Day 235 11-12

I began wrestling with sleep at about 5 this morning. I was disturbed by some thoughts and I also felt a tug on my heart to get up and read the Word. So, because I am selfish and love sleep, I foolishly thought I could win that battle, but that wasn't going to happen. So, here I sit in my quite dark sleeping house eager to read your Word and it feels good to be up, which is strange because that is normally not the case. I am not a morning person, which is silly really because I should be full of joy and thanksgiving to God for giving me another day, but I have blinders on in the morning most of the time. So, I am here with my coffee wondering what to read and I was immediately drawn to the Psalms and I parked on Psalm 66.

I read it all the way through and was flooded with its application and simplicity and passion. The author is not listed so I don't know who wrote it, but it was obviously someone who got it, got who God is that day and I am so thankful that it is here this morning for me to read freely.

It's starts beautifully and appropriately with praising God as I should first when I come before Him and always really. It even says, and I love this direct simple command, "Say to God, How awesome are your deeds!" Then it rightfully moves to honoring His position, His ultimate authority in this universe by recognizing that everything bows down to Him and they sing praise to His name. And then the author is telling his audience like, come check it out for yourselves you guys - God is working for us, not against us. Look what He has done, not only in my life, but historically. And then the author reminds us of God's unending power and His watchful eyes on the nations and the author follows with a genuine, I think, like a thought aloud desire for people not to rebel against Him because he has seen it happen and it hurts his heart because he knows God and his love. Now I am reading into this of course, but it lines up with his message here really. Then the author continues with a reminder of His promises to us, to me, his audience so many years later, that it is "He who has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping." Amen to that and may I never forget it. How often can we attest to that. I would be so lost, so broken, so into this world if it weren't for my Savior's hand upon me at all times. I have heard so many testimonies to this. Man this guy gets it. Then, the author goes into specifics about what God did for him and his people and he is thankful for the hardships they went through and ultimately for God's faithfulness in pulling them out of it. So, what is his response to all this and what should ours be as well?? The author nails it and the passage turns to the 1st person because it is my responsibility and mine only to properly respond to my Lord. He says it beautifully and simply - I will sacrifice my best to You and I will fulfill what I said I was going to do. I will obey Your commands.
Lastly, the author concludes with two great messages...God listens and hears our prayers! and he humbly goes on to say, "Praise be to God, who has not rejected by prayer or withheld his love from me!"

Thanks God for this glimpse into who You are today. I must have needed to hear it. Your Word is amazing.

Day 232 11-9

Mark's parents took the kiddos last night and pretty much all day today so I have some time alone today, which is nice sometimes. I miss the kids of course, but a break is needed from such heavy responsibilities and I am thankful to my in laws for providing this for me and to allow me to spend time with my Lord right now.

I kind of had it in my heart today to read a whole book of the Bible today because I feel so often I read segments and I was just craving to read the whole thing, get the whole picture and message all in one setting. So, I chose Philemon because it is short and it has been several months since I read it. After I read it, I just wanted to focus on what I learned about Christ/God from it. Grace, forgiveness, and redemption stuck out at me right away. It's such a simple book, obviously with the length and all, but it is deep in meaning. I didn't really focus on the great friendship aspect of it before and it is so cool to see Christian brothers pleading to one another out of love, out of accountability, and out of an awareness and recognition that they are of one mind and spirit and that loves rules all. I think we should be able to go to our true friends and ask them of anything on our hearts.
I love Paul how ends this book with "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Isn't that so true. I need to remember that everyday. May my spirit be full of grace towards people for goodness sake. I'm not perfect or the judge. I should put on love first, not judgment. Anyways, God thanks for this quiet time with You Lord and thanks for the reminder of grace.

I pray for Makenna today that she may recover from pneumonia. I pray for doctors wisdom as they prep for Molli's surgery on Friday. I pray for this sweet baby growing in me that he or she is developing normally and that one day will know You and accept You Lord. I pray to take one day at a time and do my best with the responsibilities God has given me. I pray for my mom to pick up the Bible and read it today.

Day 230 11-7

The kiddos are napping and the house is so still, quiet, and peaceful as I sit in my chair in my room and listen and watch the rain fall on the windows. It's a pretty perfect set up for a great time curling up with my Lord. May I connect with You Lord and may my heart be changed today to look more like Yours. It feels good to listen to You Lord and carry out what I think it is You want me to do. A lot of the time, I'm too chicken to do it, like last week at church, this lady next to me was crying and she was alone. I heard "hug her" in my heart. "What, Lord?, A complete stranger? What if she pushes me away or something?, What if..." The "what if's" continued until the moment slipped by and I had already lost focus in my worship completely. I let Satan win that battle. But then, this week, my mom started crying pretty hard during the invitation after the sermon and once again I heard, "hug her" in my heart. You'd think it would be easy for me since it was my mom, but for some reason affection is tough for me with my mom, but I put uneasiness aside and wanting to show her Christ's love, I hugged her and it was good. I know we are called to be the feet and hands of Jesus. I need to open my eyes more and take hold of those opportunities and approach them with urgent passion.

I'm thankful for a God who carries through with His promises and resides in me and gives me beautiful opportunities to have people see and feel Him in me.

The Great Commission came to my mind to read because it's the commandment that I probably struggle with the most because I like to stay in my comfort zone too much.

"Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20

Day 229 11-6

It was pretty cool when we got to church that our pastor spoke on the exact passage we are studying next in Life Group...(Matt 6:19-34). One of the main things that stuck on my heart during his sermon was that God uses my responsibilities to shape my character, not burden me or anything like that and that he's shaping us for even greater service in heaven. May I Trust Him and find comfort that He will take care of me. God You are so good.

I'm going to simply read over the passage again tonight.

Day 228 11-5

What a day God. I'm not even sure why I said that God, but it's just what came to my mind. There was just a lot of happenings for one day I guess. As I sit and reflect on my time spent at the Women of Faith conference and also what I'm thankful for today, it all kind of jumbles together, but that's my life in a nutshell really.

My three biggest takeaways I think from the conference came from several different speakers.
I was blown away by Brenda Warner's testimony and she really inspired me with her story. What stuck with me from her talk was to stay the course and do what I have to do to raise my kids to know that they are loved by God and have a purpose and literally to tell them everyday "You were made in Christ's image, do good things in this world and love people" I love that:)  She is an amazing woman.

Secondly, Deborah Joy did a drama of the scene in the Bible where Jesus interrupts the stoning of Mary Magdelene and not one person could throw his or her stone at her because Jesus asked them to throw the first stone if you are without sin. I find myself in judgement of others often, which is terrible, but so easy to do, and sometimes saying the wrong thing at the wrong time and she just really laid it down to drop the stone in my hand and to love and understand.

Thirdly, Lisa Welchel talked about friendship and I could really relate to her because I have a lot of the same needs of intimacy and desire for deep meaningful friendships with women, but I'm not too good at it. She basically talked about not forcing friendships, but looking for signs of faithful women, not women who gossip or pretend to have it all together. Also, she talked about the importance of being transparent and being a good listener.

Anyway, it was nice to be there with my mom and have sometime with just us, with no kiddos, focusing on messages about our Lord.
I'm thankful for women like the women at the conference who are real and transparent and truly love the Lord and others and want to make a difference for Him.

I decided to read the story about Jesus interceding in the stoning of Mary Magdelene found in John 8. 
  The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
   But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
   ⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰ Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
   ¹¹ “No one, sir,” she said.
   “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”


This is such an amazing story and to be honest, I have never truly really focused on it before or studied it. The lady who presented the story at the conference brought up an intriguing question that I obviously missed the times I had read it before, but it left me really thinking... What did Jesus bend down and write on the ground?

Day 227 11-4

I'm thankful today that I chose to stay home and raise my kids. Although, at times, I think I am doing a lousy job at it, I know that me staying home is what God intended and it is the best for my kids. I'm thankful that I recognize that I can't do this on my own strength or patience or gentleness, but I can pray to have the Holy Spirit within me carry me through the day with His. May I continue to lean on You for wisdom and guidance Lord because times are tough right now, especially with my June Bug and I know it is so critical for me to hold firm, stay the course, and remain consistent. I love you Lord and I absolutely adore these precious kiddos You entrusted me with. May I help them to flourish into the little and big people they will become who love You and love others.

Read Deut 6:1-9. I had never really caught verse 2 before. "so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged" I love the concept of leaving a legacy here Lord. That's ultimately what I want for my family. To begin a legacy of a family who loves Jesus, reads the Word and applies it, loves and respects people, etc. Help me to do this well, with intention Lord.

Read Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." I need to focus on this Lord for my June Bug especially right now:) Thanks for bringing it to my heart and mind.

Day 226 11-3

So, tonight I found my dad's slideshow a friend made for me for my dad's 10 year anniversary of his death and it seems fitting to watch it while spending this time with my heavenly Father. Not sure what this time will bring, except for tears of course, but I hope to jot down what I am thankful to the Lord for in terms of my dad. 

Pieces of my opening prayer...I love you Lord and I just want to spend this time with You looking back on my life. What you gave me and what was taken from me. I'm not mad. It is what it is and I know you are here with me. This time is Yours.

Brian's kids look so much like him, it's unreal. I'm thankful that his looks will continue in our family:)
I'm thankful that I get to see him again. I can't wait. 
I'm thankful that he really was a Super dad. He could do it all and he did.
I'm thankful that he was loving and affectionate with me. I always felt loved.
I'm thankful that he showed me what it meant to have his priorities in line.
I'm thankful that he had a good life for the most part and that he made mine better.
I wish I could be spending my life with him right now and that he could play with my kids, but I'm thankful for the short time I had with him.
I am thankful that he was always There and always Available.
I'm thankful for the conversations my mom and I had on the beach in Florida together this year. I had a lot of questions answered that I always wanted to ask her.

I remembered a note of bible verses Mark left for me on my dresser after my dad died. One verse in particular stuck from Psalm 68. So I decided to read it aloud tonight and see what was laid on my heart.

Psalm 68: 3-5
"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing praise to His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds - His name is the Lord - and rejoice before Him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of the widows, is God in His holy dwelling."

He promises to be by strength here on earth without my dad. I have peace in that.

Day 225 11-2

You make this time whatever You want it to be Lord. I'm just here desiring to be close to You and soak in whatever it is You want me too.
We have a sonogram today and I'm always a little nervous/anxious because in reality, today is when we could find out something is terribly wrong with the baby. I pray for Your continual hand on the development of this baby. May You keep any external worldly harmful factors out and protect this child. 

Keeping with the theme of thanksgiving, I decided to read the story of Hannah and the birth of her son Samuel. I have baby on my mind obviously and this passage popped into my mind because I remembered how grateful and thankful Hannah was to finally conceive. It was her absolute heart's desire she poured it all out before the Lord and He heard her and answered her prayers with a precious baby boy who would grow up and do righteous things. There is a whole passage dedicated to Hannah's song/prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord over providing her with a son.
Some of my favorite lines from her song...

1 “My heart rejoices in the LORD;
   in the LORD my horn is lifted high.

2 “There is no one holy like the LORD;
   there is no one besides you;
   there is no Rock like our God. 

8“For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;
   on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,

She nailed it Lord. She took the focus off of her and put it all on You. She understood her place in this world in reference to You and she humbled herself.

May I be in constant recognition of my place in this world in reference to You Lord and never take anything You have given me for granted. Thank you for giving me this beautiful child within me. I can't wait to meet him or her.

Day 224 11-1

I think this is my first time recording my quiet time directly on the computer instead of in my journal so it's a little weird and out of my comfort zone, but I'll give it a go. There's a lot of distractions and temptations on a computer so I pray that I can really focus Lord on being with You and blocking the world out.

I was given a fun idea last year to make a pretend turkey and have each family member write what they are thankful for each day on piece of paper and put it in the turkey and then we cut it open on Thanksgiving and read everyone's.  We did it last year and it was a lot of fun, so tonight after dinner we made our turkey out of a milk jug. I hope to really and truly focus on giving thanks this month and to aid in this, I want to read "thanks themed" scripture to fill my mind and heart, as well as my family's.

So today I'm going to go to biblegateway.com and plug in the word "thanks" and see what comes up...
The first ones that popped up were from the OT in Leviticus and 1 and 2 Chronicles. The passages were mainly focused on their offerings being a thanksgiving to the Lord. That was their purpose in the offerings, to show their thanks and gratitude for the Lord and all they had done for them. It was an outward, usually fairly public?? expression, with strict guidelines when it came to the actual burnt offerings, etc. I admire the OT leaders, especially King David who righteously demanded and made giving thanks to the Lord a priority of himself and his people. I think it's cool too that we see the first documented (as far as I know right now) creative, unique way of showing their gratitude to the Lord through music and dancing. We have lost a lot of that appreciation in today's society.

Anyways, thanks God for pure and holy examples of the kingdom giving thanks to You the way we all should everyday, without the burnt offerings of course:) I'm meaning more from the heart.

The first thing that came to my mind tonight Lord was to thank you for my hardworking husband who comes home to us every night positive and full of energy ready to be the best dad he can be for our kiddos, no matter what kind of day he had at work. I am just so grateful that I have such a supporting, loving, and selfless husband that I get to spend eternity with:) Thanks for that plan God.

10-30 Day 222

So I have come to the conclusion as a busy, tired, and pregnant mama, that I can't quite get caught up in recording my quiet times here on this blog as I am over a month's worth behind. I keep a paper journal and I just can't find the time to transfer my journal over everyday to the computer and it would be silly for me to go back and try and record all of them just for the sake of having them down on this site. So, I am going to push forward still aboard this incredible journey and so appreciative that I have only missed one day of a quiet time up to this point. I am going to try and just type my thoughts down directly onto this blog as I have my quiet time. This is going to be tough as I am not a computer lover as I like to actually write with pen on paper, so we'll see how this goes...

Day 174 9-12

Had some good, much needed prayer time while the kids napped today. Spent most of it in confession and asking for forgiveness from sin.

On a new chapter in Living By the Book, focusing on "Things that are emphasized" as I read the Word.

Day 173 9-11

Had a change of pace/scenery/routine from the norm quiet time. Spent some time praying over each one of my kiddos as they slept. I should do that longer more often:) 

Day 172 9-10

Don't have anything written in my journal for today so not sure what I did. Bummer if I missed my Quiet Time. This would have been the first day I think :(

Day 171 9-9

Read Matthew 5:1-20 aloud holding hands with Sam. It was a great moment:)

Day 170 9-8

Back home from vacation and went back to reading Titus for a bit.

Had this question stick with me...

Why is training up the leaders in the righteousness so important at this time in Titus and now really? 

I know the answer is obvious, but I think is so important to dwell on.

Day 167-169 / 9-5- 9-7

On vacation in Florida...

Just simply read the Beatitudes and portions of the Sermon on the Mount each day in prep for the study we are going to do in Life Group coming up soon. 
Didn't write anything down; just read.

Day 166 9-4

In Florida on vacation...

Aware God of Your vastness, Your power, Your massiveness as I look out onto the ocean tonight. The moon is shining. The waves are crashing. The sea goes on forever, reflecting off the moonlight. I am in awe and a bit scared really. Unpredictability, the sheer magnitude of the ocean. How could anyone deny Your existence, especially after seeing the ocean. 

Thank you for my family Lord and for keeping us safe and protecting us. May I do better at honoring my mother with my actions and words. I am convicted of that right now. My kids are so beautiful Lord. Thank you, which doesn't nearly touch the surface of my expression of gratitude, for choosing me to be their mothers. You created them Lord and I know this. May I be aware of what works, what clicks with them so they can be the best they can be and ultimately choose You to be their Savior. 

I love you Lord. I love Your Word which I am going to read now.

Read Titus 3, focusing on the context. Be considerate.

Day 165 9-3

Focusing more on Titus, asking questions as they come to me and making observations...

Where's Crete? What's it like there (culture, people, etc.)

There is a large emphasis on elders, their importance, characteristics, etc.

What was the elder appointment like? How did Titus do it? Was it tough to find men who 

   fit those charac?

The elders are also called "overseers" - look up other versions to see what, if any, other 

    word is used 

Did Titus not stay in Crete as he was originally supposed to?

Why did he need to be reminded of his task? What went wrong?

Where was Paul at the time?

How did Paul here about what was going on in Crete?

Paul doesn't seem angry with Titus

Encouragement letter? Stay the course?

make a chart of elder characteristics

Day 164 9-2

Simply Read Titus chapters 1-2 today.

Day 163 9-1

Drove to Florida today and somehow couldn't get to reading in the car. It makes me carsick quite frankly, but that's no excuse. Said some prayers.

Day 162 8-31

Been eager for this time Lord. It was a crazy day of packing for our Florida vacation and Sam not napping because of his cold. So, here I am Lord up late in my chair in my room ready to focus on Your Word, Titus 1:5-9. Nevermind Lord, I'm sorry, Sam just woke up. Bye.

Day 161 8-30

Finished the chapter Working with a Paragraph. The chapter provided an example to walk through with the author for Nehemiah 1:4-11, which was helpful. Then the challenge was mine to try it with Titus 1:5-9, but today I am just going to read through it and then tackle and investigate tomorrow hopefully.

Day 160 8-29

Returned to reading Living By the Book, the chapter on Working with a Paragraph.

Day 159 8-28

So even though the Benjaminites raped and murdered one of their own essentially, the Israelites still didn't want their tribe to disappear completely. This is tough. When the Israelites assembled altogether, one tribe (Jabesh Gilead) failed to show up so the people of Israel decided to kill all of them except for their 400 virgins of the village. Bizarre. Then, the next decision was to give these pure, innocent, young girls to the remaining disgusting immoral men left from the Benjaminites because they didn't want one tribe to completely disappear, like I said earlier. Jabesh Gilead must have just been a branch of one of the 12 tribes of Israel because killing every male among them would have eliminated them too and I know Jabesh Gilead is not one of the original names of the 12. 

Anyway, it's all very bizarre, that's like the main word that keeps coming to my mind. It's super tough to read, especially as a woman and a mom with a daughter. I was unsettled and angry quite frankly that God would instruct this for His people. Then, all of a sudden, a light bulb went off. Duh!! these were not His commands at all. The Bible clearly says, "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."

That's it. That's the message in all of this, really I think of the whole book. The people of God were not trusting God, loving, obeying, and teaching their children about God and His greatness and it was complete anarchy and unimaginable terrible chaos stemming from our sinful human nature. I'm sure this saddened, disheartened, and made the Lord mad and jealous, but I can't speak for Him.

Day 156 8-25

Continued study in Judges today. Read about Gideon and killing 1000 men with a jawbone from a donkey. The Bible says the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power...I'd say so!

Day 157 8-26

In the busyness of life, I hear You, I sense You, I crave You, and I'm sorry I don't always appropriately respond to your promptings. 

Questions that came to mind, overarching about Judges...

Who God is, character, etc in Judges?

What is the big picture/message of Judges?

Why is this book in the Bible?

Day 155 8-24

It was cool to read about Samson today. Samson's parents were faithful to God. They knew Scripture, believed, prayed, and obeyed. In there culture, they married within their own so when God had in His plan for Samson to go against this, they trusted God.

Day 154 8-23

Continued in Judges today. Read about the judges named Tola, Jair, and Jephthah in Judges 11 and 12. The story of Jephthah is an interesting, bizarre, and quite frankly tough one to read as he has to sacrifice his daughter's life.

Day 153 8-22

As the exercise prompted in Living by the Book, I read and took notes on the first 5 judges in the book of Judges noting their name, how many verses was written about them, what tribe of Israel he or she belonged to, and any other interesting thing that stuck out to me. I also read about Gideon and his wild and crazy battles. This was fun.

Day 152 8-21

Conviction about my TV watching came over me today during my quiet time. I am not going to watch TV in my room for a week. I spent 10 minutes reading yesterday during my quiet time and then a near 3 hours watching TV, which caused us to go to bed way to late. My priorities were off and the Lord let me know it deep inside. I felt a disturbance, like an honest hurt, almost like a jealousy from God and I was listening. I was looking forward to watching TV, delaying my QT or hurrying it up and that was flat wrong, but I am so glad the Lord made me recognize it before it had taken root and become a nasty habit. Mark and I hardly watch any TV and we don't really follow any shows. I think it is just that we are tired and it is a relaxing, zone out, at least for me. So, now I want to read more and have quiet in the house. 

We followed through with it tonight and it was awesome!

Day 151 8-20

Reading the book of Judges telescopically today. Read Judges 1-2. Joshua and the elders of that generation died. The next generation didn't follow God. Why??

Going to go deeper into Judges in the days to follow.

Day 150 8-19

Moving on in Living By the Book to chapter on Reading Telescopically. 

*The Bible is not simply a collection of parts. It is an integrated message in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. 

*Don't get caught reading fragments of the Bible and not relating it to the whole. Tie the author's message together in my mind. What's the big picture?

* Where does the book fit historically? Where does this book fit in the flow of the Bible?

* God is the God of history who works in and through real people in the real world to accomplish His purposes!

I am going to do the exercises provided for Judges in the Old Testament.

Day 149 8-18

Continued study of Numbers 13...

The men who went out on the spy mission told Moses the truth about the bountifulness of the land, but they were full of doubt and fear of the people and fortified cities, except for one guy, who boldly spoke up. Caleb's conscious kicked in and he interrupted their accurate, yet cowardly report. 

My own paraphrase of Caleb's speech (13:30)...

"Look, I know this looks like a no win situation with how big these guys are how smart they have constructed their cities, but God has already said this land is ours! We are His people! Knock it off. Cowboy up and let's figure out a plan to conquer them. Is is amazing land, flowing with milk and honey and all the resources we need. Let's go! Whose with me?"

Thanks Lord for honorable men like Caleb who do the right thing even when it is definitely not the popular thing to do. 

May my son grow up with these qualities.

Day 148 8-17

Beginning my study of Numbers 13 today and I'm excited...

Command: Explore the land of Canaan

Promise: Which I am giving you

Rounded up the best of the best of Israel.

Mission:  See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many? what kind of land do they live in? Is the land good or bad? trees? is the soil fertile or poor? is their fruit? if so, bring some back? what kind of towns are there? are they walled or fortified?

Doesn't seem like it was ever a question of should we conquer them or not, according to the original command. It was a military spy mission to see what their plan, angle, etc. tactics would be in order to defeat them as the Lord promised.

Why didn't the men have this mind-set? They explored for 40 days. I didn't realize this. I imagine they let fear took over.

Day 147 8-16

Continued in Living By the Book today in the chapter "Read Acquisitively." I liked the definition the author gave for "reading acquisitively": read not only to receive it, but to retain it; not merely to perceive it, put to possess it. 

So try my best to understand the Word, possess it, and apply it. 

Goal: see life change as a result of my personal interaction with God's Word. 

Another point I picked up in the chapter that stuck with me... marry the truth of the Word with my own interests and experience through personal engagement.

The "You Try It" Activity is to read Numbers 13, study it, and then paraphrase it using an interesting creative angle and then read it to someone.

Day 146 8-15

May You fill in my weaknesses Lord. (patience, gentleness). Thank you God for a great prayer time with Mark. Also may I keep the Christian teachers in my prayers as well all the Christian kids out there in the middle of the battlegrounds at school. May they be strong and remember their roots.

Read Isaiah 41:10-29  (focused on 10-13)

- encouragement for anyone going through struggles, which is all of us in some way

- even though speaking to people of Israel, can still apply as we know God is omniscient!!

Day 145 8-14

Decided to conclude my reading of Love and Respect today. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. Some concluding thoughts from the last chapter...

- Lord, please fulfill Your desires in me 

- Purple is the color of royalty, as God is our king, we shall strive to honor Him in our marriage with the perfect balance of pink blended with blue

- Be patient! This should be my motto:  If I can't say anything respectful, I won't say anything at all!

Day 144 8-13

Up late after getting home from the Iowa State Fair. Read Psalms 18:1-3 for some reason. 

My main prayer tonight is for Arnie (my stepdad's brother) and his wife Grace to continue to be blessed by the Lord. They are great role models of Christians doing it right. They lived like no one else, so now they can live like no one else. What great people:)

Day 143 8-12

Read Romans Chapters 4-5 tonight. Just wanted to read and absorb.

Day 142 8-11

Felt like reading some parables tonight. At least I think they are parables:) ...

Read Luke 11:33-36. May my whole body be full of light.

Read Luke 14:15-24 May I not be too busy to follow God and His promises.

Day 141 8-10

Read the book of Joel super late. Had read it once before a while back and was interested in reading it again for some reason.

Day 140 8-9

Read 1 Peter 4:1-11 today.

Made some observations/comments about specifics verses.

v.6 live according to God in regard to the spirit

not referencing Holy Spirit here I don't think, as it is not capitalized as in 1 Cor 2:12. Must be saying our human spirit or maybe it's a different Greek word used. I'll look in my NASB and see what word is used.

v. 8 above ALL, love each other deeply

v. 2 he does live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God

Prayers:

- comfort, support, love for wife of Steve's friend who was one of the Navy Seal's killed recently, she has two kids - 2 and 4 and one on the way, can't imagine what she is going through

- be a doer, obey God

Day 139 8-8

Eph 6:4 "Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline of the Lord."

Deut 6:5...

Starts off with a command to parents, love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and strength. Put these words on my heart Lord, more like engrave them to permeate through me so that I make it a priority. May talking about the truths in scripture come naturally to me as we are at home, on walks, going to bed, waking up, basically all the time.

Now I know these commands were specifically to the Israelites, but I believe they are still very applicable to me today. 

v. 18  "You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord that it may be well with You."

I love the intentional, diligent, serious, and passionate love and priority God emphasizes of our children. He knows how important children are and the impact they can have in this world. So doing everything we can to bring them up lovingly in a Biblically sound foundation full of grace is critical in this world.

Day 138 8-7

Had a desire to read Revelation for some reason tonight. Intrigued by Jesus riding a white horse. Read about the 1000 years and acid lake. That's about it for tonight.

Day 137 8-6

Looked up then of Joshua 5:13-15 in my NASB Bible, just to see if the wording was different and it is a bit. Also read Eph 6:7-8 and read about the Energizing Cycle of married couples as described in Love and Respect.

Day 136 8-5

Read aloud Joshua 6 tonight, disappointingly late. Also read the context before, which actually stuck on my heart and had more of an impact.

Joshua 5:13-15  "Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?”The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

The part in bold is what I noticed and what stuck with me. The angel's identity was not about them, it was solely to serve the Lord.

Day 135 8-4

Lately, upon Sam's request, we have listened to the children's Bible song that is about Joshua fighting the battle of Jericho and the walls come tumbling down. It has been on repeat, literally in the car.

So tonight at bedtime, Mark and I briefly shared with him the story of Joshua and Jericho and that it really happened and Sam couldn't believe it. It was like a light bulb went off in his head that things in the Bible actually really happened and it was really cool to see him stop and try and process this. So he thought about it as Sam does and then he asked Mark if he had a map on his phone so he could see where Joshua lives and where Jericho is:) We told him we would look at our Bible map in the morning together. It was so awesome to see him excited about the Word. So tonight for my quiet time, I am going to read up on the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho so I am more prepared in the morning.

Joshua 6

Day 134 8-3

Continued reading into the next chapter of Love and Respect. 

Had one major aha moment...

The key is always being willing to cut your spouse some slack. 

Prayers:

- energy

- guidance in specific creative plans for the day for the kids and Iintertwined with Scripture, prioritizing our daily devotion everyday

Read Prov 31 for some inspiration, specifically focused on vs. 26-27. "She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness".

Day 133 8-2

Continued reading Love and Respect. On the anticipated chapter Sexuality: His Desire for Sexual Intimacy. Although it's tough to read chapters like this, I realized that is selfish of me and to go into with an open mind and open heart.

This line impacted me right away because it's so true of our culture...(p.250)" just as the devil will do everything he can to bring two people together sexually before marriage, he does everything he can to keep them away from each other after marriage"

Some more take away points....

When I refuse him, it symbolizes to him that I don't care about him or respect him or his need. Never really thought about it from this angle before. I spell respect when I appreciate his sexual desire for me. What if he didn't desire me? That would be heartbreaking. You idiot Sarah, wake up so he doesn't go get it elsewhere (1 Sam 11:2; Prov 7:21). He needs sexual release just as I need emotional release (1 Cor 7:5). What if he didn't talk to me for 3 days, 3 weeks, etc? This is the comparison to not meeting his needs. 

Concluded this chapter feeling surprisingly empowered and feeling good because my husband needs me.

Prayers:

- Be obedient to God's Word!

Day 132 8-1

Read Love and Respect today focusing on being a shoulder to shoulder friend with my husband, along with just simply being friendly. I need to be friendly as well as loving, non-badgering, non-annoying, and non-criticizing. So, what does this look like for Mark? I guess I've never really asked him if this is important to him. I will soon. This shoulder to shoulder thing makes perfect sense. This is what dudes do. They do stuff along side each other together like fish, fix cars, do house projects, etc. all side by side with not much talking. What do women do? We go get coffee or meet for dinner and sit face to face most likely with lots and lots and lots of talking. Finding this balance of meeting both needs with my spouse is the key.  

Read Phil 2:4, Song of Solomon 5:16, and Ecc 3:7 to get more of a Biblical perspective. 
Main point I took away... I need to be quiet more I think and just listen.

Day 131 7-31

Good Morning Lord. Thanks for dying for my sins today. 

Read Love and Respect this morning and took away some deep concepts...

- self righteousness can deceive you more than any other sin, a subtle judgmental spirit

- guard against the attitude that he (my husband) is the center of all the problems. He's not.

- admit my sins, issues, weaknesses

Sam woke up towards the end of my quiet time and came and cuddled with me in the chair. He asked me to read to him from my Bible. So I read aloud Proverbs 3. What an awesome way to start the day!

Day 130 7-30

It is my 29th birthday today:) I have on my heart tonight, which has transpired into prayers, this gratefulness to the Lord for my body. That everything is working fine and my legs work. I know it sounds silly, but I take it for granted everyday. We had an awesome, adventurous, and active day today on my bday enjoying God's beauty as Sam requested:) I just thanked God for giving me the ability to do things like hike trails and play golf. We have the Warrior Dash tomorrow and I'm just grateful that I can do things like that. I say that now, not having done it yet:)

I Cor 3:16-17...

I am God's temple, sacred.

I Cor 6:19-20 ...

May I honor God with my body.

Day 129 7-29

Lord help me to clear my thoughts and focus on You. Really a very selfish prayer now that I think of it to be praying. Disrespectful the more I think about it really. Sorry God. Show Him that respect Sarah. Just do it. 

I humbly come before You and recognize Your presence here, everywhere, not just within me. I acknowledge that You are my King, my Savior, my Creator, and my Friend. May I crawl up in Your lap and learn from You. You're the boss so whatever you want this time to look like, I will accept, even if it's a whoopin.

I'm sitting out in the garage at the kids' table while they are napping because I have been so cold today and it is warm out here. Just kind of had an unsettling feeling today. Not sure what it is, but have on my heart to "Be Still", specifically the song "when the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father You are king above the flood, I will be still and know You are God." I may have misquoted that, but that is how it flowed in my head. 

Decided to read Psalm 46.

v.10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Enough said. Not sure if I have ever read the whole context around this before.

Day 128 7-28

Continued my marriage study in Love and Respect. Wrote down what stuck out to me...

- no smoothly running organization can have 2 heads

- acknowledge that my husband is the leader, the one in authority

- he has more responsibility before God which equals more authority

- has has 51% of the authority/responsibility

Read Genesis 12:1-5 which provides an example of wifely submission...

Sarai not only recognized her husband's authority, she honored it. She packed up, left her country, her people, her comforts, to go to an unknown land.

12:10-11 She obeyed Abram by pretending to be his sister. I saw it as trusting her husband's passionate protection and love for her.

Day 127 7-27

Just had Sam and Gracie's 2 and 4 year old checkups. I am so thankful I have healthy and happy kiddos. I pray for safety for all participants (including Mark and I) in the Warrior Dash on Sunday. I also pray for an extra dose of energy. I seem to be lacking it lately.

Read Psalm 93.

This was engraved on my heart as I read it...

"holiness is the beauty of your house for all the days to come." v.5

May holiness be the beauty of my home and heart as well Lord:)

Day 126 7-26

More take-aways from reading Love and Respect. I really love this book. 

- a degree of conflict is inevitable in marriage. This is reassuring and common sense.

- a quiet, gentle, and respectful spirit will melt a man's heart. May I carry out this spirit.

Prayers...

I love the hope you have given me Lord and the plan for my life. Thanks for protecting me.

Day 125 7-25

Continued reading Love and Respect and the Scripture references today. Here is what stuck out to me...

- men are more vulnerable to criticism when it comes to "headship" issue

-if there's one fan a man wants in this world, it would be his wife

-don't put down, belittle, especially about his work

-I should verbalize more my admiration for him for protecting me, literally being willing to die for me and the kids, his commitment to the family

Prayers:

-safety and health for Laura Bowling and her baby

-Aunt Lana

-LG girls general protection and guidance

-carry out Biblical principles and ideas presented in our LG marriage study and from reading Love and Respect

Day 124 7-24

My Sammy's 4th birthday today.  Hard to believe.

I'm starting to hear what I should have done/said in an interaction with Mark. So may I carry out Your words/actions at the right time instead of thinking about it after the fact. I like the revealing of it to me though. Like Mark said "please don't throw anything of mine away without asking me" (referring to mail and some sermon notes). I have a problem with throwing things away. Anyway, I said "well it was on the floor by the trashcan." After the fact, it was laid on my heart that I came across pretty disrespectful and I should have said "you know what, you're right hunny, I shouldn't do that. That was pretty disrespectful. I will try better at that."

Prayers on my heart...

May my kiddos fall in love with you Lord and follow You. May we have another child if that is Your will. They are so sweet and so precious and time is flying by and they are getting so big. It's a bitter sweet experience. I'm just so glad I get these precious days with them while they are still little. May I make the most of everyday with them doing our best to glorify You Lord!! Thank you for good friends and family who love us.

Day 123 7-23

Read from Love and Respect today focusing on a chapter about Biblical hierarchy in marriage referencing Eph 5:22-27. Two main concepts I took away...

- Let him (my husband) be the head, the leader

- A light bulb went on in my head after reading this because it is so true of me a lot...

I want to be treated like a princess, but I'm not willing to treat my husband like a king.  Gut check:)

Day 122 7-22

It's my Junie Bug's 2nd birthday today. We let her sleep with us tonight. I didn't prioritize well today so as we lay here getting ready to sleep, I read Psalm 148 aloud. It was sweet to read aloud my Bible to her, not just out of a condensed kid's Bible.

Day 121 7-21

May my words, thoughts, and actions reflect your heart today Lord. 
I have to attend to a kiddo.

Day 120 7-20

Still parked today in the concepts of man and woman's early assigned roles...

Men want to make their conquest in the field of life, as hunters, workers, adventurers, providers, etc. After having a boy, I kind of was set on not allowing him to have toy guns, pretend shoot things, watch any kids shows with that stuff, but after watching my little boy grow, I have had to let that all go because I truly from the bottom of my soul believe conquest is an inborn trait in him. We did not have guns in the house, but that didn't stop Sam. He would use anything, his hands, markers, etc. to use as a gun and even would make the right sound as he shot em. It is truly amazing to watch really. I even asked other trusted Christian parents with boys about this, and they see the same thing and their advice is to embrace this God given need for conquest, cultivate it an set boundaries for it as well. I was reading a similar story in Love and Respect about a mom who was a lot like me about guns in the beginning and then her boy picked up his grilled cheese sandwich and shot her and she gave up from then on. It made me laugh:)

Also today, I'm focusing on Gen 30:30 which talks about man's inborn desire to work. Do I truly honor and respect this about my husband? Do I take it for granted how hard he works for me to have the freedom to stay at home and raise our kids? I need to thank him today and let him know how much I admire and support him.

Day 119 7-19

Lord, allow me to engage the Holy Spirit inside me that you gave me. May I respond appropriately to You. May I allow the Holy Spirit to fill in the gaps of my weak traits (words, patience, joyful expression on my face, etc.) May I specifically have a gentle spirit today which glorifies You!

I wanted to spend some time today going into more depth over the verses and concepts I read last night about what it means to be a "helper" to Mark. It's sad that this is considered such an old school, almost stupid concept to our society, especially among "I am woman hear me roar" folk. 

So I read Gen 2:18 over and over. I'm having a hard time getting my thoughts down on paper the way I want. I don't think God did want Adam to be alone, obviously because that's what He said. It's not even that He didn't want that, He took it a step further, it wasn't good. He knew He would be better with a woman. What a compliment to us as women. These early concepts in Genesis are so painfully misunderstood among a lot of women today and taken so negative, but there were not intended to be, in my opinion. The more I read it, the more empowered I am as a woman, and wife. You see, the woman was made FOR the man as a "suitable" "helper".  In 1 Cor 11:8-9, the Bible talks about how women came from man. We are literally a part of him, created for man. I never really (sadly) fully grasped this concept before and it is so beautiful. That's why I think man has such an inborn desire to protect us, because we are a part of him.

Day 118 7-18

I am embarrassed to say that I am just getting to my quiet time today even after reminding my LG girls in an email this morning to not forget to spend time with You today and focusing last night on obeying His commands. Great example that each day is a new day. I took a nap with Sam, intending to get up before him and have my QT, but I slept the whole time. Then I painted the kitchen for 4 hours straight tonight after getting an unexpected night without kiddos. Anyway, this is going to be the case today, but not tomorrow. Going to read Love and Respect and see what sticks out...

I love this concept of a man's need for Conquest and understanding how important this inborn desire to work and achieve and go on adventures is to him. It was in fact man's first career assignment given to him from the Father Himself. Gen 30:30 cultivate Eden. 

My eyes were also opened to a new fresh look at the first commands for me as a wife as well. 

Gen 2:18: I Cor 11:19

I am to be my husband's helper or "helpmeet".  Meaning in Hebrew "a help answering to him, or one who answers" This is showing a new light to me even though I have read this and heard it before.

Day 117 7-17

Simple straight forward message to me today during my quiet time...

John 14:5-27

What stuck out the most to me...  
¹⁵ “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

I also love the cycle in vs. 21-23.  God keeps His promises.

Prayers:

- Jill's friend's anniversary of baby's death - comfort, strength . John 14:27 will be my prayer for her today

- future talk with mom

Day 116 7-16

My prayers and focus today during my quiet time are all focused toward reconciliation with my mom, we got in a little argument today. I pray for humility, ability to apologize quickly, Your words, understanding, sensitivity, and to put on love and compassion. It's super hard to focus on much else during this time. That's prob why God in the Bible said to go settle things first with your brother and then come to Me.

Day 115 7-15

What I have on my heart and mind today is the whole concept of God giving me the words to use, especially in sharing about Him. I guess what I was thinking about really is do I have faith in Him who is putting me in these situations/relationships/opportunities to speak about You? Why don't I grab a hold of the opportunities? I guess I'm afraid, as has happened multiple times that they will see me as a sinner, a judger, etc. when I want them to see You in me and fall in love with You. Why is it so hard to talk about You and what You are in my life to other people? especially family and close friends. It's silly really. I pray for God to give me His words when these opportunities arise, but how do I do that? 

It just obviously got answered for me. LISTEN to Him and His promptings. He lives within me as my helper. Be bold. It's almost I guess in a way as insult to God when I pass up those opportunities or don't trust Him enough to speak lovingly about Him. May I better recognize Your presence Lord and be in tune to these opportunities and speak the truth in love because someone did it for me and we are commanded to, bottom line. What do I fear? wrong timing, insensitivity, wrong way of putting it, come across as judgmental. Jesus is THE ONLY way to eternity in heaven and I better get more confidence in talking about that with others.

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

Day 114 7-14

The sun is shining through the window on me this morning as I sit at my kitchen table. I can feel His warmth. The house is still. Sam spent the night at my mom's and GJ and Mark are still asleep cuddled in our bed. I couldn't sleep anymore. I felt a stir from You to wake up so here I am Lord. I recognize your presence this morning. Thanks for another chance at a day to honor You with my words, actions, and thoughts. Have mercy on me when I stumble today. I pray for a kind and gentle spirit today with all, especially my husband and kiddos. May I carry out Your will today, not mine and acknowledge that the old has died and I am a new creation with You living inside of me today. May I carry out your love today Lord.

Spent my quiet time reading Love and Respect, specifically learning about a man and wife's Energizing Cycle, "His love motivates her respect. Her respect motivates his love!" I am going to frame this I think and put it in our bedroom.

I should show Mark respect regardless of his response (Prov 31:25, 1 Pet 3:1-2, Eph 5:33). 

A man's 1st fundamental impulse is to serve, especially in response to being honored. May I see what God sees as I live life with my husband. Most husbands are not consciously, willfully, and habitually trying to be unloving on purpose (Matt 26:41, Ecc 7:20). Remember to be aware of my facial expressions and tone of voice.

 

1 Cor 7:33-34

Day 113 7-13

I decided to do a blind pick of a passage to read today and it was a great refresher. I don't recommend doing that often because I think it is important to understand the contexts, concepts and themes of each book of the Bible as a whole and the general Bible as a whole as well. However, sometimes, when I feel a bit lost, scatter brained or wanting to stray a bit from my routine I'm in, I'll do a random Bible search and see where it leads me. 

I stopped in 1 Pet 1:13-25... 

So after reading the Word of God, I try to always ask myself, what did I learn about God from this? How did I get to know him better or understand him more. Most importantly, focusing on the fact that it's not about me, it's about Him.

I learned that God...

-shows grace

-is Holy

-calls me to be holy in all I do because He is

-judges each man's work impartially

-wants me to fear Him

-chose Jesus before the creation of the world and had this planned

-wants me to believe in Him through Jesus Christ

-raised Jesus from the dead and glorified Him

-is where my faith and hope lye

-allows us to be born again through the Word of God

-'s Word stands forever!

Prayers:

-Linds dad peace in surgery situation

-praise for great dinner with sister-in-laws

Day 112 7-12

To try something different and shake up my quiet time, I decided to spend it with my brother, watching him preach a sermon in Nebraska on my computer. Besides my husband, he's the only one I have invited to my quiet time:) Thought it would be a cool experience. 

His topic is on "Managing Life's Moments" focusing on Ephesians 5:15-18

Answering the question: How Can We Make the Most of Our Limited Time Here On Earth??

I decided to follow along and write down what stuck out to me and follow along with the 4 main ideas in the sermon notes provided...

1. Be Alert!

-be aware, purposeful, see accurately how walk around, look for opportunities, Don't be so busy

2. Be Wise

-know the want to of the Master (to be saved, to be sanctified) being Christ-like, do not be unthinking, our greatest need is to see the truths of God

3. Seize Opportunities by the Horns

- left to ourselves and our natural ways we will go down a path of destruction, God can reverse our natural tendencies that lead to spiritual death, we don't know how many moments we have left so make the most of them the way Jesus would

4. Be Filled with the Spirit

-God gives us unexplainable strength, peace and comfort, What am I under the influence of?

"God is a gentleman. He is not going to come in on His own where He is not wanted. 

Let Him in!" -BV

I was blown away at my brother preaching and super proud to be his sister. I believe he truly has a gift and it's so awesome to see him on fire and passionate for bringing the Word to the people. I loved the camera man trying to keep up with him going back and forth on the stage:) I was a mess full of tears as I really related to the sermon as he talked about our growing up and also about losing our dad. My dad is certainly smiling watching him and the man he has become.

Check Brian's sermon out online. Go to northridgesabetha.com then click on "Go to Services", choose "June 12th the 11am service Managing Life's Moments" . It is the entire service so you have to wait for it to download and then scroll ahead to when he preaches.

Day 111 7-11

I felt a tug on my heart to dig deeper into the sermon material presented on Sunday at my church. The main idea from the sermon was on evangelism, specifically to go and be "fishers of men" as Jesus commands fishermen Simon Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:19. I got to really thinking about this and what this comparison means, and how it might have resonated with these guys and with me as well.

So I started brainstorming for myself some characteristics of fishermen...

-patient

-instinct

-very choosy with their bait

-persistent, not giving up

-may cast close by or far away

-careful not to harm anyone with their hooks

-may cast to same spot several times

-genuinely enjoy what they are doing

-filled with excitement, adrenaline rush at the slightest tug on the line

-listeners

-calm

-respect the environment and are aware of surroundings

-learned how from someone else most likely

-focused

There is so much parallelism between Christians as evangelists and fishermen.

Lord, may I too be an effective, loving, respectful, fisher of men!

Specific Prayers:

-contact an old friend

-guidance/wisdom with life group marriage study

-be a doer, not just a hearer

-apologize sooner

Day 110 7-10

Continued in reading Love and Respect today. On to chapter 7.

Some things I wrote down...

Forgiveness sets you free. Simple statement but so true. Apologize and forgive quickly.

I should not feel I have a right to treat him (my husband) badly or judge him. I know this is a duh statement, but sometimes, if I'm not careful, I can play that game of insult for insult.

Appropriately ended my QT reading this several times...Matt 7:1-3, focusing on v.3...

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

 

Day 109 7-9

Decided to spend my quiet time reading the book Love and Respect and continue reflecting on the theme verse of the book Ephesians 5:33.

This being kind and nice to my husband thing works:) I need to remember it more often:) Thanks for the affirmation Lord. You are my anchor and I rely on You to help me.

Had some take away points from the chapter...

"We are not called to change everything or everyone. We are only called to be obedient, and God will handle it from there." This was so eye opening and quite frankly freeing for me. 

Loved this example of how I can talk respectfully to my husband about my feelings ...

"I'm not saying I am right for feeling this way, nor am I saying you caused me to feel this way. I am only saying that I feel this way." 

Also, this hit me in the face pretty hard..."Sometimes I needed to grow up and not personalize things"

This is such a silly weakness of mine. I just need to lighten up and remember that my husband is not meaning to hurt me with his words and I shouldn't take things so stinkin seriously and show him some grace because I sure would like him to treat me that way.

Loved this too. I think I have heard it before at a wedding, but it made more sense and made more of an impact this time... "Love is not a feeling, it's a choice, a commitment" Amen to that. And it's not like the movies. It's super hard work.

Ended with spending some time in the Word reading Matthew 5:38-46.

Day 108 7-8

I got the opportunity to have my quiet time again in the sauna at the gym today. This time I took my Bible. I really feel close to God in here as it is so quiet and the elements are extreme and really allow me to dig deep into my soul. Just sat for a while in raw prayer and confession. I'm digging James right now and felt led to keep reading there. 

Here's what I read... James 1:19-25

^"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 

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 someone who looks at his face in a mirror  and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."

 I love this whole passage. For the conviction, for the practical application, for the bluntness. Although I have read this a bunch of times, it struck a different cord inside me, tugged at a different heart string. Just do it! Inspired me to be a doer, not just a hearer and to knock off my selfishness and take the blinders off!!

Day 107 7-7

Read Love and Respect today and had some awesome gut-checking advice/application hit me hard about what to do if I am feeling unloved or starting to get on the defense in my conversation with Mark...

STAY CALM. PRAY FOR WISDOM. RELAX. ADJUST MY SUNGLASSES TO BLUE. LISTEN!!

It's so simple and so practical and so powerful. My eyes were just opened to this concept even though I know I have heard it before. It just took on a new meaning and new form. I need this tattooed on my forearm or on my eyeball :) I love it. 

I decided to read James 3: 9-12 today. May my words praise the Lord and not curse men. Why? They (including my husband) are made in God's likeness. How dare me treat them with unkind words, disrespect, or hurtful actions.

My specific prayers today...

- Linds dad 

- Linds mom to choose You today to follow Lord

- friend who is lost in her ways and jeopardizing the well being of family

- April's cousin Emily to feel Your arms wrapped around her today as she copes with cancer

- general prayers/wisdom/protection etc. for Northridge Church Sabetha and Falls City

- guidance/diligence/wisdom in potty training Gracie June