Happy New Year

My devotion today was perfect for looking into the new year:

"Jesus says that he is the way to God the Father. We can live confidently because Jesus walks with us. There is no reason to fear--only trust is needed. Fear keeps us captive. To fly, we must break free of that fear. With God, all things are possible! Remember this power promise for the New Year: 'Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you p with my victorious right hand.' Isaiah 41:10. Allow God to hold you. Resist fear and live confidently each day as God's beloved child. Take courage and strength from Jesus, and allow him to make you a confident, loving, and courageous woman (or man). May God give you a blessed New Year!" Jennifer King

My hope is that each of us is able to trust our Lord and be strengthened by Him!

Good-bye 2013 and Happy New Year!

Being Intentional

I read this on A Wise Woman Builds Her Home blog [http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/] in October, printed it and read it again this morning.  A wonderful reminder for us to be intentional in our relationship with our Lord and Savior J

Calming the Storm Within You

I loved these wise words from Nancy Leigh DeMoss that I read early this morning after my Bible time so I wanted to share them with you:

"Devotions" Without "Devotion"

Some of us have had devotions, but we have not had devotion. There's a big difference. We may have gone through the motions of reading our Bibles and "saying our prayers" but we have not been cultivating a love relationship with our God. We know alot about Him, but we don't really know Him. 

We are active and busy in a multitude of spiritual activities, but we have lost perspective of who it is that we are serving and why.

The result of our "devotionless" religion is seen in the way we respond to pressure. So many of us as Christian women are chronically stressed out. Everywhere I go, I see it in the eyes of women; I hear it in their voices; and too often I see it when I look in my own mirror. I know what it is to have demands coming at me from every direction. I know what it is to respond of weariness, with an impatient, demanding spirit.

And I know what it is to contend with God Himself, even as my eyes fill up with tears of frustration with myself and my reactions.

I also know that there is only one place where that angry, reactive, overwhelmed self can be transformed---the same place that Mary chose--the feet of Jesus.  I must take a conscious, deliberate, daily choice to sit at His feet, to listen to His Word, to receive His love, to let Him change me, and to pour out my heart's devotion to Him.

When I get into His presence, the whole world looks different. When I draw close to His heart, I find mercy when I know I deserve judgment; I find forgiveness for all my petty, selfish ways;  I find grace for all my inadequacies; I find peace for my troubled heart; I find perspective for my distorted views.

In Him, I find an eye in the midst of the storm.  

Oh, the storm around me may not immediately subside;


but the storm within me is made calm. 

My Precious Bundle

Twenty-three years ago on Thursday, December 13, 1990 at 2:02 p.m. the Lord blessed me with a 3lbs. 1oz. precious bundle of joy!  Happy Birthday to my daughter.  She has been and continues to be a source of joy in my life.

Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I am so thankful to our Heavenly Father for sending His one and only son down to earth for one and all sinners.  I am also thankful for all of my blessings received through His lovingkindness; family, friends, health, home, job, co-workers, the majesty of nature...the list goes on.

The picture has more to do with my being vegan that giving thanks (I thought it was cute).

Visit from Alaska

(off her back deck in Anchorage!)

A visit with my sister from Anchorage was the highlight of this past weekend.  We had a delightful dinner and great conversation on Friday evening.  Then another visit with her, my daughter and my grandmother the following afternoon.  She stopped at my office on her way out of town on Monday to finish a great weekend!

The Lord blesses us with family; how we embrace our family is up to us.  Embrace the whole package and thank God!

Sovereign Lord

I am reading the Irish fiction series The Emerald Ballad by B.J. Hoff.  This quote is from book 2 and is part of a prayer by Pastor Jess Dalton:

“Remind us of the trust, that Your sovereign will does not depend upon our faith, nor can Your mercy ever be understood by our finite minds.  Our part is to trust Your mercy and acknowledge Your right to fulfill Your purposes—in Your own way, in Your own time.  Surely we can do that much, Father. Surely we can trust the mercy…and the love…of a Lord who would die for us.  Surely we can trust the Lord of the Cross…”

Although the group is praying over someone ill, the words resonated with me so much that I put a sticky note by it so that I could share it with others.

Our God is the Almighty One and His grace and mercy sustain us.  Thank you Lord!

Spice; my little companion

I had a request to share about my cat :~)  Her name is Spice and she was born in April 9, 2002.  As you can see from the picture, she is black and white.  She had recently gotten a ‘lion shave’ when I took this picture.  The vet has her noted as a short-haired cat; however, as her owner, I beg to differ and say that she is a long-haired cat.  She greets me when I get home from work – I think she just wants her dish filled – lol.  She chats with me and perches on the love seat with me or lays in my lap for some petting.  She is shy of other people  --  haha, my mom has only seen her a few times.  She sleeps near my feet and is generous with her purrs.  Spice is a special blessing to me.  I enjoy having Spice in my home and will be sad when she leaves; however, I will be glad not to have to empty a cat box anymore.

Bible Study and Coziness

Furnace is working wonderfully!  Kudos to the folks at Holliday Heating as they were helpful as well as professional.  Bum that it was the control board and on the spendy side of things.

The Thursday evening Bible study is great – 20-30 participants.  I am enjoying a study with my daughter.

My small group is back in the swing of meeting weekly – thank you God!  I missed the group tremendously during the summer months.  I don’t know if they fully realize it, even though I did plenty of whining~lol.

I need to revamp my budget this weekend, joy.  I am lifting my budget up in prayer and asking for God’s leading in this aspect of my life – yep, keep grabbing it back trying to do it ‘my way’ not His way.

It's been too long

I haven’t blogged in a few weeks so I am trying to get back on track.

My small group just started a new study.  We are reading the book “Bad Girls of the Bible” by Liz Curtis Higgs.  There are study questions at the end of each chapter.  It is an easy read and Liz does a great job of bringing the ladies to life.  Since we are all sinners, it can be easier to relate to those that fall from grace versus the people that are (or seem to be) beyond reproach.

I am also going to participate in a Thursday evening study with my daughter.  It is using the workbook entitled Faithful, Abundant, True featuring Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, and Beth Moore.

Lately I have been wondering what God’s plan is for me.  I know I need to be in prayer and also listening to His quiet voice.  Sometimes I wish that His voice would boom J

Today I request to be added to each of your prayer lists for specifically gleaning where the Lord would have me be and what He would have me do.

I picked up a couple more pairs of boots for fall, winter, and spring (but they aren’t ‘snow’ boots).  Now I have brown, grey and black :~)

The weather has finally started to cool down.  I love all four seasons but my favorite is Autumn!  Cool nights, warm days and beautiful colors – thank you, Lord!

Vacation

I am back from a wonderful vacation!  I went up to Anchorage to visit my sister and see the amazing handiwork of God, then went down to Woodburn to visit my dad and his wife.  I always enjoy my time with them as we are able to chat about a wide variety of events.  However, I am happy to be home with my sweet kitty, Spice.

Winding Down

I recently got some boots to wear with my skirts this fall/winter/spring.  Sometimes a person needs more than a pair of shoes.  I purchased black because the color will coordinate well with all of my skirts.

Summer is on the downhill slide and fall is right around the corner.  I must say I am quite eager for fall.  My Bible study small group will be starting back up; the temperature will move down the thermometer a bit and the beautiful changing of the leaves will start to occur.

I love living in the Inland Pacific Northwest with our distinct four seasons!

Thank you Lord for the many blessing I receive each day; all the little things…

Daily Devotional E-Mails

"Spirit Brought Blessings" — SpiritFire for 08/07/2013

They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. — Romans 15:27 tniv

Key Thought

The Spirit guided the people of God and brought God's message and God's blessings. This difficult path through history and the treacherous times of human failings was completed because of the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's leaders and his chosen people. The blessings, and even more, the blessing of the Holy Spirit, are now ours. But we must remember those from whom we've received them and continue to pass these blessings along.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, you know the future and I do not. You know who is good and bad. Yet I trust you because I see how you worked through your Holy Spirit to bring us to today. Now I ask that you work in us and through us to bring your blessing to the world today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayers for SpiritFire are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.
© 1998-2013, Heartlight Inc.

I get the above as a daily e-mail.  I felt this one needed to go on my blog.  I have a group of beautiful ladies that I forward these on to with a thought of my own.  This is what I said about the above:

Through God’s grace we have been redeemed.

I am looking at the prayer portion of today’s email and am reminded again that I am not to judge others.  In my work environment, it is difficult not to get frustrated with co-workers who circumvent the system creating extra work for a few employees (especially when the boss is away).  I continue to work on focusing on the Lord and knowing that I need to do my best in all things and NOT worry about others ~ whew.

With that crankiness said, I am thankful to know that I have the Holy Spirit guiding me in my daily life and continue to pray for guidance in all things.

Bounty

I just received some yummy veggies from Jeanine’s garden.  They are beautiful.  It amazes me the bounty received from the small plants I saw over Memorial Day weekend.  I am excited to try the lemon cucumbers as I have heard they are delicious!  I am still hoping to have my own garden next year.  There are always variables when trying to plan – all will come together as it is meant to.

The temperature has finally come down into the mid-80s ~ much better for sleeping.  I started to whine about the temperature the other day; then realized how thankful I am to live in an area that has four distinct seasons.  True blessings!

Volunteering

This weekend I filled in doing the computer data inputting at our church’s food pantry which is one of the ‘branches’ in the city under 2^nd Harvest Food Bank.  It is always such a blessing to be able to volunteer there.  It has been a help to me in the past when my daughter was little.  We volunteered for many years and received help as needed.  Anytime a person can give back to help others is a wonderful endeavor.

Hot July

Independence Day was full of family fun.  It was also our family reunion and we had a wonderful time.  The weather has been extremely hot over the last week and a half both here and in Oregon where we had the reunion.

I haven't started a new Bible study yet.  I am currently reading some Agatha Christie books -- what an amazing writer.  I love her mysteries :-)

My daughter is continuing her search for a full-time professional job.  She and her husband recently moved and are closer to Church and his jobs.  I am proud of them both as they continue to set goals and follow God's leading.

My heart is filled with thanksgiving -- thank you Heavenly Father!

Family Reunion Time

I am excited for our “Chase” family reunion next week!  It’s been three years; although, most everyone was together last year for my daughter’s wedding.

I was checking out the 10 day forecast and it is going to be extremely hot!  I don’t do well in warm weather as I don’t sweat; just look like a red tomato (sorry if that was TMI).  I will be staying hydrated and doing any outside work early in the day.

Happy Fourth of July – tidbit of history; the Declaration of Independence was not signed all at once.  It took months for all of the delegates to sign it because of the travel time ~ so don't believe the 'portrait' showing all the delegates around the table for the signing :~)

Prayers for our country’s leaders and thanksgiving for my blessings – Thank you, Lord!

"Appearance" Update

It has been four months since I began my modest dressing by wearing headcoverings and ‘skirts/dresses’ only.  There was a very small adjustment period and no looking back.  I find I am most comfortable with my scarf-type headcoverings versus the three caps I have.  I always feel as if the caps were going to come off.  The freedom I feel with the skirts is wonderful.  I don’t feel ‘on display’ and worrying about how my bottom half looks to others.

I am thankful for the support of family and friends during this ‘appearance change’ and know that I would do it regardless just because I have felt led by the Lord to do so.

I am feeling restless about life and not sure why.  The Lord’s ear is probably tired of my wonderings and I need to turn my ear towards Him to hear where/what He is leading me to do.

I was reading an Amish series this week and the first book had this Amish proverb which struck me as wunderbaar (wonderful):  “Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought or caught, but never taught or bought.”  How true that is!  The Lord’s joy is elusive yet attainable by prayer and thanksgiving at all times.

Thank you Heavenly Father!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Whew~what a busy weekend that was!  Very enjoyable times with my small group, daughter, church and volunteering.  I was gone from home most of the weekend and didn’t get any yard work done [this issue is hanging over my head].

My first Farm Chicks event!  What a great time we had~a huge thumbs up.  I think we may make this a Mother/Daughter yearly event.  A big ‘thank you’ to Serena for this wonderful yearly show of antiques and handmade items with lots of vendors.

Yes, I bought a ‘Newzgirl’ style cap while there.  Actually that was my goal~to add to my headcovering repertoire.  A shout out to www.oldmanspants.com ; they are a local, small business that is friendly and helpful.  I am eyeing a couple of other caps on their website.

The Daniel study I am doing on Thursday evenings is wrapping up at the end of June.  My small group has also disbanded for the summer.  I am on the search for some good books/series and a good bible study to tide me over for the summer ~~ I am sure the yard work will be calling my name as I try and plug my ears—LOL!

A weed-free flower bed

I am making process on my yard work.  One flower bed at a time :~)

I had a great Memorial Day weekend.  I helped re-create a raised garden bed and plant the garden.  I am excited to see how things are popping up in a month!

The Lord is faithful.  I see this as I go through each day and reflect on situations.  I am in awe of His great love for His children.  We can be wayward, ignorant, selfish, worldly, etc., yet He is always available for us and is waiting for us to knock at His door!

Gardening/Yard Work -- Lack of Action

I have been having difficulty motivating myself to do ANY yard work.  I have the following from Heartlight printed and posted in my cubicle at work.  I am going to print in for home as well.

To my shame, I need to acknowledge the attitude of laziness with regard to my yard.  I had e-mailed the following request to my small group and would request prayers from you as well.

This will sound like a silly request; however, will you pray for me in my perseverance in yard work and that God gives me delight in it.  Currently, it is the VERY last thing I want to do EVER and I need the Lord’s strength and life-changing touch for this attitude adjustment.

I appreciate your prayers very, very much!

Today's Verse for 10/18/2012

If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. — Ecclesiastes 10:18

Thought

Laziness is not just an attitude, it is a lack of action. It is a choice to let important matters suffer neglect. While the results of this choice may not always be evident, over the passage of time, the basic results of idleness are borne out by the accumulating signs of decay and destruction.

Prayer

Stir in me, dear Heavenly Father, a passion to do what is true and good and righteous. Convict my heart when I neglect what is important. Please help me discern the difference between laziness and a genuine need for rest and to balance my life between my many responsibilities. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayers for Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse Illustrated

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© 1998-2012, Heartlight Inc.

Emulate Christ

My devotion this morning was based on the following scripture:

You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.  1 Peter 3:4

When I read that, I thought of modesty and a humble attitude.  In this alien world, we are to be a light; letting the Holy Spirit shine through us as we go through our days sharing the Good News.

Along with the scripture verse, the devotion has some insight by Jennifer King (it is a pocket year devotional).  Below is part of what she wrote:

“We are not perfect, but we can allow the Son’s light to shine through our lives so that a rare, beautiful wholeness fills our world.  Beauty is found in kindness and growth from within, not in criticizing other people.  True beauty shines through our imperfections; it withstands all seasons of life.” ~ Jennifer King

Striving to emulate Christ with the fruit of the Spirit is challenging on the best of days because of our sinful nature.  My prayer today is that each of us is able to focus on Christ the Redeemer; keeping our eye on the prize {life with our Lord in Heaven}.

Graduation Weekend

This is a big weekend for my daughter! She is graduating from Gonzaga University with her Bachelor’s degree with a major in International Relations and minors in Political Science and Religious Studies. I am so proud of my daughter for all of her hard work, commitment and following through. She has had some major changes over the past four years, yet still has stuck with the schooling. Go Tootie!  The Lord is good :~)


Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ~Philippians 4:4-8

Happy May Day

My devotional this morning spoke of the renewing birth of nature each spring.  The Lord is speaking to me about my yard through these morning devotions – the past couple of weeks have focused on nature and gardens!

When I was young, my yard work experience was not of the nurturing kind and I tend to dread and resist it on a regular basis.  However, through these devotions I am seeing a different aspect of nature ~ with my yard specifically.  Although my goal is to have minimal grass, I am having native plants and wildflowers along with raised garden beds.  There will be rock with native grasses interspersed for color.  I have come to realize {on an intimate level} that each bit of green or color is from God; whether it is a weed or flower.

Thank you Lord for the beauty of your creation!

CHRISTIANITY

  

I just finished reading Basic Christianity by John Stott and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.  I recommend all Christians and non-Christians alike to read these two books.

They are both straight-forward, informative and eye-opening!  I raved to my small group when I read Mere Christianity.  However, as I finished Basic Christianity, I knew I needed to let the public know how insightful these books were.

I thank my heavenly father for inspiring these men to write these books to share Christianity with the multitudes who are unbelievers, seekers, dabblers, believers and all others :~)

Bible Study

Last night was my second week of Beth Moore’s Book of Daniel study.  She is an amazing speaker.  We are doing a Women’s Ministry Thursday evening study and are using workbooks along with her DVDs.  She makes it relevant to our world today and the insight she is giving from multiple sources is fantastic.

I look forward to going to a live event when one is nearby :~)

Another week has come and gone.  The weather is still very rainy, windy and cold.  My yard is looking overgrown and weedy :-(  I am praying for good weather on Monday [my day off] so that I may rake and start some weeding!

Blessings!

MS Walk 2013

I survived the cold and wind on Sunday and completed the MS Walk. I did the shorter walk as I have painful memories of heel covering blisters from the longer walk.

Thank you to all who sponsored my walk! Every penny helps; all the money stays in our local area.

As I was listening to my IPod Shuffle and admiring the buildings of Fort Wright, I was amazed at how many young people were walking. There were many people in the age bracket of 15-30. Not that I am ancient; however, I was surprised.

I do know that MS is unfortunately more prevalent in our area than many others. My guess is that many of those ‘youngsters’ knows someone personally.

I give thanks daily to God for my health and abilities that He has blessed me with.

Life is Good

Our Women’s ministry at church is kicking off a 12 week Beth Moore study on the Book of Daniel this evening. My small group tackled the Book of Daniel last year; however, a few of us are going to partake of this study to get another perspective. I am looking forward to it.

I just have to share my new favorite shoes: Merrell-Barefoot. I got them on a recent trip down to visit my dad and his wife :~) They are extremely comfortable and I love the color!

This weekend is the MS Walk in our area. I thank all my sponsors ~ I met my goal; yay! I am praying for little or no wind on Sunday as it will be my first ‘official’ walk wearing a skirt. Of course, I walk all the time; this will just be a bit different.

Praises to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Verse of the Day

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. — Proverbs 20:1 (NIV)

The image of some people I have known came to mind when I read this verse today.

I thank the Lord for His righteousness and guidance.

Wine and beer are not evil; however, a person's actions after consuming quantities may be.  Be wary, my friends.

AWESOME

My devotional this morning had me stopping and really thinking of the “little” things we normally don’t think about. The verse is “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The corresponding thoughts: “Consider the delicate balance in the following ordinary occurrences that affect our daily lives: Hurtling through space at an average speed of 18.4 miles per second, Earth is constantly changing its position with the sun. Not only is the earth orbiting around the sun, but it’s also steadily rotating at 1,070 miles per hour. Each day, as Earth stays on her prescribed path, gravity continues to hold us to the ground, adequate fresh water exists, our hearts beat, our muscles move, our brains think, our cars continue down the road, we smile and the sun shines. God has made all these miracles and sustains them, each moment of every day! We have countless reasons to thank God for holding all things in his divine balance. Apart from God, we really can do nothing. Jesus says that when we stay connected to him in our daily lives, we will receive his power. Today, let the God who runs the universe and sustains each heartbeat connect with your life. Tap into the life that Jesus gives!”~Jennifer King

When I think of some of the things mentioned above, it stops me in my tracks. Yes, I know that ‘God is bigger than the universe’ and I truly believe that He is the Creator and Lord of my life; however, I usually go through my day not thinking about breathing, walking, talking…

Praise God!

April 1, 2013

Yes, it is “April Fool’s” day. I looked up online and found:

Origins

Precursors of April Fools' Day include the Roman festival of Hilaria, held March 25,[2] and the Medieval Feast of Fools, held December 28,[3] still a day on which pranks are played in Spanish-speaking countries.

In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392), the "Nun's Priest's Tale" is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.[4] Modern scholars believe that there is a copying error in the extant manuscripts and that Chaucer actually wrote, Syn March was gon.[5] Thus, the passage originally meant 32 days after April, i.e. May 2,[6] the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, which took place in 1381. Readers apparently misunderstood this line to mean "March 32", i.e. April 1.[7] In Chaucer's tale, the vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox.

In 1508, French poet Eloy d'Amerval referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally "April fish"), a possible reference to the holiday.[8] In 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April 1.[6] In 1686, John Aubrey referred to the holiday as "Fooles holy day", the first British reference.[6] On April 1, 1698, several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to "see the Lions washed".[6]

In the Middle Ages, up until the late 18th century, New Year's Day was celebrated on March 25 (Feast of the Annunciation) in most European towns.[9] In some areas of France, New Year's was a week-long holiday ending on April 1.[2][3] Many writers suggest that April Fools originated because those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those who celebrated on other dates.[2] The use of January 1 as New Year's Day was common in France by the mid-16th century,[6] and this date was adopted officially in 1564 by the Edict of Roussillon.

A study in the 1950s, by folklorists Iona and Peter Opie, found that in the UK and those countries whose traditions derived from there, the joking ceased at midday.[10] But this practice appears to have lapsed in more recent years.

Today is also my birthday :-) The picture is to show my new cap that my sister got me for my birthday. I never thought hats worked very well for me; however, so far, everyone seems to like this one on my head!  (Yep, took it in the mirror at work in the bathroom; lol)

Here is a quote from my daily devotions that “spoke” to me:

“Practically speaking, light shines most effectively through joyful lives. True, lasting joy comes from hope and peace found in a rich relationship with Jesus. Joy radiates from a sincere heart and illuminates our surrounding world, often with no words spoken.”

Joy doesn’t have much to do with stuff, feelings, others. We need to remember the true meaning of Joy :-) As with any relationship, we need to work at ours with Christ. The deeper into the relationship we are, I’m guessing we will have more joy!

Changes

I had a conversation this weekend with a lady I have known for about 25 years. We were talking about my wardrobe changes and wearing a headcovering. She asked a very good question and it made me want to share it and my response.

“What are you searching for?” “I am not searching for anything; I have already found it :-) A reason for the appearance change is that I am hoping to convey what/how I am on the inside [learning daily with help from the Holy Spirit] by my appearance on the outside."

As she has known me for many years, she wasn’t surprised or in disbelief over my answer or the changes I am making.

We had another conversation on the aspect of dating/remarriage. The Bible is firm on the stance that a man or woman may remarry if their spouse has passed away. Otherwise, it is adultery. I realize that many people (Christians included) don’t take this stance. I am intent on living my life for Christ and am not ‘looking’ for a spouse. The Lord knows what is best for me; I have been washed clean of my inequities and look to Him for guidance.

Spring?



March is here and spring is just around the corner! I am ready for sunshine even though I can say that our winter here in the Pacific Northwest was mild in comparison to past winters. I wonder what that will mean for the rest of our seasons this year…
My spring list includes planting my ground-cover in the front yard and building raised garden beds (with some help) and planting a garden this year. I am hoping to can some of my garden harvest to use through the winter (a first endeavor for me).
My small group Bible study has just started a new study on The Armor of God and Ephesians. It is an 8 week study and we just did week 1. This is a study that will help us be prepared on a daily basis to be out in the world and stay steadfast in our faith. I am so blessed to have a group of Christian women to meet with weekly. They help me stay accountable and encourage me on this journey of life.
“When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7
If we are following the Lord, our actions are loving which are pleasing to Him. As disciples, we are called to love one another.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Modest Dressing at work

I have changed out my jeans and pants for skirts and dresses. I found some appropriate skirts for work at a second hand store.

The 1st day, the ladies in the office asked “What’s the occasion?” To which I replied I am starting to wear dresses, and that I used to wear them a lot more often. The 2nd day, the ladies said “I like your outfit today”. The 3rd day, my carpool driver asks “What’s up with the skirts, are you Amish now?” “I see you are wearing a scarf, too.” “I figured it was for Lent or something.” I replied that I am wearing skirts for modesty reasons and that it is very freeing; and the headcovering is for prayer reasons. She mentioned she may have a couple of skirts for me (as she only wears pants).

In my immediate work area, there is one older gentleman (with all of us gals). He chatted with me for a few minutes and noticed that I was not wearing pants but a skirt. He complemented me on my feminine/modest dress and said that there are so many crazy styles out there and he wishes more women dressed in skirts or dresses as they used to when he was younger (currently 70). I thanked him and said I believed more women were beginning to dress modestly again.

I think the awkwardness at work is over (for the most part) and I don’t think there will be any other places that I will feel uncomfortable in my new mode of dressing.

Skirts (and I’m sure dresses) are definitely more freeing and comfortable than pants. I also feel more feminine in them.

I received my new headcoverings and am very happy with the finished products from www.garlandsofgrace.com – so happy that I have ordered 2 more of one style which is the discreet one for work.

Our weather is still “winter-like” but I just wear my hiking boots to and from work as needed.

The Lord leads the way and we are to follow. I know that the way we dress doesn’t make us better Christians; yet, the way we dress is an action that gets judged by others. By my modest dress and actions, I hope to convey an appropriate Christian attitude to all who see me.

Modest Dressing and Headcovering Thoughts

I have been praying about wearing a headcovering. In the Bible, Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth to set away the doings of the world and be set apart. 1Cor. 11: 3-16 is clear about prayer and head covering:


3 But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,[a] and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

7 A man ought not to cover his head,[b] since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own[c] head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

I wore a bandanna all last weekend, although I haven’t worn it to work. I did order a couple of headcoverings and am waiting for them to arrive. I believe I will begin wearing them to work. They are a softer material than the bandannas I currently have at home. Of course, I will wear the bandannas as well for variety. I am convicted to wearing a headcovering at all times. As I grow in my faith and try to obey the scriptures in “praying unceasingly” this seems to be a natural progression.

My other prayer has been with a concern of modest dressing. Most of my clothing I would consider as modest. However, the more I read about Christian modesty, the more I am inclined to wearing skirts and dresses. Tight shirts and jeans accentuate a person’s curves. Is it right to flaunt your form in public; is that being a modest Christian woman? Modest doesn’t have to be frumpy. Of course, I feel frumpy while I am overweight. Gee, another reason to continue exercising :-)

I am at peace with my decision to wear a headcovering.  I am still waiting about the modest dress issues.

Daylight

This year is off to a great start. I have my health, family, friends, church family and am praising the Lord for all of them!
My small group (Bible study) is beginning a short study of Forgiveness tomorrow. I have glanced at it and am eager to begin.
My mother and I (and maybe a sister) are going to start crafting together one night a week. We have been ‘talking’ about it for a good year now and are following through with action :-)
I woke this morning to a sheet of ice for my road – yikes. However, the main roads were fine. Walking from my car to work was a challenge! “Baby steps” and looking for snow to walk in helped.
As I left work the other night, I was pleasantly surprised to see the sunset ~ we are on the “upswing” for daylight. Yahoo!!

BRRRR, It's cold outside

It has been downright chilly the last few days here in the Pacific Northwest. I’m sure there are other regions with even colder temps. Our highs are in the low 20s with our lows as single digits or in the teens.

I am continuing to do my daily workouts (yay) and have some satisfaction in seeing those cute little stickers on my calendar :-)

My church has a Women’s ministry group that hosts events for the women of the church. Tomorrow is one such event – a women’s breakfast. My small group is going along with my (married) daughter. It should be a wonderful fellowship event!

I am excited to see how the year 2013 unfolds for me. I am sure there will be hardships and joyful events throughout. I do know that God is good and He will provide and care for me. Praises!!

S N O W



Wow ~ we definitely received some snow over the last few days! I have gotten some great workouts (yes, I do count snow shoveling as a workout).


The snow creates some beautiful scenery. I love it when the trees are covered in white. The roads are a different beast. The hard packed snow turns to ice and is no fun for drivers.

The Inland Northwest slumbered Tuesday night to high winds which melted much of the snow which is good because we are heading into a frigid few days of low 20s for the daytime highs.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

This is a verse from my devotions earlier this week and it struck me that anything I am struggling with can be considered a mountain. It was definitely eye-opening with regard to some things that I am struggling with -- thank you Lord for revealing this to me!

2013

Blessings to each of you for 2013!

The Lord continues to do His work in us and I am mighty thankful for that!

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being ... — Ephesians 3:14-16 tniv

This is my prayer for each of my family and friends for the year. Of course, it isn’t my only prayer, but a very important one :-)

Last year I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions; however, I am making some for this year:
 Growing more in my prayer-life.
 Being more conscious of the Lord in everything.
 Doing at least one workout each day.
 Going from room to room and re-evaluating my stuff (this means moving and removing items).
 Planting a garden.
 Canning from my garden.
 Being aware and thankful for each blessing bestowed upon me!
{I am also printing this post, putting it on my fridge and hanging in my cubicle.}

I look forward to updating my progress as time goes on.