Growing..A search through Ephesians

Ephesians 4:17-24

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness But ye have not so learned If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts And be renewed in the spirit of your mind And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

In this message so many things came to my mind. I do remember a time where I walked as the Gentiles and did what the world does. After I got saved I began to put on the NEW man....As I grew I was convicted about certain areas in my life that didn't match up to Gods Word. The struggle with sin was very difficult but I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me and convicting me to change old habits. The only way I was really going to learn how to walk uprightly was to read my Bible. I could trust that it was Gods Word and not mans. It was not about conforming to what the church believed or pleasing my fellow brothers and sister in Christ. I remember early on learning some very important life changing things from the Word of God.

The first thing God worked on was my marriage, then my parenting. It started with changing ME. There were such hard lessons in the first 3 years of my Salvation. But as I grew in the Lord and I walked in the light, there was that peace that is UNFORGETTABLE.

In this portion of scripture Paul is talking to the church, he was telling them that these things are going on amongst this church. There were those who were struggling with immorality. They had been making money off of it! So many in churches today think they can live behind the curtain of the "Christian".

But they are not fooling God. Paul gives us these examples in Scripture telling us to walk in the light. Gentiles walked in the vanity of their mind. We do not have to go back to old sin, we are a called out people, not to walk as the World does.

I just struggle and wonder why sometimes if we call ourselves Christians...why do we do some of the same things the world does? There were things in my life as a new Christian that I immediately put away.

To name a few...drinking, cussing, smoking. As I grew there were other areas God helped me get out of my life. I still struggle with sin as everyone does. I guess as long as I am growing, changing, transforming then God is pleased. We will always fight the flesh but the question is are we letting sin control us or are we dealing with it and asking for Gods help to get it out of our lives.

Do you think after years of Salvation and knowing the truth, we should be still known blatantly sinning?

Special Times, with Special People

Blake & Alexis

Family ;) Aunt Kimmy & Cousins

Zoro

Cousins ;)

Grandpa Dale

Best Friends forever....Lanphears

Grandma Lillie

More to come ;)

Grace! 'tis a charming sound

Grace 'tis charming sound

Grace! 'tis a charming sound, Harmonious to the ear; Heav'n with the echo shall resound, And all the earth shall hear.

• All sufficient grace! Never powerless! It is Christ who lives in me, In His exhaustlessness.

'Twas grace that wrote my name In life's eternal book;

'Twas grace that gave me to the Lamb, Who all my sorrows took.

Grace taught my wandering feet To tread the pilgrim road;

And new supplies each hour I meet While pressing on to God.

Grace taught my heart to pray,

And made my eyes o'erflow;

'Tis grace which kept me to this day, And will not let me go.

Grace all the work shall crown Through everlasting days;

It lays in love the topmost stone, And well deserves the praise.

Oh, let that grace inspire My heart with strength divine;

May all my powers to Thee aspire, And all my days be Thine.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/312#ixzz1cToesx7E

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week…

School, church, grocery shopping, and answered prayer

In our homeschool this week…

It has been a difficult week in Math.

We are spending about 6 hours a day on homeschool this year.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Quote for us this week..

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson

I am inspired by…

The strength of a friend who's son is going through a battle with cancer at the age of 14

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

The boys are planning on riding this weekend if it does not rain. I will be catching up on laundry and grades.

My favorite thing this week was…

Wednesday night's church services

What’s working/not working for us…

We are working on how our attitudes effects our behavior

Questions/thoughts I have…

I am really looking forward to this next week!

Things I’m working on…

Forgiveness, and Love

Because LOVE never fails, and forgiveness changes lives!

I’m reading…

Who Switched Off My Brain?

Dr. Caroline Leaf

I’m cooking…

Roast for supper

I’m grateful for…

A caring church and a group of teens that are seeking the Lord in their life.

I’m praying for…

Bryce Campbell & Family

He is battling Lymphoma at the age of 14

http://www.magfam6.blogspot.com

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Bits & Pieces

I am just so exited about how God is working in our lives here in Texas.

I have been able to reflect over the past 6 months and really see God's hand.

No...It has not been easy but it has been so worth it! Growing is always a hard thing.

We had lived in Washington our whole life. We just had never thought we would leave that far away from home. As we prayed for the Lords will, we began to see him open up the doors. I never imagined how hard it would be to leave my family.

We have been here in Texas now for 6 months. Wayne is settled in his job. We have made some new friends. The church we are going to feels like home. I had planned on making a trip back home in November, but we are going to have to wait until March of next year when things settle here. It will be nice that all of us can go back together.

School is going well this year. Blake is in 3rd and Austen is in 10th grade. It seems like time is just going so fast. Austen will be 16 next month!

Well that is all ...short and sweet.

I do miss my family and I am so looking forward to our trip in March.

Peace...

Quote

Going forward when the going gets tough is not a test of how tough you are but how strong your faith is.

Saturated In The Light

Title “Saturated in the Light”

Illustration on marinating meat

We need to seek and follow the light.

True worship is in Spirit and Truth

Worship is an everyday thing…it is a life style

The way of saturation

A. Worshipping John 4:21-24

B. Abiding John 15:4-5

C. Fellowship 1 John 2:8-10

D. Serving John 13:12-17

The Effects:

A. Right Living

B. Joy

C. Peace

Personal Reflection:

To be saturated in the light I need all the ingredients.

I need to be

1) In My Bible

2) In Prayer

3) In Church

4) In Fellowship

5) Serving

These 5 ingredients will bring:

1. Right Conviction

Reflections...

Spiritual Circumcision: “Cutting away everything from life, but the will of God.” - John MacArthur

I can't even find the words but I will try

Learning:

Lord Help me

To Love instead of judge

To Yell STOP when my brain is saying to freak out

To accept people the way they are w/o wanting them to change

To live in the moment and not worry about the next hour

To trust God knows the future

To be OK with failing (ummm this is hard to even type)

To listen instead of talk

To be thankful for the day God gave me despite the circumstances.

Thoughts

Why is it that as Christians we feel the need to condemn rather then to LOVE.

Jesus loved us ...knowing we are sinners...he accepted us knowing we are sinners.

I think of the Samaritan women who came to get water.

This women had no idea what she would encounter that day. She had 5 different husbands the Bible tells us. She had searched for love and acceptance and found it not. On that day when Jesus approached her, I can imagine her thought was that she would be cast more judgment for the way she had lived. She could not understand why Jesus would ask her for a drink. She knew that Jews did not speak or associate with Samaritans. In their conversation the Samaritan women asked if Jesus was a prophet, He knew she had been with 5 husbands. Jesus loved her, he knew her sin and knew all of her shortcomings, yet he chose that day to be at that specific place with her.

Everyone wants to be accepted, everyone wants to be loved.

I want to help reach the lost and share the good news of Salvation! Look people are not going to respond when we condemn and judge them. They will only respond out of love. How do we love them? Well we love them where they are at. Jesus called us to love.

In many of my relationships including marriage I have been guilty of judging and condemning before loving FIRST. I feel so foolish for not seeing this sooner in my life. But I am thankful God is showing me now some reaping of showing LOVE. It works. After all, I fear judgement and I want acceptance. I know the one who KNOWS me, accepted me and died for me...even with every sin I will ever commit!

Waiting for the Lord in a season of darkness should not be a time of inactivity. We should do what we can do. And doing is often God’s appointed remedy for despair.

John Piper

I really like this quote and it sure fits for this season in my life. I feel like nothing is stable these days.

Life seems on hold. We moved here to Texas 5 months ago. I had prayed for months over the decision . My husband was convinced that this was what we were suppose to do. Well, 5 months later we are moving back to Washington. I ask why? Why would God just bring us here for 5 months? We have built new relationship and new starts here in Texas. i love the warmer weather. I seem to do so much better with my Fibromyalgia here.

But I know I need to follow my husband and be supportive of his leading.

It will be interesting to see where God is leading. I am willing as God wills to go. I just pray for his perfect will. If we are in Gods will then the peace will follow.

Grandma and Grandpa will be here to visit for a week and then we will be making the long 4 day trip back home.

Great Quote!

"Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not
only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do.
Expect unexpected things, 'above all that we ask or think.' Each
time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His
glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the
prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege
in Christ, and expect great things!" - Andrew Murray

Verse.....Thought ....Quote

Verse For Today......

1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Thought For The Day.......

Unlike God, people will disappoint you. They will let you down. They don't know how you feel sometimes or what's going through your head. They don't always know the right thing to say, or when to say the right thing. But if you have God, that's okay. Let people be people, there are things God can do that they can't. Humans aren't perfect, not even Christians. That's why God is so awesome. Because He is!

Written by Yuliya Kononova, age 17

Quote for the day....

The average person in the world today, without faith and without God and without hope, is engaged in a desperate personal search throughout his lifetime. He does not really know where he has been. He does not really know what he is doing here and now. He does not know where he is going. The sad commentary is that he is doing it all on borrowed time and borrowed money and borrowed strength; and he already knows that in the end he will surely die! Man, made more like God than any other creature, has become less like God than any other creature. Created to reflect the glory of God, he has retreated sullenly into his cave; reflecting only his own sinfulness. Certainly it is a tragedy above all tragedies in this world that man, made with a soul to worship and praise and sing to God's glory, now sulks silently in his cave.

A.W. Tozer

Weekend Ramblings...

Summer seems to be going quick! Austen has been in drivers education almost 2 weeks. He should be able to get his permit next week! I finally have some quiet time to blog a bit. The boys went with Wayne riding. It has been very warm here, but I sure enjoy sitting under the patio cover out back with the misters running. I got a surprise this am from a neighbor...a dozen roses...so pretty! It is good to live in a neighborhood where you feel safe and people are friendly.

We are looking forward to having family visit the next couple months. My SIL, MIL, niece and nephew are coming in August. Then my grandparents are coming September 5th for a week! The kids are so exited.

Last week I learned so much in the class. We talked about parenting and how our children really need us to encourage them. The gal who runs the class is super sweet and loves the Lord...I have been gleaning so much from her talks. My walk has been a bit shaky lately . I think just getting settled in a new church and not having the Christian friendships and accountability has weighed on me. The verse that keeps ringing in my ears is "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly" (Prov 18:24). The neat thing that has happened here is that we have really come together as a family! The time together has been so good!

There have been some relationships here I have really questioned, it is so hard to know how other people feel and at times I drive myself crazy worrying about it. People back home knew me and here it is starting all over. Fear can cause so much frustration and other emotions. Aww well learning and growing!

Smells like my brownies are almost done. I will be wrapping them up and we will send out a few dishes tomorrow to the neighbors.

Blessings,

Spiritual Emotions

Spiritual emotions result in Christian practice because their object is the loveliness of spiritual things, not our self-interest. People have a defective Christianity because they are seeking their own interests in it, not God’s. So they accept Christianity only to the extent that they think it serves their interests. By contrast, a person who accepts it for its own excellent and lovely nature, accepts everything which has that nature.

Jonathan Edwards

Daybook

Outside my window... SUN glorious sunshine
I am thinking... summer and some things we are planning to do while school is out.

From the learning rooms... The boys did one math sheet today

I am thankful for... Agnes Baptist Church...the great services and the closeness these people have amazes me!

From the kitchen... BBQ burgers tonight

I am wearing... shorts, flip-flops, and T-shirt

I am reading... Psalm 139 & Book "The Ministry Of Motherhood"

I am hoping......A fun, peaceful evening with my family.

I am creating... New Bible Verse Tags

I am hearing... Austen telling me about a movie he wants to see

Around the house... cleaned kitchen & both bathrooms today

One of my favorite things... sitting on my back porch hearing the birds

A few plans for the rest of the week... Tomorrow we are going to a lake with our neighbors, the kids are really exited.

All the way my Savior leads me...

All the way my Savior leads me;

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well,

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;

Oh, the fullness of His grace!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father's blest embrace.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way,

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/701#ixzz1Rd31LOb4

Are You Planted By The Water.....

~PLANTED BY THE WATER~

Are you planted by the water

In this world of sin and strife?

Have you surrendered to the Savior,

The one who gives everlasting life?

As we travel through this world

There are many dangers along the way,

We have no reason to fear or falter,

If we know the Lord, who hears us, as we pray.

Though the trial be great or small

We have one who always cares,

Jesus will be there, when you call,

Your every burden, our Savor will bear.

When we are planted by the water of life

Jesus will keep us safe in Him,

One day, if we follow on with the Lord,

With joy, we'll leave this old world of sin.

In all eternity, we shall be with our Lord

on heaven's golden shores.

Keep the faith and trust fully in Him,

We'll behold the Master's face, forevermore.

Blessings In Christ, Jo Ann Kelly © 2006, 2005 J. P.'s Inspirations http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

Blake's 8th Birthday Party Begins Early

The boys making a slide in the back yard.

River Valley MX with friends (Texas)

Austen & Layne

Layne

Blake on his new KLX 110 L

One thing the boys love about Texas is all the motocross tracks. The neighbor kids (Cameron & Layne) came to the track with us.

Sunday Reflections 6-12

Sunday Morning

Scriptures

Eph 5:15-18

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

God has a plan for each of us. We were created for a purpose in Him. We need to be wise, and seek out what the will of God is for our lives. Personally I ask God daily because I don't really know long term what his will is. However what really spoke to me is that God has a specific plan. He will use what we have been through, and even our mistakes if we allow him too. There were many trials in my life that I almost did not think I could bare! When I was in the mist of them the tunnel seemed so dark. I would have times where I would feel so alone and ashamed that these things were happening.

Is 64:8-9

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.

God will bring us to points in our lives to realize that without Him we can do nothing! He will break us, only to bring us out better then we started. In order for God to use us for his specific will, He must teach us. Much like a potter who has a lump of clay and molds that ugly lump of clay into a beautiful masterpiece.

( Our ways are Not His ways)Is 55:9

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

It is so difficult being humbled through those things. Life has many lessons and in those lessons we can not escape . Knowing that God is making and molding us for His perfect will gives me a peace that I will continue to fall, but as long as I seek God and try to obey His commandments He will guide and direct my life. He has the path already made out.....now it is up to me to live it. When I make mistakes God will allow a way for me to escape (if I seek His will not my own). He can even use those mistakes, even though it was NOT the perfect will of God, he can use them to help others.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.