Facts are facts. Yep. Sure are. Facts are facts. Simple as that. However, have you ever had a moment when a fact becomes more than a fact but an actual revelation let's say? Something maybe that you've believed to be true for a long time, but the truth of that belief hasn't truly resonated with you before...until now? That's happened to me before - just as recently as last night actually.
I've been attending an amazing Bible Study on Tuesday nights, and I've been learning some pretty simple techniques to enable me to go deeper into God's Word that has really revolutionized my quiet time. I've actually written about it a little before, and you can click HERE to read my prior post.
Last night, we were studying Isaiah 40:26-31. I'd love for you to actually go and read it before continuing in this post. However, if you're short on time...allow me to throw out a few key points. In verse 26, God tells us - CLEARLY tell us - that He is Creator! In fact, as Creator, he not only put every single star in the sky, but He named them all! How cool is that! God knows the name of every single star. I can't count them all, let alone remember their names. For Pete's sake, I can hardly remember the names of my family members all the time. Anyway, later in verse 28, He also tells us that "his understanding no one can fathom". No matter how hard we try to understand God, we'll never be able to fully understand Him. Impossible. However, right before that (in the same verse), He also reveals that He will not grow tired or weary. So, how about that? We'll never completely and fully understand our Creator God, but He'll never ever get tired of our lack of understanding. He just wants us to seek Him!
I think the thing that really settled into my spirit as I studied this last night was the naming the stars thing. God named the stars. God knew me before I was even conceived (Psalm 139:13-16). God has even numbered the hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30). God is in ALL the details. Nothing is by accident or chance. I am not by accident or chance. He created ME for a purpose. He cares for ME. He knows ME by name. I am not insignificant to God. Now, before you go blowing this off saying...yeah, yeah, yeah...I already knew that...did you really? Yes - I knew the fact of those things before, but I don't think I ever really got the truth of that. Or, at least, I needed to be reminded. Friends - that is some DEEP stuff!
If I truly know and believe this, then I have to believe that God cares about every little detail of my life. He knows my wants, wishes, and desires. He knows what I need and what I don't need. He loves me and cares about me more than anyone else possibly could. He has my best interest at heart. He is Creator God, and He created me. I may not always understand the "whys" of life, but I'm not ever going to understand it all. That's okay. It may not be easy, but it's okay. But, I do know this...God...Loves...Me. And, he loves you too!
Be blessed dear friends!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Scripture memory verse 4!
It's that time again scripture memory verse buddies of mine! February 15 brings us to our second memory verse of the month. How's it going so far? Do you find it fairly easy to memorize the verses or a bit difficult? If it's been a bit difficult for you, then (1) ask God to lead you to the verse He wants to challenge you with, and (2) don't try to take on a verse that is too lengthy. I always want to challenge myself with verses a little more difficult than "Jesus wept", but I don't want it to be so difficult that it makes me want to throw in the towel. We're talking consistency here friends. We simply want to create a habit of setting aside two days a month to select scripture to work on memorizing the other days of the month. That's it. Some months may find you choosing lengthier verses than others - that's okay. I would just caution you to not make that the norm but rather the exception.
For me, I had a very difficult time choosing a verse this time (hence the late posting this evening). I truly didn't feel any of the ones I looked at "click" with me. I kept praying and asking God to make it clear, but my mind continued to be a bit muddled. Then, I realized it all boils down to the fact that right now I'm seeking God on some very big matters, and I fully expect answers. Maybe not today but someday. I'm at that place that I don't like to be very often - waiting on God. But, it seems that I've found myself there a lot lately. I've also found that He doesn't want me to quit waiting either. There's a reason for the delay, so I have to trust that it's all for His appointed time. As I kept going over these thoughts over and over in my mind and kept searching the scriptures for the verse I was to begin memorizing today...He finally revealed it to me!!!
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)
So, let's hear it friends...leave a comment with your first name, city/state, verse, and translation. I can't wait to hear what verses you're working on.
If you're new, please join us right where you are today. Here's a LINK back to my original post to help get you started, but you can simply start today. It's NEVER too late to start memorizing God's Word!
Be blessed sweet friends!
For me, I had a very difficult time choosing a verse this time (hence the late posting this evening). I truly didn't feel any of the ones I looked at "click" with me. I kept praying and asking God to make it clear, but my mind continued to be a bit muddled. Then, I realized it all boils down to the fact that right now I'm seeking God on some very big matters, and I fully expect answers. Maybe not today but someday. I'm at that place that I don't like to be very often - waiting on God. But, it seems that I've found myself there a lot lately. I've also found that He doesn't want me to quit waiting either. There's a reason for the delay, so I have to trust that it's all for His appointed time. As I kept going over these thoughts over and over in my mind and kept searching the scriptures for the verse I was to begin memorizing today...He finally revealed it to me!!!
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)
So, let's hear it friends...leave a comment with your first name, city/state, verse, and translation. I can't wait to hear what verses you're working on.
If you're new, please join us right where you are today. Here's a LINK back to my original post to help get you started, but you can simply start today. It's NEVER too late to start memorizing God's Word!
Be blessed sweet friends!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Snow is Coming Out of My Nostrils!
I'm still here. I promise. I haven't dropped out of blogging world. I've just been distracted...a bit. Mostly from the snow and LOTS of it and a bit of sickness as well. Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I saw my fair share of snow. We usually received around 2 good snowfalls a winter (5 or more inches) and a few other smaller ones (1-3 inches). That was commonplace in those days and schools adjusted accordingly. However, I've been back in Western North Carolina for almost 6 years, and I've seen nothing close to what we've received this winter! We had the memorable December 18 snowfall in which we were in the part of the county that received the least amount of snow - *only* 10 INCHES!
Part of the December 18 snow.
January brought snow flurries - off and on - a little sleet, a little ice, but nothing to speak of until January 29!! This time, our part of the county received the greatest amount of snowfall - around 15 inches!!! Unbelievable. The December 18 snow wasn't even completely gone in some places when the new stuff arrived. It's snowed small amounts off and on since then - school schedules have been crazy (delays, early releases, and lots of missed days).
To top it off...I got sick on Superbowl Sunday and am still working to get over it (but, it's thankfully almost gone).
Then...just when I thought I'd have a free weekend WITHOUT snow, we received another 3 inches Friday night, and I was out driving in it when it got a little out of control. So, here I was on the interstate with all the other crazy drivers out there, and my knuckles were solid white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. I prayed and sang songs of praise the whole ride home just to keep my sanity. I finally made it into our neighborhood but got stuck along the way home. At this point, I called my husband...he walked up to get me and we agreed to just park the car and head home on foot.
Looking back now, it is a little funny and will be a winter I won't forget. However, the funny part is about to wear off, as we're forecast for more snow tonight. Argh!!!!
Enough complaining...I really am a very blessed woman...snow or no snow. So, I just need to get over it. Yes, I realize that. Sadly, I remember praying last year for just ONE decent snowfall - the kind that you can get out and play in - take pictures of - but goes away relatively quickly. We had a few dustings but nothing to speak of. Then, I remembered that prayer, and it reminded me of the Israelites as they were wondering around in the desert complaining and complaining over their lack of meat. So, what does God do?
Numbers 11:18b-20(NIV) The LORD heard you when you wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!" Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?"
No - I'm not trying to say this snow is punishment for my complaining and begging for it during prior years. I just had to laugh when I re-read that passage last week. In some ways, I feel like I have snow coming out my nostrils! Ha!
Snow or no snow - I hope to get back "in the groove" of blogging a little more this week.
For those of you that are joining me on the Scripture Memory Verse challenge - tomorrow is the 15th, so I'll be back then to post this month's second verse that I'm working on and can't wait to hear what you'll be memorizing! If you haven't been able to join us yet - we'd love to have you now! No need to go back and catch up unless you just want - you can simply join us mid-month tomorrow. Check out my first post by clicking HERE to get more information. Nothing better than getting God's Word deep in our hearts and minds. I still know all 24 of my verses from last year and of course the new ones from this year. Kinda cool actually!
Until tomorrow...stay warm and BE BLESSED friends!
Part of the December 18 snow.
January brought snow flurries - off and on - a little sleet, a little ice, but nothing to speak of until January 29!! This time, our part of the county received the greatest amount of snowfall - around 15 inches!!! Unbelievable. The December 18 snow wasn't even completely gone in some places when the new stuff arrived. It's snowed small amounts off and on since then - school schedules have been crazy (delays, early releases, and lots of missed days).
To top it off...I got sick on Superbowl Sunday and am still working to get over it (but, it's thankfully almost gone).
Then...just when I thought I'd have a free weekend WITHOUT snow, we received another 3 inches Friday night, and I was out driving in it when it got a little out of control. So, here I was on the interstate with all the other crazy drivers out there, and my knuckles were solid white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. I prayed and sang songs of praise the whole ride home just to keep my sanity. I finally made it into our neighborhood but got stuck along the way home. At this point, I called my husband...he walked up to get me and we agreed to just park the car and head home on foot.
Looking back now, it is a little funny and will be a winter I won't forget. However, the funny part is about to wear off, as we're forecast for more snow tonight. Argh!!!!
Enough complaining...I really am a very blessed woman...snow or no snow. So, I just need to get over it. Yes, I realize that. Sadly, I remember praying last year for just ONE decent snowfall - the kind that you can get out and play in - take pictures of - but goes away relatively quickly. We had a few dustings but nothing to speak of. Then, I remembered that prayer, and it reminded me of the Israelites as they were wondering around in the desert complaining and complaining over their lack of meat. So, what does God do?
Numbers 11:18b-20(NIV) The LORD heard you when you wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!" Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?"
No - I'm not trying to say this snow is punishment for my complaining and begging for it during prior years. I just had to laugh when I re-read that passage last week. In some ways, I feel like I have snow coming out my nostrils! Ha!
Snow or no snow - I hope to get back "in the groove" of blogging a little more this week.
For those of you that are joining me on the Scripture Memory Verse challenge - tomorrow is the 15th, so I'll be back then to post this month's second verse that I'm working on and can't wait to hear what you'll be memorizing! If you haven't been able to join us yet - we'd love to have you now! No need to go back and catch up unless you just want - you can simply join us mid-month tomorrow. Check out my first post by clicking HERE to get more information. Nothing better than getting God's Word deep in our hearts and minds. I still know all 24 of my verses from last year and of course the new ones from this year. Kinda cool actually!
Until tomorrow...stay warm and BE BLESSED friends!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Scripture memory verse 3!
WOW! The first month of 2010 is gone already! Can you believe we already have two memorized verses under our belt this year? How are you feeling about it so far? I love how when we're diligent to seek God through His Word that He ALWAYS shows up! He often speaks to us through the verse that we're memorizing at the time by allowing us to not only hide it in our heart but to allow it to burst forth in a very tangible way in our everyday lives. For example, my last verse spoke about God being strong during our weaknesses. I was talking with a friend a little over a week ago, and she was talking about this very thing - how weak she was in a certain area, and the Holy Spirit prompted me to reminder her that especially during that weakness - God will be able to reveal His strength! I love it when that happens!
Moving onto the verse for February...
While I didn't watch The Grammy's last night...I certainly had no shortage of information seeing the Facebook and Twitter posts that kept flying about all evening. I'm sure some people were disappointed with the winners and others were elated. What was your favorite song? Mine? Well, my favorite song didn't come from some Grammy nominated selection...mine came from a song the Lord gave me years ago when He claimed me for his very own...
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
I love that! But, it also scares me a bit, because I wonder how often I turn people away from my sweet Father because of how I allow my "song" to be played at times. Sometimes my song sounds a bit scratchy (like one of those old scratchy LPs) and people beg for it to be turned off. Sometimes I play it too loudly, and it hurts the ears of those listening. Sometimes it sounds like all the others so it gets ignored. I love how Sheri Rose Shepherd puts it in His Princess, "Don't let the noise of this world destroy your magnificent melody, My beloved. Seek Me in the quiet stillness of the morning, and I will fill your heart with divine music. Stay in Rhythm with My Spirit throughout the day, and I will make your life an irresistible medley that will linger like sweet perfume in the hearts of all that journey with you." Ooooh...that is sooooo good! I want my song to be like a "sweet perfume" that entices and draws others to join me on the same journey. How about you? What song has God given you?
So, for the first part of this month...I'm going to commit Psalm 40:3 to memory to remind me that others are listening to my melody, so it better be "in tune" and better give praise go God!
Let's hear it...what are your February 1 verses? Verse and version; first name and city, state!
By the way...if any of you are a little late in joining this scripture memorization train...don't let that stop you! Please go ahead and jump on and start right where you are...God will bless your efforts. No doubt!
Be blessed today my friends!
Moving onto the verse for February...
While I didn't watch The Grammy's last night...I certainly had no shortage of information seeing the Facebook and Twitter posts that kept flying about all evening. I'm sure some people were disappointed with the winners and others were elated. What was your favorite song? Mine? Well, my favorite song didn't come from some Grammy nominated selection...mine came from a song the Lord gave me years ago when He claimed me for his very own...
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
I love that! But, it also scares me a bit, because I wonder how often I turn people away from my sweet Father because of how I allow my "song" to be played at times. Sometimes my song sounds a bit scratchy (like one of those old scratchy LPs) and people beg for it to be turned off. Sometimes I play it too loudly, and it hurts the ears of those listening. Sometimes it sounds like all the others so it gets ignored. I love how Sheri Rose Shepherd puts it in His Princess, "Don't let the noise of this world destroy your magnificent melody, My beloved. Seek Me in the quiet stillness of the morning, and I will fill your heart with divine music. Stay in Rhythm with My Spirit throughout the day, and I will make your life an irresistible medley that will linger like sweet perfume in the hearts of all that journey with you." Ooooh...that is sooooo good! I want my song to be like a "sweet perfume" that entices and draws others to join me on the same journey. How about you? What song has God given you?
So, for the first part of this month...I'm going to commit Psalm 40:3 to memory to remind me that others are listening to my melody, so it better be "in tune" and better give praise go God!
Let's hear it...what are your February 1 verses? Verse and version; first name and city, state!
By the way...if any of you are a little late in joining this scripture memorization train...don't let that stop you! Please go ahead and jump on and start right where you are...God will bless your efforts. No doubt!
Be blessed today my friends!
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