do I do? I can't talk to her, I don't know her!" So she turned to the driver and said something to him. Then they both sat there with this uncomfortable look on their faces and ignored me until the light turned green. Then they sped away.
That story probably makes you think something like, "Wow! What a rude and selfish couple of people!" And to tell you the truth that is exactly what I thought. But then HE spoke. And I realized that I have that feeling from time to time when I am afraid I am going to have to interact with someone. I have even seen people that I actually do know and avoided them just to keep from having to stop and spend a few minutes chatting with them. If you are honest with yourself, I'm sure you can say that you have done the same thing.
HE reminded me of the many times in the Bible when Jesus stopped to show kindness to someone; or when He gave his time to help those who gathered around Him begging for a miracle.
Jesus was asked for help every time He was near people. They even made special trips from far away. They did desperate and crazy things just to get close enough to Him to ask for His help. People begged more than travel information from Jesus. They needed mountains moved! They needed the impossible to become possible for them.
It would have been completely understandable if Jesus had yelled to the masses, "Give me a break! I'm just trying to go for a walk here!" Or if He had told the desperate traveler, "I'm off duty today. I need a rest. Come back tomorrow!" But He never did that. There were times when He went off alone or with His closest followers to rest and spend time with His Father. But He never turned away anyone who needed His help. His first recorded miracle happened at a wedding! He wasn't "on duty" there. He was merely a guest at the celebration. But still He took time to help.
How sad it is that we are so unlike Him. We have become so detached from Him and from each other as a society that not only do we refuse to help each other, but we are too afraid to even talk to each other! I think that we are afraid that if we get involved with each other, even on the most basic of levels, something may be required of us. We may be asked to help; to show compassion; to care.
I am reminded of the story of the good Samaritan and I wonder how many of us would be like the Samaritan and how many would cross on the other side of the road?
Today, I encourage you to interact! Smile at a stranger! Say hello to a few people. Ask, "how are you?" and really listen to what they say... care about someone! Encourage someone! I promise that when you do, HE will encourage you! I don't know about you, but I NEED His encouragement!
So, get out there and be encouraged with me today!

Trusting in HIM,
Shirley

Won't You?

Today I’m crying out I’m crying out to you
I’ve had all I can stand and I’m not sure what else to do
I need to hear your voice to know you’re here to with me
Lord I need your perfect strength to pull me through when I am weak

So won’t you? Won’t you?
Lift me up when I am down;
Wrap your strong arms tight around
All that’s left of me.
Lord won’t you? Won’t you?
Mold me again when I break;
When I’ve had all I can take.
When I don’t feel like going on,
Put in my heart a brand new song.
So I can sing praise to you; So I can praise you.
Lord that’s all I’m living for.
I only want to love you. I want to love you.
I want to trust you without restraint.
I want run the race and never faint.

So won’t you? Lord, Won’t you?
Lift me up when I am down;
Wrap your strong arms tight around all that’s left of me?
Lord won’t you? Won’t you;
Mold me again when I break, when I’ve had all I can take.
Today I’m crying out. I’m crying out to you.
I’ve had all I can stand. I don’t know what else to do.
I need to hear your voice and know you’re right here with me.
Lord, I need your perfect strength to pull me through;
Because I know that I’m too weak.
So, won’t you? Lord won’t you?

Have you considered My servant?

Today I feel like giving up. If I told you all the things that have happened today, you would probably laugh. And I guess it would be funny. But not right now. Let me just tell you a little about my day;
It started EARLY. My 2 year old came into my room crying, "Mommy I pooped!" I think I thought I was dreaming because I reached out and patted him. Guess where I patted him? Yep. Right on the behind. I pulled back a sticky stinky hand. So I got up and bathed him and put him back to sleep. I couldn't find the spot where he had relieved himself. I went back to bed. I got up and found the poo. Cleaned it up and started the day. My aunt called and I haven't talked to her in a week . I haven't been feeling like talking so I haven't answered the phone. I answered today but could hear nothing she said because my seven year old scream at the top of his voice the entire time I was on the phone. I had to hang up and take care of him. Then I went walking through the hall and heard a noise that sounded like pouring water. The two year old strikes again. He had hollowed out a place in the bean bag and was standing there peeing in it!. Another mess cleaned up. Then all three boys truly were trying to kill each other and I was refereeing. Then Jacob (the two year old) kept sneaking out the door...naked. I then discovered that the domain name that I paid for months ago isn't available and hasn't been for 8 years. I have hundreds of business cards with the name on them out there. I was multi tasking. I should not have been. I was trying to take care of the domain name thing on my blackberry while I was washing dishes. I got a new message from the web host and my blackberry slipped out of my hands. When I tried to catch it I hit it and it flew across the kitchen and landed in my dish water. I've had this blackberry for only a few months I didn't get the insurance on it. My other phone was stolen by a lady I was doing FREE photography for and now my computer is dying. Did I mention that my car is broken?
So, today I feel like giving up. Heaven sounds a whole lot better than earth and I'd rather be there right now.
But you know what? Praise the LORD anyway! He has always been and will always be right here beside me... even in the craziest of times. Things could be worse and if not for His grace, they would be! In times like this I am reminded of Job. The Lord said, "Have you considered my servant, Job?" Then he goes on to tell Satan how Job is a good guy who loves God and hates evil. We all know what happened next. Wouldn't it be awesome if God were bragging about us to the enemy right now? Have you considered my servant, Shirley? Or have you considered my servant, your name here? They wont break under your attack! They will cry out to me for help and salvation but they will not break! How awesome to have God speak so highly of us!
I am his servant and I will not bend. I will not break. No, I will not give up. Not today. I will call on HIM. I will ask for help. I will wait on salvation. I will expect it. I will receive it! I will be encouraged. Won't you be encouraged with me today?

That's What Faith Can Do

I keep hearing the words, "Slow down."
Have you ever just jumped into something and gone full speed ahead? That's me. Once I make up my mind to do something it's either all or nothing. Sometimes that can be a good thing. Sometimes, not so much. Sometimes we need to just slow down; slow down and wait for direction or wait for the way to be prepared for us. Sometimes we have to slow down wait for the LORD to prepair us for the way! I think that's where I am right now. But this is not a bad thing. Usually when I have to slow down it really upsets me. This time I feel a peace about it. I guess that's one more way to confirm that it is my Lord's voice I hear.
It is always encouraging to me to know that it is He who speaks to me. The creator of all things cares enough to be a friend, a counsellor to me. And he cares enough to speak to you as well! Listen for his voice and be encouraged with me today!
Trusting in Him,
Shirley

Fear Not, Neither Be Dismayed

Fear Not, Neither Be Dismayed

Keep on going

Have you ever started out on a trip and found that everything that could go wrong did go wrong? I can't tell you how many times that has happened to me. On the way to school or church or to your mother-in-law's house for Thanksgiving; Anytime you are in a rush, weird things begin to happen. Either the cat eats the car keys or you discover that a giant woodpecker has obviously pecked a hole in your tank because there is NO WAY you forgot to fill up on the way home last night. You finally get on the road and get gas in the car only to realize that you've left the baby sleeping soundly on the front porch in her car seat. so, you do an illegal U turn and speed back home to get her before the neighbors see again. It is nearly impossible to turn this trip around. It's bound to be a bad trip and you wish you could just stay home and take a nap. Unfortunately those naps are few and far between...especially on days like these.
Such is life. Sometimes the problems just keep coming and it seems that you will never reach your destination. Finally, we are ready do just lay down and quit. I can not stress to you how important it is that you just keep going. Our plans don't always succeed...but God's plans will. We should be sure that we are still on the path He set us on...and if we are, nothing can stop us. The enemy will try, Oh he WILL try. But he can not make us give up. That is our choice alone.
Even when it gets hard and you feel like giving up, don't. Just keep going. Keep trusting. The rest is up to God.
Be encouraged with me today.
Shirley
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Don't have to hide anymore.

I dreamed I was in bondage
but awoke here in my bed.
LORD, I can't help but wonder,
"What's going on inside my head?"
Are You trying to tell me something?
Am I not what I should be?
Are you trying You trying to tell me something?
Are You talking in my sleep?
Please shine Your TRUTH inside my head.
Push this fear out of me.
What am I so afraid of,
if You've already set me free?
People say to just let go.
But I'm not sure that I can.
So LORD, I'm gonna reach right out,
and just wait for You to take my hand.
Carry me away from there,
away from pain and anger and fear.
I want to live right here with You,
where I will always be brand new.

Coffee with my Father

Are you a coffee drinker? I am. I jokingly call myself a "serious coffee drinker" because my travel cup can hold almost half the amount of my coffee pot. It's usually the only cup I drink coffee out of, whether I'm on the go or not. It's awesome! It holds a LOT. It has a good tight fitting,closable (is that a word?) lid so that it is hard to spill. I love my cup. I love my coffee even more. I HATE starting my day without it. It seems that they never go right unless they are started with a hot cup of coffee. Can anybody our there identify with that?
Wouldn't it be great if we felt the same way about God's Word and His presence and His communion with us? Wouldn't it be awesome if the first thing we did each day was to run to God the way we run to our coffee makers. Some of us (me) set our alarms to go off early just so we can make sure to get the coffee in us. I wonder how my life would change if I made the same effort to get His word in me. I wonder how your life would change?
Today I encourage you to run to God. Don't panic... I'm not asking you to give up your coffee time. But why not sit down and share it with your Father. I think I will.

Trusting in HIM,
Shilrey

Caller ID

One of the MANY times my phone rang yesterday, I was busy. Okay, many of the times that it rang I was busy. But this one time, as I checked my caller ID and hit "ignore" again, I had a thought. We work our lives a lot like we work our phones. So many times when we don't want to hear something, we just hit 'ignore'. I wonder how many blessings I have missed by hitting the ignore button. I wonder how many you have missed. I wonder how many times that our Father has tried to get through to us, only to have us ignore Him. Too many to count, I am sure. We are all so busy running our own lives the way we think is best. If we were to just ask for and receive His guidance, life would be much simpler for us all.
It isn't always easy to listen to the LORD and to be obedient. In fact, it is almost NEVER easy. But it is always worth it. And when we do it we are always blessed and He is always glorified!
Promise yourself that today when He calls, no matter how busy you are, you will take the time to answer Him and hear Him and follow Him. If you don't, you may miss a blessing and a chance to glorify your LORD! But be encouraged, He is merciful and will always continue to call us, right up until our last breath.
Trusting in HIM,
Shirley

Growing Pains

When you were a child in your bed in the dark, when everything was still and quiet, did you ever have those leg pains that made you want too cry and scream? To the best of my remembrance, I had none of those but my children have nights like that. My husband says that, he too suffered from this ailment. My best friend's daughter has had these pains for years. They are called growing pains. Apparently you get these pains during the times in your life when your body is growing quickly. The pain isn't necessarily caused by the growth itself but rather, it is muscle pain caused from the normal activities of the day. Things that kids do...like running, jumping, climbing and the like. They say not to limit the normal daily activities but to give a OTC pain reliever before bed.
Nope, this is no medical blog. I was just thinking about the whole concept of growing pains and how our lives as children of God are a lot like that. In those times when we are the most active in our Christian lives, the enemy tries his very best to slow us down. He throws out every stumbling block you can imagine to try and make us fall. But our LORD promises us that when we trust in Him, He will not let us fall! (For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt thou not deliver my soul from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? Psalms 56:13/ For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. Psalms 116:8)I realize that sometimes that is easier said than done. Sometimes, in our toughest of trials, we cry out to God and hear nothing in return. It isn't that He isn't listening. He's always watching over us. He hears every word we think and every word we speak. He hears every cry we utter and every desperate plea we make. And He ALWAYS answers. But His time is not our time. You may cry out for deliverance right now and His response may not be to just reach down and pull you from the fire. He may just stand by your side in the furnace and protect you from the flames! (Daniel 3:17-27) But, child of God, one thing is for certain, He is always with us and when we trust in Him, He will always bring us through the fire. When we trust Him to be with us in our trials and to get us safely through them, we always come out on the other side having grown closer with our LORD and our faith in Him will have grown stronger.
The growing may require us to go through some pain; But, child of God, be encouraged! Our Father is ALWAYS there going through it with us! So, just like a child shouldn't stop running and jumping and playing because of growing pains, neither should a child of God stop running the race. Just keep on going and trust the victory to Him!

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever, Amen.
Jude 1:25

Trusting in HIM,
Shirley

Out of it

Have you ever listened to these Christian songs about how God can fix it and get you through it (no matter what the IT is) and bring you out a brand spanking new person on the other side of any trial? If you are a Christian, I am sure that you have heard and enjoyed many such songs...as have I. But lately every time I hear these songs I think to myself, "This guy (or girl) can not possibly have gone through any such trial. They obviously have never felt the way I feel right now. They have no clue what they are singing about!" Have any of you ever felt that way? Okay, maybe you have never said it aloud, but have you ever thought it?
Well, not so long after I had this angry thought, The Lord spoke to me. He said, "Had they not gone through a trial, there would have been no song."
I guess they do know what they are singing about after all. The guy (or girl) behind that microphone has been through their share of tough times. And out of the raging storm came a song; A song about how God is always faithful to His word and to His children. He is not a man that he should lie. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us... even in the midst of the toughest trial. Even when we can't hear Him or see Him or feel Him in anything, He is ALWAYS there. Sometimes He is our silent strength, but He is always our strength.

Just so you know....I am expectantly awaiting my very own song. I pray it comes soon.
Trusting in Him,
Shirley

Starting Over

I have had a home school blog for a few years now. Today I deleted it. I am no longer home schooling my kids. It turned out to be more than I could handle. Tomorrow is their first day at a local Christian School. This was NOT easy for me.
It just didn't seem right to be a home school blogger and not be a home school mom. So I'm starting all over again.
My life revolves around my LORD, My husband and my four children. I love being a wife and mother and I love being a child of God. None of these is always easy and they all require constant work but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I look forward to meeting new blogging buddies and learning new things as I start all over again.
I'll be browsing your blogs and leaving a trail of my thoughts along the way. I hope you will come back and visit my little corner of the big wide web often.
God bless you...happy blogging!
Trusting in HIM,
Shirley