Taking Out the Trash

 

Who wants to live with yesterday’s rubble?  Who wants to hoard the trash of the past?  You don’t, do you?  Or do you?

 

I’m not talking about the trash in your house, but in your heart.  Not the junk of papers and boxes but the remnants of anger and hurt.  Do you rat-pack your pain?  Amass offenses?  Record slights?

 

A tour of your heart might be telling.  A pile of rejections.  Accumulated insults.  No one can blame you.  They’re innocence takers, promise breakers, and wound makers.  They’re everywhere and you’ve had your share.

 

Jesus answered Peter’s question in Matthew 18:21 and 22 when he asked:  “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?”  “No, not seven times,” Jesus said.  “Seventy times seven!”

 

Do you want to give every day a chance?  Jesus says to get rid of the trash.  Give the grace you’ve been given!

 

From Great Day Every Day

Controlling Our Thoughts

A healthy thought and toxic thought can both be built with mental rehearsal . But we can literally tear toxic strongholds down by choosing to bring the thought into conscious awareness for analysis, and then changing it through repentance and forgiveness (causing protein synthesis) and replacing it with the correct information, using Philippians 4:8. 

~Who Switched Off My Brain?~

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

Toxic thoughts are thoughts that trigger negative and anxious emotions, which produce biochemicals that cause the body stress. They are stored in your mind, as well as in the cells in your body.

Every single thought- whether it is positive or negative -goes through the same cycle when it forms. Thoughts are basically electrical impulses, chemicals and neurons. They look like tree branches. As the thoughts grow and become permanent, more branches grow and the connections become stronger.

About a year ago, I was introduced to the book 'Who Switched Off MY Brain' By Caroline Leaf. It is a book that had a huge impact on my life! Years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Like many conditions people have, toxic thinking can and WILL effect your health. I use to get angry when I went to the doctor and they would ask me if I had any stress going on in my life. After having FMS for a while I began to see a pattern. Fibro flares usually take place after a stressful time or over activity. I want to share with you some things that have made such a difference in controlling FMS. When time allows I will share what I am learning through controlling my thoughts. Until next time...

Blessings,

Dear Blog,

This is a test ...all new format for Blogger? Where have I been?

A new journey will begin next week as we travel back to Washington. I am not sure this time I am as exited about it, honestly. When we came here to Texas I had time to pray about it and knew that was God's direction. It was sad to leave family, but it felt like it was a God given direction. Looking back over this past year, there have been so many life lessons that we needed as a family. The blessings of working with family, a church that taught us so much about love, sweet friendships, and a loving community made it so worth it!

Next week we will be moving to a town in Eastern Washington that is about 4 hours from home. I have been researching that area to find a good church and an area that we can find a house in. This week we are going to be cleaning and getting everything ready to leave on Sunday. Yesterday was our last day at Agnes. It was sad to say goodbye to so many who had such an impact in my life. I am not sure what the next chapter in our life will be. I am trying to look at it the same way I did coming here. I love everything about this place. I pray we find a church as loving and kind as Agnes Baptist Church!

The boys have all of their stuff packed. Most of our furniture is already gone. I am looking forward to seeing my family next week. Wayne said his job is going well and he should know a date to be over in the Tri Cites area soon. A new adventure is about to begin.......

Brandie

A Christian Home

An ideal Christian home ought to be a place where love rules. It ought to be beautiful, bright, joyous, full of tenderness and affection, a place in which all are growing happier and holier each day. There should never be any discord, any wrangling, any angry words or bitter feelings. The home-life should be a harmonious song without one marring note, day after day. The home, no matter how humble it is, how plain, how small – should be the dearest spot on the earth to each member of the family. It should be made so happy a place, and so full of life, that no matter where one may wander in after years, in any of the ends of the earth – his home should still hold its invisible cords of influence about him, and should ever draw resistless upon his heart. It ought to be the one spot in all the earth, to which he would turn first, when in trouble or in danger. It should be his refuge, in every trial and grief.

J.R. Miller
Homemaking, 1882.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.