Pleasant Living

Let's try this again!

2012-01-24T11:03:00.001-06:00

Okay, Test Group! After all of your wonderful comments last week, I've been working to revamp the SHE logo. Well, actually, Brian and I have both been working. This is DEFINITELY a team effort. I'm just so grateful to have a great teammate!

I threw out the mirror idea altogether. I changed verses. So, let me hear your feedback and reactions to this one:

In need of your expertise...

2012-01-20T09:39:00.001-06:00

Okay, Creative People, I need your help! We are launching a new component of our church's women's ministry, and we've been working hard to get a logo that speaks, yet is timeless and classic. What are your honest thoughts? What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you see this? Do you like the color? Would another color look better. React to this, PLEASE!

Ministry Name: SHE (as in "she studies, she learns, she grows, etc.)

Ministry Target: Young Women (mostly young married)

Ministry Description: A network of young women living out their faith as "Doers of the Word"

Ministry Goal: SHE exists to equip, challenge, and spiritually nurture young women as they live lives as doers of the Word.

Ministry Scripture: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25 (The scripture in the logo should actually be James 1:22-25. The mirror in the logo is a symbol of this verse.)

Thank you for your thoughts!

Following

2012-01-12T03:00:00.000-06:00

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

I love to play with our dogs in the empty field behind our house. Since my husband and I don't have any children, our pups are our babies. We spoil them and treat them better than some people treat their children. Sometimes, we have to remind ourselves that they are dogs.

Last week as my brood was trekking through the pasture, the dogs continually got burrs stuck in their feet. I kept calling them back to the sandy, burr-free path, but they unfailingly followed their canine noses to burr patches.

After I'd freed their feet from the sticky nuisances one too many times, I yelled at them, Why won't you just follow me?

At once, the Lord hid me square in the face with my own words. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

I wanted my dogs to imitate me. I knew the best path. I was ready to lead the way on a pain-free trail, but they couldn't deny their innate sense of smell to follow me. Their flesh was too strong.

I considered how many times I'd acted like my dogs when the Lord was trying to lead me in His way. I failed to deny my sinful self, so that I could walk in the pain-free path of the Savior. Not that it would be without trouble, but it WOULD BE with the One who knew the way. I'm sure that God was feeling the same frustration that I felt, Why won't you just follow me?

Today, I am striving to imitate Christ.

Jesus, show me your path and make me obedient to walk faithfully on it.

Watch Out!

2012-01-11T09:07:00.000-06:00

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

I have the great privilege of teaching a women's Bible Study. Last semester, we worked through a book on marriage. As we began our study time, I was shocked to find the large number of young marriages that were in complete crisis. As I talked privately with a few, I found that the evil one was camped out comfortably in their homes. And, some of these poor women hadn't even recognized him.

Dear Ones, the Lord has been regularly reminding me that we MUST stay alert where Satan is concerned. Scripture makes the point that the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

It is my opinion, on the whole, that Christ-followers enormously underestimate the enemy. We tend to take comfort in the earth and all that it has to offer, only to be assaulted when we least expect it. That's the way of the evil one. He is the most mischievous, trickster that we can imagine, just waiting to deceive and destroy us.

We MUST learn to recognize his attacks, and then to combat them with Truth. Satan is all evil, all of the time. God is all good, all of the time. That's how you can tell the difference.

When Satan is attacking you, your marriage, your children, or your family, you can overcome with the truth of God. His Word.

Hebrews 4:12 says, 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.

Put His Word in your life, your thoughts, your actions to stand tall when you come up against Satan's attacks. God's Word stands faithful in every situation.

Have No Fear! God is Here!

2012-01-10T09:16:00.002-06:00

Have you ever felt fearful that you would miss God's calling on your life? I have. At moments, I've stewed in total worry that I would miss my ship, that I'd fail to accomplish God's will for my life, that somehow I wouldn't understand or discern His voice. And then, the opportunity would pass me by, and I would live a life of unmet goals and unreached potential.

What arrogant thinking, right? Imagine if God's plan was dependent on me. That's just preposterous when I see it written in bold black font. I realize how utterly ridiculous it sounds, and I feel somewhat embarrassed to admit that I've actually had these thoughts. How truly prideful of me.

This morning, as I was reading through Ephesians 1, I focused in on verses 10 and 11.

And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ - everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.

Ephesians 1:10-11 [NLT]

Paul makes it abundantly clear in this passage that, if we are followers of Jesus, we absolutely do NOT have to fear missing God's calling, because we are under the authority of Christ, and in accordance with God's predetermined plan. The only part that we are responsible for is being united with Christ. God's already taken care of the rest. It's not dependent on me. Thank goodness.

Father, help me to unite, to join together, with Christ that I might be a faithful player in your plan. Thank you that it is NOT about me.

Orphans

2012-01-09T09:05:00.003-06:00

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Ephesians 1:2

Last week, as I sat on our backyard deck and basked in the warmth of the Son, God moved my heart to praise Him. I'd just returned from a gathering of women who were assembled to learn about a local organization that supports teenage girls in foster care. When I found myself surrounded by a beautiful, safe home in a beautiful, safe setting, I felt covered. Covered by grace and by peace.

At once, I began wrestling with the questions, "God, why them? Why not me? Why are they orphans? Why don't you provide permanent homes for them? Why? Why? Why?"

My heart was troubled and broken by their unstable lives in comparison to my own. Like most of you, I have more loving family members and friends than I can count. Not them. To many, they are the lowest of the low. Basically, these are the leftover girls who have never been chosen to become a part of a permanent family.

As I was right in the middle of my reflection on this injustice, God settled me on an important truth. We are all orphans, if not for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. You see, none of us is worthy of a loving, permanent family. None of us, by our own merit, has any value or sonship.

But, because God has given us His redemptive grace, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, we are heirs. We have a forever family. We are a part. A part of a body of believers to which the Lord extends His grace and His peace.

If you are feeling lonely today, rest in our Forever Faithful Father. He is the ONLY source of stability for any of us. He is the only permanence that we can obtain.

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to be your child.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2011-12-22T09:10:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! Good Morning! (that was said Clairee style from Steel Magnolias, my all-time favorite movie).

I am high on the holidays at this point! My heart is bursting with God's provision of a Savior to save us from our sins. What a special time of year this is!

I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures from last night's Christmas celebration at my parent's house.

Santa and Mrs. Claus paid us a visit! Aren't they the funniest? You'll notice, Hensley is even holding jingle bells. We ended the evening with an original version of Jingle Bells.

These 3 have Christmastime birthdays, so they were opening their birthday gifts.

Mom and Hensley look on with smiles.

A remote control Barbie Corvette, complete with a Barbie and a cardboard Ken.

Mom and Ashley laugh at the names of the pets for the pet daycare. Tasha Spaniel and Taylor Spaniel.

Maddox tries out his new REAL camera!

The guys fly Maddox's new helicopter.

Elf on the Shelf! This was the cardboard Ken that came in the Barbie Corvette, but we thought it looked more like Ellen Degeneres or Owen Wilson, who are look-a-likes in my book.

Charades!

Snowman Pinata! This was really great! Mom individually wrapped ALL of our stocking gifts and labeled them with our names. When the pinata burst open, we had to go collect our gifts. She used this to illustrate how we are given the free gift of Jesus, but we have to accept him. Great analogy for kids (and adults)!

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

No Room!

2011-12-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

Happy Afternoon, Precious Ones! I sincerely hope that you are all having a wonderful Wednesday as we approach the Christmas weekend. I can't wait!

Like a crazy person, I just braved the local mall. And, let me tell you, it was almost an impossible mission for this crowd-hater! I accepted the last parking spot in the lot, and I power walked my way through herds of crazed shoppers. I was actually out to purchase birthday presents, not Christmas presents. We have 5 family birthdays around Christmas. I feel so sorry for them, especially the little guys. Both of our nephews have holiday birthdays - Maddox on Christmas Eve and Liam on New Year's Day. Now, every year I set out to shop early, and I just never ever do. Oh well...

Now, I'm resting, and I thought about you! I wondered if you were busy with holiday festivities, too.

This morning, I read through Luke 2, just like I told you that I would. And, just like God, He pointed out something new to me. Isn't it amazing how God's Word is fresh every single time we read it? I've been studying Luke 1 and 2 for several weeks now, and yet, God gave me a new truth today.

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

We've all heard the story of how there was no room in the inn for Mary to give birth to Jesus, and that's why Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger. As an adult, I'm always surprised to find how many details of the story have been added along the way, as it is repeated again and again. Growing up, I always thought the story included an elaborate account of Joseph and Mary traveling from inn to inn and asking for lodging. As it turns out, the text doesn't include many details, at all.

However, it does state, "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

From Jesus' very earliest days, people lacked room for Him. In a literal sense, the innkeeper didn't have a place for Him. But, if we spin this scenario into our world today, I wonder how many of us lack room for Jesus in our lives? I would be curious to know how many of us have spent as much time preparing our hearts for Christmas as we've spent preparing our homes.

The last thing I want in my life is to compartmentalize Jesus in me. God, allow me to erupt with your story and your glory. May my life have intentional space carved out just for you.

Merry Christmas!

Yesterday, the kiddos and I played together all the livelong day. Part of our day included a trip to the science museum. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment! :)

Fireside Chat

2011-12-18T20:30:00.000-06:00

Good Evening, Friends,
I'm closing my day with you. I come to you tonight from the back porch fireplace with a starlit sky and the Pandora Michael Buble holiday station quietly humming over the otherwise serene landscape. The dogs are laying underfoot and Brian is inside catching the end of a football game. For me, this is utopia. This is the place to which I wasn't always sure that I'd make it. My heart is full this evening. Absolutely, positiviely overflowing with God's goodness.

You see, on this day two years ago, I received news of my second recurrence of breast cancer. But, not today. Today has been a day of worship, of fellowship, of productivity, of rest, and of praise to the Almighty God.

I am overwhelmed tonight, to the point of tear-filled eyes, at what my God has done for me, a lowly sinner saved only by His miraculous grace. He was enough, y'all. He always has been, but tonight, I'm even more aware of the fact. The fact that God, looked down from His heavenly reign to change things for this young woman. Amazing. I always felt like God was preparing me for something, but I never could've guessed that I would be the recipient of a miracle. To God be all honor, glory, and praise today and everyday!

Have a little faith...

2011-12-15T03:00:00.000-06:00

Good Morning, Sweet People! Can you believe that we are a mere 10 days from Christmas? I'm telling you, time flies when you get old! I remember being a little girl and thinking that Christmas would just never come, but now it seems like it flies in abruptly!

This morning, I've been pondering three distinct sections of Luke 1.

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you..." (v. 35)
"For nothing is impossible with God." (v. 37)
"You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." (v.45)

Though these verses are comprised of different language, I believe their theme can be summed up in one word: FAITH.

Y'all, on this earth we wrestle with big things. Very big things. Illness, death, tragedy, divorce, addictions, unemployment, financial ruin, broken relationships, and the list could go on and on and on.

Fortunately, we have a Savior who will come upon us, and overshadow us in His power. And, with Him, nothing is impossible. No mountain is too big for Him to move, no situation is too grim for Him to change. And, we will be blessed, if only we have faith that the Lord will do what he says He'll do.

What's big in your world today? What is causing you grief, worry, or anxiety? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to come upon you and to overshadow you with His power? Have you stated in faith that nothing is impossible with God? Hmmm.... I've got some thinking to do...

One of the biggest illustrations of faith that I know is Parental Care Ministries. These precious children in Uganda trust God to care for their most basic needs. They believe that He's trustworthy, and that He will do Big, HuGe, ENORMOUS things for them. And, you know what? He does. Have a little faith...

Making Christmas Merry Tip #8

Practice stewardship - bless those in need.

Partner with an organization like Parental Care Ministries (see website above) or Salvation Army Angel Tree or your local church to meet the needs of those in need this Christmas. What a wonderful way to worship the Lord by using His resources well!

Making Christmas Merry Tip #7

2011-12-14T03:00:00.000-06:00

Silent Night has always been one of my favorite Christmas carols...

As I read these words, I can't help but picture Mary singing this quiet lullaby to the Christ Child. I know, I know. These lyrics came far later than that star-filled night, but can't you just imagine this young mother rocking her baby and humming quietly as she took in the magnitude of the day? The image literally puts chills on my body.

In meditating on Luke 1:18-34, God cenetered me on the idea of silence. I am my mother's child, and she is her mother's child, in that we all love the sound of silence. There is no greater noise.

God silenced Zechariah in preparation for the birth of his son, John. I'm not sure why silence seemed an appropriate consequence for his unbelief, but I think there's a lesson for us in it.

After years of struggling with infertility, Zechariah and Elizabeth were now being given a son, and yet, Zechariah couldn't believe it. Here he is, a priest in the Jewish Temple, responsible for representing the people before God, and he couldn't believe it. It's almost as if God was saying through this consequence of silence, "Now, you just be quiet and WATCH."

This resonates with me today. As Christians, we like to call ourselves "Believers", but are we? Do we believe? Do we believe that the God of the Universe can and will accomplish supernatural things? Do we believe that He will do what He's promised? Are we living our lives in a way that communicates this belief?

My tip today is that we would all just be quiet and watch God do what God does. He moves. He acts. He speaks. He changes things. God, may you silence the foolishness of my lips, that I might simply WATCH you this Christmas.

Making Christmas Merry Tip #6

2011-12-13T07:22:00.002-06:00

Good Morning, Wonderful Ones!

This morning, I'm coming to you from the comfort of a fireside recliner. It is most definitely "the most wonderful time of the year." I'm up before the sun today because of a nagging cough. I've been fighting off the common cold for almost a week now, and it just keeps going. Poor Brian isn't feeling well either. Oh well, these things are so very minor and inconsequential compared to the hurdles of the past holiday seasons. I'm fairly certain that we'll manage. :)

This week, I'm zoning in on Luke 1, if you'd like to study along with me. Each day, I'm reading Luke 1, and then I'm going back to focus on one smaller portion of the text. For instance, yesterday I read Luke 1, then I slowly studied Luke 1:1-17. Today, I will read Luke 1, and then I'll focus in on Luke 1:18-24. Each day, I'll study these smaller passages and ask God to draw out His truths for me, that I might put them into practice in my life. If you've never studied The Word this way, it's worth a try. There's something wonderful about taking a slow walk through scripture to notice all of the scenery.

Speaking of scenery...

Merry Christmas Merry Tip #6

This holiday, get outside and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Last week, it was cold and drizzly, so I donned my rubber boots and took the pups out for a "hunt" through the open fields around our house. We had the BEST time. No cost. No planning. Just a good, old-fashioned trek through nature. It was refreshing and wonderful! So, take some time this season to walk slowly - through nature, but mostly through God's Word.

M-aarrgh-y Christmas!

2011-12-12T08:51:00.001-06:00

Do you like to plan and throw parties? I think that it's a certain personality that really gets excited about this. This weekend, we were part of one of the most fun parties that I've been to in a while - Maddox's 6th birthday! The party was pirate-themed (the reason for the title of this post), and it was a blast!

I'll share my pictures with you... (EDIT: I just looked back. After spending about 10 minutes increasing the size of all the pics, they've all returned to the small size. Boo, BLOGGER!)

This is me and the birthday boy! Now, who knew that my vast wig and scarf collection would come in so handy!

Little Miss Pirate

A little Sword in the Stone mixed in for fun!

Themed snacks!

Granny and Papaw (The granny who painted the pictures in my house.)

Deliciousness!

Maddox and Granny going down the slide.

Nana and Hensley - the very best playmates!

Brian and Hensley in the jump house.

The Nana of all trades is applying tattoos and painting faces.

The Pirate Mom, doing what moms do.

These 3 planned one great party!

Maddox and Papa

Treasure Hunt!

My Mom and Stepdad made this ship for the party. Impressive, huh!?!

A very fun day, indeed!

Making a Magical Merry Christmas! - Tip #5

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

First, thank you! After whining about Pinterest yesterday, I got about 10 invitations to join! I can always count on my blog girls in matters both big and small!

Second, this is our home:

Today, my tip is to make Christmas magical by creating a festive entryway. I smile each time I drive up to our house or head back inside after getting the mail. The happy decor just puts a smile on my face. But, even more than making me happy, it makes our guests feel the magic of Christmas when they visit.

Sometimes, I think Christians are quick to dismiss the word "magic". But, magic is simply something that happens in a supernatural way. The whole story of Christmas is magical.

I can't help but think about Elizabeth as she welcomed Mary into her home. The two of them, undoubtedly, sat in awe of what the Lord was doing through their magical pregnancies. What a special time of sharing that must have been!

Oh, how we have our own stories of God's work in us! What if this Christmas, we are committed to festively welcoming friends into our homes for the distinct purpose of sharing God's work in our lives. What a merry time that would be!

Making a Merry Christmas Tip #4 - A Humble Holiday

2011-12-06T10:33:00.001-06:00

I'd be interested to know how many of you have consulted Pinterest as you plan holiday decor and Christmas presents. I'm guilty. Although, thus far, Pinterest has rejected me as a member. I've been waiting for about a month (maybe longer) for them to let me in, but they just won't accept me. This morning, I submitted my email address again, and I got another friendly reminder that they already had me in the line, so I just needed to wait.

I couldn't help but liken this to Jesus' birth. His parents traveled from place to place, searching for a warm place to have their baby. And, at each place, they were greeted with the bad news, "Sorry. No room."

How must Mary have felt? She knew that a miracle was taking place within her, but surely others wouldn't believe her if she began to recount the story. Can you imagine Mary telling the the tale, "So, an angel came and visited me..." Consider how this would go over in your own holiday gatherings.

Mary must have been overcome with such feelings of rejection and isolation. Any of you feeling those things today?

But...

There's always a "but" when God is involved. But, God was positioning her to play a major role in the humble birth of the Messiah! He had plans to show how He could stoop to the lowest position of all - a baby, from an unwed mother, birthed in a barn, and placed in a feed trough. Humble beginnings to heavenly heights.

I'm sure the story was somewhat different a few years later. Y'all, we NEVER know how God is shaping us, moving us, and preparing us for His work. Above all, humbly trust His hand.

Making a Merry Christmas Tip #4

Have a handmade holiday! Yesterday, I was given this beautiful jar of chocolate-dipped pretzel rods. I LOVE this! To me, there is nothing more wonderful than knowing that someone took the time to create a lovely (and tasty) treat just for me. I appreciate this so much!

God gave us Jesus, a gift of His very own hand. What a wonderful model as we seek to give good gifts to others. As you prepare the gift, wouldn't it be special to spend that time praying for the recipient? Now, what can I make...

Merry Making Tip #3

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

I often get the question, "So, are you still doing that diet?" Here's my honest answer - mostly. I will be very authentic when I say that the last recurrence (a year ago) really made me question everything that I had been so regimented about - the supplements, the organic food items, the conventional medicine. All of it.

Basically, I came to this conclusion - Jesus is the cure. He set the number of my days before I was born, and nothing that's happened in the last 3 years has changed that number. Now, I also have to reconcile this with the fact that Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that He has come that we may have abundant life. Also, I know that my body is to be the very temple of God, and that I am to be a good steward of all of the resources with which God has entrusted to me.

So, what does this mean for Christians?

I can only tell you how God has moved my heart, and I challenge you to seek Him as you make your own health/nutrition decisions.

This is the position that I take -

Healthy living means keeping my body in optimal condition, so that I can physically do all that God has created me to do. It does not mean being a slave to a diet, nor does it mean that I attribute my healing to my eating habits, supplements, or pharmaceuticals. God is the Healer.

To put this into black and white terms, this means that I eat many fruits and vegetables; I limit foods with gluten and sugar to occasional treats; and I get regular exercise. This keeps my body healthy, so that I can do what God positions me to do, but I am far less rigid about this than I used to be. Ultimately, God is in control, and I am just responsible for doing what he leads me to do. Now, keeping with this theme, onto the tip 'o the day!

Merry Making Tip #3

Make a delicious, but healthy holiday treat. For several days I saw a "breakfast cookie" recipe floating around the cyber world, and I was intrigued. After looking at the ingredients, I was even more intrigued.

So, this afternoon, I cranked up the Christmas carols and broke out the Kitchen Aid to concoct the guilt-free goodies.

Ingredients:

First, mash 3 ripe bananas. I let the mixer do the mashing.

Next, add the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Mis in dried fruit and nuts. I used raisins and dates and almonds and walnuts, but I think blueberries or cranberries or pecans would be delightful.

Form dough into balls and place on parchment paper. Press balls flat. Now, as they say, "Everything's bigger in Texas." Cookies are included in this, for me. I like a BIG cookie. Dust with cinnamon before baking.

Bake @ 350 for 20ish minutes. Cool on rack.

Place cooled cookies on the prettiest dish that you own! This is one of my favorites - a serving piece from Granny and Papaw's china.

Next time, I will probably double the recipe. What you see in the above photo is all that it made. That doesn't seem like many to me. Also, I think you could swap out the bananas for apple sauce (probably about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups). The variations are endless. You could do chocolate chips instead of dried fruit, but then they would be guilty, instead of guilt-free. A great holiday treat! Now, go make something!

Breakfast Cookies
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 cup blanched almond flour/meal (although, I think regular flour would work)
1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped
1 cup dried fruit
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/4 cup oil (I used grapeseed oil. I think vegetable or canola would work)
1 tsp vanilla

Merry Making Tip #2

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

This is our front entryway. Please notice the painting.

Here's a closeup:

And another beautiful winter scene:

Merry Making Tip #2

Decorate with items that have special meaning to you. These painting are the original artwork of my precious grandmother (Granny). Granny hosted Thanksgiving lunch. So, we went through a number of her masterpieces, and I claimed 4 to display in my home. When I look at them, I smile and warmly think about the special person who created them. It's my opinion that we often get so caught up in the commercialization of Christmas, that we forget to recount old memories and to be intentional about making new ones. I LOVE having these on display. They are special and invoke a great sense of nostalgia in me. Enjoy the creations of your loved ones! Honor them by putting them on display.

Merry Making Tip #1

2011-12-01T08:12:00.001-06:00

Look at me go! Blogging 3 days in a row! That's unheard of for me, these days! I had really forgotten how much I need this outlet. It brings joy to my day to sit in a state of reflection.

I'm staying true to my word about reading the Christmas story from Luke 1-2 over and over again. This morning, I really focused in on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth from Luke 1. I've always been kind of intrigued by the fact that Luke didn't just start with the angel, Gabriel, visiting Mary. While the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth conceiving in old age is important, it just seemed like it could've been put somewhere else. It's a good thing I wasn't responsible for compiling the Bible. :)

On to God's revelation to me today-

Luke 1:6 describes the couple - "Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's command and regulations." If the word righteous sounds "churchy" to you, don't let it phase you. It simply means "lived rightly". They lived in a way that pleased God. Wow! I certainly hope the same could be said for me.

But then, if you keep reading, in Luke 1:20, the angel Gabriel says to Zechariah, "But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time." The one who lived in a way that pleased God, failed to believe what He said. He was punished for his unbelief.

This was an aha moment for me! It illustrates the very reason why bad things happen to good people. This important question is one that keeps people from following Jesus. When, in fact, the answer lies right in His Word. Though we try our darndest to live rightly, we fail. We will fail every single time. We are full of sin and unbelief, and for that reason, there are consequences.

But...

The real gem in all of this is that the location of this story of Zechariah's unbelief comes right before the birth of the Savior. It's one more reminder of the reason that we NEED Jesus in our lives. Despite the fact that we do our best to be righteous, we WILL fail. Jesus has come to pick us up when we fall.

God, thank you for the way that you've orchestrated the sequence of your Word. It has purpose. And, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, at just the right time to rescue us from our unbelief.

Making a Merry Christmas - Tip #1

For the next few posts, I will be offering suggestions for adding joy to your holiday season.

TIP 1: Steal a few daily moments alone for a reality check. Get up early or stay up late, but find a quiet time when you can sit in a peaceful place and dedicate your holiday to worshipping God. The photo below shows my spot for this season. I've moved from the office chair to the living room recliner. I love to worship God as I gaze on the glimmering tree lights. I make sure I have a tasty warm drink and a cozy blanket, and I just sit and ask Him to make me aware of Him, His gift, and His work as I go about my day. Try it! You might like it. (:

'Tis the Season!

2011-11-30T08:12:00.001-06:00

Honestly, I've been in the holiday spirit since the beginning of October. I couldn't wait to decorate the house for fall, and that carried right on over to the Christmas season. I'm a sucker for holiday decor. I just LOVE it, and Pinterest hasn't really helped this addiction, at all. I'm not even an official member, and I'm certainly not crafty, but I'm intrigued by the wonderful creativity of some people!

Anyway, all of this stuff ignites joy and gladness in me, but I got to thinking a couple of days ago, "What if my joy ended there? What if my sense of giddy was based solely on red ribbons and oversized ornaments and twinkling lights?"

Well, folks, you know what the outcome of that would be - DEPRESSION with a capital D! As I've continued to get my feet a little wetter in the work of ministering to women, I've been just appalled at the work of the evil one to depress the minds' of believers. He is the enemy, working overtime to not only sway those who don't know the Lord, but to capture those who do. It's sickening to watch. And, this season seems to bring out more and more of those feelings of being dissatisfied, unfulfilled, and let down by this world and the things and people in it.

If I can encourage your heart in any small way, I'd like to challenge you to settle your joy in God's Word this holiday season. For the next 25 days, I'm going to be reading, and rereading, and reading again the first two chapters of Luke. This is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior. Will you join me?

Dear friends, the only way to be truly joyful during this holiday and the days thereafter, is to have a heart that is full of the Holy Spirit. God, fill us with the truth of Jesus this Christmas!

Let's not only adorn our homes with beautiful things, but let us also adorn our hearts with the beautiful story of the Savior.

Merry Christmas!

Terrific Thanksgiving!

2011-11-29T09:10:00.001-06:00

Good Morning, Sweet Peeps!

I hope that each of you had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday. We had lots of fun, food, and fellowship which made for the perfect combination for a wondrous occasion! I thought I'd show you a few pictures from our activities. Now, I realize that the quality of these pictures is awful, so please forgive a girl! For some reason, I have a very difficult time getting good pictures in dark, lamp-lit houses. Tips are appreciated.

On Thanksgiving Eve, we traveled a short hour away to enjoy dinner at my grandparents' house. This has been a tradition for many years. Grandma always makes a smorgasbord of soups, stews, and sandwiches. It's the perfect warm-up to Thanksgiving Day.

Then, on Thanksgiving Day, we got up early and walked through the fields by our house with our pups. It was cloudy and cool, and the perfect way to start the holiday. We got back home just in time to watch the parade and drink delicious lattes. Brian is quite talented as a barista. He hand whips the cream for the top, and it's so yummy! Then, we went to my other grandparents' house for lunch.

On Saturday, Brian's best friend, Jeff, came into town to visit family. They have a huge farm, and they invited us out to shoot clay pigeons. This is Jeff and Brian, getting ready for the kill:

This is me, shooting a gun for the first time ever. I didn't really enjoy shooting a shotgun, but I loved shooting the pistol! The shotgun kicked too much for my liking. We were shooting in the rain and cold, but it was so much fun! Back to my country girl roots! That's Jeff's dad helping me.

Well, folks, I'm sure many of you have moved right into the Christmas spirit as Thanksgiving passed and Christmas draws near. I'm praying that your hearts would be moved by the story of the Savior, as you busy yourselves this Christmas. Love y'all!

Those were different times...

2011-11-21T07:58:00.001-06:00

Long time, no chat! My life has been busily blessed for the past several weeks. I'm LOVING my job in women's ministry, and it is keeping me very busy and focused as I think through and pray through some exciting things for the future.

But, I have missed blogging. I have missed documenting the countless details and distractions of my everyday, walking around life. So, I hope to get back in the habit of setting aside mere moments of my day to note the noteworthy happenings.

Today, I come to you with tremendous thanksgiving in my heart. If you'll recall, this is the very day that our world seemed to crash last year. I went to bed on Sunday night (just prior to Thanksgiving) and on Monday morning, I woke up with a medical team standing over me in the ER, proclaiming their diagnosis of a brain tumor on my right frontal lobe. The interim events aren't recallable for me, because the numerous seizures worked their magic to confuse the stink out of me.

Very little stands out to me surrounding that moment or the moments following. What I know is that, last year, I spent this week in the hospital and having brain surgery, but those were different times.

If I didn't proclaim God's miraculous healing power in my life, I'd be counterfeit. Without a doubt in my mind, I can stand (or, sit, as the case may be) before you this morning and say, "It's ONLY because of the Lord, that I'm here, I'm functioning, and I'm thriving." Oh, chills of His presence just covered my skin as I typed that.

Today, I'm confident of His good work in me, and I'm confident of His good work in you, too. What are you facing today? What challenge has you scared out of your mind? What mountain seems impossible to climb? What trial has your life on the line? Let me remind you to trust Him. Before you know it, you'll be saying, "Those were different times..."

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends!

To God be the glory!

2011-10-19T09:22:00.001-05:00

My God is Healer, Awesome in power! After a day of testing, we were humbled to learn that my clinical status is NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Yahoo! Thank you, God, for granting me a miracle! I'm so undeserving of His mercies!

I need your covering

2011-10-11T16:27:00.002-05:00

Hi, faithful friends!

I have a request to make of you. Tonight, Brian and I will be making the trip to Houston for my check-up at MD Anderson tomorrow and Thursday. Would you cover us with your intercession?

I'm speaking at a women's fellowship tonight, and when it is complete, we'll get in the car and drive to Houston. Then, tomorrow I'll have a variety of tests/scans/labs, and on Thursday, we'll meet with my oncologist there to receive the test results.

Now, I'm not asking for prayer because I expect to receive bad news. On the contrary, I fully plan on coming back to this spot on Thursday afternoon, rejoicing in God's supernatural healing for me. He is a miracle worker, the Bible makes no mistake about that. He's proven it in my life already, and I am fully confident of His healing in me.

But...

Satan is also the Father of LIES. I never experience more spiritual warfare than I do when I'm enduring medical tests and waiting on the results. So, I need your prayers for my feeble mind.

Would you pray that....

1. God's presence would hover over my heroic husband.
2. The peace of God would overcome the mind games of the enemy
3. We would turn deaf ears to the lies of the enemy
4. God's healing power would be evident, once again
5. We would have the opportunity to proclaim the name of Jesus over and over and over again as we go about our way at MD Anderson
6. This trip would be more about telling others about Jesus than it is about me
7. God would grant us safe travel

Thank you for your faithfulness to us!

Decking the Fall Halls

2011-09-29T17:37:00.001-05:00

Oh, the season is upon us in our house! October 1st is coming up on Saturday, and the stores are chocked to the brim with fall decor, so I decided to go ahead and adorn our home with harvest time pretties.

Do you enjoy decorating for the holidays? I love any occasion to decorate or celebrate. That's one thing about facing grim circumstances, it forces you to live joyfully and celebrate all things. I think it's glorifying to God when we take time out to just live peacefully in the moment. So, that's what we're going to do at our house.

Now, some might think that I'm a bit premature in my decor, but, I don't do Halloween. It's not that I'm totally against it, or anything. I just don't like all the witches, skeletons, ghosts, etc. Plus, this decor can stay up until Thanksgiving. So, I get a lot of use out of it. Make sense?

I'll give you a few peeks. . .

This will be the first use for this Thanksgiving tablecloth that my grandmother embroidered for me. It says, "Let us give thanks for all that is on our table."

This is the front door. Hopefully, with time, those mums will come into full bloom.

Mantle Decor

And, that's all folks...

Actually, there are a few other little fall touches throughout the house, but I didn't take pictures of them. Now, if we could just get some fall temperatures. This triple-digit temp doesn't feel too fall-ey.

One more reason why I'm basically an old woman...

2011-09-27T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is the newest pursuit at our house...

A raised fall garden full of fall/winter vegetables.

Today, I had a good chuckle at myself. I couldn't care less about the latest celebrity gossip, the fashion trends, or the political climate. But, give me the opportunity to dig in the dirt, and I'm game! I'm not your typical 28-year-old, to say the least. I'm sure I'd be quite the bore for most of my peer group.

After spending a small fortune on fresh vegetables, we decided to try our hands at producing a home-grown crop. I'll letcha know how it turns out...