A GOOD LAUGH

Psalm 126

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.

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."

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Our God is a God of Restoration, of Rebuilding, and of Faithfulness. Worthy is he to be Praised. I love where it says LAUGHTER because all I can do is Laugh at the silly and fun times I have had since moving to Dallas. The Lord has restored my Heart after a Season of Growing and being Stretched.

Now in this New Season I am still growing and continue to look to the the Lord. My desire is that my Face by be Radiant like in Exodus when Moses Ascended the Mountain.

New Year - Bring on 2009

Glory to God

1 Corinthians 4:7 - "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"

2009 is here and as I embrace it, I begin to make my 2009 goals as well as reflect upon 2008. 2008 was a year of teaching in my life and of new struggles. Yet, God is Glorified in each one of my struggles and deserves all the Praise. His hand of provision has been so evident in my journey to Dallas, and brings to my knees. I have nothing.. nothing.. with out Him.

So bring on 2009... bring on the New. Bring on the challenges.. bring on the Joy.

new season

Today is my last day working in an office (well at least for awhile). I will begin my new season as a part-time nanny and working at Williams-Sonoma. Once again the Lord provided, and of course I questioned that he would... so silly... he promises he will provide our every need. Last night in Community Group (bible study) we prayed this prayer together:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

The Lord's will WILL be done in your life today, praise Him for that and let that comfort you on this Halloween day!

Live, Laugh, "LOVE"

Here is a glimpse of the sweet Love's who have enlightened my eyes in Texas. God has used them to embrace my New life in Dallas, TX. Caroline, Noah, and Jack have brought so much Joy into my life during my first month in Dallas. God really provided what I needed - to Live, Laugh, and to "LOVE".

“To the Christian it should be great joy, by means of the harvest, to receive an assurance of God's faithfulness. The Lord has promised that seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, shall never cease; and when you see the loaded wain carrying in the crop you may say to yourself, "God is true to his promise. Despite the dreary winter and the damp spring, autumn has come with its golden grain." Depend upon it, that as the Lord keeps this promise he will keep all the rest. All his promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus: if he keeps his covenant to the earth, much more will he keep his covenant with his own people, whom he hath loved with an everlasting love. Go, Christian, to the mercy seat with the promise on your lip and plead it. Be assured it is not a dead letter. Let not unbelief cause you to stammer when you mention the promise before the throne, but say it boldly—"Fulfill this word unto thy servant on which thou hast caused me to hope." Shame upon us that we so little believe our God. The world is full of proofs of his goodness. Every rising sun, every falling shower, every revolving season certifies his faithfulness. Wherefore do we doubt him? If we never doubt him till we have cause for it we shall never know distrust again. Encouraged by the return of harvest, let us resolve in the strength of the Spirit of God that we will not waver, but will believe in the divine word and rejoice in it.” – Charles Spurgeon

Why?

Why... are we surprised when the Lord answers our prayers and once again proves that HE is the FAITHFUL GOD he said He is?

I have been thinking about that question for several days now as Kathryn shares examples of how God has been faithful to her in Dallas, as I praise the Lord for His faithfulness to me during these first few months of marriage, and even as I mediate on the countless examples in the bible that reveals Gods faithfulness. But still when God continues to remain faithful to me, even during my doubt and my impatience, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and "surprised!" I even say to myself, "Wow God is Faithful, He does hear my prayers." As if He has not done so before...But I knew that before my prayer was answered, it is revealed in scripture: "The Lord has heard my cry for help; the Lord WILL answer my prayer." Psalm 6: 9.

So I sit here and chuckle to myself of all the times when I, once again, could not believe that God was Faithful. How silly of me. Have you all ever experienced this, or am I just crazy??? I guess I am surprised when God continues to remain faithful to me, because I am ME... a sinner, someone who constantly turns my back on God and is unfaithful! However, because of God's grace and mercy HE FORGIVES ME, still LOVES ME just the same, and WILL ALWAYS BE FAITHFUL!!! This just blows me away, I pray it will humble you and put you back where you belong, at the feet of our mericful Jesus!

I will end this post with some scriptures and prayers put together by Beth Moore:

"Merciful God, thank You for opening my eyes and turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that I may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in You. (Acts 26:18)

"O, God, how I thank You that a lack of faith will never nullify Your faithfulness. (Romans 3:3) IF I am faithless, YOU WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL, for You cannot disown Yourself. (2 Timothy 2: 13)

Sisters, be encouraged today by the faithful God that we serve. May he remind you today to trust in him during whatever season of life you are in... I promise he will answer your prayer and will remain faithful, and when he does just smile and do not be surprised because that is just who our God is!!!!

Much love...

Evidence of God's Faithfulness

"Blessed are the Pure at Heart; for they shall see God" - Matthew 5:8

Today got off to a rough start. I was just not satisfied with anything; everything that could frustrate me did. Needless to say my attitude was not very Christ like this morning. However, my Faithful Lord blessed me this afternoon/evening even in my sinful nature with the recognition of the "Pure at Heart".

As, I consider why God has brought me to Dallas, TX - I am gradually seeing His answers to my prayers. I longed for closeness with my extended Family and God is connecting Courtney and I in beautiful ways. I can not tell you how grateful I am for her open house and for her vulnerability with me. God is sanctifying us and we share our struggles and seek to grow in our walks with Christ. It amazes how we are in such different seasons and points in ours lives, but seamlessly at the same place in what we desire. Okay maybe right now here focus is a little bit more about husband and kids (but that's what I long to have as a focus). Yet, in the beautiful differences we are gaining an appreciation for God's very unique plan.

God has blessed me with so much "Rest" and "Peace", it's out of control. While, I was still in Louisville with my old position - I was stressed out - over worked, never rested, and way too busy. I was always going and I know several people who could attest to that, and I loved staying up late chatting with my wonderful roommate. I am truly enjoying driving from customer to customer and enjoying the beautiful sunshine (my job has no stress, or maybe I have a new perspective not being in an office anymore). And well my social calendar as decreased increasingly at the moment, but I am hoping that will build a little more.

But, what my heart was reminded of today was "Blessed are the Pure of Heart". As I spent time sweet the precious Love children today, it reminded me of the innocence of children and the carefree spirit. Yes, every child has their moment. Really why don't we as adults - take time to be Pure in Heart and Carefree. I will expand on this more later, I am off to Bed.