Praying God's Word: Overcoming Addiction

I am about half way done with the book by Beth Moore. I like what Beth says at the beginning of the addiction chapter - "Addiction is one of the cruelest of all yokes because it deceives us unmercifully and ruthlessly. It comes to us like a friend, promising to bring comfort. It kisses us on the cheek like Judas, stealing from our treasury, then rents us for a cheap fee to the opposition." I like that description and chances are you know what Beth is talking about. You, in fact, probably have an addiction. Consider it. Do you have something in your life that is promising comfort, but is stealing from your relationship with God? Do you have something that you can't stop doing, but is not God- honoring?

Oh Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely. You hem me in - behind and before; You have laid your hand upon me. I do not need to feel shame or fear in Your intimate knowledge of every detail of my life because Your Word says that Your knowledge of me is wonderful! Thank You, Father! (Ps. 139:1-6)

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139:23-24)

God's Blessings to you!

My Handbag

I was tagged by no one, however, a friend posted this on her blog and I thought it would be funny to see what is in my handbag. I am not tagging anyone either, since I follow a lot of guys' blogs and they don't have handbags.

Here's the rules:
1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are wearing today - not last weekend when you and your hubby went out to that fabulous restaurant. No cheating!!!
2. Tell us how much it cost. This is a no-judgment zone -- there will be no ridiculing or eye rolling here. And, if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I'd love to hear it.
3. Now tag some fellow bloggers and link back to this post so people know why you are posting pictures of your bag.
I got this purse from my mother 5 years ago. I actually stole it from her, she may say that she gave it to me. We were in the process of moving and I noticed her purse and told her. I may have even said that I would like it and I don't remember all the details, but she gave it to me. (Mom, do you remember?) At the time, I was using my diaper bag as a purse, so I didn't even need a purse. In fact, until now, I have rarely used my purse. Everywhere I went, the kids went. In fact, I only have one other handbag and it was one that a friend made for me. It is not practical, so I rarely use it. So my purse cost me nothing. It is old and it is brown. What does that say about me?

Even though the rules don't mention anything about the contents of the purse, my friend Jen did, so I thought I should as well. I grouped them in 3 categories.
This is stuff that I actually put in there that should be in there. My wallet. Pens and Pencils. A pull-up. (Instead of having a diaper bag for a purse, now my purse is a diaper bag.) Toys. My daughter's hair-clips. Loose change. (I had no idea that all that change was in there.) A ring that I bent 4 years ago. I put it in there in hopes that I will remember to take it to the jewelry store - I haven't yet.

This is stuff that I need to take to the church. For one reason or another, we start collecting church property in our house. When I find it, I put it in my purse to take back. Sometimes it takes awhile before it actually makes it to the place it belongs. I thought the scissors might make a good weapon if I was attacked.

This is the trash. Old candy. A craft that fell apart in my purse. A business card. Receipts. Old grocery list. A paper clip. Used tissues. A bolt and a washer. (I am not for sure how those got in there.)

What a silly thing to blog about. What silly things to have in my purse. Needless to say, for today, my purse is now cleaned out and in good order.

Praying God's Word: Overcoming Feelings of Rejection

Everyone has been rejected somehow. From breaking up a relationship, losing a job, not getting chosen, or being rejected for what you believe might be some common ways of rejection. For the Christian, it is important to not get hung up on feelings of rejection. When we are scared to put ourselves out there, whether it is a new relationship or getting up on stage to present something, we might be losing out on a blessing or a way to share Jesus. Is there something that you are scared to do? I am not admitting to anything, but the next time I start to pull away from something because I am scared, I am going to think about this prayer....

You, Lord, are my shepherd; I shall not be in want. You make me lie down in green pastures; you lead me beside quiet waters; You restore my soul. You guide me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1-6)

God bless you this week!

The Last Sin Eater

I love to read about history. It doesn't matter if it is a biography or historical fiction, as long as it is in story form, I love it!. I have read a historical fiction called, "The Last Sin Eater." It is written by Francine Rivers and it has been made into a movie. You may have heard of it. The idea of a sin eater is very intriguing to me.

The term "sin eater" refers to "a person, through ritual means, who would take on by the means of food or drink, the sins of a deceased person, thus absolving his or her soul and allowing that person to rest in peace," according to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia. This practice has been found in English and Scottish heritages.

These days, of course, this tradition seems to be non-existent, but I have to wonder how it ever came about in the first place? Only God knows how it ever got started because no one would talk about the sin eater unless someone had died and then it was all very secretive. That is how sin grows - in the hiding of it. There is some idea that sin eating came about through the twisting of the command of using a scapegoat found in Leviticus.

This is just another example of human weakness. Whether it was their need for control or their own ignorance, no one can eat a piece of bread and drink the wine place on the chest of the deceased and be able to take on their sins. I can't help but feel sorry for those poor souls who didn't have the hope of the Savior.

To be a sin eater would be worse. To be scorned by everyone and yet this sin eater had to symbolically take on the sins of the whole community. How burdened that person must have felt....How hopeless, full of sin.

I do know Someone who took on all my sins, all your sins, all of the sins of everyone in your city, your state, in the country, and in the world. Not just everyone who is living now, but whoever has lived and all those who will live in the future. I hope you know Him too, His name is Jesus! Again God has amazed me. I cannot fathom what Jesus did for us. I cannot fathom God's love for us - for me!

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, " God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Please remember what was done for you. Anyone can accept the gift of salvation. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and we can live forever with Him!

Praying God's Word: Overcoming Feeling Unloved

There are times in my life that I struggle with love. Sometimes I put the love from my husband so high on a pedestal that when he disappoints me, I feel so let down. I think that we humans do that to often. Replacing God's love for the love from others. They are going to fail. Only God's love is constant.

Humans, me included, sometimes feel unlovable. How can anyone love us, including God? A quote from Beth Moore in the book says, "What heartbreak we must bring to God when we continue to disbelieve His love. What more could He have said? What more could He have done? Believe even when you do not feel. Know even when you do not see. He gave the life of His Son to demonstrate His love. The time has come to believe."

The scripture prayer I chose from the chapter is this:
Lord God, help me to trust in Your unfailing love; cause my heart to rejoice in Your salvation. Help me to sing to You, Lord, for You have been good to me! (Psalm 13:5-6)

How fitting this chapter was since this weekend is Valentines weekend! This Saturday, bask in the glow of God's love. God loves you! God bless you this week!

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Praying God's Word: Overcoming Deception

Doesn't it make sense that deception is the glue that holds all our sins together? Sometimes we knowingly sin, but we deceive our self by making excuses for our actions. Beth Moore lists some lies that we may tell ourselves when we are covering up a sin. A few of the ones that stuck out to me are: "I can't help the mess I am in. I am caught and there is nothing I can do about it." "This isn't doing me any harm. I can handle it." "Everyone thinks these thoughts most of the time. I'm only human."

Have you ever given an excuse for a behavior? I have. I can think of one right now. Is there something that you have ever kept secret? Is there something that you are ashamed of? Is there something that you have used deception to cover up? Is there something that you have distorted scripture to make okay?

"Father, this moment I am choosing the way of truth. I want to set my heart on Your laws. (Psalm 119:30) Help me choose the way of truth the rest of my days.

Have a blessed week!

Praying God's Word - Overcoming Pride

As I have mentioned before, I didn't buy this book because of the stumbling blocks issue, I bought it because it was about praying God's Word. This last chapter on overcoming pride was a heart pricker. I am actually going to quote a paragraph from the book.

"In some ways, Christians have to be more alert to pride than anyone. If we don't presently have an issue that is actively humbling us, we veer with disturbing velocity toward arrogance and self righteousness. We are wise to remember that Christ never resisted the repentant sinner. He resisted the religious proud and the Pharisaic. Remember, pride wears many masks. I once spoke on pride only to have someone to remark afterward that she had far too little self esteem to have pride. Pride is not the opposite of low self-esteem. Pride is the opposite of humility. We can have a serious pride problem that masquerades as low self-esteem. Pride is self-absorption whether we're absorbed with how miserable we are or how wonderful we are. We are wise to be on the constant lookout for pride in our lives. I believe we can safely say that if we're not deliberately taking measures to combat pride, it's probably doing something to combat humility." - Beth Moore

That can be me at times.

Father, You have told me to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than myself. ( Phil. 2:3) Right this moment I confess my selfish ambition and vain conceit to you. Forgive me for so often considering myself better than others. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others. Please help me have an attitude the same as that of Christ Jesus. (Phil 2:4-5)

Have a blessed week!

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We Moved!

During the busiest time of the year, we bought a house and moved just a little ways from where we were already living. I didn't talk much about it for many reasons, but mostly because I wasn't ready to move. It is not that I liked the house we were renting- it had pink carpet, the kitchen floor as well as the windows needed to be replaced. (We did like having a pool and we were just getting to know our neighbors.) Although the housing market is low, I was (and still am) a little nervous in this time of economic crisis. My husband has been looking for houses all year and I can not tell you how many times we put an offer on a house and we would be outbid by a cash offer or a higher offer. I was ready to be done with it for awhile and then my husband talked me into one more and of course it is the one we are now living in.

Not only did I feel the strain from all the economic crisis that was going on around us, but we thought that we could get moved in before we left on our big 3 week vacation back to the Midwest. Of course it was the Christmas season and life is always busy around Christmas, but it is our church's big live nativity production - 6 nights of 3 mile walking as tour leaders. Not only were we tour leaders, getting home about 11:00 each night, I also was finishing up my college class and I had a final to prepare for. (By the way, I got an A in the class!) Not only that, it was drawing closer to the time that we had to be out of the house we were renting and we still had not closed on our house. That is a long story that I am not going into, but by Friday morning of the day that we were suppose to be out of our house (the property management wouldn't give us an extension) all the paper work on the house we were buying still hadn't closed because of some computer difficulty. I have to tell you that I felt like crying, we were homeless. No place to go.

There are too many details to tell here, but it worked out and we were able to call up some church friends so that we were moved out of our house in about 3 hours. In fact we all were able to go to church that night to help at the live nativity. I am always amazed at how blessed we are and at how willing our church friends are at helping even at short notice. God bless them!

We moved on a Friday and we left for Omaha the next Tuesday! I hurriedly unpacked so that I could pack for our trip. Amazingly, I packed all that we needed for 5 people in 2 checked bags. We carried on a duffel, a big back back and a child sized back pack. What a rush!

I am going to post some pictures of our trip another day and what a good time we had. I will also try to scare up some pictures of the house, but I was so busy packing, moving, unpacking, and then packing again, that I don't have many pictures. I am finally settling into the house more and remembering where I put everything. I am thankful for the blessing of the new house and I am prayerful that it will continue to be a blessing as well. Thank you to those of you who helped and thank you to those of you who prayed for us.

Praying God's Word (Overcoming Unbelief)

For those of you who don't know, I am reading "Praying God's Word" by Beth Moore. When she is talking about unbelief, it isn't necessarily not believing in God or that Jesus is the Son of God, but that sometimes our faith is small. She lists a bunch of example scripture prayers, but I am going to just focus on one.

Father, I desire to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)


Have a blessed week!

Praying God's Word and the New Year!

I was able to share my testimony on Saturday with the women at church. Maybe I will post it someday, but it was all handwritten because our computer wasn't up and and running until the weekend. Who knows when or if I will type it up. I did share how much reading through the Bible last year changed my life and that I would be reading a new book at the start of this year called, "Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds Praying God's Word" by Beth Moore. I didn't realize that part of the title said "Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds" I was just interested in the idea of praying scripture. That being said, I think that this book will give me a lot to think about. I hope that if you read this book as well, that you will share with me what you are reading and discovering as you pray with scripture.

I have already read the introduction and chapter 1, "Overcoming Idolatry." In the introduction, Beth discusses how in Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul is talking about the armor of God, the only weapon described is the Word of God. I love what it says in Hebrews 4:12 about the word of God, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Scripture is God's word. Then Beth goes on to say that Ephesians 6:18 says to, "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions..." Thus she links the Word of God and praying.

I don't want praying scripture to have the illusion that it is more spiritual or give it a feeling like it is a magical spell. Just because you recite scripture doesn't mean it will happen, but I want to do this in order to make praying more reverent and more creative. I think that you will see what I mean as I continue through the book.

I am not for sure how to do each chapter, but for the moment I am going to pick one of the sample prayers listed in the book for that chapter that means the most to me.

"My Lord, where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)

God bless you this week!

The LAST Weekly Bible Reading Update

I finished reading the OneYear Bible NLT! I have been thinking that recording my Bible reading for anybody to read might have been a bit much. Maybe it was boring to some, or maybe it seemed like I was showing off. Thank you for hanging in there with me - I needed to be able to record it because typing it up helped me stay accountable. Did I always understand what I read? No! Do I remember everything that I read? No Way! Was I always focused when I read? Of course not. I can say that making it a discipline to read the scripture changed my life and I hope that I remember that this next year and for years to come.

The December 30th passage, Malachi 2:15-16

15 Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his.^[a] And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,^[b]” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

The passage in Proverbs, speaking of the virtuous woman, from the December 31st says:

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Sometimes I scoff at this lady, but truly I admire her. If only I could be like her. I am still a work in progress. God bless you in the new year as God continues to work in you!

Weekly Bible Reading Update

I am sitting here at my in-law's house enjoying the cold snowy weather. I missed writing last week, but the weekend before was filled with moving. Because of the move, out internet was disconnected and it won't be re-connected until we get back from our Christmas trip. I hadn't been writing about our trip, because we were trying to surprise Kirk's mom and dad. Although, Kirk and I messed up several times, we did succeed in pulling off a great surprise!

I am almost to the end of reading in the One Year Bible. Moving and getting ready for the trip kept me very busy, so I had gotten behind in my reading. I just caught up today. The passage that I want to highlight for last week's reading was in the December 16th reading. Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

The passage I want to highlight in this week's reading is in yesterday's reading, December 22nd, Proverb's 30:18,19 "There are three things that amaze me - no, four things that I don't understand:how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman."

God bless you this week and I hope that you have a happy Christmas day and that you take time to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

My daughter has lost both top front teeth within a few days of each other. After the first tooth was lost on Friday the tooth fairy messed up (again) and forgot to trade the tooth for some money, so she got a little extra the next night. She was so excited about getting 5 bucks for a tooth that she was wiggling the other tooth extra hard. She has her eye on something at the store that she would love to be able to buy.

All I want for Christmas is to be moved into a new house and be able to see all my loved ones. Yes, I said it. We are moving into a new house. I have resisted talking about it until it was actually in the works. We are suppose to be moving soon, but I am not for sure when. We are suppose to be moved out of our house by Friday....mmm... Life with Kirk Evans makes for an exciting ride....which is sometimes a bit stressful.

I have been a bit stressed not only because we are moving BUT because I was trying to study for my final in my Constitution class. I took the test last night. The test went well, but I won't know for sure for a few days. Our church's live nativity was last weekend and this weekend. Since Kirk and I are tour leaders, there are lines to remember. Now that the test is done, my hope that is in a week, all the rest of my stress will be behind me. Of course I will have new stress... but I will leave that for another post.

Weekly Bible Reading

I am posting a day early, but I have a busy week and I wanted to get this done.I am still caught up on my reading, but I am highlighting December 5th's reading in Hosea.

Hosea 1:2 NLT "When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute,^[b] so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.”

The story of Hosea always speaks to me. Paralleling God's relationship with Israel to having a relationship with a prostitute is a very vivid picture to me. The end of the story is even more inspiring - that Hosea brings his wife back to love just how God brings Israel back to Himself to love. AND the real story is that He is that way with us. He wants to redeem us from our sin. That reminds me of my favorite book called Redeeming Love, written by Francine Rivers. It might seem like a book just for females, but I encourage men to read it as well. It is a powerful story, written with the story of Hosea in mind - read it, I know you will love it.

Weekly Bible Reading Update!

Happy December! I am caught up on my reading and I hope that I can stay caught up through the end of the year. I wanted to highlight a passage selected for November 30th, I John 1:7-9

"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim that we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

I have, in the past, fooled myself, claiming that I have no sin. Sitting in communion praying for others because I thought that I didn't have my own problems - that was foolish and shame on me. It is humbling to admit my own foolish mistakes. My hope is in having a faithful and just Heavenly Father who forgives my foolishness. My desire is to live in the Light, and I hope that you desire that as well.

Since this is December, I hope that you are thinking of ways to keep "Christ" in Christmas and not to get wrapped up in the pressures of the Season. God bless you!

Happy Thanksgiving

George Washington said this in his first Thanksgiving proclamation: "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness'."

As you think on that, I hope you get plenty of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and football today. (Did I forget anything?)

Roe v. Wade

When I decided to take a class at the last minute in August. I had several to choose from. All of them had a waiting list, so there was an equal chance for me to get or not get into any of them. For whatever reason, I felt myself pulled to the class, "The Constitution and the Rights of Americans." At first, I decided that I made the wrong choice. I just wanted a class that I could sit in the back and take notes. That was not this class. As time went on, however, I started to feel comfortable and I have learned so much. What a tremendous blessing it has been to take this class.

Last night we discussed Roe v. Wade in class. I knew it was coming all semester, so I bought a book by Randy Alcorn called, ProLife Answers to ProChoice Arguments. I also have been frequenting his blog, Eternal Perspectives. I even watched a video full abortion footage. The first time I watched it, I had to stop. I made myself go back and watch the fullness of it. If we are allowing this to happen in our country, I felt the importance of seeing it. It was awful and the images are still etched in my brain. I feel burdened. Last week, I finally read Roe v. Wade.

In Roe v. Wade, the opinion of the Court, established 3 "rules." Paraphrasing, 1) During the 1st trimester, the state cannot interfere with the abortion decision. 2) During the 2nd trimester, the State can regulate abortion, 3)During the 3rd trimester, the stage subsequent to viability, the state can regulate and ban abortion, except to save the mother's life.

These are the rules the professor wrote on the board. Then we went on to look at a chart in our textbook that contained information about our states and their regulations on abortion. I was surprised at the number of states that don't do much in ways of regulating abortion. That is concerning to me. Besides the pro-life advocates out there trying to push legislation, I think that the majority of people who consider themselves "pro-life" do nothing. It is easy to forget about those who have no voice. Because of last night, I have become convicted to become more active in the Pro-life movement. The state of California, where I live, has very few regulations for getting an abortion and I need to do my part in changing that.

I am pleased with the outcome of last night's discussion. I had been doing some research, but I knew that when it comes to debate - I stink. I always forget what I should say until after the debate is over. I did make some notes about what I thought might come up and then I just prayed about it. I know that the Lord was with me last night, because I raised some questions that no one really had an answer to. There were 3 pro-choice girls in the group that were vocal and of course the professor is pro-choice. (He did try to stay neutral.) I got a lot of, "I can see what you are saying..." I have to say that I talked the most in the group, but there were some points that I could not just let hang. I am sure that some of the students were thinking, "there she goes again..." I am hopeful that I planted some seeds. One of them is, "what gives the Supreme Court the right to decide what life is ESPECIALLY if there is a shred of doubt." Roe v. Wade leaves a shred of doubt. Another thought that I put out there is the importance of knowing the facts of abortion and I even reminded everyone that Obama himself said that we should reduce the number of abortions. There was much more that was said last night, but whether seeds were planted in others or not, I know that I have learned much and am grateful that I had the chance. Taking this class was not an accident....

Weekly Bible Reading Update

November 21st reading:

1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.

With this year coming to an end soon, I have been contemplating what I will do in the new year after I finished my One Year Bible. This Psalm is a good reminder of the power of God's Laws and His Word.

I have decided not to read it again, but I am planning to read Beth Moore's Praying God's Word. She also has a book about praying God's Word everyday. I hope to get that (maybe that would be a good Christmas present). There are 15 chapters plus an introduction, so I will probably be posting on that the first 16 weeks of the new year. Maybe you would like to buy the book and follow along and keep me accountable. Please do.

God bless you this week as you celebrate Thanksgiving. One thing that I am thankful for is being able to read God's Word and it blessing my life. Try it.