How great is thy faithfulness...

Andy has memorized his first memory verse... and he ROCKED IT!!!!

He knew the verse but not the book within 1 day. Now he is ready for a new one. His verse is: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart" Proverbs 3:5 There is an index card on my fridge with this verse and a gold star on it!!! YIPPEE!!!

I look at the verse everyday... and I have memorized it, for the purpose of teaching... or so I thought. But each day it is clearer to me that I need to meditate on this verse, too.

As we struggle in our, sometimes self inflicted, financial woes... we have learned to trust the LORD to provide for us. That is not always easy, either. Especially if we are feeling guilty (and unworthy) about the choices we made.

This week, I thought my water broke. FALSE ALARM!!!!! Nonetheless, the doctor doesn't think we will make it the full 5 weeks that we should. And I was put on bed rest for 48 hours, and light duty from here on out.

Once I got home from the hospital, I knew that GOD had prepared the hearts, spirits, and even pockets of our dearest church family. I received phone calls with offers to help babysit CC, to bring meals, and to notify me that by the time our baby would be leaving the hospital a car seat would be at the hospital for him. One friend even offered to come over and clean my home, since I was put on bed rest! Can you believe the generosity of this family!?

Chris and I are amazed and overwhelmed by the love and support we feel. Everyone struggles... that is true of all our friends too... and still they have found a way to help us.

"... know therefore that the LORD your GOD is GOD; He is the faithful GOD, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands."
Deuteronomy 7:9

"but the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love..."
Psalm 33:18

Last week was SO awful... everyday of the week one new thing blew up, without fail!

As everything started to go crazy, Chris and I drew nearer to the LORD and to each other. If this was a trail for maturing us, it certainly worked. Suddenly, things are great! What was intended for harm turned into something wonderful... what blew up was replaced by something 10x better!

The best part... we did not have to do a thing (except pray with full faith in the LORD's ability to handle it).

As this was happening, I thought, "I am so thankful that I have hope in my GOD!!!" How helpless and hopeless it must feel to have no hope or faith...! I couldn't imagine life without faith, and I am so glad that I love my Jesus!!!!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Eph 6:11

I receive devotionals from Proverbs 31 Ministries each day. I like it because it gives me a chance to be in the word every day...!

Recently I received a devotional that posed a GREAT question: "What are your No matter what's?"

Are you being tossed about by the waves? Or are you living a life of conviction? How are you modeling this for the people you love?

Here are some of my no matter what's:
- Commitment to the LORD, and studying His word.
- Commitment to my marriage
- I will not tolerate abuse of myself or my loved ones

Those are pretty basic... but as I thought of the no matter what's I wanted to implement in my life I realized something more. My no matter what's don't have much depth. After careful consideration I have decided to implement the following:

- Trust GOD to handle it... walk in true faith of His word~!
- Praise the LORD in every circumstance
- SHOW my children my love for them is unconditional.
- Look at my children with grace, like the LORD looks at me, especially when disciplining.
- DON"T GOSSIP
- Pray as a family every day, at least one time (aside from dinner)
- Pray with my husband EVERY day!
- Be kind and respectful to my husband.
- Show humility when I want to be angry

These are all tough things as they require thoughtfulness (almost all the time) and self-discipline. Especially with my words, which is were I struggle the most. Please pray for me to put these in to practice... and that all of these things would bring glory to our Father as I live out His purpose for my life.

The devotional is below for you to read... tell me what are your "No matter what's"?

No Matter What

By MaryBeth Whalen

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

Devotion:

A few months ago, my husband and I attended a Dave Ramsey seminar. Dave is known for his financial topics, but on that day he said something that I have been pondering ever since. Dave said that he taught his children in their teens to establish “no matter what’s” in life. He was referencing a situation in dating, but this principle could be applied to many different situations. I wondered what my “no matter what’s” are. After spending some time thinking about that, I thought perhaps I should share it here, so you could also be challenged to set up your “no matter what’s.”

In the area of finances, my husband and I have determined to never again go into debt, no matter what. This means going without and planning ahead. It means staying in a house that is cramped, and driving older cars. It means taking large portions of any money we receive and socking it into the debt we currently have until we have paid it off.

In the area of marriage, my husband and I are committed to each other, no matter what. This means letting some things go when I really want to say something. It means embracing each other’s insecurities and inadequacies. It means loving each other even when we don’t like each other. It means forgiveness in some pretty hard areas. We are married, no matter what. We are committed to that fact—even when we don’t feel very committed to each other.

Most importantly, I am focused on God, no matter what. God and His word are what I turn to for wisdom and instruction in how to do life. God provides my comfort and strength. He grows and stretches me when I need it. He rocks me in His arms when I need it. I find rest and hope in Him. I have learned what it means to lean on His everlasting arms, as the old hymn says. I must walk out His call on my life no matter what. As I have learned to do this, I have also learned I can rely on an unchanging God as the culture seems to spin faster out of control.

God has used my “no matter what’s” to shape who He wants me to be. I know, above all else, I will continue to stay focused on these “no matter what’s” as the future unfolds. Have you considered how your “no matter what’s” could affect the lives of others—your children, your co-workers, your spouse or your neighbor? Look at where God is leading in your life, and how He might use you to help someone else form some “no matter what’s” of their own.

Dear Lord, Please show me what my personal “no matter what’s” should be. I want to live a life of conviction and commitment to the things that matter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Power Verses:

James 1:6, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:104, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” (NIV)

Wouldn't it be GREAT if...

when life got this messy we could smile that big!?

I learned early in life that lying does NO GOOD! I have always been quick to admit my mistakes or wrongs... but I have NEVER done it joyfully.

"when times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: GOD has made the one as well as the other." Ecclesiastes 7:14

Lately, I have been learning to laugh at the messes. I watch my kids play and get messy in the worst ways. They accidentally hurt one another (sometimes purposely, too). As I teach them to apologize with a joyful and honest heart, I am realizing I have not been setting the example.

When life gets messy... I want to laugh!!! My GOD is powerful and capable. HE has given me more mercy then I could ever deserve and more grace then I could ever earn. All I have to do is accept HIS awesome gift of love... and this alone is reason to celebrate each day.

SO if you are in a mess... look for and admit your own part (leave justice to the LORD) and then ask HIM to love you through it. Laugh and be joyful, make your sincere apology... and dance in the light that HE alone can shine on you (and within you!!!!)

What advantages are there to listening for the LORD's calling in your life?

Proverbs 8: Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

1 Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her voice!
2 On the hilltop along the road,
she takes her stand at the crossroads.
3 By the gates at the entrance to the town,
on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
4 “I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
5 You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
7 for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
8 My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.

12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
14 Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
15 Because of me, kings reign,
and rulers make just decrees.
16 Rulers lead with my help,
and nobles make righteous judgments.

17 “I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
18 I have riches and honor,
as well as enduring wealth and justice.
19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
20 I walk in righteousness,
in paths of justice.
21 Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.

22 “The Lord formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
23 I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
24 I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
25 Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born—
26 before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.
27 I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
28 I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.
29 I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,
30 I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight,
rejoicing always in his presence.
31 And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!

32 “And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.
36 But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.”

Following with Faithful Hope...

I have been blessed in every way. The LORD has shown mercy and grace in all areas of my life.

Most specifically I feel blessed by my marriage... and I feel that our children will be blessed by it, too.

We are very particular about who we share our time with... not on purpose (but it just seems to have worked out that way).

Often there is not a lot of time for outside activity... and when we do make the time (not as often as we should) we want it to be a blessing to our family and the family we are sharing with. I think this is normal. If you think I am crazy PLEASE tell me so!

Recently, I found my self in a dilemma with a friendship. Admittedly, I didn't pray for guidance as much as I prayed for "help" in specific areas of the situation. After much consideration and discussion with my closest friend and my husband... I determined the best course of action was also a very painful one. I ended a friendship. It was hard to do. I have never done this before. I considered that I was not being forgiving or merciful... then I considered my first priority is my family and how I serve them.

The LORD has given my the most precious gift... a wonderful husband/friend/partner. He has entrusted us with two amazing lives to guide and one little life to care for... on his way to be guided and loved by us. Isn't this the most important thing that I am and that I can do... love my family and sacrifice for them everything else...?

One of the persons in this dilemma commented regarding another "you're selfish because you always make choices that suit your family's needs. " Is that wrong? I cannot see that logic in this statement. Isn't GOD trusting us to do exactly that... even when there are more fun choices?

I learned that we were not the only ones deciding to end friendships with this other couple. I cannot understand this further then to say it is from GOD... that this hurtful situation and lesson would just be a work in their hearts... and that they would grow and be blessed from this situation.

I believe I made a godly choice and I am following faithfully with the hope in the LORD's plans for our "friends". Faithful in the hope that the LORD will blossom in their lives like new life through the tattered remains of a wild fire.

Friends if you have a moment, after reading this, pray for my friends... lift them up to the LORD that he would heal the hurt of their losses and use these things to produce something wonderful and blessed in their lives.

We are having a little baby....

!!!!!!!!!BOY!!!!!!!!!

Our little guy is due October 5th!!! His name is Lennon James... and we are SO excited!!!!