new discoveries

My momma always said that whatever way we tormented her would come back on us three fold when we had our own children.  There is some truth to that statement.  What I don't think my momma realized was that our negative character flaws are made evident to us through our children. Let me explain.    Malachi 3:1-5 speaks of how Jesus will purify us so that we may bring offerings in righteousness to God.  I believe that the Lord uses simple everyday things to "purify" us into His image.  As the refiner, He wants to see Himself reflected in us.  Likewise, we are instructed in Deuteronomy to teach our children the ways of God in everyday circumstances. We then are likened to the refiner by training our children in righteousness.  The struggles we may be experiencing with a child could simply be a reflection of an area of weakness in our own lives.

Satan is sneaky

I am Second is a very powerful ministry tool I discovered tonight.  It is a very open and real examination of individual lives that have discovered their need for Christ and their decision to completely surrender to Him.  I haven't posted in a while because of my own personal internal battles.  It never ceases to amaze me at how sneaky Satan is at distracting us from Christ.  The scales were removed from my eyes and I discovered that my recent "discontent" was merely yet another way I had been drawn away from the Will of God in my life.  I realized that Satan has been using me as a stumbling block for the vision for ministry in Russia that God has laid upon my husband.  Wow!  and he (Satan) had convinced me that it wasn't my fault we weren't there yet; it was my husband's.  I am so thankful that the Truth of the matter was laid before me tonight in such a powerful way.  I am so blessed to be loved by such an AWESOME GOD!!

A way out of temptation

Patience is a virtue.  Be quick to listen, slow to anger.  These are areas where I am being reconstructed by the grace of God.  These last few weeks have pushed me and pushed me.  I have not had much success in this area--especially with anger.  I have had a difficult time with getting my internet provider to correct a problem with our service.  This has resulted in weeks of little/no internet access.  I have fumed and fumed and lost all sense of patience with the internet provider.  Fortunately for me, God has taught me how to recognize this fault of mine.  Again, fortunately for me, God has given me a wonderfully patient man that is VERY slow to anger as my husband.  For this I am truly thankful, because he keeps me from sinning in the midst of my anger.  It just goes to prove that God will always provide a way out of temptation. Although my internet service may or may not be corrected, there is always a reason to praise God.

Needing Direction

     Well...I am without many words today.  I had hoped to spend some time with my thoughts.  I feel as if I am stumbling around in the dark this morning.  I really dislike that feeling.  I know God is in control of all things, but sometimes it is hard for me to just submit.  I like having a to-do list.  I enjoy the sense of accomplishment when it is complete.  Although I know there are a million things I need to do today, somewhere in the recesses of my mind and heart it is being revealed to me that they are not important.  My focus needs to change directions.
     I am seeking God and yet as I read His Word this morning...what He wants from me still eludes me.  The following scriptures stood out to me this morning:
                                                      2 Corinthians 9:8 and 10:15
I realize this speaks of ministry, in particular-Paul's, and compels me to look at my own areas of ministry.  That is where my struggle to follow the path of God's leading intensifies.  I am currently in two areas of ministry, but cannot fully devote to either one.  By focusing on one, I neglect the other.  Both are important.  Lord, lead me in this, because I do not want to choose one over the other.  That is my prayer today.

Celebrate Recovery, Bethel Baptist Church

Well,  I have had an awesome time in worship tonight!  The Holy Spirit was moving in a profound way tonight at Celebrate Recovery.  I love going there each week.  I come away revitalized and energized.  Thanks to a Mary, Mary CD in the van, worship continued all the way back.

This is my first post and attempt at blogging.  I often have random thoughts and experience things in my walk with God that I would like to share with others.  I do not claim to have any theological training or background.  I merely want to share what God has been teaching me as I study His Word.  I can type faster than I can write, so keeping a journal is not an option for me.  I would love any feedback, but please be kind and always remember to speak the truth in love.