DanaSchmoyer.com

The 490 Principle

Dana Schmoyer — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:36:25 +0000

Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’* ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’”

“When a memory or flashback intrudes on your day, examine it and consider this: Have I already forgiven this person and released this event? Or have I buried the hurt and anger, and am I still being ruled by what is buried?”(pg. 86)

I have heard Matthew 18:21-22 many many times with growing up in a Christian home going to church every Sunday. It’s kinda one of those verses that if you grow up in church and hear so many times you just think, “yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that” but don’t seek to understand the verse.

More times than others when a memory has come back to me I am pretty sure I’m guilty of burying the hurt and anger instead of already forgiving the person. Before I started to read “Free Yourself to Love” by Jackie Kendall I would say I forgive the person, I would ask God to forgive them, but I would still hold onto the offense. So did I truly forgive the person when I asked God to forgive them? I was always unsure.

Jackie Kendall goes into a great explanation about forgiveness and when memories come back about an offense. Just because we forgive someone doesn’t mean that we will forget about what happened. Every time the memory or flashback comes to mind it is another opportunity for us to forgive again, and sometimes again and again. Chapter 5 called, “Held Hostage by Assaulting Memories,” is my favorite chapter so far in this book teaching on these verses in Matthew. Jesus isn’t saying that we even only forgive one certain person 490 times, we are to go even further than that and forgive each offense that many times, and sometimes more!

My selfishness wants to place a limit on others. I want to give them only so many chances with me before I give up on them and block them out of my life. Jackie pointed out that even the best husband in the world will need to be forgiven over and over, and that as a wife I will too. As long as you are human and interacting with other humans there will be disappointments, misunderstandings, hurts and so on. We need to forgive and continue to forgive. There is only one we can have a relationship with who will never disappoint us or hurt us, and that is with Jesus Christ. Christ is always there for us and always ready to forgive.

Psalm 33-34
Free Yourself from Shame
Free Yourself to Love

Expanding Belly

Dana Schmoyer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:51:39 +0000

I don’t notice how much my belly grows any more until I have Tim take pictures. I just know that it’s big and I can’t really imagine it getting bigger, and then was shocked when I saw how much Baby Schmoyer expanded my belly from the time we took a picture before. I finally remembered to put all the pictures of the time leading up to Baby Schmoyer’s delivery in our online Picasa web album. So if you click on the link for Photos towards the top of my blog you’ll get to see pictures of my expanding belly so far. You’ll also see our ultra sounds and a few other things that I’m either making or gifts we got for Baby Schmoyer.

We had our first doctor’s appointment with my new doctor last Friday. It almost got bumped ’til today, because she was delivering twins in the morning, but they were able to squeeze us in that afternoon instead. We didn’t spend a whole lot of time with her ’cause it was her first week back after having her first birth, she had twin girls! I didn’t want to keep her too long ’cause I’m sure she was ready to be done in the office for the week and I wanted to respect her time. Our next appointment is Thursday. It’s crazy knowing that we’ll be going to the doctor every week from here on out. Baby Schmoyer is coming very soon! Please pray for me with that. I am very anxious about it, getting more scared than excited each day. Tim has been a great support through this time, as well as several women in the church I have talked to in the last 2 days. I’m glad VBS is this week to keep me busy and my mind on other things than only Baby.

Only 10 Weeks Left!
Quilting
Two Months Until Baby Time!

Covenant High In Christ 2009

Dana Schmoyer — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:40:09 +0000

Our Senior High students and leaders left this morning for a long haul down to Knoxville, TN for our denomination’s large week long youth conference they have every 3 years. Tim and I missed it 3 years ago because the only day that would work for our wedding was the day after CHIC, or wait a year to get married, which wouldn’t have allowed God to bring us up to Minnesota when he did.

This year we’re missing it because Baby Schmoyer’s due date is 3 weeks and 6 days from today. It kind of scares me to know that it’s coming up so soon. It wouldn’t have been good for me to do a 24 hour bus ride down to TN, and then another 24 hour bus ride back up to MN when I’ll be 2 weeks and 6 days away from the due date. If Tim went leaving me home alone all week I wouldn’t do so well emotionally. I had a hard enough time on Sunday when Tim had the Junior High canoe trip all day, leaving me at home for the day, and he was only a couple hours away. After getting my first and only (hopefully) leg cramp 3 weeks ago I do not want to be left alone in case that happens to me again. We also wanted to be cautious in case Baby Schmoyer decides to make his/her arrival this week. Hopefully that wont happen, but there is no way to tell exactly when a baby will come.

When we first found out we were pregnant we figured Tim could go to Tennessee with no problem, but were advised by our Sr. Pastor and his wife that it would be best if he stayed behind to help take care of me. I am very grateful for that wisdom, although I feel bad about Tim missing out on CHIC again. We’ve had a lot of people support us in staying behind, now all we can do is pray for all the students and leaders. Our new doctor we met yesterday said it was very smart for neither of us to go on the trip too. That was reassuring that she was very serious when saying it wouldn’t have been a good idea.

I am praying that all the students and leaders will learn lots, bond well and have great unity throughout the week. Also that God will move in each of their lives, and that the students wont let this week just be a high, but that it will be life changing week and that they will apply what they learn and experience and carry it with them the rest of their lives.

Last Day at the High School
God is so Good!
First Day of School

You Are Forgiven

Dana Schmoyer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:36:34 +0000

Jackie Kendall’s words are very powerful and convicting. It is easy to read something and think, “Oh, so-and-so should hear this, they really need to work on this!” And then we miss out on what God is trying to show us. I feel like with every page I am reading in “Free Yourself to Love: The Liberating Power of Forgiveness” that my own heart is being convicted of things I need to change. Praying before I read helps to keep my heart in check instead of wanting to judge others as I read. I hope you do the same as I share from scripture and Jackie’s words of wisdom, that you look at yourself instead of others.

“Few of us realize just how much we’ve been forgiven, and that is likely why we are not as forgiving as Jesus desires us to be.” “Too many people wait for someone to earn forgiveness, but that’s not forgiveness–that’s a wage, not a gift.” (pg. 67)

If we really look at our lives and the extent that we have hurt Christ with being self righteous, selfish, not thinking before we act or speak, etc. we should be very humbled when someone offends us or hurts us. I know I am guilty of wanting justice when I have been wronged. Proverbs 3:12 tells us though, “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” Wow. I have a lot of correcting that needs to be done so I can freely forgive others as Christ has forgiven me.

“Remember, forgiveness is an issue of obedience, not of following your feelings. And faith alone can move you toward obedience in spite of whatever feelings you have.” “…Those you have not forgiven are controlling you right now; they are the ones who are on the throne of your life, not Jesus.” (pg. 71)

Most of my life has been ruled by my feelings. They’re always present and usually stronger than anything else going on in my life, especially now with my pregnancy. I have to work hard at keeping my feelings in check and not make decisions based on my feelings. If I pause and go to God with a situation instead of acting on my feelings, things turn out much better.

Psalm 22:19 “O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!”

Guarding Heart Wounds
True Love
Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

In Your Anger Do Not Sin

Dana Schmoyer — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:22:23 +0000

Here’s an old blog I’ve had written up for a while. I’m hoping to crank out a few right now while I relax at the church while Tim is hanging out with some youth. It’s nice to have some random blogs I can use whenever I’m tight on time.

Ephesians 4:25-27

²⁵ So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT)

I am glad that God taught me an important lesson before I became a pastor’s wife. I have to be careful what I say to others, and I had to learn what I can and can’t share with others. When it comes to frustrations in ministry I cannot go and talk to others about it. Most of the time I am okay with that, but when something big happens I really want someone to talk to. In the heat of the moment though I know that my anger/frustrations can easily turn into gossip, so that is one reason why I am thankful for the position I am in, keeping me away from sinning with gossip.

I feel burdened at times because of having to keep to myself with some things. And I don’t want to wear Tim out at home by talking about things with him that he has had to deal with all day…so what do I do? I turn that burden I am feeling into a blessing. The one I can always go to when I need someone to talk to is the one who can help me more than anyone, God. I want to be a supportive wife to stand beside Tim as he works in youth ministry, but that does not require me to discuss ministry at home all the time, to know everything going on, which I appreciate. I am learning that the best way I can support him is to go to God first and foremost. In order to hold Tim up I have to go to God to hold me up. So even though at times I feel like I have no one to turn to, to help me handle situations, it’s really a blessing. It forces me to go to the one who will always be here for me and never disappoint me. I can pour my heart out to God and be renewed by his love.

The 490 Principle
My Weekend
Psalm 33-34

Great 4th of July Weekend

Dana Schmoyer — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:48:26 +0000

Tim and I had a wonderful weekend for the 4th. David called Tim Thursday night to come up and spend the weekend with us, which was great ’cause we didn’t have any plans, and everything ended up falling in place. We had Dan, David, Adrienne and all the kids up at our house.

Everyone came up Friday afternoon and we were able to get one of our youth leaders on our lake to take us all out on the boat for the kids to ride and the boys to wake board and wake surf. I’m sure someone will be making a video of it soon. Then Saturday we took the kids swimming twice on our lake. I think we have the perfect swimming area with no drop off until almost the middle of the lake, so the kids have lots of space to play. And we ended the weekend Saturday evening with cooking hotdogs, s’mores and mountain pies over a firepit on the edge of the lake. And Tim and Dan ate their first Cheeto since I found some all nautral ones at the store.

It was fun watching Noah and Titus interact with each other, actually have conversations with their limited vocabulary. Ruby had tons of fun out in the water. She’s quite the outdoorsy girl with lots of energy. And little Addison has grown up fast. She’s already 2 months old and will focus in on you and react to you, which is really fun. That made me more excited for Baby Schmoyer to come join us. S/He only has 4 weeks and 4 days until the due date, or longer if s/he decides it’s not time yet.

My Weekend
2 Days with the Schmoyers
Gotta love kids

Tell the Truth

Dana Schmoyer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:45:31 +0000

The last couple of years I have struggled with being bold with the truth. When we first moved to MN and I was helping lead a girl’s small group about modesty, and prayed about how to go about it, and talked to my sister before hand to see what she thought about the tactic, and I went forth. I know I wasn’t as bold as I could’ve been, but it still turned this group of girls away, and so I have held back with the rest of the youth at our church. After reading through the sr. high ministry evaluations that other students filled out, and reading that they want us to tell them the truth and not tiptoe around things, but give them the truth of how they should be living, this gives me some confidence to turn back around and make sure these students are getting the truth.

Then at our parent dinner we asked how we could best partner with the parents in raising up their kids in Christ. A common answer we got was to stand out in our faith and not live like the world. This is very encouraging, and I pray that God will lead me to be bold in my faith and teach the youth he has entrusted to our youth ministry how to live out their faith, not just show up to be fed, but to live their faith at all times.

We can pray for our children, teach them about Christ and set an example for our children, but the decision to follow Christ is ultimately up to them. But if we don’t set that example and show them that our standards should be higher than those of the world, who will? How will they see authentic faith lived out if we and the parents of our students aren’t living it out first?

Proverbs 28

They Deserve to Hear the Truth
Confirmation Sunday 2009
True Love

July 1st – The Day Insurace Starts Covering Baby Schmoyer

Dana Schmoyer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:52:06 +0000

Deep Cleaning Before Baby Schmoyer Arrives
Great 4th of July Weekend
Oh Baby!

Philippians 4:8

Dana Schmoyer — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:30:51 +0000

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

As I was typing out my blog about shame and shared that I keep this verse close in mind when I need it, I gave a challenge to find verses that you can think of in each of the areas mentioned in scripture. I stopped for a little bit after I wrote that challenge realizing that I haven’t done that. I know I have a devotional that has verses for each part in, and I went to my book shelf to find it, but stopped after flipping through a few pages feeling like God wants me to come up with my own personal list, just like I challenged, so that it will be more than just someone else giving me scripture, but so that I can spend time with God and let my Creator lead me to the scripture he wants me to know personally for each thing I should fix my thoughts on.

So here is my list of scripture in the New Living Translation:

True: Romans 5:8,9 “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.* And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.”

Honorable: Ephesians 4:31,32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.* Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Right: Colossians 3:12-15 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.* Make allowance for each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.* Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.* And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

Pure: Philippians 2:13-16 “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.* Do everything without complaining and arguing,* so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.* Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useles..”

Lovely: Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Admirable: Proverbs 31:25,26,30 “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.* When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.* Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”

You Are Forgiven
Psalm 33-34
True Love

Busy Having Fun!

Dana Schmoyer — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:19:04 +0000

I didn’t mean to neglect my blog for the last few days, but Tim and I have been really busy having lots of fun! On Thursday we went out to visit our Jr. High youth that were at camp for the week. Tim had been out to the camp grounds before, but this was my first time. I grew up going to church camp, so it was fun to get to see where our youth go for camp, after hearing lots of good stories about Lake Beauty Bible Camp. Tim and I went out to the camp in the morning to meet the kids before chapel, seminars and lunch. Then we stayed for the whole afternoon and left right after dinner to make it back home in time to have the Jr. Highers, who weren’t at camp, over for Soul Fuel Bible Study. Tim made a good video of our day.

Friday was Tim’s birthday! I was very excited and nervous to give him his present because I’m not real good at trying to figure out what to get people, especially guys. God helped me out though and gave me a good idea and provided it for a great price lower than what we budget for, and the only one in town for the deal I got! I’m happy to find out that Tim really likes his drum set for the xbox 360 to play with Guitar Hero: World Tour. We played Friday morning up until we had to leave for Baby Schmoyer’s check-up. Then when we got home Tim started playing again as I got around to go over to the house of one of the girls in my small group. I felt bad leaving Tim for a few hours on his birthday, but I think his gift kept him occupied.

Then for the evening Tim and I drove down to Saint Cloud to celebrate his birthday at Famous Dave’s and then went to the movies to watch Transformers. The movie was pretty good, but I don’t think it should’ve been 2.5 hours long, they could’ve cut a lot of it out. I felt bad for Baby Schmoyer during the movie because s/he kept moving the whole time and didn’t settle down ’til we were on the road for a little bit heading back home. I think the loud sound wasn’t too fun for him/her. I felt worst for the little infant that someone brought to the movie with them though. Their little girl ended up crying a few times during the movie. I assume Baby Schmoyer was way more protected than their little one.

Today, Tim and I got to sleep in for the first time in a few days, so that was really nice. We had a relaxing morning and played Guitar Hero for a little bit in the afternoon. We have 2 guitars, but I think it’s more fun for one of us to play the drums. It’s not as easy as I thought it would be, but it’s fun to try out. Then for the evening we put together Baby Schmoyer’s bouncy seat that the girls in my small group got him/her, and went around pricing camping gear, and ended our adventure eating dinner at Tio’s since we have a ton of money left in our grocery budget for the rest of the month. And now it’s time to just relax and take it easy for the evening!

DanaSchmoyer.com

The 490 Principle

Related posts:

Psalm 33-34
Free Yourself from Shame
Free Yourself to Love

Expanding Belly

Related posts:

Only 10 Weeks Left!
Quilting
Two Months Until Baby Time!

Covenant High In Christ 2009

Related posts:

Last Day at the High School
God is so Good!
First Day of School

You Are Forgiven

Related posts:

Guarding Heart Wounds
True Love
Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

In Your Anger Do Not Sin

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The 490 Principle
My Weekend
Psalm 33-34

Great 4th of July Weekend

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My Weekend
2 Days with the Schmoyers
Gotta love kids

Tell the Truth

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They Deserve to Hear the Truth
Confirmation Sunday 2009
True Love

July 1st – The Day Insurace Starts Covering Baby Schmoyer

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Deep Cleaning Before Baby Schmoyer Arrives
Great 4th of July Weekend
Oh Baby!

Philippians 4:8

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You Are Forgiven
Psalm 33-34
True Love

Busy Having Fun!

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Busy Week
My Weekend
Enjoying the Outdoors