Thursday, June 24, 2010

Philippians 4:7-8

Philippians 4:7-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is exactly the reminder I need this morning. Our life has been totally chaotic since we took over the Oakland funeral home, not to mention all the summer activities the kids are in. I feel exhausted and frazzled so much these days. I need His peace.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Another reminder to be so careful about what I allow into my heart and mind-along the same lines as what another friend wrote about a few days ago about taking our thoughts captive. I sometimes get so focused on the negative. Instead I should be intentional about meditating on those things that are excellent and praisworthy. He has given me so much to give praise for!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

How ridiculous that I ever attempt to get through even a single day without tapping into this source of power. All that I need to face every challenge of every day is right there in God's Word.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Multitude Monday

91. No training wheels!
92. phone calls from Afghanistan
93. emails from Iraq
94. Sunsets over the water (even if it is just a flooded park)
95. Summer evenings, country roads, windows down
96. rainbows
97. great neighbors
98. air conditioning
99. not waking up to an alarm clock

100. ball players in skirts



101. windchimes

102. being too busy to blog

103. being able to backdate blog posts



Monday, June 14, 2010

Proverbs 4:23-27

Proverbs 4:23-27 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

These verses really challenge me to evaluate everything I bring into my home and my heart--television shows, reading materials, web sites, music...everything. I want to keep my eyes focused on Christ and I want every step I take to draw me closer to Him. The world and all its allure can only lead me away from Him.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Deuteronomy 12:28

My devotion today was from Deuteronomy 12:28: Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God.

Oh, the weight of knowing that my words, my choices, my sins have such an impact on my children's futures. I cannot afford to be careless. I need so much more of Him, and so much less of me.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

James 1:19-20

James 1:19-20 19This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

When, when, when will I get this? It has been my biggest struggle of motherhood. :(
I may just keep this verse for tomorrow, too.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Matthew 16:24

I'm beginning to get a glimpse of what having two funeral homes is like. Busy, busy busy. But that's a good thing.

My devotion today was from Matthew 16:24, Then Jesus said unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Discipleship is supposed to cost something. It isn't supposed to be easy. I am such a creature of self-indulgence, not self denial. How many mornings am I loathe to even deny myself another thirty minutes of sleep to have time with the Lord before the kids get up? I pray this verse will be the first thing I think of tomorrow morning when my alarm goes off.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Psalm 19

This morning I read Psalm 19, which was also preparation for the Bible school lesson I gave at our church today to the little ones.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

The evidences of God's majesty, his power and his glory are all around us.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

1 Peter 5:7

My devotion this morning was very timely (don't you love how God does that?)-it was on discouragement, which is exactly what I have been feeling all morning! I literally have not been at home except to shower and sleep for the past nine days, and my house shows the neglect. It is a chaos of laundry, dirty dishes, mail, trash, and the bathroom...oh my. My oldest two girls are gone, and they are my best help. It is miserably hot up here because we have decided to go without installing the window air conditioners this year. And I have a headache, and I'm hormonal. Ugh.

"Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7

I am so grateful for a God who loves me, who cares for me, and who willingly carries these burdens that I cannot bear on my own. My circumstances are not changed, but my heart is lighter knowing that he is with me through this day, loving me and sustaining me through it all.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Psalm 113:9

Today my devotion was from Psalm 113:9, He maketh the barren woman to keep house and a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

How often do I let my busyness steal my joy in being a mother? Too often.

I pray that the Lord will help me to remember that raising my children is a blessing and a joy, not just another task for me to check off my list so I can feel productive. I want to slow down and enjoy the treasure that my kids really are.