At It Again - Devotionals from MY Bible - Day 4

So, I forgot last night to post the verses for today.  Sorry!

Genesis 15:5 - He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars - If indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."

Genesis 19:26 - But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 22:7-8 - Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went together.

     These three verses cover a LOT of events and a LOT of history.  It covers God's covenant with Abraham, the destruction of the cities of Sodom & Gomorrah, and then Abraham's prepared sacrifice of his only son from his wife Sarah.  So, let's break down each one even though they all revolve, basically, around the life of Abraham.

     Genesis 15:5 - I love when God gives you a promise.  Do you know why?  Because He ALWAYS keeps it!!! Now, it may not happen while we're alive and our descendants may have to reap the "reward", but He always fulfills it.  Back in biblical times it was important to have heirs or sons to leave your estate (blessing) to.  Pretty much the goal was to have many children with the hope that many of the children would be boys.
     Abraham was worried about this matter as he did not have any sons and he was climbing in age daily.  God promised him early on that he would have lots and lots and lots and lots and lots (you get the point, right) of descendants and his name would live forever.  Abraham believed Him, but is wife wasn't so sure.  Especially since the first promise of a child didn't take place within her timing.  She asked Abraham to bed with her maid and they had a kid and it was pretty messy after that! (Women!)
     Now, God made a lofty promise to Abraham...I mean, can you count all the stars?  Can you even count all the stars you can visibly see when facing one direction?  Another verse within the story of Abraham tells him his offspring will be numerous as the sands of the beach...really!  That's a lot of mouths to feed!  This would make any man happy.  He would have descendants! He would have heirs!  This was uber-important in those days.  But, isn't it almost as important today?
      While we have limited views of the world as Americans, many countries still carry on a similar practice to what Abraham was wishing for.  There are tribes and nations all over the earth that have many children in hopes of many descendants to carry on the family line.  Even in America, most families want at least one male child to carry on the family name...or it dies out and where is the legacy in that?
      For example, if my brother was the only McPherson male child born (excluding cousins, etc.) the McPherson line would currently die when he dies as he has no male offspring.  And, if you look in other countries, like China, the male children are preferred over female children.  Boys were pretty important back then!

     Genesis 19:26 - This is an example of what happens when you disobey God when He's given clear consequences for your disobedience!!!  This plays out in the present destruction of the evil cities of Sodom & Gomorrah.  These cities were so bad that God sent angels in to see if they could find anyone righteous. While that was going on, Abraham asked God to save Lot and his family, but also to find the righteous.  (Abraham was a softy, I think...a good attribute from time to time!)
     Basically they couldn't find any righteous.  The angels told Lot and his family to high tail it out of the city and were specific in saying "DO NOT LOOK BACK".  What gets me here is that the family actually had a face-to-face with God's messenger.  They got told what to do (get out and don't look back) and the consequence (death) if you looked back.
     Now, like I said yesterday, I believe Dad is compassionate and full of love.  But, like any parent, sometimes He has to be tough - you know, tough love.  This was one of those times.  He had some cleaning up to do and no one needed to see it done.  He was adamant that His rules be followed.  And the rules weren't that hard...get out and don't look back.  But, curiosity killed the cat...
     Lot's wife must of have been curious.  Even though there was no one "righteous" in the city, I'm sure there may have been "good" persons there.  They were losing their friends, their church, their business, their associates, their house, their belongings, the family Bible!!! Women tend to be more thoughtful and emotional than men.  It must have been hard for her to cope with everything that happened that hour.  She was told to abruptly leave her home never to return or look back upon the life they had there.
     It makes this story sad because I think curiosity and emotions got the better of her. More disturbing is the thought that God knew she would look back.  Maybe that was the plan all along?  Maybe she was a bad apple? Maybe she was a thorn in the side of Lot and a reason he wasn't fully focused on God?  And why salt?
      Just let this be a lesson to you: Why Dad loves us and wants us to be happy, He is like any father. There are rules sometimes that cannot be broken and when they are broken, there are consequences.

     Genesis 22:7-8 - These verses are an amazing tribute to a wonderful Father/Son relationship that exists between God and Abraham and Abraham and Isaac.  First, God has just told Abraham to take his only "begotten" son from his wife Sarah and sacrifice him as a burnt offer to God.  And Abraham obediently complies with the task.
     Can you imagine what was going through Abraham's mind? In addition to some questions and thoughts below, I imagine the scenes of the Isaac's life were passing before his father's eyes.  Why God? He's my only son...what about your promise?  I love him.  This is going to cause me to die. What about Sarah, she'll never recover the loss. What will I do? Will you give me more sons? I've raised him since he was born. Oh, remember that baby smile? Oh, I think I'm going to be sick!
     But Abraham knew God had his best interest at heart.  He knew God could see the big picture and knew that God would still keep his promise. Now, as reassuring as all this "knowing" is, I'm sure Abraham was still having that inner turmoil.  He was human...like you and me. He was probably emotional inside. Maybe he sorta shut down on the outside.  He was doing his best, surely, coping with this so Sarah and Isaac wouldn't pick up on what was to come.  Thanks to Abraham's trusting relationship with God, he was able to obediently carry to the task.
     Now, on the flip side, you have a great relationship going between Abraham and Isaac.  I'd have to assume that Isaac may have been a little spoiled.  But he was very respectful and trusting of his father.  To me, it is like looking at the relationship of God with Abraham in human form.  Isaac didn't know Abraham's instructions, but trusted his dad knew the big picture and the sacrifice would go without a hitch.  He had faith in his father to trust his words "God himself will provide the lamb..."  Isaac knew his dad would protect him and knew that his dad, Abraham, had his best interest at heart.  Simply like God has ours at heart.
     It should be noted this is the first time the word lamb is used in the Bible. Also, I like how God has Isaac to sacrifice his only son (ignoring his offspring with the maid) for the greater good of humanity.  This same thing would happen years later when God would send down Jesus...the sacrificial lamb...to die for our humanity.  It should also be noted that this segment of the story has a happy ending in that God actually provided a sacrificial ram just before Abraham was about to slit open Isaac.  Can't imagine trying to explain that to my only son....

Tomorrow's verses:
Genesis 25:8 - Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.
Genesis 26:34-35 - When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.
Genesis 28:22  "...and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."

Enjoy!

At It Again - Devotionals from MY Bible - Day 3

Sorry the devotional is so late today. I've been a bit under the weather and had to go to the doctor today for antibiotics, then lunch with Josh, then had to get the meds picked up, and a little nap to try to feel standing tonight.

Genesis 6:8 - But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Genesis 8:22 - "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

     Genesis 6:8 - To find favor in the eyes of the Lord...Oh, what must one do?  Surely we don't have to be perfect because only one human ever was - Jesus.  I try to picture God like I do my human daddy.  Dad is very much like a human daddy.  He cares for his kiddos. He wants to see them happy, healthy, and growing.  He wants very much to be in a relationship with them.
      I do not thing Dad plays favorites, so don't let the word "favor" fool you.  I simply think it means that Noah made good choices and that made Dad happy.  Dad was pleased with him.  And, like a human daddy, Dad doesn't expect perfection.  He's happily pleased if we do our best and have that relationship with him.

     Genesis 6:22 - I sometimes think that "commanded" is a harsh word.  And, frankly, I don't always like picturing Dad as a harsh task-master.  However, I love the concept of being able to do everything that Dad asks us to do.  When we are youngsters, we don't always want to do what our parents tell us to do.  However, I have found, that when we get older, we comply.  Of course, I think it would be easier to do all that Dad "commanded" us to do if we could literally hear His voice...like a face-to-face conversation.
     Still, I know Dad does not expect perfection from me as that is not in my nature. So, I'm more likely to try to comply with His commands out of respect for all He has done and shown me.  Also, if I have a good relationship with Dad, I find I am more willing to comply than if I have a bad relationship with Him.  I think Dad knows and understands this as well.  Remember that He is Love.  And His overflowing love will pour down on us.  We have the biggest task...same as Noah and his ark...we have to listen to God and obey.  Sometimes that can be a shaky thing for us!

     Genesis 8:22 - While we don't know how long the earth will endure for, we can be sure that planting, harvesting, cold, heat, summer, winter, day, and night will never go away.  For a farm girl like me, that's pretty reassuring.  I don't have to wonder if El Nino or El Nina will prevent me from having a hot summer so I can take a cool dip at the lakes...it's GUARANTEED!
     There is reassurance in this verse over and over again.  Because all the elements that are important to every individual on the earth are mentioned in that short verse.  We all care about one aspect or item on the list and, again, I find it reassuring that these are GUARANTEED as long as the earth endures.
      Am I anxiously awaiting the "New Jerusalem"?  You betcha!  I can't wait for no more heartache, pain, tears, and the emotional rollercoaster we humans live with each day.  It wouldn't be so bad if I was happy all day or maybe not bad to have just one emotion tugging on me during that time.  But that is not how we were designed!  We are emotional beings and I'm just waiting for the ride to end....at least that's how I feel today! =o)

Below are links to a couple of Bill Cosby's parodies on Noah's ark.  They make me laugh each time I hear them because I'm sure I'd act in a similar manner if God spoke to me where I could clearly and concisely hear with my two ears.  I hope you like them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bputeFGXEjA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tt_YpvwrFg

Enjoy!
  

At It Again - Devotionals from MY Bible - Day 2

Genesis 5:24 - Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Genesis 5 - Adam: 930 years, Seth: 912 years, Enosh: 905 years, Kenan: 910 years, Mahalalel: 895 years, Jared: 962 years, Enoch: 365 years; Methuselah: 969 years, & Lamech: 777 years

     We humans put a lot of weight on numbers.  We need to stay in the black, out of the red.  We like to see how much money we earn or are worth. We like to know how old someone is at his/her birthday celebration. We like to know how many miles to the gallon we get. We like to know how much something costs or how it has appreciated in value.  We like to know how many years apart couples are and what drew them together. When we're little kids we want to know "How many?"
     It's funny to think that the God of the universe who is timeless would make humans and watch us obsess about time and numbers.  So, I've highlighted the numbers above in my Bible because it blows my mind that humans used to live that long.  We consider it a miracle these days if someone lives to be 100.  But 969 years old!
      Now there's lots of talk around what God sees as a day or a year verses what man sees as a day or year.  I've heard speculation that 1 human day is 1 year for God, or 100 years for him, or even 1000 years for him.  I've also heard speculation in the opposite that 1 human year is 1 day for God, or 100 years is 1 day, or even 1000 years is 1 day for him.
     Time does not concern me.  However, I like to have fun with numbers:  The average human life expectancy is around 70 years old today (give or take for those who want to be exact).  That means that 35 is the "middle" of your life.  Typically today couples are waiting longer to have kids, so around 30 is about average.  We live for 30 years, have kids, then age...respectively.
      During the life and times of these men, the numbers can be drastically different.  The average human life expectancy then was 847 years old.  "Middle" aged was 424 years old!!!!  So, the time to start having kids, comparatively with today's averages, would be 419 years old!!!  Can you even conceive such a thing?!
      Now, while these numbers are HUGE, know that they must have aged like we age now.  Because at the age of 65, both Mahalalel and Enoch began having children.  If they didn't age like we age, that would have been like a 9 year old dad.  So, we must assume that in some respects they aged like us.  Perhaps for them, 65 was the new 30?
      Anyway you slice the numbers, it is remarkable to me that at one time, the followers of God walked the earth for so long.  It's an amazing thing to speak with someone who is 80-100 years old to see how much things changed.  Can you image the change these men got to see?  Moving on...

Genesis 5:24 - Imagine walking with God.  What does your mind's eye capture?  Is he young or old? Is he clean shaven or neatly trimmed or scraggly looking?  Does he put you at ease or make your nervous?  Is it like being with an old friend or a new acquaintance?  Is there a brilliant radiating light or is it just "normal"?
     The previous verse states that Enoch walked with God for 300 years.  What did he do for his first 65?  Was he a sinner or perfect?  I like to think he was like me...a human sinner in need of redemption.  It took him 65 years and a kid to find God.  Not too shabby!  Then he walked with God for 300 years.  I'd like to think that this relationship is similar to that of Adam and Eve's before their fall.  It was an open, happy, beautifully working relationship.  Enoch would talk, God would listen and vice versa.  It must have been a great thing.
      Even more inspiring is the fact that he was taken away by God.  He didn't have to see that final sleep.  He didn't have to die that death and be buried in the ground or a tomb.  No!  He got to walk with God and then God put His around Enoch and said, "Come on, buddy.  It's time to go home."  Wow!
      In my mind's eye, I picture it similar to the final calling of the faithful to Christ.  You know, how the picture comes to mind that everyone who believes and is saved just disappears?!  But the other half of me tries to cope with how his family must have felt.  I mean, dying of old age at least allows you to say "Good-bye" to your loved ones.  You can bestow your blessing on them, hug them, hold them, comfort them while they try to do the same to you.  How must if have been for Enoch's family?

     Today's devotional is not about having the answers.  I'm human. I'm not in seminary nor have I studied any seminary classes. I try to listen to God and dole out some of the wisdom he has bestowed on me.  If you want answers to any of the things swimming in your head, seek God.  He's got all the answers.  Begin a relationship with Him.  Walk with Him daily.  Read His word daily.  Ask a preacher or teacher of the "Law" for help.
     Let the questions of my devotional swim for a while.  I think God leaves things open because were not supposed to fully understand them.  Ah, the great mystery writer, He is!

Tomorrow's Verses:
    Genesis 6:8 - But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
    Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
    Genesis 8:22 - "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter,   day and night will never cease."

Enjoy!

At It Again - Devotionals from MY Bible - Day 1

  

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:31 - God saw all that he had made and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day.

Genesis 2:18 - The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:21-22 - So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of man, and he brought her to the man.

Genesis 2:24 - For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.


     So, in rereading the verses for today, I've decided they are rather simple, yet very complex.  I'd like to break down today's study by verse groupings.

     Genesis 1:1 - Simple enough.  God created the heavens and the earth.  But what did that entail?  Think about all the things we know today.  All the continents, all the oceans, all the rivers, all the lakes, all the dialects, everything.  I like this verse because it sums up most of Genesis chapter 1...He created it ALL.
     There are those who would argue that the Big Bang Theory is how it all went down.  To them I ask, "Where did all the dust particulates come from to cause the Big Bang?"  To which they've always replied, "They were always there."  Well, to them I say, "God was always there!"

      I love the imagery given in the Good Book of heaven...yeah, the streets of gold and mansions untold, etc. But that's not really real to someone who grew up poor.  My vision of heaven is a bit more simple and realistic for a country girl.  When the big thunderheads roll across the plains with black clouds gathered below, you know you're in for a storm. But atop the black (figuratively speaking, it could be compared to earth), there are typically brilliant white golden cumulus (puffy) clouds. And when the sun hits them just right, there brilliance is SO overpowering that it hurts to look upon them, but when you do, there is now shadow in the heavens where the light touches.  That is how I see heaven and think about being in God's glory...it will be so brilliant, so overpowering, we will not be able to grasp the wholeness or the full beauty of it.
     So, while the verse is very simple, think about how complex the act truly is.

     Genesis 1:31 - Again, simple. So He saw what He did. He thought it was very good.  And, oh yeah, there was morning and evening on day 6.  He saw what He did...Wow!  He just created everything as we know it today with extras!!!!  Dinosaurs, birds, fish, lions, tigers, bears, Oh my!  Yes, on day 6 He has even created Adam, the first human to live in such a lush richness of compliance and in total open relationship to God.  He saw all this; the earth - land, water, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, oceans, valleys, hills, plants galore, animals galore, and a human; the heavens, His future dwelling place in all the elaborate fancies we can conjure into our limited imaginations and then some; morning and evening.  It was ALL GOOD.  All of it. All of it good...everything down to the last little mosquito and mouse.
      By saying it was VERY GOOD, He, the creator of it all, was saying it was "perfect".  It was as it should be.  God was dwelling with man and all the beasts of the earth, and birds of the air, and fish of the waters.  It was perfectly good in all things.  Beautiful. Breathtaking. Vivid. Bold. Vibrant. Alive. Loved. It was very good.

      Morning.  It is one of my favorite times of the 24 hours given to us.  I love it because if I'm an early riser, I get to see God painting the sunrise and I know that daily it changes...what an imagination God has...so limitless and full.  And in the morning, animals are more active and the birds, and there is a peace in my heart that is so full I want to sing praises until Him for all His glorious creation!  I love mornings.
     Evening. Well, humans have given this two meanings.  1) Before the dusk falls.  When the temperatures have cooled down and the sun is nearing its setting point...thus like morning, animals and birds are active. This is the time to sit down on the porch in your Adirondack chair and have some sweet tea with ice and lemon and maybe a cookie.  It is humanly perfectly peaceful...mostly.  2) It is night.  You go to sleep because it has turned dark.  God has gently leaned in the door of our room (earth) and switched "off" the light so we may get rest for the next fulfilling day.  I like to sleep and I like it more so when it is dark.  So, hooray for evening.

     Genesis 2:18 - We get a bit more complex as we think about that "suitable helper".  I mean Adam has seen ALL of creation just like God.  He's named all the animals and plants and knows each one, but there isn't one he wants to snuggle with.  Now, some may say that God hadn't thought about woman until this point, but God is God.  He already had all this planned.  Of course, He knew she would bite the fruit and take Adam with her and the relationship He had already established would get MUCH harder.
     But, like a doting parent, He didn't want to say "No".  And thus we march into the next verses were glorious, but lost woman emerges.

     Genesis 2:21-22 - The creation of woman.  Have you ever felt on a man or a boy their ribs.  You'll notice they have 11 and there's definitely flesh where number 12 "should" be.  And on a woman or a girl, you'll find she has 12 and no extra flesh where a rib "should" be.  I like to think how man was created from dirt.  And woman, we were created from flesh and bone.  We are wholly a part of man and thus man is wholly part of us because we bear them after 9 months.
       This is like the best gift ever to Adam.  Someone like him.  Similar to him, yet different enough to be unique and attractive and deadly unfortunately.  She is his second half.  She is of him, for him, because of him, and will be with him always.
       And thus, they begin a relationship with each other that is full, open, and wholly partaking of God.  It's the most beautiful relationship we can think of other than that of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  It is a relationship of love, laughter, openness, perfection.  Something we will not be able to attain until we sleep our final sleep.  Beautiful.  Whole. Loving.  Wow!

     Genesis 2:24 - I love this picture.  You see, in biblical times, the sons would stay with their fathers and live there and work their fields and tend their animals until they married.  Once they married, they would leave their family...move out...and the man would now make his own way to be with his wife.  Now back then the woman's family typically gave a dowry which is how the man and woman would live...it was typically herds or fields or both or all that and some gold or silver.
      It is when the man decides to take a wife, that one flesh and one flesh combine to form one flesh.  It's biblical math and when the right one flesh finds another right one flesh and they work it out right, they should be one flesh.  It's how God intended relationships of the flesh to work intimately.  You think alike, you act similar, you complete the other's sentences, you know him/her inside and out.  You can make decisions based on what you know what him/her comfortably and know that it "right" and okay.

      When the two become one flesh, they take the good, the great, the awesome, the "We are truly blessed!" with the bad, the ugly, the "Why do we feel like God is punishing us?".  They take each other through the thick and the think.  They cry together, laugh together, work together, play together, go to battle together.  They are bonded like super glue...flesh to flesh.
       It's a scary thing when you think about it.  Or, maybe if your adventurous, it's exciting.  It's a journey like no other. A journey in love, life, thought, feelings...everything move you make now effects someone else.  You no longer hurt alone...for he/she hurts with you.  You no longer "win" alone...all wins are wins for the one flesh.  You celebrate together and scorn together.  It's a bond like no bond ever before.  Sure, it's similar to a familiar bond, but very different.
      Again, in this creation, we see beauty, love, elegance, determination, perfection through relationship with work.  It's a WOW thing.

      I love the creation tale.  While it is used time and time again in Sunday school and can seem to get bogged down, you have to admit, it's an awesome wonder.  If you put time to think about what it means to create something, you'll gain a new appreciation for what God did for us.  If you're having trouble wrapping your mind around this, try this: Take some clay or play dough and try to make an animal.  It has to be a 3D animal and try to make it look realistic.  It's hard, even for an artist like me.  Once you have that realistic 3D animal, imagine if it came to life.  That, is what creation must have been like...only way faster!

    Tomorrow's verses:
Genesis 5 - We'll be contemplating the ages of all the people with an actual verse 24 being thought of.
     Adam: 930 years
     Seth:  912 years
     Enosh:  905 years
     Kenan:  910 years
     Mahalalel:  895 years
     Jared:   962 years
     Enoch:  365 years
     Methusela:  969 years
     Lamech:   777 years
     24:  Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Enjoy!

At It Again - Devotionals from MY Bible

     So, it's been FOREVER since I've posted anything and again, I've decided to do devotionals.  This time, with a twist!  I'm a person who has read the Bible on several occasions, sought it out to find answers when I was lost, just read it to establish a relationship with Dad.  In the many, many times I've used my current Bible, I've highlighted things that spoke to my heart, wrote myself notes in it, etc. 
     I feel that God is easier to hear, if we're allowing ourselves to come into the relationship with him...expecting him to talk to us.  Many people claim they never hear God or that God has never spoken to them.  But, I beg to differ.  Sometimes he talks and we hear then and there.  Sometimes he talks and we don't listen. Sometimes he talks, but we don't get it until after the fact.
     Below are just a handful of stories from my life experiences that show God does, indeed, speak...do we listen?

Story 1 - The 11 Year Prayer
     To keep the stories short, I'm only going to tell what is important.  My father was a Christian raised by Christian parents, baptized. He is a farmer, welder, was a Sheriff's Deputy.  He was drafted into the Vietnam war.  He saw many horrors and on more than a few occasions nearly lost his life.  When he returned home, he was "changed".  He had PTSD and basically said God couldn't exist and let the horrors of Vietnam go on.
     I was (just getting back to being) a fervent prayer warrior.  I prayed all the time...even in school, around my town, with friends, etc.  I was in a good relationship with God and often referred to him affectionately as Dad.  I could feel my own dad's hurt and need for affection.  I tried as a teenager to show him my love and that things will someday be right.  It just wasn't working.  So, I had to pray.
     I began praying for my father to come back to God in August 1993...I was 10. I had just met my best friend Becky and her family.  I had just come to the realization that God can do ANYTHING and even something like bringing my daddy back around was possible for him.
     I prayed for my daddy daily...sometimes more than once, but daily for 11 years straight.  Oh, boy! I got frustrated with God. Mad at God. Sometimes I felt he was ignoring me, but He was and is God.  He must know what he is doing.  Eleven years later (not sure if it was to the day or not), my daddy called me.  I was outside of the Red Lobster @ 95th & Metcalf meeting my friend Bre for dinner to discuss God.  I was waiting for her and floundering in my prayer as to how I could better help her.
     When my dad called, he said "Bubba," long pause which made me worry, "I got something I gotta tell you."  Then he broke down crying.  I was 21 and had NEVER heard my daddy cry.  I started crying...thinking the worse. My mom?  My brother? My neice?  What?  My daddy took a big breath, "Sorry for crying. But I knew you'd be the one to understand.  He found me, Bubba."  Now I paused. Did I hear him right?  Was this the same "He" that I knew? Or was it someone else. Hesitantly I asked, "Who found you?" "God found me, Bubba.  Hard and fast and I had to let you know."  He started crying again.  We talked about it, but I was very grateful that after 11 years, my prayer "itch" had been scratched.  Remember that God's timing is always perfect even if we don't understand it.

Story 2 - The Fleece Before God
     I liked Josh.  He seemed to like me, but he was very girl shy.  We always hung out with Bill Jr., Burnie, and Heidi.  How was I going to convey to Josh that I liked him?  Everytime I told a guy, the answer was "Um, NO." or it was a bad and sometimes bitter relationship.  I wanted something more now.
     I laid my fleece before God one night.  Simple as it was, it was a profound statement of faith on my part. "Dad, here's my fleece.  If Josh asks me out, I know we're going to get married."  WHOA!  Big statement huh?!  Marriage if he asks me out...hahahahaha.  I even laugh at it now.  But, it's true. I was ready for the next step in life and felt that God knew what he was doing.
     All our friends said he would NEVER ask me out because he was too shy.  On a Monday evening everyone but Josh and I had plans...Burnie was working, Bill had a date, Heidi and class...Josh and I decided to do dinner together so we wouldn't have to eat alone.  Afterwards, Josh wanted to drive the I-435 loop to just talk...needless to say neither of us wanted to spend a nice night at our apartments alone.
      Around the loop discussion sorta flourished.  It got to the point that I offered to set him up with a girl named Emily who was a teacher because he wanted to take a 3 week trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.  Fair is fair...he had to set him up with someone.
      "Well, I was going to set you up with me, but since you're setting me up with Emily, I'm not sure what to do now."  He replied with his eyes intent on the road. "I haven't done it yet!" I said looking at him with questions in my eyes.  "Well, fine.  I'd like to date you and see how things go, if you'd like to."  Glancing at me, I said "Sure." And we sealed the deal with a high five!
      That was in February of 2005.  In May of 2005 he popped the question.  And on August 13, 2005 we were wed.

Story 3 - The Elusive Elk & The Farm
     Did you know God has a sense of humor?  While vacationing in the middle and southwestern parts of Colorado with our friends Jason and Jana, Josh was ever on the hunt to see elk.  He loves elk and he rarely gets to see them in the wild.  We were on the last 2 days of the trip and Josh was really bummed because we'd been ALL over the mountains of Colorado and hadn't seen even 1 elk.
     "Maybe you should ask God to see an elk." Jana ventured as we drove toward Cortez and Mesa Verde. "Yeah, that sounds like a great plan, Jana.  Josh, maybe you should ask God. He's always answering prayer." I said looking at him.  "Oh, fine. I just don't think it will work.  He's probably got better things to do."  "Nah, he's ready for you." Jason said as the final encouragement.
     "God - Is it too much to ask?  I just want to see an elk. I'm not saying there has to be a lot. Can't you let me see at least one before this vacation is done.  Amen."  There...he had  done it. He had said his prayer and now we'd all wait to see if it would be answered in a timely manner.
     Ten minutes later I called excitedly, "I see an ELK!!!! Look!  There it is!!! And the antlers!!!!"  "That's not what I meant!  I meant I wanted to see a WILD elk...!!!" Josh complained as we passed the ELK FARM of Cortez.  Sitting in the middle of a pen next to the highway was a huge bull elk in all his glory.  Everyone in the truck began to laugh uncontrollably at the sight of the elk.
     "You weren't specific though, Josh. You never mentioned it had to be wild!" Jana roared. "Yeah, you just said an elk!  Guess God got you good on this one huh?" I rolled in laughter.
     I like to think in that moment, God was sitting upstairs laughing with us as Josh tried to find the humor in it all.

     Now that we know God hears us and talks with us, we'll beging the Bible study tomorrow.  I will being going from Genesis through Revelation study 1-3 verses each devotional.  These verses will be ones that I have highlighted or attempted to highlight or mark, but wasn't successful in.
     Tomorrow, we will be looking at the following verses:
Genesis 1:1
Genesis 1:31
Genesis 2:18
Genesis 2:21-22
Genesis 2:24
      I know this is more than 3, but all these versus kinda sum up creation.  See you here tomorrow sometime for the continuation!

Enjoy!

Daily Devotional - While You Wait - March 26, 2012

Main Scripture:
Lamentations 3:26: It is good to wait quitely for the salvation of the Lord.

Sub Scriptures:
Lamentations 3:24-25: I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

Isaiah 40:31: but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 16:11: You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.


How many of you like waiting in lines? We wait in lines at the post office, grocery story, Wal-Mart, Target, at the amusement park, to get on the bus, to go to lunch, even sometimes to be the next in the bathroom. We do a lot of waiting. As a matter of fact, the average person spends 1.9 days per month waiting...just waiting.
God asks us to wait on Him...for his perfect timing for his plans in our life. But, we already know waiting is hard. And today, we're living in an instant gratification world; We want it and we want it now! But God says those who wait on the Lord will have salvation, hope, renewed strength, blessings, joy, ETERNAL pleasures...it's only good things when we wait on the Lord.
Having five small kiddos 6 and under has taught this patient person, that sometimes she's not so patient. There is no such thing as "hurry", "faster", "speed up", etc to kiddos when they first roll out of bed and begin their mornings. I find I am constantly waiting on them. Waiting on them to go potty, to get dressed, to put their shoes on, to come brush their teeth, to put on their jacket, to get their backpack, to get to the van, to buckle up, etc...the list could get quite long!
What if we waited on the Lord with the patience of a parent of 5? Oh, my goodness! Could you imaging the overflowing blessings we'd receive?!
May you make patience your goal. May waiting on the Lord occupy more than 1.9 days of your life a month. May your waiting on the Lord be fully blessed by His goodness and promises.

In Whom Do You Believe - Daily Devotional - December 8, 2011

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12 - I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Think about all the things we think about every day. Is that a lot of stuff? Mine sure is! Here's just a sample of my today: Get the kids dressed, we need to go faster, they need more sleep, not another breakdown, where's Josh, where did Josh go, let's get out the door, watch out for the traffic, why is Jamion fighting, why has CJ been so emotional lately, why does it have to be so cold with no snow, I need to make more labels, I don't have enough binders, I need to pick up lunch, I hope they got it right, why is Jamion fighting again, how can we help him learn to choose better, what are we going to have for dinner, is there rehearsal tonight....

So, the list can go and go because this isn't even HALF of what I've thought about today! But lets say we take all of our standard every day thoughts or even just our thoughts about one of our children, and take them to the future. We would absolutely crumble under the load of stress, worry, joy, sadness, anxiety, etc that comes with all those thoughts pouring through us. "If I start thinking about all these things at once, I will implode...I literally can't handle it...My back will break under the weight of it all."

How do we find peace in all of this? "...Peace does not come from what we believe, our doctrine. It comes from whom we believe, an almighty God.....our concerns...we take them imeediately to God's throne and we place them at His feet. And He will remain, steady and abiding, watching over and guarding what we have entrusted to Him for that day. We don't have to concern ourselves with every day, just today, and have the faith that He is on guard."

Of all the things we can think when we get to thinking, just remember that God has them all under control. We cannot control our days...what will happen, who will say what, etc. But God has it all under control. He will work out all things to the greater good.

Where to Look - Daily Devotional - December 6, 2012

Scripture: Revelation 1:7 - Look, he is coming with the clouds.

"I love the idea that the stormiest or most muddled moments of our lives are when God is most recognizable on the horizon." Do you find that God only shows up when we are going through these trials or do you find that you only look for him during those times?

"Our reaction to trials, or clouds, in life will color our children's manner of facing adversity. They will remember how we handled disappointment, how we dealt with loss, how we went about rebuilding when things fell apart...our first reaction to trouble is not to hit the panic button but to turn to God..."

We must remember that our children are sponges and they soak up EVERYTHING. If we have problems and do not seek God, we are telling our children that God is a last resort. However, if we bow before God in our hour of need, we teach them they can depend on their heavenly Father to see them through all things.

We can teach them through example that God is always with us and we can show them that sometimes we only see him when the clouds and storms roll into our lives. "They don't need to grow up with fear as a default reaction to stress; we can help them set their default to faith, not fear. After all, every difficult moment holds an opportunity to grow in trust. But first we have to be walking this walk...Do you share your coping methods with your children?"

I've learned as a foster mother that it is very important to teach your kiddos how to cope. It is very important to teach them that God is the best resource in their hour of need. We teach them to talk through the issue and then we pray about how God can use the situation. Coping is an important skill that all people need to learn.

"Footprints in the Sand"

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belongingto him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

What Do You Want - Daily Devotional - December 5, 2011

Scripture: Mark 10:36 - "What do you want me to do for your?" [Jesus] asked.

Can you answer this question? If I asked you this question right this minute, would you be able to answer it without thinking? Do you know what you want? "Part of being emotionally healthy and mature is in knowing how to recognize our needs and how to get them filled."

Think about a child who has not yet learned how to speak...they must be frustrated! They cannot tell us how they feel, what they want, why it hurts, what happened, etc. Instead they throw tantrums, cry, scream, and throw it down to the ground. "We are exactly the same when we get out of practice, which happens when we put everyone's needs far ahead of our own. We forget the language of the heart and how to express ourselves in this way...we express our needs in other ways: withdrawing, smoldering glares, snapping, nagging, or chilly extended silence."

The next time you start to feel frustrated take a moment to remember when youre needs were fulfilled first. Remember to do a self check and ask "What do I want or need?" and be honest about your answer. If you know what you want or need, go obtain it. By first fulfilling our needs, we can be much more useful in God's plan for his kingdom.

The Return of Devotionals - December 4, 2011

So, by popular demand, I am resuming the daily devotional posts with the intent of doing them daily. I initially stopped the posts because I was bed-ridden with a horrible flu/strep/stomach flu and I couldn't even find energy to haul my rear out of bed. Of course this led to Josh running the house which is NO good at all! I spent the next few months trying to regain control...and I'm still losing at that challenge!

I thought I would give a quick background on myself so anyone following the blog will know where my influences, knowledge-base, and opinions side from.

The early years of my life were spent with my Granpa and Granny McPherson 1/4 mile south of our farm house...Granny and Granpa would always make it a point to tell me about Jesus and God even though we never attended church. "Farm work always has to get done, but the Lord's work has to as well." is what they would often say. They prayed for rain, they prayed for a good crop season, they prayed for the rain to stop, they prayed for safety...they prayed. I learned all the hard work that anyone would growing up on a farm. But, I learned to trust God despite it all.

My parents divorced when I was 7. This was hard for me to handle, but I trusted God. I knew that He would bring me through. There were perks to it. My parents weren't fighting all the time and we only lived 30 minutes away. However, I think living through a divorce at a young age can make you have one of two opinions: 1) Marriages will never work. If my parents who were madly in love can't fix their problems, how will I be able to fix any my husband and I have? or 2) I will make my marriage work because I don't believe in divorce and I believe a marriage can work...especially a Christ-centered marriage.

When I was 9, I was sexually molested by a family friend throughout one summer. This happened to my cousin, a friend, and myself. I, again trusted God. (For those wondering why I didn't go to my parents, it wasn't fully that I didn't think they wouldn't believe, but it was more out of embarassment...which is what you will see of any child who goes through this.) I asked that He remove this summer from my mind as much as possible and that He just let me move on with life. God is a faithful God and I all but forgot the summer. Over time I came to forgive the man "'...for vengence is mine,' says the Lord." My cousin didn't do this and unfortunately has a very large black mark on her heart that has not left yet. I use this experience to help others who have had a similar experience or who an adult might think has had this to help them. God gave me this situation to help others and oddly, I'm thankful for it as I'm the only one in my church who works with children who can spot this type of abuse.

In 5th grade, I met my best friend, Becky, and her family. After spending time with them, I decided being baptized is where my path was leading. Through the fellowship and love of my "other" family, I grew more faithful and trusting in my relationship with God. Becky often called me a "roast beef eating Christian" as compared to those of my age who were eating "Gerber". I guess God called me to a more intellectual understanding of the scripture at an earlier time. I was also very interested in the missionary field and doing good for others...afterall, that is what Christ did while on earth.

When I went away to college (earlier than any of my friends), I was worried that I would lose God. However, I found a great church in KC (Holmeswood Baptist) where I have been attending since my first Sunday in town. With the help of great leaders like Rick and Keith, and many adult friends who showed interest in me, I have been able to keep up with God.

It was on my first Sundat at Holmeswood that I met my future husband, Josh. The story about Josh is long and somewhat arduous at times, so let's just say, we married on August 13, 2005 after knowing each other for 4 years. Josh and I decided we would not have any biological children of our own but would become foster/adoptive parents. We have had two placements since becoming foster parents last year. Our first placements (Daeon 13, Adriele 9, & Mondrea 1) lived with us for 6 weeks before being successfully reunified with their mom. We see them weekly for chuch! Our second placement is still in process and has been for over a year (Jamion 5, CJ 3, CeKariya 2, and London 1). We are currently praying about child #5. Pray for us.

So, the to sum it up: 1) I was born and bred on a farm, 2) My parents divorced when I was 7, 3) I was sexually molested when I was 9, 4) I grew up in small town America, 5) I moved to a big city, 6) Was 3rd in my high school class and 7th in my college class, 7) Have my Bachelor's of Business Administration - graduating when I was just 21, 8) Have worked in sales, marketing, and business administration all in the corporate world, 9) Love to help others, spend time with family, and travel, 10) Believe God can overcome all my minuscule things to bring me to greater glory in him.

Now, the devotional: Wounds from a Friend - December 4, 2011

Scripture: Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
So, this is a little deep. Who wants friends who are going to cause wounds? Who wants enemies that kiss? Well, the answers are we do and we don't. We all should want friends who are going to cause wounds because these are the tried and true friends who will tell it to us like it is...not the kind who will cover it over.

Take a quick survey of all your friends...young, old, new, or existing. Do you have the kin dof friends who will tell you the truth? Will they hold you accountable for your actions? Will they tell you when you're going to make a mistake and still love you when you ignore their advice? Will they tell you if you have salad in your teeth, or lipstick on them, or that you forgot to zip your pants, or that the static electricity is causing your skirt to rise? Will they go deeper when you answer, "Fine"?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then you've got friends who are going to cause wounds. But their wounds are not intended to tear you down, but to help build you up and heal your pain. "They will never exploit your weakness, but they won't allow it to be your excuse either. They challenge, they encourage, they love, they laugh, and they don't walk out when things get tough." These are the friends who are in it for good or bad.

In doing my evaluation, I find I only have a handful of friends that I can say this about...It's a very small handful as well. (I can't even think of 10 who have stood by me in all the things I've been through!) And yes, I've had screaming matches with each of these friends, walked out during fights, said mean things to them, and cried over them. But with each rough patch came a much greener and brighter patch...the kind you find in paradise alone! These friends (yes, some are men) have seen me on my best days where nothing will bring me down and on my worst days where I cannot redeem myself or even get out of bed. They have hurt me to my core, but when that wound heals, I'm a better person for it.

On the flip side, I've had many friends who fall into the latter part of the verse "...but an enemy multiplies kisses." These friends are only there while the good is there to get. They want to be there when you're on the up and up and things are sunny and bright. They would be the friends you go party with, but bail when you get pulled over on the drive home. Or the friends who stay with you through some of the bad...like when it's raining only because there's always a rainbow, but they won't stay if a blizzard hits. I guess I've had more of these friends because sometimes we all need superficial love to feel justified at some point. But the older I get, the more I realize that I'd rather have fewer friends willing to inflict wounds when needed than have more friends who shower me with kisses as a falsehood for their selfish desires.

So, remember when your friend who has been there for over 20 years looks you in the eyes and makes you cry, it's because they love you. And remember, you should be a friend willing to wound them when it's needed.

A Walk In The Park

Last Thursday Josh and I enjoyed a stroll through Loose Park while the kids were at McDonald's. While we can't post pictures of the kiddos, here are some of Josh and I strolling through the park. Hope you all enjoy them.


I can be naughty, but it never looks quite right...

Josh at age 102...crazy eyes and crazy mouth...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

I'm coming for you!

I just got done doing my Ricky Bobby hands impression and am laughing at Josh's reaction....a true smile from me on camera is rare.

The happy couple...We've been married for 6 years. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, some fish, and 4 kiddos...can you tell?

This is one of my favorites of Josh. He's so handsome and so darn photogenic!

This is what it looks like to kiss him...hmm...second thoughts anyone?! =o)

Taking a moment after Josh is caught taking chest pictures...sometimes that man!

No, it's not a strip tease! I'm buttoning my jacket!

This is what it looks like to kiss me...any takers?

This is what awesome looks like!

Enjoy!

More Than Conquerors - Devotional Day 16 - October 6

Scripture: Romans 8:37 - In all these things we are more than conquerors through im who loved us.
"Every day we face challenges of varying degree, but even seemingly small challenges can have larger implications later. We must determine from the outset, like at the beginning of the day, that we are going to adopt a victorious outlook." How do you start your day? How do you handle the everyday challenges? Do they make you blow up or do you handle them with grace and gratitude?

"If we know already how the story ends, that we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us, then we can begin with gratitude, no matter where we find ourselves from moment to moment." Think about that a minute. As a Christian believer, we know that the "end" is won by God and that we believers will be triumphant with Christ Jesus. We know the end of the story...where's the suspense?! Where's the mystery?! Where's the worry?! We shouldn't have any suspense that we don't create, the only mystery should be Christ's return, and we shouldn't be worrying about anything. We know we win!!!

What an amazing story to look forward to each and every day! "Just as in order to be successful you have to visualize your success; in order to be faithful you have to visualize God triumphing over your challenges....open ourselves up to the power and possibility of God."

Just remember...We win through Christ Jesus!

Be Nice - Devotional Day 15 - October 5

Scripture: Psalm 133:1 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

How many of you have a "sand paper" person...someone who rubs you the wrong way all the time? You can't seem to get a handle on yourself when this person (or persons) are around...Perhaps we should turn the mirror to ourselves and see if we are a root cause. I know I often find that there is something within me that is the root of my feelings...whether good or bad.

"...prayed to God and asked Him to reveal Himself and He did, everytime." Sometimes when we walk into a rage or an arguement or get in a huff, we don't think. But, we should and we should pray that God will guide us through the situation so we can live in harmony.

"Why am I so annoyed by this? What is it about me that is reacting so strongly? What is my part here? Certain irritating or frustrating people and situations in our lives, particularly the ones we cannot escape, are put there on purposse by God to refine us. Once we get over being bugged, we can get on with being healed."

So, let the sand paper people of your life refine you into a one of a kind!

Lay Your Burdens Down - Devotional Day 14 - October 4, 2011

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 understand, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is a huge chunck of scripture! Let's put into steps what it is telling us to do.
1) Rejoice in the Lord always. - That's a pretty easy line. How often do you rejoice in the Lord? How often do you thank Him for your day or your life or your kids or your wife or your husband or the chance to sit down and take a load off?
2) Let your gentleness be evident to all. - This one is also an easy line. How often are you gentle with others? Some other words that mean gentle...for those who like descriptors...carefulness, caution, kindness, tenderness. So, it should be evident to all...that's the whole world, everyone who knows you or doesn't know, etc...we should be careful, cautious, kind, and tender. I can think of a few choice words used this week that do not express those words. =o(
3) FYI - The Lord is near. - This really isn't a step of things to do, it's just an FYI.
4) Do not be anxious about anything. - For some people, this is very easy. For others, there is no telling them not to worry. Anxious can also be worried, tense, afraid, aghast, antsy apprehensive, basket case, bugged, butterflies, careful, chocked, clutched, concerned, jittery, jumpy, nervous, restless, troubled, strung out, or watchful. So God is telling us to not be any of these things. Just the opposite, we should be assured, calm, content, cool, happy, indifferent, peaceful, tranquil, unconcerned, and unworried. Oh, to be in that place all the time!
5) In everything present your requests to God. - Oh, to lay down our burdens! It feels great doesn't it...to take a little break from our burdens before we pick them back up. But, God wants us to lay our burdens down and NOT pick them up again. Just lay them down and leave it! "...we select a few stones from the gravel on the ground...we quietly assign them the burdens du jour. We say a short prayer and each place our burdens on the ledge before we turn and head...home....leave them at the foot of the cross. I have a tendency to trust God initially, but then run back and reclaim my troubles in the vain hope that I can rectify them on my own." Amen, because we can't do it alone!
6) FYI - The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - This is just an FYI...after we lay down our burdens, God's peace will transcend upon us and guard our hearts and minds...if we let it.

Let me leave you with this verse for thought: Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Pray for Our Children - Devotional Day 13 - October 3

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:19 - Give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees.

"I need to pay greater attention and place higher emphasis on the desire for my children to be obedient to God than the desire fo rthem to be obedient to me. It's one thing for a child or teenager to make a good choice because they fear getting grounded and it's another thing to make a good decision because they genuinely want to please God." What a statement! Pray our kiddos will be obedient to God versus obedient to us? No, no, it's stating that we should pray they are obedient to God first and then to us. When we put things in God's hands it tends to work out much better for everyone involved.

"The former has a shorter shelf life...The latter, the desire to please God, is a lifetime pursuit, a joy. One linfe of reasoning produces an adult whose actions depend on who's watching, the other will eventually become a part of an adult's good character that reveals itself regardless if anyone is around to observe or not." Have you ever used "You need to do this or else..." line on your kids? How long does that behavior last? In my household, it's literally as long as I am watching them. If I tell them to sit down or to put the toys away and turn my back, they are all over the room playing. But, if I'm watching them, they will do as they're told. However, how great would our household be if they did what they were asked to do because they wanted to please God and honor their mother and father?!

"It is a deeper way to pray, for the formation of a heart that follows and longs for God rather than for a mind that makes good choices." Have you ever sat down and really poured your heart out to God about your kiddos? Have you the desire to see your kiddos live for God and God's purpose?

"Solomon was able to finish the temple that his father only dreamed about. King David was a good man, in spite of his many flaws, but Solomon was a man of impeccable character. The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed upon him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before. The prayers of a faithful parent have incredible power." Imagine your children becoming so much more than you can ever hope for...more than they can ever dream because you faithfully pray for them to be in God's will?!

Start your intimate prayer today for the sake of your children!

Share and Share Alike - Devotional Day 12 - October 2

Sorry I missed yesterday! I was busy making homemade applesauce and apple crisp.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:16 - Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrific es God is pleased.

"From the time they are toddlers, we nag our children to share....Before they even have a chance to fully appreciate the fleeting "Mine" stage, we are already on them to share and take turns." I remember always being told to share and be nice. We learn alot from our kiddos as we go through the "Mine" and "Share" stages. The best example of this happened just a few days ago. Jamion had on a toy cat watch and CJ was playing with a yo-yo and toy disc thrower.

Jamion: CJ, can I play with the yo-yo?
CJ: No, I playing with it.
Jamion: CJ, you need to share.
CJ: Okay. You get the yo-yo, but I want the cat.
Jamion: No! You don't get the watch. It's mine and you can't have it. Now share the yo-yo with me.
CJ: NO!
Josh: Jamion, do you think it's fair for you to tell CJ to share when you won't share with him?
Jamion: Yeah. It's not nice. He needs to share.
Josh: Well, don't you think it's mean of you to not share?
Jamion: I guess.
CJ: Can I have a doughnut?

Isn't it amazing how much we can learn from our kids? "Just like love, forgiveness, and a sense of humor - you have to know you have it for yourself before you can freely give it away....need to see us sharing things not only with them but with our friends, our spouses, and our extended families. We typically grow up to treat others the way we have been treated."

We all want our kiddos (and all people) to share and share alike. However, the means by which we teach our children to share is in our hands. "Acting out the lesson of sharing as a parent is far better than nagging." What a concept for us to be on their level and share with them and others. It's a great reminder for adults on a lesson we sometimes forget.

"Let's be mindful today of our treatment of others." As the Golden Rule states: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31

Cannot Be Shaken - Devotional Day 11 - October 1

Scripture: Hebrews 12:27 - "...so that what cannot be shaken may remain."

"All of us go through a time or times in our life when the walls quake around us and the earth seems to move under our feet...Our lives get shaken up now and then..."

What have you gone through lately that has shaken your life? What has knocked the wind out of you, swept your feet out from under you, etc? For me it was leaving Heartland Services to put my family first. This was a big feat for me and for Josh. You see, I had been working at Heartland since January 2004...it was a staple in my life and in our relationship. But, it wasn't the right staple once we became parents. While it was a chosen shake, it was still a hard shake...Should I look for another job? Should I be a stay-at-home mom? Should I find a full time job? Should I find a part time job? Where was God going to take me?

"Knowing that God is sovereign and nothing can happen to us that does not pass His approval, I sometimes wonder why He allows such rigorous and often painful upheavals...When the shaking stops and we try to put back misplaced and broken items, we realize that not everything has survived the quake." Have you ever broken something that was important to you and tried to glue it back together...no matter how hard you try, it will never look the same or be the same as it was before it was broken. Do you choose to keep it in its new light or do you throw it out and get a new one? If it has meaning to you, there is no easy answer.

"It is this: When all else is shaken, He remains." Remember the next time your world is shaken, turned upside down, toppled over, stepped on, run over, ravaged, etc, God is still the same. He will love you and keep you and help you through it all.

Strength - Devotional Day 10 - September 30

Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-13 - Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Talk about strength...I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open today because I'm physically drained. But add to the lesson strength! Good thing the lesson isn't really focussed on physical strength because I get an upper body work out every day thanks to kids!

"We need variety and we need specific training goals in order to prepare, grow and heal. Our spiritual muscles, just like our phsical muscles, will become stronger only as they are used. Left idle, they will atrophy." How do you strengthen your spiritual muscles? I know sometimes I feel spiritually unmotivated to stretch them out and move them around, but I know it has to be done.

Spiritual workouts are a great way to do this. Maybe you start easy: reading a chapter in the Bible, picking a verse a day to learn and meditate on. Maybe it's joining a Bible study group. Several years ago when I was feeling spiritually empty and nothing at church was feeding my need for roast beef Christianity, I formed an intimate Bible study with my husband and another married couple...just enough to have variety, but just too little to have so much drama.

This group really helped me for the year that we had it. It was a chance to fill up my spiritual gas tank, pump up my spiritual muscles, andfeed my need to grow closer to God all at the same time. It was awesome! We had just 4 of us telling what we thought a particular lesson meant to us, how it impacted our week, how God had used it to motivate or teach us. It also taught two men to pray daily.

Are you challenging yourself in all areas of your being...Are you growing stronger in your relationship with Christ and his plan for you? How can you strengthen your weaknesses so they can become useful to you?

Our Legacy Long Haul - Devotional Day 9 - September 29

Scripture: Hebrews 6:11-12 - We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Wow! It's telling me I must be diligent in my faith, not to become lazy, but through my diligent faith and patience, I can inherit what has been promised (eternal life). That's a lot to take in right at the start of this study!

"We have a long haul ahead...91, 95, 90...Dispite growing older, they have not grown lazy. They faithfully and patiently love god and their family and friends. They remember birthdays, holidays, and are always up for a visit." When was the last time you visited with your grandparents? I remember talking to my Grandpa Howerton before she was hospitalized. I loved going to her house, just across the street from mine, and looking at her calendar. It had everyone's birthday and anniversary written down with the age or years next to it. She would always send a card...never forgot.

"They have never abandoned hope or their faith, in turbulent times or in ordinary ones. They give generously, from their pocketbooks, their refrigerators, and their hearts." It seems that through thick and thin, both my grandparents (McPherson & Howerton) that they stuck to it until the end. They always seemed to be able to provide a little money if needed and yep, their fridge was always open...hungry or not! But the best thing about all my grandparents was their openness and willingness to let me talk to them about whatever was on my mind. They were always supportive and understanding of my thoughts and goals and never criticized me. And, they always had something to laugh about!

"Thank God for the history and the legacy that si your family tree, both the roots of the past and the branches growing into the future." How lucky I am to have known all 4 of my grandparents and 3 of Josh's. It has made a great impact on me.

Have you spoken to those cultivating your legacy yet? Remember when you do, tell them that you love them!

New Foster Care Policy

There is a new foster care policy that states foster childeren are not to be displayed on social networking sites or blogs, etc. Also, pictures of the kids are not to be emailed or sent via text. I am removing all their pictures from this blog. I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is a state-sanctioned policy and as foster parents Josh and I must comply.

Thank you for your understanding and we'll keep you updated on the kiddos.

Love & God Bless.