Good evening friends!
As I type this, I know many of you have been following the recent series of events that I mentioned over the last fews days dealing with my husband's potential job loss. And...as a result, you have been praying for us. I can't tell you how much that means to us. There are simply no words to express the kind of gratitude right now we feel for each of you. This has been, by far, one of the toughest weeks we've experienced in a very long time.
As of tonight, my husband is still employed but has been dealing with this mess, through interviews and reports, all afternoon and evening. It's far from over, and now they hope to have an answer for him by the end of the week. So, this journey continues, and we are exhausted. Please continue to hold us up in your prayers.
Many years ago, Moses felt a similar exhaustion. As leader of the Israelites, he had to make a decision to issue a decree of war with the Amalekite people. In doing so, he instructed Joshua to go to battle with some of Israel's able-bodied fighting men. And, this is what we learn in Exodus 17:
"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."
You are like Aaron and Hur to us. Right now, we feel like Moses in that we are simply exhausted and don't feel like we can even keep our hands raised any longer. But, thankfully, you come alongside us with your prayers, which, in essence give us a stone to sit on and help to keep our hands raised so that the battle can continue, ultimately leading to victory. Now, victory for us would be my husband being fully restored to his original position with original pay. But, God may have different plans. We acknowledge that too. But, unless we're told differently...we choose to believe full restoration is around the corner. Please don't stop praying. You are the strength that we need to get through these exhausting days. You matter so much!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Seven for Sunday
Seven passages from the Psalms that I'm clinging to now...
1. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Psalm 25:3 NIV
2. But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. Psalm 3:3 NASB
3. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
4. I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 Amp
5. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25 NIV
6. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
7. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
1. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Psalm 25:3 NIV
2. But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. Psalm 3:3 NASB
3. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
4. I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 Amp
5. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25 NIV
6. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
7. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Help My Unbelief!
"For the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love." Psalm 33:4-5
These were the words that greeted me this morning. I subscribe to BibleGateway.com's verse of the day, and this was the selection for today. This wasn't coincidence. This wasn't happenstance. This was God's little (actually big) promise of love for me today. Yesterday was hard (see that post for more information). Monday might be even harder. But the nuggets of truth about Jehovah in this Psalm speak loudly to those with a listening hear.
He is right.
He is true.
He is faithful.
He loves righteousness.
He loves justice.
His unfailing love fills this earth.
God never has been unjust to any of His creatures, and He never will be. Regardless of the outcome of this current trial, God is still God. He is still right, true, faithful, righteous, just, and full of love. He is still amazingly great and worthy of ALL praise! There is nothing too difficult for God. If He wants my husband to stay where He's at...He will make sure that happens. If He's calling Him somewhere else, then we'll trust Him in that too. I have no answers beyond today. I would be lying to say I'm not somewhat fearful, but I know that there is no fear in love, and God's love is complete! So - that is what I choose to cling to - His complete love!
God, I believe! Help my unbelief!
(Thank you, friends, for your precious comments, Facebook messages, and emails. They mean more to me than I can express. You are loved!)
These were the words that greeted me this morning. I subscribe to BibleGateway.com's verse of the day, and this was the selection for today. This wasn't coincidence. This wasn't happenstance. This was God's little (actually big) promise of love for me today. Yesterday was hard (see that post for more information). Monday might be even harder. But the nuggets of truth about Jehovah in this Psalm speak loudly to those with a listening hear.
He is right.
He is true.
He is faithful.
He loves righteousness.
He loves justice.
His unfailing love fills this earth.
God never has been unjust to any of His creatures, and He never will be. Regardless of the outcome of this current trial, God is still God. He is still right, true, faithful, righteous, just, and full of love. He is still amazingly great and worthy of ALL praise! There is nothing too difficult for God. If He wants my husband to stay where He's at...He will make sure that happens. If He's calling Him somewhere else, then we'll trust Him in that too. I have no answers beyond today. I would be lying to say I'm not somewhat fearful, but I know that there is no fear in love, and God's love is complete! So - that is what I choose to cling to - His complete love!
God, I believe! Help my unbelief!
(Thank you, friends, for your precious comments, Facebook messages, and emails. They mean more to me than I can express. You are loved!)
Friday, February 4, 2011
I Do Not Understand
Warning...this isn't pretty...just real.
I don't know where to begin. I don't even really know what to say. Our little world is being rattled once again. This time...a potential job loss on the horizon. We got word today that my husband might be losing his job on Monday. It literally sickens me to type those words. Now - don't get me wrong. I know lots of men and women that are losing jobs right now. This, sadly, is not uncommon during these tough economic times. However, what grieves me over this particular issue is that it has nothing to do with job performance. It has nothing to do with downsizing. It has nothing to do with job elimination. Simply put, one of the employees my husband works alongside made some poor business decisions. My husband was caught in the crossfire of these poor decisions, and now he may lose his job over it. His integrity is being questioned. His ethics are being questioned. And...it's all a lie from the father of lies. My heart aches for my husband right now, because those that know him best know - beyond all doubt - that he is one of the hardest working, loyal, men of integrity I've ever known. To be in this "hot seat" that he's found himself in seems like a very bad dream right now. Simply unbelievable. And, my heart wants to scream, "This is not fair, God!".
My heart wants to scream those words, but I won't let it.
God is always fair and just. God's plans are not always our plans. God knows us better than we know ourselves. And...honestly...was it fair that His own Son had to die a painful death over 2000 years ago for my wicked sins? Who am I to scream the word "unfair"?
I don't understand why we may be facing the darkest thing we've ever faced in our marriage. I don't understand why, when life is already difficult on many levels right now, that we might be thrown this wrench too. I simply don't understand. But, this I know...as it is written...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
As it is written...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
It's not for me to understand. Simply put, I choose to trust Him, praise Him, acknowledge Him in all things, thank Him, honor Him, and most assuredly love Him.
We welcome your prayers. We're obviously praying for his job to be saved. Ultimately, we want to walk in line with God's perfect will for us...whatever the cost.
I don't know where to begin. I don't even really know what to say. Our little world is being rattled once again. This time...a potential job loss on the horizon. We got word today that my husband might be losing his job on Monday. It literally sickens me to type those words. Now - don't get me wrong. I know lots of men and women that are losing jobs right now. This, sadly, is not uncommon during these tough economic times. However, what grieves me over this particular issue is that it has nothing to do with job performance. It has nothing to do with downsizing. It has nothing to do with job elimination. Simply put, one of the employees my husband works alongside made some poor business decisions. My husband was caught in the crossfire of these poor decisions, and now he may lose his job over it. His integrity is being questioned. His ethics are being questioned. And...it's all a lie from the father of lies. My heart aches for my husband right now, because those that know him best know - beyond all doubt - that he is one of the hardest working, loyal, men of integrity I've ever known. To be in this "hot seat" that he's found himself in seems like a very bad dream right now. Simply unbelievable. And, my heart wants to scream, "This is not fair, God!".
My heart wants to scream those words, but I won't let it.
God is always fair and just. God's plans are not always our plans. God knows us better than we know ourselves. And...honestly...was it fair that His own Son had to die a painful death over 2000 years ago for my wicked sins? Who am I to scream the word "unfair"?
I don't understand why we may be facing the darkest thing we've ever faced in our marriage. I don't understand why, when life is already difficult on many levels right now, that we might be thrown this wrench too. I simply don't understand. But, this I know...as it is written...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
As it is written...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
It's not for me to understand. Simply put, I choose to trust Him, praise Him, acknowledge Him in all things, thank Him, honor Him, and most assuredly love Him.
We welcome your prayers. We're obviously praying for his job to be saved. Ultimately, we want to walk in line with God's perfect will for us...whatever the cost.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Worry Wart
It's been another packed day and evening, hence another late night blog post. Thanks for bearing with me, as I near closer to the end of the 40 day blog writing challenge. Now - the real question...how often will I blog after this 40 days ends? Honestly, I'm not sure yet. I really think I need to have a set schedule, or else I'll end up not writing enough. So...we'll see! I just hope you stay with me. I've loved having all of you newbies (and oldbies) hanging out with me! Such sweet blog friends - I'm a blessed woman!
I just have to share that I had a bit of a breakthrough tonight. Simply put, I'm a worrier. I've worried my whole life about all kinds of things and even tons of things that don't even make sense to worry about. I'm also a "what if" person. What if this happens? What if that happens? I'm always thinking about a contingency plan in case the bottom falls out. That said, within about 10 minutes of walking in the door at home tonight, my husband shares something with me that literally caused another round of worry to start up. All of these "what if" thoughts started going through my mind. I was not only worried, but I was agitated, afraid, and simply...tired. I had a class at church tonight and only had about 30 minutes at home before I had to head on out. So, I left the house - in a bit of a huff, not really in a frame of mind for my class.
Now...friends...let me just tell you, I only live about a mile and a half from our church. But in that short little jaunt, the Holy Spirit did an amazing about-face work in me. I was praying aloud in the car, and I actually heard myself say..."Leah, stop it. Don't you know...as it is written, 'Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?' (Luke 12:25). Don't you remember what you blogged about last night. God loves the ravens and the grass, and how much more does He love you? Now, get a grip. What's the worse thing that could happen? Even if it does, you still have your life, your health, your family, and of course Sweet Jesus! That's enough." Whew! The worry simply fleed. Gone. Over. Done. It has no place in my life.
So, I came home and told my husband about my breakthrough. I think he was a bit surprised and relieved at the same time. I'm sure I'll fall in this area again, but I'm going to continue renewing my mind with the truths of God's Word. Just think...it was with the Word that Jesus rebuked Satan, as he was being tempted. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me, and I will continue to tap into that power as I wield my sword of the Sprit - God's Word. I literally feel free!
I just have to share that I had a bit of a breakthrough tonight. Simply put, I'm a worrier. I've worried my whole life about all kinds of things and even tons of things that don't even make sense to worry about. I'm also a "what if" person. What if this happens? What if that happens? I'm always thinking about a contingency plan in case the bottom falls out. That said, within about 10 minutes of walking in the door at home tonight, my husband shares something with me that literally caused another round of worry to start up. All of these "what if" thoughts started going through my mind. I was not only worried, but I was agitated, afraid, and simply...tired. I had a class at church tonight and only had about 30 minutes at home before I had to head on out. So, I left the house - in a bit of a huff, not really in a frame of mind for my class.
Now...friends...let me just tell you, I only live about a mile and a half from our church. But in that short little jaunt, the Holy Spirit did an amazing about-face work in me. I was praying aloud in the car, and I actually heard myself say..."Leah, stop it. Don't you know...as it is written, 'Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?' (Luke 12:25). Don't you remember what you blogged about last night. God loves the ravens and the grass, and how much more does He love you? Now, get a grip. What's the worse thing that could happen? Even if it does, you still have your life, your health, your family, and of course Sweet Jesus! That's enough." Whew! The worry simply fleed. Gone. Over. Done. It has no place in my life.
So, I came home and told my husband about my breakthrough. I think he was a bit surprised and relieved at the same time. I'm sure I'll fall in this area again, but I'm going to continue renewing my mind with the truths of God's Word. Just think...it was with the Word that Jesus rebuked Satan, as he was being tempted. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me, and I will continue to tap into that power as I wield my sword of the Sprit - God's Word. I literally feel free!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Who Determines Your Worth?
Happy Wednesday blog friends!
I'm sorry I'm so late getting my post up today. I've been struggling a bit with what to write. It's not that I don't have words. I always seem to have words of some sort. But, often they are simply jumbled up in my limited mind. It often happens when God is trying to get my attention about something. So, I've been a bit scattered in trying to hear more clearly from Him. As a result, my blog thoughts are also scattered.
When was the last time someone said something to you that hurt your feelings or maybe made you question something about yourself? How about the last time someone said something about your physical appearance in a derogatory manner or questioned your gifts and abilities? Did it cause you to shrink back? Was it honest...true...reasonable? Was there something to be learned in it or were you allowing someone else to determine your worth?
It dawned on me today that I've been going through a LOT of this type of thing lately. I honestly feel that it's a direct result of a fast that I did not too long ago. Without fail, during and following an extended time of fasting, I'm always tested. (But, I'll take the testing anyday for the extreme blessings that come from the fasting.) Anyway, as I've also been going through this Made to Crave journey successfully (praise God!), I've found that heat has been turned up in the testing. I've encountered some interesting comments lately from friends, strangers, and everybody in between. Some have challenged me, but some have just been downright ungodly.
Now, don't get me wrong. Sometimes God does everything He can to get your attention, and He'll use other people to do it - if needed. If that happens - you best be listening sweet friends. However, the other times seem to be from the enemy - often speaking through well-intentioned people. And...it's just the little words that rattle you, get you of course, cause you to question who you are in Christ.
Tonight, I realized part of what was going on, and I let my perpetrator know where he needed to go...
"Get behind me Satan. You DO NOT determine my worth! As it is written, the same God that provides food for the ravens and clothes for the grass of the field is the same God that created me and loves me even more."
God determines my worth! God determines your worth sweet friends. If He's speaking to you about a change that needs to take place, then listen and then be obedient to what He's asking. But, if you allow others to dictate who you are...determine who/what you need to be or need to be doing...then, ultimately you've let the enemy win as well.
There is a war going on. But, just know this...
"...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 NIV
And...we know Who wins!
I'm sorry I'm so late getting my post up today. I've been struggling a bit with what to write. It's not that I don't have words. I always seem to have words of some sort. But, often they are simply jumbled up in my limited mind. It often happens when God is trying to get my attention about something. So, I've been a bit scattered in trying to hear more clearly from Him. As a result, my blog thoughts are also scattered.
When was the last time someone said something to you that hurt your feelings or maybe made you question something about yourself? How about the last time someone said something about your physical appearance in a derogatory manner or questioned your gifts and abilities? Did it cause you to shrink back? Was it honest...true...reasonable? Was there something to be learned in it or were you allowing someone else to determine your worth?
It dawned on me today that I've been going through a LOT of this type of thing lately. I honestly feel that it's a direct result of a fast that I did not too long ago. Without fail, during and following an extended time of fasting, I'm always tested. (But, I'll take the testing anyday for the extreme blessings that come from the fasting.) Anyway, as I've also been going through this Made to Crave journey successfully (praise God!), I've found that heat has been turned up in the testing. I've encountered some interesting comments lately from friends, strangers, and everybody in between. Some have challenged me, but some have just been downright ungodly.
Now, don't get me wrong. Sometimes God does everything He can to get your attention, and He'll use other people to do it - if needed. If that happens - you best be listening sweet friends. However, the other times seem to be from the enemy - often speaking through well-intentioned people. And...it's just the little words that rattle you, get you of course, cause you to question who you are in Christ.
Tonight, I realized part of what was going on, and I let my perpetrator know where he needed to go...
"Get behind me Satan. You DO NOT determine my worth! As it is written, the same God that provides food for the ravens and clothes for the grass of the field is the same God that created me and loves me even more."
God determines my worth! God determines your worth sweet friends. If He's speaking to you about a change that needs to take place, then listen and then be obedient to what He's asking. But, if you allow others to dictate who you are...determine who/what you need to be or need to be doing...then, ultimately you've let the enemy win as well.
There is a war going on. But, just know this...
"...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 NIV
And...we know Who wins!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Scripture Memory Verse 3
I honestly can't believe January is gone. And...with that, this post brings me to day 32 of my 40 consecutive days of blogging. I just want to say THANK YOU to those of you that have been with me since the beginning and THANK YOU to those that are just joining me for the first time. I have been humbled and very excited to see our little community grow over these last 32 days. That said...today brings us to our 3rd scripture memory verse for the year. If you're participating in this via Beth Moore's blog, don't feel compelled to retype your verse information here, but I would LOVE to see what you're memorizing. However, even if I'm the only one...I'll still be posting mine each month...for accountability purposes! Keeps me on my toes! :-) If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please check out my January 1 post for more information.
So, here we go...
Once again, I asked God to show me the verse He wanted me to chew on and memorize for the next 14 days. This is what He led me to...
2 Chronicles 16:9a NKJV"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
I'd love to hear what you're working on right now!
So, here we go...
Once again, I asked God to show me the verse He wanted me to chew on and memorize for the next 14 days. This is what He led me to...
2 Chronicles 16:9a NKJV"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
I'd love to hear what you're working on right now!
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