“Am I Selfish?” is a post that I wrote to be shared elsewhere today! Where did it go?

Like a Warm Cup of Coffee!!

Sarah Mae opened the door and thank God for enough insight to walk on in! Thank you Sarah Mae! :)

The topic is about Uplifting Your Man. I pray that it is an eye-opener for anyone that needs it.

Go there! I’m there today.

It seems easier said than done, right? Well, I cannot lie. Most of the time it is.

Today, Kim, at Cafe Chat,  asked:

 “how can we bring glory to God in the midst of the repetitive everyday tasks that we have to do? Give examples”

 

Kim gives 1 Corinthians 10:31 as a foundation verse; which reads "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

The words that immediately came to mind were, “Don’t dread”. This was, and still is a struggle of mine when it came to the affairs of keeping my home neat and tidy. Those two words came from Joyce Meyer’s book by the same title: Don’t Dread, Overcoming the Spirit of Dread with the Supernatural Power of God.

 

It never occurred to me before reading that book that dread may be a spiritual issue that could be supernaturally overcome.

In her book, there is a sub-title in chapter 1, Dread is a Mindset. This next quote was an eye-opener, “If you are working, you might as well enjoy it. Dread will steal any joy you could experience when working, and it will also steal your joy while you are away from work as you are dreading going back!” Whoo…a mouthful!

I have a suggestion if dread is evident in your everyday life: Get the book! I’m more than confident that it will help. It’s small. You can keep it in your purse or better yet, put it on your kitchen window sill to have as a reminder of what’s important: Giving God the glory in whatever you do.

Pssst… You can get the book from Joyce Meyer Ministry’s eStore for $2.00!!

Dread no more my sisters!!

 

Disclaimer: The resources mentioned in this post are not associated with Cafe Chat or Internet Cafe Devotions. I was not asked to promote any product by Cafe Chat or Internet Cafe Devotions. It was all of my own opinion.

Brian, my husband, and I are very privileged to be involved in a couples/marriage mentoring program.

Last week’s reading from the book that we’re using; 2 Becoming One by Don and Sally Meredith really spoke volumes to me.

Admittedly, so far not much in the book applied to my husband and I because it focused more on couples always being “at odds” with each other. That didn’t describe Brian and I. We were becoming turned off…BUT!

Chapter Nine (Wisdom or Deceit) has a paragraph that had me saying, “Exactly! Now were getting to the heart of things.”.

The paragraph:

“Every marriage has two people who are free from the struggle of questioning God’s Word. They recognize that Satan will try to deceive them; thus neither will regard the other mate as the problem. Nor does either mate succumb to Satan’s lies. Each knows that he has already been defeated at the Cross. The two mates are victorious over Satan’s scheme, claiming the victory that Jesus already won, “having disarmed the powers and authorities, … triumphing over the cross” (Colossians 2:15 NIV). The result of a couple’s faith and obedience will be oneness and blessing in their personal lives and in their marriage.”*

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom and understanding of God’s Word in marriage is so vital. The “marriage verses” pertain to married couples, but there is so much value in every scripture that relates to all relationships and how to treat others; even in and especially in our marriages.

I’ll go as far to say that my marriage relationship is where I should “practice” how to treat others. Why would I treat my husband like crap and smile in the face of others?

Deception plays a major role in discord in marriage. Many times I find my perception of a situation totally false. God has blessed me with a husband that is quick to lovingly point that out to me.

Our pastor described it best in last Sunday’s Marriage for Dummies sermon series, “Don’t assign motives.” What does that mean? Don’t automatically assume the worse of a situation when it may not even be the motive that a spouse had.

My husband and I have come through trying times but have always, always been quick to know that it’s an attack from our adversary and that we are not each other’s enemies. We refuse to listen to the lies of satan.

Do you struggle with questioning God’s Word in your marriage? Do you recognize that it’s Satan attacking your marriage when you’re angry with your spouse? Please take the words of Colossians 2:15 to heart when you’re faced with any problem; and especially problems that may be in your marriage.

Challenge: Search God’s Word this week on how to treat others as Christ has commanded. Insert your spouse in the scenario. It will change the way you view him/her. It’s changed my view! Can you do me a favor and comment back on what you’ve found?

Be abundantly blessed!!

*Don and Sally Meredith, 2 Becoming One, p108-109

My mom used to say (and still does sometimes), “Please give me my ‘flowers’ while I still live.” She’d rather hear words of encouragement and affirmation while still on the earth than to wait until she’s being buried for anyone to speak a kind word over her..she can’t hear it then.

My youngest sister, Crystal, has done just that for me. I am 10 years older than her and she calls me her second mom. I truly cherish my friendship and relationship with her. It’s been wonderful to watch her grow in God beauty and to watch her mature in her faith. She encourages me and is always there for me when I need her. She’ll go as far as to travel 6 hours, one-way, by herself to come an babysit my children for a weekend. That’s LOVE!

I would like to share what she wrote (I’m sure she won’t mind).

My Dearest Sister,
I just want to say Thank you for all the love and support you’ve given all of my life. I’m glad you’re my sister; if I couldn’t have you as a sister, I would definitely want you as a friend. I’m truly blessed to have a sister that is full of wisdom and understanding. When I become a mother, I want to have the love you have for your kids. I watch you operate in the Fruit of the Spirit and I must admit sometimes it’s harder to do but you make it seem so easy. Thank you for being a sister, friend, mother, mentor, prayer partner, encourager, discipliner to me. I will always cherish the relationship we have in the natural as well as the spiritual. You Rock big sister. God Bless.

Love you always, Crystal Renee

*Shelda, Myself and Crystal

Isn’t she the best?! Thank you Crystal for blessing me through your words and heart.

She also sent me a poem titled “Three Sisters”. We have another sister, Shelda that is between Crystal and I in age. She is a rock for us and the one that keeps us laughing through everything. When we all get together, it’s an awesome time. My husband tells me that he can always tell when I’m talking to one of my sisters on the phone because my face brightens and he hears me laughing…non-stop. Yep, that’s my sisters!!

We also have a baby brother, Eric, but since this is a “sister” post, I’ll dedicate one to him later.

*with our brother, Eric

Do you have a sister (or brother) that could

benefit from ‘flowers’ that you send them?

When was the last time that an encouraging

word was passed on to them?

Thanks to a fellow TOS Homeschool Crew mate, I found this gem of a product from Windows Live. It was so easy to upload and I’m already impressed with the few features that I’ve toyed around with. I was primarily looking to insert a table into a post but I’m getting more excited that I can do different fonts. This adds a whole new diminsion to my posts.

So, expect more creativity in the way that I post :)

I’ll try not to get too crazy!!!

Now I just have to figure out how to add my signature!!!

My wonderful friend Jennifer Sikora is hosting a giveaway on her blog For Such A Time As This!
What is she giving away? A Giftionizer.

There are 5 ways that you can enter Jennifer's giveaway. Head on over there. This is a perfect offering with the gift-giving season coming around!!

Pssst... I have something to tell ya!!!

Judy @ BenMakesTen is a dear friend of mine. She honored me in asking me for an interview on Daily Blessings Special Feature Interviews. If I can recall correctly, this is my first time ever being interviewed.

She features women that have so much to share in life, homeschooling, marriage and growing in their faith.
I invite you to visit Daily Blessings Special Feature Interviews for my interview. While you're there, read the other great interviews. I know several of the women interviewed and they are wonderful glimpses into their lives.

Until next time, Be blessed!!!

I'm chatting it up today! The following question is from today's chat over at the Internet Cafe: Cafe Chat.

Question:
Do you focus in more on what you are doing for Jesus, or on what you are not doing for Him? Is there a balance? Do you think this is even a healthy approach when you are examining yourself in regards to your relationship with Christ?

This topic ties right in to what my husband and I studied last week in our marriage mentoring class.
The focus was Performance-based vs. Faith-based relationships. In a performance-based relationship, there tends to be selfishness, never being able to measure up, unconditional love is not present, criticism, 50/50 mentality, anger, resentment and pain.
In a faith-based relationship, there is unconditional love, not expecting the other to "be all", submission to God's plan, oneness.

Real relationships cannot be based on performance. Someone is always let down. I have let myself down far too often when it comes to what I'm doing for Jesus. If left to my own vices and knowledge I'd fall flat on my face every time. It's the power of Christ that's in me that gives me the freedom to be in a relationship that the success of it isn't dependent on what I do for Jesus.

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

I count on those new mercies and faithfulness from my Lord every morning.

There is always room for improvement. This brings to my mind Paul's reminder to the church of Philippi:

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

I've guilted myself into feelings of lack and failure when it comes to doing for Jesus. Those days still come, but not as often and not with condemnation. The focus is forward. I press.

...You see a book that you've always wanted at a really low price on a favorite website, get a little upset when you don't have the funds right then to purchase it and then remember that YOU HAVE THAT BOOK ON YOUR SHELF ALREADY!!!!
How crazily pathetic is that? I just have to shake my head and laugh at myself.
I think it's time to pull it off the shelf. :)

What a wonderful day of blessings! Everyday God has something good for me. Today is another one of those "Thank You Lord more and more" kinda days.

Our family belonged to one of the most wonderful body of Christ followers about 8 years ago. We still consider that church home. Olive Baptist Church has been a springboard for my spiritual maturity and growth. Pastor Ted Traylor is a great man of God that speaks the truth no matter what.

I still keep in touch with many women that are very dear friends to me that attend Olive.
I heard several months ago that the Women's ministry was going to start posting daily devotionals on Olive's website. I got very excited for them and longed to work side by side with them as they put it all together.

They launched the online devotional today. It was fantastic!



As I mentioned how great the devotional was to my long time friend and one of the creators of the devo, she, Brandy, invited me to participate as a devotional writer. REALLY??!!!

Anyone that has read my post, I Am a Writer, know that I've been seeking God about opportunities to share Him with other women through the words that He gives me.

A door has now been opened. I'm stepping up and I can't wait to see how God uses me.

As I read through the blogs that I follow, I notice so many that host contests and giveaways.
For some reason I ask myself, "Why couldn't I win that?". Then it occurs to me...DUH, you didn't enter. How could you win?!!
You can probably see where I'm going with this (giggle).
You must enter to win!!
My mind is racing and my fingers are flipping through my Bible and concordance to find those "enter" verses. Wow! What an overwhelming find.
Hey, I don't want to be left out; especially not of anything that God has to offer me.
I am by NO MEANS a Bible scholar or anything close to it, but I do know when the Lord is prompting me even more to drink in His Word and to let it have a special revelation for me. He speaks. I listen. I endeavor to obey.
Hebrews10:19-23 is a heavy hitter. Read for yourself and see what God reveals to you.

19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Now that I see what is to be entered; the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, I must have a true heart in full assurance of faith and without wavering in my hope. What do I win? God's promised faithfulness!!

What a prize! My simple actions pay off with an award that I can never fully collect on.

I may not enter many online contests, so I'm sure not to win anything. I'm okay with that though.

Father, You know my every thought, every longing and desire. You say in Your word to have boldness to enter the Holiest. Show me everyday how to live and walk in that boldness. In Your wonderfully awesome Name I pray. AMEN.

My oldest daughter has started a blog.

Aubrey, my 15 year old, has decided to focus on the positive things of life. She just set it up this evening. Yes, posts will be random, but all with the underlying theme of God's goodness, provision and blessings. Her blog is "The Positive Side".


Check it out. Give her a shout out

In another post "Falsehood and Accusations" I mentioned that our family was going through some things. We stood on that verse; "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all." Psalm 34:19

My husband and I made the decision long ago to not talk about a thing until we've come through to the other side; when our testimony in that situation is complete.

Here's the story in a nutshell:

There is a family in our neighborhood that we became friends with. From all appearances, they were a Christian family (I use Christian here instead of Godly for a big reason). Our younger children enjoyed playing with their children. Our oldest daughters enjoyed the company of the woman of the family. She was cool and seemed to have a "good word" for them whenever they needed to talk to someone other than me.
After a while we finding discrepancies in things that the neighbor (I'll call her "N" for neighbor) would say and do. She would weave beautifully deceptive stories about any and everything. We were all getting to where we couldn't trust anything she said anymore.

The day came when N wanted to take photos of my oldest daughter and her new boyfriend. In a text message to my daughter she wrote, "Do you want me to do kissy photos of you two?". That was it for me! None of my children were going back to her house. We are not raising daughters to give themselves away like that...even in kisses. At that point my daughter and her boyfriend had been seeing each other for only a couple of weeks.

The next evening N sent me a message via FB, blasting me for not letting my children come to her house anymore. She then lit into me with crazy accusations but putting them off onto my oldest daughters as if they said things about me. Her accusations went something like this: "Your daughters say you're lazy, sleep all day, never do house work, never cook, always make them babysit, never teach them anything. You leave them at home by themselves all the time. You don't know it, but I had your oldest daughter call DSS because she wants to go back to public school. If I wasn't such a good christian, I'd call DSS on you myself!"

That message got me so bent! I immediately got mad at satan for attacking my family. Then I questioned my oldest daughter about the situation. She admitted that she did call but didn't get an answer. I let her know that I love her with my whole being and that she was also being very, very selfish in her actions. She was so remorseful for ever talking to N about our family. My daughter then became furious because N lied about everything that she said our daughters said. According to my daughter, the NEVER said such things about me or our family.
I didn't blame my daughter because she was being influenced and coaxed by someone that she at one time respected. Now she sees that N was being used by satan.

The very next day we got a surprise visit from DSS. In reality, it wasn't a surprise. I knew that the Holy Spirit had prepared my heart for that moment. Our family was already prayed up and standing on God's promises of deliverance. We were at peace.

I wish that I had a copy of the laundry list of complaints that N made to the social worker. To the best of my remembrance, she accused us of everything above and for being too strict in our religion and in believing that the husband is supposed to be the head of the home. There were some other bogus things that were on the list, but it is far from my remembrance now.

The visit was pleasant. Well, as pleasant as it could be under the circumstances. The social worker said that she really didn't know why the complaint was taken in the first place. We have every right to believe what we want to believe and to homeschool our children if we so choose. Unfortunately she wasn't our actual case worker because I believe at that moment the case would have been closed.

We got a follow up visit from our assigned case worker on Wednesday (Aug. 26). She asked me just a few questions, looked over my current lesson plans for the children, and asked for a copy of my Homeschool Association letter to make sure we were legally homeschooling.
She then interviewed each of the children individually. I heard every question she asked them and I was more than satisfied with all of their answers.
She called me back into my office and complimented my children on how intelligent they are (couldn't resist putting that in. LOL). She then informed me that she had everything that she needed, that she considers the case closed and that they'll never bother us about this again!

We were rejoicing all day!! I felt such a sigh of relief; our whole family did. God delivered us just like we knew He would. He is so good to us. I'm convinced that believing God promises in His Word, our prayers and the prayers of friends and family were the key to our victory.

Promises that we stood on:
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 34:19
Psalm 91:1-16
Isaiah 54:17

Praise and Coffee is where I'll be for a little while this morning while thanking God for my wonderful marriage and learning how to love my husband even more!




Today's post there is 10 Things Guys Wish Women Knew About Men