The Gospel for Real Life II

The Gospel for Real Life

The Pleasure of Obedience – Chapter Three
The pleasure of obedience seems a concept so far from our grasp because we know how radically sinful we are. But for Jesus, there was pleasure in His obedience. Not only was Jesus outwardly sinless by action, but also inwardly by thought. This is not so for us, many times we act very proper on the outside, but sin in our hearts. What is key about Jesus is that He not only obeyed the Law of God, He always desired to do so. Obedience that is not delighted in is not perfect obedience.

So what does that matter for us? We can no longer continue to only look at Jesus' death we must revel in His perfect life. Why is this, because Jesus not only died for us, He also LIVED for us. All that Christ did in life and death, He did in our place as our substitute. There are two ways Jesus' perfect obedience applies to us. The first is that He came to do what we, because of sin could not do. It is this perfect obedience to the moral will of God that is called His active obedience. He actively obeyed the Father's universal moral will, which we call the Law of God. The second way this applies to us is that Jesus suffered in our place, that is His passive obedience. Jesus obeyed the Father's specific will for Him by suffering under the penalty of sin. This wasn't just at the cross, this was also by laying aside His divine glory and assuming a human nature when He came to us as a baby. In a sense Jesus reaped what we have sown.

The difference that this should make in our lives is that Jesus assumed our obligation and liability, obeying and suffering in our place. Jesus was appointed by God the Father as our legal representative. It is only because He lived and died as our representative that His work becomes beneficial to us. We can accurately say that when Jesus lived a perfect life, we lived a perfect life. When He died on the cross to suffer the penalty of sin, we died on the cross. All that Jesus did, we did, because of our legal union with Him. All that Christ did was credited to us, by faith, because we are united with Him.

Justice Satisfied – Chapter Four


We often think of justice in human terms and it is often tainted by sin. We need to remember that God's justice is perfect. Justice may be defined as rending to everyone according to one's due. Two things to note about God's justice, it is certain and it is inflexible. It is certain in the idea that it is coming, it is inflexible meaning, we get exactly what we deserve – nothing more, nothing less. God does not exalt His mercy at the expense of His justice. In order to maintain his justice, all sin without exception must be punished. We often want God just to let us off, that cannot be so. People think that God will somehow relax His inflexible justice and pardon all of us by mere sovereign prerogative. What is important to know is that God by the perfection of His nature cannot do that. He cannot exalt one attribute (mercy) at the expense of another (justice). Justice must be satisfied.

So where is our hope? As we looked at in chapter three we know Jesus served as our legal representative in life and death. Just as Jesus fully obeyed God's Law in our place, He also suffered its full penalty in our place. Jesus bore the full brunt of God's justice and He received the full punishment that was due to us. Jesus fully and completely satisfied the justice of God on our behalf as our substitute.

As believers we must steadily keep in mind that Christ has satisfied the justice of God on our behalf. Never again should we fear the retributive justice of God. We must not allow the accusations of Satan or the condemning indictments of our conscious to bring us under a sense of God's unrequited justice. Instead, we should by faith lay hold of the wonderful truth that God's justice has been satisfied for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. (46)

The Gospel for Real Life

I have often said one of my favorite books is The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. This book is life changing and I do not say that lightly. Jerry Bridges challenges believers to put the gospel where it rightly belongs, in our every day life! I reading through it for the second time as I am leading our summer ladies Bible Study. I am excited to see how the gospel will not only continually shape and alter my life, but the lives of the women involved in the study. My hope is to blog a brief summary of each chapter to encourage you to seek to interact with the gospel in your life every single day and in every aspect of your life.  All these comments are either direct quotes or summarized thoughts from the book. 

Unsearchable Riches – Chapter One

Unsearchable riches are found in the gospel, however we set the gospel aside at the moment of salvation and seek to be disciples. What we forget is without the gospel we cannot become true followers of Jesus Christ. Instead of living victorious lives many believers live defeated and in desperation.  Why is that, “One answer is that we have a truncated view of the gospel, tending to see it only as a door we walk through to become a Christian… we fail to see the gospel as the solution to our greatest problem – our guilt, condemnation and alienation from God. Beyond that we fail to see it as the basis of our day-to-day acceptance with Him. As a result many believers live in spiritual poverty.” (14-15)

The gospel is the good news that directly addresses the bad news in our lives. Because of the gospel “we can begin each day with the realization that I am accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of the infinitely perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.” (18)

Why the Cross – Chapter Two

Before we can ultimately understand the good news we must begin to understand the desperate need that we have as a result of our sinful condition.  Between God and mankind there is a huge spiritual debt that must be paid, the payment is found in the cross.

When Adam & Eve were placed in the garden they were placed with one restriction, not to eat of the forbidden tree.  This involved no hardship, no inconvenience, just simple obedience.  We know the story that the failed to obey and as a result we have the “fall.” The will that was bent towards God is now bent towards evil. Adam serves as our legal representative (this is called federal headship) because of the fall we also have a sin nature and are guilty before God.

Not only do we bear original sin but we consciously and unconsciously, willfully and unintentionally sin every day.  We fail to keep the greatest commandment (Love the Lord your God) and often do not even consider the second great commandment (love your neighbor as yourself). We must understand that our sinful nature affects and pollutes everything we do. 

The importance of understanding our own sin is “not to be measured by our own sense of need, but by what God has done to meet that need… the cross is an expression of God’s wrath toward sin as well as his love to us… God’s holiness demands it (the cross) as punishment for our sins, and God’s love provided it to save us from our sins.” (29)

“It is only against the dark backdrop of our sinfulness that we can see the glory of the cross shining forth in all its brilliance and splendor. And, as we gaze upon the glory of the cross, we will also discover that Christ, in His great work for us, not only resolved our sin problem, but also secured for us those “unsearchable riches” (30) 

I welcome and would love to hear your comments and interactions with these thoughts! Stay tuned for chapter's 3 & 4 next week!

In my heart...

Lately I have been like Mary, "pondering these things in my heart." Thus, the lack of blog action. Not to mention some craziness in life that generally keeps me from the computer. However as I was baking cookies today I had some music Sovereign Grace Music playing and I was moved by the deepness and vastness of God's love for me and the deceitfulness of my own heart. There are very few songs that I just belt out singing when I hear them but this is one of those songs because so much of it is me, my heart, and God's great love!

Just for fun, my Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (found on allrecipes.com)

Happy Memorial Day!

Wanna See Someone Else's Lapbook

My Friend Michelle has made two lapbooks, one on trains and the other on the body/anatomy Check them out!

While you are there check out the File Folder Games! 

Muncha Muncha Muncha Lapbook

I finally got around to putting my Muncha, Muncha, Muncha Lapbook together. It goes with the book Muncha, Muncha, Muncha. Here is a video of the lapbook and below I will post resources I used and another link to add to what we are already doing. 

The Book!

Lapbook Resources

Resource From the Author

Big News!

Today I am home from church sick! It has been a long time since I have stayed home from church sick. I think whatever I have Kyla may be getting, all she is doing is sleeping and laying around too. So both girls are home today. Sundays are not the same without Church. I am bummed I had to miss today, Justin is going to share some exciting news with our church family... and I am going to miss it! 

So, I am going to share the exciting news with you... 

WE ARE EXPECTING A NEW LITTLE GUFFEY! 

We got to see an awesome little heart beat last week and Kyla is excited to be a big sister... of course she insists I have a baby sister in my belly! :) 

April 22, 1997

Sipping a glass of orange juice this morning I realized today is the 22nd day of April. Which for most means Earth Day, but for me means Life Day. On April 22nd, 1997 was the day I trusted in Christ for salvation. It was the day life changed for me, it was the day I took Christianity seriously. I want to share with you my story of redemption!

Let me back up to the time before that day. Growing up I had been in and out of church, mainly out. I had friends and neighbors who I would go to church with at times, I knew what church was and I had an idea who Jesus was. In junior high I started attending church more regularly. Generally the local FBC church on Sundays and on Wednesdays I went to the "big" youth group at a different church. Through those countless services, Sunday School lessons, and teachers of God's word I began to see who I was and what I needed. I felt a huge void in my life, something that wasn't filled by family, friends, sports, popularity, or any other thing the world could offer. I finally learned that it was God who could fill that void and created that void in my life so that I would know I couldn't live life without Him. Now I was 14 when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I had thoughts and opinions about life and high school that was already formed based on what was the social norm. I figured I would be one of those girls that would go to an occasional party, have a drink now and again. Date a boy, get serious and probably engage in premarital sex. That was the cultural norm for small town america at the time and I thought it was for me... until God's mighty grace intervened in my life in such a REAL way! 

On April 22nd, I was debating between going to the revival at the local FBC or to the baseball field to watch some friends play... I was all set to go to the fields. As we were driving into town I asked mom to take me to the church instead. I remember I was wearing a gray t-shirt (softball shirt) and jeans. It was also the big ice cream sundae day at the revival. You know the kind that you take many tubs of ice cream and fill up a small swimming pool! Let me assure you, as inciting as the ice cream was it was Christ that drew me. I had  been dealing with conviction to repent and be saved for a few weeks. Even the Easter cantata that year had really spoken to me! 

To be honest, I have no idea what the preacher preached on. All I knew is that I could not put off what I knew God was working in my heart. I went forward and the pastors wife shared with me the plan of salvation and God called me to Himself. It was an emotional experience for me not so much because I was afraid, but because I was set free. 

I will be the first to tell you just because I am trusting Christ things have not been perfect, nor have I. I, just like you, have a sin nature that is at war with the Spirit the God has given me. But the great news is that God sent Jesus to proclaim victory over sin and death! 

I was baptized in November and became and active member of FBC. God used a solid youth group with a Godly youth minister to teach me that His word is the ultimate authority and that if I stood on that no other ground would be sinking sand! That truth in itself has led to me stay pure for my husband, look for and marry a godly spouse, and seek to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which I have been called. 

I can assure you life has not been easy, nor am I perfect but I do trust in a Sovereign God who is working good for those who are called according to His purpose! Be encouraged if you have trusted in God, like I have, He is working for your good and His glory, no matter the trial or temptation you may be facing. 

Look to Jesus today and live! 

Blog Absent

Indeed times have been slow around the blog. However, I have logged on multiple times to say something, but it usually ended in me closing out the dashboard and walking away. Things are crazy, lots to say,  but not much time to articulate all my thoughts. 

So for today I want to share this blog I have enjoyed following Passionate Homemaking the post today by her guest blogger and this post on The Purpose of the Home are great encouraging reads! 

Be Blessed Friends!

Our Redeemer Lives

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

I love this man!

I do! I love him!

 I adore him, I am thankful for him, but yet I fail to always show that! 

A friend and I are taking the 30-Day Challenge, the Husband Encouragement Challenge

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/pdf/30DayChallenge.pdf

Will you seek to honor the head of your household, not for 30 days but for long as you both shall live? 

I do!

Pray for me, if you decide to join in, let me know so I can pray for you!

Toddler/Preschool Schedule

In my post on the Easter lapbook I mentioned the need of some structure. I finally finished our chart and I am really happy with it! Let's hope Kyla is too! A few things I like about this is Kyla will know what to expect once she learns what each of the pictures means and I will have some sort of routine to follow. I love the idea that it is flexible and not the law! The box next to the pictures I can either use a photo of Kyla and move it when we are onto the next subject or write in what we are doing that day! I did another video just because it was easier and quicker for me!!! 

I would love to hear what works for you!

God-Centered Holiness

Along with my daily Bible readings I am reading some sort of short, thought provoking meditation. In February I read Comforts From the Cross by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and I just started Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges. 

My reading for today was titled God-Centered Holiness.  

Many believers want to be holy, strive to be holy but we don't experience it daily! We struggle with our sin and we constantly feel defeated! Bridges states, and I agree, our first problem is our attitude toward sin is self-centered not God-centered. We tend to focus on beating sin and claiming victory rather than the fact that our sin grieves God. We don't like sin because we fail... when in reality we should hate sin because it is offensive to God. 

Bridges reminds us that God wants us to walk in obedience not victory! Obedience orients us toward God and victory is oriented toward self. To walk in holiness we must pursue obedience, not victory! The good news is that victory is a by-product of obedience. 

Believer, let focus on honoring God by following him obediently and rejoice in the victory we are granted over sin! When our eyes are on the Savior, they are far from self!

Spring has Sprung

It could be the fact I had the windows open today, or that I wore flip flops, or the yellow jonquils but spring is in the air... and on the blog! In honor of spring I had to get a new header photo and change up the colors a tad. I painted Kyla's toes with Piggy Paint (check it out, it is an all natural nail polish!!) and she wore her new flip flops and I thought a new header was in order! 

Happy Spring! 

Easter Lapbook!

We are planning on homeschooling. At times I feel overwhelmed, not with the responsibility but with the choices of curriculum and such!! I have realize I get to take it slow and learn as we go. One thing we need is structure, well I say we... it is really me. So I have been working on a routine chart that I will fix for Kyla everyday and we will have a routine. (More about that when it is finished) 

Since I have been thinking about structure I have been thinking about school. (I feel somewhat silly posting this because I know MANY of you that read this are veteran homeschool moms, so forgive me :) ) One resource I ran across a few weeks ago was called Lapbooks. It takes unit studies on certain subjects and you combine it into a book! There are many ways you can do this, I choose to make my first one for Easter. I don't cover math or science but that is okay, the others I make will have it all. What I really like is when the lapbook is based off of a book. I have started one based off of Muncha, Muncha, Muncha by Candace Fleming. We will be learning about vegetables, gardening, rabbits and all subjects will be included. I will start that when we start our garden in a few weeks! 

Here is a short (poorly made) video of my lapbook. It was easier to video than take pictures and then mark what everything is! Sorry I sound sorta spacey :)
(I re-uploaded it, sorry for those of you that saw half of it!)

Here are some great links to get you started! 

This is a great place to start with Unit Studies (click on unit studies)

(also where I got most of the stuff for Muncha, Muncha, Muncha)

Homeschool Share

Basic Idea of a Lapbook 

Cindy Rushton PDF

These two go together, awesome, AWESOME ideas for "schooling toddlers/preschoolers"

1+1+1=1 Blog

Totally Tots Blog

Beware, it can be addicting!!

Welcome Spring!

I say welcome Spring slightly tongue in cheek. Considering God decided to dump about 6 inches of snow in our part of the country it wasn't the first day of Spring I would of chosen but it is beautiful nonetheless. 

Things have been a little slow on the blog because life has been busy in real life. We celebrated Justin's birthday with dinner out and some friends. That weekend they stayed with us a few days and we went fishing at Roaring River. It was cold and rainy but we all had fun and I caught my first trout! We tagged Kyla so she could reel one in.. maybe next time :)

Then mom came for a visit. It is always fun to have nanny in town! Then we went to a youth conference and had to come back early because of the weather. So here we are, snowed out of church and really taking a day of rest! 

Here are a few springy pictures of my big girl! Have a great week!

30th | Us

Here is our family for 3 celebrating Justin's 30th Birthday! 

Thank you Lord for giving me such an awesome man! May he continue to be used to bring you glory!

Monday Musings

It is March, that means the month before April, which is when taxes are do, and who hadn't even started her book keeping (business wise) until today.... ME! So yes I have been at the computer all day working on that, and will probably spend one more day doing that!! 

I really dread this time, we always always owe, once I know the amount though all my stress melts away!

You know those tasks you put off and they keep getting larger and larger, this is one!! When I get this done I will have a monkey off my back... scratch that, KING KONG!

The Lord has really been teaching me a lot lately through the word and other things I have been reading, I am excited to share... just need to find the time! 

Since the move photography has been on the shelf, I think it is about to come off again!

Here is a funny conversation I had lastnight with my toddler in the car on the way home at around 11:00 pm... her = "Momma I want to watch, TV" 

me = "No baby we can't do that, it is too late it will be time to put your pjs on and go night night." 

her(with a pout on her face you could hear) = "momma you make me sad!" 

I finally finished a few books, yahoo! I started Reason for God by Tim Keller and am excited to read it! 

I really LOVE having a bird feeder. I have been amazed at the different types of birds I have seen, this morning I heard a distinct song and had only heard it the day before, I looked and it was a beautiful Meadowlark in the field behind us! So pretty with the bright yellow breast! 

What's fun is even Justin is getting into it!! 

That's all for Monday Musings, and because this post would be better with an image!

Yummy Chicken Salad

I love chicken salad. If we go out to lunch at a "girly place" I almost always order chicken salad! I love when it has nuts and grapes. A few weeks ago I went in search of a yummy chicken salad recipe that had those two things, it was nearly impossible. So I found this Basic Chicken Salad recipe and it was a great place to start. 

I scaled it to 4 servings and it made more than 4 sandwiches but here is what I did.  

1 Cup Mayo (I used miracle whip)

2 T lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (I just added some, unmeasured)

4 cups chopped cooked chicken

Onion (just a little bit, what you think you might like)

2 ounces Chopped Walnuts

2 Stalks Celery Chopped

Handful of grapes halved

I took 4 chicken breasts and defrosted them and then cubed them and boiled. Then I added the cooked chicken to my food processor and shredded it. After that I added the onion, celery, mayo, lemon juice, and walnuts to the food processor and mixed it until it was mixed through and the consistency was how I wanted. (you should add your pepper too, I just forget) Then I add to bowl, add grapes, mix well and refrigerate!

I usually toast two pieces of whole wheat bread for mine, yummy!! 

enjoy!

30 Years

Today  I shocked the daylights out of my husband by throwing him a surprise birthday party! He had no clue, probably because his birthday isn't for another 12 days or so... and I am pretty sly! 

I am thankful for an easy going husband who doesn't ask to many questions :) we celebrated with lunch at a local restaurant and cake at our place. It was family and friends that are like family!  

I am so thankful for the man that God gave me. Truly he balances me out, he keeps me on the straight and always points me to the narrow. I am thankful for a man who loves God above all and seeks to lead his family in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. For the husband God gave me I rejoice! 

Happy 30th Birthday Baby!

My Little Birder

As I shared on Monday we purchased a bird feeder and have since enjoyed sitting at the window and waiting for the birds to come. Miss K tells me, "momma the birds are on their way" and "the birds are so excited!" A very wonderful church member also bought us a feeder and brought over some black sunflower seeds, so now we have two feeders!! Today was the first day I saw a bird on the feeder. I have seen birds under the feeder and in the tree, but today I saw two different birds on the feeder. 

The photo to the far right is either a Black-capped chickadee or a Carolina Chickadee. The middle photo I am sure you all recognize, it is a male and female Northern Cardinal, they come by so frequently I am starting to recognize their voice. Also today I saw a Blue-Jay in the tree (with a very distinctive sound), and on the feeder it was either a House Finch or a Purple Finch. I am hoping to find some binoculars to borrow for awhile so I can determine what exactly these birds are. If you are interested in learning about the birds or their voice just click on the names and it takes you to an awesome Bird Website!

My sweet girl is just as excited as I am, lastnight daddy and I went on a much needed date and we came home with her new binoculars and a book about backyard birds, so her and I can look them up and learn more about them!! 

Thats all of the adventures in Birding :) 

Have a great weekend!

Musings Monday

First installment of Musings Monday! (not sure there will be a second but we shall see!)

~ Monday's around here are for slow moving! Mondays we recuperate from Sundays!

~ I like bird watching!! After seeing these beautiful bluebirds last week in our yard I decided we needed a bird feeder in our yard!

~ Apparently Kyla is the Bird Whisperer, because when buying our bird feeder today she informed me that "the birds are so EXCITED!"

~ To be honest, I am not sure who spent more time at the window today staring at the feeder, me or her! 

~ I was thrilled to see these dry erase crayons today for Kyla's white board! 

~ I just cooked dinner and I wish I had skillets with lids, I am pretty sure that will be on my Christmas list for 2010

~ Justin and I have been talking about ways to spend less and give more and I am excited to be more frugal in some areas. For example making things I know I can make, like hand soap, laundry detergent, using less paper goods, and eating at home more!! 

~ I think I enjoy Kyla's new "To Be Like Jesus" CD than she does! (currently $5.00 for the mp3 download!)

~ Has enjoyed thinking on "The Heaven declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the works of his hands!" Psalm 19:1 (which you can sing to the tune of here we go around the mulberry bush, I learned that lastnight be teaching our preschoolers :) ) and yes, if you are wondering, I have been walking around singing that today :) 

Hope you had a happy Monday!

...abiding...

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

John 15:9

I love the imagery Jesus uses throughout the Gospels! In particular I have been thinking of Jesus referring to Himself as the vine, and His people as the fruit. I have been contemplating how as fruit we do nothing, but bloom and blossom. We cannot become fruit of our own doing, we cannot choose to bloom, it is the Vine that produces fruit! 

Me and I can guess WE often focus on what we can do to abide and remain in Christ. We focus on our duty and actions, yet we fail to look to the vine. We fail to realize that remaining and abiding is a work of the vine. Once the fruit has ripened it falls off the vine, that is not the fruits doing but the vines! Be of good cheer, we are  not attached to a vine that is weak and dying, as believers we are trusting in an eternal hope that promises to bear fruit! 

Take heart in these promises,

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Ephesians 2:10

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit 

John 15:2

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:6

thoughts are from my meditation on John 15 and day 20 of Comforts from the Cross by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

From the mouth of babes

I guess Kyla really was paying attention when I taught the kids on Wednesday night. All week she has been practicing the verse, which really surprised me when she first started saying it!

(yes she did dress herself, I had her in jeans and a different top, and yes her shirt is on backwards!)

Enjoy!

True Love

 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

And this is love...

Valentines day has never been a day I get to jazzed about. This year it has been fun with Kyla around. We made some heart butterflies with candy for her friends at church and at library story time. I also made her a skirt that has hearts on it with a coordinating bow! (because you know it all has to match :) )

yes that is leftover lunch on her face :) 

Today was a restful Saturday, hope yours was too!! 

Have a Happy Valentines Day!

Four-lane Free Friday

Justin has been taking Fridays off, last week we went to springfield after a stop off to eat at an out of the way place. One of my very favorite things to do is sightsee, I love to travel and I love road trips! Justin suggested we go do something today so I asked around and someone suggested going to Prairie State Park and Chicken Mary's in Pittsburg Kansas.  

I can assure you we never got lost today but I did wonder a few times as I had looked at a map and had a general since where we were going. I did cheat and take interstates a few times but the majority of the trip was spent on two lane roads, many in the county. It was fun and I am glad my husband has confidence in me to navigate, however I do think a GPS is in my future. 

To get to Prairie State Park the way we were going we went through Lamar, MO. Lamar is the birthplace of Harry S. Truman who was the 33rd President (32nd man in office). Justin LOVES presidents and history so really it was the highlight of his day! President Truman lived in the house a short time before his family moved to Independence, MO. The house has been restored and the furniture is not the Truman's but it is comparative to the time period when he was born. The room with the cradle was the room Harry was born in and the visitor log at the bottom was signed by Mr. Truman on a visit back to Lamar and his birthplace. 

We left Lamar and head to Prairie State Park. While on the way we saw a coyote and learned my Honda Civic can do a little four-wheeling!! To get to the state park we did have to take a few country roads. Twice I thought I was going to end up pushing to get us out but God was gracious to us and our shoes and we made it, but not without a little mud to prove was had fun! At the park we only saw two buffalo and no elk but we look forward to going back and doing some hiking to see the herd! 

Following the state park we visited Chicken Mary's in Pittsburg, KS and then headed to Joplin for a stop by Hobby Lobby and Shakey's Frozen Custard! All in all it was a fantastic Friday to enjoy my family! 

Thanks for looking!

Totally Two!

Just a few months before she is 3, I cannot believe it!! 

Happy Thursday!

What God Say's He Will Do, He Will!

On Wednesday's I have started teaching the Kindergarten class for Team Kids (which is really an afterschool program of tutoring, dinner, play time, and Bible lesson). I have always been there for tutoring and dinner but the class has nearly doubled so I have stayed to teach the Bible lesson so we don't combine the K and 1st graders! 

We are using the awesome Children Desiring God curriculum for our mid-week programs. Our class is using the I Stand in Awe study. It is a study for children about the Bible. Week by week it  builds on each other seeking to teach young children about the characteristics of the Bible and the main story of redemption through it's pages.   The hope is that these lessons will impart an affection for the Word and to learn to love the Author. 

The first four weeks have been about 

1. The Bible is a message to us from God

2. The Bible is a most special Book

3. God Wrote the Bible

4. The Bible is True    

Today's lesson was God is watching over His Word

It was an awesome reminder to me that God is faithful and He will do what He says He will do. It sounds so simple but really if we (especially me) lived our life believing this one fact we would live differently.

We wouldn't feel/act condemned or defeated because...

 there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1

We would grow in Godliness and Faith by believing that...

began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

We wouldn't "do" out of duty but out of delight because... 

you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23

Be encouraged, God does what He says He will do! 

... I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled. Jeremiah 1:12b

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

I made Loaded Baked Potato Skins for the Superbowl. I used the leftover ingredients today to make this soup for lunch today!

you can find it here

I scaled the recipe down to 6 people from twelve! Took maybe 30 minutes to cook. I am sure the longer it cooks the better it is!

• 4-1/2 baking potatoes (I used leftover flesh from the potato skins)
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup bacon bits, divided
• 2 green onions, chopped (I used the yellow onion I had on hand)
• 5 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 (8 ounce) container sour cream

1. Prick potatoes with a fork and cook in the microwave, 3 or 4 at a time, and scoop out the flesh (while the others are cooking).
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook about a minute. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, 1/3 cup bacon bits, 2 tablespoons green onions and most of the cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in sour cream and heat through. Serve topped with remaining bacon, onions and cheese.

enjoy!

Football Funny

I am reading the Bible through in a year, one of today's reading was Psalm 37 the heading read

"He Will Not Forsake His Saints"

I asked Justin if that was a good sign for the New Orleans Saints :) 

Hope you had a great Sunday!

Saturdays are for Sundays

Sundays can be a hectic day for most christian families. How can you truly enter the house of the Lord and worship him in Spirit and Truth when you have pulled teeth to wake up children, rushed around to get everyone fed, and perhaps argued all the way to church because someone made you late!!

I have really tried to make an effort since we moved to MO to be early to church and to make Saturdays a day to prepare for Sunday. Justin many times studies and Kyla and I hang out most of the day anyways. I have started picking up the house, and thinking about Sunday meals. Sunday nights are devoted to pressing clothes or at least laying them out. I take time to look over any lessons I may be teaching and any food I need to prepare for potlucks or fellowships. If need be I help Justin so that he is prepared to feed the sheep on Sunday morning!

I have found that by preparing on Saturday, Sundays are less crazy and the focus can be placed on who it should be on, Jesus Christ.
What are some of your preparations on Saturday night??

Seeds Family Worship

another resource to share

Seeds Family Worship 

You can listen here!

It is scripture to music, and it is VERY well done. I find myself singing scripture throughout the day! What is better than that? 

Thought I would include a video tonight

enjoy!

Biblical Love for Your Children

Yesterday was a great and hard day all in one!! 

Yesterday morning was wonderful, Kyla and I cuddled lots and played and enjoyed one another! Do to waking up late I knew a nap would not happen because we have to be at the church by 3:30 for our after school program. It usually presents problems but we deal!! After 3 hours of 15 Kindergardeners (bless them) and one toddler I was one frazzled lady!! On Wednesday's I also watch our associate pastors daughter so that her mommy can minister beside her husband, and besides she and Kyla are good friends! On our way home from the church to our house where I was about to babysit I asked Kyla to pray with me. We prayed for calmness of mind and grace to parent the rest of the evening. 

What I failed to pray for was listening ears and a loving heart for my little girl. After a short amount of time with her friend Kyla found herself in her bed due to hitting her friend! Needless to say what stared as a good day ended with a very tired two year-old and cranky momma! We both went to bed early! 

Knowing I had failed in many ways as a parent cause me to cling more to the truth of the gospel and rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ. 

Today I read this article What is Biblical Love for Your Children, part two

I was exhorted, encouraged and challenge to take the great commandment seriously! 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Day 3 - 6:30 Club

I committed to getting up at 6:30 am for 28 days in the hopes of creating a lifelong pattern where first thing I am seeking the Lord, sitting at His feet and dwelling at the cross. By ordering my day this way I know I will better serve my husband and daughter! I have no doubt this is necessary for me, but let me assure you, it has been ROUGH! I am not, nor have I ever been an early riser. Monday was okay, but I laid down from 8-9 am until Kyla woke up. Yesterday, she woke up at 6:45, so she sat on the couch with me while I finished reading and then we went to my bed. This morning I awoke and spent some time with the Lord and I had a headache so I took some tylenol and laid down and listened to a lecture about Mother and Daughters given by Carolyn Mahaney until I fell asleep. 

The goal is to get up and stay up, and then take a power nap in the afternoon!! That is the end to which I am going. I have no doubt that by centering my day around the cross things will go more smoothly and my sin will be put into perspective in the finished work of Jesus Christ!

S-A-L-E

Run don't walk (well you get the point) over to Sovereign Grace's website for their fabulous February Sale!!

They have CD's for $6.00 or the Audio Download for $5.00

Most books for $7

If you need any recommendations on what to buy

Books:

Living the Cross Centered Life (I have read the shorter version the Cross Centered Life, this one combines that book with another) is one of the best books I have read, and it is a quick read!

Humility (really it is humbling and encouraging!!)

I haven't read but want

Feminine Appeal

Shopping for Time 

Girl Talk

Radical Womanhood

Music: 

all of it is AMAZINGLY Gospel Centered and really you cannot go wrong!!

My favorite is their newest Sons & Daughters

my second favorite is The Valley of Vision

Justin really likes Come Weary Saints & In a Little While

We also enjoy the Awesome God Kid's CD and will be buying the To Be Like Jesus CD 

go check them out!!

www.sovereigngracestore.com

beholding glory

"The sun of God's glory was made to shine at the center of the solar system of  our soul. And when it does, all the planets of our life are held in their proper orbit. But when the sun is displaced, everything flies apart. The healing of the soul begins by restoring the glory of god to its flaming, all-attracting place at the center... 

... there is greater healing for the soul in beholding splendor than there is in beholding self."

 taken from Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper 

On child-rearing...

Amy Carmichael was a missionary serving in India, working with children. One important mission to Amy was to save young girls from becoming temple prostitutes. 

"Inside her bible on a card pasted inside the front cover, are these words:

'These children are dear to Me. Be a mother to them, and more than a mother. Watch over them tenderly, be just and kind. If thy heart is not large enough to embrace them, I will enlarge it after a pattern of My own. If these young children are docile and obedient, bless Me for it; if they are froward, call upon Me for help; if they weary thee, I will be thy consolation; if thou sink under thy burden, I will be thy Reward."

These words are followed by a picture of the Shepherd, reaching for a lamb while a vulture hovers overhead."

- taken from A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot

What a great reminder to parents for us to call on the Lord to be the Shepherd of our children and to rely on Him as we parent in this sinful world!!

Be Blessed this Sunday!!  

Kid's Stuff - a few of my favorite resources

This is going to be hard for me not to ramble, there are so many great children's resources out there!! I am going to limit this to our current favorites at our house!

I will start with music, I think it is a great way to introduce toddlers to the deep truth's of God's word! For Christmas we bought A Very, Very, Very, Big God and J is for Jesus from Westminster Bookstore. I should warn you, they are cheesy but toddlers LOVE THEM. Seriously, and I find me and Justin walking around either humming or singing one of the songs on occasion. 

One of our (mine and Justins hahaha) favorites is 

 I Am The Way, The Truth, and The Life

lyrics

I am the way the truth and the life, thats what Jesus said. 

I am the way the truth and the life, thats what Jesus said. 

Without the way there is no going, 

without the truth there is no knowing, 

without the life there is no living 

I am the way, the truth and the life thats what Jesus said!

Another great resource is the awesome book Fool Moon Rising  that we got from Westminster Bookstore.

Not only are the illustrations wonderful but the book gets to the heart of most, if not all sin, pride!

About the book, taken from the website: 

Through this illustrated tale about the moon stealing the sun’s glory, children learn about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

I should warn you, you will be convicted and challenged to fight pride and cultivate humility!

These are a few of our favorites!!

Sleep

Sleep is one of those things that we wish we could live on less of but seem to want more of.

Parents of little ones (especially mothers) seem to be the ones that have it the hardest!

Around here Miss K has been waking up every night for a few weeks, which has been okay. I have brought her in our room and either cuddled her in bed or made her a pallet in the floor next to our bed.

The bad thing is the past two mornings I have not been able to go back to sleep!

So sleep eludes me again this morning! After a snack of crackers perhaps I will try again.

Pastor & Author C.J. Mahaney in his book Humility (which I somehow left off my list of amazing reads in 2009) says we should welcome sleep as a gift from God as one reminder that were are finite and God is infinite. It is one way to kill pride in our life and cultivate humility!

Along with less sleep, I am going to take the girltalk blog 28-Day Challenege I am going to attempt to join the 5 O' Clock club, except for around here it will look more like 6:30 or 7:00. I am doing these things for the purpose of Godliness, I think a set aside time each morning will point me Godward first, and allow me to better serve my family! Anyone want to take the challenge?

I think I am off to attempt to cultivate some Humility in my life!

Update...

goodness, it has been awhile.

and man have things changed!

I was reading through my last post, the book list. I read a lot more the rest of the year but forgot most of them, that is pretty sad huh :) I can say hands down the best book I read of 2009 was

"The Gospel for Real Life" by Jerry Bridges

in a very close second was

"Becoming God's True Woman" edited by Nancy Leigh Demoss

and an awesome parenting book

"Don't Make Me Count to Three" by Ginger Plowman

2010 has started with a bang! I am currently enjoying my Bible Reading Plan!! Woo whoo, I am on it! So far so good! I am also reading "A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael" by Elisabeth Elliot and "Because He Loves" My by Elyse Fitzpatrick

I have a reading list about a mile long for 2010 but I am excited to grow in grace!

I am not even sure where to start with and update... well how about this...

We are Ozarkians :) we live in SW MO and have since the beginning of October!

God mowed down a path and called Justin as a senior pastor. We are enjoying our new church family and feel OVERLY blessed to be a part of God's work here. Ministry is never easy but Christ is sufficient!

Kyla is 2.5, wowza! She will be three in May! I cannot believe it. I am getting paid for my raising... this girl talks from the moment she gets happy in the morning (slow riser like her mamma) to the time she closes her eyes to go to sleep! It is unbelievable. I look at her and am feel the goodness of God in my life, she is such a gift. Now don't get me wrong, she is a toddler, and a two year old at that! But I am thankful for this grace in my life!

Look forward to getting into the swing of things again!!