Reflecting On Change

It will be a year in April that we moved here to Texas.

Looking back I remember all the fears, excitement, and anticipation.

Any kind of change had always been difficult for me. But God has grown us as a family so much since our move. It was a time when we had to come together as a family and lean on each other for comfort. The thought of moving just a year prior made me sick inside. As we began to pray for God's direction he gave us peace and comfort. We met each step as it came. I remember days of fear and days of excitement. When there was fear, I would try and trust God to lead the way.

Fear is the opposite of faith! These two can not live together. If we have fear, then we are not trusting in God. Many times I would question if it was the right thing to do. I would have to keep surrendering those fears to God.

God taught us so much in the past year about trusting. Looking back it makes sense when at the time it made no sense. We were leaving so many good things behind. Today I am so thankful for the journey through the unknown. Thankful we took that leap of faith! The best part of this past year has been the LOVE and support that has been show by our church. The friendships I have made are very dear to my heart!

All I can say is that God demonstrated His faithfulness to us through this past year.

“Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.” ~ Charles Stanley

Quiet Time With God

For The Love of The Family Ministries, Missionaries to America's Forgotten Mission field, the family. Ministry of Hope Baptist Church, 139 Shadow Oaks Drive, Sherwood, AR 72120, Dr. Terry L. Coomer, Pastor, TLCOOMER@juno.com, 501-819-0446, www.fortheloveofthefamily.com, www.hopebaptistlittlerock.com

Having A Daily Quiet Time With God

Listen to Dr. Coomer on the worldwide radio broadcast "For The Love Of The Family" every Saturday at 2:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. EST on www.aocbroadcast.com or on the Audio page atwww.fortheloveofthefamily.com.

These messages may be copied in their entirety to help Christians in the rearing of their children for God, strengthening their family, and their marriage. They are not to be changed in any manner or to be sold. This header must be on any copy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the author.

"A consistent daily quiet time eliminates 95% of temptations!"

Imagine that you've been invited to meet with the President of the United States in the Oval Office. You'd likely look forward to your appointment with great excitement. Now imagine that someone much more exciting - the God of the universe - wants to meet with you personally. This scenario is true; God really does want to meet with you, and He wants to do so every single day through a private quiet time alone.

I have had the privilege of traveling and teaching for several years, training good lay-people in local churches to start "How To Have A Daily Time With God" and have a real relationship with Him. I never teach on "How To Have A Daily Time With God" without seeing many tears. I sense hearts being turned towards Him. I get e-mails and phone calls all the time from people who say "God changed my life" after reading "How To Have A Daily Time With God". However, I wonder how many started having a daily time with God and stopped? I wonder how many more started but now, just hurry up, to "get it done"? They are mechanically going through the motions and failing spiritually. They are not really hearing God. Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” So, my friend if you are not hearing from God daily (listening and being taught by the Holy Spirit) you cannot have faith and therefore, you will not be able to please God. In essence, many poor choices and destruction will come to your life. Proverbs 13:13, “Whoso despiseth (does not give proper attention to) the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.”

Writing in a notebook allows the individual to review their thoughts, moments of clarity, and assists them in developing Spirit-led insight. Writing in the notebook is a very powerful tool to keep one in the reality of HIM. I often teach how the notebook, when approached properly, will give you a "fresh" awareness of God's presence in your life. Have you had one lately?

Those appointments with God should be a source of great joy for you. But unfortunately, quiet times can sometimes seem too intimidating to schedule or maintain regularly. The devil always wants us to believe we are to busy, too stressed, or we are okay with out it (lie). Here are some ways you can enjoy your appointments with God; I can promise you they will be more enjoyable than with any President:

* Seek God Himself rather than anything He might give you. Know that God will meet you where you are and reveal much about Himself to you if you're sincerely seeking Him, Hebrews 11:6.

* Listen carefully for God's voice, which you'll recognize better and better the more time you spend with Him. Wait expectantly in silence for a while for the Holy Spirit to speak. Resist the outside pressure from Satan and listen for the inside persuasion from God.

* Write down your thoughts, feelings, and prayers in the notebook during your quiet time to more clearly express them. Read through your notebook often. I find that God speaks to my heart again when I review my note book.

* Think about how much God loves you, and expect to be blessed as a result of spending time with Him. View your quiet times as cherished meetings with someone you love.

* Realize that the more time you spend with God, the greater the intimacy you'll develop with Him. Although the idea of a daily quiet time might seem awkward at first because you might not know what to say or how to recognize God's voice; after a while, you'll look forward to the appointment because it will be like meeting with your best friend.

* Read the "How To Have A Daily Time With God" booklet again. Please note the booklet “How To Have A Daily Time With God” is available in the catalog section of our web site atwww.fortheloveofthefamily.com. I promise you there are parts you have forgotten. This will refresh your look at the things you are looking for in your daily time.

* Set aside a consistent time every day to meet with God. Choose a time at which you're most alert and can block out distractions. I believe God always ask us for the "first." He made it plain to give him the first fruits of our income, the first day of the week, etc. Many times, the mentors from the pages of God's Word spoke of the first part of the day.

* Designate a special place in which you can meet privately with God. The place can be either indoors or outdoors, such as a home office, bed room, favorite chair, or in the woods. I suggest you have several places, as to eliminate all excuses. If you are traveling, look for a place as soon as you are at the location you will be sleeping. Prepare to go there when you awake.

Remember: the best evidence of the value of a Quiet Time is remembering the day you skipped it. When you skip it once it can then become more days and you start to spiritually spiral down and make emotion led decisions (directed by Satan) that are not God's will. It only then gets worse not better and temptations become stronger not weaker. The decisions I make during these times will ultimately lead to destruction, Proverbs 13:13. The notebook does not lie; it tells me when I am failing in my spiritual life.

If you are a parent, look at your children. Do they have a consistent daily quiet time with God? Do you have their heart? Don't allow yourself to be emotionally manipulated by your children. Your goal as a parent is to get their heart and teach them to have a real relationship with God. Anything else and you are failing spiritually as a parent. Poor decisions are made in the home of emotion led parent's and children that lead to the children growing up and being someone who does not handle life spiritually and wisely. They do not have a heart for God. Remember up to 80 percent of all children who grow up in an independent Baptist home do not go on to serve God. Why? Because they do not have a real relationship with God and they and their parents are led by their emotions (Satanically fueled). I believe the reason for this is the parents do not have a real relationship with God, so therefore the children do not.

A wise parent helps their children "Have A Daily Time With God" and checks their notebook often. A wise parent realizes the most important thing for themselves and their children is a "REAL", Intimate, personal and passionate relationship with God.

Galatians 6:7-8, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall reap corruption (destruction); but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Nothing ever spiritual and good is accomplished by "going our own way."

Learning Experiences!

Today was a great day! Part of our school day included a trip to our friends farm! We had a lot of learning opportunities! Thank You Joyce and Dwayne!

Letting Go~ The Commitment Choice

Letting Go

I consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.

Matthew 5:5

Matthew 11:28

Five Barriers To Commitment

1) Pride -Prov 18:12

2) Guilt- Ps 40:12, 1 John 1:9, Ps 32:5

3) Fear

4) Worry- Phil 1:6

5)Doubt- Mark 9:23-24

Four Steps of the Commitment Choice

1. I accept God's son as my Savior.

2. I accept God's Word as my standard.

3. I accept God's will as my strategy .

4. I accept God's POWER as my strength.

The commitment choice means you are making the decision to open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ.

Joy Through The Storms

The past few weeks have been a bit challenging.

I have begun to do some inventory of my life and the things I need to purge out in order for growth to happen. Also in the mist of working on this, there has been some trials that are weighing on me. It just seems more overwhelming then normal. The cloud just did not seem to be moving fast enough away from me.

The verses that have really been a comfort

Psalm 56:3

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

2 Tim 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

There have been many blessing in spite of the trials.

*New Friendships being built (Joy, Teri, Michelea, Tonya)

* Austen is making new friends and is now in a Bible study group on Tuesday evenings.

* Getting involved in my church

* Sweet fellowship with the Lord during my prayer time

The weather has been so beautiful here in Texas. I think today it is suppose to be in the 80's! We are getting ready for our Easter program for April 1st. Blake has a role in the play, so we have been practicing on music and his part that he plays.

Until Later,

Brandie

God Cares....

God Cares About My Situation

Psalm 103:13-14

Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.

Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

God's love never fails. He loves us on our good days and our bad.

God's Love is unconditional.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

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My thoughts

It has been a struggle the past few days and I need this lesson.

Guilt is eating me alive. But to know that when I confess my sin, he is faithful and just to forgive me of my sin! The new class I am taking on Monday nights is pretty intense. It is bringing up issues, I just really struggle with.

Next....

God can change me and my situation.

The HOPE Choice.... Part 1

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

THE HOPE CHOICE

Acknowledge God's Existence

Understand God's Character

God's Character from Jesus Christ

1 God knows about my situation

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; Psalm 31:7

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book? Psalm 56:8

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. Psalm 69:5

Tomorrow...God Cares...cont part of 1 of 3

Monday...Learning-Living-Loving

I need motivation! We are almost 6 months into the school year and I am wore out! There are days I want to just call it quits and put the boys back in school. Today as I was going through Blake's Bible lesson (Character Traits-Diligence), this is his verse:

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Some days I get lost in the monotony . Then I remember that I am doing what God called me to do! The Bible tells us that whatever we do to do it with all of our might. A great reminder...and I needed it!

Austen is doing better in math! I love the fact that his teacher will not hesitate to STOP and pray for wisdom when we hit bumps in the road with Austen. She really seems to care about the small details too! God is so good, neat that he paired us with her on our journey through highschool. I struggle here too because we don't have a support network or group to do activities with. She encourages me to keep at it!

Blake is learning multiplication, geometry, fractions, and division this year. I have really slowed down to make sure he masters multiplication. I want him to enjoy it. Next year I will be doing teaching textbooks for sure. I absolutely LOVE the curriculum. I spent 6 years doing Saxon with Austen and it was very painstaking! He is now having to learn to LIKE math, because before Teaching Textbooks he hated it!

We are in a new Bible study on Wednesdays at church! It is a series on Life's Healing Choices. As I go through the 8 week study I will try and put my notes in my blog. Pastor is also in a series on Sundays called The New You. It really goes hand in hand with Wednesdays Bible study.

It was great news last week to hear God had answered our prayers about Grandma and her cancer! We serve a healing God!

Blessings,

The Battle...Week 1

Romans 7: 15-21

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Matthew 5:3-10

Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How we play God..

We try to control our image by wearing masks, playing games, and hiding the truth about ourselves.

We try to control other people by manipulating each other through guilt or shame or praise or even through silence.

We try to control our problems by saying things like " I can handle it; it's not really a problem. I don't need any help. I can quit any time"

We try to control our pain by avoiding it, denying it, escaping it, medicating it, drowning it, or postponing it.

Consequences of Playing God

1) FEAR

2) FRUSTRATION

3) FATIGUE

4) FAILURE

Three Important facts of life

1) I am powerless to change my past

2) I am powerless to control other people

3) I am powerless to cope with my hurts, hang-ups, and habits

good intentions are not enough, willpower is not enough, we need another source of power... WE NEED GOD!

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

A Fresh Start...2012

I am looking forward to the new year, in hopes I will grow more and give back what I have been blessed with. This past year was quite a transition moving over 2000 miles away to Texas. It came with many emotions and anticipation. The boys seem to be adjusting really well. Wayne is content working and enjoying this Texas weather. I can't believe he made it through one of the hottest summers here. I went through summer feeling pretty good, with a few migraines but my pain level was very low! The exiting news is that the Lord has helped me get off all my meds for fibromyalgia. Of course, I have high pain days where I am down but I have way more good days then the bad days. I am learning how to change my outlook on pain and try and roll with it instead of fighting it. I have had one trip to the doctor since we moved for a sinus infection. That is such a blessing!

God is good, all the time..

more later

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.